Eugene J. Phillips, a young insurance agent, makes a cold-call visit to the home of Victor Fusche, a contractor, and sells him a large life insurance policy after a medical examination arranged for Friday evening. Phillips, nicknamed Bud, is eager to build his business and is encouraged by his colleague Howard Rigby. Soon after, Fusche is struck and killed in a hit-and-run accident. Phillips reads about the death in the newspaper and begins to wonder about the circumstances, while his employer's company prepares to examine the claim. The story follows his thoughts about his client's widow, Madeline Fusche, as the case develops.
Characters: Eugene J. Phillips, Howard Rigby, Victor Fusche, Madeline Fusche, Roger Whittier
The transcript of “Cold Canvas”, an episode of Suspense first broadcast July 24, 1960. Press a time to play from that line (a 60-second preview; Potato Plus plays it all). Suspense plays Suspense free, live around the clock. Search inside this transcript.
Transcript
Another tale well calculated to keep you in. In just a moment, cold canvas, written for suspense by Walter Black. Yeah. Oh, God, come in. Yes, sir. I thought I'd better check with you before I went out.
Fine, fine. Sit down. Oh, actually. Well, that's a big day, isn't it? Well, it sure is. I remember my first day in the field. I was really champing it a bit. a bit. Couldn't wait to get out there and settle all those prospects. What's on the agenda?
Well, I thought maybe I'd just get out and knock on some doors. Good, good. Not a man in his business sneer at cold canvassing, but not me, but you can sell a lot of insurance just by going around knocking on doors. Just remember one thing. Don't be discouraged.
Don't ever give up. Not a year. It'll probably be very much even the door chimes from Rich. Yes. Oh, good afternoon, madam. Are you the mistress of this beautiful establishment? Aren't you a little fancy? I thought the phrase was lady of the house.
Oh, yes, ma'am. It is usually. But someone as attractive as you with such a magnificent home deserves nothing but the bet. Whatever you're selling, you're probably very successful at it, aren't you? Well, ma'am, if I am, it's only because I'm lucky enough to have the right kind of client.
Client? For what? Peace of mind and security, madam. Yes, I have not heard before. This is new. All right, Mr. Vone, you've peaked my interest. Exactly what little gadget in that shiny new briefcase of yours is going to provide me with peace of mind and security?
…
Okay, Captain Gomez. But I'm sorry for you. I try to tell you what was the small cases that paid off. You were too springy. We're listening to Cole Candace, written for suspense by Walter Black.
In a moment the names of all players and a word about next week's story of suspense. Heard in tonight's story where William Redfield has bud-tillocks, ginger-jones as Madeline Poushey, lest Damon has hard rigby, and Guy wrapped as Victor Poushey.
Listen again next week when we return with End Game by David Carp, another tale well calculated to keep you in.
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