Suspense - "The Doctor Prescribed Death" (Old Time Radio, 1943)

0:00You are listening to Old Time Retro Radio for full access to our archive. Visit patreon.com slash Old Time Retro Radio. Psychologist Dr. Antonio Basile ridiculed for his theory about the narrow boundary between self-destruction and violence toward others Decides to put that theory to a practical test. Tonight's suspense is the Dr. Prescribed Death, Episode 2, first broadcast on CBS February 2, 1943. Bella Legosi portrays Dr. Basile with Geraldine Fitzgerald as Myra Basile, Lurene Tuttle as Gladys Tanner, Lou Merrill as Lieutenant Davis, and Joseph Kerns as the man in black. J. Donald Wilson wrote the script, Ted Bliss directed, and William Spear produced this sustaining presentation. As Basile tries to turn theory into proof, his wife, a troubled woman, and a police lieutenant are drawn into the experiment, and now we return to the original broadcast.

1:20Suspense This is the man in black. You're again to introduce Columbia's program Suspense. Our star tonight is Bella Legosi playing the path Professor Antonio Basile, psychologist. The story is by J. Donald Wilson, who calls it the Dr. Prescribed Death. If you have been with us on these Tuesday nights, you will know that suspense is compounded of mystery and suspense. This series of tales is calculated to intrigue. Stir your nerves to offer you a precarious situation, and then withhold the sedution until the last possible moment. And so it is with the Dr. Prescribed Death and Bella Legosi's performance.

2:23We again hope you enjoyed this wonderful presentation. And so it is with the Dr. Prescribed Death and Bella Legosi's performance. We again hope to keep you in suspense. Professor Antonio Basile has a theory, but let him tell you about it. As a psychologist, I have worked out a theory. A theory I know to be sound. I contend that a person who has decided to kill himself can very easily be turned from this desire to the desire of taking the life of another. I can prove my theory, and if necessary, that is exactly what I will do. Yes, Professor Antonio Basile has a theory, but only a theory.

3:23And he is worried about what his publisher will say, so he visits the editor whose name is Hillman. Hillman finishes the manuscript and passes it on the desk. Professor Basile beams forward eagerly. Well, Hillman, what do you think? Professor Basile is purely conjecture, simply a theory, and I wouldn't advise publishing it. I've worked on that theory for a long time. I am positive of it. I know it will work. Suppose it will. What good is it? What good have you accomplished if you can prove that it will work? How are you laughing at me, Hillman? It's so silly. A ordinary human being is suffering reverses. It's sick of it all. He wants to leave it all behind. And you say he can be changed to want to kill someone else. I do. Self-destruction and the destruction of other life are closely related in the mind. The dividing line is very thin. It's ridiculous. And you won't publish it. Range over fire, mate. Why? It all made it. And his opinion you should be an asylum.

4:23Mr. Granger said that. Does he think I am insane? What do I know? Oh, Hillman. Mr. Granger didn't say that. It's you who thinks I am crazy. You've never liked me. For some reason you are trying to tear me down. Well, we'll see, Mr. Hillman. We'll see. Wait a minute. I'll show you whether my works are illogical. I'll show you whether I'm insane. I'll come down. I'm going to make you eat those words. I know you don't like me. But I'm going to prove that my theory is sound. Good night. Wait a minute. Boss, wait. Your wait, Hillman. Your wait. Yes. Wait, Hillman. Wait. Professor Bassee, you're seething with resentment. Rushes from the officers, strides angrily down the streets. Insane, huh? I'll prove my theory. I'll find the subject.

5:26I'll find someone who wants to kill his own life. And so Bassee goes home late for dinner. He finds a note from his wife, Myra, saying she's decided to attend the opera and will be home around 1130. Then Professor Bassee will get an inspiration. He goes to the bridge over the deep canyon. The bridge calls suicide. Strangely enough, he hasn't long to wait. As he stands against the railing in the fog, a figure appears a few feet beyond stops, prepares to leap. Don't do it. Wait a minute. Listen. That's very silly. Let go of me. Oh no. I couldn't do that. I need you. I don't need you. You know this is a cancer law. You're not a novel. You can't stop me. It's 500 feet, those tracks below. Hearts to your nails. And don't believe what they all tell you about not being conscious of what happened.

