MUSIC:

"SUSPENSE" THEME, UNDER

VOICE:

And now, tonight's presentation of Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills...

MUSIC:

KNIFE CHORD

VOICE:

SUSPENSE! Tonight, we bring you a transcribed story of a mother, a dad, a locked door, and a baby. We call it, "The Cellar Door". So now, starring Paula Winslowe and Parley Baer, here is tonight's "SUSPENSE" play: "THE CELLAR DOOR".

MUSIC:

DRAMATIC, OMINOUS INTRO, FADING OUT

SFX:

"SUBURBAN STREET" AMBIENCE ... DAD BRISKLY WALKS UP FRONT PATH, AND UP FRONT STEPS ... OPENS FRONT DOOR ... WALKS IN ... CLOSES DOOR

SFX:

"STREET" AMBIENCE OUT ... "FAMILY HOME" AMBIENCE (TV ON, TODDLER PLAYING), UNDER

JOE:

(CALLING) Anne?

ANNE:

(CALLING, OFF) Oh, I'm out in the kitchen!

JOE:

Oh.

SFX:

HE WALKS TO KITCHEN, WHERE MOM IS PREPARING LUNCH

JOE:

Well, the weather's great. We finally got a perfect Sunday!

ANNE:

I thought you were gonna wash the car.

JOE:

Well, I decided to mow the lawn instead.

ANNE:

Yeah, I could hear you.

JOE:

Hi, Sandy!

SANDY:

Hi!

JOE:

What's new?

SANDY:

Noo! Noo!

JOE:

Hey, d'you hear that, Anne? He can say anything now. You know that woman on the corner... Um, what's her name...?

ANNE:

Oh... Miss Emerson.

JOE:

Er, yeah. She wouldn't believe me when I told her Sandy wasn't quite two yet. She thought he was three or four.

ANNE:

(MODESTLY) Oh, really, Joe.

JOE:

That's right.

SANDY:

Toast? Toast?

ANNE:

(TO SANDY) We'll have lunch right after your bath, honey.

JOE:

Well, what's the schedule?

ANNE:

Well, I'm gonna bathe him now...lunch, his nap, and then we can go to the park.

JOE:

M-hm. I better drain some of that water outta the heater. Where's the bucket, Anne? Down in the basement?

ANNE:

Oh, I moved everything onto the service porch. It was too tough going up and down those stairs.

SFX:

SANDY PLAYS WITH HAND-CRANKED EGG-BEATER, AND SINGS TO HIMSELF, UNDER

JOE:

Hey, look. All those toys, and he plays with an egg-beater.

ANNE:

Say, the water heater's all right, Joe. If you have to fix something, how 'bout the light-socket in the bedroom closet, huh?

JOE:

Well, I'll fix 'em both.

SFX:

LOUD BANG OF BALL HITTING WINDOW ... ALL ARE SHOCKED SILENT

ANNE:

Oh! What was that?

JOE:

I dunno.

SFX:

A FEW FOOTSTEPS TO WINDOW

ANNE:

Oh, it's those kids from across the street.

JOE:

Oh, they musta kicked that football in the yard again.

SFX:

HE WALKS TOWARDS DOOR, UNDER

JOE:

(FADING OFF) They're killing the hedge. I'll be right back.

SFX:

DOOR OPENS, THEN CLOSES

ANNE:

(BENDING DOWN AND PICKING UP SANDY) Oh, come on, Sandy. We'll run the water into the tub, huh?

SFX:

MOM'S FOOTSTEPS GOING TOWARDS BATHROOM, UNDER

JOE:

(OFF) Hey, fellas! Don't go through the hedge! Go around it! It's the only hedge I got to my name.

NEIGHB:

(OFF) Sorry, Joe. I'll keep 'em over here.

JOE:

(OFF) All right.

ANNE:

(TO SANDY) Where's your boat, honey?

SANDY:

(BABBLES, UNDER)

ANNE:

Can't take a bath without the boat.

SFX:

TUB FAUCET TURNED ON ... TUB STARTS TO FILL, UNDER
ANNE: And right after your nap, we'll go to the park, and ride in a pony-cart.

SANDY:

Boat? Boat?

SFX:

(OFF) FRONT DOOR OPENS ... DAD COMES IN ... DOOR CLOSES

ANNE:

Oh, here's your boat. Now, look. Don't go out in the hall, dear. You stay here.

JOE:

(CALLING, OFF) I'll be down in the basement, honey.

ANNE:

(CHUCKLING, CALLING) D'ya save the hedge?

JOE:

(CALLING, OFF) Yeah. I guess I'm gettin' old. I've been nursin' that hedge for three years.

SANDY:

(BABBLES, UNDER)

ANNE:

(CALLING) Say, can you watch Sandy for a minute? I wanna get a towel outta the kitchen.

JOE:

(CALLING, OFF) Sure.

SFX:

FOOTSTEPS, AS SHE WALKS OUT OF BATHROOM

ANNE:

(FADING OFF) And turn the water off, willya honey?

SFX:

FOOTSTEPS INTO BATHROOM

JOE:

Right. (TO SANDY) Ehh, we'll take on the ponies, this afternoon, Son, huh?

