The Lodger (Mystery in the Air, 14/Aug/1947)
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Broadcast Details
- broadcast as part of the Mystery in the Air radio series
- date: 14/Aug/1947
- length: approx 30 minutes
Credits
- Don Bernard — Producer
- Cal Kuhl — Director
- William T. Johnson — Adaptation
- Michael Roy — Announcer
Cast
- Peter Lorre — The Lodger
- Henry Morgan — The Voice
- Agnes Moorehead — Ellen
- Eric Snowden — Bunting
- Barbara Eiler — Daisy
- Raymond Lawrence — Coroner / Inspector
- Rolfe Sedan — Cannot
- Conrad Binyon — 1st Newsboy
- Henry Morgan — 2nd Newsboy
Transcript
"MYSTERY IN THE AIR"
Starring
PETER LORRE
FOR
CAMEL CIGARETTES
AS BROADCAST
NBC - Studio A Program Number 7
6:00 - 6:30 PM PST Thursday, August 14, 1947
Produced by Don Bernard Directed by Cal Kuhl
Original story, "The Lodger" written by Mrs. Belloc Lowndes
Adapted by William T. Johnson
CAST
Lodger........................Peter Lorre
The Voice.....................Henry Morgan
Ellen.........................Agnes Moorehead
Bunting.......................Eric Snowden
Daisy.........................Barbara Eiler
Coroner.......................Raymond Lawrence
Inspector.....................Raymond Lawrence
Cannot....................... Rolfe Sedan
Newsboy.......................Conrad Binyon
2nd Newsboy...................Henry Morgan
Michael Roy
Bob Andersen
Lyle Bond
Ed Chandler
Paul Baron
SOUND EFFECTS:
Door
Rattle newspaper
Footsteps
Rattle coins
Dishes
Stairs
Chair
Swinging door squeaks
Rattle tray
Courtroom crowd
Breaks door with iron bar
Scuffle
Body fall
Glass crash
Gavel
ENGINEERING:
Filter mike
Echo is needed
Isolation Booth
MUSIC: SHIMMER OF "MYSTERY THEME"...(ENGINEER: FADE IN...BUILD, THEN FADE TO
BACKGROUND)
MORGAN: "Mystery in the Air", starring Peter Lorre ... presented by Camel
Cigarettes.
MUSIC: "MYSTERY IN THE AIR" THEME
INSPECTOR: All right, men...I guess that's all. Put him on the stretcher and
take him to the morgue.
ELLEN: (FADES IN, SLIGHTLY) Must I stay, Inspector?
INSPECTOR: For a while, Mrs. Bunting. I need all the details for my report.
ELLEN: (ANGUISHED) That such a thing could've happened here... here in my own
house.
MUSIC: SWELLS TO BACKGROUND
MORGAN: Each week at this hour, Peter Lorre brings us the excitement of the
great stories of the strange and unusual - of dark and compelling masterpieces
culled from the four corners of world literature.
MUSIC: OUT
MORGAN: Tonight, "The Lodger", by Mrs. Belloc Lowndes. Peter Lorre is "The
Lodger" and Ellen Bunting is played by Miss Agnes Moorehead.
MUSIC: GONG...THEN SNEAK IN CURTAIN
ROY: "Mystery in the Air"...brought to you by Camel Cigarettes!
MUSIC: CURTAIN UP TO FINISH
(APPLAUSE)
ROY: Experience is the best teacher: Try a Camel - let your own experience
tell you why more people are smoking Camels than ever before. Yes...let your
"T-Zone" decide which cigarette you like best. Your "T-Zone"...that's T for
Taste and T for Throat... is your true proving ground for any cigarette. So
try a Camel on your "T-Zone"... Introduce Camel's rich, full flavor to your
Taste... Acquaint your Throat with Camel's cool mildness. See if you don't
decide, like so many other smokers, that Camels suit your "T-Zone" to a T!
