Script courtesy of Mikeplays
DRAMATIS PERSONAE:
PAULA
TOM
FRITZI, Paula's mother
EDDIE
JOHNNY
BILL (1 line)
ANNOUNCERS:
Michael Roy
Ed Chandler
ROY:
(COLD) From Hollywood, Camel Cigarettes present "The Screen Guild Players."
ORCH:
SYMPHONIC CAMEL THEME....FADE AND CONTINUE UNDER
ROY:
Our stars - Lizabeth Scott, Burt Lancaster, Broderick Crawford, Mary Astor, and Wendell Corey!
Our play - "Desert Fury."
Our sponsor - Camel Cigarettes (MUSIC OUT)
CHANDLER:
Experience is the best teacher!
ROY:
Try a Camel -- let your own experience tell you why more people are smoking Camels than ever before!
Yes, see if your experience doesn't match that of millions of other
smokers'...that Camels suit you best. Try a Camel on your "T-Zone" -- T
for Taste and T for Throat. See how your Taste delights in Camel's rich,
full flavor. See how your Throat judges Camel's cool, cool mildness!
ORCH:
(SHOW THEME)
ROY:
Tonight Camel Cigarettes present the Screen Guild Players in
"Desert Fury" -- Hal Wallis' exciting and realistic story of the modern
West. It stars Broderick Crawford as Eddie Bendix -- and from the
original cast of the Paramount picture, Lizabeth Scott as Paula; Burt
Lancaster as Tom; Mary Astor as Fritzi; and Wendell Corey as Johnny.
The Camel Screen Guild Players in "Desert Fury"
MUSIC:
(FULL INTO PLAY THEME....AND DOWN, TO HOLD UNDER:)
PAULA:
(SLOWLY) It's funny the way things happen to you. All of a
sudden, no rhyme or reason. You cross an old bridge a thousand times,
and don't even give it a second thought...And then you go to cross it
again...And after that your whole life is changed.
MUSIC:
(PUNCTUATES....AND CONTINUES UNDER:)
PAULA:
That was the first time I ever saw him. On the bridge...His car
was right in the middle, blocking the road. And he and Johnny were
standing there, staring at the break in the guard rail - the place where
somebody's car had smashed through...I waited a moment, and then I
honked. (CAR HORN)...He turned and looked at me, and there was a funny
expression on his face. But he made no move, so I honked again. (CAR
HORN)...And after that he pulled his car to one side, and I high-tailed
it home - to Chuckawalla. (MUSIC CUTS, AS:)
SOUND:
(CAR....COMES IN TO FAST STOP...CAR DOOR OPENS, SLAMS
TOM:
(QUIETLY) Well, if it isn't Miss Paula Haller.
PAULA:
(GRINS) Coming home when she should be at school. Glad to see me, Tom?
TOM:
Not particularly.
PAULA:
I'm glad to see you too...What's new in Chuckawalla?
TOM:
Crime or gossip?
PAULA:
Any difference?
TOM:
Depends on where you're sittin'.
PAULA:
Always has.
TOM:
(A PAUSE) Why'd you come back?
PAULA:
Big cities scare me. I'm a small town girl.
TOM:
What does Fritzi think?...(NO ANSWER) You heard me - what does your mother think?
PAULA:
Give me a cigarette...Thanks...
TOM:
You're welcome. Light? (CAR...OFF...COMING IN)
PAULA:
No, I'll light my own. (STRIKES MATCH) I'm a big girl now. I'm allowed to play with matches. I --
TOM:
(SUDDENLY LOW) Hold it, Paula...
PAULA:
What is it, Tom?
SOUND:
(CAR STOPS, SLIGHTLY OFF...CAR DOOR OPENS, SLAMS..STEPS...COMING IN...TO CUT WITH:)
TOM:
(QUIETLY) Hello, Bendix.
EDDIE:
Huh?...(THEN SLOWLY) Wait a minute - I know you...(SNAPS FINGERS) Sure! Hanson - your name is Tom Hanson.
TOM:
You remember good.
EDDIE:
Some things. I don't guess I'll ever forget you.
TOM:
Stayin' around here?
EDDIE: Halverson Ranch.
TOM:
Business?
JOHNNY:
(ANGRILY) Eddie, don't even answer him! Coppers! All the same! Big mouths - askin' questions --
EDDIE:
(SHARPLY) Shut up, Johnny!..Go see if Halverson's in the drug store.
JOHNNY:
(FADING) Coppers...they're all the same..
EDDIE:
(SLIGHT PAUSE) Now, Hanson - you were saying?
TOM:
I was askin' if you were here on business.
EDDIE:
No, nothing like that. I just came out to be on the desert.
TOM:
Oh. I thought maybe it was business.
PAULA:
(SLIGHT PAUSE) Tom, I think I'll run along and --
EDDIE:
Wait a minute. What's your name?
PAULA:
My name is Paula. Paula Haller.
TOM:
(SLIGHT PAUSE) I'll make it formal. Paula, this is Mr. Bendix.
