THE EDGE OF NIGHT
Episode #1539
Airdate: February 22, 1962
Summary written by: JIM CONLIN
OPENING BILLBOARD
Harry Kramer: Theee Edgggge of Night.
ACT ONE
SCENE 1A
It's midnight in the Capice living room as Louise hangs up the phone. She stands in puzzled thought for a moment. Mike Karr and Bill Marceau wait to hear what she has to say. Louise tells them it was Phil. He said he doesn't know when he'll be home. She tells them she doesn't know where he is or whom he was supposed to meet. He just said he was delayed and had to hurry to meet the man who had information about Reno's dope ring. She says that Phil told her Mrs. Barnett had to leave him, and that Mike or the police shouldn't try to do anything because the man would only talk to Phil alone. Bill says he doesn't like the smell of it and Mike asks if Phil sounded frightened or excited. Louise says he sounded hurried and he told her he would call or come home as soon as he could. She looks at Mike and Bill's sobered faces and wonders if she should worry. Bill thinks she should and Mike goes to her to soothe her. He says that if they'd known about this earlier they could have covered Phil. Bill starts for the phone saying he can alert all cars to be on the lookout for Phil's car. Louise thinks this will put Phil in more danger because whoever it is will be afraid of the police and fight back. She thinks it more important for Phil to get the information the man wants to give him than for Bill to arrest him. She says they should do what Phil said -- nothing until they hear from him again. Bill looks at Mike inquiringly and Mike nods. Bill tells Louise they'll wait until they hear from Phil.
SCENE 1B
At the Bauer Sanitarium, in Ursula's lab, Phil is sitting bound in a chair. He's stunned by the shock and immobilized by the injection of the drug. Kilborn watches thoughtfully as Ursula briefly checks Phil's condition. She tells Kilborn he's in a semi-comatose state and won't be giving them any trouble. Kilborn thinks for a minute then snaps his fingers with a new thought. He tells Ursula to bring Lambert, Sam Haven and Barbara Barnett back - quickly! Ursula tells him they're on their way to stage the wreck of Phil's car. There's no time to lose. Kilborn says he's thought of something that changes his plan. Ursula is puzzled, but quickly exits.
COMMERCIAL
ACT TWO
SCENE 2A
Ursula returns and reports that the three are coming back. As they return, Sam and Barbara are helping Lambert, who broke his collarbone in the fall. Lambert in great pain, grits his teeth, moaning he can't take much more of this. Phil's face registers fear and shock at the sight of Lambert, his double. Kilborn begins to question Lambert about his phone conversation with Louise. He wants to know if she sounded worried about him - her husband. Lambert says she sounded concerned, maybe a little worried. Getting to his point, Kilborn says that when Capice doesn't phone again, or return, it's natural for Louise, or Karr, to get Marceau to notify his prowl cars to search for him. Now Sam realizes what he's getting at, "Oh-oh! His car is parked on River Street. If the cops get to it before we do. . ." Barbara snidely says that Kilborn hasn't worked this out very well. He gives her a cold stare when she says she doesn't want to be involved, and craftily asks, "How would you like to be out of it?" Wondering if this is her death sentence Barbara says nothing would suit her better. Kilborn gives her one more errand, to go to the Capice apartment. She's to tell Mrs. Capice that her husband sent her to assure her that he's safe, and to warn her not to notify the police. This will not only remove the risk of police interference before Capice's car is wrecked but, he says with a sardonic grin, it will forestall any suspicion that she was involved in the accident. Everything she's done is consistent with her pretense of being on their side - being the personal emissary of the Governor. She's to tell Mrs. Capice her husband had to meet his mysterious stranger alone - soothe her until Haven has had time to wreck the car. Barbara asks how long that'll be and is told a half-hour. She agrees and leaves the room. Ursula begins to question Barbara's trust to Kilborn. Kilborn tells her the Syndicate planned some time ago for her to be in the Governor's confidence, that's been her assignment. Ursula says that when a woman like her is undercover on both sides she can show herself on whichever side suits her best in case of trouble. Kilborn gives the possibility some thought then asks her if she has reason to distrust Barbara. Ursula says she doesn't. Sam helps Lambert to his feet and Ursula helps lead him out. Kilborn orders Sam to report to him immediately by phone when it's done. As they exit Kilborn turns to the real Phil Capice and says, "Now - I'll have to decide what to do with you, Mr. Capice." He laughs, "Or should I say ex-Mr. Capice?" Phil just stares at him with agony showing in his eyes.
SCENE 2B
A short time later at the Capice house, Louise paces worriedly waiting for news. Mike tells her he's tempted to agree with Bill. The police should be alerted. Not because he thinks Phil's in danger, but because if there is any, they want to protect him. Louise numbly repeats the instructions: the man who had information about Reno's narcotic operations would only talk to Phil alone. Mike says he understands and would have done the same thing if he'd been in Phil's position. He says they'll have to sweat it out until he calls back or comes home. Louise begins to agonize over the situation as the door buzzer sounds. She dashes to the foyer and opens the door to Barbara. Barbara tells her she has information from Phil and will give them all a full report. She proceeds to tell them that an anonymous phone call came to her hotel room. It was a man saying he knew all about Casey Reno's dope ring and would give that information to Phil Capice because he knew and trusted Capice to protect him. She couldn't disregard the offer, so she agreed to bring Mr. Capice to a meeting with the man. The man refused to talk in front of a witness, meaning her, so Mr. Capice went ahead by himself. Louise begins to panic as she realizes that Phil is alone and nobody knows where. Barbara says that's the way it had to be and the way Mr. Capice wanted it. He asked her to come and tell Louise that he's all right. . . and not to worry. Louise does worry and Mike and Bill eye Barbara narrowly with suspicion.
SCENE 2C
Sam is behind the wheel of his car driving slowly. Lambert is beside him in pain. Lambert tells Sam to hurry up and get there. Sam is peering ahead looking for Phil's parked car. He spots a car up ahead and pulls slowly to the curb. "It's Phil's car all right," he thinks to himself as he turns off the engine. Lambert asks Sam to give him a drink to take the edge off the pain. Sam nixes the idea telling Lambert he won't have to stand the pain much longer.
COMMERCIAL
STATION BREAK
Harry Kramer: The second portion of THE EDGE OF NIGHT is brought to you by Pillsbury Deluxe Cake Mixes.
ACT THREE
SCENE 3A
Sam tells Lambert he has orders from Kilborn and if he doesn't pull it off he's dead. He tells Lambert to grit his teeth. Lambert continues to moan that he's hurt. Tiring of this Sam tells him the sooner he gets the job done the sooner Lambert gets treated in a hospital and the sooner he gets off the streets before some cop nabs him. Lambert says he can't take the pain much longer and Sam tells him to think about how rich he'll be when he's Grimsley's son-in-law and the old man is dead. He tells Lambert he's going to get in the car, wreck it, and put him behind the wheel. When Lambert tells him he's liable to pass out, Sam says, "Okay. Pass out. Then I'll know for sure where you are." He leaves the car as Lambert moans.
SCENE 3B
Barbara continues in the Capice living room. She is convincing as she says that she knows how anxious Governor Kelley is to knock out the dope traffic - just as they all are, and she's here to help. Louise understands this, but she doesn't understand why Phil should be gone so long. As she gets up, Barbara says she's sure they'll hear from him soon. She tells them she should report to the Governor. Mike comments that there's nothing for her to report yet and Barbara tells him her instructions are to keep the Governor informed. Mike asks her if she saw the man who had the information and Barbara says that she did see him - momentarily. He describes a man of medium height, with dark, straight hair - and a mustache. Louise remarks that that sounds like Sam Haven and Barbara thinks for a minute and says the man she saw was tall and thin with gray hair; and he was older, about sixty. Mike says that doesn't fit the description of anyone they know and Barbara moves to leave. She tells Louise that she knows how worried she must be, but she doesn't believe Phil is in any danger. She's sure they'll hear from him before long. She says goodnight to everyone and exits. Bill asks Mike what he thinks and Mike says he doesn't like it. Bill agrees with him and goes to the phone. He tells them he's going to start his men looking for Phil as he dials the phone. Mike nods in agreement.
COMMERCIAL
ACT FOUR
SCENE 4A
Lambert waits in Sam's car. He's in pain but hasn't passed out; he's even managed to light a cigarette. He peers forward and watches through the windshield as Sam drives Phil Capice's car toward the brick wall. Sam doesn't want to kill himself so he drives at no more than normal speed. The car strikes the wall head-on with the sound of a loud crash. Sam runs back to the car and opens the door. He helps Lambert out of the car and they move toward the wreck. The driver side door is open and the window glass is broken. Sam helps - pushes - Lambert into the car. Lambert turns toward him, his hand to his cheek, and growls that the glass cut his face. Sam mops at the cut with his handkerchief and says that a little blood will help make the accident look good. He helps Lambert into position behind the wheel, takes another look to be sure everything seems right and leaves the scene. Lambert leans limply on the wheel, his cheek bleeding.
SCENE 4B
In Ursula's lab, Phil is as he was before - drugged, speechless, immobile, but conscious. His eyes follow Kilborn, who's nervously pacing up and down the room. Ursula, also waiting anxiously, looks at her watch and moves toward Phil. The phone rings and Kilborn and Ursula jump for it. Kilborn gets to it first and quickly lifts the receiver. Barbara, on the other end, reports that she had a nice visit with Mrs. Capice, Mr. Karr and Chief Marceau. Kilborn asks if the police have been alerted and Barbara says not while she was there, they were waiting to hear from Capice. She asks about the "accident" and Kilborn tells her he hasn't heard anything yet. She says she hopes nothing's gone wrong and Kilborn says, "So do I!" as he bangs down the phone.
COMMERCIAL
ACT FIVE
SCENE 5A
Phil's car is against the brick wall and Lambert is sitting where Sam left him - leaning against the wheel - moaning with pain, hardly more than half conscious. The phone rings again in Ursula's lab. Kilborn picks it up quickly to hear Sam on the other end. Sam is in a phone booth telling him the whole deal went like clockwork. Kilborn asks if the accident looks legitimate and Sam tells him it does. Kilborn asks if he left Lambert in the car and Sam says no. Kilborn, stunned asks what he means and Sam, smiling at his joke, says Lambert isn't in the car, Phillip Capice is! In no mood for jokes Kilborn tells Sam he'd better get back to the lab as soon as he can. Kilborn hangs up and nods; now smiling. He looks toward Phil, still smiling and says, "I'm sure you'll be distressed, my dear, to know that Mr. "Phillip Capice" has been injured in a serious automobile accident!" A frantic look appears in Phil's eyes. Back in Phil's car, Lambert is now conscious as the sound of a police siren can be heard.
SCENE 5B
Louise, Mike and Bill are still waiting in the Capice living room. The anxiety level of everyone has increased. Louise makes more coffee; they look at their watches; exchange worried glances. Louise is already about to jump out of her skin as the phone rings. She dashes for it, fearfully and hopefully, and picks up the receiver. She listens and fear overcomes hope as she numbly holds the phone toward Bill Marceau. All she says is, "For you, police headquarters." For a moment they are all struck dumb by the same fear. . .
COMMERCIAL
CLOSING BILLBOARD
Harry Kramer: This is Harry Kramer inviting you to join us each weekday afternoon for THE EEEDDDGGGEE OF NIGHT.
Episode #1539
Airdate: February 22, 1962
Summary written by: JIM CONLIN
OPENING BILLBOARD
Harry Kramer: Theee Edgggge of Night.
ACT ONE
SCENE 1A
It's midnight in the Capice living room as Louise hangs up the phone. She stands in puzzled thought for a moment. Mike Karr and Bill Marceau wait to hear what she has to say. Louise tells them it was Phil. He said he doesn't know when he'll be home. She tells them she doesn't know where he is or whom he was supposed to meet. He just said he was delayed and had to hurry to meet the man who had information about Reno's dope ring. She says that Phil told her Mrs. Barnett had to leave him, and that Mike or the police shouldn't try to do anything because the man would only talk to Phil alone. Bill says he doesn't like the smell of it and Mike asks if Phil sounded frightened or excited. Louise says he sounded hurried and he told her he would call or come home as soon as he could. She looks at Mike and Bill's sobered faces and wonders if she should worry. Bill thinks she should and Mike goes to her to soothe her. He says that if they'd known about this earlier they could have covered Phil. Bill starts for the phone saying he can alert all cars to be on the lookout for Phil's car. Louise thinks this will put Phil in more danger because whoever it is will be afraid of the police and fight back. She thinks it more important for Phil to get the information the man wants to give him than for Bill to arrest him. She says they should do what Phil said -- nothing until they hear from him again. Bill looks at Mike inquiringly and Mike nods. Bill tells Louise they'll wait until they hear from Phil.
SCENE 1B
At the Bauer Sanitarium, in Ursula's lab, Phil is sitting bound in a chair. He's stunned by the shock and immobilized by the injection of the drug. Kilborn watches thoughtfully as Ursula briefly checks Phil's condition. She tells Kilborn he's in a semi-comatose state and won't be giving them any trouble. Kilborn thinks for a minute then snaps his fingers with a new thought. He tells Ursula to bring Lambert, Sam Haven and Barbara Barnett back - quickly! Ursula tells him they're on their way to stage the wreck of Phil's car. There's no time to lose. Kilborn says he's thought of something that changes his plan. Ursula is puzzled, but quickly exits.
COMMERCIAL
ACT TWO
SCENE 2A
Ursula returns and reports that the three are coming back. As they return, Sam and Barbara are helping Lambert, who broke his collarbone in the fall. Lambert in great pain, grits his teeth, moaning he can't take much more of this. Phil's face registers fear and shock at the sight of Lambert, his double. Kilborn begins to question Lambert about his phone conversation with Louise. He wants to know if she sounded worried about him - her husband. Lambert says she sounded concerned, maybe a little worried. Getting to his point, Kilborn says that when Capice doesn't phone again, or return, it's natural for Louise, or Karr, to get Marceau to notify his prowl cars to search for him. Now Sam realizes what he's getting at, "Oh-oh! His car is parked on River Street. If the cops get to it before we do. . ." Barbara snidely says that Kilborn hasn't worked this out very well. He gives her a cold stare when she says she doesn't want to be involved, and craftily asks, "How would you like to be out of it?" Wondering if this is her death sentence Barbara says nothing would suit her better. Kilborn gives her one more errand, to go to the Capice apartment. She's to tell Mrs. Capice that her husband sent her to assure her that he's safe, and to warn her not to notify the police. This will not only remove the risk of police interference before Capice's car is wrecked but, he says with a sardonic grin, it will forestall any suspicion that she was involved in the accident. Everything she's done is consistent with her pretense of being on their side - being the personal emissary of the Governor. She's to tell Mrs. Capice her husband had to meet his mysterious stranger alone - soothe her until Haven has had time to wreck the car. Barbara asks how long that'll be and is told a half-hour. She agrees and leaves the room. Ursula begins to question Barbara's trust to Kilborn. Kilborn tells her the Syndicate planned some time ago for her to be in the Governor's confidence, that's been her assignment. Ursula says that when a woman like her is undercover on both sides she can show herself on whichever side suits her best in case of trouble. Kilborn gives the possibility some thought then asks her if she has reason to distrust Barbara. Ursula says she doesn't. Sam helps Lambert to his feet and Ursula helps lead him out. Kilborn orders Sam to report to him immediately by phone when it's done. As they exit Kilborn turns to the real Phil Capice and says, "Now - I'll have to decide what to do with you, Mr. Capice." He laughs, "Or should I say ex-Mr. Capice?" Phil just stares at him with agony showing in his eyes.
SCENE 2B
A short time later at the Capice house, Louise paces worriedly waiting for news. Mike tells her he's tempted to agree with Bill. The police should be alerted. Not because he thinks Phil's in danger, but because if there is any, they want to protect him. Louise numbly repeats the instructions: the man who had information about Reno's narcotic operations would only talk to Phil alone. Mike says he understands and would have done the same thing if he'd been in Phil's position. He says they'll have to sweat it out until he calls back or comes home. Louise begins to agonize over the situation as the door buzzer sounds. She dashes to the foyer and opens the door to Barbara. Barbara tells her she has information from Phil and will give them all a full report. She proceeds to tell them that an anonymous phone call came to her hotel room. It was a man saying he knew all about Casey Reno's dope ring and would give that information to Phil Capice because he knew and trusted Capice to protect him. She couldn't disregard the offer, so she agreed to bring Mr. Capice to a meeting with the man. The man refused to talk in front of a witness, meaning her, so Mr. Capice went ahead by himself. Louise begins to panic as she realizes that Phil is alone and nobody knows where. Barbara says that's the way it had to be and the way Mr. Capice wanted it. He asked her to come and tell Louise that he's all right. . . and not to worry. Louise does worry and Mike and Bill eye Barbara narrowly with suspicion.
SCENE 2C
Sam is behind the wheel of his car driving slowly. Lambert is beside him in pain. Lambert tells Sam to hurry up and get there. Sam is peering ahead looking for Phil's parked car. He spots a car up ahead and pulls slowly to the curb. "It's Phil's car all right," he thinks to himself as he turns off the engine. Lambert asks Sam to give him a drink to take the edge off the pain. Sam nixes the idea telling Lambert he won't have to stand the pain much longer.
COMMERCIAL
STATION BREAK
Harry Kramer: The second portion of THE EDGE OF NIGHT is brought to you by Pillsbury Deluxe Cake Mixes.
ACT THREE
SCENE 3A
Sam tells Lambert he has orders from Kilborn and if he doesn't pull it off he's dead. He tells Lambert to grit his teeth. Lambert continues to moan that he's hurt. Tiring of this Sam tells him the sooner he gets the job done the sooner Lambert gets treated in a hospital and the sooner he gets off the streets before some cop nabs him. Lambert says he can't take the pain much longer and Sam tells him to think about how rich he'll be when he's Grimsley's son-in-law and the old man is dead. He tells Lambert he's going to get in the car, wreck it, and put him behind the wheel. When Lambert tells him he's liable to pass out, Sam says, "Okay. Pass out. Then I'll know for sure where you are." He leaves the car as Lambert moans.
SCENE 3B
Barbara continues in the Capice living room. She is convincing as she says that she knows how anxious Governor Kelley is to knock out the dope traffic - just as they all are, and she's here to help. Louise understands this, but she doesn't understand why Phil should be gone so long. As she gets up, Barbara says she's sure they'll hear from him soon. She tells them she should report to the Governor. Mike comments that there's nothing for her to report yet and Barbara tells him her instructions are to keep the Governor informed. Mike asks her if she saw the man who had the information and Barbara says that she did see him - momentarily. He describes a man of medium height, with dark, straight hair - and a mustache. Louise remarks that that sounds like Sam Haven and Barbara thinks for a minute and says the man she saw was tall and thin with gray hair; and he was older, about sixty. Mike says that doesn't fit the description of anyone they know and Barbara moves to leave. She tells Louise that she knows how worried she must be, but she doesn't believe Phil is in any danger. She's sure they'll hear from him before long. She says goodnight to everyone and exits. Bill asks Mike what he thinks and Mike says he doesn't like it. Bill agrees with him and goes to the phone. He tells them he's going to start his men looking for Phil as he dials the phone. Mike nods in agreement.
COMMERCIAL
ACT FOUR
SCENE 4A
Lambert waits in Sam's car. He's in pain but hasn't passed out; he's even managed to light a cigarette. He peers forward and watches through the windshield as Sam drives Phil Capice's car toward the brick wall. Sam doesn't want to kill himself so he drives at no more than normal speed. The car strikes the wall head-on with the sound of a loud crash. Sam runs back to the car and opens the door. He helps Lambert out of the car and they move toward the wreck. The driver side door is open and the window glass is broken. Sam helps - pushes - Lambert into the car. Lambert turns toward him, his hand to his cheek, and growls that the glass cut his face. Sam mops at the cut with his handkerchief and says that a little blood will help make the accident look good. He helps Lambert into position behind the wheel, takes another look to be sure everything seems right and leaves the scene. Lambert leans limply on the wheel, his cheek bleeding.
SCENE 4B
In Ursula's lab, Phil is as he was before - drugged, speechless, immobile, but conscious. His eyes follow Kilborn, who's nervously pacing up and down the room. Ursula, also waiting anxiously, looks at her watch and moves toward Phil. The phone rings and Kilborn and Ursula jump for it. Kilborn gets to it first and quickly lifts the receiver. Barbara, on the other end, reports that she had a nice visit with Mrs. Capice, Mr. Karr and Chief Marceau. Kilborn asks if the police have been alerted and Barbara says not while she was there, they were waiting to hear from Capice. She asks about the "accident" and Kilborn tells her he hasn't heard anything yet. She says she hopes nothing's gone wrong and Kilborn says, "So do I!" as he bangs down the phone.
COMMERCIAL
ACT FIVE
SCENE 5A
Phil's car is against the brick wall and Lambert is sitting where Sam left him - leaning against the wheel - moaning with pain, hardly more than half conscious. The phone rings again in Ursula's lab. Kilborn picks it up quickly to hear Sam on the other end. Sam is in a phone booth telling him the whole deal went like clockwork. Kilborn asks if the accident looks legitimate and Sam tells him it does. Kilborn asks if he left Lambert in the car and Sam says no. Kilborn, stunned asks what he means and Sam, smiling at his joke, says Lambert isn't in the car, Phillip Capice is! In no mood for jokes Kilborn tells Sam he'd better get back to the lab as soon as he can. Kilborn hangs up and nods; now smiling. He looks toward Phil, still smiling and says, "I'm sure you'll be distressed, my dear, to know that Mr. "Phillip Capice" has been injured in a serious automobile accident!" A frantic look appears in Phil's eyes. Back in Phil's car, Lambert is now conscious as the sound of a police siren can be heard.
SCENE 5B
Louise, Mike and Bill are still waiting in the Capice living room. The anxiety level of everyone has increased. Louise makes more coffee; they look at their watches; exchange worried glances. Louise is already about to jump out of her skin as the phone rings. She dashes for it, fearfully and hopefully, and picks up the receiver. She listens and fear overcomes hope as she numbly holds the phone toward Bill Marceau. All she says is, "For you, police headquarters." For a moment they are all struck dumb by the same fear. . .
COMMERCIAL
CLOSING BILLBOARD
Harry Kramer: This is Harry Kramer inviting you to join us each weekday afternoon for THE EEEDDDGGGEE OF NIGHT.