In "Want Ad," a thief, who makes his living through the classified ads, discovers that he isn't as clever as he thinks. This is an episode that is supposedly based on true crime.
As the episode opens, Mr. Vernon and his wife are enjoying the morning paper. She wants the two of them to spend the day together, but Mr. Vernon has to work.
So, he pulls out the want ads and peruses the day's offerings. He quickly notices a fur coat that is being sold by a private owner and makes a call. In this case, the fur coat is being sold by a woman, and he then assumes that it will be easy to steal it from her.
Mr. Vernon heads off to the home of the seller, Mrs. Phelps, and runs through the routine of pretending to buy a coat. Everything happens just the way he planned... until Mr. Phelps arrives home unexpectedly. Then, the robbery takes a violent turn. Afterwards, Mr. Vernon is stuck with a fur coat he can't get rid of and murder charge that he has to run from.
"Want Ad" was written by E. Jack Neuman and produced/directed by Elliott Lewis. Robert Cummings starred. Also appearing were Mary Jane Croft, Charles Calvert, Virginia Gregg, Larry Thor, and Paula Winslowe. This episode aired on January 25, 1954.
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This story was presented a second time on July 10, 1956. Stacy Harris starred. Antony Ellis produced and directed. Also appearing were Mary Jane Croft, Paula Winslowe, Joseph Kearns, Virginia Gregg, Jack Moyles, and Lou Krugman.
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(Image from Morguefile)
I think this is one of those episodes that shows the very best of Suspense. It sounds like it was based on a true story - but I don't recall that being mentioned on the version I heard.
Robert Cummings plays a vicious baddie; his MO is to answer adverts for fur coats and when at the address he pulls a gun and takes the coat! He reckons that women who sell fur coats are always single or divorced.
In the crime that we hear taking place he also insults and abuses the poor woman, then locks her up in a cupboard! What a bounder!
But things go very bad when the poor old woman's hubby comes home. Vernon soon settles his hash and then, for good measure, gives the poor old bag a permanent wooden overcoat in exchange for the fur one.
The ending is extremely well done. The meeting in the house where a car is for sale is LOADED with tension.
Everyone acts really well. I was totally involved with every character.
Posted by: Alan O'Brien | August 14, 2012 at 06:35 AM
The Stacy Harris version is missing the last 30 seconds! :(
Posted by: Enrique Sanchez | July 28, 2018 at 12:13 PM