PAULA:
We've met.
TOM:
Met?
PAULA:
At the bridge coming into town...Glad to know you, Mr. Bendix. If you're going to be around, I guess we'll --
JOHNNY:
(COMING IN) Come on, Eddie, let's -- (STOPS SHORT)..Ohh!
PAULA:
(PAUSE) Well, somebody ought to introduce me. Johnny, my name is....
JOHNNY:
Who cares?...Halverson didn't wait, Eddie. He left the keys.
EDDIE:
All right, we go..(SLOWLY) Paula, huh? Paula Haller...
JOHNNY:
Come on, Eddie. Come on, it's late...
EDDIE:
Okay...(STEPS, FADING..CAR DOOR OPENS.CLOSES..CAR STARTS...FADES)
PAULA:
Tom...who is he?
TOM:
A very important man. A gambler.
PAULA:
How come you know him?
TOM:
I met him on that same bridge. Couple of years ago.
PAULA:
(SLIGHT PAUSE) He's a handsome man..
TOM:
Depends on where you're sittin'.
PAULA:
Always has...(A PAUSE) Well, I guess I'd better go and have it out with Fritzi. So long, Tom.
TOM:
So long.
MUSIC:
(ACCENT CHORD.....AND FADE OUT INTO:)
SOUND:
(DOOR CLOSES...OFF MIKE)
FRITZI:
(CALLS) Paula....(NO ANSWER) Paula!
PAULA:
(SLIGHTLY OFF) Yes, Fritzi...(COMING IN, QUIETLY) All right, Mother. Let's have it.
FRITZI:
There you go with that 'mother' now. I like 'Fritzi' better. It's friendlier..(A PAUSE) Okay, Paula. This time why?
PAULA:
Same reason.
FRITZI:
This is the fifth school.
PAULA:
It wouldn't make any difference if it were the fiftieth.
FRITZI:
(FINAL) All right, then it'll be fifty.
PAULA:
No, it won't. I'm not going to --
FRITZI:
(PLACATING) Look, baby, I don't want to fight with you. You know I don't want to fight with you.
PAULA:
(SOFTENING) I don't want to fight either, Fritzi.
FRITZI:
Tell me, baby, why did you leave this time.
PAULA:
The usual reason. (MIMICS GIRLS) Where do you come from? Who are your folks? What do they do?
FRITZI:
What did you tell them?
PAULA:
(SIMPLY) I told them my mother was Fritzi Haller...that she runs a gambling house -- the Purple Sage...
FRITZI:
(HOPELESSLY) Baby, you didn't!
PAULA:
What do you want me to do - lie?
FRITZI:
Why not?
PAULA:
I'm not ashamed of you..(PAUSE) Do you want me to be?
FRITZI:
No....(PAUSE) Okay. What now?
PAULA:
I'm going to stay here.
FRITZI:
And do what?
PAULA:
Work with you - at the Purple Sage.
FRITZI:
Listen, you even go near there and I'll --
PAULA:
Why shouldn't I, Fritzi? You run this town. People come to you. They do as you say.
FRITZI:
And that's for you?
PAULA:
Yes, that's for me.
FRITZI:
(LAUGHS) You're crazy, baby. You're crazy with the heat. You'd come running to me the first time it got tough.
PAULA:
Try it and see.
FRITZI:
I don't have to. I know. (PHONE RINGS) Get it, will you? (RECEIVER UP)
PAULA:
(TO PHONE) Hello?...Oh, hello, Pat..Yes, I just got in..You bet,
she's right here. (TO FRITZI) For you, Fritzi. The Sheriff.
FRITZI:
What's he want now?...(TO PHONE) Hello, Pat, make it snappy, I
huh?...(QUIET, GRIM) Sure. Why not?...Yes, I'll be in my office. I'm
coming right down. (RECEIVER DOWN) Sorry, baby, I've got to run. I'll
see you later.
PAULA:
Fritzi, mind if I go along and --
FRITZI:
(SHARPLY) You heard what I said. I'll see you later.
MUSIC:
SHARP CHORD...AND FADE OUT INTO
SOUND:
(GAMBLING JOINT EFFECTS..IN B.G.)
JOHNNY:
In here, Eddie. Here's her office.
EDDIE:
Let's go...(DOOR OPENS..CLOSES..EFFECTS OUT..FEW STEPS, THEN QUIETLY) Hello, Fritzi...
FRITZI:
(QUIETLY) Hello, Eddie. Hello, Johnny...Funny I didn't hear you knock.
JOHNNY:
Funny we didn't knock.
FRITZI:
That's what I thought...Sit down.
EDDIE:
Thanks....You sharing that bourbon?
FRITZI:
Help yourself. (BOTTLE ON GLASS)
EDDIE:
Join me?
FRITZI:
Thanks. (BOTTLE ON GLASS...THEN) Well? To what?
EDDIE:
The good old days.
FRITZI:
What was good about them?
EDDIE:
Nothin'...but anyway, we drink..(PAUSE) All right. Now we talk...I caught me a visit today. From the Sheriff.
FRITZI:
(IMPASSIVELY) Yeah?
EDDIE:
I didn't like it.
FRITZI:
Nobody likes sheriffs.
EDDIE:
Call him off.
FRITZI:
Me?
EDDIE:
Don't play straight with me. He's your boy. Call him off.
FRITZI:
Why?
EDDIE:
(SHARPLY) Because I say so!..(THEN SLOWLY) Or maybe for old time's sake.
FRITZI:
(COLDLY) Do I owe you anything? From the old days?
EDDIE:
No, but -- (EXPLODES) I don't want nobody botherin' me!
JOHNNY:
(SOOTHING) Slow down, Eddie. Maybe Fritzi don't --
EDDIE:
Shut up!
FRITZI:
(SLIGHT PAUSE, CALMLY) What's the matter with you, Eddie?
EDDIE:
I don't like nobody tryin' to con me.
FRITZI:
(A PAUSE) All right. I sent him. I told him to -- (DOOR OPENS, SLIGHTLY OFF...GAMBLING EFFECTS IN B.G.)
PAULA:
(COMING IN) Fritzi, I came down to -- Oh, excuse me, I didn't know you were --
FRITZI:
(COLDLY) I told you to stay away from here.
PAULA:
I just came down to walk you home. I thought --
EDDIE:
It's okay. We're through...Just remember, Fritzi...I don't want
nothin' from you, I don't want nothin' from nobody. I just want to be
left alone.
FRITZI:
(SLOWLY) The way you left me alone? (NO ANSWER) That it, Eddie?
EDDIE:
(HARD) Do like I tell you, Fritzi! Don't ask for trouble...Come
on, Johnny. We go. (STEPS FADING...DOOR CLOSES SLIGHTLY OFF...EFFECTS
CUT)
PAULA:
(SLIGHT PAUSE, THEN SLOWLY) Like you talk to me, Mother....that's the way he talked to you....
FRITZI:
(ANGRILY) Shut up!
PAULA:
(MIMICS EDDIE) Do like I tell you, Fritzi! Don't ask for -- (SHARP SLAP)
FRITZI:
(HARD) Now - you going home?
PAULA:
(QUIETLY) Maybe yes -- and maybe no. (QUICK STEPS FADING...DOOR OPENS..SLAMS...SLIGHTLY OFF)
MUSIC:
(SHARP CHORD...AND FADE OUT INTO)
SOUND:
(TWO HORSES...FAST GALLOP..UNTIL)
PAULA:
Whoa, boy...whoa!....(HORSES SLOW TO STOP) (EXHALES) There! I guess I feel a little better now, Tom.
TOM:
Figured something was eating you.
PAULA:
Why?
TOM:
You asked me to ride...(A PAUSE) Fritzi?
PAULA:
We had another fight...She slapped me.
TOM:
(AMUSED) What'd you do? Slap her back?
PAULA:
Shut up.
TOM:
I'm shut.
PAULA:
(A PAUSE) She loves me, Tom. She just doesn't understand me.
TOM:
Me, too.
PAULA:
You too, what?
TOM:
Don't understand you. Also love you.
PAULA:
I know that...I don't know what I want, Tom - at least not yet.
TOM:
I think I know. You lookin' for what I used to get when I rode in
the rodeo. The kick of havin' people say - that's a mighty special
person...(A PAUSE) Me, I can't feel like that no more. Too many bones
broken too many times...But I'd like to get that kick again. Maybe I can
get it with just one person sayin' it....Paula -- ?
PAULA:
Nice view from here..You can see Chuckawalla...
TOM:
All the way past Halverson's Ranch....
PAULA:
Halverson's..That's where Eddie Bendix is staying..
TOM:
Yeah.
PAULA:
I saw him again. At the Purple Sage...He's an interesting man...
TOM:
I'll bet his wife didn't think so.
PAULA:
Did you know his wife?
TOM:
No, I got there too late to be introduced..Ten minutes after she went off the bridge..
PAULA:
Must have been a horrible accident.
TOM:
Yeah - accident - that's what it says on the record...I never could quite figure out why he was driving another car.
PAULA:
You don't like him.
TOM:
I think he's no good...For you..
PAULA:
I'll bet he doesn't think so.
TOM:
Mebbe, he'll learn.
PAULA:
Silly...Come on, we'd better be getting back.
MUSIC:
(ACCENT CHORD...AND DOWN TO CONTINUE UNDER:)
PAULA:
Those next few days I was pretty mixed up. There were a lot of
things I couldn't figure out. Fritzi - me -- and Eddie Bendix, I
guess...Still, nothing might have come of it, if I hadn't had another
scrap with Fritzi..I ended up slamming out of the house, jumping into
the car and driving like mad...I must have driven for a couple of hours.
No place in particular. I wasn't even watching the road...Until I
reached the bridge..And I stopped...and then suddenly I found I wasn't
alone. (MUSIC CUTS)
EDDIE:
(TENSE, HARSH) What are you doing out here at night?
PAULA:
What are you doing?
EDDIE:
Go on - beat it...(A PAUSE) You heard me tell you to beat it?
PAULA:
Yes.
EDDIE:
What do you want from me?
PAULA:
Nothing.
EDDIE:
(A PAUSE) All right...(CAR DOOR OPENS) I'll sit down for a while. I'm tired. It's a long walk from the ranch.
PAULA:
(A PAUSE) Eddie - this is where it happened, isn't it?
EDDIE:
(SHARPLY) Where what happened?
PAULA:
The accident. I know about it.
EDDIE:
Who told you?
PAULA:
Tom. I asked him.
EDDIE:
(GRABBING HER ARM) Why?
PAULA:
Eddie - my arm -- !
EDDIE:
Why?
PAULA:
(IN PAIN) I just wanted to know..You're hurting me.
EDDIE:
(RELAXING) Sorry. I guess I'm kind of jumpy...(A PAUSE) Why didn't you beat it when I told you to?
PAULA:
I guess I preferred to stay here with you.
EDDIE:
You don't pull your punches, do you?
PAULA:
I've heard you don't either.
EDDIE:
You're all right. You're a funny kid, but you're all right.,
PAULA:
Thanks. Can I drop you off anywhere?
EDDIE:
It'd be a big help...Yeah, you can take me back to the Halverson Ranch.
MUSIC:
(ACCENT CHORD...AND FADE OUT INTO:)
SOUND:
(CAR TO STOP)
PAULA:
Well, here you are, Eddie. Home Sweet Home.
EDDIE:
Yeah...(PAUSE) Look, kid, do you know what you're getting into?
Because unless you get out of here now, you're going to find out.
PAULA:
(QUIETLY) You're threatening to kiss me.
EDDIE:
It's no threat. It's a --
JOHNNY:
(SLIGHTLY OFF) Eddie - that you?
EDDIE:
(SAVAGELY) Get out of that light! I could pick you off like a clay pigeon.
JOHNNY:
(COMING IN) Where you been? I didn't hear you go out. I -- (SEES PAULA) Oh - I didn't know you had company. I thought -
PAULA:
Hello, Johnny.
JOHNNY:
(FIERCELY) Get out of here, you! Leave him alone!
EDDIE:
Shut up, Johnny! Get in the house!
JOHNNY:
(GRIM) Okay. Have it your way. (STEPS FADING, ON GRAVEL, DOOR SLAMS, OFF MIKE)
EDDIE:
(SLOWLY) Maybe he's right. Maybe you better go. And maybe you better not come back.
PAULA:
(CALMLY) Why not?
EDDIE:
You'll get your brains knocked out, kid. You're gonna wish you never saw me.
PAULA:
Why?
EDDIE:
Skip it. I'm just saying it won't do you any good.
PAULA:
(GETTING MAD) I didn't expect to do myself any good! Or to be told off, either!
EDDIE:
Nobody's telling you off.
PAULA:
And nobody's going to!...If you'll get out of the car - I'd like to go home.
MUSIC:
(SHARP CHORD.....AND FADE OUT INTO:)
SOUND:
STREET TRAFFIC...IN LOW B.G.)
TOM:
(CALLS) Hey, Bill - any cokes in this case out here?
BILL:
(OFF) On the ice, Tom. Help yourself.
SOUND:
(COOLER LID UP)
PAULA:
(COMING IN, DEPRESSED) Got one for me?
TOM:
Sure thing, Paula. Here y'are...
PAULA:
Thanks. (COOLER LID SLAMS) Tom, I want to talk to you.
TOM:
Me, too.
PAULA:
You too, what?
TOM:
I want to talk to you. What were you doing at the Halverson Ranch last night?
PAULA:
I was minding my own business.
TOM:
Me, too. Cruising the highway out by the State bridge...Don't go out there again.
PAULA:
Now wait a minute, Tom --
TOM:
I mean it, Paula. When you tangle with someone like Eddie Bendix,
you just don't pick up your jacks and go home afterwards. I'm telling
you to stay away from there.
PAULA:
I'm telling you it's none of your business.
TOM:
You know, maybe I ought to let you jump in over your head. But first I'm gonna tell you something you should know.
PAULA:
I can't stop you.
TOM:
I told you I was detailed to the Bendix case.
PAULA:
So what?
TOM:
They brought her body down to the County Seat. I saw it. And I have a good memory.
PAULA:
Somebody you knew?
TOM:
No. But the first time I saw you, I remembered it all over
again...I wanted to tell you the other day, Paula. You look like her.
PAULA:
I look --
TOM:
Too much like her. (CAR OFF...COMING IN)
PAULA:
I see..Thanks, Tom. Thanks for a very good turn. (DROPS COIN) Cokes are on me...(STEPS...CAR COMES IN, TO STOP)
EDDIE:
Hello, Paula..
PAULA:
Hello, Eddie...
EDDIE:
I've been sorta waitin' for you to come back.
PAULA:
Eddie, I - I know something now --
EDDIE:
I know somethin', too. I like you. I was surprised how much, until Johnny said --
PAULA:
What -- (CAR DOOR OPENS)
EDDIE:
Get in.
PAULA:
I'm sorry, Eddie, I --
JOHNNY:
(QUIET THREAT) He said get in!
TOM:
(COMING IN, COOLY) I don't think she wants to, bud.
EDDIE:
I don't think it's any of your business, Hanson.
TOM:
Funny thing. You keep wishin' for somethin' - and then it falls right in your lap.
EDDIE:
Like what?
TOM:
Like busting you in the nose. Come on, Bendix, get out of the car.
EDDIE:
(HARSH) Listen, copper, you touch me and I'll --
JOHNNY:
(QUICKLY, SOFTLY) Eddie - hold it...(TO TOM) Hey, copper, why don't you ask the girl?
TOM:
I think maybe I will..(A PAUSE) Paula, you going with him?
PAULA:
(A PAUSE, THEN QUIETLY) Yes. I'm going with him.
SOUND:
(TWO QUICK STEPS...CAR DOOR SLAMS...CAR STARTS)
MUSIC:
(IN FULL ... FOR CURTAIN)
(APPLAUSE)
(BREAK FOR COMMERCIAL)
ROY:
In just a moment you will hear Mary Astor, Burt Lancaster, Lizabeth
Scott, Broderick Crawford and Wendell Corey in ACT II of "Desert Fury."
If you've ever been in the desert, you know the beauty of its glowing
sunsets, far-off horizons and limitless skies. Now, I'm going to ask you
a question about such things -- a question whose answer is so obvious,
you may think it silly..but I have a reason. Here's the question:
Through what sense do you enjoy such beauty? (SLIGHT PAUSE) Through the
sense of sight, of course. Well then, ever stop to think how you enjoy a
cigarette? If you do consider a minute, you'll realize that it's your
sense of taste and the sensitivity of your throat that are involved. In
other words, your "T-Zone"...that's T for Taste and T for Throat...is
where you judge any cigarette. Now, when cigarette smokers tried so many
different brands on their "T-Zones"..during the wartime cigarette
shortage ...what a record Camels made! Yes..smokers' "T-Zones" compared
all those different brands then...and thousands and thousands of smokers
found Camels so delightful for rich, full flavor. Camels..so agreeable
for cool, cool mildness. As a result - Camels -- always an outstanding
favorite -- are more popular than ever!
CHANDLER:
More people are smoking Camels than ever before!
ROY:
Experience is the best teacher! Try a Camel yourself! And remember...Camels by the carton are the best buy!
ORCH:
SHOW THEME
ROY:
Camel Cigarettes now present ACT II of "Desert Fury" starring Burt
Lancaster, Lizabeth Scott, Mary Astor, Wendell Corey and Broderick
Crawford.
MUSIC:
(FULL INTO PLAY THEME..AND DOWN, TO HOLD UNDER)
PAULA:
(SLOWLY) What was it that made me go with Eddie?....I never
stopped to ask myself. Not then. And not later...Sometimes now, I wish I
had.
MUSIC:
(PUNCTUATES....AND CONTINUES UNDER:)
PAULA:
I saw a lot of him through the next week. I drove out to the
ranch every afternoon...and Johnny didn't seem to like it. (MUSIC CUTS)
JOHNNY:
Paula, you've been messin' around the ranch house all day. What you doin'?
PAULA:
Somebody's got to clean up after you and Eddie. I'm just playing housekeeper, Johnny.
JOHNNY:
You shouldn't do that, Kid. You really shouldn't...First thing you know I'll be out of a job.
PAULA:
(SLOWLY) Johnny - you don't like me, do you? - (NO ANSWER) No - I
thought you didn't...(APPEALING) Look, there's no reason we shouldn't
get along. Let's be friends, huh? (NO ANSWER) What do you say?
JOHNNY:
(LEVEL, HARD) Are you kidding?
MUSIC:
(PUNCTUATES...AND CONTINUES UNDER:)
PAULA:
That made it open war between Johnny and me. And Johnny made the
first move. The next afternoon, as I was leaving the house -- (MUSIC
CUTS)
FRITZI:
(QUIETLY) Where are you going, Paula?
PAULA:
Oh - I don't know - down to the village.
FRITZI:
That's what you think. You're not going anywhere.
PAULA:
Then you know. Johnny's been talkin'.
FRITZI:
(A PAUSE, THEN QUIET INTENSITY) You sure know how to pick them, don't you?....(NO ANSWER) Don't you! Answer me!
PAULA:
(QUIETLY) Yes, Mother. I know how to pick them.
FRITZI:
Is that all you say?
PAULA:
(DESPERATELY) Fritzi, stop it - what's there for me to say? Yes, it's true...These things happen, Fritzi.