MUSIC: "MYSTERY IN THE AIR" THEME TO SHIMMER...THEN DOWN AND OUT
INSPECTOR: Go on, Mrs. Bunting - you said you were looking for a lodger?
ELLEN: Yes, Inspector, we had to! But I never dreamed such a thing could
happen here - to us! Why, it was only last Tuesday night my husband and I were
sitting before our fire while we read in the newspaper about the latest
murder...the fifth...by...the Avenger. I remember saying distinctly...
ELLEN: (AS THE THOUGHT HITS HER) Robert, this Avenger person could be the
fellow standing next to you...or maybe the man you bump into. It's a terrible
thought.
BUNTING: Yes. But it appears to me that the Avenger's too quick for the
police.
SOUND: NEWSPAPER RATTLES
ELLEN: And look here...it says this girl he got last night was like all the
others...pretty, blonde, and she'd just come from a music hall...exactly like
all the rest of his victims. Tch, tch...what a pity.
BUNTING: Ellen, have you stopped to think who fits that description perfectly?
Our own Daisy.
ELLEN: Shush, what a pretty thought, Bunting. It's a good thing she's with her
aunt instead of here. London ain't a safe place for any girl now.
BUNTING: Just the same, I can't help thinking how fine it'd be to have her
here with us.
ELLEN: Well, there's no sense even talking about it... We just can't afford
it.
BUNTING: I know that, Ellen. But I've hoped we could manage it someway.
ELLEN: How? Haven't I scrimped myself half crazy trying to keep us going?
BUNTING: I know, Ellen. Well, don't you go worrying about it. I think we
can...
SOUND: KNOCKING ON DOOR, OFF
ELLEN: Now who do you suppose that could be?
BUNTING: Could it be someone looking for a room?
ELLEN: Oh, I wish it were. Then you could have your Daisy back....
MUSIC: SNEAKS IN...HOLDS UNDER
ELLEN: (NARRATING) I went to the front door and when I opened it, there stood
a man wearing a black cape and hat. He carried but a single piece of luggage.
MUSIC: ACCENTS . . THEN CUTS
ELLEN: Good evening sir.
LORRE: I saw your sign. It says you have a room to rent.
ELLEN: Yes sir! ... Please...won't you come in.
SOUND: DOOR SHUTS UNDER:
LORRE: Thank you.
ELLEN: Could I... take your cape, sir?
LORRE: No. I am looking for a quiet room...but it should be very quiet.
ELLEN: Oh, we have that sir...just that. Above all, our house is quiet. Your
bag, sir...may I take it?
LORRE: No. Just show me the room, please.
ELLEN: Oh, yes...yes, sir. It's right up these stairs, sir...this way.
SOUND: THEIR FOOTSTEPS ON STAIRS
ELLEN: (AFTER A PAUSE) You see, sir, there's just my husband and me here...and
we're ever so quiet. I'm sure you'll find this room to your liking.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS DOWN HALL...DOOR OPENS
ELLEN: Here we are.
LORRE: (LOOKING AROUND) I think I like this room.
ELLEN: (ANXIOUSLY) It is pleasant, isn't it, sir? There's not many rooms with
such pretty pictures, now is there?
LORRE: I don't know...Pretty pictures interest me very little. What I like
about the room is the simplicity. I like the bareness. I think I'll take it.
What is your name?
ELLEN: Mrs. Bunting, Sir.
LORRE: All right, Mrs. Bunting - I'll take the room.
ELLEN: Yes, sir. And please, sir, let me help you with your luggage.
LORRE: No...don't you touch it!
ELLEN: But I...I only wished to...
LORRE:. You only wished to help, of course. I understand, Missus...ah,
Bunting. It's...forgive me - it's just that I...I'm so very weary....I'm tired
-- I do a lot of studying...
ELLEN: Of course, sir, of course.
LORRE: (SOFTLY) You can see how few things I need - just what's in this bag -
but this is my favorite book - the Bible. It's a good book Mrs. Bunting, isn't
it?
