CHAPPELL:

PALL MALL FAMOUS CIGARETTES present ... THE BIG STORY!

SOUND: KNOCK ON DOOR ... REPEATED

JOEY:

(HUSHED TONE) Okay, that's Moose. Now, y'all know what to do. Let him in.

SOUND:

DOOR OPEN. SHUTS UNDER:

MOOSE:

(GRUFF, NOW PLEASANT) Hiya. Hiya, Joey.

JOEY:

(DEAD SERIOUS) Sidown!

MOOSE:

(ALARMED) What's a matter? Put that gun down, Joey!

JOEY:

"What's a matter?" huh? Nothing. Not a thing. Just ratted. You just went and sang to the cops.

MOOSE:

I didn't!

JOEY:

Shut up. Shut up and start to die. Because, here it comes!

MOOSE:

Oh, don't, Joey, don't!

SOUND:

A LOUD CLICK OF AN UNLOADED REVOLVER

BUSINESS:

RAUCOUS LAUGHTER. ESPECIALLY FROM JOEY

JOEY:

(CASUAL) Just a gag, Moose. It wasn't loaded. I was getting bored, so I thought I'd have a laugh. Okay, now let's get to work. I got a nice job - all lined up.

MUSIC:

HARSH UP. THEN UNDER FOR:

CHAPPELL: THE BIG STORY, another in the thrilling series based on true experiences of newspaper reporters. Tonight, to Ted Prager of the New York Daily News, goes the PALL MALL Award for THE BIG STORY.

MUSIC:

FANFARE ... THEN OUT

(OPENING COMMERCIAL)

VIBRAPHONE:

BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG ... BONG!

CHAPPELL:

Four notes that are alike ... and one that is "Outstanding!" And, of America's leading cigarettes, one is "Outstanding! - the longer, finer cigarette in the distinguished red package - PALL MALL.

HARRICE:

Ladies and gentlemen, have you noticed how many of your friends have changed to PALL MALL? There's a reason -- PALL MALL FAMOUS CIGARETTES! ...

CHAPPELL:

Good to look at ...

HARRICE:

Good to feel ...

CHAPPELL:

Good to taste ...

HARRICE:

And good to smoke.

CHAPPELL:

Yes, there's one cigarette that's really different - really "Outstanding!" - PALL MALL. For PALL MALL'S greater length of traditionally fine, mellow tobaccos filters the smoke of this longer, finer cigarette - gives you that smoothness, mildness and satisfaction no other cigarette offers you.

VIBRAPHONE:

BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG ... BONG!

HARRICE:

Four notes that are alike ... and one that is - "Outstanding!" And, of America's leading cigarettes, one is "Outstanding!"

CHAPPELL:

PALL MALL FAMOUS CIGARETTES! ... "Outstanding!"

HARRICE:

And - they are mild!

MUSIC:

THEME - SOMBER AND OMINOUS. UP AND UNDER FOR

CHAPPELL:

Now, the authentic and exciting story of "Manhunt in Manhattan."

MUSIC:

UP AND UNDER

NARRATOR:

You are Ted Prager, night reporter for the New York Daily News, and murder is almost old hat to you. You've covered the doings of Vincent "Mad Dog" Coll, Dutch Schultz, Owney Madden and Murder, Incorporated for your paper. You know your underworld, you know robbery, arson, burglary and homicide almost inside out -- the way an insurance man knows statistics. Yes, you know your business. You're even a little blasé about crime, until one night about one in the morning ...

SOUND:

FADE IN GENERAL CROWD SOUNDS IN A BAR

NARRATOR:

... you're in a friendly bar on East Seventh Street and the conversation is small talk with Sandy, the bartender.

TED:

Ah, football's not football any more. Too professional, Sandy. Give me those college teams.

SANDY:

I agree with you, Mr. Prager; you take that old Notre Dame team, I'd rather watch them than-- (STOPS, TENSE) Hey, Mr. Prager, y'see that?

TED:

What?

SANDY:

That guy just walked in.

TED:

The one with his hair all slicked down?

SANDY:

Yeah, looks like there's four or five with him and--

TED:

Say, I know that face from somewhere. Some small time mug or other.

SANDY:

What are they spreadin' out like that for?

TED:

I don't know. Sandy, it looks like a stickup.

