Original subtitles

("Alfred Hitchcock" theme music)

- Good evening.

are becoming more and more unreal.

We have robots, monsters, witches, martians.

In some cases, whole families are unreal.

In one, for example, the leading lady is a witch,

and her husband is an advertising man.

In a series which we are planning,

we have taken the next logical step.

We have eliminated the actors

and are using actual robots for all the parts.

Other workers have been liberated by the machine age.

Why not the actor?

Let him enjoy the benefits of automation,

the relief from heavy labor,

the added leisure time, the unemployment.

Actually, only a few actors have objected,

and they only on the grounds that this is typecasting.

There are many advantages.

For one thing, they never forget their lines,

provided they are properly programed.

For example, here are a few lines

from one of Hamlet's soliloquies.

(robot beeping)

Being method actors, they are inclined to mumble a bit.

Our play this evening will be acted

by flesh and blood actors,

and follows in just one long minute.

(light orchestral music)

- Thank you.

May I have my bags, please?

Thank you, that's mine too.

- [Luke] Ah, I'll get it.

- Mr. Hunter?

- That's right.

- I'm Martha Peters.

- I know.

Ah, can you manage that all right?

- Sure.

- All right, the truck's right over there.

- Can I help?

- Nope, all set.

Martha, this is Sam Ogle.

Sam, this is Martha Peters.

- [Sam] Pleased to meet you, ma'am.

Any friend of Luke's, is a friend of mine.

- Not a friend.

We're getting married tonight.

(light orchestral music)

- Is anything wrong?

You're very quiet, aren't you?

- (groans) Well, talking's a habit.

Get out of it when you're alone.

- I know, I've been alone too, Mr. Hunter.

- Luke.

- I beg your pardon?

- You can call me Luke if you want to.

That's if you still wanna go through with this.

- Well, what makes you think I wouldn't?

- Well, I thought maybe when ya got a good look at me,

you might wanna back out.

- Well, there's nothing wrong with the way you look.

- (chuckles) You must need glasses.

Bring your bankbook?

- Oh, yes.

12,500, I thought you said 13?

- Well, there was, but, well,

there was some things and clothes

that I wanted to buy for my trousseau.

- Well, sure, yeah.

Here's mine, 7,000 like I wrote.

Of course I got the house and this truck

and a carpenter shop uptown,

so I guess we come out pretty even on the deal.

- Oh, I don't think of marriage as a deal, Mr. Hunter.

- I, I didn't mean it like that.

- I know, getting married this way

through a correspondence club isn't easy.

I guess we're both a little nervous.

- Well, there's nothing to be nervous about.

Tomorrow we'll go into town

and open up a joint bank account together.

If that's okay with you.

- Whatever you say, Luke.

You never told me your house was so impressive.

- I never said it was my house, minister's.

- Oh, but, oh, I'm a mess.

I thought I'd have a chance to freshen up first.

- No sense making an extra trip, just a waste of gas.

You'll have plenty of chance to clean up

after we're married.

- Oh.

- I now pronounce you man and wife.

My congratulations to you both.

- Oh, thank you.

- Well, what's the matter?

Aren't you gonna kiss the bride?

(Luke chuckles)

He's shy, don't you worry.

He'll get over that, my dear.

Just give him a little time.

- Ah, it's getting late, ah, better get going.

- Oh, well, can't you stay and have some coffee?

I've got some perking.

- Oh, some, some other time.

- Well, that, that, that's a promise, Luke.

Ah, perhaps you'll be coming to services now.

- Well, sure will, Reverend, whenever I get a chance.

- You just hold him to that.

Here we are practically neighbors,

and the only time we ever see Luke

is when he comes to deliver a coffin.

- Coffin?

- County hires me to build coffins for paupers funerals.

- I'm surprised he hasn't told about it.

- Well, courtship's hardly the time

to discuss funerals, my dear.

- Of course, besides, I keep forgetting

that you come from out of town.

- Saint Petersburg.

- Funny, I never would've thought you were a Southerner.

- Well, I, I was born in Michigan,

but for the past 12 years,

I've been the librarian down there.

- Oh, then you and Luke

can't have known each other very long.

- Long enough, ah, bye, Reverend.

- Goodbye.

- Mrs. Gilfoyle.

- Goodbye.

- Goodnight.

- [Martha] Thank you very much.

- [Peggy] Goodnight.

(light orchestral music)

- I'll get this in the bedroom.

Ah, make yourself at home.

(light orchestral music)

- Martha!

You gotta watch it.

You could get burned.

- Oh, I didn't realize I was standing so close (chuckles).

I just love fireplaces.

- They come in handy.

- Oh, another fireplace.

Ah, isn't there a furnace?

- It cost too much to put one in.

Wanna see the rest of the house?

Bathroom, I installed the plumbing myself

same time as I did the kitchen.

- Oh, you built all these?

- Whole shebang, sink and all.

Ah, if you get cold,

you can leave that stove on,

puts out good heat.

- I ah, I don't see any washing machine.

- Uh, it's in the basement.

Not much to look at.

- Oh, I think it's nice.

Uh, doesn't it get awfully cold down here?

- Uh, hot water heater takes the chill off some.

Of course, be winter soon.

You'll have to bundle up good then.

- Ooh, don't even talk about it.

- (chuckles) Keep forgettin' you're from the real south.

- Well, it isn't very warm down here right now.

- There's plenty of good heat up in the bedroom.

Why don't you run along up there?

- All right.

Aren't you coming?

- You go ahead.

I'll be right along.

- All right.

(suspenseful music)

Luke?

- I'll be right there.

(suspenseful music)

- [Martha] Luke, is there anything wrong?

- No, all finished.

(suspenseful music)

(whimsical orchestral music)

Morning.

- Good morning, dear.

- Well, dear, what're you all dressed up about?

- Church, it's Sunday in case you've forgotten.

- I didn't forget.

I don't shave on Sundays.

- (chuckles) So I noticed when I kissed you.

- [Luke] I didn't hear you get up this morning.

- Oh, I sneaked out.

As long as you wouldn't come with me,

I didn't see any sense in disturbing you.

- Uh huh, I noticed something in the oven.

- Dinner, I put a leg of lamb on before I left.

You do like lamb, don't you, dear?

- Sure, yeah, sure, yeah.

- Well, I better take a look at it.

You don't mind my going to church, do you, dear?

- No, suit yourself.

- It's really the only chance I've had

to meet people since I came here.

- Yep, four weeks ago yesterday.

- (chuckles) You remembered.

Now, why are you keeping track of the days?

- [Luke] A fella don't get married everyday.

- Peggy Gilfoyle was asking about you.

You know, she's really very nice.

She introduced me to the ladies of the Missionary Society.

They've asked me to join.

- [Luke] Well, well, well.

- Now, don't you poke fun.

The Missionary Society

does a lot of fine work among the heathens.

- Plenty of heathens right here in this town if you ask me.

- Well, nobody is asking you, Mr. Smarty.

- Eh, you wanna join, go ahead.

- They meet once a month, you know?

There's going to be a quilting bee

at the Gilfoyle's next Wednesday night.

- [Luke] Okay.

- You really don't mind if I go?

- No.

- Oh, what's that?

- Got us a new carving knife.

- Oh, how thoughtful of you.

I didn't know you bought it.

- Life's full of surprises.

(women chattering)

- Oh, yes, now if you ladies will excuse me,

I'll see about our food.

(women chattering)

- And it was two years ago.

I remember because Virginia was here.

- Virginia?

- Luke's first wife.

He's told you about Virginia, hasn't he?

- Well, no, we've never really talked about her.

What was she like?

- Mm, she was a fine person.

Lived here all her life.

Her father left her the house, you know?

- House?

- The one you live in.

Virginia certainly had us fooled.

We all thought she was a born old maid,

and then Luke showed up right out of the blue,

and they were married.

- [Helen] Some people said they'd been corresponding.

One of those lonely hearts clubs, you know.

- Don't you believe it.

Virginia had too much sense for a thing like that.

- How long were they married?

- [Helen] About six months.

That's when she bought Luke the pickup truck.

They went back in it to visit his hometown in Texas.

- Smallboot now that's a funny name for you.

Smallboot, Texas.

- Well, not so funny for Virginia.

Can you imagine?

Food poisoning carrying her off just like that.

- [Sylvia] You never know, do you?

Those things happen just over night.

- No, you never know.

- Luke said he buried her in the family plot down there,

but he decided to come back here and stay one.

I mean, after all, he inherited the house and everything.

- Yes, of course.

- [Helen] That's odd.

- [Sylvia] What?

- I just remembered something.

The last time I saw Virginia alive was here in this house.

- That's right, it was a sewing circle meeting,

just like this one.

- She was sitting there, right where you are.

- [Sylvia] Isn't it strange?

- Yes, very strange.

(suspenseful music)

Luke?

Luke?

Luke?

(object thudding)

(suspenseful music)

(Martha gasps)

- Hey, what's the idea?

You scared me.

- You scared me.

What're you doing down there at this hour?

- I was just checking.

You're right, it is cold down there.

- Well, I'll, I'll heat you some coffee.

- Thanks.

- It's getting chillier everyday.

I hate to think of what it's going to be like down there

next month in that basement when the ground starts freezing.

- It'll cost a fortune to heat it up proper.

You're only down there a couple of hours on Monday anyways.

Do what I do, wear sweaters.

- Did Virginia wear sweaters too?

- Huh, Virginia?

So that's it.

Mangy bunch of anteaters.

- Anteaters?

- They're the critters with the long noses, ain't they.

Like your friends at that sewing society.

- Why didn't you tell me about her yourself?

- There's nothing to tell.

You must've heard it all.

Got married, she took sick.

That was the end of it.

- Was it?

- Will you stop dibbling me?

What do you wanna know?

- The truth.

- All right, all right.

We never did get along together.

Seen it was a mistake right from the beginning,

then she died.

- Yes?

- Nothing, I'm just glad it's all over.

- Then why did you marry me?

- Well, that's different.

- Is it?

- Why sure, we get on fine together, just fine.

- Well, I always thought so, up until tonight, oh.

- You forget about that.

Those old biddies are just trying to make trouble.

Come on now!

Nevermind what happened.

All that counts is just you and me.

(light orchestral music)

You asleep yet?

- No.

- I was just thinking.

- What about?

- Christmas holidays coming up about a month.

We ought to take a vacation.

Maybe we could take a little trip together.

- Where would you want to go?

- Well, you say you like it warmer.

Maybe I'll drive you down to my hometown

to a place called Smallboot, Texas.

(suspenseful music)

- The second half of our story will be visible in a moment.

I don't like the way they're looking at me.

Fortunately, some actors are indispensable.

Who else could say now a word from your local station?

(suspenseful music)

(truck engine humming)

(suspenseful music)

- Hi.

- You're home late.

- Yeah, I had a hard day.

- What was in the big box?

- What box?

- The big box that was in the back of the truck

when you came in.

- You seeing things, gal?

There wasn't nothing in that truck.

Dinner about ready?

- Soon.

- Good, I'll go wash up.

(suspenseful music)

Make up your mind yet?

- Hmm, what about?

- The trip, you remember.

We talked about it.

- Well, you haven't said anything since.

- Well, I am now.

What do you think?

- I really hadn't planned on it.

- Well, I have.

- Be such a long trip.

- Oh, nothing to it.

Be over before you know it.

- [Martha] Couldn't we just stay here?

- I thought you were the one

that wanted to get out of the cold?

Well, this is your chance, gal.

- Do we have to decide now?

- Well, Christmas is just a week away.

I'll have to write my friends and make arrangements.

- It seems like such a lot of trouble.

- Well, you leave everything to me.

I got it all worked out.

- It's really what you want?

- Sure, well, don't look so sad about it.

The change will do you good.

- Oh, Luke.

- Huh?

- Nothing.

- Well, it's all settled then.

Well, I better get busy.

Time is getting short.

- I know.

(suspenseful music)

- What do you think you're doing?

- Well, the garage is locked.

- I know, what do you want in there?

- Well, I um, I was going to measure the kitchen windows

for some new curtains.

I need a yardstick.

- Here, next time you want something, ask for it.

Now, come on, let's get in the house.

- Aren't you going to put the truck in the garage?

- No, you'll be needing it tonight anyway.

Didn't you say you were going to meetin'?

- Oh, yes, the Missionary Society, I'd forgotten.

- Well, I haven't.

Give you a chance to say goodbye to those old hens.

- Goodbye?

- That's right, the trip, it's all set.

- So soon, well, you couldn't

have written your friends until today.

- Well, I decided to telephone instead.

Everything's arranged.

Now, come on, let's get in and get supper fixed.

It's getting late.

- Luke, maybe I shouldn't go out tonight.

- You might as well go while you got the chance.

Don't worry about me.

I got work to do.

You coming?

(suspenseful music)

- Whew, goodnight, good to see you.

Goodnight, see you next time.

See you next month, goodnight.

- [Woman] Bye, darling.

- [Sylvia] Goodbye.

- Aw, thanks again.

- Goodbye, Helen, good to see you.

Oh, will you excuse me?

There's the telephone.

- Sure, goodbye.

- Before Christmas, yes.

- Ooh, it's too bad you're not gonna

be here at Christmastime.

- Yes.

- You know, in a way, I really hate to see you go.

- Well, it can't be helped.

You heard her.

Luke made up his mind.

- Better run along.

Take care of yourself now, you hear?

- Bye.

- [Helen] Bye.

- I'll try.

- This is none of my business,

but it's too bad Luke doesn't buy you a car.

- Well, we never even talked about it.

- Well, I hate to see you riding around in that truck.

Looks like a hearse.

Is something the matter?

- No.

- But you were so quiet all evening.

Suppose you had your mind on your trip.

You know when you'll be leaving?

- Luke said the day after tomorrow after work.

- Hmm, well then I guess I won't be seeing you again,

before you leave that is.

- Oh, no, I guess not.

- Have a nice trip.

- Ah, Sylvia.

- [Sylvia] Mm hmm?

- I was just thinking.

Tomorrow I'll be packing, but the next day,

why don't you come by for lunch just to keep me company.

You know, until Luke comes home and we leave.

Just for a visit.

I, I get so nervous waiting.

- You sure you haven't got something on your mind, dear?

- Ah, maybe we could talk about it then.

- Of course, I'll see you about 12:30,

day after tomorrow, bye.

(suspenseful music)

(door creaking)

(suspenseful music)

(truck engine humming)

- See a ghost?

- What're you doing home so early?

It's just past noon.

- Well, I know, I thought I'd surprise you.

What're you wearing your coat for?

- I was so cold.

- Are you packed yet?

- [Martha] No.

- That's why I knocked off early.

I figured I better get started.

- Luke.

- [Luke] Yeah?

- You locked the basement door.

- Uh huh.

- Well, I, I've got some washing to do.

- Well, it'll have to go till after the trip.

- I can't let the wash go that long.

- Well, you said yourself it's too cold down there.

- Yes, but I, I have--

- Well, forget it.

Maybe you better run into town now.

Didn't you say you wanted to pick up some last minute

Christmas present for those hen friends of yours?

- It doesn't matter.

Yes, yes, there is something I need in town.

- Here, take the key to the pickup.

Well, I may need these others.

- Of course.

- Take your time, don't hurry.

Just so you're back before dark.

Have fun.

(suspenseful music)

- Afternoon, something I can do for you?

- Yes, I want to buy a gun.

(suspenseful music)

- [Pawnbroker] How about this one?

(suspenseful music)

- Luke?

Luke?

(suspenseful music)

Um, why are there bags in the parlor?

We're not leaving until tomorrow afternoon.

- [Luke] Changed my mind.

We're going tonight.

- Tonight?

- Well, might as well have an extra day of freedom.

I got to thinking about it.

No sense waiting.

- Couldn't we stay until the morning?

- I always travel night.

There's less traffic.

Besides, I'm all dressed now.

I wouldn't wanna go to all that trouble again.

- Then that means I can't see Sylvia.

- [Luke] Sylvia.

- Yes, I asked her to come over tomorrow around noon.

I'll have to phone her.

- Isn't no sense wasting time.

You can call her when we stop for gas.

What do you wanna see her for?

- Nothing, just a visit.

- Well, she can wait till you get back.

Right now I want to be alone with you, just the two of us.

You don't know how much I've been looking forward to this.

- I, I better pack my things.

- I'll take my bags out then.

Say, didn't you get any Christmas presents?

- I couldn't find anything I wanted.

- Well, just as well.

No use wasting your money.

Save it for your old age.

(suspenseful music)

- Martha.

(Martha gasps)

- I, I was just going to put my bag in the truck.

- Later.

You forgot something.

- What?

- Ah, the lights are all on.

- Oh, I'll put them off.

- We'll do it together.

(suspenseful music)

- The basement.

- I've got something to show you before we leave.

- What?

- You'll see.

(suspenseful music)

Come on.

Martha, Martha!

(gun firing)

(suspenseful music)

(melancholy music)

- Merry Christmas to my dear wife.

(melancholy music)

(Martha crying)

- [Luke] Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas,

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas.

(robot beeping)

("Funeral March of a Marionette")

(dramatic orchestral music)