ELLEN: Indeed it is, sir.
LORRE: Yes - it says "He brings them to their desired haven...." Beautiful
words, huh? And now, at last, I've found my haven of rest. If I pay you thirty
shillings a week for this room...is that satisfactory?
ELLEN: Thirt--! Why, yes sir! Yes sir, that'll be quite all right.
LORRE: My name is Sleuth.
ELLEN: Mister Sleuth?
LORRE: Yes, Sleuth. (SPELLS IT) S-L-E-U-T-H. Think of a hound, Missus Bunting,
and you'll never forget my name... And here are your thirty shillings.
ELLEN: Thank you, sir. And would you be wishing anything now... Supper...tea?
LORRE: No - nothing. Goodnight, Mrs. Bunting.
ELLEN: Yes, goodnight, sir. (FADES, HUMS GAILY)
SOUND: DOOR CLOSES
LORRE: (CALLING) Please stop that - you hear!
ELLEN: (STOPS HUMMING SUDDENLY) (OFF) Oh...sir! (FADING IN AGAIN) What did I
do?
LORRE: You were humming. That's music!
ELLEN: But, I --
LORRE: Music is an instrument of sin.
LORRE: (WEAKLY) (ON) Yes, sir.
LORRE: And you did tell me, Mrs. Bunting, that your house would be absolutely
quiet.
ELLEN: But it is, sir. I didn't mean any harm, believe me, sir.
LORRE: I believe you. I'm sorry I spoke sharply. I know you are trying to be
considerate and kind.
ELLEN: Oh, thank you, sir.
LORRE: Oh by the way, Mrs. Bunting, I think I would like some bread and some
tea.
ELLEN: (FADING) Certainly, sir, I'll have it in an instant.
SOUND: DOOR CLOSES
MUSIC: BRIDGE AND OUT
SOUND: RATTLE OF DISHES FOLLOWS ACTION, UNDER
BUNTING: (JOYFULLY) (AS THOUGH HE'S REPEATED IT MANY TIMES) So he took the
room, eh, Ellen. He took the room. And at thirty shillings a week!
ELLEN: (BUSTLING ABOUT) In advance. Hurry now, Bunting. Is the water for the
tea hot yet?
BUNTING: Yes. What a stroke of --
ELLEN: Put the bread and the butter on the tray. I'll pour the water.
BUNTING: You know, Ellen, it's wonderful. Do you realize what this means? We
can have Daisy back with us now.
ELLEN: (IMPATIENTLY) I know, I know. Hurry with it, now.
BUNTING: Why, we can have her back with us tomorrow.
ELLEN: Now..there's the water...the tea...the... It's all ready. Open the
door, Bunting, I'll take it up to him right away.
BUNTING: There you go, old girl. (FADES) First thing in the morning I'm going
to fetch Daisy and bring her home. Oh, it's a wonderful night, Ellen.
Wonderful!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS UP STAIRS...SLIGHT RATTLE OF TRAY
ELLEN: (SHE BEGINS TO HUM THEN QUICKLY CATCHES HERSELF) (LOW) Oh. Oh, I
mustn't.
LORRE: (AS ELLEN'S FOOTSTEPS GO DOWN HALL) (FADE IN) "She has cast down many
wounded from her. Yea, many strong men have been slain by her..."
SOUND: KNOCK ON DOOR
LORRE: (OFF) Come in. (AS DOOR OPENS) "And to know the wickedness of folly."
ELLEN: (GASPS) Why, Mister Sleuth, you...
LORRE: Yes. What is it?
ELLEN: Those pictures! Those pretty girls! You've turned all their faces to
the wall!
LORRE: Yes...I've turned them to the wall because they're wicked and sinful.
ELLEN: But, sir, I...
LORRE: (CONTINUING) .. Don't you agree Mrs. Bunting, that everything wicked
and sinful should be purged from the earth? (PAUSE) Hmm?
