The Vengeance of Mark Denton
A Mysterious Traveler Radio Play
CAST
ANNOUNCER
THE MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER, host and narrator
MARK DENTON, wealthy stockbroker, speedboat enthusiast
ELLEN DENTON, Mark’s wife
BRAD SAYERS, Mark’s erstwhile friend, and Ellen’s lover
THE SPIRIT GUIDE, leads the dead to the river between this world and the next
THE BOATMAN, ferries the dead across the river (possibly voiced by the Mysterious Traveler)
MR. MASON, The Dentons’ attorney
THE JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, HIS WIFE, MAN IN AUTOMOBILE, POLICE OFFICER
Steam train whistle, followed by railroad sounds up then under.
ANNOUNCER: (dramatically) The Mysterious Traveler!
Railroad sounds up for a moment then under. Soft organ music in background.
MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER: (suave and sinister) This is the Mysterious Traveler, inviting you to join him on another journey into the realm of the strange and terrifying. I hope you will enjoy the trip, that it will thrill you a little and chill you a little. So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves and be comfortable–if you can! Today, I shall tell you a story of punishment from beyond the grave, a tale I call (organ sting) “The Vengeance of Mark Denton”…
Organ music swells, then fades to background, behind Traveler.
MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER: A pleasant day in May, 1953. Here we are at the stately home of Mark Denton, wealthy stockbroker. But who’s that kissing lovely Mrs. Ellen Denton? It’s not Mark, oh, no…. (music fades away)
ELLEN: Are you sure, Brad? There won’t be any slip-ups?
BRAD: I told you, it’s all set, Ellen, Don’t worry about a thing! You forget I was a booby-trap specialist during the war.
ELLEN: In a little while, it’ll be all over! Then I’ll be free! Oh, Brad—I can hardly believe it!
BRAD: Mark is such a trusting fool! He still believes I’m his friend! Well, let’s get down to the dock; he’ll be starting soon.
Door opens, then closes. Footsteps on path, fading down, then back up. Sound of gentle waves on riverbank.
MARK: Well—so you’ve decided to watch the trial run! You’ll really in for a treat. This is a beautiful speedboat, and I’m letting her out all the way!
BRAD: Good! We’ll clock you.
MARK: Here I go!
Boat engine revs up, accelerates, then fades into distance (background).
ELLEN: Why doesn’t it happen, Brad? It’s gone wrong!
BRAD: Wait until he guns it to top speed.
Engine in foreground, accelerating. Explosion. Mark screaming.
BRAD: That does it! Clean as a whistle!
ELLEN: (sickened) I…I didn’t know it would be this horrible! Brad… I-I’m getting sick…
BRAD: It’s what we wanted, isn’t it? Now pull yourself together! People will be here soon! Unless you want to burn in the hot seat—use your head!
ELLEN: It…it’s just…
Slap, as of a hand across a face.
ELLEN: BRAD! You hurt me!
BRAD: You’ll get hurt worse unless you do as I say!
ELLEN: Don’t be angry, darling! I’ll be all right now.
BRAD: You’d better be!
Dramatic organ music swells, then down. An owl hoots.
MARK: Ohhhh… Where am I? I remember an explosion, and then…but how did I get here? What is this place?
SPIRIT GUIDE: (spooky) I have come for you, Mark Denton!
MARK: Who… who…are you? How did you know my name?
SPIRIT GUIDE: I am your guide, Mark Denton. It is my duty to know the names of all who come here. You see, Mark—you are dead! Your wife, Ellen, and your friend Brad Sayers killed you!
MARK: What! This is crazy! I’m the same as I always was! I can’t be dead!!!
SPIRIT GUIDE: You are dead! And you’re not the same. Here, look into the mirror!
MARK: I–I don’t understand! Wait—what’s this? My face! All burned, scarred…. No! This can’t be me! It’s a nightmare!!
SPIRIT GUIDE: It is you, Mark!! You died in the explosion of your boat, just as Brad and Ellen planned. Now come with me—the boatman is coming to ferry you to the other side of the river.
Eerie organ music rises, then fades to background.
MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER: The spirit guide leads Mark through the misty netherworld, to the shore of a wide, black river. The river Styx!
Sound of water lapping on riverbank.
SPIRIT GUIDE: Here we are. You must wait here, Mark. There, on the opposite shore, you will have eternal peace.
MARK: It isn’t fair! I never harmed anyone. Why should I be dead, while they enjoy life? If only I had a chance for revenge!
SPIRIT GUIDE:: That is for the boatman to decide. Goodbye! There are others who must be guided to the river.
MARK: And I loved her so much! If only I could strike back at them!
Sound of oar slapping the water as the boat approaches the shore.
BOATMAN: (hollow, eerie) Mark! Mark Denton!
MARK: The Boatman! Then—it’s time for me to go across? I’ll never be able to make Ellen and Brad pay for what they have done to me? Please, Mr. Boatman! I know I can never re-cross the river once I’ve reached the opposite shore–but please, let me return to the outer world, long enough to avenge myself!
BOATMAN: Hmmmmm. Yesss. I shall let you return, so you can punish your murderers as they deserve! You are free, Mark Denton—but remember: the boat is waiting for you! When you’ve accomplished your purpose, you must come back here.
MARK: Thank you, Boatman! I shall! As soon as my job is done….
Dramatic organ music swells, then fades. Sound of documents rustling.
MR MASON: Except for some small bequests to servants, Mark left everything to you, Mrs. Denton. Including insurance, it comes to almost $450,000.
ELLEN: (sniffling) Oh, my darling Mark! I’d give up every cent to bring him back!
BRAD: Come, come my dear! You mustn’t upset yourself like this. I’ll take you home. Thank you Mr. Mason.
MR MASON: Mrs. Denton, Mr. Sayers, good day to you both.
Door opens, then closes.
ELLEN: (softly, as if whispering) Well, Brad, how did I do? Was I all right as the heartbroken widow?
BRAD: (softly) Couldn’t have asked for a better performance! Now, we have to play it smart. We won’t rush into anything! In about six months, when everything quiets down, we’ll get married—and then move up to the country where nobody knows us.
Organ bridge.
MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER: And Ellen and Brad wait, as six long months crawl by. Finally, the waiting is over, and here they are, out in the country, in front of a Justice of the Peace….
BRAD: Okay, Judge! Let’s go!
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE: I understand, folks– you want this nice an’ quiet! Well, that’s how it’ll be. My wife an’ daughter’ll act as witnesses… Now then, (begins marriage ceremony, fades out then back in) I now pronounce you man an’ wife! That’ll be five dollars, please.
MARK: (whispering) Ellen….. Ellen…..
ELLEN: Who’s that? There’s someone standing by the door….Who… OH! Over there! It’s….it’s….ohhhhhhhh!
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE: She’s fainting! Catch her!
Scramble of feet as they hurry to catch Ellen, and carry her to a couch.
ELLEN: Where is he ? I–I- saw him. I tell you!
JUSTICE’S WIFE: You’re just overexcited, dear. There’s no one here … Now rest; I’ll make you a cup of tea.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE: Let me help you, dear.
Sound of footsteps, as the two leave.
BRAD: (angrily) What’s the matter with you? What are you trying to do?
ELLEN: But… but.. you don’t understand! I saw him–Mark! His face was horrible! Scarred and burned—but I knew him!
BRAD: You emotional fool! You almost upset the whole works! Come on, let’s get out of here. All you need is some fresh air. Mark’s dead as a doornail!
Footsteps, clinking of china.
JUSTICE’S WIFE:: Tea’s ready, folks!
BRAD: Sorry, we can’t wait!
Hurried footsteps. Door slams shut.
JUSTICE’S WIFE: (slightly offended) Well, I must say….
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE: Sure were in an all-fired hurry! An’ her so pale, as if she’d seen a ghost.
MARK: They can run all they want… No matter where they go—I’ll be there! (laughs maniacally)
Organ stab, then bridge.
MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER: And now a week has passed, and here is Ellen driving down a country road, towards the cozy little house that she and Brad have purchased….
Sound of car running, in background.
ELLEN: That’s strange! Who’s that man in the middle of the road, waving? Maybe he’s with that road-building crew. working up here. I’d better stop.
Car stops. Window rolls down.
ELLEN: Is something wrong? Why did you flag me down? (screaming) MARK! No!!
MARK: You shouldn’t have done this to me, Ellen!
ELLEN: Get away from me!
Car door opens. High heels running away. Sound of car approaching.
ELLEN: Help!! Help!!
Screech of brakes. Car door opening.
MAN: What’s wrong, lady? I heard you screamin’!
ELLEN: (frantic) There—around the bend! A man!! I… I….
MAN: Okay, Okay, take it easy–I’ll go back with you.
Sound of footsteps, one man, one woman.
ELLEN: He – he’s gone!
MAN: I guess he took off. (pause) Hey, you better get home, lady! You look pale.
Dramatic organ music, swells up then down. Sound of ice clinking in glass, liquid pouring. Door opens.
BRAD: Finally, Ellen, there you are! You want a drink? (sound of liquid pouring) What’s eating you? Anything happen?
ELLEN: I saw Mark again! He stopped the car and…(sound of drink being thrown in Ellen’s face) Brad!!
BRAD: (angry) Snap out of it! You’re cracking up! I’m getting sick of you and your crazy talk! Now listen to me: either you stop acting like a hysterical idiot, or I’ll beat it out of you! Now go on and get dressed. We’re due at the country club in an hour.
ELLEN: But…I saw him, Brad… He spoke to me!
Sharp slap. Ellen cries out.
BRAD: That’s enough!! I don’t want to hear about it any more!
ELLEN: Brad… You hurt me!
BRAD: That’ll knock the ghosts out of you, my dear, Now get upstairs.
ELLEN: I-I’m going, Brad…I’m going… (footsteps hurrying upstairs) I guess it’s my nerves. Somehow I just can’t get Mark out of my mind. Oh, I have to get ready… how’s my hair? (pause) Wait… what’s that in the mirror? It’s … (horrified) no!, Oh no!!!
MARK: (sinister) It’s me, Ellen. I’m here, with you..I’ll always be with you—until you die! UNTIL YOU DIE!! (laughes evilly)
Ellen shrieks. Sound of glass breaking.
ELLEN: (shouting) Stop it! Stop torturing me!
BRAD: What is it? What happened!
ELLEN: In there – – he was in the mirror! It was Mark, I tell you! I should never have listened to you! You planned everything! Oh, why did I do it? Why??
BRAD: You wanted his money! Don’t try to throw the blame on me!
MARK: You’re both equally guilty! And you shall each pay for your crime—in a different way…
BRAD: Mark! No! I…I…I can’t believe it!
MARK: But you can believe death!
BRAD: No, Mark! Put down those scissors–don’t! (sounds of a struggle) No! AHHHHH!!!!
Thud of a body falling.
ELLEN: It’s too much! I can’t… (fainting) Ohhhhh……
Organ stab.
MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER: Mark kneels down beside the unconscious Ellen, and plants the bloody scissors in her right hand.
MARK: Now to complete my revenge… (sound of phone dialing) Police? I want to report a murder at 180 Westwood Road. Please hurry!
Dramatic organ music rises, then fades back down.
Police siren wails, then stops. A car door opens and closes. A door bursts open. Footsteps rushing into the house.
POLICE OFFICER: Hold it, lady! I guess we caught you cold.
ELLEN: No, you don’t understand! Mark’s ghost killed him! You see, Brad and I murdered Mark, and so Mark’s ghost killed him. It was Mark!
Sound of phone dialing.
POLICE OFFICER: Dispatch? This is Officer Moran, at 180 Westwood Road. Get an ambulance an’ the morgue wagon here! Guy’s wife went off her nut an’ stabbed him to death. (sound of phone hanging up) Okay, come along now, lady.
ELLEN: But it wasn’t me! It was Mark! Mark’s ghost killed him! Mark’s ghost… It was Mark’s ghost….(Her voice fades as they take her away)
MARK: It’s all over. Now I can go back.
Organ music rises, then fades.
MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER: And so Mark goes back to the mysterious river, to take the boat ride from which there is no return.
Sound of water lapping on the shore.
BOATMAN: Are you ready now, Mark Denton?
MARK: Yes, Boatman! I’ve settled up all my affairs. I’m ready to go.
Organ music rises, then fades. Sound of train in the background.
MYSTERIOUS TRAVELER: This is the Mysterious Traveler again. How did you like my tale of ghostly revenge? Wasn’t it kind of the Boatman to let Mark settle his earthly affairs? Perhaps if you speak nicely to him when your time comes…What’s that? Oh, is this your stop? Well, goodbye. So nice to meet you. By the way, I take this train every week – I hope you join me again.
Train whistle. Train rumbles away. Closing music.
A old time radio show pastiche, adapted by Nina Zumel from the comic book story “The Vengeance of Mark Denton”, The Unseen no. 10, May 1953; writer unknown.
Inspired by The Mysterious Traveler radio show (1943-1952), and the Charlton Comics comic book series (1956-1959).
Ephemera 