Rocky Fortune: Double Indemnity

Frank Sinatra transcribed as Rocky Fortune. Since Frank Sinatra starring as that footloose and frequently unemployed young gentleman, Rocky Fortune. I don't know about you, but I'm the kind of guy who can't stay put.

I get restless. Give me a nice soft job of bucking my pocket in a meal ticket. And one who gets a ten-hour quit the job, lose the buck on the GGs and exchange the meal ticket for a train ticket.

He'd take last week, for instance. The employment agency sends me down to use the street for a job as a chauffeur. Hey, Matt this one 59 Houston. What do you want somebody wants to hire a chauffeur a chauffeur I made a joke you take a look around this neighborhood, nista who you think got money for a chauffeur not even for food

He got money Look all I know is the agency got a call for a chauffeur five foot nine thin chauffeur's license must be able to wear pre-cut Uniform and you get the wrong bleed 159 Houston sixth floor. This is 159 Houston. My name is iconic and the generator You take a look how many floors we got, eh?

Maybe they meant fifth floor. I better go up. Go ahead. Let me know when to get the job, eh? This don't look like show for land to me, but I figure I already blew a subway token to get here, so I leg it up four flights of stairs left over from a Charles Adams cartoon.

As I am rounding the turn of flight number five, a funny looking little guy steps out of the shadows. Hey, buddy. Yeah? You got change for a buck. Sure, here. Thanks. Hey, huh? Where's the clam?

But this guy works on my spell like he's a Sherman tank in the Aberdeen proving grounds. When I come to, I'm in a white room, but I am real working on the windows. It's morning, which means I made an evening of it.

Alongside my bed stands a gorilla in a white coat. I figure this place for a pad of Bellevue. I am mistaken. Okay, take it easy, Steve. Oh. How do you feel this morning? Oof. You've had a couple of bad nights, Steve.

A couple? What day is this? Tuesday. Holy smokes. I've been on a Saturday. Last week you were pretty good. Only a couple of lapses. Did you say last week? That's right, Steve. The name is Rocky. Rocky Fortune.

You're not going to start that again, are you, Steve? Start what? That Rocky Fortune bit. Dr. Harris wouldn't like it. Listen. Oh, what a hangover. Take it easy. Look, where am I, Buster? Mon Kenzie rest home.

Mon Kenzie. Is that the Bronx? It's near Denver. Denver. Denver, New York? Denver, Colorado. Okay, buddy. If the joke's over, I'll take my clothes and get out of here. Joke, Steve. Joke, Jake, give me the clothes. I'm afraid I can't do that. Not without Dr. Harris's order.

Would you tell a good doctor that Rocky Fortune wants to have a word with him? No, if you're gonna insist on that, Steve, I'm afraid we'll have to try the treatment again. What treatment? Come along.

Take the hands off, Buster. You're etching the upper dermis. You coming along? If I can help it. Okay. Your hands are big guy in a judo department, besides which they got me juggling a hypochondriac with a third-degree hang nail.

He drags me into a white-tie room and starts to massage my head with a fist like a sledgehammer. Only this bum's got a little rig. First he puts a pail on my head and then he hits the pail.

After 20 minutes of this I begin to feel like the main bell on St. Mary's Christmas morning. Just when I think I can't take it anymore, a grey-head guy with a scarred face-amble's in. Alright, your head. Alright. That's enough. Take the pail off his head.

Oh, how do you feel, Stephen? Oh, just dandy. Johann is so impulsive. Repulsive? Would you like a cigarette? Yeah, how about get me out of this polo coat? Yes, in a moment. First, I want to see if you've come to your senses.

Look, would you mind telling me what this is all about? One minute I'm being rolled in a hallway in New York City. In the next minute, I wake up in Denver, Colorado. Stephen, you've been here at Mount Kenzie for eight years.

My name is Rocky. Born Rocco Fortunado. Your name is Steven Crandall III. Eight years ago you were thrown from a pole opponent and sustained a head injury. You suffered from delusions. You've been under treatment here.

Come on, Doc. What's the ransom? Ransom. How much do I have to raise to get out of here? You see, Johan. He's still very sick. Poor fella. Yes. I'm afraid we'll just have to continue the treatment.

