Auto Light and its 98,000 dealers bring you Mr. Edmund O'Brien in tonight's presentation
of Suspense.
Tonight, Auto Light presents a true story as we dramatize the diary of a man whose unfortunate
task it was to set down a report on the death of his friends, ordeal in Donner Pass.
Our star, Mr. Edmund O'Brien.
Well, Harlow, tomorrow's the day.
Yes, Senator, the day when a lot of people will step on the starter and find that their
batteries are as dry as a campaign speech because they forgot to keep them properly
filled with water.
I mean election day, Harlow.
Right, right, the day when thousands of wise drivers will elect to get an Auto Light stay
full, the battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use.
I'll vote for that.
And that Auto Light stay full is a long time in office.
Fiberglass retaining mats protect every positive plate to reduce shedding and flaking and give
that conscientious candidate longer life as proved by tests conducted according to accepted
life cycle standards.
So friends, after you vote, visit your Auto Light battery dealer, the expert on all makes
of batteries, to quickly locate him, phone Western Union by number, and ask for operator
25.
I'll tell you where to get an Auto Light stay full, the battery that needs water only three
times a year in normal car use.
And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light.
And now, Auto Light presents, Ordeal in Donner Pass, starring Mr. Edmund O'Brien, hoping
once again to keep you in suspense.
My name is Patrick Breen, and I am a God-fearing man who loves his family and tries to do right
by his fellow man.
If in the months that followed after we started to take the hasting shortcut to California,
if in those months from November of 1846 to March of 1847, I was selfish, there were men
guilty of worse.
I'd done what I was able.
I'd done what was the most any man could.
If we had have read the signs right, it wouldn't have happened maybe.
When Keesburg left the old man, Mr. Hardcoup, behind to die.
When Snyder attacked Mr. Reed and Reed killed him and got banished from the caravan, sent
out alone without wife and child.
If we saw the signs of losing all those cattle and trucky meadows, and the Indians sneaking
up and killing half the rest, we would have seen the hand of nature working against us.
And the crazy task of clearing a road through the Sierra Mountain wilderness by hand, 30
miles of road.
We should have seen the signs, but the Donner Party only saw Missouri where they came from
and California where they was going.
We didn't see in between.
Well, what's the trouble?
What's the matter?
Something go wrong again?
What's the matter?
Mr. Eddie is for trying to get over the pass again.
I say it's crazy.
Temperature must be near to freezing.
And it gets worse near the summit, up near the pass.
Well, I got my wife and children to think about, Mr. Donner.
And so do I, Mr. Graves.
And think about them.
Don't stop here.
You'll save her lives if you don't stop.
It's colder and colder, Mr. Eddie.
I tell you, get out of these mountains now.
We'd have to leave most of our goods behind.
And leave your goods.
Leave our goods?
As well leave our money.
And your money.
You talk madness, Mr. Eddie.
What would we start our lives with in California?
Don't be fooled.
Mr. Eddie, you'll make trouble for yourself.
Look at the health of our party.
The exhaustion, Mr. Eddie.
Look at it.
Look at dead bodies if you don't move on.
I know.
I know that.
But it's always been what could happen.
Only some of my children, they complain.
They need rest in a regular camp.
And mine too.
And my wife.
The last bluff we lowered our wagons over.
We didn't have the energy to keep them right.
Someone crashing down supplies an oil.
The men just don't have the heart for it.
You'll die.
There's no going back to the Salt Lake.
Some died there already.
Try.
At least try going over the pass again.
Hastings route was a pack of lies.
We'll take another route.
Look up, Mr. Eddie.
Look up to the face of the summit.
Snow.
Solid snow.
No marks or signs.
It's snowing again.
And if we stay, it'll swallow us up.
And look at the faces.
One body can only work so much, Mr. Graves.
And no more.
Only so much.
It calls for a vote.
No, not yet.
Why a vote?
No more argument.
It wastes time.
No, you gotta listen.
We gotta talk some more.
You gotta understand.
Take your hands off me.
Tom, stop it.
Stop it.
All right.
All right, call your vote.
Call the vote, Mr. Breen.
Listen.
The question is, do we go on for another try over the pass or stay?
There's no going back.
Mr. Donner?
To stay.
Mr. Graves?
To stay.
Mrs. Reed, with your husband gone, you have a man's vote.
To stay, I suppose.
I don't know.
I cast no vote, Mr. Breen.
Mr. Murphy?
Keesburg?
We built three houses.
One was already standing.
The Graves family next to the Reeds.
Our family in Keesburg's next door.
The Eddie and Murphy families in the adjoining cabins.
And five miles down, the Donners.
No windows and one door to each cabin.
And like sentinels from October 31st, half our slaughtered oxen, dressed and ready, split
in half, stood frozen next to our cabins.
On Friday, November 20th, 1846, I began my journal.
We now had killed most part of our cattle, having to stay here until next spring and
live on poor beef without bread or salt.
It snowed during the space of eight days with little interruption.
The remainder of time up to this day was clear and pleasant.
Freezing at night, the snow had nearly gone from the valleys.
Hello!
My wife, my children asleep.
They could not have attempted the crossing with Mr. Eddie, who started out with 22.
My wife thought it better to wait.
Hello!
We're off!
What, what is it?
It's Mr. Eddie taking a group for another try.
Oh, I wonder.
It's no time for doubt.
A doubt can mean terrible things.
Do you think they'll make it?
I've no facts to go by.
Mr. Eddie's a courageous and daring man.
Will they make it?
It's only a feeling and it's the only guide we have.
Will they make it?
I say no.
On November 26th, I slaughtered my last team of oxen.
After this beef was gone, maybe Mrs. Eddie would sell me some of hers.
There were some mules, there were dogs, and we waited.
Monday, December 1st, snowing fast, wind west, snow about four or five feet deep, no drifts,
looks as likely to continue as when it commenced.
No living thing without wings can get about.
Tuesday, December 2nd, still snowing, wind west, snow now about five and a half to six
feet deep.
Difficult to get wood, no going from the house, completely closed in.
Great days of storm and not seeing or hearing a word of life or death.
Snow bound so that even the people in the next cabin were like a thousand miles away.
We couldn't get out to kill the pack animals and after the sixth day our ration was barely
enough to keep a baby alive.
And then the storm stopped.
We got to have meat.
I'll go out.
Slaughter the mules.
Aye, the mules.
Here.
Help me with these boxes.
The door is jammed.
Step aside now.
When I pull back the last hide, snow will fall through.
Mr. Graves?
They're gone.
They're gone.
What are you talking about?
We didn't tie the stock.
They ran off.
The stock.
Oh, no, no.
They couldn't have gone far enough.
They couldn't have gone far enough in the storm.
They've got to be here.
Look for the trash.
Trash should be gone.
Cover it up.
We should have tied them.
Yeah, we should have tied them up.
I can't dig anymore.
Mr. Green, Mr. Graves, Bayless Williams is dead.
Will someone help take him from our cabin?
Graves, will you help?
I cannot.
I've got to save my strength.
I cannot.
Come, Mrs. Reed.
We'll give Bayless Williams the final rest, poor man.
Mr. Green, have you any ox meat for my children?
There's almost none.
A little.
Just a little for my children.
We have children too, Mrs. Reed.
Sorry.
It's starting to snow again.
I'm sorry.
And getting colder.
Maybe we should call him Fortunate, Mr. Williams.
Auto Light is bringing you Mr. Edmund O'Brien in Ordeal in Donner Pass, tonight's presentation
in radio's outstanding theater of thrills, Suspense.
Say, Harlow, who do you think will win tomorrow?
Why, the man with the auto light stay full battery, Senator.
You just can't lose with that rare, rugged and reliable battery that states right on
the case.
Needs water only three times a year in normal car use.
But both candidates have an auto light stay full, Harlow.
Then they have long-term power insurance, Senator.
Fiberglass retaining mats protect every positive plate to reduce shedding and flaking and give
that auto light stay full longer life, as proved by tests conducted according to accepted
life cycle standards.
Yes, but who are you voting for, Harlow?
Why, for my auto light battery dealer.
He's the expert on all makes of batteries.
And if a replacement is needed, he'll recommend an auto light stay full.
The battery that needs water only three times a year in normal car use.
To quickly locate him, phone Western Union by number and ask for operator 25.
That's right.
Call me Western Union operator 25.
And remember, from bumper to tail light, you're always right with auto light.
And now, auto light brings back to our Hollywood soundstage, Mr. Edmund O'Brien in Elliot Lewis's
production of Ordeal in Donner Pass.
A true report, well calculated to keep you in suspense.
Maybe you say it was cruel of me to turn aside Mrs. Reed, but I had eight mouths to feed.
She only had five.
Figuring life and death in numbers.
What else could we do?
December 31st, 1846, last of the year.
With God's help, we spend the coming year better than the past, which we propose to
do.
We're blessed to have a good time.
Burger died, Reinhardt also.
If only almighty God will deliver us from our terrible situation, which is our prayer.
Amen.
Morning, cloudy again, wind east by south for three days past freezing hard every night.
Looks like another snowstorm.
Snowstorms are awful to us.
Snow is so deep now.
So very cold.
Some of the children too weak to get from bed.
Nothing but hides in the children's starving dog.
Sunday January 3rd, 1847, freezing at night, wind about east.
Mrs. Reed talks of crossing the mountains with one of her older children, leaving others
behind.
Provisions cast.
I have no right to ask you, but it's for their sake.
I must go.
No, not alone.
Mrs. Reed.
With milk.
No.
And Eliza in Virginia.
10 strong mountain men couldn't do it now.
I must, I must.
There isn't enough for all of us.
Can I leave James with you?
I'm going for bread, Tommy.
Get bread for you and everybody.
Child.
What of Tom?
To the graves.
Will they take him in?
I can only imagine.
Will you help me take him over?
Hurry, hurry, Mr. Breen, for God's sake, hurry.
You come seeking help, Mrs. Reed?
The fine and dandy Mrs. Reed?
I only ask you with some charity.
Take in my baby, Tom.
We've got nothing to share with the son of your husband.
Cut out your tongue, Mr. Graves.
This isn't your concern, Mr. Breen, none of it.
I've taken in James.
And it's your bad luck.
How can you talk so selfish?
For all of us, one problem, all to help each other.
We're more alone than ever, alone.
From the man who fights the hardest, wins his life and life for his family.
You ask a price?
There's still some animal hides on the roof of your hut.
I thought to share them for all the children.
Let the others care for your precious baby.
Mr. Breen?
He can have some of them you give me.
And the silverware you brought.
A foul mind and a foul body.
No father than the stink of your own cabin, living like animals.
But you become one.
And then there's a golden bracelet my wife saw you wear.
You can have it.
And fine linen cloth.
Any other...
Enough!
Shut up!
You ask for another thing and I turn my hand against you.
I'll kill you if you ask for another thing!
Please, Mr. Breen.
I got all I want.
I've got all I need.
Monday, January 4th, Mrs. Reed, Milt, Virginia and Eliza started about a half hour ago with
a prospect of crossing the mountain.
May our God of Mercy help them.
It was difficult for Mrs. Reed to get away from the other children.
Friday, January 8th, wind east, froze hard last night.
Very cold this morning.
Mrs. Reed and company came back this morning.
Could not find their way on the other side of the mountain.
They have nothing but a few hides to live on.
From January 10th to the 14th, it snowed without stop.
Difficult to get wood even after the storm broke.
There is little energy for much but sitting.
Saturday, 23rd, blew hard and snowed all night.
The worst storm we experienced this winter.
The sun came out a while.
No sign of any game.
No birds.
No Indians.
Even they leave us to our fate.
January 31st, Glander Murphy died.
The sun don't shine out brilliant this morning and it froze pretty hard last night.
February 21st, 1847, we sat in our cabin.
The hides was rotting from the heat inside and snow on top of them.
But even those we boil and eat.
We hear from the Donners up the trail.
Old Jacob Donner is dying.
Many were dying.
Patrick, how long can we last?
Not long if all we talk of is death.
What was that?
Something, something's happened.
Gone mad?
Have some gone mad?
Oh no, I think it's more.
Who are they?
Are we saved?
Oh God, dear God, are we saved?
Are you, are you an angel or are you real?
We're real.
My name is Rhodes.
Who sent you?
How have you come to us?
Reed told us.
He got us to come.
Reed?
The man we banished, God forgive us, the man we cast out.
You, you, you brought food.
Some flour, some salt.
We had to leave a lot behind.
Enough to get us over the mountain?
How many are there?
Maybe 40, including children.
But don't you know for sure?
Every night there's less.
We hardly see each other for days at a time.
Hey, keep that man away from the pack.
You want food?
Flour, I've got to have food.
You'll kill yourself if you eat too much.
Put a guard on the food.
We'll give out what we can.
Not all of it.
There's got to be enough left.
We've got to get out of here.
We've got to get out of here.
We've got to get out of here.
We've got to get out of here.
We've got to get out of here.
We've got to get out of here.
Twenty-four went with the brave seven men.
And those who were left moved into only two cabins.
We lived like animals then.
We was little more.
They said I lived more than they could see.
if we go outside.
Build a fire on the snow.
If the others help, we can.
At least, not to live in a room with the dead.
We come from built-up country and cities.
We didn't know that to build a fire on snow, you've got to cross tree trunks and put the fire on them.
We built it on snow, and it cut a well into the snow.
We all moved down to it, like a cave.
We was too weak to move from the wet ground, too sick to care.
At least it protected us from the wind.
Fourteen of us was all that was left alive.
My wife Peggy, Mrs. Graves, and her baby.
What do you have there?
Nothing.
Nothing?
You hid something under your shawl.
I didn't hide anything.
You put something to your mouth.
No.
You got some food.
You've been holding up some food.
Come back Peggy, leave her be.
I won't.
Under her shawl.
No, stop, stop now.
Give it back.
Give it.
Give me.
My baby.
It was only a bleached out bone, Peggy.
She ate all that was on it.
She ate.
Don't, Mrs. Graves, don't.
She held out.
It was only an empty bone.
It had been boiled over and over.
Held out.
An empty, empty bone.
Held out.
An empty.
Mrs. Graves' baby died that night, and in the morning, a five-year-old son.
Life went from her altogether, she died by the time the sky was light.
We did not have energy to take them out of the pit, because we didn't have no energy to get out ourselves.
There was eleven left.
Close to ninety started.
Half died.
And on the sixth day, in that cave of snow and the ground, sitting like animals in the mud, not caring or even hearing.
I can't pray.
Don't.
No, ma.
Don't say that.
You can't even remember my prayers.
They, they come back.
Call.
I've got to call them.
Help.
We're, we're here.
Help.
Go up to them.
I can't move.
Help.
They'll go, they're not here.
They'll go.
We'll die down here.
If we, maybe if we all try to shout, shout to them.
Come on.
Help.
Help.
Hear it?
Come over there.
Come on.
Here.
Down here in this hole.
Oh, no.
We'll take you out.
Don't worry.
We'll take you out.
We lived in that place five months.
We left the camp.
We will never forget.
Some of us were selfish.
We will never forget that no matter what we'd done that was wrong, a lot of us tried to be decent.
I'd done what I was able.
I'd done what was the most any man could.
April, 1847.
Suspense.
Harlow Wilcox again speaking for Auto Light, the world's largest independent manufacturer of automotive electrical equipment in 28 plants from coast to coast,
where Auto Light makes over 400 products for cars, trucks, tractors, planes, boats, and industry.
These products include horns, bumpers, recording thermometers, and batteries such as the famous Auto Light Stay Full, ignition engineered Auto Light spark plugs, both standard and resistor types,
voltage regulators, wire and battery cable, Auto Light bullseye sealed beam units, and Auto Light original service parts for all Auto Light electrical systems.
Auto Light is proud to serve the greatest names in the industry, so from bumper to tail light, you're always right with Auto Light.
Next week, a true story taken from Captain Walter Kerrig's Battle Report Korea.
The facts concerning the mine clearing operations in Wonsan Harbor.
Needle in the haystack.
Our star, Mr. William Holden.
That's next week on Suspense.
Suspense is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis, with music composed by Lucian Morawick and conducted by Lud Bluskin.
Ordeal and honor pass was adapted for Suspense by Arthur Ross.
Featured in tonight's cast were Paula Winslow, Mary Lansing, Charlotte Lawrence, John Danaer, Joseph Kearns, Harry Bartel, and Parley Bear.
Edmund O'Brien may soon be seen in The Bigamist, co-starring Joan Fontaine and Ida Lupino.
And remember next week, Mr. William Holden in Needle in the Haystack.
You can buy Auto Light stay full batteries, Auto Light standard or resistor type spark plugs, and Auto Light original service parts at your neighborhood Auto Light dealers.
Switch to Auto Light. Good night.
This is the CBS Radio Network.