The Weird Circle - "Declared Insane"

WEBVTT
1
00:00:00.210 --> 00:00:04.919
Peggy Mayer adapted Honoré de Balzac's L'Intradiction for this early
2
00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:11.919
cycle of the Weird Circle broadcasts. First heard on September 26, 1943,
3
00:00:11.900 --> 00:00:17.489
episode 5, declared insane, brings us to France, where Judge
4
00:00:17.550 --> 00:00:21.769
Popinot considers a petition filed by the Marquise d'Espard and
5
00:00:21.829 --> 00:00:27.719
her brother against her estranged husband, the Marquis. Financial dealings,
6
00:00:28.039 --> 00:00:32.780
family loyalties, and private motives enter the inquiry as the
7
00:00:32.820 --> 00:00:37.670
court weighs the case before it. Morris Hamilton co-directed this
8
00:00:37.750 --> 00:00:42.289
syndicated production with Oscar Turner producing. Now, back to the
9
00:00:42.329 --> 00:00:43.689
golden age of radio.
10
00:00:53.740 --> 00:00:54.700
Out of the past.
11
00:00:55.750 --> 00:00:59.689
Phantoms of a world gone by speak again the immortal
12
00:00:59.770 --> 00:01:08.379
tale declared insane.
13
00:01:19.019 --> 00:01:22.700
This is the church she comes to. There she is, Renee,
14
00:01:23.359 --> 00:01:27.159
healing in the pew. Third row from the left. What
15
00:01:27.180 --> 00:01:29.900
do you think of your arrival for your husband's affections?
16
00:01:30.140 --> 00:01:32.680
Are you positive that's the same, Madame Girono?
17
00:01:33.060 --> 00:01:34.560
I'd stake my honor upon it.
18
00:01:34.939 --> 00:01:37.859
Cecil, you've staked your honor so often there's nothing.
19
00:01:37.620 --> 00:01:40.980
Left to it. Madame. Amazing.
20
00:01:42.060 --> 00:01:44.200
I wonder how a woman like that could extract such
21
00:01:44.260 --> 00:01:46.109
huge sums of money from my husband.
22
00:01:46.530 --> 00:01:49.189
She might have certain charms you don't understand. But she's
23
00:01:49.329 --> 00:01:53.489
fat and pockmarked. True, Renée. but powerful enough to make
24
00:01:53.510 --> 00:01:55.709
you and your children penniless within ten years.
25
00:01:56.129 --> 00:01:57.569
How can we break her hold on Pierre?
26
00:01:58.010 --> 00:01:58.450
I've tried.
27
00:01:58.469 --> 00:02:01.510
Pierre won't listen to me, either as his brother or
28
00:02:01.569 --> 00:02:02.030
his lawyer.
29
00:02:03.030 --> 00:02:05.469
So there's only one thing left. What's that?
30
00:02:06.010 --> 00:02:08.250
Simply that you ask for a commission for lunacy against him.
31
00:02:09.189 --> 00:02:11.009
Imply that he's insane and have him locked away.
32
00:02:11.509 --> 00:02:12.479
But Pierre is insane as.
33
00:02:12.509 --> 00:02:13.530
With your political.
34
00:02:13.210 --> 00:02:17.189
Prestige at Louis XV's court, I'm sure we can convince
35
00:02:17.240 --> 00:02:21.000
a young ambitious judge to the contrary. Pierre's many eccentricities
36
00:02:21.139 --> 00:02:24.360
can bear fruit. His monomania on Chinese customs could easily
37
00:02:24.400 --> 00:02:25.099
be misinterpreted.
38
00:02:25.120 --> 00:02:28.919
Do you understand? But, Cecil, I... Now, listen to me.
39
00:02:30.240 --> 00:02:33.199
Tomorrow morning, I want you to pay an unexpected visit
40
00:02:33.259 --> 00:02:36.699
on your husband. Drive out to that country hovel and.
41
00:02:41.110 --> 00:02:42.430
Is your master in, Roger?
42
00:02:42.449 --> 00:02:45.430
Madame, one of my keys. We weren't expecting you to
43
00:02:46.270 --> 00:02:50.530
come in. Monsieur is in the study. If you follow me,
44
00:02:50.550 --> 00:02:53.229
he'd be pleased to see you, madame. It's been such
45
00:02:53.289 --> 00:02:53.969
a long time.
46
00:02:54.090 --> 00:02:55.129
Thank you, Roger.
47
00:02:55.909 --> 00:02:58.180
Monsieur, Madame Le Marquis.
48
00:02:58.689 --> 00:02:59.180
Renée.
49
00:02:59.419 --> 00:03:02.819
I'm sorry to disturb you, Pierre, but you know what
50
00:03:02.840 --> 00:03:06.599
the court says. The separation of ours does not do my.
51
00:03:06.500 --> 00:03:07.520
Reputation any good.
52
00:03:07.699 --> 00:03:08.479
Your reputation?
53
00:03:09.000 --> 00:03:09.439
Naturally.
54
00:03:09.719 --> 00:03:12.259
What are you doing dressed up in that silly outfit?
55
00:03:12.479 --> 00:03:15.000
I am writing a history of China, Renée. One can't
56
00:03:15.030 --> 00:03:17.710
understand the Chinese mind without trying to feel the tempo
57
00:03:17.729 --> 00:03:18.530
of their mode of life.
58
00:03:18.990 --> 00:03:23.159
Oh, that's neither here nor there. I've been hearing about
59
00:03:23.199 --> 00:03:24.680
the way you're handling the children.
60
00:03:25.259 --> 00:03:26.400
The children are well and healthy.