ELLEN: (FRIGHTENED) Yes...yes, I do.
LORRE: (QUIETER) I'm happy to hear that, Mrs. Bunting. Now if you'll excuse
me. I have to leave.
ELLEN: But, sir - here's your tray.
LORRE: Good night, Missus Bunting.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS DOWN HALL...AND (FADING) ON STAIRS..DOOR SHUTS.
ELLEN: (NARRATING) You know, for a moment I was stiff with fear. I set the
tray down; he hadn't so much as noticed the light supper I'd prepared for him,
and rushed to the window to watch.
MUSIC: SNEAKS IN UNDER AND HOLDS
ELLEN: He came out of our cottage and moved off down the street, his black
cape swirling about him. Finally, he was lost in the fog and, I don't know
why, but I stared after him for a long while. Well, I did the dishes and got
ready for bed. I lay there thinking and it was almost dawn before I had
convinced myself that at most he was a trifle odd - and after all, paying
thirty shillings, maybe he had a right to his strange ways.
MUSIC: ACCENTS, THEN SWELLS IN...THEN FADES UNDER AND HOLDS
ELLEN: It was daylight when I was suddenly awakened by the newsboys' shouts in
the street...
NEWSBOY: (FAR OFF) 'Orrible murder! Read all about it!
2ND NEWS: (OFF, OVERLAPPING) Murder at King's Cross last night! Avenger
strikes again! Extra special!
ELLEN: (OVERLAPS) Slowly I realized what the newsboys were shouting.
NEWSBOY: 'Orrible murder! (IN CLEAR) Avenger takes sixth victim!
ELLEN: Oh! Oh, no! (SCREAMS)
NEWSBOY: (A LITTLE CLOSER) Avenger at work again! Another girl falls victim to
his knife! Avenger strikes again!
MUSIC: BUILDS AND COVERS SCREAM AND NEWSBOY TO CURTAIN
(APPLAUSE)
MORGAN: In a few moments, Mr. Peter Lorre will bring us the climax of
tonight's "Mystery in the Air" when Camels present Act Two of - "The Lodger".
MUSIC: GONG
ROY: Any sports champion can tell you how true it is... that experience is the
best teacher!
ANDERSEN: Don Whitfield, for one. He's the world's outboard speed champion,
you know. It's taking the turns around the marking buoys just right that makes
that extra speed...and boy...how Don Whitfield worked out on that problem!
ROY: Don Whitfield recently said:
MAN: Experience is the best teacher in outboard racing...and in smoking, too.
Smoking whatever brands I could get during the wartime cigarette shortage
taught me there's no other cigarette like a Camel!
ROY: And many other smokers had the same experience. Yes... during the wartime
cigarette shortage, when people smoked whatever brands they could get...then's
when we all compared cigarettes, whether we wanted to or not. And then's when
so many people decided that their Taste liked Camel's rich, full flavor and
their Throats liked Camel's cool mildness. The result --
CHANDLER: (FILTER) More people are smoking Camels than ever before!
ROY: Experience is the best teacher. Try a Camel yourself!
MUSIC: "MYSTERY" THEME TO SHIMMER - THEN UNDER TO BG
MORGAN: As the Inspector takes notes of the terrifying events Ellen Bunting
continues the story.
MUSIC: OUT
INSP: And now, Mrs. Bunting, what did you do the morning you learned the
Avenger had murdered his sixth victim?
ELLEN: Well...I was a little frightened to meet our lodger, yet I kept my
thoughts to myself. After all, there still wasn't much to go on. Robert had
gone to meet Daisy, so Mr. Sleuth ate breakfast alone. I watched him through
the crack in the door. Finally, I went in with more tea.
LORRE: No. No, thank you, Missus Bunting. I don't care for any more
tea...thank you. You've been very kind. I must go on with my work now...if
you'll excuse me.
