WEBVTT
1
00:00:00.110 --> 00:00:03.330
Morton Fine and David Friedkin wrote the third broadcast of
2
00:00:03.390 --> 00:00:09.710
CBS Radio's Crime Classics, directed by Elliot Lewis. On June 29, 1953,
3
00:00:09.699 --> 00:00:13.140
the series turned to New York in 1872 and the
4
00:00:13.199 --> 00:00:19.179
case of financier Colonel James Fisk, Jr., former associate Edward S. Stokes,
5
00:00:19.620 --> 00:00:23.960
and Josie Mansfield. In a city of railroad fortunes and
6
00:00:24.019 --> 00:00:29.620
high society, private letters and business conflicts sharpen a public rivalry,
7
00:00:30.160 --> 00:00:35.179
bringing its principles toward Manhattan's Grand Central Hotel. Lou Merrill
8
00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:38.859
is heard as host Thomas Highland, with Mary Jane Croft
9
00:00:38.920 --> 00:00:42.520
as Josie Mansfield, in The Checkered Life and Sudden Death
10
00:00:42.590 --> 00:00:43.909
of James Fisk, Jr.
11
00:00:44.649 --> 00:00:47.170
Here is the original broadcast. Good evening.
12
00:00:48.009 --> 00:00:52.689
This is Crime Classics. I am Thomas Highland. I'm going
13
00:00:52.729 --> 00:00:54.350
to tell you another true crime story.
14
00:00:55.429 --> 00:00:55.710
Listen.
15
00:01:09.040 --> 00:01:11.299
The man who just fell down the stairs is Colonel
16
00:01:11.340 --> 00:01:15.340
James Fisk, Jr. Although the colonel is a man given
17
00:01:15.379 --> 00:01:18.030
to the consumption of dozens of Blue Point oysters and
18
00:01:18.109 --> 00:01:21.219
bottles of heady wine at a sitting... His friends were
19
00:01:21.239 --> 00:01:23.939
given to pointing him out as a man inordinately steady
20
00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:27.340
on his feet. So why did he tumble down the stairs?
21
00:01:28.019 --> 00:01:31.379
And in New York's Grand Central Hotel, no less, where
22
00:01:31.439 --> 00:01:35.810
stair tumbling was frowned upon, the colonel didn't slip, he
23
00:01:35.849 --> 00:01:40.109
wasn't pushed, he was shot. The sudden presence of two
24
00:01:40.150 --> 00:01:44.590
bullets in him had upset his equilibrium. The man who's
25
00:01:44.629 --> 00:01:46.579
running away is the man who just shot the colonel.
26
00:01:47.290 --> 00:01:51.390
His name, Edward S. Stokes. Until recently, the colonel's very
27
00:01:51.420 --> 00:01:53.459
dear friend. There he goes.
28
00:01:55.180 --> 00:01:58.420
And tonight, my report to you on the checkered life
29
00:01:58.819 --> 00:02:04.799
and sudden death of Colonel James Fisk, Jr. Crime Classics.
30
00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:08.379
A series of true crime stories taken from the records
31
00:02:08.430 --> 00:02:12.229
and newspapers of every land from every time. Your host
32
00:02:12.289 --> 00:02:16.370
each week, Mr. Thomas Hyland, connoisseur of crime, student of violence,
33
00:02:16.770 --> 00:02:30.960
and teller of murders. Now, once again, Thomas Hyland. Colonel
34
00:02:31.020 --> 00:02:33.639
Fisk lay at the bottom of the stairs a few
35
00:02:33.680 --> 00:02:39.580
minutes before 4 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon, January the 6th, 1872.
36
00:02:40.360 --> 00:02:42.759
He was dying. His life was coming to an end.
37
00:02:43.659 --> 00:02:46.919
And he would be sorely missed by his family, Mrs.
38
00:02:46.979 --> 00:02:50.770
Fisk and the children, and by his intimates, among whom
39
00:02:50.810 --> 00:02:54.710
were Jay Gould, Boss Tweed, and the heavier stockholders of
40
00:02:54.750 --> 00:02:55.069
the day.
41
00:02:56.389 --> 00:02:58.270
A man dying, and I.
42
00:02:58.229 --> 00:03:02.340
Know the precise instant when his dying began. It started
43
00:03:02.379 --> 00:03:05.319
some months ago in a rather ornate house in Washington Square.
44
00:03:06.199 --> 00:03:10.340
Two women were talking, and the younger one said, Annie,
45
00:03:10.419 --> 00:03:13.259
how can I meet Colonel Fisk? That was the instant.
46
00:03:13.800 --> 00:03:14.659
And the older one said?
47
00:03:14.680 --> 00:03:17.840
Oh, dearie, dearie, dearie.
48
00:03:18.479 --> 00:03:20.639
But the younger one was not young enough to take
49
00:03:20.719 --> 00:03:22.000
dearie for an answer.
50
00:03:22.560 --> 00:03:24.520
I mean it, Annie. I want to meet him. He's
51
00:03:24.620 --> 00:03:27.860
so wealthy, isn't he? And all I have is a
52
00:03:27.930 --> 00:03:30.389
black and white silk dress and an empty purse.
53
00:03:31.210 --> 00:03:32.710
So very empty, dear Annie.
54
00:03:33.539 --> 00:03:36.819
Oh, orphans in the rain and empty purses sadden me so,
55
00:03:36.860 --> 00:03:37.520
dear Josie.
56
00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:39.800
And I've heard he's coming here tonight to visit with you.
57
00:03:40.180 --> 00:03:42.759
The dear Colonel says I set such a good table.
58
00:03:45.120 --> 00:03:46.979
Dear Josie. Yes?
59
00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:53.280
Walk over there to that cabinet, dear Josie. In the
60
00:03:53.319 --> 00:03:56.699
very bottom drawer you will find two candlesticks given to
61
00:03:56.740 --> 00:03:58.219
me by the minister from Egypt.
62
00:03:59.039 --> 00:04:02.319
Get them. Yes.
63
00:04:03.740 --> 00:04:07.159
They are heavy, aren't they? Now put them on the table.
64
00:04:07.180 --> 00:04:10.729
And light them.
65
00:04:12.050 --> 00:04:12.250
Good.
66
00:04:13.090 --> 00:04:14.629
Now blow them out, gently.
67
00:04:20.790 --> 00:04:21.589
Well, Annie?
68
00:04:22.370 --> 00:04:25.550
Dear Josie, will you join the dear Colonel and me
69
00:04:25.629 --> 00:04:26.500
for dinner tonight?
70
00:04:26.980 --> 00:04:30.319
So nice of you to ask. I'd be delighted, dear Annie.
71
00:04:48.170 --> 00:04:51.829
And so it was that Colonel Fisk and Josie Mansfield met.
72
00:04:52.550 --> 00:04:56.129
It was a highly successful meeting. I kiss your hand, Josie.
73
00:04:57.050 --> 00:05:00.920
You're a very sweet man. Isn't she a dear?
74
00:05:01.439 --> 00:05:02.189
So lovely.
75
00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:04.120
And so poor.
76
00:05:04.990 --> 00:05:05.610
So sad.
77
00:05:06.910 --> 00:05:09.930
The colonel was a man easily touched. And this was
78
00:05:09.970 --> 00:05:13.750
the era for young widows, beautiful and penniless. It was
79
00:05:13.790 --> 00:05:15.790
the era for weeping at the mere thought of such
80
00:05:15.810 --> 00:05:20.750
a situation. It was a decade of compassion and champagne.
81
00:05:21.540 --> 00:05:24.540
And this night, the meeting night, was one of the
82
00:05:24.600 --> 00:05:26.079
most poignant of the decade.
83
00:05:28.540 --> 00:05:31.399
Tomorrow, Josie, a jewel to lie against the throat.
84
00:05:32.120 --> 00:05:32.980
Oh, Colonel.
85
00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:35.040
My carriage will call for you at noon and bring
86
00:05:35.060 --> 00:05:35.500
you to me.
87
00:05:35.920 --> 00:05:36.759
And where will you be?
88
00:05:37.189 --> 00:05:42.110
At Tiffany's. The Nexus County? Of course, my dear. More wine?
89
00:05:49.269 --> 00:06:05.399
Diamonds become you. Oh, Colonel. Oh, Colonel. Look at it, dear.
90
00:06:06.660 --> 00:06:07.279
Do you like it?
91
00:06:08.079 --> 00:06:09.230
It's very nice.
92
00:06:09.870 --> 00:06:11.430
Ain't it all yours?
93
00:06:11.990 --> 00:06:15.230
Oh, thank you. I've always wanted a home of my own.
94
00:06:16.389 --> 00:06:18.110
And servants of my own.
95
00:06:18.750 --> 00:06:20.439
Six.
96
00:06:20.500 --> 00:06:21.360
Kiss me, Colonel.
97
00:06:21.379 --> 00:06:38.379
Oh. Good evening, Colonel. Evening, Quimby. This is Mr. Stokes.
98
00:06:38.779 --> 00:06:42.329
May I take your cane, sir? Thank you, Quimby. Is, uh...
99
00:06:42.189 --> 00:06:45.290
The mistress is in the drawing room. She's waiting for you.
100
00:06:45.709 --> 00:06:46.410
This way, Stokes.
101
00:06:50.389 --> 00:06:54.480
Hello, Colonel. And you must be the Colonel's best friend, Mr. Stokes.
102
00:06:54.740 --> 00:06:56.360
I hope this is no imposition, ma'am.
103
00:06:56.660 --> 00:07:01.279
Preparing dinner? Certainly not. I just sat here all day
104
00:07:01.620 --> 00:07:04.519
listening to the new present the colonel sent me while
105
00:07:04.540 --> 00:07:05.699
the servants made ready.
106
00:07:05.899 --> 00:07:08.500
Do you like the new music box, my dear? It
107
00:07:08.519 --> 00:07:11.339
reminds me of you when you're away from me.
108
00:07:11.600 --> 00:07:15.000
Such a pretty speech. How fortunate you are, Colonel. Oh,
109
00:07:15.079 --> 00:07:17.350
wait till you taste her peasant a la Esther.
110
00:07:17.529 --> 00:07:21.050
I can hardly wait. Now, will you two excuse me
111
00:07:21.089 --> 00:07:21.509
for a moment?
112
00:07:21.550 --> 00:07:22.389
Where are you going, Colonel?
113
00:07:22.629 --> 00:07:24.769
I left a small package for you out in the carriage,
114
00:07:24.829 --> 00:07:26.209
my dear. Oh, of course.