61
00:03:27.159 --> 00:03:30.259
I don't feel comfortable about them out here. So I'd
62
00:03:30.280 --> 00:03:32.939
like to change nurses. The woman you have now is
63
00:03:32.960 --> 00:03:35.819
too old for the job. I've brought an English woman
64
00:03:35.879 --> 00:03:38.469
out here with me today. Her name is Maggie Campbell.
65
00:03:39.539 --> 00:03:42.229
I think you'll find Maggie a gem in many ways.
66
00:03:43.669 --> 00:03:47.810
Your absent-mindedness endangers our children's very existence.
67
00:03:48.349 --> 00:03:49.090
What are you hinting at?
68
00:03:49.129 --> 00:03:49.509
Hinting?
69
00:03:50.129 --> 00:03:51.289
You know very well what I mean.
70
00:03:51.310 --> 00:03:53.810
That woman, Madame Jean Renaud.
71
00:03:53.900 --> 00:03:55.020
She's no concern of yours.
72
00:03:55.060 --> 00:03:57.780
My son's future inheritance, however, is my concern.
73
00:03:58.479 --> 00:04:00.240
I can't prevent you from throwing it away on a
74
00:04:00.319 --> 00:04:01.180
swine-headed woman.
75
00:04:01.479 --> 00:04:02.099
But.
76
00:04:02.259 --> 00:04:06.020
Really, what? Who is this Jean Renaud? What power has
77
00:04:06.039 --> 00:04:06.719
she got over you?
78
00:04:07.219 --> 00:04:09.020
Why do you insist on living in the country and
79
00:04:09.060 --> 00:04:10.680
giving her the major part of your income?
80
00:04:11.080 --> 00:04:14.610
That's one question you'll never have answered. You wouldn't understand.
81
00:04:14.650 --> 00:04:17.449
That's why I've hired Maggie Campbell to act as nursemaid.
82
00:04:17.970 --> 00:04:20.329
The children are never to be in that woman's company.
83
00:04:21.069 --> 00:04:23.819
And Miss Campbell will follow those instructions to the letter.
84
00:04:37.970 --> 00:04:40.899
Well, Renée... I didn't expect you to come back so soon.
85
00:04:41.379 --> 00:04:43.339
It didn't take me long to sell Pierre on the
86
00:04:43.439 --> 00:04:46.379
idea of hiring your fatuous Miss Campbell, Cecil.
87
00:04:47.180 --> 00:04:47.939
What did he think of her?
88
00:04:48.560 --> 00:04:52.060
Nothing much. My story was completely believable.
89
00:04:52.750 --> 00:04:55.329
We can depend on Maggie Campbell to weave an interesting
90
00:04:55.389 --> 00:04:56.730
web for Pierre to stumble into.
91
00:04:56.750 --> 00:05:00.310
In the meantime, you've work to do.
92
00:05:00.870 --> 00:05:01.209
Work?
93
00:05:01.889 --> 00:05:04.029
I've invited young Bianchon for a party at your house
94
00:05:04.089 --> 00:05:06.329
this evening. Aren't you presumptuous?
95
00:05:06.389 --> 00:05:06.910
Not at all.
96
00:05:08.129 --> 00:05:11.050
That fool has always been in love with you. His
97
00:05:11.110 --> 00:05:14.089
uncle is a judge of the inferior court. Monsieur Pouponneau,
98
00:05:15.120 --> 00:05:17.459
if you can convince Bianchon to bring his uncle into
99
00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:20.839
our camp, our commission for lunacy against Popier is one.
100
00:05:21.939 --> 00:05:23.279
You're in a position to do both of them a
101
00:05:23.300 --> 00:05:26.779
great deal of political good. It might be wise to
102
00:05:26.839 --> 00:05:31.370
remind them of it, gently. The party is to start
103
00:05:31.410 --> 00:05:31.589
it now.
104
00:05:35.490 --> 00:05:38.540
Bien, Jean.
105
00:05:39.339 --> 00:05:41.420
I'm so glad you could come to my little party.
106
00:05:42.500 --> 00:05:44.759
You're playing with my heart, madame.
107
00:05:45.600 --> 00:05:48.819
Ah. If only I were a free woman.
108
00:05:49.629 --> 00:05:51.250
Free to play with a man's heart.
109
00:05:52.329 --> 00:05:55.389
But my husband being ill... Oh, Pierre's ill?
110
00:05:55.730 --> 00:05:56.370
Didn't you know?
111
00:05:56.389 --> 00:05:59.529
No. Oh, I'm sorry to hear it.
112
00:05:59.560 --> 00:06:00.560
It's a mental condition.
113
00:06:00.660 --> 00:06:01.439
I thought you knew.
114
00:06:01.800 --> 00:06:01.980
Oh.
115
00:06:02.100 --> 00:06:04.269
Oh. Is there anything that I can do?
116
00:06:04.329 --> 00:06:06.189
I'm afraid there's nothing anyone can do.
117
00:06:06.910 --> 00:06:09.790
He insists now upon throwing his money away on a woman,
118
00:06:10.430 --> 00:06:11.250
Nona Jean.
119
00:06:11.069 --> 00:06:12.990
Renaud, whom he favors now.
120
00:06:13.649 --> 00:06:14.509
Oh, a woman.
121
00:06:14.629 --> 00:06:18.110
A fat, ugly, pockmarked woman who is closer to 60
122
00:06:18.110 --> 00:06:19.379
years of age than anything else.
123
00:06:20.420 --> 00:06:21.939
He's given her almost a million francs.
124
00:06:22.399 --> 00:06:24.180
Oh, this is serious, madame.
125
00:06:26.329 --> 00:06:28.790
He controls all the money in the family except my
126
00:06:28.870 --> 00:06:29.790
own small income.
127
00:06:30.110 --> 00:06:32.810
Well, have you ever thought of securing a commission for
128
00:06:32.930 --> 00:06:34.069
lunacy against him?