SFX:

TURNS OFF FAUCET ... WATER STOPS FILLING TUB

SANDY:

Ponies? (BABBLES, UNDER)

JOE:

(CALLING) Hey, Anne? (NO ANSWER) Anne?!

ANNE:

(APPROACHING, WORRIED) What's wrong?

JOE:

Er, uh, nothin'. (SMILING) But look at Sandy.

ANNE:

What'd he do?

JOE:

(PROUDLY) He took off his stockings!

ANNE:

Oh, he's been doing that for months.

JOE:

Yeah, I know, but look how neatly he tucked 'em in his shoes. (DELIGHTED) Just like I do.

ANNE:

Cute.

(JOE SNUGGLES ANNE)

 

ANNE:

Hey...

JOE:

Well, is there something wrong with puttin' my arms around you?

ANNE:

(SNUGGLING) No. (INTIMATELY) Are you going to fix the light-socket upstairs?

(THEY KISS)

 

JOE:

After I drain the water-heater.

(THEY KISS AGAIN)

 

ANNE:

(CHUCKLING) Sandy's bath's gonna get cold.

JOE:

Okay. I'm on my way.

SFX:

HE WALKS AWAY

ANNE:

(CALLING) Oh, Joe?

JOE:

(OFF) Yeah?

ANNE:

(CALLING) Put a low flame under the pans on the stove, willya?

JOE:

(OFF) Check!

ANNE:

Thanks, dear.

SFX:

SHE PUTS HER HAND IN THE WATER, TO CHECK TEMPERATURE

SANDY:

(BABBLES)

ANNE:

Ah, the water's just right. (TO SANDY) Come on. You take off your pants.

SANDY:

No... No...

ANNE:

Oh... You did it yesterday. Come on. Start with the buttons.

SFX:

PHONE RINGS (OFF), UNDER

ANNE:

(ANNOYED) Oh! (CALLING) Joe? Can you answer the phone?

SANDY:

Boat? Boat? Boat?

ANNE:

(CALLING) Joe???

JOE:

(CALLING, OFF) Down in the basement!

ANNE:

(ANNOYED) Oh! (CALLING) Well, I'll get it. (TO SANDY) Come on, gimme your hand, Sandy. We'll answer the phone together.

SANDY:

Boat? Boat?

ANNE:

Oh, you better let me carry you again. The floor's cold, and you got your shoes off. (PICKS HIM UP) There we go. Now, hang on.

SANDY:

Going?

SFX:

FOOTSTEPS, AS MOM RUSHES TO THE PHONE

ANNE:

(TO SANDY) No, (ENUNCIATING) ph-one.

SANDY:

Phone?

SFX:

PHONE RINGS LOUDER, AS SHE APPROACHES IT ... SHE ANSWERS IT

ANNE:

Hello? (PAUSE) Oh. Fine. Y-- Look, can I call you back, Mother? I was just gonna give Sandy his bath. (PAUSE) He's... No, he's fine. (PAUSE) No. No, he didn't have a cold after all. (PAUSE. TRYING TO GET A WORD IN) Er, uh, Mother-- Look, could I call-- (PAUSE) Mother-- Can I call you ba--? Y-- All right. Y-- All right. You call me back. M-- M-hm. In about fifteen or twenty minutes. O-- Okay. Y-- Bye.

SFX:

HANGS UP PHONE

ANNE:

(EXASPERATED SIGH, AS SHE PICKS UP SANDY) To the bath...we hope.

JOE:

(CALLING, OFF) Anne?

ANNE:

Oh, d-- (CALLING) Whattayou want?

JOE:

(OFF) Who was it?

ANNE:

(CALLING) My mother.

JOE:

(OFF) Oh. Where are the pliers?

ANNE:

(CALLING) In the kitchen.

JOE:

(OFF) Well, would ya throw 'em down to me?

ANNE:

(FRUSTRATED SIGH. CALLING) All right.

SFX:

FOOTSTEPS, UNDER

ANNE:

(TO SANDY) Sandy, we may never have a bath.

SANDY:

Toast? Toast?

ANNE:

Yeah, lunch. Lunch. We'll have lunch as soon--

SANDY:

Down? Down?

ANNE:

(TO SANDY, AS SHE PUTS HIM DOWN) Okay. Okay, sweetie. I guess the floor's not that cold. Come on out in the kitchen with me. We gotta find Daddy the pliers.

SFX:

OPENS A DRAWER ... TAKES OUT PLIERS

ANNE:

(TO SANDY) See? Pliers. Pli-ers.

SANDY:

Lights on? Lights on?

SFX:

CLOSES DRAWER

ANNE:

(CHUCKLING) No, honey, we only turn the lights on in the evening. When it's dark. C'mon. Let's go back in the hall.

SFX:

FOOTSTEPS, UNDER

SANDY:

Ball? Ball?

ANNE:

No, HALL. This is the HALL.

JOE:

(OFF) Anne?

ANNE:

(CALLING) Y-- I'm right here.

JOE:

(OFF) Well, throw 'em down.

ANNE:

(CALLING) Oh, Joe! You shouldn't leave the cellar door open. Not with Sandy around.

JOE:

(OFF) Well, I knew he was with you. Have you got the pliers?

ANNE:

(CALLING) Yes.