FRITZI:
(GRIMLY) They also stop...Listen to me, Paula. You're never going to see Eddie Bendix again.
PAULA:
But Eddie expects me - he's waiting for me --
FRITZI:
He'll wait a long time. (SLOWLY) I'd rather see you dead first.
PAULA:
(A PAUSE) Yes, I guess you would...(PAUSE, THEN ABRUPTLY) Forget it, Mother. I'm going up to my room.
MUSIC:
(ACCENT CHORD...AND CONTINUE UNDER:)
PAULA:
I went to my room and I waited a while. Until Fritzi went to
bed...Then I climbed out the window - down the back porch - got out the
car and streaked for the ranch...It was Johnny who opened the door when I
knocked. Johnny. He stood there staring at me, and then --- (MUSIC
CUTS)
JOHNNY:
Get out of here.
PAULA:
Johnny, let me come in. I want to talk to Eddie.
JOHNNY:
He doesn't want to talk to you..Go away or I'll kill you. So help me, I'll kill you where you stand.
SOUND:
(SLIGHT PAUSE..THEN QUICK STEPS..FADING ON WOOD PORCH..CAR STARTS, SLIGHTLY OFF...FADES FAST)
JOHNNY:
(TO SELF, GRIM) And that'll take care of --
EDDIE:
(SLIGHTLY OFF, A BIT VAGUELY) Johnny --
JOHNNY:
(QUICKLY) Yeah, Eddie.
EDDIE:
(COMING IN) Didn't I hear a car?
JOHNNY:
It was for the wrong house.
EDDIE:
Was it?...I got an awful head...
JOHNNY:
You been drinkin' too much.
EDDIE:
I would've sworn she'd be out here - or send a message or --
JOHNNY:
Listen, Eddie. Listen to me. Quit thinkin' about her. You're
just makin' a fool out of yourself. You got a job to do in Nevada - a
big job. If you're smart, you'll go back there and --
EDDIE:
Look, nobody plays me for a sucker. Not for long. I got a mind to go into town and -- (STOPS SHORT)
JOHNNY:
And what?....What's the matter, Eddie?
EDDIE:
(QUICKLY) This glove..layin' here on the porch...How'd it get here, Johnny?
JOHNNY:
I don't know. That dame who came here askin' for the wrong house...
EDDIE:
This is Paula's glove. It's got her initials...(OMINOUSLY QUIET) Why did she leave?
JOHNNY:
Look, Eddie --
EDDIE:
Why did she leave?
JOHNNY:
I tell you --
EDDIE:
(BLAZING SUDDENLY) Tell me!
JOHNNY:
Eddie, I was only tryin' to protect you. I -- (STOPS WITH SHARP BLOW...FALLS)
EDDIE:
(COLD, GRIM) And that's just a sample...I'm going into town now.
And after that I don't know where I'm going. But wherever it is, you
better not be there.
MUSIC:
(SHARP CHORD...AND FADE OUT INTO:)
SOUND:
(KNOCKING ON DOOR -- STEPS -- DOOR OPENS)
EDDIE:
(QUIETLY) Hello, Paula...Hello, Fritzi...
FRITZI:
(SLOWLY) You get out of my house.
EDDIE:
Sure. And quick. Come on, Paula. We're gonna get married.
PAULA:
Eddie --
EDDIE:
Yes or no.
PAULA:
(SLIGHT PAUSE) I'm coming, Eddie.
FRITZI:
Paula --
PAULA:
It's no use, Fritzi.
FRITZI:
Paula - baby --
PAULA:
I'm not a child any more. I know what I want.
FRITZI:
Listen to me - he's not for you! A cheap hood --
EDDIE:
Come on, kid --
FRITZI:
(TO EDDIE) A cheap hood! Go pick your own kind!
EDDIE:
Who? You?
PAULA:
Eddie --
EDDIE:
She asked for it.
FRITZI:
(BITTERLY) Yeah, I asked for it.
PAULA:
But it's true - you are his kind...And so am I, Fritzi. I'm your daughter.
FRITZI:
(DESPERATELY) Listen, Paula - I've known him a long time - when he was just starting out - He and I... (SHE STOPS)
EDDIE:
Go ahead, Fritzi. Why don't you tell her?
FRITZI:
I will! If I have to, I will! I'll --
PAULA:
(EVENLY) Fritzi - it wouldn't do any good. I wouldn't believe you.
FRITZI:
(STUNNED) You wouldn't believe me?
PAULA:
No. You wouldn't stop at anything to keep me from going. You'd make up enough lies to -- (SHARP SLAP)
FRITZI:
(CONTROLLED FURY) Now get out of here - both of you!
EDDIE:
(SLIGHT PAUSE) Coming, kid?
PAULA:
(QUIETLY) Yes. I'm ready.
MUSIC:
(SHARP CHORD...AND FADE OUT INTO:)
SOUND:
(CAR MOVING...FAST)
PAULA:
Eddie...where are we going?
EDDIE:
Vegas first.
PAULA:
And then?
EDDIE:
I don't know...You thinkin' maybe you made a mistake?
PAULA:
No, Eddie - I'm not thinking that.
EDDIE:
You better not. Nobody walks out on me. Not unless I --
PAULA:
(SUDDENLY) Eddie! Look out -- ! (BRAKES SQUEAL...CAR STOPS)
EDDIE:
(MUTTERS) The crazy dope! (CALLS) Hey, you, what's the idea, standin' in the middle of the --
JOHNNY:
(COMING IN) Eddie!...Eddie, it's me!
PAULA:
(STARING) Johnny -- !
JOHNNY:
(PLEADING) Take me with you, Eddie.
EDDIE:
Are you kiddin'?
JOHNNY:
You can't leave me stranded out here in the desert! I'll go nuts! At least take me to Vegas - just as far as Vegas.
EDDIE:
Get off that running board or I'll chop your hands off!
PAULA:
(SUDDENLY) Eddie - wait --
EDDIE:
Huh?
PAULA:
Take him to where he can catch a train...Let's not leave any loose ends behind.
EDDIE:
(A PAUSE) All right..Hop in, loose end. As far as Vegas.
MUSIC:
(SHARP CHORD...AND DOWN, TO CONTINUE UNDER:)
PAULA:
Only - we didn't get to Vegas...We stopped about ten miles up the
road..We stopped to get coffee at a little road stand...We stopped to
get coffee and that's where it happened...We were sitting at a table
near the door. And Johnny was talking. He'd been talking quite a bit.
Eddie didn't like it, but Johnny was talking..(MUSIC CUTS)
JOHNNY:
And then there was that other time - when the dealer at the
blackjack table sprung a crooked deck on Angela - she was Eddie's wife
EDDIE:
(DARKLY) Pass the cream.
JOHNNY:
Sure..About a week later, the dealer's widow got a couple of
thousand bucks, special delivery..He have any kids, Eddie? I forgot. Was
he --
EDDIE:
(ANGRILY) Shut up!...What're you tryin' to pull?
JOHNNY:
Nothin', Eddie...But it's true, ain't it - about the dealer, I mean?
EDDIE:
Get out of here!..(A PAUSE) Did you hear me? Get out of here! This is the end of the line for you!
JOHNNY:
(QUIETLY) No, Eddie - I don't think it is. We been together too long. I don't think I want to go on alone.
EDDIE:
Then knock yourself off.
JOHNNY:
I don't think I have to...(SUDDENLY FIRM, HARD) Either you take me with you or --
EDDIE:
Or what?
JOHNNY:
I'll sing. I'll tell them what really happened to Angela. (CHAIR FLINGS BACK)
EDDIE:
(BLIND FURY) Why, you cheap little double crossin' --
PAULA:
(TERRIFIED WHISPER) Eddie! He's got a gun -- !
JOHNNY:
Yeah...Sit down, Eddie...(A PAUSE) I said sit down.
PAULA:
(FRIGHTENED) Eddie...please...(CHAIR SCRAPES)
JOHNNY:
That's better...Now, sister, I'm gonna tell you a few things about Eddie Bendix.
EDDIE:
Listen, Paula - whatever he says it's because he's sore - because I'm walkin' out on him!
PAULA:
(QUIETLY) Go ahead, Johnny...
JOHNNY:
Sure...I guess you think he's in love with you, huh? Kid, you're
a sucker. Guys like Eddie don't fall in love. Even Angela found that
out.
EDDIE:
Johnny, I'm gonna --
JOHNNY:
Angela. A dumb hoofer on a dime circuit. She found out, Paula,
like you're finding out now. Only she wasn't as fortunate as you are.
PAULA:
Fortunate?
JOHNNY:
It was too late for her. She'd found out too much. Names, dates,
places - the kind of guy Eddie really was. And she couldn't take it. It
stuck in her throat. So she got in her car and started for town. We
followed in the other car. We got closer and closer. And then, finally
we caught up with her....
PAULA:
(HORRIFIED, LOW) At the bridge...
JOHNNY:
(WITH SATISFACTION) Yeah, at the bridge..All he had to do was turn the wheel - crowd her off the road --
EDDIE:
(WILDLY) I didn't mean to kill her! I just wanted to her to stop! Honest, Paula - you gotta believe me!
PAULA:
(QUIETLY) Sorry, Eddie - this is where I get off...(CHAIR SCRAPES) Will you let me by, please...
EDDIE:
(VICIOUSLY) You're stayin' right here!
JOHNNY:
Hear that, sister? You're finding out.
EDDIE:
(SCREAMING) Loose mouth! You had to go and talk! I ought to --
PAULA:
(SCREAMS) Johnny - look out! (TABLE CRASHES OVER..TWO QUICK SHOTS...AS)
MUSIC:
(SHARP CHORD..AND CONTINUE UNDER)
SOUND:
CAR MOVING FAST
PAULA:
I had one good break. The keys were in the car. And as I started
off, I think I was praying -- (MUSIC CUTS) Please - let me get back!