129
00:06:34.750 --> 00:06:36.860
My own husband, Monsieur Bianchon?
130
00:06:37.279 --> 00:06:41.220
But it's necessary, madame. My uncle is judge of the
131
00:06:41.259 --> 00:06:44.779
inferior courts. He could get it for you quite easily.
132
00:06:45.600 --> 00:06:47.620
If you'd consent to visit with him, I'm sure.
133
00:06:47.689 --> 00:06:48.319
Bianchon.
134
00:06:48.500 --> 00:06:48.810
Yes?
135
00:06:49.170 --> 00:06:51.470
Could you persuade your uncle to visit me here in
136
00:06:51.509 --> 00:06:54.370
my home? I would repay him for his trouble.
137
00:06:55.480 --> 00:06:58.100
A close friend of mine, Philippe Bred, is head of
138
00:06:58.120 --> 00:07:01.180
the civil court. He could do your uncle much good
139
00:07:01.220 --> 00:07:02.240
if I suggested it.
140
00:07:02.879 --> 00:07:07.540
Oh, but of course, Renée. I shall pay my uncle, Popinot,
141
00:07:07.560 --> 00:07:11.350
a visit this evening. Would tomorrow night be a convenient
142
00:07:11.410 --> 00:07:12.170
night for you?
143
00:07:12.430 --> 00:07:13.589
So convenient.
144
00:07:15.329 --> 00:07:18.829
And if Monsieur Popinot is interested in verifying my case,
145
00:07:19.350 --> 00:07:22.529
he might ask Maggie Campbell, my children's nurse, about Pierre's
146
00:07:22.569 --> 00:07:23.430
strange actions.
147
00:07:33.790 --> 00:07:36.230
Roger, if you're the butler in this loony house, come
148
00:07:36.269 --> 00:07:37.310
over here and bottle.
149
00:07:40.620 --> 00:07:43.699
Yes, Maggie, what is it now, nurse?
150
00:07:43.759 --> 00:07:45.019
Listen to them, will you?
151
00:07:45.439 --> 00:07:48.060
A father playing with his sons, a twist in their
152
00:07:48.139 --> 00:07:49.639
arms and they scream in agony.
153
00:07:50.100 --> 00:07:51.250
Look at them there in the garden.
154
00:07:51.730 --> 00:07:55.230
Teaching the boys how to wrestle, Maggie. Wrestling's a fine
155
00:07:55.350 --> 00:07:56.490
art in China.
156
00:07:56.529 --> 00:07:59.310
Wrestling, is it? It's a fine kind of wrestling. A
157
00:07:59.329 --> 00:08:01.769
trying to pull the boys' arms out by the sockets.
158
00:08:02.230 --> 00:08:05.980
A laughing and a screaming. A maniac's mind. A maniac,
159
00:08:06.040 --> 00:08:09.220
I tell you. Even help us. What will the madmen
160
00:08:09.279 --> 00:08:10.079
do next?
161
00:08:18.490 --> 00:08:19.350
Thank you, driver.
162
00:08:22.500 --> 00:08:23.560
Uncle Poppy, no.
163
00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:26.069
Uncle Poppy, no.
164
00:08:26.089 --> 00:08:32.470
Well, if it isn't my nephew. Well, well, Dionchon, come in.
165
00:08:32.970 --> 00:08:36.340
Oh, how can you live in this rat trap?
166
00:08:36.840 --> 00:08:39.220
If this is a rat trap, Dionchon, then you should
167
00:08:39.259 --> 00:08:43.059
throw your old uncle a piece of cheese. What brings
168
00:08:43.080 --> 00:08:45.879
you down here on the banks on this hot day?
169
00:08:45.899 --> 00:08:49.409
Oh, a matter of urgency. A friend of mine is
170
00:08:49.470 --> 00:08:49.990
in trouble.
171
00:08:50.710 --> 00:08:52.700
Trouble. Life was ever thus.
172
00:08:53.149 --> 00:08:55.220
Her husband is stark staring mad.
173
00:08:55.799 --> 00:08:59.019
And the poor woman hasn't the faintest notion how to
174
00:08:59.059 --> 00:09:01.360
go about getting a commission for lunacy.
175
00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:02.840
Who is the lady?
176
00:09:03.399 --> 00:09:05.279
Madame de la Marquise Despard.
177
00:09:06.159 --> 00:09:07.700
Madame de la Marquise?
178
00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:08.120
Yes.
179
00:09:10.409 --> 00:09:15.220
She probably knows more about these things than you do, nephew. Well, nevertheless,
180
00:09:15.379 --> 00:09:16.820
I'll see her when she arrives.
181
00:09:17.179 --> 00:09:20.779
She's not well, Uncle. You can't expect her to visit
182
00:09:20.799 --> 00:09:25.139
you in a place like this. Besides, she's a.
183
00:09:25.220 --> 00:09:28.159
Close friend of Philippe Brett. And he's the head of
184
00:09:28.179 --> 00:09:29.820
the civil courts and can do you a.
185
00:09:29.860 --> 00:09:30.559
Lot of good.
186
00:09:30.799 --> 00:09:31.460
That crook?
187
00:09:31.620 --> 00:09:32.570
Oh, Popey, no.
188
00:09:33.679 --> 00:09:36.419
Madame Le Marquis had the kindness to invite us to
189
00:09:36.480 --> 00:09:38.879
dinner at her house tomorrow night.
190
00:09:39.100 --> 00:09:42.019
Bien, Jean, I'm surprised at you. You know very well
191
00:09:42.070 --> 00:09:44.629
that I'll be the examining judge on the case, and
192
00:09:44.730 --> 00:09:48.490
our court's forbidden judge to dine in a petitioner's home.
193
00:09:48.990 --> 00:09:49.889
It's against the law.