JOE:

(OFF, ANNOYED) Well, throw 'em down!

ANNE:

(QUIETLY & FIRMLY, TO SANDY) Look, Sandy... You wait right here in the hall. Now, I'll only be gone a second. You wait right here.

JOE:

(OFF, ANNOYED) Hey! What are ya doin'?

ANNE:

(CALLING) Well, I have to come down a few steps. I can't throw it around the bend in the stairs.

JOE:

(OFF) Okay.

ANNE:

(TO SANDY) I'll be right back, honey. Now, you stay RIGHT HERE.

SFX:

FOOTSTEPS TO CELLAR DOOR ... DOOR CLOSES ... FOOTSTEPS HALFWAY DOWN CELLAR STAIRS

ANNE:

Okay. Here ya are. Catch! (THROWS PLIERS)

JOE:

(SLIGHTLY OFF, CATCHES PLIERS) Strike! Thank you.

SFX:

QUICK FOOTSTEPS UP THE STAIRS, UNDER

JOE:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) Hey, what's the rush?

ANNE:

Well, I left Sandy in the hall.

JOE:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) Oh. Well, when do we eat?

ANNE:

Oh, about ten minutes.

SFX:

RATTLES DOOR ... IT'S LOCKED ... RATTLES HARDER

ANNE:

Joe?

SFX:

RATTLES DOOR HARDER ... AND HARDER

ANNE:

(STARTING TO PANIC) Joe!

JOE:

(SLIGHTLY OFF) What's wrong?

ANNE:

The door's locked! I--

SFX:

FRANTIC DOOR-RATTLING

ANNE:

Oh! I can't get out!

JOE:

(APPROACHING) Well, now, don't get excited. We'll get it open.

ANNE:

Oh!

SFX:

FRANTIC DOOR-RATTLING

JOE:

Why didn't you put the catch on the lock?

ANNE:

Well, I thought you had! The door was open!

SFX:

HARD BANGING AND STRUGGLING TO OPEN DOOR, GETTING INCREASINGLY DESPERATE, UNDER

JOE:

Well, did ya have to CLOSE the door?

ANNE:

Well, do you want Sandy to fall down the stairs? (GETTING FRANTIC) Oh! Oh, hurry! He's just a baby! He- he- he might fall in the tub! He might-- ANYTHING could happen!

MUSIC:

DRAMATIC UP, THEN FADING UNDER

VOICE:

You are listening to "The Cellar Door". Tonight's presentation in Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills, "SUSPENSE".

MUSIC:

DRAMATIC UP, THEN OUT

ANNCR:

If you're a veteran radio listener, you remember that there never was anything like it on the air. If you're new to radio, you'll soon realize you never heard anything like it. The Radio Workshop will continue, after a few years' vacation, to bring you the new, the exciting, the unusual, in all fields of radio broadcasting. Dramas, music, operas, poetry, and comedy. Hear the "CBS Radio Workshop", this Friday evening, and every Friday.

MUSIC:

"SUSPENSE" THEME UP, AND UNDER

VOICE:

And now, we bring back to our Hollywood soundstage, Parley Baer and Paula Winslowe, starring in tonight's production, "The Cellar Door". A tale well-calculated to keep you in...SUSPENSE.

MUSIC:

TURNS DRAMATIC & DESPERATE, THEN OUT

SFX:

FRANTIC BANGING AND RATTLING OF DOOR

ANNE:

Try the lock.

JOE:

The lock's on the other side. The only thing here is the bolt that holds the lock. And the only thing I'm breakin' open is my shoulder.

ANNE:

Well, you've got to get this door open! He's out there alone!

JOE:

I know it. Keep your voice down, and relax. There's no use scaring the kid.

ANNE:

(HORRIFIED REALIZATION) Joe... There's water in the bathtub. There's a flame on the stove! Do something! Only, get the door open!

SFX:

PAUSE ... HAND-CRANKED EGG-BEATER (OFF), UNDER

JOE:

Hey, what's that?

ANNE:

Oh... He's playing with the egg-beater. At least he's still in the hall. Look, can't you pry it open?

JOE:

The hinges are on the other side. It's a spring-lock. There's no way of turning the lock from here.

ANNE:

(PAUSE. TRIES CALLING TO SANDY) Sandy? Sandy??

SANDY:

(OFF) Bye? Bye-bye?

ANNE:

(ANXIOUS) Oh!

SANDY:

(OFF) Bye-bye?

ANNE:

(CALLING TO SANDY) Honey? I- I'll be right out. You wait there by the door. Mommy'll be right out.

JOE:

(FRUSTRATED GRUNT)

SFX:

FOOTSTEPS DOWN STAIRS

ANNE:

(TO JOE) Where are you going?

JOE:

(OFF) To see if I can find anything in the basement to smash open that door.

SFX:

(OFF) RUMMAGING THROUGH TOOLS

ANNE:

(FRUSTRATED) Oh... (CALLING) Sandy? (NO ANSWER) Sandy??? (GETTING FRANTIC) Oh Joe, hurry, willya? (CALLING) Sandy? Joe! He's not in the hall! I can't hear him!

JOE:

(OFF) What happened to that old hammer I had down here?