JOEY:

(LAUGHS AS BEFORE) There's a smart man. Cute, too. Give that man a cigar. That's just what it is. (UP) All right, everybody, quiet!

BUSINESS:

THERE IS QUIET

JOEY:

Any you people haven't figured it out yet -- this is what we call a holdup.

BUSINESS:

CROWD GASPS

JOEY:

Get your wallets out, rings, jewelry from the ladies. My boys'll pass among you. (BEAT) Barkeep - you!

SANDY:

Me?

JOEY:

Open up that register and empty it on the bar. Now!

SOUND:

REGISTER OPENED ... MONEY ONTO BAR

JOEY:

Make the rounds, boys - and you don't have to leave none of these good people carfare. Let 'em walk. (HE LAUGHS ... TO TED) What are you looking at, cute guy?

TED:

Nothing.

JOEY:

Let's see what you got.

TED:

Here's my money.

JOEY:

(WITH CONTEMPT) Forty dollars. I'll take your pen, too, and your wallet and that ring.

TED:

Okay.

JOEY:

What do you think you're looking at? My face? Don't you like what you see? Maybe you want to remember me, is that it?

TED:

(HANDS OVER ITEMS) Here.

JOEY:

Moose!

MOOSE:

Yeah?

JOEY:

Give me your blackjack. This cute fellow here is giving me the once over.

THUG:

(COMING ON FAST) Chief, we're all set. We got everything. Cleaned it out good. Let's go.

JOEY:

Okay, we go. (BEAT) Too bad, cute guy. And I was just gonna give you somethin' to remember me by. So long, dopes!

MUSIC:

IN WITH NARRATION

NARRATOR:

(IN VERY CLOSE) Then something incredible happens. Five crooks walked in -- but only three leave. Two of them are still standing in the bar looking bewildered, not knowing what to do. Then you realize that they're not armed. Maybe you can stop them. You move and pandemonium breaks loose!

MUSIC:

SHARPLY OUT

VOICES:

THEY HAVEN'T GOT GUNS! GET THEM!

MILLIE: Hit them with a bottle!

VOICES:

STOP THEM. THEY'RE RUNNING AWAY.

MILLIE:

Police, Police! Help ...

VOICE:

Here comes a cop.

MILLIE:

The cop will get them.

GAINES:

All right! Stand back there! You two, stop or I-- Okay.

SOUND:

TWO DISTINCT SHOTS

VOICES:

HE GOT THEM! ... HEY, THE COP GOT THEM BOTH!

TED:

Good shootin', there, officer.

GAINES:

Thanks.

TED:

Well, you couldn't get 'em all, but at least you got two of 'em.

GAINES: Yeah.

TED:

They dead, officer?

GAINES:

I don't think so. Say who are you? You look familiar.

TED:

Ted Prager of the News.

GAINES:

Oh, yeah, sure. I remember you, Mr. Prager. 'Scuse me, I gotta call the ambulance.

TED:

Nice work, officer. I'd like to write you up. What's your name?

GAINES:

Matt Gaines, Twenty-Second Precinct. I could use the story, Mr. Prager. You could say it's too bad I only got two of 'em!

MUSIC:

ACCENT AND BRIDGE

JOEY:

(LAUGHS RAUCOUSLY) "Too bad I only got two of 'em!" Ain't that the funniest thing you ever heard?

MOOSE:

Oh ho! That's terrific, Joey.

SOUND:

RATTLE OF NEWSPAPER IN AGREEMENT WITH FOLLOWING

JOEY:

Listen, when Joey Rice does it, it gets done! "Too bad I only got two of 'em!" said the policeman! Listen, from the paper, get this. (READS) "It was not until after the shooting that the officer discovered his fatal mistake. The two men who had entered the bar with the gang were not part o' the mob." I like that! Not part o' the mob!

MOOSE:

(LAUGHS) Yeah. Go ahead. Finish it, Joey.

JOEY:

Yeah, hold your horses. Not part o' the mob. (READS) "Instead they were two innocent taxi drivers that the leader of the mob had forced to stay behind to act as shields so that the actual robbers might escape under cover of the violence directed against the taxi drivers." (LAUGHS HARD) Boy, is that the payoff!

MOOSE:

Yeah, those dopes standin' there. You know, I can just see it.