194
00:09:50.450 --> 00:09:54.169
Oh, yes, I'd forgotten. After dinner, then, uncle?
195
00:09:54.509 --> 00:09:55.850
Well, she can see me here.
196
00:09:56.350 --> 00:10:01.039
In all fairness to her, she's ill, uncle. Drop in
197
00:10:01.080 --> 00:10:01.720
at her house?
198
00:10:02.419 --> 00:10:05.419
Was it a request or a demand from her, Bienchon?
199
00:10:06.240 --> 00:10:07.620
Both, I imagine, Uncle.
200
00:10:09.340 --> 00:10:12.000
Even a judge is afraid not to grant her demands.
201
00:10:12.019 --> 00:10:15.250
A woman like that is a powerful factor at court.
202
00:10:15.750 --> 00:10:17.649
Then you will drop in and see her?
203
00:10:18.070 --> 00:10:18.409
Yes.
204
00:10:18.850 --> 00:10:22.230
Tomorrow afternoon at three. But warn her not to serve
205
00:10:22.269 --> 00:10:23.850
any food or drink to me at all.
206
00:10:24.049 --> 00:10:26.559
Oh, yes, Uncle. She will be well warned.
207
00:10:40.070 --> 00:10:41.269
Maggie, what are you.
208
00:10:41.129 --> 00:10:43.769
Doing prowling about the master's bedroom?
209
00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:46.259
I was looking for a good tonic for the children.
210
00:10:46.799 --> 00:10:50.379
The master keeps all the medicines locked up here. While
211
00:10:50.559 --> 00:10:53.559
I'm about it, you ought to take the tonic, Roger.
212
00:10:54.039 --> 00:10:56.450
You don't look so well lately.
213
00:10:56.929 --> 00:10:58.409
I never felt better.
214
00:10:58.470 --> 00:10:59.850
Spring's coming, Roger.
215
00:11:00.429 --> 00:11:01.750
Everybody should take a tonic.
216
00:11:02.769 --> 00:11:04.299
Here, drink this.
217
00:11:04.740 --> 00:11:06.559
You'll feel like a new man in a few seconds.
218
00:11:07.139 --> 00:11:08.519
I'll fix another drawer for the children.
219
00:11:08.539 --> 00:11:13.000
I can't figure you out, Maggie. One moment you shout,
220
00:11:13.100 --> 00:11:16.039
and the next you worry about my house. That's just
221
00:11:16.120 --> 00:11:17.220
my way, Roger.
222
00:11:17.899 --> 00:11:19.509
Go ahead, drink it.
223
00:11:20.259 --> 00:11:20.820
I'm a nurse.
224
00:11:21.320 --> 00:11:22.399
I ought to know what's good.
225
00:11:23.159 --> 00:11:24.899
Go ahead, drink it.
226
00:11:25.330 --> 00:11:30.590
Well, this will make us better friends, Maggie. I'll drink it. Oh.
227
00:11:35.799 --> 00:11:36.909
Tastes like poison.
228
00:11:36.950 --> 00:11:37.289
Roger.
229
00:11:37.309 --> 00:11:38.610
Roger.
230
00:11:38.629 --> 00:11:39.710
The master's calling, Roger.
231
00:11:40.070 --> 00:11:42.769
See what he wants. I'm coming, Monsieur Le Marquis.
232
00:11:42.789 --> 00:11:44.029
Better come along for the study, Roger.
233
00:11:44.350 --> 00:11:46.110
I'm expecting a visitor, and I'd better have the place
234
00:11:46.129 --> 00:11:47.070
looking spick and span.
235
00:11:47.909 --> 00:11:48.830
Visitor, Monsieur?
236
00:11:49.090 --> 00:11:51.590
Madame Jean Renaud will be here soon. Then the business
237
00:11:51.629 --> 00:11:53.110
between Madame and I will be.
238
00:11:53.090 --> 00:12:00.220
Over, finally. I'm glad. Monsieur, look at the study. More
239
00:12:00.320 --> 00:12:02.419
Chinese books than all of China.
240
00:12:02.970 --> 00:12:07.149
I need them. What's the matter, Roger?
241
00:12:07.850 --> 00:12:09.509
I feel so ill.
242
00:12:10.049 --> 00:12:12.629
It's really my key. In heaven's name.
243
00:12:12.669 --> 00:12:13.490
Yeah, better sit down.
244
00:12:13.590 --> 00:12:14.230
Over here, Roger.
245
00:12:15.370 --> 00:12:20.470
I'm... Help me. Roger. Maggie.
246
00:12:20.870 --> 00:12:22.289
Maggie. What's the matter, monsieur?
247
00:12:22.529 --> 00:12:22.789
Roger.
248
00:12:23.409 --> 00:12:23.850
Roger, I'm sorry.
249
00:12:23.870 --> 00:12:23.970
Roger.
250
00:12:24.610 --> 00:12:24.870
Roger.
251
00:12:27.080 --> 00:12:27.679
He's dead.
252
00:12:28.299 --> 00:12:28.659
Dead?
253
00:12:29.899 --> 00:12:32.860
His skin is turning black, monsieur. Black?
254
00:12:33.039 --> 00:12:33.620
As if he had drunk.
255
00:12:34.200 --> 00:12:37.399
Yes, just as if he'd drunk a strong draught of
256
00:12:37.539 --> 00:12:38.820
Chinese poison.
257
00:12:39.500 --> 00:12:40.320
How do you know the effect?
258
00:12:40.879 --> 00:12:41.750
I'm a nurse, sir.
259
00:12:42.870 --> 00:12:47.129
Now your madness is no longer innocent. You're a murderer, too,
260
00:12:47.730 --> 00:12:51.289
pising a poor, helpless man just because he disagreed with you.
261
00:12:51.309 --> 00:12:52.490
What are you talking about, Maggie?