ANNE:

I don't know. (CALLING) Sandy??? Sandy!

SFX:

FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING ON STAIRS

JOE:

I couldn't find anything but a screwdriver and the pliers. It should do the trick.

ANNE:

He's not in the hall! He doesn't answer!

JOE:

Take it easy. Falling apart isn't gonna help.

SFX:

USING TOOLS ON DOOR, UNDER

ANNE:

(CALLING) Sandy! (NO ANSWER. TO JOE) Wh- what are you doing?

JOE:

(FIDDLING WITH DOOR) Well, if I could twist this bolt, I... It's part of the lock, and...

SFX:

HE CONTINUES WORKING ON DOOR, UNDER

ANNE:

Well, hurry.

JOE:

It's gonna take a few seconds. See if you can get him back in the hall.

ANNE:

O- okay. (CALLING) Sandy? San-dy! (HEARS SOMETHING) Joe! Joe, what was that?

SFX:

STOPS WORKING ON DOOR

JOE:

What was WHAT?

ANNE:

It sounded like... like water splashing.

JOE:

Oh, I didn't hear anything.

SFX:

RESUMES WORKING ON DOOR, UNDER

ANNE:

(PAUSE) I left the back door open. The screen-door isn't locked! If he went outside, the- the traffic!

SFX:

FIGHTING HARD WITH DOOR

JOE:

Well... Nuts, this isn't gonna work!

ANNE:

Well, you've got to do--

JOE:

I'll have to try something else!

SFX:

(OFF) TOY DUCK QUACKING

ANNE:

(SLIGHTLY RELIEVED) Oh, he's got his toy duck.

JOE:

Yeah, he's in the hall.

ANNE:

Down by the bathroom. (PAUSE. CALLING) Sandy? San-dy?

JOE:

(CALLING) San-dy?

ANNE:

I always give him the duck when he's in the water.

JOE:

(CALLING) Sandy? Come down here by the door.

SFX:

KNOCKING ON CELLAR DOOR, UNDER

JOE:

(CALLING) Right here, Sandy. Where Daddy's knocking.

SANDY:

(OFF) Bye-bye, Daddy? Bye-bye?

ANNE:

(CALLING) Sandy? Stay right he--

JOE:

Lemme talk to him. (CALLING SLIGHTLY) Sandy? Come up to the door.

SFX:

TAPPING ON THE DOOR

JOE:

Right here.

SFX:

TOY DUCK QUACKING (SLIGHTLY OFF), UNDER

JOE:

Do you see the little knob, Sandy? (NO ANSWER) Can you turn it for Daddy?

ANNE:

Oh, he doesn't know what you're talking about.

JOE:

Oh, I've seen him play with every doorknob in the house.

ANNE:

But he can't reach it, Joe. He gets up on his chair.

JOE:

Shhh! (CALLING) Sandy?

SFX:

QUACKING STOPS

JOE:

Get your chair, Sandy. Get your chair, and bring it to the door.

SANDY:

(OFF) Door? Door?

ANNE:

Look, Joe. Can't you pry the door open?

SFX:

QUACKING RESUMES, UNDER

JOE:

No, I can't-- (CALLING) Sandy? Get your chair, and bring it to the door.

ANNE:

Oh! We could be here til tomorrow morning! Til the cleaning woman comes!

JOE:

Get your chair, Sandy.

ANNE:

Joe--

JOE:

Shhh! (PAUSE, AS HE LISTENS)

SFX:

QUACKING RECEDES

JOE:

He's goin' for his chair.

ANNE:

Oh! It's so stupid!

JOE:

Oh, for heaven's sake, stop beating yourself. It issn't gonna open the door! I don't know why you closed it!

ANNE:

Well, I told you.

JOE:

Well, why didn't ya pick him up and bring him with ya?

ANNE:

I should'a been gone only a couple o' seconds! I don't like to carry him down these stairs. They're so steep.

JOE:

Well, you know how the lock works.

ANNE:

You were down in the basement. I thought you put the catch on the lock.

JOE:

But I left the door OPEN.

ANNE:

Oh, how many times have I told you, with Sandy in the house, not to leave the basement door open!

JOE:

Well, he was with you--!

SFX:

LOUD CRASH OF POTS AND PANS, OFF, CONTINUING UNDER

(ANNE & JOE ARE SHOCKED INTO SILENCE)

 

ANNE:

Oh! What was that?

JOE:

Sounds like he's throwing the pots and pans out o' the cupboard.

ANNE:

Joe! I- I've got things cooking on the stove!

JOE:

(CALLING LOUDLY) Sandy! (NO ANSWER) San-dy!!!

ANNE:

Don't shout like that! You'll- you'll scare him half to death. (DESPERATELY THINKING) Uh... (CALLING) Sandy?

JOE:

Sandy? Bring your chair to the door.

SFX:

SANDY DRAGS CHAIR, UNDER

ANNE:

(RELIEF) Oh, he's doing it!

JOE:

That's a good boy... Bring it right up to the door... That's right... Come on... closer.

SFX:

CHAIR DRAGGED TO RIGHT OUTSIDE THE DOOR

JOE:

That's a good boy. Now, get on the chair, son. Get on the chair, and turn the knob.

