A Friend to Alexander

And now, tonight's presentation of Radio's Outstanding Theatre of Thrills... ...Suspense. Tonight, we bring you a classic short story by James Thurber. So now, starring Mr. John Dana, here is our suspense play... ...A Friend to Alexander.

I've taken the dreaming about Ann Burr every night. What for? How do I know what for? What for, the woman says? You do look tired, Harry. And a session like I had last night is worse than no sleep at all. I should look tired.

Aaron Burr! He's a funny person to be dreaming about nowadays. I mean with all the talk about the A-bombs, the H-bombs, and the election and everything, I wish you'd go see Dr. Fox. Oh nonsense.

Well, maybe you need some different vitamins, or maybe some of those new pills, those, um, Star Axe, Eric Trix, what are they calling it? A recipe in chlorprommazine, were the tranquilizers? No, no, it's another name.

Oh, Arraxix. Oh, that's right. Arraxix, tranquilizers, all the same thing. Well, maybe you need some of those. They're supposed to do wonders for people. All I need is to stop seeing Aaron Burr every time I close my eyes.

I don't see why you see him in your dreams. Where do you see him? Oh, places, maybe Washington Square, Bowling Green, or on Broadway. Right here in town? Oh, I... We lived in New York, you know.

I'll be talking to a woman in a Victoria, a woman holding a white lace parasol. Oh. And suddenly there's burr, bowing and smiling and smelling like a kindation. Harry, will you get me a cigarette, please?

Sure. He'll be telling the stories about France and getting off his insults. Here you are, Bess. Hey, when did you start smoking before breakfast? Just hold the light where I can reach it, please. Who is the woman in the Victoria, Harry?