JOEY:

Imagine what they done. They start beatin' up those taxi drivers and the cop comes -- and "bang! bang!" "Law and order" lays 'em out cold and says, "Too bad I only got two of 'em!" (LAUGHS)

MOOSE:

(LAUGHING) They dead, Joey?

JOEY:

Nah, nah, nah, only one - here listen. (READS) "One of the drivers, George Beaver, aged fifty-one, died instantly; the other, Edgar Benadetto, thirty-four, is in City Hospital where his condition is listed as 'critical'". (LAUGHS) Boy, I ask you, ain't that the best scream you ever heard?! (LAUGHS)

MOOSE:

(LAUGHS) Yeah.

MUSIC:

TERRIBLE. UP AND SEGUE TO HOSPITAL THEME

SOUND:

WALKING STEPS ON STONE CORRIDOR

TED:

(GENTLY THROUGHOUT) Sit down, Gaines. Why don't you sit down?

GAINES:

If he dies, Mr. Prager, I - I don't know what I'll do.

TED:

Now why blame yourself? You made a mistake. Any cop might have.

GAINES:

A mistake!

TED:

That's right. Anyone could have done it. No one blames you.

GAINES:

I killed a man, an innocent man, and there's another one inside there in the operating room and he may die, too. I murdered two men.

TED:

You didn't murder anyone! You accidently shot two men in the line of duty. Look, I saw the face of the man who really murdered Beaver, the leader of that gang. It was a cruel face and a vicious one. He's the murderer, if anyone is.

GAINES:

I tell you, if Benadetto dies, Mr. Prager, I--

TED:

Gaines, I'll make you a promise. I'll find that man. I know his face from somewhere. I don't care how long it takes, or what I have to do, but I'll find him.

GAINES:

That man, Benadetto, in the operating room -- I checked up on him. He's thirty-four; been driving a cab since he was twenty-one. Got a wife and two kids -- a girl, seven, and a little baby, twenty-one months. I killed their father! I made a widow out of his wife!

TED:

Stop it, Gaines. You've got to stop it. In the first place, Benadetto's not dead--

GAINES:

No. Only one of 'em's dead. Only Beaver's dead. Only a fifty-one year old man's dead. That's not so bad, is it?

TED:

Why do you torture yourself?

GAINES:

Yeah, maybe I ought to just go outside and--

TED:

(GENTLY AS HE CAN) Sit down and just wait, Matt. Try it. Maybe it won't be so bad.

SOUND:

DOOR OPENS

TED:

Yes? What is it, doctor?

SOUND:

THERE ARE SLOW STEPS COMING ON MIKE. THEY STOP

DOC:

I'm sorry, gentlemen. Mr. Benadetto died on the operating table.

MUSIC:

SOMBER BRIDGE AND OUT INTO

TED:

Gaines, are these all the pictures in your rogue's gallery?

GAINES:

(LOW THROUGHOUT) That's right, Mr. Prager.

TED:

Well, let's get started. That batch there'll do. I'll know that face when I see it. You turn 'em, Gaines, I'll call if I see anything.

GAINES:

Awright.

SOUND:

PICTURES BEING TURNED AND PILED. KEEP UNDER

TED:

Nope. Nope, it's none of those. Let's see some more.

SOUND:

MORE PICTURES BEING TURNED

GAINES:

You aren't gonna find him.

TED:

Keep going, Gaines, just keep going.

SOUND:

A FEW MORE. THEN THEY ARE THROWN TO THE FLOOR VIOLENTLY

TED:

Now what did you do that for? Why'd you throw 'em down?

GAINES:

Ah, what's the use?! We won't find him! What's the use of anything?!

TED:

Look, I told you before, you've got to get that crazy idea out of your head that you're responsible for the death of those drivers.

GAINES:

I killed them, didn't I?!

TED:

Gaines, try to listen to me. I'm going after the man who led that holdup, the man who's really responsible for the death of those drivers.

GAINES:

Well, that's gonna be dangerous, Mr. Prager. If it gets around you're hunting a crook, you'll lose all your contacts - you won't be able to get the inside on anything.

TED:

I'll take that chance. I can take care of myself.

GAINES:

You won't even be able to get a byline on these stories. You won't dare let anyone know whose doing the job.

TED:

That's not the most important thing in the world.

GAINES:

And you get too close to this guy, there's no telling what might happen to you.