SANDY:

(OFF, RECEDING) Duck? Duck? Duck?

ANNE:

Oh! He's gone for his duck.

JOE:

He probably left it in the kitchen.

ANNE:

Well, he'll come back as soon as he finds the duck. (PAUSE) Oh, I... I hope he didn't throw it in the tub. (GASP) Joe!

JOE:

What?

ANNE:

The window!

JOE:

Oh, it's too high.

ANNE:

You could raisse me up to the window!

JOE:

Sure, but you'd never get through. It's too narrow.

ANNE:

I can wiggle through!

JOE:

It's too small!

ANNE:

We could at least try.

JOE:

It's a waste o' time, Anne! We can't afford it. You can't get through that window.

ANNE:

Well, I WILL...

SFX:

ANNE FRANTICALLY BANGS ON DOOR, UNDER

ANNE:

(DESPERATE GRUNTS AND CRIES)

JOE:

Anne, stop it! STOP IT!!! (GRABS HER, TO CALM HER)

ANNE:

Let me go!

JOE:

That isn't going to help either! You can't tear down the door!

ANNE:

LET GO!!!

JOE:

Take it easy.

ANNE:

Well, I... (TEARFUL) I can't help it.

JOE:

It's better not to frighten him. (CALLING, TRYING TO BE CALM) Sandy?

SANDY:

(OFF) Duck? Duck?

ANNE:

(RELIEF) Oh! He's still looking for the duck.

JOE:

Sandy? Come to the door.

SANDY:

(OFF, APPROACHING) Daddy? Daddy?

JOE:

Daddy's right here, son. Now- now, turn the little knob. Climb up on your chair, and turn it for Daddy.

SANDY:

(OFF) Knob?

ANNE:

Climb...on the chair, Sandy.

JOE:

(QUIETLY) Let me talk to him. We don't wanna confuse him. (CALLING) Come on, buster. Up on the chair.

SFX:

SANDY CLIMBS ON CHAIR

JOE:

He did it!

ANNE:

Hang onto the doorknob, Sandy.

JOE:

It's all right. (CALLING) Turn the little shiny knob, Sandy. The one under the doorknob. The lock.

SFX:

SANDY JIGGLES DOORKNOB

JOE:

(QUIETLY) Now, look what you've done! He's playing with the doorknob.

ANNE:

(QUIETLY) Well, he has to hang onto something. I don't want him to fall.

JOE:

Shhh! (CALLING) The little knob below the doorknob, son. The little shiny one. That's the lock.

SANDY:

(OFF) Bye-bye?

JOE:

No, no, no! Uh, stay right there, son! Don't go away! Don't go away! Now, turn the shiny one. Right here, where Daddy's tapping.

SFX:

TAPPING ON DOOR

SANDY:

(OFF) Door? Door? Door?

ANNE:

(GIVING UP) Oh, Joe. He's too young to understand.

JOE:

Watch the doorknob, Sandy.

SFX:

HE TURNS DOORKNOB A FEW TIMES

JOE:

See? See how I turn the doorknob? Now, you turn the one under it. I- it's your turn now, Sandy.

SFX:

LOCKING KNOB TURNING SLOWLY, UNDER

JOE:

Good boy. Now, turn it all the way.

ANNE:

He's turning it the WRONG way!

JOE:

No, uh, turn it the other way, Son. To your right. I- I- I mean, turn the other way... Once more, Sandy.

SFX:

SANDY FALLS OFF CHAIR

SANDY:

CRIES LOUDLY (UNDER)

ANNE:

Oh, he fell off the chair! Sandy! Baby, are ya all right?

JOE:

Okay, Sandy?

ANNE:

(CRYING) Oh, as if he could tell us!

SANDY:

(CRYING) Door? Door?

JOE:

Sandy? Sandy, fix your chair.

SANDY:

(WHIMPERING) Boat? Boat?

SFX:

SANDY SLOWLY PUSHES CHAIR, UNDER

ANNE:

The game's over, Joe. Can't you break it open?

JOE:

Well, you saw me try.

SANDY:

(OFF) One... Two...

ANNE:

(CALLING) Sandy?

SANDY:

(STOPS WHIMPERING)

ANNE:

Sandy, we'll be right out. You wait right there in the hall.

SANDY:

(OFF) Daddy?

JOE:

Hey, we're right across from the Donaldsons' kitchen.

ANNE:

Well, I don't think they're home.

JOE:

(SHOUTING OUT WINDOW) Ed??? ... ED??? ... ED??? (NO ANSWER)

ANNE:

Oh, they couldn't possibly hear you.

JOE:

Yeah...

SANDY:

(OFF) Bye-bye?

ANNE:

Sandy?

SANDY:

(OFF, RECEDING) Bye-bye? Bye-bye?

ANNE:

Sand--? Oh, come back and wait by the door! Oh! Sandy?

JOE:

I can hear him in the kitchen.

ANNE:

Oh! There must be SOME way!

JOE:

If I could just get this bolt loose...

SFX:

HE FIGHTS WITH DOOR AGAIN, UNDER

ANNE:

Well, that's what you should'a done in the first place.

JOE:

Well, it's frozen tight!

SFX:

HE HITS THE LOCK

ANNE:

Oh, it- it moved!

