The Clock Spanglers Attic

Air Date January 26 1947

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:28

We present the new stage of the regular program.

SPEAKER_04 0:39

Good evening, all. I'd like to tell you of an interesting theory in regard to time. There are some who say that the past is never gone, that it still exists on a different plane. Everything that has happened in the world continues to be, although mortals are unable to see it. Let me put it this way: You're riding in a motor car along a one-way street. You pass a magnificent palace which you greatly admire. The street makes a turn, and your car turns with it. Now the palace is out of sight. You can't see it anymore, but it still exists. It's still there on the one-way street, only you're not permitted to go back for another glimpse. The past, like the palace, has not disappeared. You merely haven't been gifted with the ability to return to it. Oh, so the theory goes. At any rate, suppose I told you I could take you into the past. Suppose I could flip back the years like the pages of a book once read and give you a second reading. What period would you choose to return to? The golden age of Pericles in Greece? The Napoleonic Eva? Oh, you can't make up your mind, huh? Then let me make the choice in your behalf. I don't think you'll be disappointed. London, 1900. The gaslight and the handsome cab. Cobbled streets and sprayed old English houses, mysterious and romantic. And to complete the picture, we'll choose a very foggy night to visit Lorning Square.

SPEAKER_07 2:15

Well, we're here, Lily.

SPEAKER_03 2:17

Help me, darling Patrick.

SPEAKER_07 2:20

Here you are, Caddy. What's your blog, Governor? Now, come along, Lily.

SPEAKER_03 2:24

Oh, it's so good to be home, Patrick. I'm glad you decided to keep your house. I've always admired it so.

SPEAKER_07 2:30

Well, it sure has now, my darling. And you could do with it as you see fit. Where did I put my key? Here we are. Patrick? Yes, my dear. The cabbie's still there. Eh? What's up? He is. Something you want, Caddy? No, no, big following gun, yeah. Go on, we got a light.

SPEAKER_02 2:50

Why was he staring at Mr. McLean?

SPEAKER_07 2:53

I haven't the slightest idea. He may have possibly had a nip or two, eh? Now put your arms around my next sweep.

SPEAKER_03 3:02

Here on the street.

SPEAKER_07 3:03

I'm going to carry you across the threshold. Come on, it's the custom, you know.

SPEAKER_03 3:08

Oh, Harley.

SPEAKER_07 3:10

There you are, Mrs. Stangler. You can now consider yourself officially married.

SPEAKER_03 3:16

But me, John, Harley.

SPEAKER_06 3:18

You know, I love you very much.

SPEAKER_03 3:21

And I love you, Fred.

SPEAKER_07 3:23

Welcome home, Mr. Stangler. Oh, thank you, Mrs. Lint. This is your new mistress. How do you do, ma'am?

SPEAKER_03 3:31

How do you do? I hope you'll find the house in satisfactory condition, ma'am. I've been scrubbing and cleaning it for over a week now. It looks splendid, Mrs. Flint. I did everything but the cellar, Mr. Spangler. Oh? I wanted to wait until there was a man in the house before I went down there. The place is so dark and deaf, it gives me the creak. I'll put your things away, ma'am.

SPEAKER_07 3:55

Is your manage outside, sir? I'll pick them up myself, Mrs. Flint.

SPEAKER_03 3:58

It's quite all right, sir. I can manage. She's rather odd, isn't she?

SPEAKER_07 4:05

Odd?

SPEAKER_03 4:06

Her manner, I mean.

SPEAKER_07 4:09

Mrs. Flint is rather superstitious. But you'll get used to her after a while. I've had her for only a month, but I find she's very competent.

SPEAKER_03 4:16

Oh, I'm sure we'll be good friends. You want me to bring these bags up to the north room, sir?

SPEAKER_07 4:22

The north room? Why not the master suite? Well, sir, I was thinking that the mistress had preferred. Bring the bags to the master suite, Mrs. Flint. You understand?

SPEAKER_03 4:31

Just as you say, sir. Why were you irritated just now, Frederick?

SPEAKER_07 4:36

Oh. Well, well, there are times when Mrs. Flint shows less than her usual amount of tact. Joyce and I had always occupied the master suite. I, I suppose, Mrs. Flint imagined that you might prefer the change.

SPEAKER_03 4:49

Joyce was my friend, Frederick, as well as your wife.

SPEAKER_02 4:53

A many can never become a cause for tact between.

SPEAKER_06 4:57

I mean. I know what you mean, Lily. And it makes me very happy. Joyce was a wonderful one. I never thought I'd find an even finer one in you.

SPEAKER_03 5:09

Let's look around. It seems so long since I've been here.

SPEAKER_07 5:13

Well, nothing's been changed. I've left it all the way it was when Joyce died.

SPEAKER_03 5:17

Poor Joyce. It must have been horrible.

SPEAKER_07 5:21

I'm sure she never knew what happened.

SPEAKER_03 5:24

It must have been awful for you, too, Frederick.

SPEAKER_07 5:26

It's something I'd just as soon try to forget. Completely.

SPEAKER_03 5:29

Yes. This picture of Joyce on the piano is very nice.

SPEAKER_07 5:35

I'm sorry, I never get rid of that.

SPEAKER_03 5:36

Get rid of it? Why?

SPEAKER_07 5:37

Isn't it obvious, Lily?

SPEAKER_03 5:38

I can't. Well, I do.

SPEAKER_06 5:42

I'm sorry, Lily. I didn't mean to snap at you.

SPEAKER_03 5:45

Frederick, darling. Don't you realize how I feel about Joyce? You have no reason to be upset. I'm not upset, Lily.

SPEAKER_07 5:53

Now let me have the picture. Give it to me, please.

SPEAKER_03 5:58

Very well.

SPEAKER_07 5:59

I've put this away for good. Answer in your room, sir. Thank you. Is there anything I can do for you, ma'am?

SPEAKER_02 6:09

Not right now, thank you, Mrs. Strent. Mrs.

SPEAKER_03 6:14

Strent, did you know the thirst, Mrs. Spangler? Oh, no, ma'am. I I've only been here a month. Oh, that's right. Mrs. Spangler just mentioned it to me. She must have been a lady of taste, ma'am. This house was even prettier when I first came here. Before the master started to get rid of all her things. But he told me he hadn't changed anything. Oh, we've done a lot of changing. That picture over there is the only thing that. Why? Gone. Yes.

unknown 6:43

Mr.

SPEAKER_03 6:43

Spandler just took it away.

SPEAKER_06 6:45

Peculiar, isn't it?

SPEAKER_03 6:47

What is the way those things upset him? I'll never forget what a rage he blew into when I started to go through Mrs. Spandler's counts in the attic. The first Mrs. Spandler, that is. He shouted at me and told me to mind that.

SPEAKER_07 7:00

Miss Lint! I believe you have some work to do in the kitchen. Yes. No, I have. Excuse me, G. Talking is another one of her habits which could stand improvements. What was she saying to Jesse?

SPEAKER_03 7:19

Why she was telling me about.

SPEAKER_06 7:22

About what, Lily?

SPEAKER_02 7:26

Nothing, Fredget. Nothing at all.

unknown 7:40

Come in.

SPEAKER_03 7:42

Good morning, ma'am. Oh, good morning, Mrs. S. I've brought your breakfast. Oh, that was very sweet of you. Mr. Sangler left the house over half an hour ago. He told me to give you these keys. Oh, they're the housekeepers. Yes. They're all there. Except the key to the attic. Oh, where's that one? Mr. Spander keeps it himself. He does? Why? That's something I never had the right to ask him, ma'am. Somebody with the front door. You can leave the chair, Mrs. Skin Auntie. Oh, who can call it this hour of the boy?

SPEAKER_07 8:26

Yes? Is uh this Mr. Spangler's residence? Yes. Is Mr. Spangler at home? No, sir, but the mistress is in. The mistress? You mean Mrs. Spangler? The new Mrs.

SPEAKER_03 8:40

Spangler.

SPEAKER_07 8:41

Oh, I see. I'd like to talk to her, if I may. My name is Markham.

SPEAKER_03 8:45

Come in, sir. Thank you. You'll have to wait a bit. The mistress is just getting up. Oh, I'm in no hurry. I'll tell her you're here, sir. I'd appreciate it. The name was Markham, sir?

SPEAKER_07 8:55

Inspector Markham of Scotland Yard.

SPEAKER_03 8:57

Oh. Inspector Markham of Scotland Yard.

SPEAKER_02 9:03

Good morning.

SPEAKER_07 9:04

Good morning, Mrs. Spangler. I'm sorry to disturb you.

SPEAKER_02 9:08

What can I do for you, Inspector?

SPEAKER_07 9:10

I was hoping to see Mr. Spangler. I thought it might be wiser to discuss this matter with him.

SPEAKER_02 9:14

But he won't be home until this evening.

SPEAKER_07 9:16

But in that case, perhaps I'd better relay my message to him through you.

SPEAKER_02 9:21

What message, Inspector?

SPEAKER_07 9:22

It's rather awkward to discuss it under the circumstances. I hope you won't take offense.

SPEAKER_02 9:27

Oh, I'm sure I won't.

SPEAKER_07 9:29

I, um presume you know the details concerning Joyce Spangler's death.

SPEAKER_02 9:35

Yes, I think I do. My husband told me about it.

SPEAKER_07 9:38

Just what did he tell you?

SPEAKER_02 9:39

Why, she was in a horrible train wreck several months ago. The Scottish Express to Glasgow.

SPEAKER_07 9:45

The wreck occurred, that's true. Many people were killed, some of them practically unidentifiable when the bodies were recovered. And then there were some, of course, which were never recovered.

SPEAKER_03 9:54

I understood that Mrs. Spangler's body was one of those.

SPEAKER_07 9:57

The wreck occurred as the train was crossing a bridge. The river is a swift one, and we surmised that some of the victims might have been carried out to sea by the current.

SPEAKER_03 10:05

That's the way I understood it.

SPEAKER_07 10:07

According to Mr. Spangler, his wife was aboard that train. She was on her way to visit an aunt in Scotland.

SPEAKER_03 10:14

Yes.

SPEAKER_07 10:15

Of course, we only have Mr. Spangler's assurance that she was actually on the train.

SPEAKER_03 10:21

Just what do you mean, Inspector Markham?

SPEAKER_07 10:23

Joyce Spangler is now considered to be legally dead. It has come to my attention, however, that there is a possibility she may not have been aboard that train at all. Good evening, sweet.

SPEAKER_03 10:46

Good evening, Patrick.

SPEAKER_07 10:47

Everything goes well with you today?

SPEAKER_03 10:49

I. I had a visitor. Actually, he wanted to speak with you.

SPEAKER_07 10:54

A visitor?

SPEAKER_03 10:55

An Inspector Malcolm from Scotland Yard.

SPEAKER_07 10:58

And uh. Just what did he want?

SPEAKER_03 11:01

I think you'd better see him, Patrick. It's rather important.

SPEAKER_07 11:05

But what did he have to say?

unknown 11:07

He.

SPEAKER_03 11:09

He told me there was a possibility that Joyce was still alive.

SPEAKER_07 11:15

He told you that?

SPEAKER_03 11:17

Well, of course I know it's ridiculous.

SPEAKER_07 11:18

How does the eminent inspector from Scotland Yard reach that rather startling conclusion? Doesn't it upset you? Upset me? Why?

SPEAKER_03 11:26

Oh, we are. I mean, you and why.

SPEAKER_07 11:29

My first wife is legally dead, Lily, and you and I are legally married. The inspector from Scotland Yard is an idiot. Frederick, you can hold the Joyce's dear, can't you? Naturally, I can. There's nothing to be upset about. The most idiotic blunder I ever heard of. And Inspector Markham's superior shall hear about it from me.

SPEAKER_02 11:49

He also asked me a few other questions I couldn't answer.

SPEAKER_07 11:53

In regard to what?

SPEAKER_02 11:55

Joyce's estate.

SPEAKER_07 11:57

What did he say about Joyce's estate?

SPEAKER_03 12:00

He wanted to know how much money she left, and to whom the house belonged. Before her death, of course.