Please, God..Please..Please..
MUSIC:
(PUNCTUATES..AND CONTINUES UNDER:)
PAULA:
I'd only gone a mile or so when I saw the headlights in the
rear-view mirror...Eddie was after me! He'd picked up a car!...That
wouldn't be hard - he had a gun! (CAR SPEEDS UP) I really poured it on
then. But I couldn't shake him...He was getting closer all the
time..Closer - but not too close ...And then I knew, and I almost went
crazy...The bridge! He was timing it to pass me on the bridge! And just
about then I heard the siren. (SIREN IN DISTANCE) I heard the siren and
saw the red light flashing...Tom! He was right in back of Eddie now!!
Trying to pass him -- trying to get his car between us!...That's how it
was as I went over the bridge. Over the bridge -- past the hole in the
rail....Then, suddenly, back of me, I heard the crash. (CAR CRASH..IN
DISTANCE) I reached for the ignition key. I managed to stop. (CAR STOPS)
And then I got silly. Everything went black.
MUSIC:
(UP SHARPLY...AND FADE OUT INTO:)
TOM:
(QUIETLY, ANXIOUSLY) Paula...(A PAUSE) Paula...
PAULA:
(COMING TO) Tom...
TOM:
You all right?
PAULA:
I'm all right...(A PAUSE) Eddie?
TOM:
He's dead.
PAULA:
It would have been me, if you hadn't come along. I got the break.
TOM:
No break. I've been tailing you all evening.
PAULA:
I - I'm still shaking.
TOM:
I'd better take you home.
PAULA:
Fritzi -- ?
TOM:
I got a message to her - the radio - she's waiting for you. (MUSIC SNEAKS IN...VERY FAINTLY)
PAULA:
Thanks, Tom. (SLIGHT PAUSE, THEN SOFTLY) Nice view from here. You can see Chuckawalla.
TOM:
If you want to.
PAULA:
I want to. It looks good to me.
TOM:
Depends on where you're sittin'.
PAULA:
And who's sittin' with you.
TOM:
Paula -- ?
PAULA:
(SMILES) Come on - we'll have to ask Fritzi first.
MUSIC:
(UP FULL...FOR CURTAIN)
(APPLAUSE)
ROY:
(LIGHTLY) Well, young love is pretty much the same, whether it's in
the city or in the great open spaces. But, if you're a doctor, there's a
big difference between practicing in the city and on the edge of the
desert, for instance, when you have to cover those great open spaces,
going from patient to patient! Lots of doctors are alike in one thing,
though...in their preference for cigarettes. You know, according to a
nationwide survey, more doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette!
Yes, three leading independent research organizations asked one hundred
thirteen thousand, five hundred and ninety-seven doctors...doctors
living in every State in the Union..what cigarette they smoked. The
brand named most was Camel!
ORCH:
TAGS
ROY:
And now on behalf of the Motion Picture Relief Fund and our sponsor
Camel Cigarettes, thank you Lizabeth Scott, Broderick Crawford, Burt
Lancaster, Mary Astor and Wendell Corey. You've packed a lot of pleasure
into the past 30 minutes.
ASTOR:
And, Michael, I'd like to mention something the makers of Camel
cigarettes are doing which gives great pleasure to us who appear on
these Screen Guild programs.
ROY:
What's that, Mary?
ASTOR:
Each week, they send free Camels to men in servicemen's
hospitals. This week Camels are being sent free to Veteran's Hospital,
Marion, Indiana..U.S. Naval Hospital, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and
U.S. Marine Hospital, Galveston, Texas! Happy smoking, fellows.
Goodnight, everybody.
ORCH:
(THEME)
ROY:
Don't forget - Monday night is always a brilliant event in the
Camel Screen Guild Theatre. Hollywood's greatest stars in Hollywood's
greatest stories. Next Monday night one of the current season's most
gripping dramas -- full of suspense and thrilling action -- "Ivy"
starring Joan Fontaine, Patric Knowles and John Sutton. Be sure to
listen! "Desert Fury" was directed by Bill Lawrence, adapted for radio
by Harry Kronman, with music by Wilbur Hatch. Burt Lancaster, Lizabeth
Scott and Wendell Corey can currently be seen in the Hal Wallis
production "I Walk Alone".
The future, they say, belongs to those who work for it. And the best way
to make your future happy and secure is to put your money regularly
into U.S. Savings Bonds. Remember - U.S. Saving Bonds are safe. U.S.
Savings Bonds are profitable. U.S. Savings Bonds act as a cash reserve.
Buy as many U.S. Savings Bonds as you can possibly afford, and help turn
your dreams into a reality.
Listen to Vaughn Monroe - with Colonel Stoopnagle and their guests the
Four Vagabonds..on the air for Camel Cigarettes every Saturday night
over most of these C.B.S. stations.
This is Michael Roy in Hollywood saying Goodnight and "won't you have a Camel?"
THIS IS CBS.....THE COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM!