Escape: 005- Sire De Maletroits Door

Escape. Escape tonight to Paris, of 500 years ago. The Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stations presents Escape, a new series of programs at which this, the fifth, is The Sire de Maltweis-Door, by Robert Louis Stevenson, produced and directed by William Ann Robson.

The pen of Robert Louis Stevenson has been an avenue of escape for three generations. Our grandparents thrilled to the macabre metamorphosis of Dr. Jekyll, just as we will never forget the nursery menace called Long John Silver.

Tonight we escape with Robert Louis Stevenson down another avenue, which leads to Paris in 1429, and the amazing adventure of the Sire de Mautoire's door. Dark of the Moon, 1429, Paris. The house of Burgundy holds the throne of France, and English men at arms patrol the narrow streets.

The trouble is times for any man to be lost on the foot at night. You there? Over here. Here by the wall. What's this? Now the shadows themselves are speaking. I know, Shadow. A real life human being.

I've managed to get myself lost in these confounded alleys. Can you tell me where I am? Well, now, find young cavalry and all that, and he's lost. I'm trying to find the Bo-Santian. Will the street lead me there?

Well, at one street, this is good as another. None of them will ever lead a man anyway. Oh, come now, you must know something about this part of Paris. Think, man, I patrol my pass in any moment.

Mm? Mm? You are wanted, then. I have a safe conduct passed from the captain of the garrison. Safe conduct, he says. And if I'm like good, I'll do you here in the dark of the night.

Well, you're certainly not helping my chances, any. No, the only safe conduct you have is that sword a swinging at your side. Wait, wait, what? A patrol. They're coming this way. Ammin, crime, do you think you're right?

I've got a run for it. Tell him nothing. I mean, I should tell a lot to him. Wait. Someone's there. Speak up. Who are you? Speak up, is it? And you are blundering pack of today, grenadiers at rock like a herd of cattle, such as me.

Speak up? That's served with a mad prince, Charlie himself. May he rest in peace. An old campaigner, eh? Where are you from, soldier? Front and blue from a smarter outfit in Bivouac than the likes of you and court.

Bit of a scup, sir, man. Seen anybody about all time, eh? Northwood shadows and tankards of air. Find French Cavalier who departed Hins without a biodeck. Where'd he go? Who knows, perhaps she went one way, but maybe the other.

I think it was the other way. Alright, men. I'm... French Cavalier, eh? I'll have him like a foul in a spit. Spread out, cover the street. Keep an eye out, don't end the slip away between you.

Forward now, search every corner. The drunken fool! I'm for it now, alright. Cross street. There's a bare chance they'll pass it by. If I can only get through here. Oh! Right! Oh no!

It's a dead end, unless this leads... No, it's only the door to a house. Paught like a rat in a trap! Alright. If it's so written and so beat. With a bit of luck, there'll be two or three.

Go with me, huh? It's unlocked. I can push it open. the amount of hell inside. If I could lose. That was close. Too close. Now they get out of here and no one in the house will ever be the wiser. What's this? The door is locked.

It's a trap. But why? Why would such a thing be done? I came in here by chance, one chance against a million. Wait. It's a light. Somewhere inside the house. Well, my alright I should be dead at this moment. So? I've been expecting you all evening.

I fear you must be mistaken so my visit is quite unexpected for both of us. That's good. That's very good. For the both of us you say, well no matter You're here, that's the main part.

Take a seat, my boy. Put yourself in ease. We'll arrange our little affairs, President Blair. There seems to be some misunderstanding. You see, your door was standing in... Oh, the door. That was a little piece of ingenuity, don't you agree?

So you must know that I had no intention of intruding without an invitation. Without an invitation is it? Well, we all people are used to such relaxants. When it touches our honor, we cast about until we find some way of overcoming it.

We're coming it. And so, my boy, invitation or not, you are, believe me, most welcome. I hope you'll pardon my saying it, but I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about. Oh, so that's it, dead to rights, but still pretending, eh?

Ah, you're a clever role. Sir! My name is Denny de Boley. I am not a guest in your house by my own choice, and I am not accustomed to being... Shut up! Now, is the house of Mount wire accustomed to certain things, of which you will know?

Not to. I should have expected better treatment at the hands of one of the most honored families of France. Honored indeed, until you, merciful, you took it upon yourself to dishonor us. I, Demaltra, have attempted to explain that I took a stand before your door to fight off a patrol which I had encountered in the street.

I assure you I had no slight intention of forcing myself up. Since it seems impossible for you to converse with any degree of reason may I bid you good night. Sir, if you have your right wits, then you're insulting me grossly.

And if not, I have no desire to spend further time with the lunatic. You young fool. Thinking to get away so easily. No power on earth can make me stay here any longer. Even if I'm forced to hack that door of yours to pieces.