SPEAKER_07 12:06

I see.

SPEAKER_03 12:07

I told him I believed the house was yours, and that as far as I knew, Joyce left no money. It was, but I was right, wasn't I?

SPEAKER_07 12:21

You were wrong, Lily.

SPEAKER_03 12:22

What?

SPEAKER_07 12:23

It's something that's too obvious to hide. Besides, what have I to hide?

SPEAKER_03 12:28

You mean.

SPEAKER_07 12:29

I inherited the house some 50,000 pounds in cash when Joyce was killed.

SPEAKER_04 12:43

Well, are you enjoying your visit? Do you find it unique to return to the past, to roll back the years and witness an episode in the lives of two people? Yes, two people who existed over 50 years ago in London, while Victoria was still the Queen. And for all we know, according to that theory of time I mentioned before, those two in the drama of life and death may still exist today.

SPEAKER_03 13:05

I beg your pardon, Mrs. Spangler. There's a Mrs. McIntosh here to see you. Mrs. McIntosh? Sorry? Yes, ma'am. This way, please. Thank you, Candy. Good evening, Mrs. Spangler. Good evening. I guess you don't know who I am. I'm afraid I don't. I'm Joyce Spangler's aunt. Oh. Oh, yes, you would live in Scotland, didn't you? She'll mention something about me then. Aren't you the Aunt Yes was going to visit when she was. when she was killed? Yes. Poor child. She was only away to spend a week with me in Glasgow, or so the story goes. I beg your pardon. Is your husband at home, Mrs. Spanglove? No, he's not. Good. I was hoping I wouldn't have to meet him. I've no use for the likes of Frederick Spanglove. Mrs. McIntosh, haven't you forgotten that you happen to be referring to my husband? I haven't forgotten it, and I'm seeing it for your own good. Why are you here, Mrs. McIntosh? I understand there's a picture of my niece in the house. A picture I should be pleased to have if it's all the same to your husband. If you ask him for it, perhaps he'll give it to you. I've no intention of asking him. I'd like you to do that and send it home to me, if you will. I want no part of your husband in any shape or form of the same book. If you please, Mrs. McIntyre, you needn't be offended. Perhaps you don't know as much about Frederick Spangler as I do. Perhaps you haven't discovered yet what poor Joyce discovered. Discovered? What? What kind of a man he is. Joyce was afraid of him, Mrs. Spangler. She lived in deathly fear of the man. She told you that? She didn't have to tell me. I could see it in her eyes when she spoke of him. And sometimes, when she'd be alone with me in Scotland, I'd hear her shrieking in her sleep. And the thing she'd say would make her blood run cold. She'd deny it later. And now I knew why. I I don't believe a word of it. The more fool you. If you want to treat yourself to a living death, you can. Stop it, don't say another word. I forbid it in my house. Very well, Mrs. Spangler. Suit yourself. But just one thing I'd like to add. And you'd do well to keep it in mind. Two days after Joyce's body was supposed to have disappeared in that train wreck, I received a letter. A letter? From whom? From Joyce. And you know what she wrote? She wrote that she'd changed her mind. And that she wasn't coming to Scotland after all.

SPEAKER_06 15:47

Lily, my dear. Are you asleep?

SPEAKER_08 15:50

No, Circuit. I'm still awake.

SPEAKER_07 15:53

I won't turn on the light and disturb you.

SPEAKER_03 15:56

Did you see the inspector?

SPEAKER_07 15:58

Yes.

SPEAKER_03 15:59

What happened?

SPEAKER_07 15:59

Nothing.

SPEAKER_03 16:00

What did he say, Chase?

SPEAKER_07 16:01

It was merely routine.

SPEAKER_03 16:03

Frederick, you're holding back.

SPEAKER_07 16:04

Don't talk like a child, Lily. It irritates me. I'm not holding back a thing. The incident is over. Let's forget it.

SPEAKER_03 16:11

It isn't altogether over, Frederick.

SPEAKER_07 16:13

What do you mean?

SPEAKER_03 16:14

Mrs. McIntosh arrived in London today.

SPEAKER_07 16:17

What'd she want?

SPEAKER_03 16:19

A picture?

SPEAKER_07 16:20

Of Joyce. She'll whistle for that picture before she gets it from me. Why don't you send it to her, Frederick? Because I'm not interested in doing Mrs. McIntosh any personal favors. Is that clear?

SPEAKER_03 16:31

Jackie, you never talked like that before. Oh, I'm sorry, darling.

SPEAKER_06 16:36

Terribly sorry. I. Oh, Lily, forgive me.

SPEAKER_03 16:40

Please. Don't kiss me.

SPEAKER_06 16:43

Very well. Just as you say.

SPEAKER_03 16:48

Peggett.

SPEAKER_06 16:49

What is it now?

SPEAKER_03 16:51

Mrs. McIntosh said. She said.

SPEAKER_06 16:54

Well, I'll tell it.

SPEAKER_03 16:56

She told me she'd received a letter from Joyce just after the accident.

SPEAKER_07 17:02

A letter?

SPEAKER_03 17:02

The letter said that Joyce had changed her mind. That she'd decided not to go to Scotland now store.

SPEAKER_07 17:07

So that's what the inspector was up to, blast him. The old earl must have shown him that letter.

SPEAKER_03 17:11

What does it mean?

SPEAKER_07 17:12

Nothing. Joyce had changed her mind.

SPEAKER_06 17:15

But I persuaded her to go anywhere she'd planned. You believe me, don't you? I asked if you believed me, Lily. Of course.

SPEAKER_03 17:29

Of course I believe you.

SPEAKER_06 17:30

Well, then there's nothing to worry about. So long as you believe me. Nothing in the world to worry about. Go to sleep now, Lily. Pleasant dreams.

SPEAKER_03 17:53

You asked to see me, Mrs. Schleet? Yes. I'm leaving your service, Mrs. Stangler. You are? Why? Because I can't stand this house any longer, that's why. But I don't understand. I'm sorry I can't give you notice. I'm leaving tonight. Suddenly. Oh, I'd hate to tell you the reason why I'm on my way. I just hate to tell you. I think you owe me that much of an explanation. You haven't heard the gossip? Haven't heard what, for heaven's sake? They're saying, Mrs. Spangle, the first Mrs. Spangle was murdered. Oh, no. Everyone in the neighborhood's been talking about it. They're saying this is a house of death, and the poor Mrs. Spangle's ghost haunts the attic room. And you believe that? I've reason to believe it, let me tell you. But Scotland Yard has reason too. They'll be finding out a thing or two one of these days. I only hope it's not too late for you. Be quiet, do you hear? Oh. I was just telling the. I heard what you told us. Well, bear my sentiments, Mr. Pragdike.

SPEAKER_07 18:52

Be quiet. Magic. Get your things and leave this house before I twang you at myself.

SPEAKER_03 18:56

Don't you dare tell me your hands on Vegan here? Don't you dare.

SPEAKER_07 19:02

Oh. Everyone is gossiping now, they.

SPEAKER_03 19:06

Mrs. Flint isn't responsible for what she says, Fritch.

SPEAKER_07 19:08

They think I'm a murderer, do they? Which please? Well, let her go. I'm glad to be rid of her. I'm glad to be rid of them all.

SPEAKER_06 19:15

Now I can feel despied on. I prefer being alone. And you prefer being alone. Don't you? Don't you, Lily?

SPEAKER_03 19:29

Of course I do.

SPEAKER_04 19:40

For some, the hands of the clock moved quickly.

SPEAKER_06 19:43

But for Lily, each minute seemed an hour. It's ten o'clock, Lily.

SPEAKER_03 19:50

Yes.

SPEAKER_06 19:51

I think I'll turn in. Are you coming?

SPEAKER_03 19:54

No, I. I'll stay up a while.

SPEAKER_07 19:56

Aren't you tired, Lily?

SPEAKER_03 19:58

No.

SPEAKER_07 19:59

Don't lie to Lily.

SPEAKER_03 20:01

Lie to you?

SPEAKER_07 20:01

I don't trust you, Dugier. I don't trust anyone anymore. You're all spies and you're all against me.

SPEAKER_03 20:06

What are you saying, Frederick?

SPEAKER_07 20:08

Lily, is it the attic that bothers you? The attic? Is it because I keep the key to the attic and you've never been inside?

SPEAKER_03 20:18

I haven't even thought about it, Frederick.

SPEAKER_06 20:23

You're lying again, Lily.

SPEAKER_09 20:24

No, I'm not.

SPEAKER_06 20:25

Oh, shut you lying. Next time you lie to me, my darling, I'll close my hand when I strike you.

SPEAKER_03 20:34

How dare you!

SPEAKER_06 20:36

I'm your husband.

SPEAKER_03 20:37

I'm getting out of this room. Oh no, you're not, my dear. Go away.

SPEAKER_07 20:40

First, I want to satisfy that curiosity of yours. What do you mean?

SPEAKER_06 20:44

You and I are going to visit the attic, Lily.

SPEAKER_07 20:48

Now here we are. Shall you open the door or shall I?

SPEAKER_03 21:02

Don't let you please.

SPEAKER_07 21:03

Here we are, Lily. Step inside, my dear. Well, I light a candle. There you are, Lily. Look around the attic. I want you to make a thorough search. To reassure yourself.

SPEAKER_03 21:31

I have nothing to search for.

SPEAKER_07 21:33

No? Tell me what you know, Lily. Tell me what you know, and I'll tell you what I know.

SPEAKER_09 21:49

It's all right, Mr.

SPEAKER_03 21:50

Stangler.

SPEAKER_07 21:51

No one outside a door, so I forced my way in.

SPEAKER_03 21:55

Look at this all right. I'm just the matter.

SPEAKER_06 21:58

What do you mean, delay?

SPEAKER_03 22:00

For the body, dear. Joyce Stangler's body. I didn't know. I was just waiting for the chance to escape from the new specter and come to you. He killed his first wife, and what would I take him away?

SPEAKER_07 22:11

Underneath the floor, huh? Well, let's see. Yeah, the floor is loose, all right. When did you discover this, Mrs. Spangler?

SPEAKER_03 22:30

Yesterday. But the whole neighborhood knew about it before I did.

SPEAKER_07 22:34

They must have been psychic, Mrs. Spangler. As you seem to be.

unknown 22:41

What?

SPEAKER_07 22:41

Take a look under the flooring, Lily. No. You see, we removed Mrs. Spangler's body over a month ago. You couldn't have possibly known she was there unless you put her there yourself. When Mr. Spangler discovered the body, Lily, over a month ago, he told me of his suspicions. He knew how much you wanted to marry him, and he also knew you were the last to see his wife alive. But he had no proof. You were both alone here in this house while I was away. You killed her, Lily, so you could marry me and share in her work. Then believing the police were almost on top of you, he tried to drawn it onto me.

SPEAKER_08 23:27

You mean married me? Just to prove I killed her.

SPEAKER_07 23:33

I happen to have loved my wife, Lily. Mrs. Strangler's intention to visit her aunt and the train wreck were lucky coincidences for you, Lily.

SPEAKER_05 23:43

But not lucky enough.

SPEAKER_08 23:46

Apparently, I made a very bad mistake, Inspector Markham.

SPEAKER_05 23:51

Yes. And the gallows, Lily, were made for people like you. Who made mistakes?

SPEAKER_04 24:10

Over 50 years ago was a long, long time. And yet, couldn't it have happened today? And then I'll take you back again from out of the past into the present. My theory of time is an interesting one, don't you think? But the story of Lily Spangler was just that: a story and nothing more. And it stands to reason that if the story is fictitious, the theory is a fraud as well. And yet, if you ever get to England, you might visit the Tower of London and consult the execution records. In the foul marked November 1900, you may possibly find the name of Lily Spangler.

SPEAKER_01 24:45

The clock will be heard again next week, same time, same station, written by Lawrence Clee and starring Hart McGuire. You heard Carly Neville and Richard Davies as Lillian Frederick. Also in the cast were Dorothy Dunkley, Nigel Lovell, Winifred Hindle. The clock is a Grace Gibson radio production, directed by John Fall.