SOUND: CHAIR SCRAPED ... FOOTSTEPS FADE OFF
ELLEN: My fear really changed to pity then. He seemed so helpless and tired.
And he was so considerate. This man couldn't be a murderer...it was all a
coincidence. Besides, we just couldn't afford to lose that thirty shillings a
week.
MUSIC: IN...ESTABLISH AND HOLD UNDER
ELLEN: Around ten in the morning, he left the cottage and I decided to go
upstairs and have a look about his room. I had to find out what he carried in
his one piece of luggage. It wasn't a bag...it was more like a case. (THEN
SLOWLY) Yes...a case...a case for a knife!
MUSIC: ACCENTS AND CONTINUES UNDER
SOUND: (FOLLOWS ACTION)
ELLEN: I rushed up stairs, my heart beating wildly at the thought I'd had of
the case. (OPENS DOOR) There wasn't anything in his closet. I went over to the
chest of drawers against the wall. (DRAWER OPENED) Nothing in the top one.
(ANOTHER OPENED) In the next one there were some socks, underclothes. (DRAWER
OPENED) The next one was empty. There was only one other place for the small,
narrow case...the bottom drawer. (DRAWER PULLED BUT LOCKED) And it was locked.
(PULLED AGAIN) I pulled and pulled at it and then, suddenly, I heard the front
door open downstairs!
MUSIC: POINTS AND OUT
ELLEN: In a panic I rushed out of the room and down the hail.
BUNTING: (OFF, CALLS) Oh, you're upstairs, Ellen. Look! Look, Ellen, Daisy's
here!
ELLEN: (SIGHS) Oh, thank heaven.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS UP STAIRS
DAISY: (FADING IN) Oh, Mother, it's so good to see you. It's so good to be
home!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS OUT
DAISY: Why, whatever's the matter?
BUNTING : Yes, you're quite white, Ellen.
ELLEN: (RECOVERING) Oh. It's... it's...I'm all right. It's just that I wasn't
expecting you so soon.
DAISY: Well, it's good to be back. The country's all right, but there's
nothing like London, now is there?
ELLEN: No. No, there isn't.
BUNTING: Well, as long as that Avenger's about you're going to have to do
something to keep this young lady indoors... London or no London.
DAISY: (LAUGHING) Oh, don't you worry, Mother'll see to that.
ELLEN: Well, Daisy, I might as well get you settled.
DAISY: (LAUGHS) You see, Father..what'd I tell you. She'll have a dust cloth
in my hand before I have my coat off. (THEY ALL LAUGH - THEN LAUGHS STOP
ABRUPTLY)
ELLEN: Mister Sleuth!
LORRE: (PAUSE, THEN:) Why is my door open?
BUNTING: We..we were just leaving, sir.
LORRE: Have you been in my room?
ELLEN: (HELPLESSLY) Oh, not at all, sir.
LORRE: From now on, Mrs. Bunting, I shall keep my room locked.
ELLEN: But you see, sir...I was just tidying up a bit and Mister Bunting, he
brought our daughter home. And she just arrived and...and this is Daisy.
DAISY: (QUIETLY, WITHOUT FEAR) Pleased to meet you, sir.
BUNTING: (PAUSE) She's been away for quite a while...that's why we're a bit
excited, you might say. You were probably surprised to hear us laughing and
carrying on.
LORRE: Yes. Yes, I must say I was. But then, there are different kinds of joy,
are there not, Daisy?
DAISY: Yes...I'm sure there are.
LORRE: Yes, there is the despicable, evil joy of the abandoned.. and there is
the divine happiness of the blessed. A great difference. (EAGERLY) You
understand that Daisy, don't you?
DAISY: Why...yes, sir...yes, Mister Sleuth.
LORRE: There are so few young women, nowadays, who do.
DAISY: Why, Mister Sleuth! You mean a girl's not to enjoy life at all...not to
have any fun?
