Suspense - "Death Went Along for the Ride" (Old Time Radio, 1944)

0:00You are listening to Old Time Retro Radio for full access to our archive. Visit patreon.com slash Old Time Retro Radio. On a cross-country drive from California to New York, a motorist picks up a young female hitchhiker. Tonight suspense presents Death Went Along for the Ride, Episode 7, originally broadcast April 2nd, 1944. Along isolated highways, the journey takes an alarming turn when the driver realizes that someone appears to be following them, and that he and his passenger may be the targets. Jean Kelly and Walter Tetley are featured in a play by Henry Denker and Ralph Berkey. From the CBS Radio Network, here is suspense, and now our story begins.

1:04Roma wine presents suspense. Roma wine is made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. Salute, your health, senior. Roma wines toast the world. The wine for your table is Roma wine, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. This is the man in black, here for the Roma wine company of Fresno, California, to introduce this weekly half hour of suspense. Tonight from Hollywood, Roma wines bring you a star Mr. Jean Kelly. In a suspense play that tells of fear and suspicion and dangerous adventure, from a long highway from California to New York. And so with Death Went Along for the Ride, and with the performance of Jean Kelly as a man named George Javry, we again hope to keep you in suspense.

2:15Take Mr. Brown to 314. Yes, sir. I want a room. The name, sir. George Javry, but I haven't got a reservation. Well, I think we can fix you up, Mr. Javry. If you'll sign, please. Sure. Excuse me, friend. Yes. I couldn't help hearing your name, Javry. Well, that's right. In the relation to Frank Javry since then, he... Well, not that I know of. Kind of a funny game, no adventure, Mr. Headbutt. I just thought, you know... Sure, I know. We're doing quite a lot of traveling in the Hemjum, Mr. Javry. Huh? I see all the stickers on your bags. Oh, oh, yes. I've been out of the country. Room 610 for 50 day. Will that be all right, Mr. Javry? Sure. You're gonna stay in Reno very long? I'm just overnight. No, I go in the east. You're driving? Yeah. Say, what do you want to know? I thought I'd tip you off to a good place to eat, see? You like steaks? Why? Get them.

3:15Let us stop at Harry's place then. There are steaks between here and Chicago. Here's the address. I wrote it down for another fellow this morning, but the left four I could give it to him. Oh, well, thanks. You're driving back east alone? Yes. Say, uh... What did you say your name was? I didn't, but it's Brown. Steve Brown. Well, look, Mr. Brown. If you want a free ride east, why don't you do it? No, no, no, no. I'm heading up to Portland, see. Oh, well... Well, have a good trip, Mr. Brown. Same to you, Mr. Javry. Thanks. Don't forget to stop at Harry's place, Mr. Javry. I think you'll find it a very interesting spot. Very unique. Mr. Javry. What is it? Did you know it was the fellow with only one on? No, where? I didn't think you did. He said he was a fundee horse, but don't have nothing to do with it, Mr. Javry. He's no fundee horse. He's no fundee of anybody. Don't have nothing to do with him. Oh, is he a drug, Mr. Javry?

4:15Oh, is your friend a fundee, Mr. Javry? What's wrong? I want to arm fellow. He was looking for you. He said I should keep my eye out for you. I want to arm... I want to arm, Mr. Javry. I know. There's no guest at the hotel that answers that description. I've seen him coming out of your room, Mr. Javry. I don't know how he got in there, but I've seen him coming out. You heard me. I'm checking out. If there's anything wrong? No, there's nothing wrong. I'm just checking out that song. But at three o'clock in the morning? Look, I said I'm checking out. Now, please get my bags out of the car. Just put them in the bag of the car. Yes, sir. I'll look kid. For the last time. Do you know? I don't know nothing, Mr. Javry. I don't know anything. Okay, okay. She's... Look, here he comes now. Hey, hey, wait a minute. I want Mr. Javry. Go on, Mr. Javry. Oh, oh, it's you, huh?

5:15Say, what's a big idea? What's a big idea? I listen to me, my one-on friend. I can't help having one of, Mr. Javry. All right, all right. But what's the idea of falling me around? You've been falling me ever since I got here. Well, when I'm very upset, Mr. Javry, it's like that, Mr. Somamai. What about it? Where do you see it? I'm kind of down in my luck. See, when I'm hitchhiking, I gotta get east. And I heard you were going east. You are going east, didn't you, Mr. Javry? Well, yes. Yes, I am. Do you mind if I come along with Pete? Oh, all right, hop in. Say, there's one thing you haven't explained to me yet. What's it? What were you doing in my room? Hitchhiking? I was never in your room. The Bellboy said he saw you come out. I don't know what he said, but I was never in your room. That's kind of late to start driving, I guess.

