Roma wines present.
Suspense.
Roma wines made in California for enjoyment throughout the world.
Salud.
Your health, senor.
Roma wines post 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 to introduce this weekly half hour of suspense.
Tonight from Hollywood we bring you in a dramatic role and in a character different from those you are accustomed to seeing him portray, Mr. Charles Ruggles.
But before we raise the curtain on this evening's suspense play, here is a message from your host, the Roma Wine Company of Fresno, California.
Distance lends enchantment, says the old proverb, and it seems borne out in this little episode that we might see taking place at the smart and handsome Pan American Club Havana, Cuba.
An American visitor is amazed that his Cuban host can picture the marvelous climate and rich, fruitful soil of California without ever having been there.
But the Cuban responds, one sip alone of wonderful Roma wine tells me all that.
Only true perfection of climate and soil could produce the perfection of your splendid California wine, Roma wine.
That's so.
And as Roma wines become available to wine connoisseurs of more and more land, the chorus of praise grows for the truly superb quality of these good Roma wines.
No wonder then these wine experts of other lands are so eager to import Roma wine, no matter what the distance is from our own California.
And no wonder too that these taste-delighting Roma wines with no import duty to pay and without expensive shipping charges added to their cost here are America's largest selling wine.
With such richly rewarding enjoyment within your reach, why not get acquainted with your favorites among Roma wines many different delightful wine types.
Remember the name, R-O-M-A, Roma wine, made in California for enjoyment throughout the world.
And now with Dorothy L. Sayers' story Suspicion and with the performance of Charles Ruggles as Mr. Hubert Mummery, Roma wines again hope to keep you in suspense.
Mr. Mummery took the morning train down to business as he always did.
He opened the door of his office much as he always opened it and saw his partner Brooks sitting at his desk as he always sat.
And the world seemed perfectly orderly and dependable and sane.
And then it began very simply out of a few chance remarks the terror took shape and grew until it was a black mountain of fear and suspicion.
Morning Mummery, pleasant morning. Oh quite quite. I've been looking through some back accounts. I have an idea they're trying to put us off and to...
Hubert Mummery, what's the matter with you? With me? You gave me a start, why man you're as white as a sheet.
Oh am I? Well I'm not feeling quite myself this morning. Breakfast didn't agree with me, didn't agree with me at all.
You'd better look after yourself, we're none of us as young as we once were.
You always had a beastly stomach always. I can't remember you having an attack like this in years Mummery.
That new missus of yours giving you proper food, good mild digestible things.
No I'm afraid Ethel knows nothing at all about a kitchen.
That's what you get for marrying a girl without showing you to a friend. Doing it in such a rush, ten day courtship and it's your age Mummery.
Well you'll see why when you meet her. Besides it doesn't matter in the least after all I was a bachelor up until a few weeks ago and rather used to taking care of myself you know.
Oh my dear man you're not telling me that you manage the household.
Oh hardly, no need for that. We've engaged a housekeeper who's a gem really. Capable motherly soul named Sutton.
Ethel's delighted with us oh my, exceptional cook and all that.
Well that's excellent, we can all do that sort of thing you know. I say you better take it easy and keep off your feet today.
Man's health comes first you know.
Thanks thanks I'll be alright. I took one of my tablets on the train.
Well if you need anything you let me know.
Yes.
Oh by the way Mummery I suppose your wife doesn't know another of those cooking gems does she?
Well I don't know they aren't so easy to find nowadays. Don't tell me your cook is leaving you.
Oh good lord lord no no no perish the thought. It's for the Phillipsons, their girl is getting married.
Yeah well all we said marriage is the graveyard of good cooks.
Positively, positive. You know I think it should be a criminal offence for cooks to feel the mating urge.
Leaves the family high and dry. You know I said to Phillipson, you mind what you're doing I said.
You get somebody you know something about or you may find yourself landed with this poisoning woman.
What's her name Mrs. Andrews, Carolyn Andrews. I don't want to be sending wreaths to your funeral yet a while I said.
Man wasn't that a dreadful thing though that Andrews case. Ethel read some of it to me out of the newspapers.
My my gave me the cold horrors. Oh that's a disgrace I call it. Three people dead of poisoning.
Falling ill one by one gradually getting worse and worse and suddenly dying off like flies after a month or so of her cooking.
And all the police say is they think she's hanging around the neighborhood and may seek employment as a cook.
As a cook. Now I ask you puts us all in the shed of the grave don't it. Well rather.
Well. It's only to be hoped that they'll catch this charming Mrs. Andrews before she tries her arsenic seasoning on somebody else.
That's why I told Phillipson to be careful about hiring a strange woman. Well quite right to one can't be too careful about a thing like that.
I like something if she knows of another cook as good as she is you won't need worry about anyone she recommends.
Oh excellent I suppose she's worked for the right sort of people my memory.
Of right sort well I imagine so I don't know. Well didn't she bring references.
Why yes yes she did a great pile of them glowing ones too.
But I don't know Ethel and I were so glad to get someone that we haven't bothered to look them up.
Well it's ten thirty I must get back to work. Would you mind dictating a few letters my memory some donors.
I do it but I've some bills to get out in the next room. All right I'm glad to. Well I'll have Penny take them down.
Miss Penny will you step in here a moment please.
Coming Mr. Brooks.
Don't exert yourself old man because oh Penny Mr. Mamrie will give you some letters for our forgetful customers.
Yes sir.
And I'll be in the next office if I'm needed Mamrie and do ask that sterling cook of yours to find someone for poor Phillipson.
I'll speak to Sutton as soon as I get home.
Good night.
You're looking a bit pale this morning Mr. Mamrie.
Yes yes I know let's get down to the letters Penny shall we.
Yes.
Dear sirs unless payment on your account is immediately forthcoming we must institute proceedings which which which.
Yes sir.
Which sir.
Oh I was thinking wonderfully clever how that Mrs. Andrews manages to get positions with respectable families.
Wasn't nothing so clever about the last one sir.
No.
No she brought plenty of references glowing ones to the paper said where in the world would such a woman come by honest references.
Oh there wasn't no question of their honesty Mr. Mamrie.
What do you mean by that.
Oh the poor deceased family were so glad to get someone that they never even bothered to look them up.
Oh.
Why whatever is the matter sir.
Have I said something that I shouldn't.
No no no no no no I'm going to go home Miss Penny I don't feel well not at all well.
On the homeward bound train Mr. Mamrie's mind kept up a continual flow of discomforting thoughts those references of Sutton.
How did he know after all.
Yes Brooks was quite right one can't be too careful be sure you get someone you know something about or you may find yourself landed with this poisoning woman this Mrs. Andrews.
The pain in Mr. Mamrie's stomach gave a sudden twinge he gripped the edge of his seat he'd eaten too quickly his breakfast had been too heavy he must speak to Ethel about Sutton.
Sutton.
As he walked up the quiet street of the remote little country town the well known familiar landmarks with some house trains and menacing reached the house walked up the path and then something drew him around toward the back somehow despite himself he found himself opening the screen door of Sutton's kitchen.
Miss.
It did give me a turn Mr Mamrie.
Well I was so tight enough to bite into the tightest of oil that I didn't hear the front door go tall well I use my keys up and where is Mrs. Mamrie.
The poor dear was feeling a bit sickish after breakfast this morning and I might have lied down for a bit she was looking for poor less Ethel sick Ethel's never sick I don't understand.
Working about too much that done it if you ask me I told her to go light with it but she's that restless she can't abide to be doing nothing where is she now.
Well that young Mr Welbeck called by to get some flowers she promised his mother and he cheered her up a bit.
She needed cheering too by the look of her poor lamb.
Where are they Sutton?
They're having their tea in the garden.
She's a deal better than she was a deal better.
Well I'm glad of that.
I'll step out and have a word with her.
Oh Mr Mamrie.
Yes.
Before you go I'd like to show you what I got for your dinner.
But I.
Just a moment Mr Mamrie sir.
There.
Have a look at that.
That steak and kidney pie isn't it.
You'll find it beautiful and light sir.
It's made with butter it is.
So you'll have no trouble at all this evening.
No well very good.
And it's seasoned something wonderful.
Yes I'm sure it's excellent.
I'll wander out and see Mrs Mamrie now if you don't mind.
Oh by all means sir.
And try to get up a good appetite for your dinner won't you Mr Mamrie.
I'll do my best.
Thank you Sutton.
Ethel.
Oh Ethel.
Who's that?
It's I Tiddlywinks Hubert.
Oh I wasn't expecting you so early.
Well I quit before time.
I didn't startle you did I Pat?
Yes you did.
I'm sorry.
I thought something was wrong.
I don't like to be startled.
Hello Mamrie.
Well hello well back.
I didn't see you.
How are you?
I'm all right thanks.
I'm afraid I found Ethel feeling rather badly.
Yes Sutton told me.
Are you better now dearest?
I'm feeling dreadfully upset.
I'm steady.
I suppose I'll be all right by morning.
You sit down and have your tea Hubert.
Well thank you I need it.
Biscuits are the good.
Melt in your mouth.
I devoured a lot of it.
I didn't have to be getting home for dinner.
Oh you're leaving?
I must.
Mother's waiting.
I'll have the gardener wrap her flowers.
Oh no don't bother.
Well no bother at all.
Heaven knows he's paid enough for puttering about.
Thomas.
Thomas.
Coming ma'am.
Is the tea still warm dear?
Just right thanks.
You was calling me Mrs Mamrie.
Oh Thomas will you please wrap these flowers for me and bring them into the house.
Right old man.
I'll take Mr Welbeck to the door.
Oh no don't bother to get out dear.
Just tell Mr Welbeck goodbye and finish your tea like a good boy.
Oh yes indeed keep your seat.
Well do come and see us soon again won't you Welbeck.
Love to.
But I can't leave mother alone very often.
She's extremely nervous lately.
Terribly so.
Oh that's too bad.
She's not really been herself since.
But since that Andrews poisoning business started in the newspapers.
Alarmed her more than you believe.
Yes well it's rather unnerved everyone if you ask me.
I do hope they catch her soon.
They may.
What do you mean?
There were a couple of blokes from Scotland Yard in the village this morning.
Rumour is they've got a new line on Mrs Andrews.
It's time they had.
Think of it.
That fiend has been on the loose for.
Well let's see now.
Exactly one two three four.
Yes almost four weeks to the day.
I'd rather not think about it if no one mind.
Quite right my dear let's not.
Let's not.
I have too many other things on my mind.
Oh by the way Hubert.
I forgot to tell you to bring some cash home from the city with you today.
I know you did diddle wings but I remembered it all by myself.
Oh good thing too.
The greengrocer had a rather glum look on his face this morning.
Well we'll be able to stare him in the eye tomorrow.
And then there's Sutton's salary.
Well I'm not sure I brought enough for that.
Oh that's too bad.
I do so want to be prompt with her.
Prompt.
Yes dear Sutton's been with us exactly one month tonight.
I must drop along now.
See you soon again Mamarai.
I say thanks for the tea.
Hubert what's the matter?
Mr Welbeck said thanks for tea.
Didn't you hear.
Oh yes oh I'm sorry.
You seem so far away dear.
No not at all not at all I was a bit tired asking you.
The old gent rest his weary bones.
He's worked much too hard lately.
Come along Mr Welbeck I'll do the honours for the family.
Coming.
Four weeks exactly one month.
Oh sir the Mrs Winesome is only here for the bouquet.
And I just found a little patch in the back bed I thought they...
Thomas.
Thomas do we have any old newspapers about?
Old newspapers?
Why yes sir.
There's a stack of them in the greenhouse.
I was just going down to get some to wrap up this bouquet.
What would you be needing them for sir?
I want to look up some photographs Thomas.
Photographs of who sir?
Of Mrs Andrews.
Here they be sir.
They go back about 20 days these do.
I always take them out of the kitchen when the cook has finished with them.
I see now let's have them Thomas.
Now then.
June 15th.
June 15th.
Yes that was just about the time.
Should be an article about Mrs Carol and Andrews in this one.
Of course she'll have managed to change her appearance but there should be a resemblance.
Now let's see.
Ought to be about on...
Thomas.
Yes sir.
Where did you say you got these papers?
Out of the kitchen sir.
Why what is it Mr Mummery?