All right, Johan, put the pale on his head. Once again, what's your name? Rocky. And if you don't like it, you can... All right, Johan. Now we'll try it once more. Your name.

Go jump in your... Johan. Name? That's enough, Johan. Hey, well, young man, your name. Stephen, what, please? Stephen. Crandall. Third. Your age. 32. How long have you been here? Eight years. Why did you come here?

Polo accident. Good, good. And now once again, your name. Crandall. Steven. By the time your hand and the phony doctor decided to call her the night, they almost had me convinced I was Steven Crandall.

Pardon me, the third. They doped me up again for the night and next morning we cover the course again. Good morning, Steven. Ah, you slept well. I had a funny dream. So, I dreamed I was a guy in a rocky fortune.

I dreamed I went to apply for a job as a chauffeur in New York City and somebody slapped me. Pretty funny, huh? But you understand it was only a dream. Oh sure. I'm happy to hear that.

You see, today we have a surprise for you. Can you guess? I get a new pail. No jokes? No jokes. Check. What's the surprise? You're going home. I thought you said no jokes. Well, this isn't a joke, Stephen.

I feel you're ready to leave, at last. We're going to let you go home on trial, of course. Now, at the first sign of your delusion that you are someone other than Stephen Crandall, I'm afraid you'll have to return.

When do I fly? Tomorrow morning. Johann will accompany you. We'll get another shot of essence of vampire and wake up next morning feeling as strong as a mouse. Before I know what happens, they hustle me in a black doozle burg and drive to a denver.

About two miles out of town, we cut up a winding private road and stop in front of a 28-room bungalow. The doc in your hand walked me to the door. Close enough so I can feel the muzzle of your hands, 45, caressing my spine.

It was opened by a medium-sized butler right out of dickens, with side whiskers and all. Yes, gentlemen. Hello, Deems. Why, it's Dr. Harris and Mr. Stephen. We weren't expecting you so early. Mr. Stephen, how are you?

Speak up, Steve. Hmm? Oh, fine. Seems the old man, just peachy. Come in sir, come in, welcome home. Thanks. Have a seat Mr. Steven. I'll inform Miss Laurie, your home. Myself into a chunk of chip and dale and weight.

My headaches and everything looks like a 3D movie without glasses. After a couple of minutes through the blur I see a thing come floating down a staircase. Even in my weak condition I can appreciate that she's got more curves than the Jersey Turnpike.

She takes one look and comes on like gangbusters. Steve Darling! Up to Helen Darling! Sis, this is your wife, Steve. He's still a bit confused, Laura. I understand, Doctor. Oh, it's good to have you home, Steve.

Kiss me again, Darling. You know something, baby? It's good to be home. I'm going to a clench again, and I am just beginning to enjoy my new identity when Deemsy clears his adenoids and announces...

an ounce excuse me miss Laura judge Harley is calling the judge here what dr. Harris is it all right judge Harley is an old friend of the family isn't he yes he's known Steven since he was a boy well I think it'll be all right just behave yourself Steven oh sure very well deans show him in the yes ma'am

Remember Stephen. How can I forget? This way, Your Honor. Laura, well, well, well, and Stephen. I heard you were coming home, but I didn't expect I'd actually find you here. How are you, my boy?

Great, great. Just let me look at you. Oh, he's changed Laura. Thin. I'll do it more. Well, I expect eight years in a way it can change a man. Even eight hours can do it.

Very thin indeed. Do I hate to see a thin man or a woman? This is Dr. Harris from the rest home and his assistant, Mr. Fiddler, judge Harley gentlemen. How do you judge? I won't intrude. I just dropped by to see how you were progressing with your personal bankruptcy.

My attorney will file in a week or so, judge. Yes, well, it mustn't delay too long, you know. I'll hold back the flood as long as I can, but creditors will be creditors. Yes. Well, I'll be running along.

Stephen, it's been wonderful to see you back in the bosom of your family. Are you fathin' him up now, Laura? Hate to see a thin man or woman? Good day. I give the judge a couple of seconds to let down his black limousine, which I can see through the French window.

I toss a haymaker at Johann and pull an Esto Williams through the casement. I land in a bramble patch. Just as the judge gets to his car. Judge. Judge Holly. Hold it. Hold it. Steven. What is it?

Get in the car. I can't talk now. Come on. Let's get going. Steve and I. Look, I'm not Steven. My name is Rocky Fortune. This whole thing's a big hoax and I'll step on it before they get here.

Of course, Steven. Rocky. Strange it. Don't start. The ignition's not on. Okay, hold it. Don't try to get away, Steve. Fat chance. You okay, Judge? What happened? Steve here tried to do away with himself.

Right out of the window. I'm lucky it was the first floor. What was he telling me about being Rocky something or other? Or he's Rocky, all right? Judge, listen, call the griddly employees and they just see in New York.

Steve, you know what I got in my pocket now? Be a good boy and I'll give you some candy. Okay, man, you win. This time. Sorry to have troubled your judge. Come on, Steve. Glad it was a service.

Take good care of Steve now. Don't worry about that, Judge. It's thin. Very thin. Be back into the house like a piece of stale mackerel and the good doctor immediately slips me a needle full of wink and blinkin' and not.

Here we are. The poor darling is all scratched up. Let me take him up to our room. Yeah. Margie, you see how unstable he is. I'm afraid he'd better be in a separate room. Johan will stay with him.

But we haven't seen each other for eight years. Yeah. Sorry Laura, as his physician, I know more physician and I am Steve Crandall. Baby, that's not gonna put one over on you, I don't know why.

Yes, Doctor. Muscle on me and I'm locked into the guest room on the second floor. By the time we reach the door, my head feels like the steam room at an all night Turkish bath.

I get my ear on a pillow and pass out. Rocky... Hmm? It's me, Laura. I've been waiting for you. I've arrived. Kiss me, Rocky. Why not? Say... That's nice perfume. I'm glad you like.

Makes me sleepy. Sleep? Smells like... Like... Smells like marsh gas. Gas? Gotta... Gotta wake up. Hoping away. Come on, boy. That's the boy I crossed. That's it. Now that chair window.

What is it? I was in my room and I heard a crash. Nothing much, baby. Let me get some air. You're sick. I ain't healthy. Turn off that gas heater, will you? Where's Joanne? He's downstairs with Dr. Harris. Well, Steve, what happened?

Your friend, your hand, tried to fit me for a casket. That's all. Steve. I am not Steve. Let's get it straight, honey. Before muscles gets back. My name is Rocky Forch and I'm a ringer.

The doc in your hand are trying to pass me off as your husband. You ought to know better. I do. It's a nice time to say so. I didn't dare. They threatened to murder me.

Okay, let's have it. My husband committed suicide in their sanatorium some months ago. He carried very heavy life insurance. Naturally, we couldn't collect on a suicide. Your Han and the Doctor decided that they wouldn't report the death.

They got you to take Steve's place. I begin to get it. I have an accident. You collect double indemnity, and they pry you loose from the money. They forced me into it. OK, we've got to get out of here, baby.

But they'll kill us. Not if they want me to look like an accident they want. I'm with a lot of loot, kid. How can we do it? Is there anybody in the house you can trust?

Deans. Fine. Get to him, tell him to have a car ready in front of the house in exactly five minutes. Where's your hand in the dock? Downstairs. Probably give me plenty of time to soak up the heat.

Okay, look, go down, tell him I'm lying here dead. When they come up, you get out to the car. Got it? Yes. Wish me luck. Good luck, Steve. Rocky. Good luck. Rocky. As soon as Laura leaves, I fix up a dummy out of pillows and stuff it in the bed.

And I slip out of the room and hide in an alcove about ten feet away. I wait. A minute later the docket your hand comes stumbling up the stairs like a thundering hurt I let him rush into the room take two giant steps and lock the door behind Can't hear you uncle So long gentlemen don't think it has a minute pleasure because it hasn't I am down the steps like a grasshopper and a granary

And on my way out when I see the telephone and get a sudden inspiration Operator operator. I want the municipal courthouse judge Harley. It's an emergency. I'll connect you with information I said emergency baby.

If it's an emergency baby, I'll give you the hospital. I'll settle for information. Make it fast. Upstairs I can hear your hand in the doctor making headway with the door, and I don't have much time to waste the explanations.

I need something to knock the judge right off his bench and bring him out here in a hurry. Hello? Judge Harley? Yes? This is Deems, the Crandall Butler. Oh, what is it, Deems? Master Stevens has just murdered the entire family, sir.

He's kidnapping me. What? What is this? What's that banging noise? It uh dynamite sir. He's blowing up the house room by room. I think you'd better get out here sir Here they come I figure this sort of bring him out on the double so I write a message on the mirror with Laura's lipstick and leap out to the car

One jump ahead of the house Are you all right, Ronty fine what took so long had to call my book-making was sure of Beth What about the dark and and Johan on the inside looking out Head for the local constabulary, Deems the old sock.

Yes, sir. I spend the next few minutes gazing finally and the Laura Crandell's lavender eyes and she gazes back. I can see the fine blue blood search of her cheeks. And on her blue search looks pretty good.

I'm ready to surrender to the beast of me when Deems he makes a screaming turn off the main highway and pulls to a stop ten feet from the edge of a cliff. Hey, what gives?

There's been a car following us, sir. I didn't see any car. If I may say so, sir, you wouldn't pay much of it. You weren't paying much attention. Alright, alright, let's get gone. I'm afraid not, sir.

Listen, egghead, I said let's get... You were saying... Put down the gun, Daisy. I'll give the orders, Mr. Fortune. Get out. Wait a minute. What is this? Just step over to the edge of the cliff, if you please.

What if I don't please? You take on weight, all of a sudden. He means it, Rocky. Okay. Mind if I ask what happens next, or am I being naive? Next, Mr. Fortune, you accidentally fall off the cliff.

The car follows you. Accident double indemnity. Exactly. Now, turn around. What makes you think they're gonna believe it? Your suicidal. Even Judge Harley saw you go through a window. Very neat. Turn around. We have much time.

Okay, okay. Laura, push him over. I... Come on, this is no time to lose your nerves. Steve, I... Push him. I can't do it. Alright. Take the gun. I'll do it for myself. I hear a call.

Stop worrying. Alright, Mr. Fortune. That first step looks like a lulule. Get going. Wait. Wait, listen. Please, come on. Come on. Okay, hold it for her. I've got her. Let me go. Let me go.

Let me go. Take it easy, baby. You all right, Mr. Fortuner? I'll let you know later. Right now, I'm a little numb. When I picked up the car and then lost it again. What convinced you, I was telling the truth when I called.

I know you weren't Stephen Crandall the first time I laid eyes on you. I also know I couldn't do anything about it at the time. When you phoned me before you left the house a few minutes ago, I'd already checked the employment agency in New York City.

You're lucky we picked up the car. What about the guy who fell off the cliff, Judge? As he, dead sergeant. I didn't have a chance. Who is he? As far as I know, he's the Crandall Butler.

You got it wrong, Judge. You know him? I think you could take off those phony sidewiscus. You'll find out he's the guy I was supposed to impersonate. Steve Crandall. What? Plus him here called him Steve just before he took the Brody.

Laura, is it Steven? Yeah. But why did you do this? We had no money when Steve left the institution. We cooked up this game with a dog in Johand. to cash in on his own insurance.

Next time I answer an ad for a chauffeur, remind me to make sure they want a live chauffeur, not a corpse. Tonight, NBC Radio has presented transcribed Frank Sinatra as that footloose and fancy-free young man known as Rocky Fortune.

Others in the cast included Francis Joury, Maurice Hart, Jack Mather, Herb Ellis, Stanley Frasor, Lynn Allen, and Stephen Chase. Andrew C. Love directed. Eddie King speaking. Now to tell you about next week's adventure, here's Frank Sinatra as Rocky Fortune.

So that's how come I'm back on unemployment insurance again. Not so long, though. Next week I'll tell you about the next job I had. Stewing on a big luxury line at a Bermuda. I figured I'd like to see the ocean. A couple of guys were trying to help me too.

Only they wanted me to see it the hard way from the bottom. Next week then, tune in again when Frank Sinatra returns as Rocky Fortune. We join American business and industry in saluting the National Safety Council and the thousands of safety-minded men and women who are this week attending the 41st Annual Safety Council Congress and Exposition in Chicago.

With the cooperation of business and industry, the National Safety Council is making life in America safer for everyone. Enjoy Fibra McGee and Molly tonight on the NBC Radio Network.