LORRE: Enjoyment and fun, my child, are the devil's breeding ground...all his
implements are there...pleasure, impropriety, the temptation of music...
dancing...
DAISY: (LAUGHS) Oh, that's crazy! Why, there's nothing I like better than
dancing, and I'm not...
LORRE: (INTERRUPTS SHARPLY) You like to dance!
ELLEN: (IN A RUSH) She didn't know what she was saying, Mister Sleuth...just a
child..... Daisy, you know you've never been one for dancing ... you never
learned how to...
DAISY: But I did learn, Mother...while I was away. (PUZZLED) What's so wrong
about it? What's the harm in dancing?
LORRE: And she lies in wait as for a prey, and increases the transgressors
among men...
DAISY: (DISMISSES IT) I don't know what you mean. I've never heard such
nonsense.
LORRE: Nonsense? You call the Scripture nonsense!
ELLEN: Daisy! Daisy, go into the front room...
LORRE: It's all right, Missus Bunting. It's all right. I'm used to such kind
of talk...good day.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS FADING TO DOOR...DOOR CLOSES
ELLEN: (PAUSE) (LOW TENSELY) Daisy...Daisy, listen to me.
DAISY: Yes, Mother?
ELLEN: I've got to tell you about...about...(BREAKS OFF)
DAISY: About what?
ELLEN: (PAUSE) Nothing. I've got to go out for a while now. I'll be back.
MUSIC: SWELLS, THEN FADES UNDER AND HOLDS
ELLEN: For a moment I was about to tell my awful suspicions, but I stopped.
They were only suspicions. At the same time I had a thought: I'd go to the
Coroner's inquest they were having into the Avenger's latest victim. I was
hoping to hear something said that would clear my suspicions of the lodger. At
least, I'd give him this last chance.
MUSIC: ACCENTS..CONTINUES UNDER
ELLEN: A lady was testifying as I took my seat. She'd seen the Avenger from
her window, she said...and her description of him didn't tally with Mister
Sleuth. I can't tell you how relieved I was...till it was pointed out she
couldn't possibly have seen anyone that night from her window because of the
fog.
MUSIC: ACCENTS... THEN FADES OUT UNDER
ELLEN: The next witness was a Mr. Cannot. I leaned forward anxiously as they
swore him in and began asking questions
SOUND: COURTROOM NOISES, UNDER ... SLIGHT ECHO, ALL ARE OFF, EXCEPT ELLEN)
CORONER: You say, Mr. Cannot, you're positive you saw this man?
CANNOT: Positive, sir. It was only a few moments before the murder that I saw
the Avenger.
CORONER: Describe him.
CANNOT: He wore a black cape, I believe, and was very gaunt looking...and was
carrying a small handbag.
CORONER: A handbag?
CANNOT: Yes. A small narrow handbag. Such a one as might contain a knife!
ELLEN: (GASPS) A knife!
CROWD: COURTROOM REACTS
CORONER: Silence in the court.
CANNOT: He had a low, hesitating voice....I'd say with something of a
continental accent. An educated man, I'd judge, but quite mad.
CORONER: What do you mean by that?
CANNOT: Well, as he emerged from the fog he was talking aloud to himself.
(STILL AWED) Believe me, sir...he was reciting scriptures from the Bible!
CROWD: COURTROOM REACTS LOUDLY
SOUND: GAVEL RAPS, CONTINUE
ELLEN: (ON WORD "SCRIPTURES") No! No, it can't be! It can't be!
SOUND: EFFECTS SWELL AS:
ELLEN: (NARRATING) (OVER EFFECTS) Could there be any doubt about it now!
Mister Sleuth, our lodger, was the murderer!
MUSIC: HITS...SWELLS...FADES UNDER AND HOLDS
ELLEN: I got out of the courtroom as quick as I could. I didn't even notice it
had started to rain....I hardly remember going home. Running and walking
somehow... while slowly the nightmare of fear and terror grew bigger and
bigger inside me. It was three streets from our cottage that I saw Mr. Robert
Bunting. One thought hit me clearly...I realized Daisy must be home alone with
the Avenger!
