NARRATOR:
This is Orson Welles, speaking from London.
SOUND:
BIG BEN CHIMES ... OUT BEHIND--
NARRATOR:
The Black Museum -- the famous repository of death. Here, in the grim stone structure on the Thames which houses Scotland Yard, is a warehouse of homicide, where everyday objects -- an earthenware pot, a silver shilling, a typewriter ribbon -- all are touched by murder.
MUSIC:
ACCENT ... THEN OUT BEHIND NARRATOR--
SOUND:
CLINK! OF GLASS BOTTLES
NARRATOR:
Four small bottles. Well, they're familiar objects, medicine bottles: shining glass; cork-stoppered; the labels in neat, clear handwriting. Such bottles are in the medicine cabinet of almost every home. These were found--
SOUND:
RUSTLE OF INSPECTOR AND SERGEANT WALKING THROUGH THICK SHRUBBERY ... THEN IN AGREEMENT WITH FOLLOWING--
SERGEANT:
Found one, inspector. Two-ounce size.
INSPECTOR:
The others can't be far.
SERGEANT:
Yes, here are two more. One-ounce capacity these.
INSPECTOR:
(BENDING DOWN) And here's the fourth.
SERGEANT:
Innocent little things aren't they, sir?
MUSIC:
ACCENT
NARRATOR:
Well, today those four small bottles have a place -- a very honored place -- in the Black Museum.
MUSIC:
FANFARE ... THEN IN BG--
ANNOUNCER:
From the annals of the Criminal Investigation Department of the London police, we bring you the dramatic stories of the crimes recorded by the objects in Scotland Yard's gallery of death, the Black Museum.
MUSIC:
THEME ... THEN EERIE IN BG, OUT BEHIND NARRATOR--
SOUND:
HEAVY DOOR OPENS ... NARRATOR'S STEPS IN AGREEMENT WITH FOLLOWING--
NARRATOR:
(ECHO) And here we are -- the Black Museum. Scotland Yard's museum of murder. Yes, here lies death. In these hundreds and hundreds of objects, large and small, is the means to death; a thousand methods of killing, all neatly labeled to indicate who and what and where and when. Here's a kitchen mop: long handle, gray with use, gray where the red-brown stain fails to cover the grayness. Look closely at the harsh metal that binds the strings of this utensil. Yes, this blade struck, and struck again, before the mop itself removed the traces of the crime.
SOUND:
CLINK! OF GLASS BOTTLES
NARRATOR:
(ECHO) Ah, here we are. Here are the four small bottles. Three of one-ounce capacity; one holds two ounces. They mark a strange story, a story out of the Edwardian era, when man was still lord of all he surveyed and women were just beginning to demand equality.
SOUND:
CLINK! OF DRINKING GLASSES
OSCAR:
(A TOAST) To the ladies, Reverend. Although I would prefer toasting them with something slightly stronger than tea.
EDGAR:
To the ladies, my friend.
ANNE:
To listen to my husband, Reverend, you'd think he was old-fashioned and not an advanced thinker for this age.
OSCAR:
I? An advanced thinker? Why, Anne my dear--
ANNE:
But you are, Oscar. You really are.
OSCAR:
At the risk of shocking you, Reverend-- But then, you're a young man and not, I assume, as easily shocked as some pastors I've known. I believe a man should have two wives.
EDGAR:
(SHOCKED) Really, sir?
ANNE:
(AMUSED) He means it, Reverend. Listen to him.
OSCAR:
I believe a man needs two wives. One to cook, sew, and care for the household. The other to be a companion when a man needs intellectual stimulation, or to lend beauty to the drawing room -- and grace and wit.
EDGAR:
Then you would give the latter education?
OSCAR:
Exactly. And since I am not allowed two wives, I chose the latter. You're new here, Reverend. You don't know that I married Anne when she was very young and sent her to Brussels and then a French university for her education before installing her here as my wife.