115
00:07:26.250 --> 00:07:31.509
We'll excuse you. You're Mr.
116
00:07:31.550 --> 00:07:33.730
Stokes. So you're Josie.
117
00:07:34.709 --> 00:07:37.680
I must say he was right. You are elegant.
118
00:07:38.180 --> 00:07:41.220
He was right. You are very lovely.
119
00:07:42.740 --> 00:07:44.439
You're younger than he told me.
120
00:07:45.379 --> 00:07:50.699
And you... You're... What? You are.
121
00:07:53.139 --> 00:07:54.480
Will you help me light the candles?
122
00:07:54.680 --> 00:07:55.040
Josie.
123
00:07:55.100 --> 00:07:56.360
Will you help me with the fireplace?
124
00:07:56.420 --> 00:07:56.800
Josie.
125
00:07:56.819 --> 00:07:58.019
The music box is run down.
126
00:07:58.040 --> 00:07:58.720
Will you... Josie.
127
00:07:59.269 --> 00:08:00.649
You won't help me with anything.
128
00:08:01.910 --> 00:08:06.879
You're wicked. Yes, I am. You're very wicked.
129
00:08:23.639 --> 00:08:27.649
At the time Josie whispered this tender criticism... Mr. Edward
130
00:08:27.670 --> 00:08:31.069
Stokes was five feet, nine inches high. His head was
131
00:08:31.129 --> 00:08:35.190
covered with glossy curls, his complexion clear, his features regular.
132
00:08:35.710 --> 00:08:39.309
And his eyes dark blue. He was dressed in the.
133
00:08:39.289 --> 00:08:44.059
Height of fashion, and his diamond studs gleamed brilliantly. And
134
00:08:44.139 --> 00:08:47.179
after the colonel returned with a forgotten package... Oh, a
135
00:08:47.360 --> 00:08:48.559
ruby pendant.
136
00:08:49.200 --> 00:08:50.460
Thank you, colonel.
137
00:08:50.659 --> 00:08:52.100
You're very welcome.
138
00:08:52.519 --> 00:08:56.129
And after the wine was drunk, and the fingers dipped
139
00:08:56.190 --> 00:08:59.629
in the lemon water. After that evening of old friends
140
00:08:59.690 --> 00:09:02.529
and you, after that, there was a new day.
141
00:09:03.470 --> 00:09:08.990
And there was this. Good morning, Mr. Stokes. Good morning, Quimby. Is, um...
142
00:09:09.129 --> 00:09:11.850
The mistress is in the sitting room. She's waiting for you.
143
00:09:11.870 --> 00:09:18.029
Thank you, my man. Josie. Edward.
144
00:09:19.009 --> 00:09:25.220
Oh, wait, Edward. I was out this morning early shopping.
145
00:09:25.940 --> 00:09:26.159
Here.
146
00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:27.779
I bought something for you.
147
00:09:28.879 --> 00:09:36.269
Open it. Josie. A pearl stick pin. There was no
148
00:09:36.389 --> 00:09:40.179
need for you to... Oh, yes, there was. Now be quiet.
149
00:09:56.379 --> 00:10:00.509
Several other scenes between these wild, storm-tossed lovers. you might
150
00:10:00.549 --> 00:10:03.090
care to eavesdrop upon, since they'll give you a better
151
00:10:03.149 --> 00:10:06.889
understanding of the current sweeping these two upon violent shores.
152
00:10:07.830 --> 00:10:08.529
Like this one.
153
00:10:13.639 --> 00:10:16.940
The best champagne in New York. Now take off your
154
00:10:16.980 --> 00:10:37.809
little shoe. Here, use my mallard, dear.
155
00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:42.070
This croquet has brought the pink to your cheeks. Make
156
00:10:42.090 --> 00:10:42.490
your shot.
157
00:10:57.899 --> 00:11:01.389
As is always the case in skullduggery of this sort, there.
158
00:11:01.330 --> 00:11:03.350
Is an in the meanwhile.
159
00:11:04.129 --> 00:11:07.850
So, in the meanwhile, in the Park Avenue home of
160
00:11:07.889 --> 00:11:09.850
Colonel James Fisk, Jr.
161
00:11:10.409 --> 00:11:11.429
the colonel and his lady.
162
00:11:12.389 --> 00:11:14.590
The children have been tucked away for the night, the
163
00:11:14.629 --> 00:11:16.750
servants snug in their quarters, as.
164
00:11:16.690 --> 00:11:20.470
Were the animals. A quiet hour, an hour for a
165
00:11:20.500 --> 00:11:23.909
man and his wife. And for family discussion.
166
00:11:24.710 --> 00:11:25.710
You fool!
167
00:11:25.970 --> 00:11:30.690
You cheat! Oh, my God! Dear, the children. You'll awaken them.
168
00:11:30.929 --> 00:11:31.929
A woman like that.
169
00:11:31.970 --> 00:11:36.259
Have you no compassion in your heart? She's a widow. Ha, ha.
170
00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:41.720
Alone in the world. I... I am but her advisor. Ha, ha.
171
00:11:42.440 --> 00:11:43.740
Now that's all you are.
172
00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:45.000
What are you talking about?
173
00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:46.679
What all of New York is saying.
174
00:11:46.700 --> 00:11:49.620
And that is? Ha, ha. And that is?
175
00:11:50.080 --> 00:11:52.309
The most concerned is the last to know.
176
00:11:52.889 --> 00:11:53.509
Know what?
177
00:11:53.870 --> 00:11:56.370
Your precious widow and Edward Stokes.
178
00:11:57.490 --> 00:11:57.870
What?
179
00:11:58.110 --> 00:11:59.509
Ha, ha, Colonel.
180
00:12:00.149 --> 00:12:02.629
Now you know what I've been through. The aggravation.
181
00:12:03.029 --> 00:12:04.539
The shame. The heartache.
182
00:12:04.659 --> 00:12:05.419
The sorrow.
183
00:12:05.799 --> 00:12:07.120
The unrequited love.
184
00:12:07.320 --> 00:12:07.379
Ah!
185
00:12:21.070 --> 00:12:25.250
I'm sorry, Colonel. It's so late at night. Where is the...
186
00:12:25.070 --> 00:12:27.639
The mistress is in her boudoir. Go awaken her.
187
00:12:27.649 --> 00:12:28.490
Who is it, Quimby?
188
00:12:29.090 --> 00:12:31.379
It's not Mr. Stokes, ma'am.
189
00:12:33.980 --> 00:12:36.480
Well, good evening, Colonel.
190
00:12:36.840 --> 00:12:41.759
What's this I hear about you and that scamp, Edward Stokes?
191
00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:43.419
Why, what have you heard?
192
00:12:44.200 --> 00:12:46.340
That you and he.
193
00:12:47.200 --> 00:12:48.200
Who told you that?
194
00:12:49.179 --> 00:12:49.600
My wife.
195
00:12:51.320 --> 00:12:52.460
You'd better go back to.
196
00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:55.019
Her, Colonel. Then it's true.
197
00:12:55.100 --> 00:12:56.100
I love him very much.
198
00:12:56.919 --> 00:12:57.639
Josie.
199
00:12:57.730 --> 00:12:58.830
Go back to your wife.
200
00:12:59.889 --> 00:13:00.590
I warn you.
201
00:13:00.750 --> 00:13:03.950
You warn me. You, Colonel?
202
00:13:03.970 --> 00:13:08.769
Listen to me. I'll ruin you. Please. Go home. You
203
00:13:09.269 --> 00:13:12.860
and Edward Stokes. Mark my word. I'll ruin the both
204
00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:15.299
of you. My promise to you, if it takes the
205
00:13:15.440 --> 00:13:26.429
rest of my life. The Colonel left.
206
00:13:26.990 --> 00:13:29.070
The Colonel was driven to his club where the Colonel
207
00:13:29.090 --> 00:13:33.289
spent the night. And the next morning, early, the Colonel
208
00:13:33.379 --> 00:13:35.059
began the final week of his life.
209
00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:37.480
The End.
210
00:13:53.529 --> 00:13:57.009
You are listening to Crime Classics and your host, Thomas Highland.
211
00:13:58.169 --> 00:14:00.139
A dead man's coat is the key to a killing.
212
00:14:00.679 --> 00:14:02.059
Its disappearance starts Mr.
213
00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:02.419
And Mrs.
214
00:14:02.480 --> 00:14:05.980
North off on a merry, mysterious manhunt tomorrow night. Don't
215
00:14:06.019 --> 00:14:09.039
miss Coat of Arms, a matter of murder confronting Pam
216
00:14:09.110 --> 00:14:12.500
and Jerry North. Tomorrow, listen to For John Lund is
217
00:14:12.539 --> 00:14:16.139
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, the insurance sleuth with the action-packed
218
00:14:16.179 --> 00:14:19.559
expense account on most of these same CBS radio stations.
219
00:14:20.919 --> 00:14:23.240
And now, once again, Thomas Highland and the second act
220
00:14:23.299 --> 00:14:26.279
of Crime Classics and his report to you on the
221
00:14:26.320 --> 00:14:29.769
checkered life and sudden death of Colonel James Fisk, Jr.
222
00:14:41.289 --> 00:14:44.250
I'd like to set the coordinates for you again. Take
223
00:14:44.289 --> 00:14:46.009
a reading of exactly where we are.
224
00:14:46.009 --> 00:14:47.450
In time and space.
225
00:14:48.690 --> 00:14:55.080
The year is 1872. The place is New York City. Now,
226
00:14:55.080 --> 00:14:57.360
1872 was a vintage year for pearls in the bottom
227
00:14:57.399 --> 00:15:01.620
of champagne glasses, of fatted railroad stocks, and the diamond
228
00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:03.120
harvest was spectacular.
229
00:15:03.820 --> 00:15:06.370
The term rags to riches was coined on a day
230
00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:06.830
in this year.
231
00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:10.250
when a raggedy sewing machine girl was summoned from her chores,
232
00:15:10.769 --> 00:15:14.090
taken by the hand, dressed in silk, then released into
233
00:15:14.110 --> 00:15:17.409
a gilded cage. New York City at this time was
234
00:15:17.470 --> 00:15:20.419
a center for many similar dramas, one of which we're
235
00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:26.539
concerning ourselves with. Colonel James Fisk, Jr. had compassion for
236
00:15:26.580 --> 00:15:30.860
a widow named Josie Mansfield. Josie Mansfield had compassion for
237
00:15:30.879 --> 00:15:35.029
the colonel's friend, Edward Stokes. The colonel, upon hearing of
238
00:15:35.070 --> 00:15:39.389
this arrangement, immediately went into action in a colonel-like manner.