6:17I don't mind. I am used to night work. Say, I don't think I got your name. Jones. When I'm Jones, it call me mostly. You're traveling far, Mr. Jones. That is far away, St. Louis. Have you been in San Francisco lately? No. No, I came by way of San Diego. Why do you ask, Mr. Javry? Oh, nothing. I thought I might have seen it. What's your name? How did you know my name? Your name? That's an old Hitchhike escape. Hang around a hotel lobby and find out who's who and maybe ways ahead and see. Yeah. See? It doesn't seem to be much traffic tonight, does it? No. Are you looking for something? Oh, just reach you first, it goes. Get your hand out of your car. Get it out, I said. Don't have to pull a gun out.

7:17No. All right, Mr. Jones. Come on, let's have it. Watch your game. Game? Yeah, your game. Come on, spill it. I don't get it. You know why? I suppose you haven't been tailing me ever since I checked into that hotel. Well, I explain about the Hitchhike. Get out. Out of the car. You heard me. Okay. Let Mr. Javry? What? Don't be too surprised if you see me again sometimes. Good night, Mr. Javry. Some files were sealed for a reason. Classified programs, missing witnesses, patterns buried beneath official narratives. On conspiracy files with Page Carter, we follow the documents, the money, and the contradictions others ignore. Search conspiracy files with Page Carter, and follow now. The night for suspense. Roma wines bring you a star, Mr. Jean Kelly,

8:18whom you have heard in the prologue to death, what along for the ride, by Henry Denker and Ralph Berkey. Tonight's adventure in suspense. In this brief intermission in the play, let's imagine we're listening to a conversation taking place at the smart Coral Beach and Tennis Club in Bermuda. An American about to depart for the States, thanks his Bermudian friend for the gracious hospitality shown him. In particular, for the especially enjoyable wine his friend served. He remarks how much he like to be able to get some of that same wine at home. The Bermudian chuckles, as he says, put my friend, that wine you enjoyed so much, it comes from the great wine districts of your own California. It is Roma wine. Yes, friends, many Americans are still not aware that Roma wines are so highly rated in many foreign lands that they are imported to be enjoyed as rare luxuries. But here in America, we can still enjoy the superb Roma wines as a daily pleasure,

9:22well within reach of the most modest purse, with no high import duty, no expensive shipping costs included. That's why Roma wines cost use the most expensive, so little. Have you been overlooking the enjoyment these richly satisfying Roma wines offer as a delectable beverage at any time, as the addition that can make any meal and occasion? As a sure to be appreciated offering to your guests when you entertain. You got some idea of the great worth of these fine Roma wines. When you learn Roma wines are America's largest selling wines. I'll spell the name for you. Our whole M.A. Roma wines made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. And now it is with pleasure that we bring back to our soundstage, our star Jean Kelly as George Javory. In death went along for the ride. A tale well calculated to keep you in suspense.

10:31Alright, put them up. Come on, I'll get them up and step out in front of those headlights where I can see you. Come on before I left. Well, what do you want? Not to get job right now. Oh, I'm sorry. Kind of jumpy aren't you? Yeah, maybe. Well, I was. Well, come on, I'll buy you a cup of coffee. I think I earned it at that. How do you folks could see somebody out kind of later? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Black coffee, huh? How about you? The same, I guess. Look, I'm sorry, I frighten you. Say what's your name? I mean, I'm a black coffee. I'm a black coffee. Say what's your name? I mean, I mean Harrison, what's yours? George Javory. Say what are you doing walking along a million miles from no place at this time of night?

11:33I started driving Eastern $50 a lot, but yesterday like a fool. I fell apart on me. I was coming in here to phone or something. How far is she gone? Greenwich, Connecticut. I'm going to New York myself. You're welcome, I mean. Well, I... Look, if you don't like me, can always get out and start to walk again, why have you got to lose? Well, all right, thanks. And I could use a little company right now. There you are. Piece of pie? Piece of pie, bud? Oh, oh no. How about a hamburger? We got good hamburger, you know, we got... No, no, no, just be quiet, everybody. Be quiet. Yeah. What's the matter? Shut up, not a tovey. Sure, anything you say. Say what's the matter with you? I'm listening for something, that's all. What? There he comes. Hey, where are you going? I wasn't it. You know, what's going on, bud? You hotter, some? Now, there's a car out there. It's been following me for the last 200 miles.