EDGAR:
Why-- Why, that's unheard of, sir. You are a pioneer in the view-- (FADES OUT)
NARRATOR:
Oh, yes, Mr. Oscar Stone, wholesale grocer and a man of means, was truly advanced for his age -- the age of '99 -- and very liberal in his philosophies. In fact, he was so considerate of his wife, and of the difference between her age and his own, that he encouraged rather than looked askance at her companionship with the Reverend Edgar Sweet, a much much younger man than Mr. Stone himself.
ANNE:
Edgar? You've been a good friend to me these past months.
EDGAR:
I'm happy to hear you say so, Anne.
ANNE:
That is why-- Well, I'm not hesitating to tell you something which I feel is rather - unfair.
EDGAR:
Tell me what it is.
ANNE:
Oscar has drawn his will.
EDGAR:
Well, he's my friend -- my good friend. I'd hate to see him pass on, but every man must have his house in order--
ANNE:
(INTERRUPTS) Edgar, you don't understand. Making the will is all right. It - it's what he's put in it.
EDGAR:
Go on, my dear.
ANNE:
He has left me his entire estate -- provided I never marry again.
EDGAR:
That is his right, you know.
ANNE:
It's not his right. He's afraid someone might marry me after he's gone -- for the money.
EDGAR:
He's only protecting you from fortune hunters, Anne.
ANNE:
Then why did he give me an education if he doesn't think enough of me to let me protect myself?!
MUSIC:
BRIDGE ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR--
NARRATOR:
The serpent in Eden? Perhaps. Perhaps not. But it is clear that the young lady had a will of her own and wanted to control her own destiny. In any case, the friendship ripens -- not only between the two young people, but between Edgar and Oscar as well.
OSCAR:
Edgar my friend, I'm not well. I saw a doctor today and I am not well.
EDGAR:
I can't believe it. You look fine. Fine.
OSCAR:
The debilitation of age--
EDGAR:
But you're not old. Fifty-five isn't old.
OSCAR:
(SIGHS) When you've worked as hard as I have for almost fifty of those fifty-five years-- Well, in any case, I've decided to take a rest.
EDGAR:
Excellent, Oscar. That's what you need -- an extended vacation.
OSCAR:
I've made arrangements to go to the shore. A month at the sea ought to practically-- Well, rejuvenate me. (CHUCKLES)
EDGAR:
I'll miss you. Our talks have been a great stimulus to my work.
OSCAR:
And I thought that-- Well, even pastors have vacations occasionally.
EDGAR:
(CHUCKLES) Occasionally we do.
OSCAR:
Of course. So I reserved accommodations for you, along with Anne and myself.
EDGAR:
But I can't possibly afford--
OSCAR:
(INSISTS) As my guest.
EDGAR:
You - you don't know how much I appreciate this, Oscar, but I couldn't accept this.
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS ... ANNE'S STEPS IN
ANNE:
(UNEASY) Oh. Oh, I - I'm sorry. I thought you were alone, Oscar.
OSCAR:
I'm glad you came in, Anne dear. I was telling Edgar we're going to the shore for a month.
ANNE:
(PLEASANTLY SURPRISED) Oh, Oscar! How nice.
OSCAR:
I'm insisting that Edgar come along as my guest.
EDGAR:
How can I accept such an invitation?
OSCAR:
Tell him you will find him as welcome as I will, Anne.
ANNE:
(SLY, POINTEDLY) Of course I'll find him welcome, Oscar. Edgar knows that.
MUSIC:
BRIDGE ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR--
NARRATOR:
They compromised; Edgar came for weekends. The ripening of a friendship. Or the growth of a triangle. The classic triangle -- husband, wife, and the young man.
MUSIC:
FIRST ACT CURTAIN
[COMMERICAL BREAK]
MUSIC:
TAG
NARRATOR:
The summer ended. Oscar and Anne returned to new lodgings in Pimlico. They took an additional room.
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS ... STEPS IN ... DOOR CLOSES
ANNE:
Edgar? Do you like it?
EDGAR:
(PLEASED) Bookcases -- a couch -- a fine desk -- all this room? How could I help liking it?
ANNE:
And in here -- (SOUND: DOOR SLIDES OPEN) -- right next door.
OSCAR:
Edgar my boy, welcome to your new lodgings! Now we are not only friends, we are neighbors!
EDGAR:
Really, Oscar, I don't know why you-- (FADES OUT FAST)
NARRATOR:
But there was more. And rather interesting. One afternoon while Oscar was at his doctor's office--
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS ... ANNE'S STEPS IN
ANNE:
May I disturb you for a moment, Edgar?
EDGAR:
Oh, of course, Anne. What is it?
ANNE:
Remember months ago I told you about Oscar's will?
EDGAR:
Er-- Oh, yes, I remember. Why?
ANNE:
He took out that awful clause. If I want to, I can marry anyone I please one day. And you are the executor.
MUSIC:
BIG ACCENT! ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR--
NARRATOR:
Everything was quite smooth -- quite quite smooth. In fact Oscar began to feel quite a bit better. At least, he said so, and insisted that Edgar and Anne accompany him to a horse show.
SOUND:
HORSE SHOW BACKGROUND (GALLOPING AND WHINNYING HORSES, ET CETERA)
ANNE:
Why do you love horses so, Oscar?
OSCAR:
Perhaps because I always wanted to ride and never learned. Oh, there's a fine animal.
SOUND:
HORSE WHINNIES NOISILY
EDGAR:
He must be at least sixteen hands high.
OSCAR:
Edgar, why don't you take Anne to the stalls to see her favorites? I'll just sit here a while. I - I guess I'm not as strong as I thought I was.
ANNE:
Will you, Edgar? Please?
EDGAR:
Do you think you'll be all right here alone, Oscar?
SOUND:
HORSE SHOW BACKGROUND FADES DOWN
NARRATOR:
It's a picture, isn't it? The elderly husband sitting on the bench watching the two young people stroll away. What are his thoughts -- as he sees them disappear in the crowd? What would his thoughts have been if he'd heard their conversation?
SOUND:
HORSE SHOW BACKGROUND FADES UP
ANNE:
I'm dreadfully worried about Oscar.
EDGAR:
He seems much better. Seashore did him good.
ANNE:
(EXHALES) "Seems" is the word. He's not. Not really.
EDGAR:
Anne? What are you telling me?
ANNE:
(POINTED) That his doctor has confided in me. Oscar may not live out the year.
MUSIC:
ACCENT ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR--
NARRATOR:
The next morning there were signs that Anne's words might become the truth. She sent for the doctor, a youngish man named Richards who lived some half a mile from the lodgings.
RICHARDS:
I don't like this, Mrs. Stone; not at all.
ANNE:
(UNHAPPY) Oh. Oh, dear.
OSCAR:
Will you stop frightening my wife, young man?
RICHARDS:
Well, the truth, sir, is the truth. You're not well. Your stomach's in very bad shape. And I shall prescribe for you, and your wife will see that you take, your medicine. Won't you, Mrs. Stone?
ANNE:
Oh, of course, doctor.
MUSIC:
CHIME ACCENT
NARRATOR:
The young doctor was very certain, but not Oscar. His pain continued. Anne was obviously very upset. She took Edgar aside.
ANNE:
Edgar? I want you to do something for me.
EDGAR:
If I can.
ANNE:
(EXHALES) I cannot see Oscar suffer the way he does at times. I - I know a way to ease his pain, but I need your help.
EDGAR:
Of course.
ANNE:
I want you to buy me some chloroform.
EDGAR:
Chloroform?
ANNE:
Yes. A few drops on a handkerchief and he will sleep easily. I learned about it in the practical nursing classes in Brussels.
EDGAR:
(PUZZLED) But - but Dr. Richards will get you some.
ANNE:
No. (EXHALES) He'll never believe I know how to use it. Here's a pound note. (BEAT, IMPLORING) Please, Edgar.
MUSIC:
ACCENT ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR--
NARRATOR:
Edgar went to the nearest chemist's shop.
SOUND:
SHOP DOOR OPENS
CHEMIST:
What can I do for you, Reverend?
EDGAR:
I'd like a little chloroform.
CHEMIST:
Whatever for, sir?
EDGAR:
I - I understand it's good for taking out grease spots.
CHEMIST:
Oh. Yes. I suppose it is. But be very careful with it. (FADES OUT)
NARRATOR:
Three more times Edgar walked into chemist shops and bought a small amount of chloroform. Here are the three 1-ounce bottles and the one 2-ounce bottle. Out of consideration for Anne's convenience no doubt, Edgar poured the contents of all the small bottles into a larger one -- and delivered the chloroform to Anne. (BEAT) Quite suddenly, Oscar became a whole lot better.
OSCAR:
(CALLS, WITH MERRY GUSTO) Landlord?! I want to speak with the landlord!
LANDLORD:
(APPROACHES) Yes, Mr. Stone? How can I help you?
OSCAR:
I want to prepare a surprise for my wife and the Reverend -- for tonight.
LANDLORD:
Er, yes, sir.
OSCAR:
A New Year's Eve party. Some roast duck, a bit of cold ham, some good cheese, a bottle of champagne, and a bottle of good brandy.
LANDLORD:
It's short notice, Mr. Stone, but I'll do me best. What'll you be eating?
OSCAR:
(MERRILY) What everyone else eats, ha! Ah, will they be surprised! Oh, I'm feeling wonderful -- for the first time in months! And, er, for breakfast tomorrow, see if your maid can find a haddock -- a large one. Oh, I feel I should be quite hungry in the morning!
MUSIC:
VERY SHORT ACCENT
NARRATOR:
Oscar wasn't hungry New Year's morning. (BEAT) Oscar was dead.
MUSIC:
BIG ACCENT
NARRATOR:
(POINTED) And today the four small bottles which played so large a part in his death can be seen in the Black Museum.
MUSIC:
SECOND ACT CURTAIN
[COMMERCIAL BREAK]
MUSIC:
INTRODUCTION
NARRATOR:
It was a sad New Year's Day for Anne Stone and a bewildering day for the Reverend Edgar Sweet. Oscar Stone, husband and friend, lay dead, quite suddenly -- and after what seemed an indicated quick recovery. But that was only the first event of January first, Nineteen Ten. Onto the scene strolled an old man, Oscar's 75-year-old father. Anne met him at the door to the Stone apartment.
SOUND:
FRONT DOOR OPENS ... FATHER'S STEP IN
ANNE:
(EMOTIONAL) Oh! Oh, father! Father! (WEEPS)
FATHER:
(BRISKLY DISMISSIVE) Yes, yes, of course. Cry all you want. I want to see my son.
ANNE:
He - he's in here, father.
FATHER:
All right. Who - who is this?
ANNE:
Reverend Sweet -- our good friend and pastor.
FATHER:
Ah, yes. Yes, I heard about you. Oscar wrote me.
EDGAR:
(PIOUS) This moment comes to all of us, sir. We can only pray for courage.
FATHER:
(CURT) I've got courage. What I want is facts. I'll see my boy now.
SOUND:
BEDROOM DOOR OPENS ... FATHER'S STEPS IN
FATHER:
(EXAMINES THE BODY, SLOWLY) Ah. Hmm. It looks as if he died in his sleep.
ANNE:
He did. So peacefully I - I didn't realize it until morning.
FATHER:
(QUIETLY) You were a good boy, Oscar. I shouldn't be outliving you. (SNIFFS, THEN SNIFFS AGAIN) Huh? Funny smell. Around his mouth.
ANNE:
The - the doctor said he had gastritis, father.
FATHER:
That's not what I smell. Are you having a post-mortem?
ANNE:
Dr. Richards asked for permission to do one.
FATHER:
Richards? Who's he?
EDGAR:
The family doctor, Mr. Stone -- a fine young man.
FATHER:
All right. If he wants to do it, all right. But I want my man there with him.
ANNE:
Father, are you insinuating--?
FATHER:
(INTERRUPTS) I'm not insinuating anything. I just don't like the look of this. For his own protection, this Richards ought to have another man present, that's all. My boy-- (FADES OUT)
NARRATOR:
The second doctor arrived and forthwith, behind locked doors, the autopsy was performed. In the landlord's parlor Anne waited, with Edgar to give her support and courage. Presently the door opened.
SOUND:
PARLOR DOOR OPENS
RICHARDS:
Mrs. Stone?
ANNE:
Yes, Dr. Richards?
RICHARDS:
We are ready with our report.
ANNE:
(APPREHENSIVE) Did - did you find out anything?
RICHARDS:
We're not certain as yet. Dr. Fletcher, your father-in-law's man, suggests Mr. Stone swallowed chloroform.
ANNE:
(GASPS)
EDGAR:
Chloroform?
RICHARDS:
Yes. Will you come upstairs and hear the report, please?
SOUND:
DOOR CLOSES
EDGAR:
(NERVOUS) Anne?
ANNE:
Yes?
EDGAR:
Did you--? The chloroform I bought for you--? That is--
ANNE:
(SMOOTHLY REASSURING) It's still in its bottle, Edgar. Don't worry. You don't even have to mention it. Shall we go upstairs now? (FADES OUT)
NARRATOR:
The two young people went upstairs, but not hand in hand. There was a sudden reserve between them. In the room where the doctors and old Mr. Stone awaited them--
SOUND:
ROOM DOOR OPENS ... STEPS IN ... DOOR CLOSES
FATHER:
(INTRODUCTIONS) This is Dr. Fletcher. My daughter-in-law, and Pastor Sweet.
BIZ:
FLETCHER, ANNE, and EDGAR EXCHANGE GREETINGS ("How do you do?")
FLETCHER:
As Dr. Richards was in charge of the case, perhaps he's the one to give you our official report.
ANNE:
Oh, please do, Dr. Richards.
RICHARDS:
It's a simple report. We are unable to find any natural cause of death. The contents of the stomach are suspicious. We're holding them for the coroner.
ANNE:
(GASPS)
FATHER:
Have you any particular suspicions, gentlemen?
RICHARDS:
None which we care to state officially.
FLETCHER:
You realize the room where death occurred is to be sealed and its contents must not be touched.
ANNE:
My - my purse is in there.
FATHER:
It will have to stay there.
ANNE:
Why, surely I may have my coat, and - and a hat.
FATHER:
I assume so, if Dr. Fletcher's present when you remove them.
MUSIC:
BRIDGE
NARRATOR:
Anne went to stay with a cousin, a brief train journey away. The coroner's inquest was held and adjourned, pending a full report from a government analyst. And that was all. But Edgar dispatched a note to Anne and she met him, as he requested, in a quiet tearoom in Pimlico.
SOUND:
MURMUR OF TEA ROOM CROWD, IN BG
ANNE:
Edgar, what's the matter with you? You - you haven't looked me straight in the eye since we met today.
EDGAR:
(VERY NERVOUS) I - can't seem to help myself. Anne? Dr. Richards did tell you that Oscar might not live out the year?
ANNE:
Well, of course he did.
EDGAR:
It came so suddenly. They all behaved so strangely. Anne, I'm afraid I'm finished. If this develops into anything, I shall lose my pulpit.
ANNE:
(COOL) If you don't do anything foolish, I certainly won't.
EDGAR:
Everything's going wrong. I - I feel as if-- Anne, I bought that chloroform. If there is chloroform in the autopsy report-- Anne, don't you see--?
ANNE:
Forget the chloroform. Forget all about it.
EDGAR:
I can't! Where is it? What did you do with it?
ANNE:
I took it with me when I left the apartment, right in my coat pocket -- under the nose of my "dear" father-in-law. I poured it out of the train window. And then I threw the bottle away.
EDGAR:
Ohhh, that makes it worse. If they prove that Oscar was-- But don't you see? They'll trace the chloroform to me.
ANNE:
(ALMOST LANGUID) In other words, Edgar, you're implying that I gave it to Oscar.
EDGAR:
I'm not implying anything of the kind!
ANNE:
What else are you saying? (BEAT, DELIBERATELY) Edgar, you helped me over a bad time. Now I think it will be best if we do not see each other any more. Goodbye, Edgar.
SOUND:
SCENE FADES OUT
NARRATOR:
The lady was annoyed, perhaps rightly so. The young man was frightened, very rightly so. In their separate ways, each awaited the report of the government analyst. At long last Dr. Richards came to the young widow.
RICHARDS:
The news could be a lot worse, Mrs. Stone. They could have found arsenic or one of the slower, more common poisons.
ANNE:
What have they found, doctor?
RICHARDS:
Poisoning by chloroform.
ANNE:
(HUGE GASP!) Oh, doctor -- that is the worst.
RICHARDS:
How so? Don't tell me you had some in your possession.
ANNE:
(INCREASINGLY TEARFUL) I did! I - I had my reasons. Doctor, my married life was not happy. I - I am young; he was old, practically my father. He kept putting me in Edgar's company. I began to-- (SOBS) When two people are together constantly-- (SOBS)
RICHARDS:
(BEAT) Please go on, Mrs. Stone.
ANNE:
(CALMER) I - I obtained the chloroform. I kept it in a drawer. But I'd never had a secret from Oscar -- never -- on any score. So on New Year's Eve, after our party, I told him I had it, and where it was. He spoke to me sadly but kindly, and grieved that I'd been feeling about him as I did. Then he went to sleep. Or I thought he did. (VERY SLOWLY) The next I knew he was dead.
RICHARDS:
Did you look at the bottle?
ANNE:
Yes. I - I couldn't tell how much was gone. I took the bottle and I - I poured what was in it from the train as I went-- (FADES OUT)
NARRATOR:
The autopsy report came to Edgar as well. He wrestled with himself and finally took the only course which seemed open.
EDGAR:
Inspector Seward?
INSPECTOR:
Yes? Come in, sir. Sit down.
SOUND:
DOOR CLOSES ... CHAIR SCRAPES AS EDGAR SITS
EDGAR:
Thank you.
INSPECTOR:
I understand you have some information in the matter of the death of Oscar Stone.
EDGAR:
I do. (DELIBERATELY) You see, I bought the chloroform.
MUSIC:
BIG ACCENT
SOUND:
RUSTLE OF INSPECTOR AND SERGEANT WALKING THROUGH THICK SHRUBBERY ... THEN IN AGREEMENT WITH FOLLOWING--
INSPECTOR:
They should be here somewhere, sergeant.
SERGEANT:
If the little parson is telling the truth.
INSPECTOR:
I'm sure he is. (LIGHTLY) Sure let himself in for something with that woman, didn't he?
SERGEANT:
(CHUCKLES) It looks that way. Leave it to a woman every time.
INSPECTOR:
Grease spots, eh? Ha! Not bad for an amateur. I suppose this is the gorse patch where he said he threw those small bottles.
SERGEANT:
Yes, this is the place. (PLEASED EXCLAMATION) I found one, inspector. Two-ounce size.
INSPECTOR:
The others can't be far.
SERGEANT:
Yes, here are two more. One-ounce capacity these.
INSPECTOR:
(BENDING DOWN) And here's the fourth.
SERGEANT:
Innocent little things aren't they, sir?
MUSIC:
BIG ACCENT
INSPECTOR:
(GRIM) Anne Stone, I have a warrant for your arrest on the charge of willful murder of your husband.
MUSIC:
BIGGER ACCENT
INSPECTOR:
(GRIM) Edgar Sweet, I have a warrant for your arrest. You stand charged as an accessory before the fact in the murder of Oscar Stone.
MUSIC:
BIGGEST ACCENT
NARRATOR:
The trials were placed at the next Assizes.
SOUND:
GAVEL BANGS TWICE ... COURTROOM ECHO
JUDGE:
Gentlemen of the jury, the Attorney General who has this case in hand, with full knowledge of the facts, will present no evidence against the Reverend Mr. Sweet. You are rather directed to find him not guilty, and I shall order his release at once.
SOUND:
COURTROOM CROWD MURMURS ... GAVEL BANGS GENTLY ONCE
NARRATOR: Edgar Sweet left the courtroom a much wiser young man. The trial of Anne Stone proceeded, and rested entirely on the medical evidence.
SOUND:
GAVEL BANGS TWICE ... COURTROOM ECHO
COUNSEL:
Dr. Fletcher, you have described yourself as an expert in criminal toxicology. We have accepted you as such. Is that correct?
FLETCHER:
It is, sir.
COUNSEL:
Very well. Now, I call the particular attention of the jury to the answers you will give to these questions, as they will have great bearing on the evidence against my client. The first, sir: have you ever known of a recorded case of murder by liquid chloroform?
FLETCHER:
No.
COUNSEL:
Is there any record, to your knowledge, of the forcible administration of this liquid? Of anyone pouring it down a victim's throat?
FLETCHER:
There is not.
COUNSEL:
If the victim were sleeping, for instance?
FLETCHER:
(NO) The burning would waken him. It'd probably go down his windpipe, not his gullet.
COUNSEL:
And there would be burns clearly visible after death?
FLETCHER:
There would be.
COUNSEL:
Then in your expert opinion, Dr. Fletcher, is it impossible to commit murder by liquid chloroform?
FLETCHER:
Nothing's impossible. But it's highly improbable.
COUNSEL:
Thank you, doctor. That is all.
SOUND:
GAVEL BANGS ONCE
NARRATOR:
The chief witness for the Crown, Dr. Fletcher, had given his testimony. All that remained, in the opinion of the defending counsel, was to create a reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury. He called no witnesses, but spoke for six hours, summing up. In essence he said--
SOUND:
GAVEL BANGS TWICE ... COURTROOM ECHO
COUNSEL:
Oscar Stone was a loving if elderly husband. He felt his life was over. Remember, he was an eccentric who believed in having two wives. Can we say that this man, who had given so much to his sweet young wife, was not prepared to give her the greatest gift of all -- her freedom? Once he knew that chloroform was in the house, could he not have taken it himself and passed quickly into the coma which ended in death? And if he gave this lovely girl freedom, are you who sit in judgment to do any less?!
SOUND:
GAVEL BANGS ONCE
NARRATOR:
The judge was clear if somewhat caustic in his charge to the jury.
JUDGE:
(COURTROOM ECHO) There have been sweet faces which hid guilty consciences before. When a young wife and a young man are thrust into daily contact by a doting husband, strange events have a way of taking place. All this is true. But one salient remains. You may find this woman guilty as charged only if no reasonable doubt exists in your minds that she did commit the crime of which she stands-- (FADES OUT)
NARRATOR:
The jury deliberated for over two hours. They were twelve solemn men when they filed back into the jury box. Anne Stone rose to face them. The clerk asked for the verdict. The foreman rose and spoke clearly.
MUSIC:
VERY BRIEF ACCENT
FOREMAN:
(COURTROOM ECHO) We have considered the grave suspicions in this case, but find no evidence that would indicate who administered the poison to the victim. We find the accused, therefore, not guilty.
MUSIC:
ACCENT
NARRATOR:
But despite that perhaps surprising verdict of "not guilty," the four famous small bottles can be seen today in the Black Museum.
MUSIC:
FINAL ACCENT
ANNOUNCER:
Orson Welles will be back with you in just a moment.
[COMMERCIAL BREAK]
NARRATOR:
No double jeopardy. That's an ancient English law. No double jeopardy. One cannot be tried twice for the same offense. It was felt therefore that since Anne Stone had been acquitted, if she had committed this crime, she ought to tell the world how it had been done. But no. All that was heard thereafter from Anne Stone was a letter addressed to her defending counsel, which read as follows: "Dear Sir Edward, I feel I owe my life to your earnest efforts. I have not been a good woman and my temptations have been terrible. But though I have not kept my vows, you will judge me mercifully." (BEAT) And there the case rests.
SOUND:
NARRATOR'S STEPS TO MUSEUM DOOR BEHIND--
NARRATOR:
(ECHO) And now until we meet next time in the same place and I tell you another story about the Black Museum, I remain, as always, obediently yours.
SOUND:
MUSEUM DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS, WITH ECHO
MUSIC:
CURTAIN