262
00:12:52.529 --> 00:12:54.190
You know what I'm talking about, monsieur.
263
00:12:54.970 --> 00:12:56.029
You're a murderer.
264
00:12:56.070 --> 00:12:56.230
Murderer?
265
00:12:56.879 --> 00:12:57.679
A murderer.
266
00:12:58.220 --> 00:12:59.730
Now get the police for you.
267
00:12:59.789 --> 00:13:00.710
Pisoners all in the.
268
00:13:00.690 --> 00:13:01.350
Middle of the night.
269
00:13:40.620 --> 00:13:44.139
Madame la Marquise, may I present my uncle, judge of
270
00:13:44.179 --> 00:13:47.110
the inferior courts, Monsieur Popenel.
271
00:13:47.389 --> 00:13:48.529
Good afternoon, monsieur.
272
00:13:48.769 --> 00:13:49.429
How do you do?
273
00:13:49.710 --> 00:13:52.009
This is my brother-in-law, the Chevalier d'Espagne.
274
00:13:53.230 --> 00:13:54.590
C'est so. How do you do?
275
00:13:54.669 --> 00:13:55.190
How do you do?
276
00:13:55.990 --> 00:13:57.809
Won't you be seated, Monsieur Popenel?
277
00:13:58.230 --> 00:14:01.389
My uncle will do everything in his power to help you, Renée.
278
00:14:01.629 --> 00:14:03.409
I'm sure he will, Bianchon.
279
00:14:04.090 --> 00:14:08.059
Tell me, madame, when you and the Marquis separated originally...
280
00:14:08.759 --> 00:14:10.320
How much money were you allowed?
281
00:14:10.340 --> 00:14:13.870
Just my original income of 26,000 francs a year.
282
00:14:14.570 --> 00:14:17.450
You say that the Marquis had given a certain Madame
283
00:14:17.490 --> 00:14:19.549
Jean Renault considerable sums of money?
284
00:14:19.570 --> 00:14:21.269
Almost a million francs.
285
00:14:22.330 --> 00:14:25.029
Is there any reason for him to give her money? None.
286
00:14:25.649 --> 00:14:28.149
None but an imaginary one dictated to him by his
287
00:14:28.210 --> 00:14:28.879
twisted mind.
288
00:14:29.200 --> 00:14:31.299
Does Madame Jean Renault live well?
289
00:14:31.320 --> 00:14:32.700
Live well?
290
00:14:33.399 --> 00:14:38.210
In a mansion? I'm a poor man myself, madame. How
291
00:14:38.250 --> 00:14:41.029
much does madame Jean Reno spend on her house?
292
00:14:41.289 --> 00:14:44.029
Oh, the stables alone cost 16,000 francs.
293
00:14:44.950 --> 00:14:49.879
Judges are apt to be incredulous. If the stables alone
294
00:14:49.960 --> 00:14:54.340
cost 16,000, then how much for the entire establishment?
295
00:14:54.360 --> 00:14:56.159
Between 50 and 60,000 francs.
296
00:14:56.639 --> 00:14:57.480
So much?
297
00:14:58.320 --> 00:14:59.440
You don't say.
298
00:15:00.570 --> 00:15:02.789
How much do you spend for this lovely place?
299
00:15:02.909 --> 00:15:05.269
About the same, 50 or 60,000.
300
00:15:05.269 --> 00:15:08.950
Renee!
301
00:15:08.970 --> 00:15:12.350
I thought you said your income was only 26,000 francs.
302
00:15:13.169 --> 00:15:16.190
You must be badly in debt, obviously.
303
00:15:16.250 --> 00:15:17.379
But, monsieur.
304
00:15:17.409 --> 00:15:20.720
If you're in debt, the court might not feel justified
305
00:15:20.740 --> 00:15:24.320
in allowing you to handle your husband's money. They might
306
00:15:24.559 --> 00:15:27.279
think you have a different motive for trying to secure
307
00:15:27.379 --> 00:15:30.429
control of your husband's money. Not that I have. A
308
00:15:30.450 --> 00:15:31.289
selfish one.
309
00:15:32.090 --> 00:15:33.190
Do you serve, madame?
310
00:15:34.049 --> 00:15:37.169
I'm sorry, madame Le Marquis. It's against the law for
311
00:15:37.190 --> 00:15:39.250
me to eat or drink at a petitioner's home. I
312
00:15:39.289 --> 00:15:39.970
thought you knew.
313
00:15:39.990 --> 00:15:41.879
Madame Le Marquis! Madame Le Marquis!
314
00:15:41.889 --> 00:15:42.379
Maggie?
315
00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:44.779
What are you doing here? I've been trying to get
316
00:15:44.799 --> 00:15:47.000
her all day, I have. Monsieur Le Marquis has murdered
317
00:15:47.039 --> 00:15:47.559
his butler.
318
00:15:47.580 --> 00:15:47.779
What?
319
00:15:47.840 --> 00:15:48.460
Poisoned him.
320
00:15:48.779 --> 00:15:50.000
I saw it with my own eyes.
321
00:15:50.019 --> 00:15:51.659
The police came.
322
00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:53.379
They've got him away in the jail.
323
00:15:53.399 --> 00:15:56.080
He's stark staring, writhing.
324
00:15:55.700 --> 00:16:01.110
Mad, he is. Murder now. Well, monsieur Pogonel, Is murder
325
00:16:01.149 --> 00:16:02.629
a part of a sane man's mind?
326
00:16:10.240 --> 00:16:11.919
Such a place for a judge to live.
327
00:16:13.519 --> 00:16:14.820
If I lived here, I'd never.
328
00:16:14.639 --> 00:16:15.559
Make old bones.
329
00:16:16.399 --> 00:16:18.399
Monsieur Popinot. Yes?