6:31You know, people don't die instantly. Get lost. They lie in agony for minutes and sometimes for an hour. It's a horrible death. I know. How do you know? I'm a doctor. Doctor? Yes. I can tell you much simpler ways. Much less painful ways and quicker. You're a nice young girl. An intelligent girl. You wouldn't want it to happen this way. Maybe after I talk to your wife, you wouldn't want to do this at all. No. No. Let's come on. Let's talk it over. Maybe a few minutes talk with change the entire picture for you. What could you do to help me? If you come, I'll tell you. There's a motive back or you were wanting to do this. And I'd like to know what it is. Nothing, though. M.J.N. is alerted. And in loved ones you'd like to do something for? Yes. Then if you talk with me for a while, maybe I can find my way clear to help those people.

7:33You sound crazy. Oh, no. All right, I'll. Where? My apartment. Let's go. Well, here we are. Come in, please. Where are you going to know? Sit down first. Are you hungry? No, I'm not. Just a pop. I knew that. I could tell you about you. How far? How far? Why do you come here? Why? Why the cause you talked me into? I see. You're not afraid of me. Afraid? In my frame of mind. What can I lose? Suppose I told you that I really brought you here to kill you. Kill me. You know, you're a very pretty girl, don't you? I'm not afraid of you. I'm not afraid of you. You're a very pretty girl, don't you?

8:35Yeah. It doesn't always mean so much. The right man, it might. That's what I thought. But I found out it didn't mean a thing. Ah! Then it was because of a man. I knew it. Really? How did you guess? I'm a student of psychology. I'm Professor Antonio Basile. I see. You want to know what makes me tick? You want to know the reason behind my action tonight. That's right. I would like to know what happened to me if you want to kill yourself. Suicide is a mental aberration. I'd like to know what preceded the decision to destroy yourself. What you thought about until the moment I stopped you on the bridge. What good will that tell me? You said you weren't broke. But you also said you had some loved ones you'd like to do something for. I meant I wasn't broke to the point of being hungry. I have a few doubts. But you suggested help with someone in larger terms.

9:36Yes, I did. Who is the loved one? My mother. You are the only means of support. Yes. And you intend to kill yourself. Yes. That's being selfish, isn't it? Selfish? Yes. You are concentrating solely on self. What else? The first law of human nature is self-preservation, right? Yes, of course. The second law is the preservation of family. Yes. So you decide to deny the first law and destroy yourself. And as a consequence, deny the second and leave your mother alone and the need. You indicate a form of insanity. What a being normal. To destroy the other person. The one who has done your wrong. Have you heard anything? No. Then the one who has done wrong should be the one to suffer. You have no legal recourse. Legal recourse? No, I have a known sorry. And you would care yourself to let your poor mother suffer because of the wrong of another.

10:40Why shouldn't he be the one to suffer? Suppose you're right. Why shouldn't he? What happened after all? Why not tell me about it? Where you married? No. You never seem to find time to get a wrong marriage. What's your name? Gladys. Gladys Tanner. How long? Had you known him? Almost four years. And you always thought he meant to marry you? Yes. Until three weeks ago. Yes? On July 1st, he had to leave town for a week on business. Said he was going to Kansas City. When he came back, he seemed to be too busy to see me. Then a week ago, I found a snapshot along with several others in his desk and his home. Me, I see it. Sir. It's a picture of him and another woman. But the picture was not taken in Kansas City. It was well. No. It was taken on the beach at Atlantic City.