239
00:15:39.509 --> 00:15:41.649
Your Honor, I want to swear out a warrant for
240
00:15:41.669 --> 00:15:44.269
the arrest of Edward S. Stokes for embezzlement.
241
00:15:44.370 --> 00:15:47.330
Why, certainly, Colonel. We'll have the culprit in jail in
242
00:15:47.389 --> 00:15:48.190
no time at all.
243
00:15:48.210 --> 00:15:50.490
Inside, will you, Mr.
244
00:15:52.230 --> 00:15:52.590
Stokes?
245
00:15:52.629 --> 00:16:04.379
Yes. Taylor. Yes, sir, Mr.
246
00:16:04.399 --> 00:16:04.740
Stokes.
247
00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:06.759
Do you have the list? Yes, sir.
248
00:16:07.039 --> 00:16:10.440
Your living room furniture, the portraits, and the bed. I'll
249
00:16:10.460 --> 00:16:11.659
have them here in no time at all.
250
00:16:19.190 --> 00:16:22.870
Edward Stokes was a model prisoner for two days. He
251
00:16:22.909 --> 00:16:25.100
was then released when the charge against him was dropped.
252
00:16:26.159 --> 00:16:28.440
Not to be outdone. He went into action in a
253
00:16:28.460 --> 00:16:30.279
manner which gained the plaudits of his cronies.
254
00:16:30.559 --> 00:16:32.700
Your Honor, I want to swear out a warrant for
255
00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:35.159
the arrest of Colonel James Fisk, Jr.
256
00:16:35.200 --> 00:16:37.559
For false imprisonment. Why, certainly, Mr. Stokes.
257
00:16:37.899 --> 00:16:48.549
We'll have the culprit in jail in no time at all. Jailer?
258
00:16:48.950 --> 00:16:49.889
Yes, sir, Colonel.
259
00:16:50.129 --> 00:16:52.730
The living room furniture, your easy chair in the library,
260
00:16:52.990 --> 00:16:55.360
and the bed. I'll have them here in no time
261
00:16:55.389 --> 00:16:55.580
at all.
262
00:16:57.620 --> 00:17:10.369
War of nerves, tactics, and strategies, and reprisals. And the
263
00:17:10.410 --> 00:17:15.009
real victors, the gatherers of the loot, the lawyers. So
264
00:17:15.089 --> 00:17:18.349
the Colonel and Mr. Stokes called a truce. Waved white
265
00:17:18.450 --> 00:17:21.940
napkins at each other across a gleaming table at Delmonico's.
266
00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:24.740
Stokes, I think we've both acted like children. I agree
267
00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:26.099
with you, Colonel. Let me fill your glass.
268
00:17:27.130 --> 00:17:27.390
Yeah.
269
00:17:28.190 --> 00:17:35.420
A toast. To a friendship. Our friendship, Colonel. Enough of
270
00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:38.079
jails and lawyers and arguments. Life is too short. I'll
271
00:17:38.099 --> 00:17:42.720
drink to that, too. Colonel? And we can settle our
272
00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:45.549
affairs like men. I'll drink to that, too. No, wait.
273
00:17:46.309 --> 00:17:49.509
Let's settle our affairs first. Delighted. There is only one
274
00:17:49.569 --> 00:17:54.230
thing which stands in our way. Obviously. Josie Mansfield. You're right. Stokes...
275
00:17:54.859 --> 00:17:58.299
You're not ever to see her again. Colonel? You agree? Colonel,
276
00:17:58.359 --> 00:18:03.180
you're a fat, stupid fool. I accept that. But you're
277
00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:04.359
never to see Josie Mansfield again.
278
00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:06.880
Josie told me that if I saw you, I was
279
00:18:06.920 --> 00:18:09.200
to tell you you are a fat, stupid fool.
280
00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:11.950
And you are. I warned you once, Stokes. I'm not
281
00:18:11.990 --> 00:18:12.630
going to warn you again.
282
00:18:12.650 --> 00:18:14.670
Then I'll warn you. If you make any trouble, Colonel,
283
00:18:14.710 --> 00:18:17.269
you won't live to enjoy it. My promise to you.
284
00:18:31.789 --> 00:18:39.920
Good evening, Mr. Stokes. The mistress is in the parlor. Josie. Josie. Josie,
285
00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:42.500
wake up. Oh, Edward.
286
00:18:43.259 --> 00:18:44.160
How nice, Edward.
287
00:18:44.579 --> 00:18:47.759
Dearest, listen. It's important. Are you awake? Of course.
288
00:18:47.799 --> 00:18:51.109
I just drowsed off. I was reading, waiting for you.
289
00:18:51.849 --> 00:18:52.630
And now you're here.
290
00:18:52.670 --> 00:18:54.630
Josie, listen. It's about Colonel Fisk.
291
00:18:54.670 --> 00:18:55.869
Oh, please don't talk about him.
292
00:18:55.930 --> 00:18:58.789
Not now. He's ruined me. What are you talking about?
293
00:18:59.490 --> 00:19:01.589
I'm a pauper. You?
294
00:19:01.609 --> 00:19:03.829
Why, you're one of the wealthiest young men in town.
295
00:19:03.849 --> 00:19:06.759
No, no, not now. I don't have a penny. What happened?
296
00:19:06.819 --> 00:19:08.759
The stocks I had, all my assets. Well?
297
00:19:09.059 --> 00:19:11.299
The Colonel forced down the value of the Erie Railroad stocks,
298
00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:11.960
wiped me out.
299
00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:13.839
Oh, Edward.
300
00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:15.240
I'm so sorry.
301
00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:21.569
Josie. Yes? I'm poor now. Do you want me to leave?
302
00:19:22.250 --> 00:19:25.609
Never come back? Darling Edward.
303
00:19:26.289 --> 00:19:27.369
Darling, dearest Edward.
304
00:19:28.470 --> 00:19:29.029
Josie.
305
00:19:29.390 --> 00:19:32.940
We'll beat him. We'll destroy the colonel. You and I together.
306
00:19:33.180 --> 00:19:34.619
That's impossible. He's too powerful.
307
00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:35.319
He's a weakling.
308
00:19:35.900 --> 00:19:36.099
What?
309
00:19:36.400 --> 00:19:38.839
I can prove he's a weakling. He writes letters.
310
00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:40.400
Letters?
311
00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:41.880
I save them.
312
00:19:42.769 --> 00:19:43.490
And that's not all.
313
00:19:44.109 --> 00:19:44.690
What do you mean?
314
00:19:45.369 --> 00:19:50.430
Dealings he's had. Dishonest business dealings. With you like to
315
00:19:50.470 --> 00:19:50.869
look at them?
316
00:19:52.089 --> 00:19:54.309
Dearest Josie, I love you so much.
317
00:19:54.329 --> 00:19:57.690
I love you.
318
00:20:13.079 --> 00:20:15.819
So that's why I thought it more discreet to hire
319
00:20:15.880 --> 00:20:17.720
a cab, Colonel. Surely you understand.
320
00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:20.279
I must tell you, Stokes, when I agreed to meet
321
00:20:20.339 --> 00:20:23.619
you to ride with you in a hired hack at night...
322
00:20:23.279 --> 00:20:25.339
I explained the necessity of secrecy, Colonel.
323
00:20:25.359 --> 00:20:28.400
As indeed you did not. You merely said secrecy. That
324
00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:31.430
is why I must tell you I am confused. Have
325
00:20:31.450 --> 00:20:35.250
you made another decision about Josie? A tentative decision, Colonel.
326
00:20:35.849 --> 00:20:37.470
Tentative? Yes, it depends on you.
327
00:20:38.549 --> 00:20:38.609
Oh?
328
00:20:39.430 --> 00:20:44.140
I need money. I know. Badly. I know. Colonel?
329
00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:49.970
Yes? You love Josie very much, don't you? I understand
330
00:20:49.990 --> 00:20:50.869
you now, Stokes.
331
00:20:50.990 --> 00:20:53.230
I thought you would. Do you want me to reimburse
332
00:20:53.269 --> 00:20:55.369
you for the money you've lost? A quarter of a
333
00:20:55.410 --> 00:20:58.650
million dollars. I know. In return for which, you'll give
334
00:20:58.710 --> 00:21:01.769
up Josie. That's right. I'm sure there must be a
335
00:21:01.829 --> 00:21:03.710
name for you, Mr. Stokes. I'm sure of it.
336
00:21:04.970 --> 00:21:08.049
I had an experience last night. I had dinner at
337
00:21:08.109 --> 00:21:12.049
home with my wife. The children were with us. After dinner,
338
00:21:12.130 --> 00:21:14.109
I played on the floor with my children.
339
00:21:14.789 --> 00:21:17.230
I heard them laugh. I heard my wife laugh, too.
340
00:21:18.089 --> 00:21:21.470
And I laughed, too. And there was no other meaning
341
00:21:21.529 --> 00:21:25.680
behind my laughter except enjoyment of my family. Very touching.
342
00:21:25.900 --> 00:21:30.279
And rewarding. Then you're not interested in my proposal. I'll
343
00:21:30.299 --> 00:21:33.500
get off at the next corner, Mr. Stokes. Tell the driver.
344
00:21:33.579 --> 00:21:35.980
Of course. Next corner, cabbie.
345
00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:37.880
Well, Mr.
346
00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:42.000
Stokes, give my regards to Josie. Tell her I'm truly
347
00:21:42.059 --> 00:21:47.180
sorry for what's going to become of her. Goodbye, Mr. Stokes. Colonel, wait.
348
00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:49.160
I'm sorry, we have nothing else to talk about. Except
349
00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:55.700
the letters. What letters? You have a rich way with words, Colonel.
350
00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:58.200
I congratulate you. I don't understand. Oh, of course you do.
351
00:21:58.279 --> 00:22:02.940
The letters you wrote to Josie. I see. All of them.
352
00:22:03.140 --> 00:22:06.539
I see. They could ruin you. Perhaps.
353
00:22:06.900 --> 00:22:10.289
I remember one of the letters opened with, Dearest Josie,
354
00:22:10.369 --> 00:22:13.890
my poor little widow, your sad tears still.
355
00:22:13.730 --> 00:22:14.839
On my shoulders.
356
00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:18.000
$ 10, 000. And another, dear Josie, this morning I was at
357
00:22:18.059 --> 00:22:21.619
Tammany Hall and with Boss Tweed arrangements were made to
358
00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:23.400
relieve the city.
