Full Transcript for The Clock ,,,, A Helping Hand

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WEBVTT 1 00:00:10.640 --> 00:00:13.660 The wheels of chance, like the hands of time, move slowly, 2 00:00:14.519 --> 00:00:15.619 but time is more dependable. 3 00:00:16.800 --> 00:00:18.730 Chance is not only a gambler and a knave, it's. 4 00:00:18.629 --> 00:00:21.589 Also a playwright, and like the egotistical creature it is, 5 00:00:21.629 --> 00:00:24.230 it plays all the parts, including the hero and the villain. 6 00:00:26.059 --> 00:00:28.140 Tonight I'd like to tell you of one of its masterpieces, 7 00:00:28.199 --> 00:00:31.100 which Chance co-authored with its very good friend, Coincidence. 8 00:00:33.159 --> 00:00:34.979 A fine pair, Chance and Coincidence. 9 00:00:35.600 --> 00:00:36.820 And a lusty match for anyone. 10 00:00:38.179 --> 00:00:41.159 Well, the place, Somerville, a drowsy little town with a 11 00:00:41.179 --> 00:00:43.299 population of 2,704. 12 00:00:43.299 --> 00:00:45.679 Including Mrs. Wilson's twins, which were born last week. 13 00:00:46.780 --> 00:00:49.880 Somerville's vital statistics are recorded in the town hall. And 14 00:00:49.920 --> 00:00:51.600 if you look up the figures on crime, you'll find 15 00:00:51.619 --> 00:00:53.329 that Somerville is a very law-abiding place. 16 00:00:54.280 --> 00:00:56.240 The last outbreak of violence occurred. 17 00:00:56.020 --> 00:00:59.700 On June 4th, 1943, when two young boys swiped three 18 00:00:59.719 --> 00:01:01.500 or four potatoes from the bin in front of Mr. 19 00:01:01.539 --> 00:01:05.329 Gorsy's general food store. The punishment was swift and just, 20 00:01:05.829 --> 00:01:09.189 and was meted out by the culprit's parents. The principal 21 00:01:09.230 --> 00:01:11.849 character in our story is a man named Howard Williams, 22 00:01:12.530 --> 00:01:15.450 a recent arrival in Somerville. He has a wife and 23 00:01:15.489 --> 00:01:18.390 two children, a boy and a girl, and two occupations, 24 00:01:18.870 --> 00:01:20.989 accounting and minding his own business. 25 00:01:22.290 --> 00:01:25.480 The time? Well... The time is now. 26 00:01:33.739 --> 00:01:34.500 Good evening, Mr. 27 00:01:34.530 --> 00:01:34.890 Williams. 28 00:01:34.920 --> 00:01:35.530 Good evening, Mr. 29 00:01:35.560 --> 00:01:35.920 Hawley. 30 00:01:35.950 --> 00:01:37.849 I took two of your papers from the stand outside 31 00:01:37.930 --> 00:01:39.030 the store in the Gazette. 32 00:01:39.049 --> 00:01:40.930 That's eight cents. Anything else? 33 00:01:40.989 --> 00:01:42.530 Not just now, thank you. Good. 34 00:01:42.549 --> 00:01:45.150 I understand you got yourself fixed up at the cottage 35 00:01:45.230 --> 00:01:45.870 on Spring Street. 36 00:01:45.950 --> 00:01:47.109 Yes, it was quite a break. 37 00:01:47.150 --> 00:01:49.930 Houses aren't easy to rent these days. I take it 38 00:01:49.950 --> 00:01:52.069 then that you'll be staying in Somerville. 39 00:01:51.609 --> 00:01:52.170 For a while, hmm? 40 00:01:52.799 --> 00:01:53.780 I'm going to make it my home, Mr. 41 00:01:53.920 --> 00:01:54.159 Holley. 42 00:01:54.319 --> 00:01:57.200 Oh, now, that's fine. That's real fine. You'll find the 43 00:01:57.260 --> 00:02:00.700 folks hereabouts are plain, not very exciting, but they're nice 44 00:02:00.799 --> 00:02:01.560 people to know. 45 00:02:01.900 --> 00:02:03.040 I think we're going to like it here. 46 00:02:03.299 --> 00:02:08.120 I'm sure you will. You like detective stories? Not particularly, 47 00:02:08.360 --> 00:02:09.139 but my wife does. 48 00:02:09.259 --> 00:02:09.599 Oh, fine. 49 00:02:09.620 --> 00:02:11.430 Well, now, look, I got a new issue in today. 50 00:02:11.439 --> 00:02:15.210 I thought you might like a copy. Nice for reading 51 00:02:15.250 --> 00:02:17.150 by the fire and scaring the tar out of you 52 00:02:17.169 --> 00:02:18.289 in a long winter's night. 53 00:02:18.389 --> 00:02:19.449 I'll buy a copy for Hazel. 54 00:02:20.250 --> 00:02:21.229 She gets a big kick out of. 55 00:02:21.210 --> 00:02:24.030 Stuff like that. Here you are, Mr. Williams. That's 23 56 00:02:24.030 --> 00:02:26.979 cents and all. Thank you. 57 00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:30.159 This first story sounds like a thriller. There's a crime 58 00:02:30.180 --> 00:02:31.319 that is almost perfect. 59 00:02:31.740 --> 00:02:33.939 Hazel should like that. She's always getting me into arguments 60 00:02:33.979 --> 00:02:34.759 about the perfect crime. 61 00:02:34.810 --> 00:02:36.949 She reads so much of this stuff, she believes the 62 00:02:36.990 --> 00:02:38.270 perfect crime is impossible. 63 00:02:38.330 --> 00:02:39.849 Impossible? Don't you? 64 00:02:40.389 --> 00:02:42.669 It seems to me there's many an unsolved murder case 65 00:02:42.710 --> 00:02:43.449 in the police files. 66 00:02:43.990 --> 00:02:46.030 Of course, I don't know much about those things, but 67 00:02:46.250 --> 00:02:48.710 I imagine a man could kill another man and get 68 00:02:48.750 --> 00:02:50.590 away with it if he planned it carefully enough. 69 00:02:50.629 --> 00:02:52.650 Ah, yes, but there's always a slip-up, isn't there? 70 00:02:52.849 --> 00:02:54.610 Maybe there is. I couldn't say. 71 00:02:54.650 --> 00:02:55.770 My business is accounting. 72 00:02:56.069 --> 00:02:58.030 I prefer leaving the criminology to someone else. 73 00:02:58.060 --> 00:02:59.240 That's a good idea. 74 00:03:01.599 --> 00:03:03.340 I want a pack of cigarettes, Kensington. 75 00:03:03.879 --> 00:03:04.379 Very good. 76 00:03:05.099 --> 00:03:05.740 Here you are, ma'am. 77 00:03:07.300 --> 00:03:08.740 Do you know where I can get a room for 78 00:03:08.780 --> 00:03:09.439 the night? 79 00:03:09.479 --> 00:03:11.810 Somerville Hotel is about three blocks up. 80 00:03:11.870 --> 00:03:12.490 No, I tried that. 81 00:03:12.530 --> 00:03:12.949 I phoned. 82 00:03:13.229 --> 00:03:13.969 They don't have anything. 83 00:03:14.909 --> 00:03:16.949 Well, the only other place I know of is Mrs. 84 00:03:17.030 --> 00:03:17.810 Karp's rooming house. 85 00:03:18.370

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--> 00:03:18.949 Where's that? 86 00:03:19.110 --> 00:03:21.460 It's just outside. About two miles up. 87 00:03:21.699 --> 00:03:23.259 Is there a bus that goes in that direction? 88 00:03:23.379 --> 00:03:23.680 Yes. 89 00:03:23.939 --> 00:03:25.560 You can catch it right in front of the door. 90 00:03:25.580 --> 00:03:26.020 Oh, good. 91 00:03:26.060 --> 00:03:26.699 Thanks very much. 92 00:03:26.719 --> 00:03:34.639 Don't mention it. Stranger in town, I guess. Mighty pretty, too, eh? 93 00:03:34.680 --> 00:03:36.340 Well, I think I'll be on my way, Mr. 94 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:37.939 Hawley. I'm afraid I'm late for dinner. 95 00:03:37.979 --> 00:03:39.979 Well, I'm certainly glad to hear you're going to make 96 00:03:40.020 --> 00:03:41.080 Somerville your home, Mr. 97 00:03:41.120 --> 00:03:41.460 Williams. 98 00:03:41.819 --> 00:03:43.909 We're one big happy family in this town, and we 99 00:03:43.930 --> 00:03:44.969 always welcome newcomers. 100 00:03:45.349 --> 00:03:46.770 It's good to have friends, Mr. 101 00:03:46.810 --> 00:03:47.129 Hawley. 102 00:03:47.550 --> 00:03:48.370 Lots of friends. 103 00:03:48.710 --> 00:03:50.629 And I hope to make them here. 104 00:03:51.330 --> 00:03:53.849 I'm a simple man with simple tastes, and I've always 105 00:03:53.889 --> 00:03:55.909 wanted to raise my family in a community like this. 106 00:03:56.169 --> 00:03:57.409 Jump in again soon, Mr. 107 00:03:57.449 --> 00:03:57.729 Williams. 108 00:03:57.889 --> 00:03:58.509 I will, and thanks. 109 00:03:58.530 --> 00:03:59.180 Good night. Good night. 110 00:04:04.860 --> 00:04:05.900 The weather's awful, isn't it? 111 00:04:06.419 --> 00:04:07.479 It looks like we're in for a storm. 112 00:04:07.520 --> 00:04:10.930 It's beginning to hail. How often do those buses run past? 113 00:04:11.169 --> 00:04:14.330 I'm not sure. Every 15 minutes, I imagine. Maybe I 114 00:04:14.349 --> 00:04:17.529 can get a cab. I'm going in your direction. You are? 115 00:04:17.610 --> 00:04:18.850 And I have a car over there. 116 00:04:18.870 --> 00:04:19.449 Can I give you a lift? 117 00:04:19.870 --> 00:04:21.629 Well, I'd hate to put you to any trouble. No 118 00:04:21.649 --> 00:04:25.360 trouble at all. Maybe you'd better not. Why? 119 00:04:26.069 --> 00:04:26.500 Oh, well. 120 00:04:27.740 --> 00:04:29.899 Oh, well, I guess it's all right. Which car did 121 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:31.399 you say was yours? The gray sedan. 122 00:04:31.480 --> 00:04:31.860 Oh, let's go. 123 00:04:39.350 --> 00:04:41.009 Do you mind if I stop at this gas station 124 00:04:41.029 --> 00:04:41.410 for a minute? 125 00:04:41.430 --> 00:04:43.350 My tank's a little low. No, it's all right with me. 126 00:04:46.009 --> 00:04:48.389 Don't fill her up, mister? 127 00:04:48.430 --> 00:04:49.009 Yes, please. 128 00:04:49.110 --> 00:04:52.569 And check the oil. Do you have a phone inside? Oh, yes, ma'am. 129 00:04:52.589 --> 00:04:54.439 I'll be right back. 130 00:04:54.509 --> 00:04:54.939 No

hurry. 131 00:04:56.040 --> 00:04:57.620 Eh, rotten night, ain't it, mister? 132 00:04:57.829 --> 00:04:58.360 Blowing up. 133 00:04:59.420 --> 00:05:01.980 Better watch the road out of town. This hail ain't 134 00:05:02.000 --> 00:05:02.959 gonna do it much good. 135 00:05:03.560 --> 00:05:04.939 Well, I'm not going very far. 136 00:05:05.560 --> 00:05:09.439 Say, your left front tire's kind of smooth, eh? You 137 00:05:09.459 --> 00:05:10.379 better get a change. 138 00:05:10.399 --> 00:05:12.439 I intend to buy a whole new set next week. 139 00:05:12.720 --> 00:05:15.279 Oh, can I take your order for it? I suppose 140 00:05:15.300 --> 00:05:15.720 you can. 141 00:05:16.360 --> 00:05:17.259 My name is Williams. 142 00:05:17.379 --> 00:05:20.050 I'll run by here on Wednesday or Thursday and let. 143 00:05:20.029 --> 00:05:20.709 You put them on. 144 00:05:20.850 --> 00:05:21.449 Okay. 145 00:05:22.290 --> 00:05:24.009 Say, you're new in town, ain't you, mister? 146 00:05:24.290 --> 00:05:25.829 We've just been here a little over a week. 147 00:05:26.089 --> 00:05:27.910 Well, welcome to Somerville. 148 00:05:28.149 --> 00:05:28.930 Thank you very much. 149 00:05:29.089 --> 00:05:33.129 My name's Pete. I run this gas station. Anytime you 150 00:05:33.170 --> 00:05:36.209 need any advice about your bus, just drop in. No 151 00:05:36.269 --> 00:05:37.649 charge for advice to neighbors. 152 00:05:37.910 --> 00:05:38.750 That's very kind of you. 153 00:05:38.910 --> 00:05:39.110 Yep. 154 00:05:39.579 --> 00:05:42.240 We're a small town, maybe, but we get along nicely. 155 00:05:42.639 --> 00:05:44.779 City's a good place to visit, but it's no place 156 00:05:44.819 --> 00:05:47.860 to live. You never get to know folks the way 157 00:05:47.879 --> 00:05:49.199 you do here in Somerville. 158 00:05:49.579 --> 00:05:51.660 And they seem like worthwhile people to know. 159 00:05:52.300 --> 00:05:54.170 Well, I'll check your battery and your water. 160 00:05:54.490 --> 00:05:57.519 You ready? Just about. Look, I've changed my mind. 161 00:05:57.579 --> 00:06:00.430 I'm not going to that rooming house just yet. Do 162 00:06:00.449 --> 00:06:01.589 you know where the turnpike is? 163 00:06:02.149 --> 00:06:04.889 It's a mile from here, but it's only a crossroads. 164 00:06:05.089 --> 00:06:05.829 Are you driving past? 165 00:06:06.230 --> 00:06:06.449 Yes. 166 00:06:06.629 --> 00:06:07.269 Then I'll get off there. 167 00:06:08.079 --> 00:06:09.819 But there's nothing at the turnpike. 168 00:06:09.899 --> 00:06:11.300 Are you giving me a lift or aren't you? 169 00:06:12.199 --> 00:06:12.879 Why, of course. 170 00:06:12.899 --> 00:06:14.829 Then let's get going, and you can drop me off where. 171 00:06:14.709 --> 00:06:15.870 I asked you to, at the turnpike. 172 00:06:26.240 --> 00:06:27.620 You certainly are a careful. 173 00:06:27.319 --> 00:06:28.000 Driver, mister. 174 00:06:28.100 --> 00:06:30.160 It's hard to see the road in this weather. 175 00:06:30.180 --> 00:06:32.920 How far are we from the turnpike now? 176 00:06:33.240 --> 00:06:34.980 Half a mile, I guess. I'll let.... 177 00:06:41.040 --> 00:06:41.620 What's the matter? 178 00:06:42.269 --> 00:06:43.420 I'm almost afraid to look. 179 00:06:45.199 --> 00:06:48.879 Just a second. I thought so. 180 00:06:48.899 --> 00:06:49.660 What is it? 181 00:06:49.899 --> 00:06:50.319 Blowout. 182 00:06:50.500 --> 00:06:51.899 Oh, for heaven's sake. I'm sorry. 183 00:06:52.279 --> 00:06:53.579 I don't like it any more than you do. It 184 00:06:54.060 --> 00:06:55.720 won't do my clothes any good to get down in 185 00:06:55.759 --> 00:06:56.740 this mud on my hands and. 186 00:06:56.680 --> 00:06:59.350 Knees, but it looks as if I'm elected. Well, I'm leaving. 187 00:06:59.370 --> 00:07:01.189 There's nothing I can do to help, and I'm in 188 00:07:01.230 --> 00:07:01.529 a hurry. 189 00:07:01.550 --> 00:07:02.709 The turnpike's up ahead, isn't it? 190 00:07:02.730 --> 00:07:03.610 Well, just keep walking. 191 00:07:03.629 --> 00:07:05.790 You can't miss it. If you wait a few minutes, though, 192 00:07:05.829 --> 00:07:06.610 I'll change this tire. 193 00:07:06.670 --> 00:07:07.389 No, I can't wait. 194 00:07:07.879 --> 00:07:08.389 Thanks, Liz. 195 00:07:08.680 --> 00:07:09.240 I'll be seeing you. 196 00:07:09.540 --> 00:07:10.079 Be careful. 197 00:07:10.600 --> 00:07:15.959 The road's very slippery. Well, I'd better get started. 198 00:07:15.980 --> 00:07:17.779 Looks like I'll be home a good deal later than 199 00:07:17.860 --> 00:07:18.180 I thought. 200 00:07:29.620 --> 00:07:30.189 What's the trouble? 201 00:07:30.550 --> 00:07:33.209 The road is blocked. There's been a crack-up. You'll have 202 00:07:33.230 --> 00:07:33.970 to detour. 203 00:07:34.269 --> 00:07:36.430 Which way do I go? I live on Spring Street. 204 00:07:36.470 --> 00:07:38.769 Well, you better turn back and make a. 205 00:07:38.769 --> 00:07:39.930 Left turn on Maple. 206 00:07:40.370 --> 00:07:42.279 Oh, apparently I'll never get home. 207 00:07:42.500 --> 00:07:43.240 Sorry, mister. 208 00:07:43.259 --> 00:07:46.899 Well, nice night for ducks, anyway. 209 00:07:46.939 --> 00:07:48.500 Yeah, ducks and murder. 210 00:07:49.160 --> 00:07:49.920 Maple, did you say? 211 00:07:50.100 --> 00:07:52.350 That's right, mister, and take it easy. 212 00:08:04.259 --> 00:08:06.360 Howard Williams, you ought to be spanked. 213 00:08:06.379 --> 00:08:08.000 Now, don't be angry with me, Hazel. 214 00:08:08.040 --> 00:08:08.689 I couldn't help it. 215 00:08:08.779 --> 00:08:11.220 We'll have to send those clothes to the cleaners immediately. 216 00:08:11.740 --> 00:08:13.339 I only hope they can get all the mud off. 217 00:08:14.399 --> 00:08:16.120 Well, it's nice to be home again in front of 218 00:08:16.139 --> 00:08:16.500 the fire. 219 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:19.990 Is that robe warm enough for you, dear? Now, stop worrying, dear. 220 00:08:20.050 --> 00:08:21.730 I don't catch

colds as easily as that. 221 00:08:22.110 --> 00:08:24.790 Howard, I met one of our neighbors this afternoon. 222 00:08:25.209 --> 00:08:25.470 Mrs. 223 00:08:25.509 --> 00:08:25.970 Harvey. 224 00:08:26.449 --> 00:08:27.529 Oh, she was awfully nice. 225 00:08:28.139 --> 00:08:30.040 She kept asking me if there was anything she could 226 00:08:30.060 --> 00:08:31.319 do to help make us comfortable. 227 00:08:31.620 --> 00:08:33.309 Everyone here seems to be that way, Hazel. 228 00:08:35.110 --> 00:08:36.470 It's going to be nice living in Somerville. 229 00:08:37.070 --> 00:08:39.730 After all we've been through, it'll be like making a 230 00:08:39.789 --> 00:08:41.169 brand new life for ourselves. 231 00:08:42.149 --> 00:08:44.909 You promised me you wouldn't think about it. What happened? 232 00:08:45.529 --> 00:08:48.279 It was like a bad dream. But I'll forget about it. 233 00:08:49.120 --> 00:08:49.500 In time? 234 00:08:49.509 --> 00:08:54.309 I did all I could for Mr. Cagle. Sorry it 235 00:08:54.350 --> 00:08:56.029 ended up the way it did, then, that's all. If 236 00:08:56.110 --> 00:08:57.730 only he hadn't dragged you into it. 237 00:08:57.750 --> 00:09:04.049 Your reputation. Hazel. Let's not discuss it, huh? Are you happy, Howard? 238 00:09:05.830 --> 00:09:09.629 Right now, I'm very happy. There's a great deal more 239 00:09:09.649 --> 00:09:13.440 to living than making money, Hazel. When you have peace 240 00:09:14.460 --> 00:09:17.960 and contentment. When you have good friends and neighbors. 241 00:09:18.039 --> 00:09:21.120 Oh, I'll take it, dear. Hello? 242 00:09:21.759 --> 00:09:22.019 Hello? 243 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:23.080 Mr. 244 00:09:23.100 --> 00:09:23.899 Williams there, please. 245 00:09:24.039 --> 00:09:24.720 Who's calling? 246 00:09:24.899 --> 00:09:27.340 My name is Mallory. Lieutenant Mallory, State Police. 247 00:09:28.019 --> 00:09:28.379 Police. 248 00:09:29.399 --> 00:09:29.980 Just a moment. 249 00:09:30.279 --> 00:09:30.620 Police? 250 00:09:30.820 --> 00:09:31.080 Yes. 251 00:09:33.200 --> 00:09:33.460 Hello? 252 00:09:33.480 --> 00:09:33.580 Mr. 253 00:09:34.440 --> 00:09:34.679 Williams? 254 00:09:35.279 --> 00:09:35.580 Yes? 255 00:09:36.279 --> 00:09:37.139 Sorry to trouble you, Mr. 256 00:09:37.279 --> 00:09:38.700 Williams, but I was wondering if you. 257 00:09:38.600 --> 00:09:39.600 Might give me some information. 258 00:09:40.240 --> 00:09:41.899 About what? Do you know a woman. 259 00:09:41.700 --> 00:09:42.799 Named Laura Pearson? 260 00:09:43.759 --> 00:09:44.830 Why, no. 261 00:09:44.850 --> 00:09:45.470 Are you sure? 262 00:09:46.470 --> 00:09:46.870 Quite sure. 263 00:09:47.769 --> 00:09:49.669 We didn't think you'd know her, but Mr. 264 00:09:49.710 --> 00:09:50.769 Hawley mentioned something about. 265 00:09:51.509 --> 00:09:53.710 You're being in his stationery store. 266 00:09:53.429 --> 00:09:54.690 When she came in for cigarettes. 267 00:09:55.710 --> 00:09:58.289 A tall girl, good-looking, bleached blonde hair. 268 00:09:58.730 --> 00:09:58.889 Oh. 269 00:09:59.590 --> 00:10:01.360 Oh, yes. I remember now. Good. 270 00:10:01.379 --> 00:10:03.440 I wonder if you'd mind dropping into headquarters for a 271 00:10:03.460 --> 00:10:03.879 few minutes. 272 00:10:04.460 --> 00:10:04.700 Now? 273 00:10:04.940 --> 00:10:06.990 Well, if it's not too much trouble, we won't keep 274 00:10:07.000 --> 00:10:08.950 you long, but you may be able to. 275 00:10:09.169 --> 00:10:09.750 Help us out. 276 00:10:09.909 --> 00:10:11.309 Well, if it's important. 277 00:10:11.330 --> 00:10:12.190 Yeah, it's very important. 278 00:10:12.210 --> 00:10:14.889 You see, we found Laura Pearson about an hour ago. 279 00:10:15.529 --> 00:10:16.669 She'd been strangled to death. 280 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:32.129 Yes, the town of Somerville is very small, and you'd 281 00:10:32.149 --> 00:10:34.490 never find it on the map. But things do happen 282 00:10:34.509 --> 00:10:38.049 in Somerville. On this particular evening, for instance, at exactly 8.45, 283 00:10:38.049 --> 00:10:42.529 Howard Williams stepped into Lieutenant Mallory's office at police headquarters 284 00:10:42.590 --> 00:10:44.909 and was formally introduced to fear. 285 00:10:45.309 --> 00:10:48.129 Sit down, Mr. Williams, sit down. Do you remember Pete, 286 00:10:48.149 --> 00:10:49.129 the owner of the gas station? 287 00:10:49.149 --> 00:10:50.490 Oh, hello, Pete. 288 00:10:51.350 --> 00:10:54.090 Hello. Pete told me you'd met a couple of hours ago. 289 00:10:54.820 --> 00:10:58.019 He's the guy, Lieutenant. She was riding with him when 290 00:10:58.059 --> 00:10:58.879 he stopped for gas. 291 00:10:59.940 --> 00:11:02.529 According to Pete, Mr. Williams, Miss Pearson was seen in 292 00:11:02.539 --> 00:11:04.409 your car just before. 293 00:11:04.049 --> 00:11:06.049 Her body was found. I could have told you that 294 00:11:06.090 --> 00:11:06.850 myself if you'd asked. 295 00:11:06.929 --> 00:11:08.129 Naturally, naturally. 296 00:11:09.350 --> 00:11:10.730 How did you come to pick her up, Mr. Williams? 297 00:11:11.830 --> 00:11:13.649 I didn't pick her up, no. 298 00:11:14.389 --> 00:11:15.629 I gave her a ride, but. 299 00:11:15.649 --> 00:11:16.509 Oh, I'm sorry. 300 00:11:17.220 --> 00:11:20.539 I'm afraid I put it in the wrong terms. Exactly 301 00:11:20.659 --> 00:11:22.940 what occurred between you and Miss Pearson this evening, Mr. 302 00:11:22.960 --> 00:11:23.200 Williams? 303 00:11:23.779 --> 00:11:28.539 Well, I met her outside the stationery store... and offered 304 00:11:28.570 --> 00:11:31.110 her a lift to Mrs. Carp's. She made a phone 305 00:11:31.149 --> 00:11:32.070 call at the gas station. 306 00:11:32.090 --> 00:11:34.309 Is that right, Pete? I guess so. 307 00:11:35.269 --> 00:11:38.450 Of course it's right. Why should I lie to you? 308 00:11:38.509 --> 00:11:39.590 Oh, I beg your pardon. 309 00:11:39.669 --> 00:11:41.529 I didn't mean to infer that you'd lie.

310 00:11:42.529 --> 00:11:43.889 Please go on with your story. 311 00:11:44.450 --> 00:11:47.570 Well, that's about all there was to it. Instead of 312 00:11:47.610 --> 00:11:49.389 going to Mrs. Carp's, she asked me to drop her 313 00:11:49.409 --> 00:11:50.129 off at the turnpike. 314 00:11:50.309 --> 00:11:50.710 Oh, why? 315 00:11:51.750 --> 00:11:52.610 She didn't say why. 316 00:11:54.110 --> 00:11:57.529 Mr. Williams, the turnpike is over a mile from Mrs. Copp's. 317 00:11:58.480 --> 00:11:59.879 That's an odd place for a young girl to go 318 00:11:59.899 --> 00:12:00.480 in weather like this. 319 00:12:00.679 --> 00:12:02.299 Well, it wasn't any of my business why she was 320 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:04.419 going there. And I didn't ask her. 321 00:12:04.840 --> 00:12:05.120 I only. 322 00:12:05.139 --> 00:12:05.740 Just a minute, please. 323 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:08.899 Flanagan, send Mr. Hawley in. 324 00:12:10.090 --> 00:12:11.490 I'm afraid I can't help you out very much in 325 00:12:11.529 --> 00:12:13.870 connection with Miss Pearson. I never saw her before tonight, 326 00:12:13.909 --> 00:12:14.139 and I. 327 00:12:14.870 --> 00:12:15.830 Oh, come in, Mr. 328 00:12:15.870 --> 00:12:16.149 Hawley. 329 00:12:16.649 --> 00:12:16.970 Howdy. 330 00:12:17.409 --> 00:12:17.809 Good evening, Mr. 331 00:12:17.889 --> 00:12:18.090 Hawley. 332 00:12:18.110 --> 00:12:21.470 I said good evening. 333 00:12:21.929 --> 00:12:22.580 Yes, I heard you. 334 00:12:23.220 --> 00:12:23.419 Mr. 335 00:12:23.440 --> 00:12:23.659 Hawley. 336 00:12:24.669 --> 00:12:25.009 Did Mr. 337 00:12:25.049 --> 00:12:27.269 Williams and the Pearson woman recognize each other when they 338 00:12:27.289 --> 00:12:27.960 met in your store? 339 00:12:28.289 --> 00:12:32.659 Well, I can't recollect that they did. All I know 340 00:12:32.679 --> 00:12:33.179 is that it. 341 00:12:33.179 --> 00:12:36.379 Say, Lieutenant, that's very funny. 342 00:12:37.740 --> 00:12:38.019 What is? 343 00:12:38.759 --> 00:12:41.960 Weren't you wearing a brown suit about three hours ago, Mr. Williams? 344 00:12:42.559 --> 00:12:43.500 Why, yes. 345 00:12:44.799 --> 00:12:45.740 Why did you change your clothes? 346 00:12:46.159 --> 00:12:46.879 Because my other suit. 347 00:12:49.070 --> 00:12:49.529 Wait a minute. 348 00:12:49.549 --> 00:12:52.450 What is this, Lieutenant Mallory? I'm beginning to feel as 349 00:12:52.509 --> 00:12:54.950 if you're questioning me like a suspect. Oh, no. 350 00:12:55.490 --> 00:12:55.970 Not at all. 351 00:12:56.710 --> 00:12:58.809 We merely want whatever information you can supply. 352 00:13:00.250 --> 00:13:02.899 But I won't question you anymore right now, Mr. Williams. 353 00:13:03.539 --> 00:13:06.220 Perhaps I'll get in touch with you again tomorrow. Thanks 354 00:13:06.259 --> 00:13:06.879 a lot for coming in. 355 00:13:07.360 --> 00:13:07.779 That's all right. 356 00:13:08.419 --> 00:13:09.100 Oh, just a second. 357 00:13:09.379 --> 00:13:11.740 Mr. Hawley tells me your wife reads detective stories. 358 00:13:12.639 --> 00:13:13.080 What about it? 359 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:15.590 He said that you and she were discussing the perfect 360 00:13:15.669 --> 00:13:16.450 crime this evening. 361 00:13:16.470 --> 00:13:17.830 Perfect crime? 362 00:13:18.409 --> 00:13:19.350 I know how it is, Mr. 363 00:13:19.370 --> 00:13:19.799 Williams. I. 364 00:13:20.409 --> 00:13:28.340 Sometimes read detective stories myself. Good night. 365 00:13:31.620 --> 00:13:32.519 What happened, Howard? 366 00:13:32.539 --> 00:13:33.700 I don't know. 367 00:13:35.379 --> 00:13:38.279 They questioned me about this girl. 368 00:13:39.419 --> 00:13:40.220 And that was all. 369 00:13:40.240 --> 00:13:42.250 They certainly don't think that you had anything to do 370 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:42.590 with it. 371 00:13:42.610 --> 00:13:43.230 Of course not. 372 00:13:44.850 --> 00:13:47.210 I saw her before the murder, so naturally they want 373 00:13:47.230 --> 00:13:48.409 me to give any information I can't. 374 00:13:50.450 --> 00:13:51.929 I never even met the girl before. 375 00:13:51.950 --> 00:13:54.129 It's ridiculous. 376 00:13:55.809 --> 00:13:56.830 They haven't got anything on me. 377 00:13:56.850 --> 00:14:03.850 And they can't prove anything. Hazel. 378 00:14:04.149 --> 00:14:04.649 Yes, dear? 379 00:14:04.809 --> 00:14:06.370 You know I had nothing to do with this, don't you? 380 00:14:06.389 --> 00:14:08.389 You don't have to defend yourself. 381 00:14:08.070 --> 00:14:08.649 To me, Howard. 382 00:14:08.669 --> 00:14:09.389 Depend myself? 383 00:14:10.269 --> 00:14:14.080 What? Yes, that's what I'm doing now, isn't it? Depending myself. 384 00:14:15.129 --> 00:14:18.500 It just doesn't make sense. I have nothing to defend 385 00:14:18.539 --> 00:14:19.580 myself against, Hazel. 386 00:14:28.899 --> 00:14:31.580 Sorry to disturb you again, Mr. Williams. What is it now, Lieutenant? 387 00:14:32.440 --> 00:14:34.889 There's a man named Cy Parker who lives about a 388 00:14:34.950 --> 00:14:36.230 mile north of the turnpike. 389 00:14:36.389 --> 00:14:38.090 I'm afraid I don't know who he is. 390 00:14:38.110 --> 00:14:39.210 He may know you, however. 391 00:14:39.389 --> 00:14:39.690 He does? 392 00:14:39.929 --> 00:14:41.990 He seemed to give me a pretty good description of you. 393 00:14:43.190 --> 00:14:46.190 He said he warned you away from the roadblock early 394 00:14:46.230 --> 00:14:46.629 this evening. 395 00:14:47.549 --> 00:14:49.830 Oh, he must have been the man who told me 396 00:14:49.870 --> 00:14:50.250 to detour. 397 00:14:50.269 --> 00:14:52.960 That's right. He also said you were alone. 398 00:14:54.029 --> 00:14:54.460 What about it? 399 00:14:55.100 --> 00:14:56.519 That you looked like you'd been through some kind of 400 00:14:56.539 --> 00:14:59.480 a crack-up yourself. Did I look like a... He said 401 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:01.539 he noticed mud on your face and hands, and you 402

00:15:01.580 --> 00:15:03.320 seemed to be rather annoyed at being held up. 403 00:15:03.460 --> 00:15:04.820 Well, naturally, the. 404 00:15:04.799 --> 00:15:08.159 Weather was foul, and as far as the mud was concerned... 405 00:15:07.740 --> 00:15:11.009 Those are your clothes on that chair there? Yeah. Brown suit. 406 00:15:12.730 --> 00:15:13.590 Were you wearing it tonight? 407 00:15:14.190 --> 00:15:14.429 Yes. 408 00:15:15.850 --> 00:15:20.720 Muddy, isn't it? Well, I had to fix a flat tire. Ah. Mr. Williams, 409 00:15:20.740 --> 00:15:22.220 you'll have to return to headquarters with me. 410 00:15:22.879 --> 00:15:23.240 What for? 411 00:15:23.379 --> 00:15:25.279 Well, there are two or three loose ends that have 412 00:15:25.299 --> 00:15:25.840 to be cleared up. 413 00:15:25.860 --> 00:15:26.899 Loose ends? What do you mean? 414 00:15:27.460 --> 00:15:30.840 When we found Laura Pearson's body, her clothes were also 415 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:31.799 covered with mud. 416 00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:38.899 Have another beer, Si? 417 00:15:39.259 --> 00:15:40.830 Yeah, I don't mind if I do. 418 00:15:41.830 --> 00:15:43.330 I never would have figured him for it. 419 00:15:44.370 --> 00:15:47.139 Didn't look like that kind of guy to me. You 420 00:15:47.159 --> 00:15:49.110 mean you really think he killed that gal? 421 00:15:49.330 --> 00:15:51.129 Well, no, I'm not the type who'd pin a man 422 00:15:51.169 --> 00:15:53.570 against the wall without proof, and I believe in fair 423 00:15:53.610 --> 00:15:56.750 trial by jury. According to law, a man's innocent. 424 00:15:56.470 --> 00:15:57.850 Until he's proven guilty, right? 425 00:15:57.929 --> 00:15:58.330 Right. 426 00:15:59.129 --> 00:16:00.289 But between you. 427 00:16:00.149 --> 00:16:08.159 And me, Si, who else could have done it? And 428 00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:09.960 I saw the way he looked at her when she 429 00:16:09.980 --> 00:16:12.159 came into my store, I tell you. I don't care 430 00:16:12.200 --> 00:16:15.500 if he'd never seen her before. I know what goes 431 00:16:15.620 --> 00:16:18.059 on in a man's mind when he sees a girl 432 00:16:18.100 --> 00:16:18.700 like that. 433 00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:21.580 He's got a wife and two kids besides. Say, you 434 00:16:21.600 --> 00:16:22.340 think maybe he's. 435 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:23.000 Crazy, Holly? 436 00:16:23.039 --> 00:16:27.169 Crazy? Look, a lunatic don't plan a killing the way 437 00:16:27.210 --> 00:16:29.610 he planned this one. Look at how slick he did it. 438 00:16:29.610 --> 00:16:30.730 I know. 439 00:16:31.330 --> 00:16:33.750 He ain't no crazier than I am, a murdering rat. 440 00:16:39.929 --> 00:16:43.909 Well, Judge, he was sitting with this woman in the car. 441 00:16:44.509 --> 00:16:46.330 and it seemed to me they knew each other a 442 00:16:46.549 --> 00:16:48.419 lot longer than he said he did. 443 00:16:49.179 --> 00:16:51.820 Anyway, he told me to fill up his tank. 444 00:16:51.899 --> 00:16:55.539 and I

figured he was going for a ride, a 445 00:16:55.580 --> 00:16:57.080 long ride with her. 446 00:17:00.350 --> 00:17:02.570 He was as nervous as a cat, Judge, and dirty 447 00:17:02.610 --> 00:17:05.069 and a mongrel, too. He kind of stared at me 448 00:17:05.109 --> 00:17:07.640 when I mentioned something about the weather... that it was 449 00:17:07.680 --> 00:17:09.319 a nice night for murder. 450 00:17:11.440 --> 00:17:14.910 He talked like he knew a lot about crime, Judge. 451 00:17:14.950 --> 00:17:17.730 We had this argument about the story. 452 00:17:17.750 --> 00:17:21.269 He said to me... Wait till I get the words right. 453 00:17:21.930 --> 00:17:25.809 He said, I imagine a man could kill another man 454 00:17:25.890 --> 00:17:26.839 and get away with it. 455 00:17:27.359 --> 00:17:29.200 if he planned it carefully enough. 456 00:17:31.819 --> 00:17:33.859 When the body was examined, the coroner concluded. 457 00:17:33.880 --> 00:17:35.599 that she'd only been dead for half an hour. 458 00:17:37.509 --> 00:17:41.069 He filled his gas tank at 7.10. 459 00:17:41.069 --> 00:17:43.980 Cy Parker steered him away from that roadblock at 7.40. 460 00:17:43.980 --> 00:17:47.400 It's only a 10-minute drive from the gas station to 461 00:17:47.440 --> 00:17:49.740 the roadblock at the most, but apparently it took Williams 462 00:17:49.799 --> 00:17:54.900 almost 40 minutes. We also discovered that the defendant had 463 00:17:54.940 --> 00:17:56.279 been involved. 464 00:17:55.779 --> 00:18:00.089 In an embezzlement case in Chicago. He was acquitted. He 465 00:18:00.130 --> 00:18:01.089 left the city soon after. 466 00:18:04.109 --> 00:18:06.349 And it is the judgment of this court, Howard Williams, 467 00:18:06.410 --> 00:18:09.609 that you be sentenced to hang by the neck until. 468 00:18:09.329 --> 00:18:09.849 You are dead. 469 00:18:15.869 --> 00:18:17.839 Well, I haven't been very kind to poor Howard Williams 470 00:18:17.880 --> 00:18:19.859 so far, have I? But let's see what I have 471 00:18:19.930 --> 00:18:21.599 in store for him as his wife visits him in 472 00:18:21.630 --> 00:18:22.019 the cell. 473 00:18:23.299 --> 00:18:23.700 Howard? 474 00:18:24.819 --> 00:18:25.339 Hello, Hazel. 475 00:18:26.039 --> 00:18:30.819 Howard, they... They just told me. There's been no reprieve. 476 00:18:30.900 --> 00:18:31.119 I know. 477 00:18:32.990 --> 00:18:34.470 Told me an hour ago. 478 00:18:34.670 --> 00:18:35.509 What are we going to do? 479 00:18:35.569 --> 00:18:36.450 What can we do? 480 00:18:36.730 --> 00:18:39.430 They can't kill an innocent man. I don't believe it. 481 00:18:39.430 --> 00:18:42.150 They couldn't. You're the only one who believes I'm innocent, Hazel. 482 00:18:42.470 --> 00:18:43.309 Why did we come here? 483 00:18:43.829 --> 00:18:45.529 Why did we ever come to this horrible place? 484 00:18:46.950 --> 00:18:47.210 Don't. 485 00:18:50.539 --> 00:18:51.210 All the kids. 486 00:18:51.599 --> 00:19:00.319 They asked for you. Hazel, I want you to leave now. Leave? 487 00:19:01.140 --> 00:19:06.009 We'll make it easier for both of us. Well, this 488 00:19:06.029 --> 00:19:07.710 will be the last time I'll be able to see you. 489 00:19:09.410 --> 00:19:09.710 Howard. 490 00:19:10.359 --> 00:19:11.299 Don't say any more. 491 00:19:13.339 --> 00:19:16.279 Tell them outside that I want to see the prison chaplain. 492 00:19:17.420 --> 00:19:21.700 I refused to talk to him earlier. But I've changed 493 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:22.140 my mind. 494 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:25.950 Come on, Hazel. 495 00:19:25.990 --> 00:19:26.230 No. 496 00:19:26.890 --> 00:19:27.890 No, I won't say goodbye. 497 00:19:28.529 --> 00:19:29.450 You still have time. 498 00:19:29.990 --> 00:19:30.950 There's still a chance. 499 00:19:31.150 --> 00:19:32.109 There's still a chance. 500 00:19:34.809 --> 00:19:39.839 Right there isn't, Mr. Williams. Hello, Lieutenant. Hello, Williams. You 501 00:19:39.859 --> 00:19:40.440 asked to see me? 502 00:19:40.920 --> 00:19:41.099 Yes. 503 00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:47.440 Open the cell door, Haggerty. You can leave us, Haggerty. 504 00:19:48.170 --> 00:19:49.009 Hazel, will you leave us too? 505 00:19:49.349 --> 00:19:58.450 I'll wait outside. Very tough on her. 506 00:19:58.710 --> 00:20:00.839 Yeah. Even tougher than it is on me. 507 00:20:02.319 --> 00:20:03.059 I'm sorry, William. 508 00:20:04.019 --> 00:20:04.410 Mallory. 509 00:20:06.420 --> 00:20:08.480 I have a favor to ask you. Yeah? What is it? 510 00:20:09.490 --> 00:20:11.730 One day, Mallory, you'll find that I was innocent. 511 00:20:12.529 --> 00:20:12.839 Will I? 512 00:20:13.009 --> 00:20:15.289 You're a good detective. One of the best in the state. 513 00:20:16.309 --> 00:20:17.069 Something will turn up. 514 00:20:17.970 --> 00:20:21.240 Something that will make you think and reopen this case. 515 00:20:21.299 --> 00:20:21.720 Perhaps. 516 00:20:22.279 --> 00:20:24.059 All I ask is that when you do hit on 517 00:20:24.099 --> 00:20:27.859 new evidence, you'll prove me innocent. It won't do me 518 00:20:27.880 --> 00:20:30.319 any good, I know, but at least my name will 519 00:20:30.339 --> 00:20:32.359 be cleared and my. 520 00:20:32.319 --> 00:20:33.039 Family will be happier. 521 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:33.660 I see. 522 00:20:34.519 --> 00:20:37.079 I know it's a lot to ask, but I swear 523 00:20:37.099 --> 00:20:40.650 to you that I I didn't murder that woman. I'm 524 00:20:40.670 --> 00:20:41.730 going to die in a couple of hours, and I 525 00:20:41.750 --> 00:20:44.170 wouldn't lie at a time like this. You've got to 526 00:20:44.210 --> 00:20:44.880 believe me, Valerie. 527 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:46.700 I'm not guilty. 528 00:20:49.220 --> 00:20:53.460 I believe you, William. You do? I not only believe you, 529 00:20:53.500 --> 00:20:54.740 but I'm sure you're telling the truth. 530 00:20:56.079 --> 00:20:56.460 You're sure? 531 00:20:56.500 --> 00:20:57.299 Did you say it? 532

00:20:57.319 --> 00:20:57.480 Yeah. 533 00:20:58.400 --> 00:21:00.500 But how can you be sure? 534 00:21:00.519 --> 00:21:01.180 I mean. 535 00:21:01.259 --> 00:21:06.700 It's very simple. Simple. I know you're innocent because... I 536 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:08.180 also know who killed Laura Pearson. 537 00:21:09.789 --> 00:21:12.369 Then why didn't you tell him? Why in the name 538 00:21:12.390 --> 00:21:14.650 of heaven don't you tell him that you know? 539 00:21:14.670 --> 00:21:18.670 I can't, William. You see, I killed her myself. 540 00:21:19.950 --> 00:21:20.190 What? 541 00:21:20.950 --> 00:21:22.970 I was the one who called. She called that night 542 00:21:23.519 --> 00:21:26.359 from the gas station. I was the one she met, Williams, 543 00:21:26.420 --> 00:21:27.019 at the turnpike. 544 00:21:27.079 --> 00:21:27.339 No. 545 00:21:27.960 --> 00:21:31.240 She deserved to die. She was a blackmailer, a cheat. 546 00:21:32.299 --> 00:21:33.720 She wouldn't take no for an answer when I told 547 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:36.390 her we were through. I have a family of my 548 00:21:36.450 --> 00:21:37.009 own to think about. 549 00:21:37.349 --> 00:21:38.410 You'd tell me that now? 550 00:21:38.690 --> 00:21:40.579 You wouldn't expect me to mention it in the courtroom, 551 00:21:40.619 --> 00:21:45.480 would you? Yeah, and I killed Laura Pearson. There are 552 00:21:45.519 --> 00:21:48.319 only two people who know about it now, Williams. And 553 00:21:48.359 --> 00:21:50.839 after tonight, there'll only be one. 554 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:53.640 You're wrong, Mallory. Wrong? 555 00:21:53.660 --> 00:21:55.009 There's someone else you didn't count on. 556 00:21:55.369 --> 00:21:56.470 He's just outside the cell door. 557 00:21:56.569 --> 00:21:56.750 What? 558 00:21:59.210 --> 00:22:00.190 Did you hear what I said, Chaplain? 559 00:22:01.470 --> 00:22:01.950 Did you hear? 560 00:22:03.049 --> 00:22:08.470 Yes, I heard. Chaplain, as a man of God, you've 561 00:22:08.490 --> 00:22:11.369 got to keep a confidence. You can't tell them. 562 00:22:12.710 --> 00:22:13.150 You won't. 563 00:22:14.569 --> 00:22:16.490 No, Lieutenant, I won't. 564 00:22:18.579 --> 00:22:19.960 But you will, my son. 565 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:27.910 Yeah, you're right, Chaplain. I guess I will. 566 00:22:49.809 --> 00:22:51.970 And that is the story of Howard Williams as recorded 567 00:22:52.009 --> 00:22:52.529 by the clock. 568 00:22:53.430 --> 00:22:56.450 Chance and coincidence. Collaborators extraordinary. 569 00:22:57.309 --> 00:22:59.250 Their scenarios are always good, and I ought to know, 570 00:22:59.769 --> 00:23:01.130 because time is their entity. 571 00:23:02.369 --> 00:23:03.349 I'd be very honored. 572 00:23:03.170 --> 00:23:06.930 If you'd join me again in exactly 10,050 minutes' time, or, 573 00:23:06.950 --> 00:23:11.289 if you prefer, in exactly 167.5 hours' time, when I'll 574 00:23:11.309 --> 00:23:13.910 be here to tell you another of my stories. Until then, 575 00:23:13.950 --> 00:23:16.150 I wish you all happy times. 576 00:23:19.029 --> 00:23:22.789 The clock will be heard next week in exactly 10,050 577 00:23:22.789 --> 00:23:26.069 minutes' time from this same station. Written by Lawrence Klee 578 00:23:26.089 --> 00:23:28.930 with Hart McGuire as narrator, you heard Charles Tingwell as 579 00:23:28.970 --> 00:23:31.130 Howard Williams and Ken Wayne as Mallory. 580 00:23:31.470 --> 00:23:32.559 Others in the cast were. 581 00:23:32.420 --> 00:23:36.160 Wendy Playfair, Joe McCormick, Don Crosby and June Salter. The clock, 582 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:39.720 directed by John Saul, is a Grace Gibson radio production.

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