MUSIC: POINTS...THEN CUTS
ELLEN: (YELLS) Bunting! Bunting!
BUNTING: (FADES IN) Why, Ellen! Ellen, what is it?
ELLEN: (ALMOST SOBBING) Bunting, where's Daisy? Where is she, I say! Where's
Daisy?
BUNTING: Why...she's at home.
ELLEN: Listen, Bunting, listen! Sleuth is the Avenger!
BUNTING: What? What are you saying?
ELLEN: Our lodger....he's the Avenger. Daisy's alone with him right now.
Hurry!
MUSIC: HITS ... SWELLS . . . FADES OUT
LORRE: Listen to me carefully my child----rejoice with me in your heart for
the moment is at hand. You're not afraid, Daisy, are you?
DAISY: No - I'm not afraid--
LORRE: You're very beautiful, and you should live in the ways of
righteousness. You hear me, Daisy? You want to live in the ways of
righteousness, don't you?
DAISY: Yes...Yes I do.
LORRE: I know you do and that is why I've been sent to purge your soul, so
that you will be elevated beyond all sin and evil. You like to dance, Daisy,
don't you? Six have gone on before you, and they are beyond all sin and evil.
You are the seventh to [be] elevated, my child...and my work is almost done
for the seventh I have promised at this appointed hour.
DAISY: (A LITTLE CRY OF FEAR) SOUND: DOOR OPENS, FAR OFF
LORRE: Be still, Daisy, and ELLEN: Daisy! Daisy!
don't listen to the BUNTING: Daisy...Daisy,
temptations of the where are you?
crowd when they call (CALLS) DAISY!
out your name SOUND: FOOTSTEPS HURRYING
because I am here to UP STAIRS
save you from all evil ELLEN: In Mr. Sleuth's
and wickedness that room! Come, Bunting
consume you like a ...help me!
wild fire of scarlet SOUND: FOOTSTEPS UP STAIRS
and crimson. You
like to dance, don't
you?
DAISY: Yes I do. ELLEN: (FADES ON, NEARER)
LORRE: Look at me, my child, Daisy, are you in
and don't fear me and there! She's in there.
do not tremble. Woe I know she is!
to them that call evil SOUND: BEATS ON DOOR
good and good evil and ELLEN: Daisy...open the door!
put darkness for light Open it, open it, I
and light for darkness say!
and therefore I must BUNT: Look out, Ellen, I'll
bring you down like break it in!
the lamb to slaughter, SOUND: DULL THUDS AGAINST
and I lift my hand with THE DOOR.
a flaming sword, for now ELLEN: Hurry, Bunting,
comes the vengeance hurry.
and the time to BUNT: Give me that bar!
rejoice ... ELLEN: Daisy! Daisy! She's
in there! Oh,
Bunting!
SOUND: IRON BAR BEGINS TO
BREAK DOWN THE DOOR
ELLEN: Oh, hurry, Bunting.
SOUND: DOOR CRASHES IN
ELLEN: (FADES ALMOST ON) (SCREAMS) Stop him! Stop him! He'll kill her! Daisy!
Come here!
BUNTING: (FADES ALMOST ON) (SHOUTS) Drop that knife, you fiend! Drop it!
SOUND: SCUFFLE...HOLD UNDER
DAISY: (NOW WITH ELLEN) (SOBBING) Oh Mother...Mother...
ELLEN: Thank Heaven...you're safe...you're safe!
BUNTING: (NOW WITH LORRE) Drop that knife you...
LORRE: (OVER-LAPS, AS HE SCUFFLES) Take away your hands! Let go of me!
(SHOUTS) Get away!