330
00:16:18.919 --> 00:16:21.399
I got your summons to come and see you in
331
00:16:21.450 --> 00:16:21.899
your house.
332
00:16:22.299 --> 00:16:23.610
Well, here I am.
333
00:16:24.330 --> 00:16:26.450
Here you are. But who are you?
334
00:16:26.669 --> 00:16:28.730
Madame Jean Renaud.
335
00:16:29.129 --> 00:16:31.490
Kind of a judge of you anyway, living here.
336
00:16:32.200 --> 00:16:35.019
You must be an honest one. Well, what do you
337
00:16:35.039 --> 00:16:35.899
want to see me about?
338
00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:39.600
I've learned that you've been receiving extraordinary amounts of money
339
00:16:39.639 --> 00:16:41.440
from Monsieur Le Marquis Despard.
340
00:16:41.460 --> 00:16:43.539
Well, as a matter of fact, I have.
341
00:16:43.919 --> 00:16:47.710
Ooh, what seducer's arts have you been using on Monsieur
342
00:16:47.750 --> 00:16:48.470
Le Marquis?
343
00:16:48.490 --> 00:16:50.129
Oh, seducer's arts?
344
00:16:52.029 --> 00:16:55.250
Look at me, Monsieur. Fat, ugly, hideous.
345
00:16:55.789 --> 00:16:57.610
What kind of a damp would I make?
346
00:16:57.850 --> 00:17:02.539
Well, that's a question I can't answer. But you'll have to. Monsieur.
347
00:17:03.250 --> 00:17:05.200
I'm sorry, but I am under oath.
348
00:17:05.440 --> 00:17:08.019
I can never divulge the reason that Monsieur gives me
349
00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:08.420
the money.
350
00:17:08.880 --> 00:17:11.700
Madame, if you have any pity for your benefactor, you'll
351
00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:14.420
tell me. A commission for lunacy has been taken out
352
00:17:14.460 --> 00:17:18.500
against him. Your name is having some strange power over him.
353
00:17:18.519 --> 00:17:21.140
Power which is supposed to have driven him mad. Oh,
354
00:17:21.359 --> 00:17:22.039
great heavens.
355
00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:24.200
I must go to Monsieur Le Marquis and warn him.
356
00:17:24.569 --> 00:17:26.809
He's a saint, that man. A saint, Monsieur.
357
00:17:26.849 --> 00:17:29.049
Yes, but he isn't at home. He's in jail. Madame
358
00:17:29.069 --> 00:17:42.769
Jean Renoir. Monsieur le Marquis, I'm Judge Popenov, the inferior court.
359
00:17:43.549 --> 00:17:46.400
You're most welcome to come in and share my prison cell.
360
00:17:47.440 --> 00:17:49.420
Are you here to accuse me of murdering a man, too?
361
00:17:49.900 --> 00:17:52.940
No, monsieur. But your wife has taken out a commission
362
00:17:53.000 --> 00:17:54.099
for lunacy against you.
363
00:17:54.119 --> 00:17:56.559
Monsieur, you're joking.
364
00:17:57.019 --> 00:18:00.920
I wish I were. Your passion for Chinese customs has
365
00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:03.039
led them to believe you live in a dream world.
366
00:18:03.359 --> 00:18:05.200
I was commissioned to write a book about China by
367
00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:06.809
the most respectable firm in all Paris.
368
00:18:07.109 --> 00:18:08.190
Have you a contract from them?
369
00:18:08.430 --> 00:18:09.509
In my desk drawer at home.
370
00:18:11.289 --> 00:18:14.230
Are there any duplicate copies in case your copy is stolen?
371
00:18:14.390 --> 00:18:17.160
Certainly. Here's the address of the firm. They have the duplicate.
372
00:18:18.180 --> 00:18:21.059
The second count is, of course, there's murder. You were
373
00:18:21.119 --> 00:18:23.940
accused of murdering your butler just to try out a
374
00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:26.299
potency of a new Chinese drug you've discovered.
375
00:18:26.420 --> 00:18:28.700
I've never toyed with Chinese drugs or poisons.
376
00:18:28.789 --> 00:18:30.829
How about this business of giving all your money to
377
00:18:30.869 --> 00:18:31.890
Madame Jean Renault?
378
00:18:32.789 --> 00:18:35.410
Monsieur, I never thought I'd tell anyone that secret.
379
00:18:36.069 --> 00:18:37.299
Your life depends on it.
380
00:18:38.430 --> 00:18:40.609
Madame Jean Renault is the descendant of the Jean Renault
381
00:18:40.650 --> 00:18:42.849
family who owned a large estate in Saxony in the
382
00:18:42.890 --> 00:18:47.710
13th century. My ancestors murdered her ancestors and stole that property.
383
00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:49.309
What has that to do with you?
384
00:18:49.769 --> 00:18:53.130
The entire Despard fortune was founded on that property. I'm
385
00:18:53.170 --> 00:18:55.589
trying to pay back a debt. The amount of money
386
00:18:55.630 --> 00:18:57.410
which should have been paid to the Jean Leno when
387
00:18:57.430 --> 00:19:01.089
the property was taken over. You're too conscientious, Monsieur Le Marquis.
388
00:19:01.109 --> 00:19:03.190
I don't want my children to be ashamed of their
389
00:19:03.230 --> 00:19:04.549
family as I'm ashamed of mine.
390
00:19:05.470 --> 00:19:07.190
They'll always be proud of the Despard name.
391
00:19:08.109 --> 00:19:09.910
I don't think we'll have any trouble clearing you of
392
00:19:09.930 --> 00:19:13.210
this charge. Tell me this. Is there any place in
393
00:19:13.279 --> 00:19:15.859
France where the black Chinese poison can be ordered?