Somebody's been through them with the scissors Thomas.
Every line about the Andrews case has been clipped out.
Every line.
Mr Mummery sir.
Now look for yourself there.
There there there.
But I don't understand it do you sir?
I'm afraid to try Thomas.
Are there any more papers about?
There's a few more under the shelf where I keep...
Oh botheration.
Look at that meddlers that's what they are.
Meddling with my things.
Don't waste time with that now Thomas.
But look at it sir.
All spilled and wasted.
It cost good money too.
Well all right we'll buy more of whatever it is.
Only a bit left.
It ain't so easy to get I'll tell you.
It's just about the best weed killer there is.
Them weeds just fold up and die the minute it touches them.
If somebody hadn't tampered with the stopper...
there wouldn't have been a drop lost.
Thomas.
Yes sir.
Let me see that can.
Yes sir.
Arsenical weed killer.
Contains arsenic.
Deadly poison.
Stopper was loose sir.
Somebody had it out.
I never leaves like that.
Nothing like that.
Thomas.
Yes sir.
Good Lord Mr. Mamrie what is it sir?
I don't think I should have had that tea Thomas.
I'll call the Mrs.
No no no you mustn't alarm her.
Whatever you do don't alarm her.
She's not to be excited.
But get to the phone and call Dr. Maysby.
I'm ill Thomas.
Tell him I'm terribly ill.
How is he Dr. Maysby?
How is he?
Now now then Mrs. Mamrie.
He's not so bad as all that.
He's really far better than he was last night.
Decidedly.
Yes the patient is somewhat improved aren't you Mamrie?
Well I'm feeling quite alright Ethel.
I shouldn't be surprised if I lived after all.
My poor darling you gave me such a fright.
Did I?
Little wonder symptoms were rather alarming.
Whatever on earth could it have been Dr. Maysby?
He was suffering so dreadfully last night.
Of course those powders you gave him quieted him a bit.
But he did seem to be in such agony.
Well I really can't say precisely what it was.
I could pretend to know but frankly I don't.
Mrs. Mamrie I haven't the proper equipment here for a real diagnosis.
But I'd venture an old fashioned non-scientific guess that it was a touch of common garden tomain.
Yes yes that's what it was Ethel I'm sure of it.
Tomorrow or next day when he's quite well mind you I'd like to have you have him come down to the office in Berwich for a thorough examination.
Do you hear that dear?
You must make him promise to come doctor.
He's so very careless about himself.
He'll come.
This episode gave him a bit of a start I think.
Nothing like a touch of tomain to make a man health conscious eh Mamrie?
You're right doctor you'll see me very soon I promise.
Excellent excellent and until then you just continue the powders I gave you one every hour.
Yes doctor.
And no solid foods.
Have that cook of yours make you a nice strong broth of some kind.
Eh?
Right.
And above all stay in bed for the next 24 hours.
I'll see to that doctor may you please.
I'm depending on you Mrs. Mamrie.
And now if you'll tell me where you put my hat.
I'll get it for you.
Oh you needn't trouble you just tell me.
Oh no trouble at all.
It's out on the stand for.
Ah so Mamrie.
Do try to take better care of yourself from now on eh?
You'll need to make Ethel the widow before her time.
Well I'll do my best not to.
Eh.
Doctor Maysby.
What's that Mamrie?
Listen to me I haven't time to explain now.
What are you talking about?
Keep your voice down man.
I don't want to frighten Ethel.
But there's something very strange going on in this house.
You aren't delirious.
I may need your help soon.
I'll phone you some time today as soon as I can do it without alarming Ethel.
Or she wouldn't be able to sleep for weeks if she had any inkling of what's going on.
You aren't imagining things are you?
No no listen Maysby.
Last night before I took sick I found.
Oh I beg your pardon sir.
Well Sutton.
Yes Sutton what is it?
Mrs. Mamrie sent me to tell you that your chauffeur has brought the car round sir.
Oh yes yes good.
I'll be getting along now I think.
If I'm not being too inquisitive sir.
How is the patient this morning?
He's much better Sutton.
But he had a rather grim session of it just the same.
Oh that's dreadful ain't it sir.
We'll have to take better care of him won't we sir?
Much better care.
I'm tampering around my green ass will they now?
I'm setting my things.
Oh will they now?
Not much they won't.
I'll put a lock on this door that I've...
Thomas Thomas.
Who's that?
Why Mr. Mamrie shh.
You ain't supposed to be up in the bad are you?
You're supposed to be in your bed ain't you sir?
I want to get those papers we were looking at yesterday Thomas.
Does the Mrs know you're walking around out here?
Sir I'll be bound the Mrs don't...
We'll keep this a secret from the Mrs Thomas.
You'll get your death Mr. Mamrie.
If I lie upstairs in bed all day the whole Mamrie family will get its death.
Now where are those papers?
Well they're just inside the door there where you left them sir.
Just inside the door.
Now let's see.
Now where was it?
Right about there sir.
No it wasn't.
In a little further.
Now to your left.
Alright there they are sir.
Well if they are I've been struck blind.
There's nothing here but the stone floor and a box of tulip bulbs.
You must be wrong sir.
Alright well come and look and see here.
Yes sir.
Shhh the Mamrie.
Well they're gone.
What do you know?
I'm not at all sure what I know but I'm going to find out.
You come with me Thomas.
You ought to be in your bed sir.
Alright I ought to be in my bed sir.
Come along will you?
Yes sir.
Where is Sutton?
I don't know sir.
Oh yes on second thought I do know.
I saw her going down to the greengrocers to pay the bill.
When she passed me I heard her muttering something about not wanting anybody to come prying about her kitchen.
The missus is particular.
Yeah doesn't want us in the kitchen huh?
No I guess not.
Well that's where we're going right now.
I don't think she'd like it sir.
No I'm sure she wouldn't Thomas.
Come along in.
Alright sir if you say to sir.
Now let's see where could they be?
You ain't expecting to find them papers in here are you sir?
I was Thomas.
Is it possible that I'm mistaken?
No I'm not.
Now where could the stove?
That's where they'd be.
That's just where the...
Aha just as I thought.
Have a look inside Thomas.
There they are or what's left of them.
Somebody kindled quite a little blaze with your old newspapers wouldn't you say?
No sir you should have been a detective.
Yes I always rather thought so myself.
Well the papers are done for.
I'd show she's a clever one alright.
Doesn't miss a trick.
We're dealing with a very cautious, very thorough woman Thomas.
And I shouldn't be a bit surprised if...
Well are you listening to me?
Thomas what are you staring at?
Mr. Mamary what's that on the window sill?
On the wind...
The weed killer!
The arsenical weed killer.
It's found its way into the kitchen.
The stopper's off again ain't it sir?
Right the stopper's off and it's nearly empty.
Thomas what's in that pot on the stove?
I don't know sir.
Well look and see.
Yes sir.
It's chicken broth sir.
Real strong chicken broth.
Good here here here now take this empty medicine bottle and get as much broth into it as it'll hold.
What for sir?
Just do it Thomas please.
Yes sir.
That's fine.
Now then get the car out of the garage.
Where are we going sir?
We're going to Barrettch.
But Mr. Mamary the doctor...
We're going to see the doctor Thomas before we're all beyond his help.
Sorry to have kept you waiting so long Mamary but it's quite a lengthy process.
Oh I don't mind the waiting doctor it isn't that but Ethel's there alone in the house with her and...
I want to know.
I can tell you now.
You finished?
I've analyzed every drop of the contents.
Used Marsh's test for arsenic.
I'm able to tell you a very definite answer my boy.
What is it in Maesby?
Yes.
You mean there is arsenic in that broth and suddenly...
I mean that broth is chock full of arsenic.
Mrs. Andrews is taking no chances this time.
There's enough poison there to kill your entire household.
Oh Mr. Mamary look you're it in 70 you are it ain't safe at all sir.
I've got to get home I've got to get home Lord knows what's happening there.
Oh Mr. Mamary.
Shut up.
Ethel is poisoned dying dead.
Ethel is poisoned dying dead.
I patched the front right time myself sir and it's fearful weak it is.
Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. Andrews.
Oh thank the Lord there's the house.
What's that car doing in front of it?
What's it doing there?
I don't know sir.
It's happened already the doctor's there.
It's happened already the doctor's there.
It's happened already.
The doctor's there.
They're still in there standing out in front of the house Mr. Mamary.
Oh it's my fault I did it.
It's my fault.
I left her here I did it.
I killed her.
Oh Mr. Mamary sir.
Oh Ethel, Ethel, Ethel, Ethel where is she?
Well back what are you doing here?
I'm Scotland Yard Mamary easy now take it easy.
Well where is she?
Tell me I have a right to know.
Who is he inspector?
I'm Hubert Mamary where's my wife?
Now try to be calm Mamary won't you?
That's a good fellow.
What do you mean?
Why are you sitting down here?
Is she, is she beyond help?
I'm afraid she is sir.
Oh Lord, oh can I see her?
I'm afraid not Mamary totally be painful.
Oh Lord, but that Mrs. Andrews though you've got her she didn't get away.
No we've got Mrs. Andrews right enough.
Oh Ethel you see officer we've only been married 10 weeks, 10 weeks yesterday I...
Sutton, Sutton.
Yes Mr. Mamary I'm very sorry about things.
Sorry for you sir.
Sorry for me that's good well it's too late now.
Well take her away, take her away.
Oh Mr. Mamary I'm so sorry.
Take her away.
You'd better go Sutton your head is upset of course wants to be alone.
Oh you see Mrs. Mamary and I were in desperate need of a cook but it's just as I said to Brooks.
One can't be too careful about taking a strange person into the house.
Why didn't even suspect her until yesterday?
I had no idea there were...
Go? Are you letting her go?
Well you can't let her go that's Mrs. Andrews don't...
Oh please sir.
This broth is chock full of arsenic.
I didn't have no end in that broth sir.
It was mine while I was at the greengrocer.
You can't let her go why this is...
And I didn't make your tea yesterday.
No your breakfast yesterday morning so help me Mr. Mamary sir I didn't, I didn't.
You...
Ethel.
Oh Ethel my darling.
I thought you were...
Why are you all right Ethel?
Ethel dear what is it?
I overheard what you said you told Brooks about taking a strange person into your house.
You were right you know Hubert.
Well I don't understand.
Ready?
Quite.
Come along then.
Ethel.
Well not Ethel really sir.
Carolyn would be more like you.
Yes.
And by the way you're forgetting a rather important conformality aren't you?
Eh?
Oh yes.
Sorry Mamary.
Carolyn Andrews.
I arrest you for murder in the name of the King.
And so closes Suspicion presented by Roma Wines and starring Charles Ruggles.
Tonight's tale of suspense.
In just a moment we will hear again from Mr. Ruggles.
First a message from the sponsor of Suspense.
Why is the making of good wine like a proverb?
Because both are based on long experience.
For you to enjoy the many different taste delighting Roma California wines.
First there had to be long years of painstaking cultivation of some of the world's finest vineyards.
Plus year upon year of development of the art and skill that go into the making of these fine Roma wines.
Your first sip of any of the good tasting Roma wines will confirm the presence of these needed years of preparation.
Will tell you why Roma wines are America's largest selling wine.
Your taste will thrill to the superb quality and the downright satisfaction when you try say the tangy delicious Roma sherry.
Or the rich hearty Roma burgundy or the sweeter heavier Roma port.
You'll be thrilled too when you learn such great enjoyment costs so little mere pennies a glass.
You'll want to add your voice to the international praise of Roma wines now rising in many lands in these words.
Roma wines are truly magnificent.
Let me repeat the name R-O-M-A Roma wines made in California for enjoyment throughout the world.
And now here is Charles Ruggles.
Thank you, thank you.
Well it was a great pleasure for me to appear on Suspense this evening.
And I'll be listening next week as I hope you will when Fay Bainter and a distinguished Hollywood cast will be starred.
And one more word.
As the enemy's desperate resistance grows greater make sure that our fighting men suffer no lack in their need for more of the weapons of war.
Buy more war bonds.
Suspense is produced and directed by William Spear.
Don't forget then next Thursday same time Fay Bainter and other stars in Suspense.
Presented by Roma Wines.
Made in California for enjoyment throughout the world.
This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.