SOUND: BUNTING IS HURLED AGAINST THE WALL... GLASS CRASH
LORRE: Don't you know that such that are for death to death, and such that are
for the sword to the sword and no one dare to have pity upon them. Here -
here!
ELLEN: Watch out! Daisy!
BUNTING: His knife! His knife!
SOUND: FALLING TABLE, CHAIRS
LORRE: (GASP)
ELLEN: (CRIES OUT)
SOUND: BODY FALLS OVER CHAIR ON FLOOR
ELLEN: Mercy! He fell on the knife!
LORRE: Yes, it is burning in me like a fire...oh, it purges me and consumes
me. All sin and evil are falling away ...Praise and Glory. For it is I who is
the seventh... Yes...the vengeance is fulfilled...
MUSIC: SWELLS TO CURTAIN
(APPLAUSE)
CLOSING COMMERCIAL
ROY: Each week, the makers of Camel Cigarettes send free Camels to
servicemen's hospitals from coast to coast. This week the Camels go to
Veterans' Hospital, Jefferson Barracks, Missouri; U.S. Army Letterman General
Hospital, San Francisco, California; U.S. Naval Hospital, Charleston, South
Carolina; U.S. Marine Hospital, Ellis Island, New York; Veterans' Hospital,
Fort Meade, South Dakota.
ANDERSEN: Yes ..... everywhere more folks are smoking Camels. Many of those
Camel smokers are doctors. You know, three leading independent research
organizations asked one hundred thirteen thousand, five hundred and ninety-
seven doctors: What cigarette do you smoke, Doctor? The brand named most was
Camel.
CHANDLER: (FILTER) According to a nationwide survey, more doctors smoke Camels
than any other cigarette.
MUSIC: "MYSTERY IN THE AIR" THEME...FADE TO BACKGROUND
MORGAN: Next week, "Mystery in the Air"; starring Mr. Peter Lorre, brings you
one of the world's great stories of the strange and unusual, "The Horla" by
de Maupassant, with a special musical score composed and conducted by Paul
Baron.
MUSIC: COMMERCIAL LEAD IN....FADE OUT ON CUE
HITCH-HIKE:
CHANDLER: Hey, there, Mister Pipe Smoker! Do you know that more pipes smoke
Prince Albert than any other tobacco? Well, it's true, so why don't you give
P.A. a try? Prince Albert is especially made for smoking pleasure. It's choice
tobacco, specially treated to insure against tongue bite -- crimp out to burn
slow, smoke cool. See if the extra-rich, full flavor of Prince Albert doesn't
give you added interest in your pipe!
Be sure to listen to Prince Albert's "Grand Ole Opry" Saturday night...for a
half hour of folk music and laughter with Red Foley, Minnie Pearl, Rod
Brasfield and the rest of the opry gang. --------- And...as Red's special
guest this week you'll hear...Salty Holmes. Remember...Prince Albert's "Grand
Ole Opry"...Saturday Night...over NBC.
MUSIC: "MYSTERY" THEME...FADE FOR:
ROY: Listen again next week at this same time when the makers of Camel
Cigarettes presents Mr. Peter Lorre in "Mystery In The Air." (Next week's play
will be "The Horla" by de Maupassant.)
The artists supporting Mr. Lorre tonight were:
Agnes Moorehead as Ellen.
HENRY MORGAN.........as "The Voice of Mystery"
BARBARA EILER........as Daisy
ERIC SNOWDEN.........as Bunting
RAYMOND LAWRENCE.....as the Inspector
ROLFE SEDAN .........as Cannot
and CONRAD BINYON....as The Newsboy
And on behalf of Mr. Peter Lorre and the entire cast, our sincere thanks to
Agnes Moorehead for her portrayal of Ellen Bunting.
(APPLAUSE)
ROY: This is Michael Roy in Hollywood wishing you all a pleasant -- goodnight
- for Camels.
(APPLAUSE)
MUSIC: THEME TO FINISH
NBC ANNCR: THIS IS NBC ... THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANY
