SFX:

Wind/ Church Bell Tolls

Announcer:

The Witch's Tale!

MUSIC:

Theme

Announcer:

The fascination of the eerie, weird, blood chilling tales told by Old Nancy, the witch of Salem and Satan her wise black cat. They are waiting, waiting for you, now.

MUSIC:

Theme

Old Nancy:

Hehehehe. (Meows) One hundred an eight year old I be today, yes sir, hundred and eight year old. (Meows) Well Satan, tell these folks to douse their lights. That's it, make it nice and dark and cheerful while you listen to our soothing little bedtime stories. Draw up to the fire and gaze into the embers, gaze into them deep and soon you'll see a boat that's coasting off the islands of Hawaii, oh Hawaii, hehehehe. Where the flowers of finest perfume and weeds of rankest poison, where there's happiness and life and sunshine and where there is darkness, fear and death. Hawaii, that's the setting for our pretty tale we call the King Shark God. Hehehehe. The King Shark God.

MUSIC:

Theme

Mason:

Roy, just look at this vale we're coming into. That beach, those mountains in the distance, get out of that chair and look.

Roy:

I'm more comfortable sitting her within reach of a drink. To me that vale is just the Maya Kona harbor where we get off this boat and drive to Kahala. I lived in these islands for three long years, you know.

Mason:

If I were to spend a lifetime here I wouldn't understand how you could be so bored. Why this, this is God's country.

Roy:

Ten to one you'll be fed up with the place before I was. Your capacity for enjoyment is handicapped by a lot of morals. While I, having no morals, have managed to keep a degree of interest, thanks to the very pretty women here. Women and pineapples are two products for which Hawaii cannot be beaten.

Mason:

So I understand.

Roy:

You'll be chump enough to only appreciate the pineapples. Hmmm, Lord how time changes a fella. When you use to play hooky from school back in San Francisco, who'd ever have dreamt that you'd become a missionary. When I saw you step off the boat in Honalulu wearing the black suit and the bible sticking from your pocket I nearly dropped dead.

Mason:

Well I thought the clerical black would probably impress you with my new dignity so I wore it purposefully -- and nearly roasted.

Roy:

I see you lost no time in changing to white when we got back to the hotel. My, you look like a human being again.

Mason:

Thanks.

Roy:

You know, I wonder if becoming a preacher hasn't just been a change of clothes for you. I wonder if you're not still a rowdy underneath.

Mason:

Oh and what about you? Ever since we had our reunion three days ago you have tried to shock me with tales of your gambling and drinking and your love affairs. I wonder if that's not mostly pose and if you're not still the good little boy you used to be in school.

Roy:

No, I'm living now as I always wanted to live. I simply lacked the nerve to be myself back home where people knew me. Out here nothing matters but to have a good time and the easiest way you can get it. I wonder how long it'll take for these islands to bring out your real self, as they brought out mine.

Mason:

I think I've discovered my real self.

Roy:

I wonder. Hmmmhmmm. When we were kids you used to like the girls. Wait 'til we get to Kahala and you get an eyeful of my Irene. I'll bet she makes you forget you come here to save souls.

Mason:

Your Irene?

Roy:

Oh don't prepare to get shocked. Everything is perfectly proper. Matter of fact this girl is so straight laced I'm thinking of making her Mrs. Cole.

Mason:

What, you're planning to be married?

Roy:

Mmhmm. May ask you to tie the knot for us.

Mason:

You never mentioned this before. Oh Roy, you were only fooling when you told me those wild tales of your dissipations. You were just trying to get my goat. Why didn't you tell me you were getting engaged?

Roy:

Cause I just made up my mind over this last bottle of rum. And I wasn't kidding about the other girls. This one's simply got me going so I'll do anything to get her. I go back to the States; divorce won't be much trouble

Mason:

You mean you'd marry with divorce already on your mind?

Roy:

Wouldn't expect me to go back to California married to a half cast.

Mason:

A half cast?

Roy:

Mmmhmmm. You'd never guess it in a million years to meet her. She's blonde as you are . Speaks English like a Vassar scholar. Her name is Irene Mgrim. Yet her mother's a full blooded islander !!!.

Mason:

And you'd wreck her life by--

Roy:

I'd only do what the average white man does when he's stuck in a backwoods native village for any length of time. It's either stay here and stay married, or to go home, go home alone. That's how Irene's father went, hmm, only he'd be better off if he hadn't. He fell overboard before the ship cleared Malkuna harbor. A shark got him. They say old Kaleema, that's Irene's mother put a curse on him. The natives believe in such punk curses here.

SFX:

Loud bell clanging.

Roy:

That means we'll dock in a few minutes. Come on, let's get our baggage together.

Mason:

Yes I am anxious to get ashore and to Kahala.

Roy:

Hey you wouldn't tell Irene what I just said?

Mason:

You think I'd allow you to harm anyone so horribly when it is in my power to prevent it? The moment we reach Kahala I'm calling on that girl.

Roy:

Hey wait, come back here. Wait!

Mason:

Take your hands away, let me go.

Roy:

No you don't. Listen, I didn't mean a word I said. It was a joke, just a joke.

Mason:

A joke?

Roy:

Yes to get your goat. To shock you. Haha. And you swallowed every word! I was only kidding. I'm mad about that girl. Look, I'm so much in love that I even carry a lock of her hair in my watch. She keeps a lock of mine about her. I wouldn't do her any harm. I swear I was only kidding.

Mason:

You could kid as you did about someone you really care for?

Roy:

It was in rotten taste I know, but I wanted to shock you. I've been drinking too much today, the liquor made me forget I was going too far. Now you won't say anything to Irene when you meet her. Promise you won't.

Mason:

I'm not sure you're telling the truth Roy.

Roy:

Yes I am, honest! As we used to say when we were kids, cross my heart and hope to die.

Mason:

All right I believe you.

Roy:

I knew you would.

FX:

Sound of commotion.

Mason:

What are they shouting about back there?

Roy:

I guess they spotted a shark.

Mason:

Oh where-- I've never seen one!

Roy:

Everyone is running towards the stir if you want to look.

Mason:

I see it.

Roy:

Yeah it's a big one. A man-eater. What the natives call a manchai.

Old Islander:

No no that shark no manchai. That shark Gung ho lai.

Mason:

What did that native say?

Roy:

Oh he corrected me. He said that fish was no ordinary manchai. A gung ho lai, the King Shark God.

Mason:

King Shark God?

FX:

low rumbling sound.

Roy:

Yeah some these dumb savages worshipped sharks. Still do, I guess. Ah they're full of crazy superstitions.

FX:

Rumbling grows louder.

Roy:

Say, is that thunder?

Mason:

Thunder?

Roy:

Yes can't you hear it?

FX:

Distinct thunder sound

Mason:

No, I can't hear a thing except these people about us.

Roy:

Funny I hear it. Now it's growing louder.

Mason:

Roy, you're face is white as a sheet. What's wrong?

Roy:

I feel suddenly dizzy. Too much liquor, I suppose.

Mason:

Here let me help you to a chair.

Roy:

No no I'm alright. You still don't hear any thunder?

Mason:

No.

Roy:

Wonder what's the matter with me.

Mason:

Oh you'd better sit down. Come on.

Roy:

No no. I wish that thunder would stop roaring in my head. It's like a voice. A voice that's calling me. Calling from the water. Calling louder, always louder. It is a voice.

Mason:

Roy!

Roy:

It is a voice that's calling. I've got to answer.

Mason:

Come back here, Roy! Stop that man he's climbing on the rail!: Stop! Roy!

Roy:

It is a voice, I've got to answer!! Scream.

MUSIC:

Dramatic sting

Mason:

Ahem. And that was the last we saw of Roy, Dr. Raime -- or of the huge shark. Just the blood and ripping water.

Dr. Raime:

Your introduction to Hawaii hasn't been a very happy one Mr. Mason.

Mason:

No, it all seemed so beautiful and then-- Doctor you saw a lot of Roy during the years he spent here in Kahala. Was the insanity that caused him to jump overboard a sudden thing or have you noticed indications that his mind was affected?

Dr. Raime:

You think insanity was responsible for Roy's death?

Mason:

Of course, it's the only explanation. I told you how he acted just before.

Dr. Raime:

He heard thunder that called him, you say.

Mason:

Yes.

Dr. Raime:

Mr. Mason -- did Roy say anything about a woman?

Mason:

Why, he mentioned a number of women.

Dr. Raime:

Yeah, knowing his nature I've no doubt of that. But did he speak of a particular girl here in Kahala, a half cast girl named Irene Mclenan?

Mason:

Yes.

Dr. Raime:

Was he planning to play her some sort of a dirty trick?

Mason:

W-- why do you ask that?

Dr. Raime:

Because Irene Mclenan's father jumped off a boat for no apparent reason when HE planned to play a dirty trick on her mother. And a shark got him just as one got Roy Caldwell.

Mason:

Roy told me that story, the coincidence hadn't occurred to me.

Dr. Raime:

There have been several coincidences connected to the Mclenans. Before Roy two other white men interested in Irene met mysterious deaths in shark-infested waters.

Mason:

What are you driving at, doctor?

Dr. Raime:

Mr. Mason, only 160 odd years ago this land was unknown to white men and what we call civilization. Although with help from the Chinese and Japs we've done a lot to it in a short time, may heaven forgive us, but we haven't yet destroyed all that was here before we came.

Mason:

I'm afraid I don't understand you.

Dr. Raime:

And you won't until you learn these islands for yourself. I think you're a human being in spite of your black broadcloth. Take an old sinner's advice, and stay away from Irene Mclenan.

Mason:

I'm here in Kahala to preach the gospel doctor and not to become interested in any woman.

Dr. Raime:

Stick to those principles and you'll be alright. Otherwise-- Do you know what taboo means?

Mason:

It's a native word which means "forbidden."

Dr. Raime:

Exactly. I'm going to tell you what Roy Caldwell knew and didn't heed. This girl's mother is a Hawaiian. She's a priestess of the old Gods and the old order, which our civilization has only touched. The man she loved gave her cause to hate his race. And the islanders say Irene her daughter is taboo to white men. !!

Music:

Bridge

Irene:

May I say how much I enjoyed your sermons, Mr. Mason?

Mason:

Miss Mclenan, I'm so glad to see you.

Irene:

I'm flattered that you remember me. We've only met once before you know. When you and Dr. Raime brought me the news about poor Mr. Caldwell.

Mason:

I hope you've recovered from the terrible shock of that news.

Irene:

Your inspiring sermons have helped me to forget. I've felt as though you've talked directly to me from the pulpit.

Mason:

I -- I have. You haven't been out of my mind a single moment since I met you. I mean, when I see you and your mother in church. I hoped I could help you forget poor Roy.

Irene:

I understand. Oh you haven't met my mother, have you?

Mason:

No.

Irene:

Mother will you come here?

Kaleema:

Yes, me come.

Irene:

This is Mr. Mason mother.

Kaleema:

How you do?

Mason:

I'm very happy to know you Mrs. Mclenan.

Kaleema:

My name Kaleema.

Irene:

Mother prefers to be called by her Hawaiian name.

Kaleema:

Yeah, Kaleema.

Mason:

I see, Perhaps Miss Mclenan you also --

Irene:

Haa, no, no my native name would be a little difficult for strangers to pronouce. It's Kana Haia Waiu

Mason:

That's such a beautiful name. I'd like to call you Kana Haia Waiu when I cease to be a stranger.

Irene:

Well to advance our friendship, why don't you visit mother and me some evening.

Mason:

I'd love to.

Irene:

Well how would this coming Thursday be? You'll have dinner with us?

Mason:

Thursday will be splendid.

Kaleema:

Good come to us then.

Mason:

Thank you Mrs. Mclenan.

Kaleema:

(angrily)Me Kaleema!

Mason:

Oh yes of course, excuse me.

Irene:

Now we must be going mother. Here comes Dr. Raime to take Mr. Mason away.

Dr. Raime:

Good morning Mason, Hello Irene, Aloha Kaleema.

Irene:

Good morning Doctor. Goodbye till Thursday Mr. Mason.

Kaleema:

Yeah till Thursday.

Mason:

I'll be there early.

Dr. Raime:

What's this about Thursday? you folks inviting the new minister to dinner or something?

Mason:

Yes doctor!

Dr. Raime:

Well that great, nothing like getting a free feed when you can. If you and your mother don't mind, Irene ,I'll come along to and have one.

Irene:

Why -- we should be delighted to have you of course.

Dr. Raime:

I knew you'd say that. I'm glad you made it Thursday though that's my only free evening this week.

Irene:

We shall expect you both. Come mother.

Dr. Raime:

Goodby Irene, aloha Kaleema.

Kaleema:

Aloha.

Mason:

Goodbye.

Irene:

Till we meet again, Mr Mason.

Music

Dr. Raime:

Very beautiful girl, Irene, isn't she?

Mason:

I -- I really hadn't noticed --

Dr. Raime:

You're staring after her like a lost sheep because her and her mother have become such good parishioners of yours, I suppose. That's right my boy, always keep an eye on the customers.

Mason:

I still don't--

Dr. Raime:

I don't like this sudden religious fervor. Old Kaleema especially. You're the only unattached white men in Kahala now. It almost looks as though she wished you to become interested in Irene.

Mason:

Oh that's nonsense! The same kind of nonsense you tried to make me believe about Roy Caldwell's death. Please drop the subject doctor, you've harped on it ever since the day I met you.

Dr. Raime:

And my harping hasn't done a bit of good?

Mason:

Well did you expect to convince me with your wild theory over the whole Hawaiian women have caused four men to be killed by sharks? If it were possible, Kaleema would have to have such an impossible power, and do you think I believe she or her daughter would harm anyone after I watch them in church every Sunday for a month? Anyone so sincere in their worship as God as those two women can have no treachery in their hearts for men.

Dr. Raime:

So you think they and the other natives in your congregation really worship Almighty God. Really believe as you do?

Mason:

I don't think doctor, I am positive.

Dr. Raime:

Alright, I will say no more. Hmmm, Irene and her mother must have forgotten something. They're coming back here.

Irene:

Oh Mr. Mason, when we invited you for dinner, Mother and I made a very foolish mistake. Thursday is the one evening of the week we shall not be free. I'm terribly sorry Dr. Raime, you said you were engaged on every other night didn't you?

Dr. Raime:

Yes.

Irene:

Will you come on Wednesday Mr. Mason?

Mason:

Well that will suit me splendidly.

Irene:

Now goodbye again, Mr. Mason and Dr Raime.

Dr. Raime:

Goodbye Miss Mclenan.

Kaleema:

Aloha

Mason:

Goodbye Mrs -- Kaleema.

Dr. Raime:

Goodbye, sorry I am so busy Wednesday.

Irene:

The doctor knows we don't want him, mother.

Kaleema:

He no matter, the young Haole looks at you with longing eyes.

Irene:

But his eyes look differently than other men's have looked. His eyes seem good.

Kaleema:

White man never good, I teach you that.

Irene:

Yes they're all bad like my father.

Kaleema:

And like your father and the others we give this man to Gung Ho Lai.

Irene:

Yes to Gung Ho Lai, the King Shark God.

Music

Mason:

Good night Kana Lau Waiu.

Irene:

It's time I teach you to say aloha. Don't you like our custom of using the same word for parting as we do for greeting? It seems to make the parting shorter.

Mason:

Nothing can make separation from you seem short.

Irene:

You see me every evening.

Mason:

That's not enough. It is nearly two months since I came at first to call on you, yet it seems like yesterday. I never dreamed anyone could know such happiness as I've found with you.

Irene:

I -- I'm glad you've been happy. Now I must go in.

Mason:

No don't go yet, there is something I have wanted to tell you, I have for weeks but lacked the courage to put it into words. Now--

Irene:

You must tell me another time. My mother is waiting --

Mason:

No, now I've started I must finish before I lose my nerve again. I mean, I love you!

Irene:

Oh don't say such things!

Mason:

You don't care for me?

Irene:

Don't ask me questions now. Come tomorrow night and we will talk. Now I must go!

Mason:

I won't let you go! You do care for me, I can see it in your eyes! Oh Irene, say you will be my wife, say you will marry me!

Irene:

(Sobs.) Tomorrow. Tomorrow! I must go in!

SFX:

Door closes.

Irene:

Sobbing

Kaleema:

Why do you weep?

Irene:

Mother, I thought you had gone to bed.

Kaleema:

Why do you weep?

Irene:

No reason. Just because I'm tired I guess.

Kaleema:

Hmm. Did you do what I say tonight?

Irene:

No. No, not yet. Oh, you must give me time!

Kaleema:

I already give you time, too much time. Kana Lau Waiu, have you fall in love with this white man?

Irene:

Oh mother! --

Kaleema:

Ah, you fall in love with this white man!

Irene:

No!

Kaleema:

That is well. It would be danger for one taboo, very danger for Kana Lau Waiu. There must be no more delay, the King Shark God has found it long. Tomorrow we must have another sacrifice.

Irene:

Oh tomorrow is so soon.

Kaleema:

Tomorrow is very late.

Irene:

Tomorrow.

Kaleema:

Tomorrow!

Music

Mason:

Darling, I won't let you stop me as you did last night. I love you. I want you for my wife!

Irene:

Oh don't say such things and don't look at me like that.

Mason:

My dear?

Irene:

Don't look at me like that, I say! Can't you realize that I'm a half cast. My hair as yellow as yours, my skin as white -- but I'm a bronze savage underneath. A bronze savage! I've learned you gaze at me like all others of my father's race have done. As an inferior, a female animal, as if something they can take and break. Don't look at me gently, don't be different from the rest. Oh I want to hate you! (Sobs)

Mason:

You poor dear, I don't care what your blood is. I only know love you.

Irene:

You don't know what you're saying! you must go away and never see me again.

Mason:

You don't want me to go away. You love me!

Irene:

Yes, yes I love you.

Mason:

That's all that matters.

Irene:

Then in the morning you must take me to Honolulu. We'll be married there and take the first steamer for San Francisco.

Mason:

You mean leave Kahala?

Irene:

Yes, and Hawaii, forever. It's our only safety. Yours and mine!

Mason:

Safety?

Irene:

Oh don't question it, just do as I ask. Please, oh please.

Mason:

I don't understand but I will do anything you wish.

Irene:

I will try to explain -- later. Now take me home. I will meet you at the dock tomorrow at ten. A boat is leaving for the mainland then. But you must tell no one of our plan.

Mason:

You mean except your mother?

Irene:

No, No! My mother least of all!

Mason:

You mean you don't want your mother to know?

Kaleema:

My daughter jokes.

Irene:

Mother!

Mason:

Mrs. Mclenan!

Kaleema:

Me Kaleema!

Irene:

You were hding behind those palm trees listening!

Kaleema:

This is a warm night. I walk on beach. You come talk and I hear.

Irene:

Oh!

Kaleema:

Mr. Mason. My daughter make joke to you. She no want to leave Kahala. But tomorrow you go boat to Honolulu and bring back wedding ring for my daughter, and you she marry here.

Irene:

Mother, you mean you will let us be married?

Kaleema:

After Mr. Mason comes back Honolulu. But Mr. Mason be away from you all day on trip, you be less lonely for him if before he go you take one lock of your future husband's hair.

Mason:

A lock of my hair?

Irene:

No, no, no! Don't let her have a single hair from your head, don't let anyone have one! Not a single hair.

Kaleema:

Kana Lau Waiu! Gung Ho Lai!

Irene:

I won't let you. I won't let you!

Kaleema:

You will take.

Irene:

No.

Kaleema:

You. You, Kama Hau Lai!

Mason:

Irene! Kaleema! I don't understand!

Irene:

My mother has just reminded me otof an old Hawaiian belief-- The soul in life grows equally in all parts of the body. If you leave a lock of your hair with me, it will be as though I had you with me tomorrow even though you are away in Honolulu.

Mason:

I heard about that notion. I will be glad to give you a lock of my hair, Irene. It's a rather pretty idea for people who are in love. But I really can't approve any pagan superstition about it.

Kaleema:

I cut the hair.

Irene:

No, I cut it. Cut it carefully.

SFX:

scissors clip

Kaleema:

Now you have.

Irene:

I will keep it safe.

Kaleema:

Yeah, very safe. Hehe, for this lock of white man's hair it means a white mans life.

Music:

Bridge

SFX:

sound of thunder rumbling low

Irene:

I won't go with you any further. I won't go near where that monster shark is swimming.

Kaleema:

Come!

Irene:

No, no. Mother, please!

Kaleema:

Come. Gung Ho Lai calls.

SFX:

Thunder

Irene:

I hear his voice. I go to him. But don't make me do this thing tonight, oh don't.

Kaleema:

We stand by the sacred water now. Oh Akalla Akai Akua. Kohana hualona. Look! he come!

Irene:

Oh I can't look at him swimming there.

Kaleema:

Gung Ho Alai hungry. He no have food he like for long.

Irene:

You can't make me give him this man's life. He's not like other white men -- this one is good!

Kaleema:

No white man good. Gung Ho Lai hungry. Give!

Irene:

No. I will not give this white man's life.

Kaleema:

You not give life. You only give lock of hair to God in water.

Irene:

No, mother please!

Kaleema:

Quick. Gung Ho Lai speak, he tire of wait.

Irene:

I won't give it to him. I don't believe anymore he is a god. Just a monster savage shark. That's all you are, a savage shark!

SFX:

Thunder rumbles louder.

Irene:

I won't be frightened. A voice of a God's not speaking, just natural thunder. You my mother have taught me to fear this thing. You made me it's priestess when I was a baby -- Taught me his evil worship because my father had left you and you wanted revenge on his race. But I am of my father's blood as well as yours -- I don't believe in your shark god anymore. I don't believe!

Kaleema:

If you do not believe, what harm can lock of hair in water do?

Irene:

I have believed so long.

Kaleema:

Yeah, and will believe until you die. Give lock of hair.

Irene:

No, I have helped you send other men to death. But this beast can't have the one I love!

Kaleema:

You give Great Shark lock of hair, or I kill your white man with knife.

Irene:

Here mother, I give you a lock of hair to give your god. A lock of hair -- a life.

Kaleema:

Yellow hair, white man's hair. I give Gung Ho Lai. I throw in water. As you take the part so take the whole. AS you have taken the hair so take the life.

SFX:

Thunder loud clap.

Kaleema:

Gung Ho Lai take.

Irene:

Sobs.

Music:

tormented

FX:

distant boat horn blowing.

Mason:

I'll buy the ring the moment I land in Honolulu, darling, and then you will be here at the docks when my boat returns from there tomorrow -- and then I have arranged for Mr. Evans to perform the ceremony. Irene -- why are you so silent this morning? Aren't you feeling well?

Irene:

I'm -- I'm all right.

Mason:

My daughter will wait you here by see tomorrow.

Mason:

I'll depend on you to see that she does.

SFX:

Bell Clanging

Mason:

Oh they're getting ready to haul up the gang plank. Aloha, dear. You said that sort goodbye made separation seem shorter. But if you really believe that heathen notion about the lock of hair, then part of me is staying here with you.

Irene:

Yes, and I have kept it safe. I have it here.

Kaleema:

(gasp) What?

Crew:

(BACK) All Aboard! Pull up the plank.

Mason:

I must go. Aloha dear, aloha Kaleema.

Irene:

Aloha.

CREW:

Cast off!

SFX:

sound of plank being pulled across wood. Boat whistle.

Kaleema:

Kana Lau Waiu, where did you get lock of hair? It's the white man's!

Irene:

Yes. My hair is yellow too. It was my hair you gave to the King Shark God.

SFX:

Thunder rumbles

Kaleema:

Your hair? I give my daughter life to Gung Ho Lia.

Irene:

Yes! You gave him my life and now he comes to claim the sacrifice you pledged him! Aloha! I go to pay your debt of hate!

SFX:

Thunder rumbles

Kaleema:

My daughter, come back! Kana Lau Waiu!

CREW:

(shouting) Stop her! She's running off the docks!

Mr. Mason from boat:

Irene. No!

Crew:

Stop! A shark!

Irene:

Screams

Man:

There's blood in the water!

Mason:

Irene! My love!

Kaleema:

My daughter! Oh my Kana Lau Waiu!

Music

Old Nancy:

Hehehehehe...Well that's the end of that one, Satan. You folks come see me next week on my birthday and we'll have another pretty yarn to spin ye. Hehehe

Satan:

Meow

MUSIC