12:34Yeah? I don't know. I know it. I took a side road. He did too. I tried to duck him and he hung on and kept following me. I'm sure that... Listen, isn't that my speed now? He's not coming any's waiting. For what? Me. Look, look, I lean here the keys to the car. Go out and drive it up the side entrance. I'll be waiting at the door. All right. No, no, go ahead, he won't hurt your hurry. Okay. Hey, mister, you're in trouble, are you? I know what no trouble might be shared on you. Be all right. Yeah. Don't you want your change? No, keep it. Hop in. I'll slide over. Thanks. Look back, Addy. Seems that other car follows. I don't think so. Say, look, Addy, I don't want to be nosy. I lean. I wouldn't kid you. I don't know what it is. Is anyone following us? No, I don't think so. Oh. Lights. Well, that doesn't necessarily mean it's someone following us.

13:37No. How fast are we going now? Well, 60. All right, watch. Hey, please be careful. George. I'll be careful. Is he coming? Uh-huh. I think he's gaining on us. Yeah, I thought so. Well, we'll see how much this guy wants to play. He had a pretty big car, you know? Yeah, I know. He's still gaining. Closing up pretty fast. All right, I can't stand this much longer and I'm going to do something about it. What are you going to do? I'm going to pull the one side slam on the brakes and see what happens. George! I'll force him into the ditch if I have to. It's what he's trying to do to us. Hang on. George! I'm coming! I'm coming! I'm coming! I'm coming! I'm coming! I'm coming! I'm coming! I'm coming! Come on, let's get out of here. See? What must have you killed? Yeah. Did you see him as we hit? Just for a second. You notice anything about him? Nothing much.

14:37I lied, dude. He was a man with only one arm. Come on. Well, this is that Harry's place that guy told me about. You sure you like steak? He doesn't. Well, this is the place for you that didn't find a steak besides your car, did they tell me? Come on. Table for two, sir? Yeah, please. Right this way. All the things you're must have to do, you might be. Right here. It is a nice table right by the window. That's fine. Thanks. And Madame? Thank you. Two steaks, please. Both medium rare. All right? Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. George, to get back to our little problem. Our little problem? All right, so it's your problem and I'm stuck with it.

15:38Are you sure you don't have any enemies? How could I have been out of the country for over a year? I didn't have anyone I left. Well, could there be any connection with that work you were doing with the Chinese government? Oh, not a chance. I go. Well, look, I don't know any secret plans that I have no age in X9. Well, all that's out. Oh, maybe it's all just a coincidence. Oh, sure. One arm guy tags me all over Reno and says he's a poor hitchhiker. Then he acts like he's trying to pull a stick up and then a hundred miles beyond where I've dropped him. He shows up in a big Cadillac just the coincidence. Oh, Mr. J. Re. George. The telephone from Mr. J. Re. Paul for George J. Re. Yeah. Another coincidence. What are you supposed to do? I don't know, but I'm going to find out. George, you don't. Come on, we'll both go answer. Are you, Mr. J. Re? Yeah. Well, that's good. They've been trying to reach you all day. All day? Yes. This is about the 10th call we've had for you. The phone booth is right this way. One little coincidence after another.

16:38Calling me all day to join. I've never been in before in my life. George, don't answer. Hello, you just keep an eye out while I'm in the booth. Oh, pardon me. My occurs. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. Can I help you, sir? Yes, I had a call in this world. I'm sorry, but your party seems to have disconnected. Did you call them? No, no, no, forget it. What was it, George? Come on. Let's go out to the car. Where are you? We all have voices. I don't know. Whoever it was, as soon as I answered, they hung up. Come on. Come on, there's a guy following us. The guy I bumped into with the phone booth. What? Oh, that's what that phone call was for. Get in the car quick. Here he goes. Oh, Mr. Jeffrey. You're just pointing something at the camera. Thanks, Mr. Jeffrey. Hey, what's the idea of taking pictures of me?

17:39It's a hobby. I'll send you a print at the mug. Hey, what's going on, George? Get off. Come on. Come on, George. Get off. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. This is one of the really bright spots of all Chicago. Yeah, a little too bright. That's just funny. Oh, my dear. Ladies and gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen. Ladies and gentlemen, we present directly from 10 weeks run in New York, the World Payment Charcuter, Professor Glittenheimer. Oh, my dear. All right, George, you're good. I saw his act in Hollywood. She's quite a comedian. And as well, a little comedy had come in handy, but George, you promised me, come on, relax. Oh, shit. Oh, my God. He shows you some alive dogs and whether he has them or not, they always breathe.

