THE STORY: Tony, fresh out of prison, visits his aunt, who is a housekeeper for two wealthy Manhattan bachelors. He is impressed by their lavish town house and intrigued by his aunt’s news that the men are partners in the jewelry business, and keep their gem on the floor above. After his aunt mentions that men are away on a trip and goes off to fix a sandwich, Tony he edges up the stairs. But then there is a clap of thunder, the lights go out, and a man appears on the stairs. It is Mat, one of the partners. He accuses Tony of attempted theft. Tony calls his aunt…but there is no response, and Mat says it is she who is out of town. Mat then questions him darkly about his “accomplices.” Tony breaks away but is stopped by Harold, the other partner, who has been hiding near by. Harold is impatient to get things over with, their scheme is to kill Tony, report the robbery to the police (with the “accomplices making off with the gems), and then collect insurance on the “loss.” Tony pleads desperately, but his efforts are in vain and when he tries to run Harold shoots him down. As Harold calls the police the aunt reappears and congratulates her associates on the success of their plan—in which Tony has been the unknowing pawn.
An imaginative and absorbing study in suspense. Playing time about thirty minutes.