394
00:19:16.500 --> 00:19:19.769
One place might have it. It's a small pharmacy called Lincoln.
395
00:19:19.789 --> 00:19:26.369
I don't usually carry that particular mixing drug in our pharmacy, Mr. Pompano.
396
00:19:26.390 --> 00:19:27.170
It's too dangerous.
397
00:19:27.910 --> 00:19:29.730
But I did have a special order for it from
398
00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:31.859
a Cockney woman named Maggie Campbell just the other day.
399
00:19:31.880 --> 00:19:34.279
She had a note authorizing her to buy it.
400
00:19:34.660 --> 00:19:35.599
Who was the note from?
401
00:19:35.779 --> 00:19:37.859
From the head of the medical research department through the
402
00:19:37.880 --> 00:19:38.779
Chevalier Despard.
403
00:19:39.920 --> 00:19:40.819
Thank you very much.
404
00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:52.200
Clerk.
405
00:19:52.839 --> 00:19:53.180
Clerk.
406
00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:57.059
Has Monsieur Le Marquis Despard's contract arrived from Paris?
407
00:19:57.359 --> 00:19:59.539
Yes, Monsieur Papineau, this morning.
408
00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:03.109
Where is Madame Jean Reno? She's waiting for you now,
409
00:20:03.150 --> 00:20:06.309
Monsieur Papineau. Just have her sign this legal bill of
410
00:20:06.329 --> 00:20:08.890
sale for the Saxon property and ask her to appear
411
00:20:08.950 --> 00:20:09.890
in court tomorrow morning.
412
00:20:10.130 --> 00:20:10.849
Yes, monsieur.
413
00:20:11.150 --> 00:20:15.250
And the clerk. Yes. Send this letter to the Marquise Despard.
414
00:20:16.130 --> 00:20:19.140
After this note, I don't think she'll appear to press charges.
415
00:20:22.359 --> 00:20:23.920
Come along, René.
416
00:20:24.400 --> 00:20:26.700
I'd better go inside the courtroom. It's almost time for
417
00:20:26.720 --> 00:20:27.720
the sessions to start.
418
00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:29.299
You go ahead, Cecil.
419
00:20:29.359 --> 00:20:32.690
I'd like to see Monsieur Philippe Brett before court starts.
420
00:20:33.150 --> 00:20:33.869
A few later, then.
421
00:20:35.309 --> 00:20:38.569
Oh, my dear Renée, you look charming.
422
00:20:38.910 --> 00:20:40.210
I hope I haven't kept you waiting.
423
00:20:40.309 --> 00:20:41.089
Not at all.
424
00:20:41.109 --> 00:20:44.490
Here's the letter Monsieur Pocono sent me last night and
425
00:20:44.509 --> 00:20:48.970
the affidavits you asked for. This letter from Pocono places
426
00:20:48.990 --> 00:20:52.630
you in a very ugly position. It threatens the entire
427
00:20:52.650 --> 00:20:56.170
civil court. Besides naming the head of the medical association,
428
00:20:56.210 --> 00:20:56.930
Monsieur Brett.
429
00:20:57.390 --> 00:21:00.490
Yes, I know, Renée. Leave everything to me. I'll see
430
00:21:00.509 --> 00:21:01.609
you in court in a few minutes.
431
00:21:06.430 --> 00:21:09.730
Order in the court. The Fifth Court of Inferior Appeals
432
00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:13.359
is in session. The first case is a commission for lunacy.
433
00:21:13.660 --> 00:21:16.940
The case of Madame de la Marquise d'Espard against Monsieur
434
00:21:16.960 --> 00:21:20.039
de la Marquise d'Espard. Monsieur Popin. Yes, Monsieur Brett.
435
00:21:20.599 --> 00:21:23.259
As head of the civil courts, I cannot allow you
436
00:21:23.299 --> 00:21:25.180
to preside on the bench during this case.
437
00:21:25.660 --> 00:21:26.559
Cannot allow me?
438
00:21:27.000 --> 00:21:30.490
Do you realize, man, you violated the most important law
439
00:21:30.509 --> 00:21:34.460
in all France? I have three sworn affidavits that you
440
00:21:34.519 --> 00:21:37.140
partook of tea and cake at the household of Rene
441
00:21:37.160 --> 00:21:38.599
Despard at 5 p.m.
442
00:21:38.680 --> 00:21:39.519
Four days ago.
443
00:21:39.539 --> 00:21:45.640
Now, since madame is the plaintiff in this case, that
444
00:21:45.740 --> 00:21:50.529
renders any decision you might give as invalid. But, Monsieur Brecht,
445
00:21:50.569 --> 00:21:53.549
they are lying. Your own nephew swears it's the truth.
446
00:21:55.069 --> 00:21:56.630
Will you relinquish the bench?
447
00:21:57.509 --> 00:21:58.869
Who is to take over my place?
448
00:21:59.410 --> 00:22:00.470
Monsieur Devereaux.
449
00:22:00.490 --> 00:22:04.910
Devereaux? Yes. A man who spends his time currying favor
450
00:22:04.950 --> 00:22:05.750
from the majesties?
451
00:22:06.089 --> 00:22:08.990
Monsieur, will you give up the bench?
452
00:22:10.210 --> 00:22:12.750
I have no option. But if I can't work as
453
00:22:12.769 --> 00:22:15.509
judge on this case, I will represent Monsieur de la
454
00:22:15.529 --> 00:22:17.329
Marquis de Spade as his barrister.
455
00:22:17.789 --> 00:22:20.089
Will you ascend the bench, Monsieur Devereaux?
456
00:22:20.190 --> 00:22:24.859
Naturally, Monsieur, but the barrister in charge of proceedings will start.
457
00:22:25.829 --> 00:22:29.089
That is you, Chevalier Despard. Is it not, Cecil?
458
00:22:29.390 --> 00:22:29.609
Yes.
459
00:22:29.809 --> 00:22:30.849
Thank you, Monsieur de Vraud.
460
00:22:32.349 --> 00:22:37.470
On behalf of my client, Madame la Marquise, a poor
461
00:22:37.529 --> 00:22:40.819
innocent woman who has been robbed of her children, her income,
462
00:22:40.839 --> 00:22:45.460
and her home by a lunatic husband who is guilty
463
00:22:45.480 --> 00:22:46.019
of murder.
464
00:22:46.099 --> 00:22:47.579
You only presume he's guilty of murder.
465
00:22:47.660 --> 00:22:48.779
I presume nothing, Bobineau.
466
00:22:49.180 --> 00:22:50.859
He has already been tried and convicted.
467
00:22:51.319 --> 00:22:51.460
When?
468
00:22:52.650 --> 00:22:57.880
Ten minutes before court started. I signed the papers, Monsieur Pobinot.
469
00:22:58.539 --> 00:23:01.890
You did, brother. You haven't the foggiest notion of what
470
00:23:01.910 --> 00:23:05.470
this case concerns. I have definite proof that Maggie Campbell
471
00:23:05.509 --> 00:23:08.890
was hired to murder the butler. Here it is. My
472
00:23:08.950 --> 00:23:10.920
proof that Monsieur Le Marquis is innocent.
473
00:23:11.700 --> 00:23:12.259
Judge D'Affro.
474
00:23:13.009 --> 00:23:14.609
You can set aside this conviction.
475
00:23:14.630 --> 00:23:16.410
Chevalier, let us proceed.
476
00:23:16.690 --> 00:23:20.690
A woman named Madame Gérardinot has forced Monsieur Le Marquis
477
00:23:20.710 --> 00:23:21.690
to give.
478
00:23:21.569 --> 00:23:22.750
Her over a million francs.
479
00:23:23.450 --> 00:23:26.119
We all know that Monsieur Pauvenot made up that story
480
00:23:26.150 --> 00:23:28.900
about the Saxon property to fool the court.
481
00:23:28.920 --> 00:23:32.640
But these are lies, Monsieur Deveraux. Continue, Chevalier.
482
00:23:32.920 --> 00:23:35.759
And last but not least, we base our claim on
483
00:23:35.779 --> 00:23:37.500
the fact that Monsieur Le Marquis.
484
00:23:37.099 --> 00:23:39.960
Thinks he lives in China. Ha!
485
00:23:40.950 --> 00:23:42.710
Is that a thought for a sane man?
486
00:23:42.890 --> 00:23:45.309
Monsieur Lamarck, he is writing a book on China. He
487
00:23:45.349 --> 00:23:46.450
has a contract for that book.
488
00:23:46.630 --> 00:23:50.779
We investigated the contract, Monsieur Pompano. The Paris firm swears
489
00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:51.819
they never drew it up.
490
00:23:53.880 --> 00:23:56.880
You've done well, gentlemen. Like a mockery of the courts
491
00:23:56.920 --> 00:24:01.180
of France. This trial is a farce. A framed farce.
492
00:24:02.299 --> 00:24:05.630
Of course, you grant the commission for lunacy... You will
493
00:24:05.670 --> 00:24:08.250
be heaped with honors by these weakling fools.
494
00:24:08.349 --> 00:24:10.450
That is only your opinion, Pocono.
495
00:24:10.549 --> 00:24:15.859
Judge Devereaux, remember. Your conscience will weigh heavily on your soul.
496
00:24:16.720 --> 00:24:18.880
If you send this man away, you will have only
497
00:24:18.920 --> 00:24:21.480
yourself to answer to. You wake up in the middle
498
00:24:21.500 --> 00:24:24.990
of the night screaming for forgiveness to your maker. Think
499
00:24:25.069 --> 00:24:28.950
on it carefully, Judge Devereaux. Think before you make the decision.
500
00:24:28.990 --> 00:24:30.029
There is no need for thought.
501
00:24:30.569 --> 00:24:31.930
I demand an immediate decision.
502
00:24:32.690 --> 00:24:35.480
There's only one decision I can possibly make.
503
00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:36.880
An honest one.
504
00:24:36.900 --> 00:24:41.460
A decision dictated to me by my conscience and the
505
00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:47.859
evidence on hand. The commission for lunacy is granted.
506
00:24:48.460 --> 00:24:48.720
Mr.
507
00:24:48.740 --> 00:24:50.740
Devereaux, I'm as sane as you are.
508
00:24:50.759 --> 00:24:53.970
You can't lock me up. Don't tell them.
509
00:24:54.490 --> 00:24:55.690
In heaven's name, stop them.
510
00:24:55.710 --> 00:24:56.230
Don't let them.
511
00:24:56.769 --> 00:24:57.069
God!
512
00:24:58.390 --> 00:25:00.170
Take that man out of court and put him in
513
00:25:00.230 --> 00:25:00.890
a straitjacket.
514
00:25:01.410 --> 00:25:03.869
Before he loses his mind completely.
515
00:25:19.440 --> 00:25:23.920
From the time-worn pages of the past... we have heard
516
00:25:24.029 --> 00:25:24.890
the story.
517
00:25:25.890 --> 00:25:30.210
declared insane. Bellkeeper....
518
00:25:31.549 --> 00:25:32.579
Hold the bell.
519
00:25:52.720 --> 00:25:56.789
You have heard The Weird Circle, Episode 5, Declared Insane.
520
00:25:57.069 --> 00:25:59.190
Good evening, and thank you for joining us at the
521
00:25:59.230 --> 00:26:03.619
radio dial. Follow Old Time Horror Radio for more classic
522
00:26:03.660 --> 00:26:04.839
horror broadcasts.