Suspense - Death on My Hands

In "Death on My Hands," a touring musician is terrorized by a small town lynch mob after accidentally killing a young fan.

The episode opens in an average American small town where Dixie and his band have been booked to play at a school dance. Before the performance, Dixie is surprised by a visit from Julia, their former singer. She has been drifting around the country since she left the band, but when she saw that Dixie was in town, she had to see him. The two make plans to see each other after the show.

The dance is a big success, and Dixie happily accepts their evening's earnings. He packs the money in his suitcase, along with the gun he uses for protection. Then, just as he is about to leave to meet Julia, a young fan named Emily enters his dressing room. She eagerly asks him for an autographed picture, and when she sees some in his suitcase, she reaches for them... 

 "Death on My Hands" was written by John Michael Hayes and E. Jack Neuman. Elliott Lewis, who also appeared on The Phil Harris and Alice Faye show, produced and directed this episode. Phil Harris and Alice Faye starred. Also appearing were Joseph Kearns, Herb Butterfield, Byron Kane, Franklin Parker, Gil Stratton, and Barbara Whiting. This episode aired on May 10, 1951.

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(Image of Phil Harris and Alice Faye)

Comments

[Alex]

I'm a big fan of Phil Harris from his work with Jack Benny, and to a lesser extent his own show with his wife Alice Faye. But the only thing that saved this episode was the novelty of Phil playing it straight. The plot was almost non-existent and ending was anti-climactic. It's a good listen if you love Phil Harris and Alice Faye, but I wouldn't rank the episode itself very highly.

[Jack]

I agree with Alex. Harris is great, but the story fizzles out at the end. The idea is a good one, but the "man against the lynch mob" plot never really takes off. It's a shame he didn't have some more chances to do some dramatic roles behind the microphone.

[Kj]

Fun to hear Phil and Alice in their haydays. Love the ending.