TED:

I can still take care of myself. (BEAT) Now pick up those pictures and let's finish lookin' at 'em. And get rid of the idea you killed anyone.

GAINES:

Yeah, okay - sure. I'll just forget the whole thing - like it never happened. Only what do I do when I see a kid on the street and he reminds me of Benadetto's kids? What do I do at night to make me forget - so I can go to sleep? Tell me that!

MUSIC:

IN WITH NARRATOR

NARRATOR:

And you, Ted Prager, of the Daily News, you look at his eyes as he says these words and you realize that this is a lot more than a story for your paper, important as that is. Yes, you want to help catch that crook with the patent leather hair and the steely eyes, but a man's sanity is at stake as well. The sanity of a nice Irish patrolman named Matt Gaines - that's also at stake. And you watch his big, open face as he listlessly turns the pictures in front of him, and you know you've got a job on your hands ... a big one.

MUSIC:

UP FULL FOR CURTAIN

CHAPPELL:

We'll be back in just a moment with tonight's BIG STORY, but first a word from Cy Harrice.

(MIDDLE COMMERCIAL)

HARRICE:

Ladies and gentlemen, have you noticed how many of your friends have changed to PALL MALL? There's a reason, PALL MALL FAMOUS CIGARETTES!

CHAPPELL:

Good to look at ...

HARRICE:

Good to feel ...

CHAPPELL:

Good to taste ...

HARRICE:

And good to smoke.

CHAPPELL:

Yes, there's one cigarette that's really different - really "Outstanding!" - PALL MALL.

HARRICE:

When you pick up a PALL MALL, you can see the difference - you can feel the difference. And when you smoke a PALL MALL, you can taste the difference.

CHAPPELL:

For PALL MALL'S greater length of traditionally fine, mellow tobaccos filters the smoke of this longer, finer cigarette - gives you that smoothness, mildness and satisfaction no other cigarette offers you.

VIBRAPHONE:

BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG ... BONG!

CHAPPELL:Four notes that are alike ... and one that is - "Outstanding!" And, of America's leading cigarettes, one is "Outstanding!" - the longer, finer cigarette in the distinguished red package. PALL MALL FAMOUS CIGARETTES - "Outstanding!"

HARRICE:

And - they are mild!

MUSIC:

INTRODUCTION AND UNDER

HARRICE:

Now we return you to our narrator, Bob Sloane, and tonight's BIG STORY.

NARRATOR:

You, Ted Prager, night reporter for the New York Daily News, get moving on your search for a smooth-haired bandit who held up a bar and caused the accidental death of two taxi drivers. And though you know what you're doing is dangerous and may cost you your job -- or maybe even your life -- and even if you get anything you won't be able to write it with your byline -- you start making the rounds. You start combing through those smoke-filled bars where crimes are hatched ...

MUSIC:

OUT

SOUND:

FADE IN LOW UNDERTONE OF VOICES

NARRATOR:

... and dips meet to talk over their successes.

MAE:

And you know what she did? She went right up to him and scratched her initials in his cheek!

BUSINESS:

LAUGHTER

THUG:

What did he do to her, Mae? Tell 'em that!

MAE:

Ah, drink your beer.

BUSINESS:

MORE LAUGHTER

THUG:

Hold it, Mae. (UP) What do you want, Bud?

TED:

Nothing. Just looking.

THUG:

Well, we don't allow lookin' in here. Scram!

MUSIC:

HIT AND UNDER

TED:

Hello, Matt? Ted calling ... No, nothing yet - but don't give up, fella. I've only been to about a dozen places. I'll find him.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

TED:

Beer, please.

WAITRESS:

Right. One beer.

SOUND:

GLASSES CLINKING UNDER

MAX:

Ah, he never shoulda done it, usin' a couple of taxi drivers for shields.

CHICK:

Ah, why not, Maxie?

MAX:

Because it makes it tough for us! They doubled the cops in this area. They're watchin' every minute of the day. For him, yeah. But meantime it makes it tough on us.

CHICK:

Oh. Never thought o' that.

MAX:

Well, I did. Ask Millie here about him. She was there when it happened.

CHICK:

Right in the place? No kiddin'?

MILLIE:

That's right. Right in the place when he walked in. The bar on East Seventh.

CHICK:

Did he take you for anything?