359
00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:25.480
$ 10, 000. A quarter of a million for the letters, Colonel.
360
00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:28.220
$ 10, 000, or you may publish them or do what you
361
00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:28.619
want with them.
362
00:22:29.910 --> 00:22:34.849
Surely you're not serious. Good night, Mr. Stokes. $ 10, 000. Bring
363
00:22:34.890 --> 00:22:37.769
your letters to me tomorrow and you shall get your money.
364
00:22:38.589 --> 00:22:39.029
Good night. Oh.
365
00:22:47.470 --> 00:22:48.970
An old almanac I have occasion to call on now
366
00:22:48.990 --> 00:22:50.970
and then says that Saturday, the 6th of January, in
367
00:22:50.990 --> 00:22:53.369
the year 1872, is the 66th anniversary.
368
00:22:52.730 --> 00:23:12.789
Of the Volunteer Fire Department of Roanoke, Virginia. Also, it
369
00:23:12.829 --> 00:23:13.450
predicts the.
370
00:23:13.390 --> 00:23:17.410
Day will be cold and clear with high westerly winds. So,
371
00:23:17.970 --> 00:23:21.329
we'll make an assumption. On a cold, clear Saturday morning,
372
00:23:21.930 --> 00:23:25.970
buffeted by the high westerly winds, Mr. Edward Stokes made
373
00:23:26.009 --> 00:23:29.759
his way to the Wall Street office of Colonel Fisk. Here,
374
00:23:29.859 --> 00:23:34.839
he received more coldness and $ 10, 000. Here, he deposited with
375
00:23:34.859 --> 00:23:37.640
the colonel a stack of letters wrapped in blue ribbon
376
00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:42.700
and sashades. Then Edward Stokes called on Josie Mansfield. He
377
00:23:42.740 --> 00:23:46.220
told her of the transaction. We must imagine that Josie's
378
00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:48.460
reaction went something like this.
379
00:23:48.680 --> 00:23:51.769
You idiot! You bumbling, spineless idiot!
380
00:23:51.849 --> 00:23:52.240
But Josie.
381
00:23:52.269 --> 00:23:53.769
I should have known better than to trust you with
382
00:23:53.789 --> 00:23:54.210
those letters.
383
00:23:54.250 --> 00:23:55.950
But $ 10, 000 is better than nothing.
384
00:23:56.009 --> 00:23:58.049
If you'd had the courage... He told me.
385
00:23:57.789 --> 00:23:58.710
$ 10, 000 or nothing.
386
00:23:58.750 --> 00:24:00.089
If you'd had the courage, he would have given you
387
00:24:00.150 --> 00:24:00.869
everything he owned.
388
00:24:01.289 --> 00:24:04.779
By the mere possession of the letter dated June 16th, 1871.
389
00:24:04.799 --> 00:24:06.880
Would have been a fortune ten times the amount you got.
390
00:24:07.180 --> 00:24:07.339
But.
391
00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:07.980
But what?
392
00:24:08.900 --> 00:24:11.880
You have your jewels, this house. Surely you must be
393
00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:14.339
worth nearly a million yourself. I love you, dear Edward,
394
00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:15.339
but that's my money.
395
00:24:16.119 --> 00:24:18.420
You'll just have... What is it, Quimby?
396
00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:20.920
Miss Annie Wood wishes to speak with you.
397
00:24:21.079 --> 00:24:21.779
Tell her I'm busy.
398
00:24:21.799 --> 00:24:23.369
She said it's extremely urgent.
399
00:24:23.529 --> 00:24:25.049
Extremely urgent?
400
00:24:25.289 --> 00:24:25.849
Hello, Annie.
401
00:24:26.609 --> 00:24:29.390
Josie, dear Josie, and dear Mr.
402
00:24:29.410 --> 00:24:30.089
Stokes. Hello.
403
00:24:30.549 --> 00:24:32.630
The judge came to see me for lunch a little
404
00:24:32.670 --> 00:24:33.170
while ago.
405
00:24:33.890 --> 00:24:34.250
Judge?
406
00:24:35.150 --> 00:24:37.109
What are you talking about? Judge Tripler.
407
00:24:38.130 --> 00:24:38.789
Well, I don't see.
408
00:24:39.119 --> 00:24:41.940
He'd just come from court. He'd just signed a warrant.
409
00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:43.319
Yes?
410
00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:46.680
For the arrest of dear Mr. Stokes on the charge
411
00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:47.500
of blackmail.
412
00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:48.960
Colonel Fisk? Yes.
413
00:24:49.420 --> 00:24:50.880
The dear judge told me.
414
00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:53.220
That the colonel asked him to sign such a warrant.
415
00:24:54.619 --> 00:24:55.160
Josie?
416
00:24:55.740 --> 00:24:56.039
Yes?
417
00:24:56.619 --> 00:25:00.470
We'll be seeing each other more often, won't we, dear Josie?
418
00:25:17.700 --> 00:25:19.000
Publication of the time.
419
00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:22.980
I quote, The next that was seen of Edward Stokes,
420
00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:25.470
as far as is known, was at a few minutes
421
00:25:25.529 --> 00:25:28.849
before four o'clock, when he was walking carelessly up and
422
00:25:28.869 --> 00:25:31.829
down the main corridor of the Grand Central Hotel on
423
00:25:31.869 --> 00:25:35.769
the parlor floor. This corridor is one story above the street,
424
00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:38.819
is parallel with Broadway, and is the only and at
425
00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:41.960
its northern end is reached by a staircase from the street.
426
00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:46.720
Passing and repassing the head of the staircase, Stokes glanced
427
00:25:46.839 --> 00:25:51.019
furtively down the stairs. It was nearly four o'clock when.
428
00:25:50.920 --> 00:25:54.460
Colonel James Fisk, Jr. drove up in a carriage to
429
00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:54.819
the door.
430
00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:58.480
Stepping out of his carriage and walking briskly across the pavement,
431
00:25:58.980 --> 00:25:59.619
he passed.
432
00:25:59.400 --> 00:26:00.829
Through the outer door of the hotel.
433
00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:04.109
When he had done so, he was heard to inquire
434
00:26:04.190 --> 00:26:07.930
for a certain Annette Latour. He was told she was
435
00:26:07.990 --> 00:26:09.869
in and started up the stairs.
436
00:26:15.779 --> 00:26:19.859
Good afternoon, Colonel. Don't! Don't! You'll ruin me. For the
437
00:26:19.900 --> 00:26:21.460
love of heaven, someone help me!
438
00:26:46.750 --> 00:26:50.910
Edward Stokes was restrained a block away. The colonel didn't
439
00:26:50.950 --> 00:26:54.440
die immediately. He was lifted by three bellhops and taken
440
00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:58.500
to chambers supplied by the management. Doctors were called, and
441
00:26:58.599 --> 00:27:01.160
the colonel joked with them, as he joked with his
442
00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:04.400
many friends who came to visit him. He joked with everybody.
443
00:27:04.420 --> 00:27:08.140
The next day, in the middle of a joke, he died.
444
00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:13.660
Thomas Stokes pleaded self-defense. He was convicted of manslaughter in
445
00:27:13.700 --> 00:27:17.980
the third degree. Josie Mansfield spent her remaining days with
446
00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:44.099
her aunt, Miss Annie Wood. In just a moment, Thomas
447
00:27:44.119 --> 00:27:48.099
Hyland will tell you about next week's crime classics. This
448
00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:51.660
Wednesday night, screen hero Jeff Chandler plays a young man
449
00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:54.759
hired for an important job. A job of guarding the
450
00:27:54.799 --> 00:27:58.480
very much alive body of a notorious gangster. Hear the
451
00:27:58.519 --> 00:28:01.529
exciting details in the story entitled The Web on your
452
00:28:01.589 --> 00:28:05.670
Playhouse on Broadway. It's presented by CBS Radio this Wednesday
453
00:28:05.710 --> 00:28:07.869
night on most of these same stations.
454
00:28:09.170 --> 00:28:12.349
And here again is Thomas Hyland. Next week.
455
00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:17.569
Long Melford in the county of Suffolk in England.
456
00:28:18.490 --> 00:28:20.470
The year? 1739.
457
00:28:20.470 --> 00:28:23.849
My report to you will be on the shrapneled body
458
00:28:24.349 --> 00:28:26.589
of Charles Drew, Sr.
459
00:28:27.730 --> 00:28:33.799
Thank you. Good night. James Fisk, Jr.
460
00:28:33.839 --> 00:28:36.779
tonight's crime classic, was adapted from the original court reports
461
00:28:36.839 --> 00:28:40.910
and newspaper accounts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The
462
00:28:40.930 --> 00:28:44.269
music was composed and conducted by Bernard Herman. And the
463
00:28:44.289 --> 00:28:48.119
program is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis. Thomas Hyland
464
00:28:48.170 --> 00:28:51.640
is portrayed on radio by Lou Merrill. James Fisk, Jr.
465
00:28:51.680 --> 00:28:54.819
was played by William Johnstone. Featured in the cast were
466
00:28:54.839 --> 00:29:00.039
Mary Jane Croft, Martha Wentworth, Steve Roberts, Harry Bartell, Paula Winslow,
467
00:29:00.279 --> 00:29:01.119
and Charles Calvert.
468
00:29:01.700 --> 00:29:02.730
Bob Lamond speaking.
469
00:29:05.230 --> 00:29:08.329
Stay tuned now for Gary Moore with Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts,
470
00:29:08.369 --> 00:29:11.490
which follows immediately over most of these same stations.
471
00:29:12.049 --> 00:29:14.029
And remember, your news is always.
472
00:29:13.869 --> 00:29:17.480
Accurately reported when it comes from the CBS radio network.
473
00:29:30.549 --> 00:29:33.759
Crime Classics returns us to 1872 New York in the
474
00:29:33.799 --> 00:29:36.509
checkered life and sudden death of James Fisk, Jr.
475
00:29:36.789 --> 00:29:37.119
Good night.
1
00:00:00.110 --> 00:00:03.330
Morton Fine and David Friedkin wrote the third broadcast of
2
00:00:03.390 --> 00:00:09.710
CBS Radio's Crime Classics, directed by Elliot Lewis. On June 29, 1953,
3
00:00:09.699 --> 00:00:13.140
the series turned to New York in 1872 and the
4
00:00:13.199 --> 00:00:19.179
case of financier Colonel James Fisk, Jr., former associate Edward S. Stokes,
5
00:00:19.620 --> 00:00:23.960
and Josie Mansfield. In a city of railroad fortunes and
6
00:00:24.019 --> 00:00:29.620
high society, private letters and business conflicts sharpen a public rivalry,
7
00:00:30.160 --> 00:00:35.179
bringing its principles toward Manhattan's Grand Central Hotel. Lou Merrill
8
00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:38.859
is heard as host Thomas Highland, with Mary Jane Croft
9
00:00:38.920 --> 00:00:42.520
as Josie Mansfield, in The Checkered Life and Sudden Death
10
00:00:42.590 --> 00:00:43.909
of James Fisk, Jr.
11
00:00:44.649 --> 00:00:47.170
Here is the original broadcast. Good evening.
12
00:00:48.009 --> 00:00:52.689
This is Crime Classics. I am Thomas Highland. I'm going
13
00:00:52.729 --> 00:00:54.350
to tell you another true crime story.
14
00:00:55.429 --> 00:00:55.710
Listen.
15
00:01:09.040 --> 00:01:11.299
The man who just fell down the stairs is Colonel
16
00:01:11.340 --> 00:01:15.340
James Fisk, Jr. Although the colonel is a man given
17
00:01:15.379 --> 00:01:18.030
to the consumption of dozens of Blue Point oysters and
18
00:01:18.109 --> 00:01:21.219
bottles of heady wine at a sitting... His friends were
19
00:01:21.239 --> 00:01:23.939
given to pointing him out as a man inordinately steady
20
00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:27.340
on his feet. So why did he tumble down the stairs?
21
00:01:28.019 --> 00:01:31.379
And in New York's Grand Central Hotel, no less, where
22
00:01:31.439 --> 00:01:35.810
stair tumbling was frowned upon, the colonel didn't slip, he
23
00:01:35.849 --> 00:01:40.109
wasn't pushed, he was shot. The sudden presence of two
24
00:01:40.150 --> 00:01:44.590
bullets in him had upset his equilibrium. The man who's
25
00:01:44.629 --> 00:01:46.579
running away is the man who just shot the colonel.
26
00:01:47.290 --> 00:01:51.390
His name, Edward S. Stokes. Until recently, the colonel's very
27
00:01:51.420 --> 00:01:53.459
dear friend. There he goes.
28
00:01:55.180 --> 00:01:58.420
And tonight, my report to you on the checkered life
29
00:01:58.819 --> 00:02:04.799
and sudden death of Colonel James Fisk, Jr. Crime Classics.
30
00:02:05.680 --> 00:02:08.379
A series of true crime stories taken from the records
31
00:02:08.430 --> 00:02:12.229
and newspapers of every land from every time. Your host
32
00:02:12.289 --> 00:02:16.370
each week, Mr. Thomas Hyland, connoisseur of crime, student of violence,
33
00:02:16.770 --> 00:02:30.960
and teller of murders. Now, once again, Thomas Hyland. Colonel
34
00:02:31.020 --> 00:02:33.639
Fisk lay at the bottom of the stairs a few
35
00:02:33.680 --> 00:02:39.580
minutes before 4 o'clock on a Saturday afternoon, January the 6th, 1872.
36
00:02:40.360 --> 00:02:42.759
He was dying. His life was coming to an end.
37
00:02:43.659 --> 00:02:46.919
And he would be sorely missed by his family, Mrs.
38
00:02:46.979 --> 00:02:50.770
Fisk and the children, and by his intimates, among whom
39
00:02:50.810 --> 00:02:54.710
were Jay Gould, Boss Tweed, and the heavier stockholders of
40
00:02:54.750 --> 00:02:55.069
the day.
41
00:02:56.389 --> 00:02:58.270
A man dying, and I.
42
00:02:58.229 --> 00:03:02.340
Know the precise instant when his dying began. It started
43
00:03:02.379 --> 00:03:05.319
some months ago in a rather ornate house in Washington Square.
44
00:03:06.199 --> 00:03:10.340
Two women were talking, and the younger one said, Annie,
45
00:03:10.419 --> 00:03:13.259
how can I meet Colonel Fisk? That was the instant.
46
00:03:13.800 --> 00:03:14.659
And the older one said?
47
00:03:14.680 --> 00:03:17.840
Oh, dearie, dearie, dearie.
48
00:03:18.479 --> 00:03:20.639
But the younger one was not young enough to take
49
00:03:20.719 --> 00:03:22.000
dearie for an answer.
50
00:03:22.560 --> 00:03:24.520
I mean it, Annie. I want to meet him. He's
51
00:03:24.620 --> 00:03:27.860
so wealthy, isn't he? And all I have is a
52
00:03:27.930 --> 00:03:30.389
black and white silk dress and an empty purse.
53
00:03:31.210 --> 00:03:32.710
So very empty, dear Annie.
54
00:03:33.539 --> 00:03:36.819
Oh, orphans in the rain and empty purses sadden me so,
55
00:03:36.860 --> 00:03:37.520
dear Josie.
56
00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:39.800
And I've heard he's coming here tonight to visit with you.
57
00:03:40.180 --> 00:03:42.759
The dear Colonel says I set such a good table.
58
00:03:45.120 --> 00:03:46.979
Dear Josie. Yes?
59
00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:53.280
Walk over there to that cabinet, dear Josie. In the
60
00:03:53.319 --> 00:03:56.699
very bottom drawer you will find two candlesticks given to
61
00:03:56.740 --> 00:03:58.219
me by the minister from Egypt.
62
00:03:59.039 --> 00:04:02.319
Get them. Yes.
63
00:04:03.740 --> 00:04:07.159
They are heavy, aren't they? Now put them on the table.
64
00:04:07.180 --> 00:04:10.729
And light them.
65
00:04:12.050 --> 00:04:12.250
Good.
66
00:04:13.090 --> 00:04:14.629
Now blow them out, gently.
67
00:04:20.790 --> 00:04:21.589
Well, Annie?
68
00:04:22.370 --> 00:04:25.550
Dear Josie, will you join the dear Colonel and me
69
00:04:25.629 --> 00:04:26.500
for dinner tonight?
70
00:04:26.980 --> 00:04:30.319
So nice of you to ask. I'd be delighted, dear Annie.
71
00:04:48.170 --> 00:04:51.829
And so it was that Colonel Fisk and Josie Mansfield met.
72
00:04:52.550 --> 00:04:56.129
It was a highly successful meeting. I kiss your hand, Josie.
73
00:04:57.050 --> 00:05:00.920
You're a very sweet man. Isn't she a dear?
74
00:05:01.439 --> 00:05:02.189
So lovely.
75
00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:04.120
And so poor.
76
00:05:04.990 --> 00:05:05.610
So sad.
77
00:05:06.910 --> 00:05:09.930
The colonel was a man easily touched. And this was
78
00:05:09.970 --> 00:05:13.750
the era for young widows, beautiful and penniless. It was
79
00:05:13.790 --> 00:05:15.790
the era for weeping at the mere thought of such
80
00:05:15.810 --> 00:05:20.750
a situation. It was a decade of compassion and champagne.
81
00:05:21.540 --> 00:05:24.540
And this night, the meeting night, was one of the
82
00:05:24.600 --> 00:05:26.079
most poignant of the decade.
83
00:05:28.540 --> 00:05:31.399
Tomorrow, Josie, a jewel to lie against the throat.
84
00:05:32.120 --> 00:05:32.980
Oh, Colonel.
85
00:05:33.199 --> 00:05:35.040
My carriage will call for you at noon and bring
86
00:05:35.060 --> 00:05:35.500
you to me.
87
00:05:35.920 --> 00:05:36.759
And where will you be?
88
00:05:37.189 --> 00:05:42.110
At Tiffany's. The Nexus County? Of course, my dear. More wine?
89
00:05:49.269 --> 00:06:05.399
Diamonds become you. Oh, Colonel. Oh, Colonel. Look at it, dear.
90
00:06:06.660 --> 00:06:07.279
Do you like it?
91
00:06:08.079 --> 00:06:09.230
It's very nice.
92
00:06:09.870 --> 00:06:11.430
Ain't it all yours?
93
00:06:11.990 --> 00:06:15.230
Oh, thank you. I've always wanted a home of my own.
94
00:06:16.389 --> 00:06:18.110
And servants of my own.
95
00:06:18.750 --> 00:06:20.439
Six.
96
00:06:20.500 --> 00:06:21.360
Kiss me, Colonel.
97
00:06:21.379 --> 00:06:38.379
Oh. Good evening, Colonel. Evening, Quimby. This is Mr. Stokes.
98
00:06:38.779 --> 00:06:42.329
May I take your cane, sir? Thank you, Quimby. Is, uh...
99
00:06:42.189 --> 00:06:45.290
The mistress is in the drawing room. She's waiting for you.
100
00:06:45.709 --> 00:06:46.410
This way, Stokes.
101
00:06:50.389 --> 00:06:54.480
Hello, Colonel. And you must be the Colonel's best friend, Mr. Stokes.
102
00:06:54.740 --> 00:06:56.360
I hope this is no imposition, ma'am.
103
00:06:56.660 --> 00:07:01.279
Preparing dinner? Certainly not. I just sat here all day
104
00:07:01.620 --> 00:07:04.519
listening to the new present the colonel sent me while
105
00:07:04.540 --> 00:07:05.699
the servants made ready.
106
00:07:05.899 --> 00:07:08.500
Do you like the new music box, my dear? It
107
00:07:08.519 --> 00:07:11.339
reminds me of you when you're away from me.
108
00:07:11.600 --> 00:07:15.000
Such a pretty speech. How fortunate you are, Colonel. Oh,
109
00:07:15.079 --> 00:07:17.350
wait till you taste her peasant a la Esther.
110
00:07:17.529 --> 00:07:21.050
I can hardly wait. Now, will you two excuse me
111
00:07:21.089 --> 00:07:21.509
for a moment?
112
00:07:21.550 --> 00:07:22.389
Where are you going, Colonel?
113
00:07:22.629 --> 00:07:24.769
I left a small package for you out in the carriage,
114
00:07:24.829 --> 00:07:26.209
my dear. Oh, of course.
115
00:07:26.250 --> 00:07:31.509
We'll excuse you. You're Mr.
116
00:07:31.550 --> 00:07:33.730
Stokes. So you're Josie.
117
00:07:34.709 --> 00:07:37.680
I must say he was right. You are elegant.
118
00:07:38.180 --> 00:07:41.220
He was right. You are very lovely.
119
00:07:42.740 --> 00:07:44.439
You're younger than he told me.
120
00:07:45.379 --> 00:07:50.699
And you... You're... What? You are.
121
00:07:53.139 --> 00:07:54.480
Will you help me light the candles?
122
00:07:54.680 --> 00:07:55.040
Josie.
123
00:07:55.100 --> 00:07:56.360
Will you help me with the fireplace?
124
00:07:56.420 --> 00:07:56.800
Josie.
125
00:07:56.819 --> 00:07:58.019
The music box is run down.
126
00:07:58.040 --> 00:07:58.720
Will you... Josie.
127
00:07:59.269 --> 00:08:00.649
You won't help me with anything.
128
00:08:01.910 --> 00:08:06.879
You're wicked. Yes, I am. You're very wicked.
129
00:08:23.639 --> 00:08:27.649
At the time Josie whispered this tender criticism... Mr. Edward
130
00:08:27.670 --> 00:08:31.069
Stokes was five feet, nine inches high. His head was
131
00:08:31.129 --> 00:08:35.190
covered with glossy curls, his complexion clear, his features regular.
132
00:08:35.710 --> 00:08:39.309
And his eyes dark blue. He was dressed in the.
133
00:08:39.289 --> 00:08:44.059
Height of fashion, and his diamond studs gleamed brilliantly. And
134
00:08:44.139 --> 00:08:47.179
after the colonel returned with a forgotten package... Oh, a
135
00:08:47.360 --> 00:08:48.559
ruby pendant.
136
00:08:49.200 --> 00:08:50.460
Thank you, colonel.
137
00:08:50.659 --> 00:08:52.100
You're very welcome.
138
00:08:52.519 --> 00:08:56.129
And after the wine was drunk, and the fingers dipped
139
00:08:56.190 --> 00:08:59.629
in the lemon water. After that evening of old friends
140
00:08:59.690 --> 00:09:02.529
and you, after that, there was a new day.
141
00:09:03.470 --> 00:09:08.990
And there was this. Good morning, Mr. Stokes. Good morning, Quimby. Is, um...
142
00:09:09.129 --> 00:09:11.850
The mistress is in the sitting room. She's waiting for you.
143
00:09:11.870 --> 00:09:18.029
Thank you, my man. Josie. Edward.
144
00:09:19.009 --> 00:09:25.220
Oh, wait, Edward. I was out this morning early shopping.
145
00:09:25.940 --> 00:09:26.159
Here.
146
00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:27.779
I bought something for you.
147
00:09:28.879 --> 00:09:36.269
Open it. Josie. A pearl stick pin. There was no
148
00:09:36.389 --> 00:09:40.179
need for you to... Oh, yes, there was. Now be quiet.
149
00:09:56.379 --> 00:10:00.509
Several other scenes between these wild, storm-tossed lovers. you might
150
00:10:00.549 --> 00:10:03.090
care to eavesdrop upon, since they'll give you a better
151
00:10:03.149 --> 00:10:06.889
understanding of the current sweeping these two upon violent shores.
152
00:10:07.830 --> 00:10:08.529
Like this one.
153
00:10:13.639 --> 00:10:16.940
The best champagne in New York. Now take off your
154
00:10:16.980 --> 00:10:37.809
little shoe. Here, use my mallard, dear.
155
00:10:38.899 --> 00:10:42.070
This croquet has brought the pink to your cheeks. Make
156
00:10:42.090 --> 00:10:42.490
your shot.
157
00:10:57.899 --> 00:11:01.389
As is always the case in skullduggery of this sort, there.
158
00:11:01.330 --> 00:11:03.350
Is an in the meanwhile.
159
00:11:04.129 --> 00:11:07.850
So, in the meanwhile, in the Park Avenue home of
160
00:11:07.889 --> 00:11:09.850
Colonel James Fisk, Jr.
161
00:11:10.409 --> 00:11:11.429
the colonel and his lady.
162
00:11:12.389 --> 00:11:14.590
The children have been tucked away for the night, the
163
00:11:14.629 --> 00:11:16.750
servants snug in their quarters, as.
164
00:11:16.690 --> 00:11:20.470
Were the animals. A quiet hour, an hour for a
165
00:11:20.500 --> 00:11:23.909
man and his wife. And for family discussion.
166
00:11:24.710 --> 00:11:25.710
You fool!
167
00:11:25.970 --> 00:11:30.690
You cheat! Oh, my God! Dear, the children. You'll awaken them.
168
00:11:30.929 --> 00:11:31.929
A woman like that.
169
00:11:31.970 --> 00:11:36.259
Have you no compassion in your heart? She's a widow. Ha, ha.
170
00:11:36.480 --> 00:11:41.720
Alone in the world. I... I am but her advisor. Ha, ha.
171
00:11:42.440 --> 00:11:43.740
Now that's all you are.
172
00:11:43.759 --> 00:11:45.000
What are you talking about?
173
00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:46.679
What all of New York is saying.
174
00:11:46.700 --> 00:11:49.620
And that is? Ha, ha. And that is?
175
00:11:50.080 --> 00:11:52.309
The most concerned is the last to know.
176
00:11:52.889 --> 00:11:53.509
Know what?
177
00:11:53.870 --> 00:11:56.370
Your precious widow and Edward Stokes.
178
00:11:57.490 --> 00:11:57.870
What?
179
00:11:58.110 --> 00:11:59.509
Ha, ha, Colonel.
180
00:12:00.149 --> 00:12:02.629
Now you know what I've been through. The aggravation.
181
00:12:03.029 --> 00:12:04.539
The shame. The heartache.
182
00:12:04.659 --> 00:12:05.419
The sorrow.
183
00:12:05.799 --> 00:12:07.120
The unrequited love.
184
00:12:07.320 --> 00:12:07.379
Ah!
185
00:12:21.070 --> 00:12:25.250
I'm sorry, Colonel. It's so late at night. Where is the...
186
00:12:25.070 --> 00:12:27.639
The mistress is in her boudoir. Go awaken her.
187
00:12:27.649 --> 00:12:28.490
Who is it, Quimby?
188
00:12:29.090 --> 00:12:31.379
It's not Mr. Stokes, ma'am.
189
00:12:33.980 --> 00:12:36.480
Well, good evening, Colonel.
190
00:12:36.840 --> 00:12:41.759
What's this I hear about you and that scamp, Edward Stokes?
191
00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:43.419
Why, what have you heard?
192
00:12:44.200 --> 00:12:46.340
That you and he.
193
00:12:47.200 --> 00:12:48.200
Who told you that?
194
00:12:49.179 --> 00:12:49.600
My wife.
195
00:12:51.320 --> 00:12:52.460
You'd better go back to.
196
00:12:52.419 --> 00:12:55.019
Her, Colonel. Then it's true.
197
00:12:55.100 --> 00:12:56.100
I love him very much.
198
00:12:56.919 --> 00:12:57.639
Josie.
199
00:12:57.730 --> 00:12:58.830
Go back to your wife.
200
00:12:59.889 --> 00:13:00.590
I warn you.
201
00:13:00.750 --> 00:13:03.950
You warn me. You, Colonel?
202
00:13:03.970 --> 00:13:08.769
Listen to me. I'll ruin you. Please. Go home. You
203
00:13:09.269 --> 00:13:12.860
and Edward Stokes. Mark my word. I'll ruin the both
204
00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:15.299
of you. My promise to you, if it takes the
205
00:13:15.440 --> 00:13:26.429
rest of my life. The Colonel left.
206
00:13:26.990 --> 00:13:29.070
The Colonel was driven to his club where the Colonel
207
00:13:29.090 --> 00:13:33.289
spent the night. And the next morning, early, the Colonel
208
00:13:33.379 --> 00:13:35.059
began the final week of his life.
209
00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:37.480
The End.
210
00:13:53.529 --> 00:13:57.009
You are listening to Crime Classics and your host, Thomas Highland.
211
00:13:58.169 --> 00:14:00.139
A dead man's coat is the key to a killing.
212
00:14:00.679 --> 00:14:02.059
Its disappearance starts Mr.
213
00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:02.419
And Mrs.
214
00:14:02.480 --> 00:14:05.980
North off on a merry, mysterious manhunt tomorrow night. Don't
215
00:14:06.019 --> 00:14:09.039
miss Coat of Arms, a matter of murder confronting Pam
216
00:14:09.110 --> 00:14:12.500
and Jerry North. Tomorrow, listen to For John Lund is
217
00:14:12.539 --> 00:14:16.139
Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, the insurance sleuth with the action-packed
218
00:14:16.179 --> 00:14:19.559
expense account on most of these same CBS radio stations.
219
00:14:20.919 --> 00:14:23.240
And now, once again, Thomas Highland and the second act
220
00:14:23.299 --> 00:14:26.279
of Crime Classics and his report to you on the
221
00:14:26.320 --> 00:14:29.769
checkered life and sudden death of Colonel James Fisk, Jr.
222
00:14:41.289 --> 00:14:44.250
I'd like to set the coordinates for you again. Take
223
00:14:44.289 --> 00:14:46.009
a reading of exactly where we are.
224
00:14:46.009 --> 00:14:47.450
In time and space.
225
00:14:48.690 --> 00:14:55.080
The year is 1872. The place is New York City. Now,
226
00:14:55.080 --> 00:14:57.360
1872 was a vintage year for pearls in the bottom
227
00:14:57.399 --> 00:15:01.620
of champagne glasses, of fatted railroad stocks, and the diamond
228
00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:03.120
harvest was spectacular.
229
00:15:03.820 --> 00:15:06.370
The term rags to riches was coined on a day
230
00:15:06.399 --> 00:15:06.830
in this year.
231
00:15:07.519 --> 00:15:10.250
when a raggedy sewing machine girl was summoned from her chores,
232
00:15:10.769 --> 00:15:14.090
taken by the hand, dressed in silk, then released into
233
00:15:14.110 --> 00:15:17.409
a gilded cage. New York City at this time was
234
00:15:17.470 --> 00:15:20.419
a center for many similar dramas, one of which we're
235
00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:26.539
concerning ourselves with. Colonel James Fisk, Jr. had compassion for
236
00:15:26.580 --> 00:15:30.860
a widow named Josie Mansfield. Josie Mansfield had compassion for
237
00:15:30.879 --> 00:15:35.029
the colonel's friend, Edward Stokes. The colonel, upon hearing of
238
00:15:35.070 --> 00:15:39.389
this arrangement, immediately went into action in a colonel-like manner.
239
00:15:39.509 --> 00:15:41.649
Your Honor, I want to swear out a warrant for
240
00:15:41.669 --> 00:15:44.269
the arrest of Edward S. Stokes for embezzlement.
241
00:15:44.370 --> 00:15:47.330
Why, certainly, Colonel. We'll have the culprit in jail in
242
00:15:47.389 --> 00:15:48.190
no time at all.
243
00:15:48.210 --> 00:15:50.490
Inside, will you, Mr.
244
00:15:52.230 --> 00:15:52.590
Stokes?
245
00:15:52.629 --> 00:16:04.379
Yes. Taylor. Yes, sir, Mr.
246
00:16:04.399 --> 00:16:04.740
Stokes.
247
00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:06.759
Do you have the list? Yes, sir.
248
00:16:07.039 --> 00:16:10.440
Your living room furniture, the portraits, and the bed. I'll
249
00:16:10.460 --> 00:16:11.659
have them here in no time at all.
250
00:16:19.190 --> 00:16:22.870
Edward Stokes was a model prisoner for two days. He
251
00:16:22.909 --> 00:16:25.100
was then released when the charge against him was dropped.
252
00:16:26.159 --> 00:16:28.440
Not to be outdone. He went into action in a
253
00:16:28.460 --> 00:16:30.279
manner which gained the plaudits of his cronies.
254
00:16:30.559 --> 00:16:32.700
Your Honor, I want to swear out a warrant for
255
00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:35.159
the arrest of Colonel James Fisk, Jr.
256
00:16:35.200 --> 00:16:37.559
For false imprisonment. Why, certainly, Mr. Stokes.
257
00:16:37.899 --> 00:16:48.549
We'll have the culprit in jail in no time at all. Jailer?
258
00:16:48.950 --> 00:16:49.889
Yes, sir, Colonel.
259
00:16:50.129 --> 00:16:52.730
The living room furniture, your easy chair in the library,
260
00:16:52.990 --> 00:16:55.360
and the bed. I'll have them here in no time
261
00:16:55.389 --> 00:16:55.580
at all.
262
00:16:57.620 --> 00:17:10.369
War of nerves, tactics, and strategies, and reprisals. And the
263
00:17:10.410 --> 00:17:15.009
real victors, the gatherers of the loot, the lawyers. So
264
00:17:15.089 --> 00:17:18.349
the Colonel and Mr. Stokes called a truce. Waved white
265
00:17:18.450 --> 00:17:21.940
napkins at each other across a gleaming table at Delmonico's.
266
00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:24.740
Stokes, I think we've both acted like children. I agree
267
00:17:24.759 --> 00:17:26.099
with you, Colonel. Let me fill your glass.
268
00:17:27.130 --> 00:17:27.390
Yeah.
269
00:17:28.190 --> 00:17:35.420
A toast. To a friendship. Our friendship, Colonel. Enough of
270
00:17:35.460 --> 00:17:38.079
jails and lawyers and arguments. Life is too short. I'll
271
00:17:38.099 --> 00:17:42.720
drink to that, too. Colonel? And we can settle our
272
00:17:42.759 --> 00:17:45.549
affairs like men. I'll drink to that, too. No, wait.
273
00:17:46.309 --> 00:17:49.509
Let's settle our affairs first. Delighted. There is only one
274
00:17:49.569 --> 00:17:54.230
thing which stands in our way. Obviously. Josie Mansfield. You're right. Stokes...
275
00:17:54.859 --> 00:17:58.299
You're not ever to see her again. Colonel? You agree? Colonel,
276
00:17:58.359 --> 00:18:03.180
you're a fat, stupid fool. I accept that. But you're
277
00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:04.359
never to see Josie Mansfield again.
278
00:18:04.839 --> 00:18:06.880
Josie told me that if I saw you, I was
279
00:18:06.920 --> 00:18:09.200
to tell you you are a fat, stupid fool.
280
00:18:09.700 --> 00:18:11.950
And you are. I warned you once, Stokes. I'm not
281
00:18:11.990 --> 00:18:12.630
going to warn you again.
282
00:18:12.650 --> 00:18:14.670
Then I'll warn you. If you make any trouble, Colonel,
283
00:18:14.710 --> 00:18:17.269
you won't live to enjoy it. My promise to you.
284
00:18:31.789 --> 00:18:39.920
Good evening, Mr. Stokes. The mistress is in the parlor. Josie. Josie. Josie,
285
00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:42.500
wake up. Oh, Edward.
286
00:18:43.259 --> 00:18:44.160
How nice, Edward.
287
00:18:44.579 --> 00:18:47.759
Dearest, listen. It's important. Are you awake? Of course.
288
00:18:47.799 --> 00:18:51.109
I just drowsed off. I was reading, waiting for you.
289
00:18:51.849 --> 00:18:52.630
And now you're here.
290
00:18:52.670 --> 00:18:54.630
Josie, listen. It's about Colonel Fisk.
291
00:18:54.670 --> 00:18:55.869
Oh, please don't talk about him.
292
00:18:55.930 --> 00:18:58.789
Not now. He's ruined me. What are you talking about?
293
00:18:59.490 --> 00:19:01.589
I'm a pauper. You?
294
00:19:01.609 --> 00:19:03.829
Why, you're one of the wealthiest young men in town.
295
00:19:03.849 --> 00:19:06.759
No, no, not now. I don't have a penny. What happened?
296
00:19:06.819 --> 00:19:08.759
The stocks I had, all my assets. Well?
297
00:19:09.059 --> 00:19:11.299
The Colonel forced down the value of the Erie Railroad stocks,
298
00:19:11.380 --> 00:19:11.960
wiped me out.
299
00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:13.839
Oh, Edward.
300
00:19:14.200 --> 00:19:15.240
I'm so sorry.
301
00:19:16.220 --> 00:19:21.569
Josie. Yes? I'm poor now. Do you want me to leave?
302
00:19:22.250 --> 00:19:25.609
Never come back? Darling Edward.
303
00:19:26.289 --> 00:19:27.369
Darling, dearest Edward.
304
00:19:28.470 --> 00:19:29.029
Josie.
305
00:19:29.390 --> 00:19:32.940
We'll beat him. We'll destroy the colonel. You and I together.
306
00:19:33.180 --> 00:19:34.619
That's impossible. He's too powerful.
307
00:19:34.680 --> 00:19:35.319
He's a weakling.
308
00:19:35.900 --> 00:19:36.099
What?
309
00:19:36.400 --> 00:19:38.839
I can prove he's a weakling. He writes letters.
310
00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:40.400
Letters?
311
00:19:41.180 --> 00:19:41.880
I save them.
312
00:19:42.769 --> 00:19:43.490
And that's not all.
313
00:19:44.109 --> 00:19:44.690
What do you mean?
314
00:19:45.369 --> 00:19:50.430
Dealings he's had. Dishonest business dealings. With you like to
315
00:19:50.470 --> 00:19:50.869
look at them?
316
00:19:52.089 --> 00:19:54.309
Dearest Josie, I love you so much.
317
00:19:54.329 --> 00:19:57.690
I love you.
318
00:20:13.079 --> 00:20:15.819
So that's why I thought it more discreet to hire
319
00:20:15.880 --> 00:20:17.720
a cab, Colonel. Surely you understand.
320
00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:20.279
I must tell you, Stokes, when I agreed to meet
321
00:20:20.339 --> 00:20:23.619
you to ride with you in a hired hack at night...
322
00:20:23.279 --> 00:20:25.339
I explained the necessity of secrecy, Colonel.
323
00:20:25.359 --> 00:20:28.400
As indeed you did not. You merely said secrecy. That
324
00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:31.430
is why I must tell you I am confused. Have
325
00:20:31.450 --> 00:20:35.250
you made another decision about Josie? A tentative decision, Colonel.
326
00:20:35.849 --> 00:20:37.470
Tentative? Yes, it depends on you.
327
00:20:38.549 --> 00:20:38.609
Oh?
328
00:20:39.430 --> 00:20:44.140
I need money. I know. Badly. I know. Colonel?
329
00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:49.970
Yes? You love Josie very much, don't you? I understand
330
00:20:49.990 --> 00:20:50.869
you now, Stokes.
331
00:20:50.990 --> 00:20:53.230
I thought you would. Do you want me to reimburse
332
00:20:53.269 --> 00:20:55.369
you for the money you've lost? A quarter of a
333
00:20:55.410 --> 00:20:58.650
million dollars. I know. In return for which, you'll give
334
00:20:58.710 --> 00:21:01.769
up Josie. That's right. I'm sure there must be a
335
00:21:01.829 --> 00:21:03.710
name for you, Mr. Stokes. I'm sure of it.
336
00:21:04.970 --> 00:21:08.049
I had an experience last night. I had dinner at
337
00:21:08.109 --> 00:21:12.049
home with my wife. The children were with us. After dinner,
338
00:21:12.130 --> 00:21:14.109
I played on the floor with my children.
339
00:21:14.789 --> 00:21:17.230
I heard them laugh. I heard my wife laugh, too.
340
00:21:18.089 --> 00:21:21.470
And I laughed, too. And there was no other meaning
341
00:21:21.529 --> 00:21:25.680
behind my laughter except enjoyment of my family. Very touching.
342
00:21:25.900 --> 00:21:30.279
And rewarding. Then you're not interested in my proposal. I'll
343
00:21:30.299 --> 00:21:33.500
get off at the next corner, Mr. Stokes. Tell the driver.
344
00:21:33.579 --> 00:21:35.980
Of course. Next corner, cabbie.
345
00:21:37.500 --> 00:21:37.880
Well, Mr.
346
00:21:37.900 --> 00:21:42.000
Stokes, give my regards to Josie. Tell her I'm truly
347
00:21:42.059 --> 00:21:47.180
sorry for what's going to become of her. Goodbye, Mr. Stokes. Colonel, wait.
348
00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:49.160
I'm sorry, we have nothing else to talk about. Except
349
00:21:49.440 --> 00:21:55.700
the letters. What letters? You have a rich way with words, Colonel.
350
00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:58.200
I congratulate you. I don't understand. Oh, of course you do.
351
00:21:58.279 --> 00:22:02.940
The letters you wrote to Josie. I see. All of them.
352
00:22:03.140 --> 00:22:06.539
I see. They could ruin you. Perhaps.
353
00:22:06.900 --> 00:22:10.289
I remember one of the letters opened with, Dearest Josie,
354
00:22:10.369 --> 00:22:13.890
my poor little widow, your sad tears still.
355
00:22:13.730 --> 00:22:14.839
On my shoulders.
356
00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:18.000
$ 10, 000. And another, dear Josie, this morning I was at
357
00:22:18.059 --> 00:22:21.619
Tammany Hall and with Boss Tweed arrangements were made to
358
00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:23.400
relieve the city.
359
00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:25.480
$ 10, 000. A quarter of a million for the letters, Colonel.
360
00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:28.220
$ 10, 000, or you may publish them or do what you
361
00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:28.619
want with them.
362
00:22:29.910 --> 00:22:34.849
Surely you're not serious. Good night, Mr. Stokes. $ 10, 000. Bring
363
00:22:34.890 --> 00:22:37.769
your letters to me tomorrow and you shall get your money.
364
00:22:38.589 --> 00:22:39.029
Good night. Oh.
365
00:22:47.470 --> 00:22:48.970
An old almanac I have occasion to call on now
366
00:22:48.990 --> 00:22:50.970
and then says that Saturday, the 6th of January, in
367
00:22:50.990 --> 00:22:53.369
the year 1872, is the 66th anniversary.
368
00:22:52.730 --> 00:23:12.789
Of the Volunteer Fire Department of Roanoke, Virginia. Also, it
369
00:23:12.829 --> 00:23:13.450
predicts the.
370
00:23:13.390 --> 00:23:17.410
Day will be cold and clear with high westerly winds. So,
371
00:23:17.970 --> 00:23:21.329
we'll make an assumption. On a cold, clear Saturday morning,
372
00:23:21.930 --> 00:23:25.970
buffeted by the high westerly winds, Mr. Edward Stokes made
373
00:23:26.009 --> 00:23:29.759
his way to the Wall Street office of Colonel Fisk. Here,
374
00:23:29.859 --> 00:23:34.839
he received more coldness and $ 10, 000. Here, he deposited with
375
00:23:34.859 --> 00:23:37.640
the colonel a stack of letters wrapped in blue ribbon
376
00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:42.700
and sashades. Then Edward Stokes called on Josie Mansfield. He
377
00:23:42.740 --> 00:23:46.220
told her of the transaction. We must imagine that Josie's
378
00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:48.460
reaction went something like this.
379
00:23:48.680 --> 00:23:51.769
You idiot! You bumbling, spineless idiot!
380
00:23:51.849 --> 00:23:52.240
But Josie.
381
00:23:52.269 --> 00:23:53.769
I should have known better than to trust you with
382
00:23:53.789 --> 00:23:54.210
those letters.
383
00:23:54.250 --> 00:23:55.950
But $ 10, 000 is better than nothing.
384
00:23:56.009 --> 00:23:58.049
If you'd had the courage... He told me.
385
00:23:57.789 --> 00:23:58.710
$ 10, 000 or nothing.
386
00:23:58.750 --> 00:24:00.089
If you'd had the courage, he would have given you
387
00:24:00.150 --> 00:24:00.869
everything he owned.
388
00:24:01.289 --> 00:24:04.779
By the mere possession of the letter dated June 16th, 1871.
389
00:24:04.799 --> 00:24:06.880
Would have been a fortune ten times the amount you got.
390
00:24:07.180 --> 00:24:07.339
But.
391
00:24:07.640 --> 00:24:07.980
But what?
392
00:24:08.900 --> 00:24:11.880
You have your jewels, this house. Surely you must be
393
00:24:11.920 --> 00:24:14.339
worth nearly a million yourself. I love you, dear Edward,
394
00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:15.339
but that's my money.
395
00:24:16.119 --> 00:24:18.420
You'll just have... What is it, Quimby?
396
00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:20.920
Miss Annie Wood wishes to speak with you.
397
00:24:21.079 --> 00:24:21.779
Tell her I'm busy.
398
00:24:21.799 --> 00:24:23.369
She said it's extremely urgent.
399
00:24:23.529 --> 00:24:25.049
Extremely urgent?
400
00:24:25.289 --> 00:24:25.849
Hello, Annie.
401
00:24:26.609 --> 00:24:29.390
Josie, dear Josie, and dear Mr.
402
00:24:29.410 --> 00:24:30.089
Stokes. Hello.
403
00:24:30.549 --> 00:24:32.630
The judge came to see me for lunch a little
404
00:24:32.670 --> 00:24:33.170
while ago.
405
00:24:33.890 --> 00:24:34.250
Judge?
406
00:24:35.150 --> 00:24:37.109
What are you talking about? Judge Tripler.
407
00:24:38.130 --> 00:24:38.789
Well, I don't see.
408
00:24:39.119 --> 00:24:41.940
He'd just come from court. He'd just signed a warrant.
409
00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:43.319
Yes?
410
00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:46.680
For the arrest of dear Mr. Stokes on the charge
411
00:24:46.720 --> 00:24:47.500
of blackmail.
412
00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:48.960
Colonel Fisk? Yes.
413
00:24:49.420 --> 00:24:50.880
The dear judge told me.
414
00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:53.220
That the colonel asked him to sign such a warrant.
415
00:24:54.619 --> 00:24:55.160
Josie?
416
00:24:55.740 --> 00:24:56.039
Yes?
417
00:24:56.619 --> 00:25:00.470
We'll be seeing each other more often, won't we, dear Josie?
418
00:25:17.700 --> 00:25:19.000
Publication of the time.
419
00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:22.980
I quote, The next that was seen of Edward Stokes,
420
00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:25.470
as far as is known, was at a few minutes
421
00:25:25.529 --> 00:25:28.849
before four o'clock, when he was walking carelessly up and
422
00:25:28.869 --> 00:25:31.829
down the main corridor of the Grand Central Hotel on
423
00:25:31.869 --> 00:25:35.769
the parlor floor. This corridor is one story above the street,
424
00:25:36.539 --> 00:25:38.819
is parallel with Broadway, and is the only and at
425
00:25:38.880 --> 00:25:41.960
its northern end is reached by a staircase from the street.
426
00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:46.720
Passing and repassing the head of the staircase, Stokes glanced
427
00:25:46.839 --> 00:25:51.019
furtively down the stairs. It was nearly four o'clock when.
428
00:25:50.920 --> 00:25:54.460
Colonel James Fisk, Jr. drove up in a carriage to
429
00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:54.819
the door.
430
00:25:55.759 --> 00:25:58.480
Stepping out of his carriage and walking briskly across the pavement,
431
00:25:58.980 --> 00:25:59.619
he passed.
432
00:25:59.400 --> 00:26:00.829
Through the outer door of the hotel.
433
00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:04.109
When he had done so, he was heard to inquire
434
00:26:04.190 --> 00:26:07.930
for a certain Annette Latour. He was told she was
435
00:26:07.990 --> 00:26:09.869
in and started up the stairs.
436
00:26:15.779 --> 00:26:19.859
Good afternoon, Colonel. Don't! Don't! You'll ruin me. For the
437
00:26:19.900 --> 00:26:21.460
love of heaven, someone help me!
438
00:26:46.750 --> 00:26:50.910
Edward Stokes was restrained a block away. The colonel didn't
439
00:26:50.950 --> 00:26:54.440
die immediately. He was lifted by three bellhops and taken
440
00:26:54.480 --> 00:26:58.500
to chambers supplied by the management. Doctors were called, and
441
00:26:58.599 --> 00:27:01.160
the colonel joked with them, as he joked with his
442
00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:04.400
many friends who came to visit him. He joked with everybody.
443
00:27:04.420 --> 00:27:08.140
The next day, in the middle of a joke, he died.
444
00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:13.660
Thomas Stokes pleaded self-defense. He was convicted of manslaughter in
445
00:27:13.700 --> 00:27:17.980
the third degree. Josie Mansfield spent her remaining days with
446
00:27:18.019 --> 00:27:44.099
her aunt, Miss Annie Wood. In just a moment, Thomas
447
00:27:44.119 --> 00:27:48.099
Hyland will tell you about next week's crime classics. This
448
00:27:48.160 --> 00:27:51.660
Wednesday night, screen hero Jeff Chandler plays a young man
449
00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:54.759
hired for an important job. A job of guarding the
450
00:27:54.799 --> 00:27:58.480
very much alive body of a notorious gangster. Hear the
451
00:27:58.519 --> 00:28:01.529
exciting details in the story entitled The Web on your
452
00:28:01.589 --> 00:28:05.670
Playhouse on Broadway. It's presented by CBS Radio this Wednesday
453
00:28:05.710 --> 00:28:07.869
night on most of these same stations.
454
00:28:09.170 --> 00:28:12.349
And here again is Thomas Hyland. Next week.
455
00:28:13.079 --> 00:28:17.569
Long Melford in the county of Suffolk in England.
456
00:28:18.490 --> 00:28:20.470
The year? 1739.
457
00:28:20.470 --> 00:28:23.849
My report to you will be on the shrapneled body
458
00:28:24.349 --> 00:28:26.589
of Charles Drew, Sr.
459
00:28:27.730 --> 00:28:33.799
Thank you. Good night. James Fisk, Jr.
460
00:28:33.839 --> 00:28:36.779
tonight's crime classic, was adapted from the original court reports
461
00:28:36.839 --> 00:28:40.910
and newspaper accounts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The
462
00:28:40.930 --> 00:28:44.269
music was composed and conducted by Bernard Herman. And the
463
00:28:44.289 --> 00:28:48.119
program is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis. Thomas Hyland
464
00:28:48.170 --> 00:28:51.640
is portrayed on radio by Lou Merrill. James Fisk, Jr.
465
00:28:51.680 --> 00:28:54.819
was played by William Johnstone. Featured in the cast were
466
00:28:54.839 --> 00:29:00.039
Mary Jane Croft, Martha Wentworth, Steve Roberts, Harry Bartell, Paula Winslow,
467
00:29:00.279 --> 00:29:01.119
and Charles Calvert.
468
00:29:01.700 --> 00:29:02.730
Bob Lamond speaking.
469
00:29:05.230 --> 00:29:08.329
Stay tuned now for Gary Moore with Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts,
470
00:29:08.369 --> 00:29:11.490
which follows immediately over most of these same stations.
471
00:29:12.049 --> 00:29:14.029
And remember, your news is always.
472
00:29:13.869 --> 00:29:17.480
Accurately reported when it comes from the CBS radio network.
473
00:29:30.549 --> 00:29:33.759
Crime Classics returns us to 1872 New York in the
474
00:29:33.799 --> 00:29:36.509
checkered life and sudden death of James Fisk, Jr.
475
00:29:36.789 --> 00:29:37.119
Good night.