11:41And it's dated by the finish of July 3rd. And he returned as refused to see me. And today, finally, said he didn't care to see me anymore. But I'd better forget him. But it isn't so easy at that. Is it? No. I figured I'd done something and laying myself. Do you? Do you know this blind woman in this snapshot? No. And it must be a woman he has met recently. He's known him for four years. I don't think you are to blame. He is the one in the wrong. And he should be made to suffer. How? You were going to kill yourself. Why should you? Kill him instead. He double crossed you. He deserves it. Now, let me go a little deeper into the situation. Whenever a person has reached the conclusion, he takes you.

12:46You are sure you have made up your mind, Miss Tana? Positive. Now, if you're careful, you won't be caught. Yeah. Whether you are or not, I'm giving you this check for a thousand dollars made out to cash. To be sent to your mother only after the man. Right, his name on the spare. There you are. Have you know what is happened to the newspapers? Now, you will be told payment until I learn that you have gone through with it. It will happen tonight. Very well. You are sure? You are determined? Absolutely. I am sure you will be able to see the truth. I am sure you will be able to see the truth. You are determined? Absolutely. Nothing could stop. Very good. But, just what would happen if I did get caught?

13:47You won't get caught if you follow my instructions. I know. Now, here is a small revolver. If it is in your purse, that's all you need. Be sure to wipe your fingerprints off and leave the gun near the body. Well, goodbye, Dr. Basile. Goodbye, Glears. Good luck. Search conspiracy files with Page Carter and follow now. Professor Basile watches, Gladys, as she crosses the street to the dimly-lighted bus stop.

14:52Then he rushes to his car and drives away. A few minutes later, he comes to a stop at Helmens' house. Helmens, the editor who ridiculed his theory. Good evening, Herrmann. Thought I had the right power to have a little chat with you. Well, why this time of night? Stand late, isn't it? 11. Didn't think that was late for you. Come in. Thanks. Sit down. What's on your mind? I want to talk to you about my theory. You ridiculed so definitely. My theory about suicide. Well, I just don't believe it, that's all. And I said I proved it, didn't I? Yes, but what are you getting at? It's going to be proved. My theory is going to be proved tonight.

15:52Oh, let's find it right ahead and prove it. I don't like the Helmens. I never liked you. And I know you don't like me. I can't help that, myself. What are you staring at? He does someone here with you. Certainly not, why? That's a woman's purse on the dam port. Oh, my secretary dropped by earlier this evening at the manuscript. She must have gone. She's not here now. Of course not. Then I'll continue. I found a subject. A girl who was directed to commit suicide because a man jailed at her. In a few hours, I was successful in changing her thoughts from suicide to homicide. And she is going to cure the man tonight. Why do you think of that? There may be a dozen murders tonight. But you know which one I mean. You know about this murder. What do you mean? Because I'm going to tell you who the victim is going to be. You know who the intended victim is?

16:52Why don't you stop it? But then I wouldn't have proved my theory. If you put this girl up to her, it's your guilty of she is. You're insane, Basile. Hopelessly insane. You think so, Emma? The whole idea is mad. Too utterly ridiculous for words. No sane man. But everything is such a useless, senseless idea. And for heaven's sake stop laughing. I'm thinking about the victim and he learned. Who is the victim? Martin Hermann Lee. Yes, you. I don't believe you. You will this time. Who is this girl? I don't know. Girl would want to kill me. This one does. Now. Oh nonsense. However, I wouldn't put a past you to hire someone to do something like this. Oh, this girl is no fake. This girl is serious, deadly serious. You probably hypnotized some poor woman, figuring she'd never remember what happened. Oh, Hermann you underestimate me. Maybe I do underestimate your evil mind.

17:52But believe me. Put up your hands, Hermann. Get away from the desk. I just take care of that gun, Hermann. That's better. This one that you start carrying a gun, Basile. Ah, you gun? Don't be silly. This isn't a gun in my pocket. Yes, my pipe. See? Well, what are you here, Hermann? Nothing. Oh, yes you do. I heard it too. The sound on the porch. I leave now. The back way. I put your gun in the kitchen. And I'd be very careful to remove all my fingerprints. You insane fool. I fancy you. You, Hermann, you are going to help prove my theory. Good night, Hermann. I'm busy, Devil. I'll have him locked up before he gets across town.