MILLIE:

About twenty dollars out of my bag. And a ring that Maxie gave me. Worth eighty dollars.

CHICK:

No kiddin'?

MILLIE:

Sure. And he didn't have to do that with the drivers. I tell you, I'd like to make it hot for that wise guy. I'd like to sing a little tune that--

MAX:

Hey, shut up! (LOW VOICE) You won't sing no tune for anybody. Can't you see there's people around?

SOUND:

FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

TED:

Hi! I'm, uh, interested in what you said there, Millie.

MILLIE:

(NERVOUS, DEFENSIVE) I don't know you. I didn't say a word.

MAX:

Beat it.

TED:

Look, uh, if you want to make a little money--

MAX:

I said to beat it.

TED:

Okay. Okay. Only if you change your mind, my name is Ted Prager. There's people around can tell you where to find me.

MAX:

You don't exist.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE INTO

JOEY:

(RAUCOUS LAUGHTER) Well, boys, like I always say: another day, another eight grand. (MORE LAUGHTER)

MOOSE:

(ADMIRING) Oh, Joey, you're really in there.

JOEY:

(SIGHS, MORE SERIOUS) We been quiet now a month. I think it's time we stopped being quiet. I even hear people stopped talking about me, that job I pulled with the taxi drivers ... so ...

MOOSE:

What's the caper, Joey?

JOEY:

You'll like this one, Moose. You'll like this special, because -- this one is more my style. Listen ...

MUSIC:

EXPECTANTLY INTO

SOUND:

PHONE RINGING. IT'S ANSWERED

TED:

Prager, speaking.

CHIEF:

(FILTER) Ted, this is Benson on the City Desk. Can you get down to the East Side Hall?

TED:

Sure, what's up?

CHIEF:

Just got word about a big holdup. Some girl was being confirmed -- big party and all that -- three men did the job.

TED:

Who can I see?

CHIEF:

You can see the girl herself. She was only a kid, too. Fourteen.

TED:

Right. Gimme the address. I'm on my way.

MUSIC:

QUICK BRIDGE INTO SCENE

GIRL:

(UPSET) They came in, Mr. Prager, and - and they just took everything!

TED:

I see. What did the leader of the gang look like?

GIRL:

He was terrible. He had his hair all smoothed down and oily -- and a smile on his face.

TED:

Uh huh. Did he, uh-- Did he laugh? Out loud, I mean.

GIRL:

Yes, sir. Especially when he - when he came after me.

TED:

What'd he do to you?
.
GIRL: Well, I had my ring; my father just gave it to me for my confirmation. It was a ring with diamonds, Mr. Prager, so I-- Well, to keep him from getting it, I put it in my mouth.

TED:

Yes?

GIRL:

Well, he came up to me with that smile on his face and he - he put his thumb on one side of my cheek and his fingers on the other ...

TED:

Why, that--!

GIRL:

... and he squeezed until I couldn't stand it any more. (SHE SOBS, CONTINUES UNDER)

TED:

He's back. So he's back on the job. Don't you worry. I'll find that man!

MUSIC:

BRIDGE INTO

SOUND:

AUTO COMES TO A STOP ... TRAFFIC SOUNDS

GAINES:

You can't park that car here, Mister.

TED:

(PROJECTING) Matt. Matt!

GAINES:

Oh, it's you.

TED:

I've been driving around lookin' for you. Can you get in?

GAINES:

What for?

TED:

He's back at it again; the guy we're looking for; he's around town. Can you come with me?

GAINES:

Yeah, I'm off duty. But what for?

TED:

Because I'm going hunting for him; for that patent leather hair and the smile. I want company. Hop in.

SOUND:

THE CAR STARTS

MUSIC:

WIPE CAR ... REPEAT THE THEME OF MOVEMENT, LOOKING. INTO

SOUND:

CAR UNDER

GAINES:

Well, we've been driving around three hours. Where do you expect to find this crook -- just standing on a corner?

TED:

Maybe. You never can tell. He might-- (CUTS) Matt!

SOUND:

CAR STOPS

GAINES:

What's a matter?

TED:

Right there.

GAINES:

Where?

TED:

On the corner. Wouldn't he be? Right on the corner of Essex and Hester in broad daylight.

GAINES:

That one?

TED:

The one talking to the girl as if he didn't have a care in the world.

GAINES:

You mean it, Ted?

TED:

Take him, Matt. He's yours.

GAINES:

Oh, brother! Will I take him!

MUSIC:

FULL UP INTO

SOUND:

DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS ... FOOTSTEPS IN

GAINES:

Ted, I - I just saw Mr. Dennis.

TED:

The prosecuting attorney?

GAINES:

Yup. He says he needs a positive witness.

TED:

Our friend denies everything?

GAINES:

Of course! Never was in the Seventh Street bar, never held up anybody. Used taxi drivers as shields? What, him? Joey Rice do a thing like that?

TED:

Oh, so that's his name -- Joey Rice.

GAINES:

Slick as they come, smooth. It'll be tough to pin it on him.

TED:

(SLOWLY) Okay, Matt. I'll go in and see Mr. Dennis.

GAINES:

Oh, no. You can't identify Rice.

TED:

Why not?

GAINES:

Because it would finish you as a police reporter. Cut off all your contacts. And that's not all it might cut off.

TED:

I'll take a chance.

GAINES:

No, no, Ted - don't.

TED:

I tell you what I'll do. Get Rice before me on a one-way screen. I'll identify him. Then let Mr. Dennis prepare his case. If he needs me in court, I'll testify.

GAINES:

Now you're talking sense.

TED:

So are you, Matt.

MUSIC:

QUICK BRIDGE INTO

SOUND:

FOOTSTEPS IN AGREEMENT WITH FOLLOWING

DENNIS:

(LITTLE OFF) All right, Rice -- that way. Walk that way.

JOEY:

What is this?

DENNIS:

Just a little matter of identification, Rice. As prosecuting attorney, I thought it might be a good idea to identify you. (STRONG) Get over to those chalk marks now and just stand still. (SOTTO) Light on him okay for you, Mr. Prager?

TED:

(LOW) That's fine, Mr. Dennis.

DENNIS:

(AFTER A PAUSE) Well?

TED:

That's the man held up the Seventh Street Bar.

DENNIS:

Ya sure?

TED:

Yes, Mr. Dennis. I'm absolutely sure.

DENNIS:

(UP) Okay, Sergeant, take him away. (TO PRAGER) Thanks for the identification. I needed that. Next time you see him, he'll be in court -- on trial for robbery and criminal assault.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE INTO

SOUND:

BABBLE AND STIR, EXCITEMENT OF VOICES IN B.G.

TED:

Look at him. Look at Joe Rice smiling, Matt.

GAINES:

Yeah. But what are we gonna do?

TED:

I don't know. Maybe Mr. Dennis has an idea.

GAINES:

He looks plenty worried.

TED:

Oh, here comes the judge.

SOUND:

THE BABBLE DIES DOWN

CLERK:

(OFF) Hear ye, hear ye - the Honorable Judge Bernard Smith presiding. Court is in session.

SOUND:

GAVEL

TED:

(SOTTO) There goes Dennis.

DENNIS:

Your honor ...

JUDGE:

Mr. Dennis, yes?

DENNIS:

Your honor, as prosecuting attorney, I must protest the appearance of the defendant. If it please the Court, it is obvious that the reason the defendant, Joseph Rice, came into this court room today wearing a full beard is to make absolute identification of himself impossible!

BUSINESS:

CROWD REACTION

SOUND:

GAVEL

DENNIS:

Your honor, we allege the defendant committed the crimes he's charged with -- with a clean-shaven face! And, consequently, he must, in the interest of justice and equity, be ordered to shave off the beard he has grown, which is a patent dodge and a ruse!

BUSINESS:

CROWD REACTION

SOUND:

GAVEL

ATTORNEY:

(ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE) Your honor! Your honor!

JUDGE:

The attorney for the defendant.

ATTORNEY:

Your honor, my client, Joseph Rice, likes to wear a beard. He thinks a beard becomes him. And I say that every man has the constitutional right -- if not the God-given right -- to shave or not to shave, to wear a beard or not to wear a beard!

BUSINESS:

CROWD REACTION

SOUND:

GAVEL

JUDGE:

Order, please! Order! This is a very complicated question, gentlemen. We'll have to rule on that. Court is adjourned.

MUSIC:

BRIDGE

DENNIS:

Never been decided before. Could go against us and we'd be licked before we start.

TED:

He can't be ordered to shave, Mr. Dennis?

DENNIS:

It's never been decided before, Prager.

GAINES:

What are we gonna do, sir?

DENNIS:

(SIGHS) I wish I had an idea, Gaines.

MILLIE:

(OFF) Mr. Prager?

TED:

Millie!

MILLIE:

(OFF) Can I talk to you a minute?

TED:

Why, sure.

SOUND:

TED'S FOOTSTEPS TO MILLIE

MILLIE:

Mister, I - I seen what happened, what he pulled. I'd like to get up on that stand.

TED:

You would, Millie?

MILLIE:

It'd be a pleasure, Mister.

TED:

Can you positively identify Joey, even with his beard, as the man who held up the Seventh Street bar?

MILLIE:

I could do it if he was standin' upside down.

TED:

Okay, Millie. The prosecuting attorney's right over there. But, uh, what changed your mind?

MILLIE:

That little trick he pulled on the girl being confirmed, remember?

TED:

Sure, I remember.

MILLIE: Well, that little girl is -- my kid cousin.

MUSIC:

UP AND UNDER

NARRATOR:

And she testifies that, beard or no beard, it was Joey Rice who held up that bar. You look over at Patrolman Matt Gaines as the trial winds up and for the first time in months the man's smiling; he's a human being again. And you've got your Big Story -- yes. But nobody knows it. Nobody knows it -- until now, this very night, on a radio program called "The Big Story". Not until now can you say: Well, this is the job I did -- this is the role I played, Ted Prager, night reporter of the New York Daily News.

MUSIC:

UP FOR CURTAIN

CHAPPELL:

In just a moment we'll read you a telegram from Ted Prager of the New York Daily News with the final outcome of tonight's BIG STORY.

MUSIC:

FANFARE

(CLOSING COMMERCIAL)

 

CHAPPELL:

The cigarette that's really different - the longer, finer cigarette that's really "Outstanding!" - PALL MALL FAMOUS CIGARETTES! Good to look at ...

HARRICE:

Good to feel ...

CHAPPELL:

Good to taste ...

HARRICE:

And good to smoke.

CHAPPELL:

Yes, PALL MALLS are good to look at - good to feel - good to taste - and good to smoke!

VIBRAPHONE:

BONG, BONG, BONG, BONG ... BONG!

CHAPPELL:

Four notes that are alike ... and one that is - "Outstanding!" And, of America's leading cigarettes, one is "Outstanding!" - the longer, finer cigarette in the distinguished red package. PALL MALL FAMOUS CIGARETTES - "Outstanding!"

HARRICE:

And - they are mild!

ORCHESTRA:

TAG

CHAPPELL:

Now we read you that telegram from Ted Prager of the New York Daily News:

TED:

Hold-up man in tonight's BIG STORY was quickly convicted by jury. But, while awaiting sentence, he became violent and was officially declared to be insane. He was, therefore, transferred to the asylum at Matteawan, where he is still confined. Many thanks for tonight's PALL MALL Award.

CHAPPELL:

Thank you, Mr. Prager. The makers of PALL MALL FAMOUS CIGARETTES are proud to have named you the winner of the PALL MALL five hundred dollar award for notable service in the field of journalism.

HARRICE:

Listen again next week, same time, same station, when PALL MALL FAMOUS CIGARETTES will present another BIG STORY -- A BIG STORY from the pages of the Pittsburgh Press, by-line -- William A. White. A BIG STORY that began when a taxi meter ticked off moments of waiting ...

SOUND:

METER

HARRICE:

... for a man who didn't return.

SOUND:

METER

MUSIC:

THEME WIPE AND FADE TO B.G. ON CUE

CHAPPELL:

The BIG STORY is produced by Bernard J. Prockter, and directed by Harry Ingram, with music by Vladimir Selinsky. Tonight's program was written by Arnold Perl. Your narrator was Bob Sloane and William Quinn played the part of Ted Prager. All names in tonight's story except that of Mr. Prager were fictitious; but the dramatization was based on a true and authentic case. This is Ernest Chappell speaking for the makers of PALL MALL FAMOUS CIGARETTES.

MUSIC:

THEME UP FULL AND FADE

ANNOUNCER:

THIS IS NBC -- THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANY.

SOUND:

NBC CHIMES