18:41And no ladies or gentlemen, they're nine-folders. I know. He didn't even have it. You're a bad boy. Ladies, we're going to shoot straight up in the bone back of him. That's a great place. And now all of my show is done. The left show is the high show is the high show is the high show. It's hard to hear. Funny, isn't it? George, you're glad to chatted. Come on, I'll leave. Please, ladies and gentlemen, please. The performance will continue. Please, please, please, please, sir. Don't leave. I'm terribly sorry. Won't you will stay in furniture dinner? Please, sir, our apologies. The most regrettable act. Yeah. Only it wasn't. It wasn't an accident that comic up their shoot's blank copy, too. Of course, but... Yes, and what broke my glass was a bullet. And it didn't come from the stage.

19:44What's up, sir? Thank you. Good old barren mountain beach. We're almost there. Yep. And any luck we ought to be in New York by 10 o'clock. And the way you've been driving, I don't see how anyone could have followed us. Why do you think I was driving that way? It's a beautiful night. Look at that moon. Yeah. Let's stop a minute. Why? Oh, I don't know, just to look down at the water. All right. I've spent a long time since I've seen the old Hudson River. I guess I better turn off the lights, I'm not sure I'm allowed to stop in the middle of the bridge. Come over here by the rail, George. Gosh, isn't it lovely? Yeah. That really is. Look at that boat down there. It looks a little. I wonder how far it is down at that water from here. I guess about 150 feet or so. I'm awfully glad you decided to come this way.

20:45Why didn't you? Oh, it's less traffic than not as many cars as on the George Washington Bridge or the tunnel. Well, it's less chance of being spotted. You still thinking of that? That's kind of hard to forget, isn't it? Just the same I wish you would. It's not doing well. What? It's a car and it looks like it's going to pull up behind us. George, you know what I don't know. But if some monkey's looking for trouble, he's going to get it because I've had enough. What are you going to do? I'm not going to touch down in front of the car where he can't see me. He'll pull up behind us so his headlights will be honest with you. He's up to anything funny. He's beginning to pull over now. That'll go. Okay, you talk to him. It's not a problem. I will see. All right. But George. Hey. Do you know you're not allowed to stop in the middle of the bridge? Why? I just stopped him in to look at the water. You alone? Why, yes. I thought I saw a man standing here with you just now. No? Does the California plates on your car, right? Yes, I just drove through from the coast.

21:46Pick up any hitchhikers on the way. Anybody that looks like this? Like one. Like the guy in his picture. But that's a picture someone took at them. I thought so. All right, sister, where is he? Right here, bud. George, look out. He's got a gun. Why you? Alex, how could you have a gun? George, the railing is trying to throw you over. He's dead. George! Come on, Jimmy. Let's go. George, come on. Come on. Come on. Oh, the rest is fierce. Well, we made it. Home at last. Home. This is the bankrock hotel. The only home I ever had in New York. I take these bags. Now, sir, if you leave the key, I'll have your car garage for you. Yes, sure. Thank you. George, I could go home, you know. What? Travel out to Connecticut this time of night?

22:48It isn't that far. Come on. You get a good night's rest right here. Then you can catch an early train in the morning. Well, all right. Yes, sir. You'll wish a room then, sir. A two-room's please. Yes, sir. Will you sign here, please? Mm-hmm. Thank you, Mr. Chip. Oh, Mr. George, jebory. What about it? Nothing, sir. Only we have your reservations. Reservation, but I... Oh, I get it. Another coincidence, sir. Uh, skibbit. George. I mean, look, maybe you're right. You better go on home. George, you're coming home with me. I'm sorry, I mean, but this is Johnny's end, and I'm going to see it through. Well, then, so am I. I really. Please, George. Okay. Okay, come on. Wow. What do you know? What? Our friend sitting over there by that post. The man who took the picture. Yeah, yeah.

23:48Last act coming up. Oh, Clark, yes, sir. What room do I have? 7.06, sir. That's fine, the lady. Yes, sir. Room 614 for her. Run for her. This way, Mr. Chip. Going up? 6, please. George, shouldn't you call the police or something? Tell them what. Oh, I... I don't know. Oh, look, honey. You get a good night's sleep. I'll be okay. After all, this is New York. 6 out. Good night, darling. Good night. Good night. 7. It's right this way, sir. To the left. Here we are, sir. Just put the bags over there, son. Will that be all, sir? Yeah, here. Thank you, sir.

24:53Hello. George, Javory. Took you along the night's picket. Brown. A man I met at Reno. What are you doing here? Waiting for you. The name ain't Brown. That's Javory. Javory? Yeah. George, Javory. Javory, I can't think of you. Thank you enough for what you've done for me. What I've done for you. Yeah. You've been a great help. All right, let's have it. That's Javory. You've come to the end of the road. But I think you're entitled to know why. You don't know me, do you? I'm Bill Malone. Scarface, my mom. Yeah. Well, they don't have scars anymore, see? That's the point. Took me two years and a lot of pain to get a new face. And I didn't get it just to look good in the coffin. Know what I mean? No, I'm afraid I don't. After a guy in my business has been away for a year or two he's not always welcome back, see? He generally finds out about it with a bullet in the back.

25:55That's why you struck me as a good idea. Oh, I did, did I? Yeah. I don't believe in taking chances, see? The boys thought I was covered east under the name of George Javory. Oh. So the one armed guy and all the rest? Yeah, he was one of my boys. You were kind of rough with him, Mr. Javory. Well, he wasn't exactly playing beanbag himself. Jerry, he wouldn't hurt you. I just sent him to tell you so I have a line on where you were. After you dusted him off, I was just a break for me that you went to that steakhouse. Otherwise, I might have lost you. A candid cameraman too, I suppose. Yeah. After I lost Jerry, I figured I wouldn't take any chances. Send a picture round of the boys, like the guy that took a pot of gin and Chicago. And the guy that tossed over the bridge, the boys that were out to get me, see? Only they didn't know all the time it was you. No chances, no what I mean? Yeah. Only I can't exactly say I'm glad to have been of service. So if you drop that gun, I'll go. Not yet, Javory. It's just one thing more you can do.

26:56Yeah. Stand over with that winder. What for? Stand over there and drop your hands. Boys wouldn't quite understand if you had your hands up. Boys. Yeah. The ones I've been telling you about. When I pull up that shade, they're going to take a pot shot at me through that winder. When they do, they'll get me. Only it'll be you. They'll never know the difference. Now over that winder, they know you're already here, so move. You don't mind if I sort of stroll, do you? After all this is a surprise. Boss, over that winder. And if I don't, I'll plug you. And if I do, you see, Maloud, that's a trouble with your system, no incentive. You know what I... Don't make a move. Javory, is anything wrong? Javory! Get over there in that corner. Don't hurt her, Maloud. He's going to lock the door, that's all. Taking no chances, see? Then here's some lights, so you can see what you're doing. What are you doing? What are you doing? What are you doing?

27:57Darling! Are you alright? Oh, it's alright, Owing. It's alright, darling. Well, realize our nemesis. A late Mr. Scarface Maloud. Otherwise, known as a guy who never took chances. But he's dead. Yeah, yeah, smart guy. But he made just one mistake. He forgot that the door is right in line of fire with a window. George, what are you going to do? I'm going to call the police and explain this little drama to them. After all, I think it's about time people stop taking pot shots at your future husband. Don't you? And so closes, death went along for the ride, starring Jean Kelly, tonight's tale of suspense.

29:00Mr. Kelly appeared through courtesy of Metro Golden Mayor, produces all the white cliffs of Dova. When entertaining guests at your home, are you able to go into your Roma wine cellar and say, which would you prefer, this delightful cherry, or this sweeter, heavier port? Whichever of these or any others of the many equally fine Roma California wines you offered your guests, they would find you would pour a world of satisfaction into their glasses. If you are not one of the millions already enjoying these good Roma wines, don't put off this great treat another day. You'll be surprised at the tiny cost your Roma wine dealer will ask for such great enjoyment, only pennies a glass by actual check. Now you can boast of your own private wine cellar, your private Roma wine cellar, and then inspired by the great qualities of Roma wines, you'll add your voice to the swelling international chorus that says, Roma wines are truly magnificent. Let me repeat the name, R-O-M-A, Roma wines made in California for enjoyment throughout the world.

30:02This is Jean Kelly. I hope you enjoyed our suspense show this evening. I always feel that it's a pleasure and privilege for me to appear here, because most of us who act for a living consider this to be radio's outstanding theater of thrills. Next week I know you will want to be listening when your star will be Mr. Orson Wells, who will appear in the dark tower, a play written by those two very distinguished gentlemen, Alexander Wolcott and George S. Kaufman, and I'll just one more word. Hello Americans, the attack for victory is on. You'll help make the victory more certain and bring it sooner when you buy more war bonds. Suspense is produced and directed by William Spear. Next Thursday same time you will hear Orson Wells in Suspense. Presented by Roma wines made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System. This concludes tonight's suspense presentation.

31:05Death went along for the ride. Follow suspense for more classic broadcasts.