I am thee, and now will you please sit down? My dear nephew, nephew, you lie in your teeth. I said sit down. You think for a minute that I made a little contrivance for the door and stopped short with that?

If you want to be bound hand-on-foot to your bones, crack inside of you and get up. Try to get away. But if you'd rather stay a free young buck, a grimly conversing with an old gentleman, say to you I'd be.

You mean then? I'm a prisoner here. I stayed in the facts. So your old conclusion. Ah, dear, false work. Come in. Come in. What's what? Come in, come in. Thank you, Messiah. Tell me, how is she?

A little better frame of mind, I hope. She is more resigned, at least, Messiah. Well, isn't she hard to please? A likely stripper in such as this. Well-born and her own choice. What more would the jade what have?

If you'll pardon, the situation is not usual for a young damsel. It is somewhat trying to her blushes. Trying is it. She should have thought of that before the dance began. She called the terms and now she'll do the pain.

At the risk of being presumptuous, may I ask who she is. You hear that pair, Francois? Mershutable girl. Wish she is to know who she is. I heard, Miss. I am pleased that you find my most casual remarks so amusing.

So you'd like to know who she is. Very well. After all, you really should know, young fella, it's only fitting for you to be introduced properly. Come along, come along. I'll take you into she or right.

Why? That's the reason I planned the whole thing. You stubborn young scoundrely bladard! Along my body. Right through this door. After your surf, you don't know.

Oh, no. It's not that kind of a trap. Here we are. How are you, my dear? Please uncle, please, I'm pretty on me. Pity! But I do a greater year more than you shown for the name of Mal'Swa.

Come now, come now, up off your knees and look at the friend I brought you. It's good to be devout, but it is also necessary to be poor lad. I have no understanding how you can be so vicious.

Oh, it's very unkind. And now, merciful, you, since we've decided to keep up this fast, allow me to present my niece, Blonde, the Maltwa. It's such an inhuman thing, surely, having itself. He's not the man.

My uncle, this is not the man. I expect you to say as much, my dear. Is it so unfortunate you couldn't remember his name? It's true. I swear by the blessed Virgin, I do not No, this man never laid eyes on him before.

Please, tell him. Tell him we've never seen you chug before. For myself at any rate, I've never had that pleasure. Sire, I've not met your lovely niece before this moon. Oh, now isn't that too bad.

But it's never too late to begin. Quite often, these impromptu marriages turn out very well in the end. Marriage? Side to mouth, Troy, would you please be kind enough to explain what you mean? Uh-huh, now.

Surely you heard of the custom of marriage? It's quite widely prepped. At least, sir, I've never heard before of such a maniac as I perceive you to be. And I have no intention of marrying anyone.

Then may I ask what were your intentions, my boy? Oh, well, no matter now. Therefore, I was looking forward to performing the nuptial rites. So he's quite properly ordained, you know. So, shall we say, in two hours?

Meanwhile, I suggest you become better acquainted. Wait! Uncle, you can't be an earnest. I swear to you I'll kill myself before I'll be forced on this young man. Possed? How come I'd hear a blanch?

Is it possible that you think I'm lying that you still believe this is the man? Frankly, I do. Then you're wrong. I refuse not to leave and to consider such... Enough idea. You took it upon yourself to dishonor the name of our family.

You've offered it all right whatsoever to question my designs. I consider it a duty to see that you're married with as little delay as possible. Out of the goodness of my heart, I've attempted to find the man of your choice.

And I believe I've done so. But if not, then I cannot one Jack Straw. Is that perfectly clear? It's clear, sir, that you're a mabbon. Perhaps my dear nephew. I'm not your nephew nor will I be.

It's sooner die a thousand times! Such a fury against the inevitable. But any rate, you have two hours to compose your differences. Pair of horse wire, bring the clock. Very well, Messier. Thank you. Place it there.

This, Messudible, you, is another of my little contrivances and one that is hardly less ingenious than my daughter. Messier, your accomplishments are of no interest to me whatsoever. Oh, I think you'll find this one most interesting.

You will notice that the upper container is filled with water in exactly two hours. All of the water will have gripped into the lower vessel and at that time I shall return. Remove the plug pair of horse wire. Clever, isn't it?

Well, Venus is so rarely appreciated. And now I'm quite sure you, Sudha, carry on your interview without an audience. You... You'd never met my uncle before. He didn't arrange this with you. I'd never laid eyes on him.

And certainly nothing was arranged with me else I wouldn't be here. You're as much an unfortunate victim as myself. But you at least must be more aware of the circumstances I can understand none of this.