18:55Good evening, Mr. Helman. Ah? How did you get in here? Through the patio door. What do you want? I wanted to talk to you. Very strangely. You're just imagining. And what are you doing here? I wanted to tell you something. Yeah. What? When you first indicated to me that you were through with me, I was terribly hurt. I thought all along that we were to be married. I couldn't understand. I tried and tried to think of something I'd done to cause our break-ups. Then I happened to find a snapshot in your desk. Map shot? Take a look at it. Kansas City. No Atlantic City, New Jersey. You and I're blonde. I was born to stay to stamp on the back. A business trip. Huh? Oh. What about it? I just wanted you to know that you weren't so slick.

19:57I wanted you to know that I knew about the blonde. But I knew you'd lie. How did you tell me what good does it do? A lot of good. First, I thought you gave me a full money. What could you think such a thing? Well, I think you'd better go now. I'm going. Goodbye, Martin. And good luck in your new venture. What venture? This one. Gladys. Gladys. Wish me luck in mine. Gladys stands tearing a moment at the body of Helmen. And lights off the gun, drops it to the floor. Takes the professor's check from her purse. Steps to Helmen's desk and writes a note. And she puts the note in an envelope. With the check addresses it, stamps it, turns out the lights.

21:00Steps out into the dark street. At the corner, she drops the envelope in the mailbox. And disappears. Professor Basile heard the shots. He's theory worked. Helmen will torment him no more. The perfect crime. So he can go home to his wife now and go to sleep. My last. My last. What? Oh, Antonio. What are you doing asleep on the dam for? You know what time it is? They have to midnight. I've been waiting for you. I was after. Oh, fair. Nothing to brag about. Who sang the lead? Bill Ciyotti. You wasn't very good. Very good. The poor Ocello. Ocello. I thought they were doing a guide at the night. No, they switched because someone was ill. They just stood home. You're going to have to come out of it? No, thanks.

22:00Good time. I think I'll go to bed. I'd be long present at the good night. Then the night passes and the morning comes. The professor rises cheerfully and prepares for breakfast. Then. I'll get it, Myra. Yes. Are you Professor Bussion? Yes. We come in. We'd like to talk with you. Of course. What is it you want? Are you a white thing? Yes. I'd like to see her too. What? I'm Lieutenant D. Detective Detective. Well, what do you want? What do you want? Why are you here? We're suddenly. Myra. But what is all about? What is it, Antonio? It is a man I have from Detective Fett's quarters.

23:00They want to talk to us. Really? What about? I asked where you were last night, Mr. Bussion. It's actually me. What do they offer? What time did you get home? I imagined it was around 11 or shortly after. Were you at home last evening, Professor? Well, I was at the club and the talk about 1230. By the way, you know a Morton Helman suddenly. At about him. He's been murdered. Murdered? Good lord. When? Around midnight last night. I found him this morning. How terrible. Oh, I have known him for years. He was editor in chief of the company publishing my writings. I'm a psychologist, you know. Yes, I know. But what you want to know from us, we were in connected social with Helman just in business. You know Mrs. Bussion? Yes, he's kind of him very slightly. Either of you know of anyone who'd have reasonably killed him. Certainly not. Everyone thought highly of him. Did you ever hear of a girl named Gladys Tanner? Lady Stan.

24:00No. Did you know of a Gladys Tanner Mrs. Bussion? No. Is this your Christmas Bussion? Files. Of course it is. That's the one I gave you last Christmas, my friend. Oh, yes. I must have lost it downtown. Where do you find it, Lieutenant? At Helman's home. Helman's home. Well, having the word. We found it on the sofa. Well, I can't imagine how I could get there. And this is the revolver that killed Helman, found on the floor beside him. What? No fingerprints on it, however. But, yes. Yes, yes. I might have. This is your gun. I bought this for you two years ago, when I went on the lecture tour. Yes, I think it's mine, but it just makes sense. Did you have the gun on your purse when you lost it last time? I did. I still confused. No, I can't remember. I think, maybe. I think it is terrible. I know. No, there I feel ill. Did you ever fire this gun? Yes, once last year, I've been in the mountains. I wanted to see how it works. Ever reloaded? No, I've never reloaded it.