JOE:

That was the pliers, not the bolt.

SFX:

HE FIGHTS INCREASINGLY HARD WITH THE LOCK, UNDER

ANNE:

(CALLING) Sandy?

JOE:

He's still in the kitchen.

ANNE:

Oh, don't be so sure.

JOE:

Oh, you always expect the worst.

ANNE:

If the house was on fire, you wouldn't admit it!

JOE:

Well, I don't go around looking for trouble!

ANNE:

What you mean is that I face things, and you don't!

JOE:

No, what I mean is, you're not happy unless there's something wrong, and if there isn't something wrong, you create it!

ANNE:

I created this, I suppose?

JOE:

Yes! Unconsciously!

ANNE:

Look, I have told you a hundred times, not to leave the basement door open! Tell me I created that!

JOE:

All right, it's my fault! I did it! I'm to blame! I'm also to blame for this (HITS IT) BOLT! It won't turn, but it's MY fault!

SFX:

GIVES IT A MIGHTY WHACK WITH PLIERS, HURTING HIMSELF

JOE:

(YELLS IN PAIN AND FRUSTRATION)

ANNE:

Oh, that's how you always try to settle things! (MIMICKING HIM) It's MY fault! Only, you never mean it! That's a fine defence!

JOE:

Well, I've had to learn a few! Like at the Hendersons' party, the other night!

ANNE:

The Hendersons'--??? That was over a month ago!

JOE:

Oh, what difference does it make? You know what I'm talking about.

SFX:

PHONE RINGING (OFF), UNDER

ANNE:

Oh! That's probably Mother. She was supposed to call back.

SFX:

ADD TOY DUCK QUACKING (OFF), UNDER

JOE:

Sandy's found his duck.

ANNE:

He- he always picks up the phone, unless I'm there to stop him!

JOE:

Well, let him pick it up. If we didn't come to the phone, she might get the idea there's something wrong.

ANNE:

(CALLING) San-dy!

JOE:

Leave him alone! (PAUSE) He's in the hall.

ANNE:

Sounds like he's- he's next to the phone!

SFX:

PHONE CRASHES ONTO FLOOR ... RINGING STOPS

ANNE:

Oh!

JOE:

Was that the phone?

ANNE:

He pulled it to the floor. (CALLING) Say hello to Grandma, Sandy! (PAUSE) Say hello to Grandma!

SFX:

QUACKING CONTINUES, UNDER

ANNE:

Well, I guess it doesn't make any difference whether it's Grandma or not.

SFX:

QUACKING STOPS

JOE:

I can't hear him, if you keep talking!

(LONG PAUSE, AS THEY LISTEN)

 

ANNE:

Now, I- I don't hear anything.

JOE:

(CALLING) Sandy?

ANNE:

(PANICKY) SAN-DY???

(PAUSE. SILENCE.)

 

JOE:

Well, he's not in the hall.

ANNE:

May- maybe they'll phone back.

JOE:

Oh, he never puts the receiver back. (CALLING) Sandy? ... Sandy, come out here in the hall! (NO ANSWER. TO ANNE) Can you hear him?

ANNE:

No.

SFX:

HE STARTS TRYING TO SHAVE AWAY THE DOOR JAMB, UNDER

ANNE:

Now, what are you doing?

JOE:

This screwdriver isn't very sharp, but I think I can chisel enough o' this door jamb away to get to the lock.

ANNE:

That should work.

JOE:

Here, hold the pliers.

SFX:

GIVES THEM TO HER

ANNE:

Oh, hurry!

JOE:

Well, I'm goin' as fast as I can!

SFX:

WORKS ON DOOR JAMB SOME MORE, UNDER

ANNE:

Oh... (CALLING) Sandy? ... San-dy! (NO ANSWER) Oh, if he was in the house, he could hear me!

JOE:

He may be back in his room, playing.

ANNE:

Oh, Joe, you haven't even gotten the paint off!

JOE:

(STILL STRUGGLING WITH DOOR) Well, if I had a knife, I... There! We're beginning to get someplace!

ANNE:

(WORRIED) Did you hear that?

SFX:

HE STOPS WORKING ON DOOR

JOE:

What?

ANNE:

The back door! He's gone outside!

SFX:

RESUMES WORKING ON DOOR

JOE:

Oh, I didn't hear it.

ANNE:

Well, how could you?

JOE:

I'm listening for him too!

ANNE:

SANDY!!! (NO ANSWER) Sa-- Oh, he's gone outside!

JOE:

There you go again.

ANNE:

Well, he COULD be outside!

JOE:

And he could be in his room.

SFX:

HE GETS MORE AGGRESSIVE WITH DOOR, UNDER

ANNE:

Oh, I hope so. (PAUSE) Oh, is this gonna work?

JOE:

What?

ANNE:

Are ya gonna be able to open the door?

JOE:

Oh, don't start to break up! Not now!

ANNE:

Well, you didn't answer me!

JOE:

It's going to work.

SFX:

HARD SCRAPING ON DOOR JAMB, UNDER

ANNE:

Oh. (PAUSE) How much longer?

JOE:

Five, maybe ten minutes, I don't know. It's like trying to crack cement with a toothpick!

ANNE:

I... I hope he's in his room.

JOE:

He's in his room.

ANNE:

I hope so.

SFX:

DULL THUD, OFF ... HE STOPS WORK

JOE:

What was that?

ANNE:

Something hit the window.

JOE:

Hey, it's a football! I can see part of it.

ANNE:

It must be those kids from across the street!

JOE:

They'll come to get it.

ANNE:

(EXCITED) Look, uh, Joe, don't start shouting until we see them!

JOE:

I can see his feet.

ANNE:

(OVERLAPPING, CALLING) Kids! Help us, will you? We're- we're trapped in the basement!

JOE:

(OVERLAPPING, CALLING) Come around to the back door, and let us out! We're trapped in here!

JOE (TO ANNE) Gimme the pliers!

SFX:

HE RUNS DOWN THE STAIRS, AND TO THE WINDOW, UNDER

ANNE:

Please help us!!! Oh...

SFX:

PLIERS HIT PIPE, AND FALL ON CEMENT FLOOR

JOE:

(FRUSTRATED) Oh, fine! I hit the pipe up above instead o' the window! (PAUSE) Well, they're gone.

ANNE:

Oh, they must've heard us!

SFX:

HE WALKS BACK TO THE STAIRS, AND GOES UP THEM, UNDER

JOE:

Probably thought we were shouting at 'em for kickin' the football into our yard. Here. Hold the pliers.

SFX:

GIVES PLIERS TO HER ... RESUMES WORKING ON DOOR JAMB, UNDER

JOE:

I'm gettin' closer. I'll be able to shove the lock back, if I can get just enough...

ANNE:

(CALLING) Sandy?

JOE:

Even if he went into the yard, he- he might stay there.

ANNE:

Oh, I hope he didn't get into the bathtub! He- he had his duck, and- and his boat was already there!

JOE:

What time is it?

ANNE:

Oh, I don't have my watch.

JOE:

He didn't put the receiver back, or the phone'd ring again.

ANNE:

We've been in here at least an hour.

JOE:

Well, it won't be long now. Can you move over and give me a little more room?

ANNE:

Well, I'm flat against the wall.

JOE:

Okay, okay.

ANNE:

Don't start taking it out on me!

JOE:

That's right, start puttin' words in my mouth!

ANNE:

Look. I don't have to go back a month--like the Henderson party--to find something to complain about.

JOE:

Complain... Oh, you make it sound so simple. One small complaint.

ANNE:

If I knew what you were talking about, it might help!

JOE:

(MUTTERING) If you knew what I was... (UP) I felt like a fool.

ANNE:

What did I do?

JOE:

Ha! You know.

ANNE:

No, I DON'T know!

JOE:

I don't have to tell you.

ANNE:

Well, then, I'll never know!

JOE:

Then you'll never... That's what's so infuriating about it!

ANNE:

Oh, it... (YELLING) Sandy! (SCREAMING) SANDY???

SFX:

JOE STOPS WORKING ON DOOR

JOE:

I think I heard him.

ANNE:

Oh! Where???

JOE:

Shhh! (PAUSE, AS THEY LISTEN) I thought I heard him down the hall.

ANNE:

I didn't-- I don't hear him.

JOE:

(CALLING) Sandy? San-dy?

ANNE:

Oh, keep working at the door!

JOE:

Whattaya think I'm doin'?

SFX:

HE PICKS UP TOOLS, AND RESUMES WORKING, UNDER

JOE:

I can tell you, it was uncomfortable.

ANNE:

Oh, at the party.

JOE:

Yes, at the party.

ANNE:

Oh! Well, you'll have to let me in on it. I'm in the dark.

JOE:

Well, did you have to insult everyone, by talking to Healy all (VICIOUSLY SHAVES DOOR) night?

ANNE:

Oh... He's- he's twenty. I'm ten, twelve years older.

JOE:

That's not the point. I'm only accusing you of being (VICIOUSLY SHAVES DOOR) rude.

SFX:

BITS OF DOOR FALLING OFF, AS HE CONTINUES WORKING, UNDER

ANNE:

What did I do that was so rude?

JOE:

You didn't MIX with anyone. You didn't TALK to anyone. You IGNORED everyone.

ANNE:

Well, YOU'RE the one who told me how to act at parties.

JOE:

(CLENCHED TEETH) Oh, it's MY fault...

ANNE:

When I complained about these parties for business reasons, and how much they bored me, you're the one who told me how to act at them!

JOE:

Oh, I'm sorry I even mentioned it.

ANNE:

You said, "Find somebody interesting. Hang onto them. Spend the evening with them." All I did was take your advice!

JOE:

Well, you still have to acknowledge that there are other people present.

ANNE:

Oh, fine. Those people aren't interested in seeing me. They only want to see YOU. I'm your wife, so I go along.

JOE:

Oh, that's not true!

ANNE:

You're the bright young man in town! That's why we go to parties like the Hendersons'!

JOE:

Well, is that bad?

ANNE:

Well, of course not! I'm always ready to be of help!

JOE:

Oh, don't go outta your way for me! Don't do me any favours!

ANNE:

(TEARFUL) Oh, that's unfair!

JOE:

Yeah, now be a martyr.

ANNE:

(CRYING, CALLING) Sandy??? Oh, why doesn't he answer?

JOE:

I'm hitting metal. A few more seconds, and that's all.

ANNE:

(SOBBING) Well, from here on in, you can go to parties all by yourself!!!

JOE:

Oh, you think people only wanna know you because o' me? You envy my job; you envy everything I do! That's the problem!

ANNE:

No, it's YOU! It's YOU! You're never satisfied. You want too much! Because you're not a smashing success overnight, you take it out on ME!

JOE:

ALL RIGHT, I'M A FAILURE!

ANNE:

YES, IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE!

SFX:

DOOR JAMB STARTS CRUMBLING, UNDER

JOE:

(CLENCHED TEETH) I tell you, if it wasn't for the kid, I'd LEAVE!

ANNE:

WELL, YOU CAN LEAVE TONIGHT!

JOE:

AND I INTEND TO!

SFX:

BIG CHUNK OF DOOR JAMB BREAKS OFF, AND FALLS ON STEPS

JOE:

At last. There's the lock. Now, push on the door, as I shove the lock back. No, not YET!

SFX:

THEY GET INTO POSITION

JOE:

Okay... Now.

SFX:

THEY SHOVE AGAINST DOOR, BUT IT STILL WON'T OPEN

ANNE:

What's wrong?

JOE:

The screwdriver's hit, that's what's wrong! We'll try again.

SFX:

HE ADJUSTS SCREWDRIVER AND LOCK

JOE:

Okay. Push.

(THEY GRUNT, AS THEY SHOVE DOOR HARD)

 

SFX:

FINALLY, DOOR OPENS

JOE:

That's it!

ANNE:

Oh!!! (SHRIEKING) SANDY!!! Where are you???

SFX:

THEY GO THROUGH HOUSE, LOOKING FOR SANDY

JOE:

(CALLING, WITH CONTROLLED TENSION) San-dy?

ANNE:

(DESPERATE) Oh! Oh, he's not in the kitchen!

JOE:

Try the bathroom.

ANNE:

(CALLING, OFF) Sandy?? SANDY???

JOE:

His duck's in the tub. (MORE WORRIED) Maybe he's in his room.

ANNE:

Look... I- I- I'll look there. Y- you better look outside!

SFX:

SHE RUNS THROUGH HOUSE

JOE:

All right.

ANNE:

(RECEDING) Sandy??? Baby??? It's Mother! Sandy??

SFX:

FRONT DOOR OPENS ... SUBURBAN STREET AMBIENCE, UNDER

JOE:

(CALLING) San-dy?

ANNE:

(OFF) San-dy?

JOE:

(CALLING) San-dy? (VERY WORRIED) Oh, he... Anne?

SFX:

RUNS UP FRONT STEPS AND INTO HOUSE ... CLOSES DOOR ... STREET AMBIENCE OUT

JOE:

(CALLING) Anne?

ANNE:

(OFF) Oh!

JOE:

Anne!

ANNE:

(APPROACHING) Oh! I- I found him.

JOE:

(PANICKING) Well, where are you?!

ANNE:

(RELIEF, CARRYING SANDY) Don't shout. He's sound asleep.

JOE:

(RELIEF) Is he okay?

ANNE:

Yes. He got tired... and went to sleep.

JOE:

Where'd you find him?

ANNE:

(CHUCKLING) In the hall closet.

JOE:

In the hall...? (GENTLY) Here. Lemme take him.

ANNE:

No, I-- (DEEP BREATH) I'll hold him.

JOE:

Where're you goin'?

ANNE:

(DEEP BREATHS) To put him to bed.

JOE:

You want me to?

ANNE:

No. I'll do it. (PAUSE) What time is it?

JOE:

Eleven-twenty-five.

ANNE:

Oh, no, it can't be. We must've been in there a couple of hours.

JOE:

We were only in there about twenty minutes, Anne. (PAUSE) Anne... (PAUSE, TENDERLY) Anne, I... I'm sorry about those things I said to you. You know I didn't mean 'em. You know I love you.

ANNE:

(GENTLY) Put the receiver back on the phone. Turn the flame off on the stove... As soon as I get him in bed, we'll... have lunch.

MUSIC:

DRAMATIC, TO A RESOLUTION AND FINISH

VOICE:

SUSPENSE!

MUSIC:

"SUSPENSE" STING ... THEN OUT, UNDER

VOICE:

In which, Paula Winslowe and Parley Baer starred in tonight's presentation of "THE CELLAR DOOR". Next week, the story of a group of brave men who risk their lives in a desperate effort to save their fellow men. We call it "ARCTIC RESCUE". That's next week, on...

MUSIC:

KNIFE CHORD

VOICE:

SUSPENSE!

MUSIC:

CLOSING MARCH ... THEN UNDER

VOICE:

"SUSPENSE" was transcribed in Hollywood by Antony Ellis. Tonight's script was written by Bernard Girard. The music was composed by Rene Garriguenc, and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Sound patterns by Bill James and Tom Hanley. Featured in the cast were Richard Beals and Byron Kane.

Stay tuned for five minutes of CBS News, to be followed on most of these stations by "The Jack Carson Show".

You'll hear America's favourite shows on the CBS Radio Network!