It's not an easy thing for a girl to tell. Whatever you may think of me now, I fear you shall think the worst when I've finished. Words up at words, but your manner encourages respect.

Thank you, Mr. I've lived all my life with my uncle, and I've not been happy. Three months ago, a young captain of the guard began to stand near me in the church. Only must understand.

I gave him no encouragement to do so. Well, quite so, I understand. He was handsome, of course. He was a matter of fact, very. After a while, he began to pass me notes. He found me pleasing, wanted to meet me.

He seemed most interested in me for some reason. I can believe that. This morning, he passed me a note, urging me to leave the outer door open tonight, so that he could speak a few words with me on the stairs.

This is most difficult for me to tell you. I'm sure he meant no harm. I've no idea how my uncle came to suspect. Sometimes his shrewdness becomes almost diabolical. After church, he took that note from my hand, read it, gave it back to me.

I've been kept in my room all day, knowing nothing of what he might be planning. So that's it. By pure accident, I've blundered into a trap set for someone else. Had my uncle brought the captain himself, the thing still would have been confusing.

How should I know that he may not have been trifling with me all along? But to be forced into a situation with you, a perfect stranger. Your regard for me is quite clear, Mademoiselle. I regret appearing as a disappointment to you.

I believe you said he was very handsome. That were all. There's more? I mean, Miss you, that you yourself are quite handsome. But it's so... No, it's really no use. Please understand me, I'm not urging you in any way.

Urging, Missy. I'm accustomed to meeting young ladies upon occasion who are quite ready to accept me as something beside a convenient substitute for some handsome captain of the God. I've no doubt of it, Missy. And to correct a mistake and impression you seem to have.

I'm well aware that you're doing no urging. And more you to do so. I shouldn't either listen to or give it any consideration whatsoever. Well, that we both understand one another. Quite so. And that being the case, Mademaltra.

I wonder if you'll be good enough to conduct me to your uncle. With the greatest of pleasure, Missy. I've no doubt but what this little matter can be settled very quickly. And with as much honor as possible to everybody concerned.

The four or two hours weren't necessary. Already harmonious, I called, Rises Chiam. On the contrary, Sidemaltra. Your assumption is entirely false. Oh, what a picky. Well, Pierre-Forswell, there's nothing to it. We'll simply have to wait a while longer.

As you say, Miss Anne. I've heard maybe much longer than you think. In fact, forever. That's a very long time indeed. And you, my dear niece, what are your sentiments in the matter? I will not marry this man.

To what you, my uncle, I will not marry him. Right, right where we started. Can it be that our young friend is lacking in perception, Pierre-Foswer? It is passable, my say. I'm not at any right lacking in a sense of honourable conduct.

Dragged in here against my will, I've addressed your niece in the matter of the gentleman. I've found her charming, lovely, delightful. Who's here? But now I have the honour of declining your offer of her hand.

Let that end the matter. Oh, it's not as simple as that. Take a look from my window there, and tell me what you've seen on the wall beneath it. What do you mean? See for yourself.

Whatever it is can have no bearing on the matter. There's an iron ring set in the wall. Quite so, and a fasten to the ring? A rope? Right! So we have two elements, and to complete our little diagram we need a third one.

That element is at the moment firmly attached to your body. I'm referring, sir. to your neck. Uncle Nook! And may I inquire the purpose of the dogs there in the courtyard below. Are they also a part of your devilish plans?

My dear young man, a body doesn't hang in ropes forever, you know. You maniac. Even murder doesn't stop you. Ooh, that's such a nasty word. Let us confine ourselves to the bald facts. At the end of your two hours, you will prepare yourself either to marry my niece or to kick out your life while you swing at the end of that rope.

There's no other alternative. I think there's one. Between gentlemen at any rate. I'm yourself, sir. You fool. You'll think for a moment that if I regarded your sword as a threat, you'd still be wearing it?

Pare forswire. Will you open that door to the passage, please? Of course, Messiah, I'd be most happy to. Gentlemen, show this ration but the color of your steel. Well, whether he likes to admit it or not, miss you to bow you.

One day, a man grows too old to fight his own battles, and must hire others to do it for him. Close the door, pair Francois. Then you'll not fight? Do I seem a fool? There'll be no fighting and no haughty refusal to marry Manisse.

You found her charming, well and good. But I'll tell you this, Worsheus common as the Paris Road, more hideous to the gargoyle over my door. You'd not spurn the hand of a maltwa and ever live to tell it.

Alive and married you'll be, or dead and hanging from that window and soon after, food for the dogs. It's one or the other. Make up your mind. Please, Missy Debaly, why do you not sit down?

Your concern is most gratifying, Mademoiselle. Since I have such a short time to live, I doubt that I'll grow very tired. If the time be short, then why do we waste it in formal speech?

As you will. Listen to him. Grib, drip that devilish clock like an artery opened and life's blood itself dripping away. I'm sad you haven't thought and thought until my whole mind's in a great world.

Please, you. You really shouldn't trouble yourself so much. I can't barely have you slinging for my sake. Miss you, the bully, I will marry you gladly. You must think then that I stand very much in fear of death.

Oh, no, no. I've had reason to see that you're no coward. I've asked for no pity if a thing has to be. Then that's the end of it. Oh, sir, you misunderstood me. I... the great nobility with which you face my uncle.

You should have removed all question about your bravery and such doubts existed. That is the most kind of you to say so. Not of course that anyone could raise such questions once they've seen you.

That's another incident. That's all. But lives are better one. You'll agree then. I'm afraid you'll underrate the difficulty. What your generosity offers me my pride prevents accepting. this moment of noble feeling taught me, aren't you forgetting?

What you already owe to someone else? Monsieur, he never really mattered. When Marcel, my very life's the forfeit here. One I'll peg gladly if it be of service to a lady, but to tell me it's for something that never really mattered.

Please, don't be so cruel. You forget. I'm the one who's going to die, not you. I've not forgotten, Monsieur. Yes. You will enjoy tomorrow's sun like any other days. And tomorrow night, perhaps you'll see him again.

And of course, I'll be forgotten. Oh no, never. But it's all a man can expect when he's born into the world, death at last. And some piece of ironic misfortune. Oh, don't say it was the unfair.

Oh, if I've said anything to warn you, I'm sorry. It was for your own sake, not mine. It's a bitter to see you in such distress that giving my life itself for you can't help it.

I'm sorry. I'll try to be brave. Is there no way at all in which I can serve you? Either now or afterwards. Only by letting me think of you as a friend for the brief time that's left to us.

I'm forgetting for the moment that I'm an awkward intruder, thrown here by circumstance. That's all. And I can do it. What does it matter, the closer you come to it, the clearer you see the deaths no more than a dark and dusty corner where a man climbs into his tomb and shuts the door after himself.

I've only a few friends now, and once I'm dead I've no doubt that I'll have none. forget to blanch the maltvah. You're very sweet. You're the small service. I do your father beyond its worth. I'm not happy thinking so meanly of yourself. Look at me.

Would you say that I am beautiful? I've ever seen. I'm glad of that. Tell me. Is there a man in France who can say he's been asked in marriage by a beautiful maiden? Ask from her own lips and and refused her to her face.

Oh, I know you're a man. And I have to spy such a triumph. But any woman knows more of what's precious in my mouth. But remember you asked me out of the pity of your heart, not full of happiness.

Oh, you're so sure of that. Must I bear my very soul like a merchant showcase? I'll not forget it, for the time that's left me. Very well. I too have a pride of my own.

You'd turn back now from your word, I'd no more marry you than I would any stranger off the street. It's... It's a small love that shies at a little price. My uncle and his men would come here any moment.

What shall we say to him? All of my life I'll wait for you. And weep the more because it was you. If I'm wrong, it's a great price I'm paying for it. When I'd not pay if I didn't care for you so dearly.

Careful. No, it's your opinion kindly. It was in the moment your uncle brought me into you. When you raised your face to look at me, that's when I knew. I was strange, but it was then I felt it too.

Well, you've seen already that I'm not afraid to die. Oh, you're not! I know it! Lasha, is it really true not something born of pity? I swear by all its'holly. I love you, didn't you?

Oh, I'd be loving. And I can tell you now that I love you too. Even after all you've heard... I can remember none of it. The captain's name. No matter. I love you. I love you more than my life, my soul.

Lasha, I love you. Well, well, well, well. It's most gratifying to see this little matter settled in such a congenial fashion. Good morning, my dear nephew. I have nothing to say to you, sir. You're a vicious and unprincipled old man.

Oh, that's much tongue gracious of you. No, no. At the very worst, I'm no more than a very wise old man. One who's lived a long time and seen a great many remarkable things. An old man who's learned all about such mysteries as the love of life and love.

The Sired Him Out was Door by Robert Louis Stevenson, was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield and produced and directed by William M. Robeson With Elliot Lewis as Denny, Peggy Weber as Blanche, and Ramsay Hill as the Sire de Maltwa.

The special musical score was conceived and conducted by Sy Fuer. Escape is presented by the Columbia Broadcasting System and its affiliated stations each week at this time. Next week, we invite you to escape to Egypt of 3,500 years ago, with Arthur Conan Doyle's fascinating tale of the Ring of Toth.

And so good night until next week at this time, when again, it will be time to escape. This is CBS, the Columbia Broadcasting System.