25:00I just didn't think about it. Maybe I did put it in my purse. Why? I don't know. And whoever found the purse may have used the gun to... I just can't see this thing. This gun misfired on the first two shots. The other three killed Helman. This is the most amazing piece of coincidence I ever heard of. Why would my wife want to do such a thing? Why should she get to Helman? She ought to use him. Are you sure about that professor? Of course. Well, sorry to say that I don't believe her. What? This is ridiculous. This is going to be a shock to you, professor. But there's a snapshot we found on Helman's desk. Taken on Atlantic City last July. And the heavens. Life. This is you, my friend. You and Helman. You better to run mothers in Florida in July. Myra, look at me. What does this mean? I can't believe such a thing.

26:01May I have the purse, the gun and the photo? Thank you. I'm sorry, but I'll have to take her down the headquarters. But I didn't kill him. I didn't. I wouldn't have. I loved him. Myra. Better pull yourself together. You have to go back. You want photos and fingerprints? Yes. Better get ready, Myra. Certainly looks bad for her. Great it does. Looks like an open and shut case. Oh, will you come along to a professor? Certainly. And so it all worked out beautifully. Quite as the professor had planned. But then he changed his plan from the moment when Gladys Tanna showed him the snapshot taken in Atlantic City. And he realized that the girl's fiance was Helmann and the blonde was Myra, his wife. He had no intention of allowing Gladys Tanna to kill Helm until he saw that snapshot.

27:02And when he recognized Myra's person Helmann's home, he decided to let Gladys kill him and the blame be placed on Myra. The perfect crime. But several hours later, after fingerprints and many questions, the professor is just about to be dismissed. When Sergeant Rankin steps into the room and speaks quietly to Lieutenant Davis. What is it, Rankin? I stayed at the Seals place, as you said. Well, a few minutes ago, a special delivery letter came for the professor. This will knock your eye out, read it. Wow. It's perfectly with the writing we're trying to make out on Helm's desk, Blutter. Professor, here's a letter sent special delivery to you a few minutes ago. Postmarked last night. Read it. The professor Basil, your theory worked a certain degree. You convinced me I should kill him. I should kill him. But when that gun you gave me misfired wise, I almost quit.

28:06Go ahead, Professor, read on. Then as I looked at him on the floor, the feeling of self-destruction came back. I'm going ahead with my plan. Here's your check. I won't need it. Besides, I lied to you. I lost my mother long ago. But the luck next time, that is ten. Half hour ago, they found their body beneath the coincide bridge. Well, Professor, your perfect crime has failed. Failed. Yes, failed. I was up on paper, but your theory backfired and you're up for murder. But I didn't kill it. But you planned it and you're as guilty as the latter. She's paid her penalty now it's your turn. Oh, no. I won't. I won't be hanged. Never drink and drink. And now the doctor lies on the sidewalk. Seventeen stories below. His entire theory worked in reverse.

29:07And so closes the doctor prescribed death, starring Belilagosi. Tonight's story of suspense. It came to you from Columbia Square in Hollywood. This is the man in black who conveys to you Columbia's invitation to spend this half hour in suspense with us again next Tuesday. When we present the noted actor, Mr. Sidney Green Street in the hangman won't wait.

30:07The director of the film, Mr. Sidney Green Street, has been a great pleasure to be here with you. The director of the film, Mr. Sidney Green Street, has been a great pleasure to be here with you. William Spear, the producer, had blessed the director, that glascan, the musical director, Lucian Mahuick, the composer, and Jay Donald Wilson, the author, collaborated on tonight's suspense. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. We close this 1943 visit with suspense.

31:14The doctor prescribed death. Follow suspense for more classic broadcasts.