Welcome to Subterranean Cinema , The perfect place to watch classic movies originating from your local PBS station right here in Fort Wayne.

I'm your host, Kris Hensler.

And tonight's movie is Wasp Woman , starring Susan Cabot and Fred Eisley.

And this time around, I am joined by Jake Baker.

Jake, welcome to the basement hideaway.

We've invited you partly because of your movie knowledge, and you have your own podcast.

Yeah, I have a show called Clear Tinted Classics .

It's a show where I watch classic movies for the very first time and give my nostalgia free opinions on them.

And it's really fun.

And we tend to just go through the movies beat by beat and just really get deep into it.

Whether it holds up in like a modern age and you can find it on places like Spotify and Apple Podcasts and pretty much anywhere you get podcasts.

Great.

Thanks, Jake.

So here we are deep into the month of October, and I found another fun Halloween movie for us.

1959 Wasp Woman .

Now this film has something in common with one of our other recent films, Little Shop of Horrors .

They were both directed by independent filmmaker Roger Corman, who went on to become an icon of low budget films.

Yeah, that's super true.

He is basically like the godfather of modern filmmaking.

A lot of people like James Cameron and Martin Scorsese, even actors like Jack Nicholson got their start on low budget films that he was producing and or even directing sometimes that he was sort of like the person who brought up all these modern filmmakers that were watching today.

Yeah, I always think it's interesting during the research for these movies, what you find out that you just never knew before.

Yeah.

So in this movie, The Wasp Woman , the founder and owner of a large cosmetics company, Janice Starling, is not too happy when her company's sales begin to drop after it becomes apparent to her customer base that she is getting a little bit older and of course, aging.

Now, meanwhile, scientist Eric Zinthrop has been extracting enzymes from the Queen Wasp, which appears to reverse the aging process.

Now, Janice agrees to fund additional research provided that she can act as the human subjects.

What could possibly go wrong?

Like many films, especially older B-movie features, the title of this one changed several times.

It started out as The Bee Girl , then The Insect Woman , and finally The Wasp Woman .

Double features were also common in the early days of cinema, and this film was no exception.

The Wasp Woman was originally released as part of a double feature, along with The Beast from Haunted Cave .

Do you have Mexican for lunch?

Yeah.

I don't want to talk about it anyway.

The Wasp Woman's musical score, written by Fred Katz, was originally composed for the film A Bucket of Blood .

It was later revealed that every time Katz was hired to write a film score for one of Corman's films, he delivered the same music as if it was a new score.

In fact, the same piece of music was used for seven Roger Corman films, including The Little Shop of Horrors and Creature from the Haunted Sea .

All right.

I think we just need to see this thing.

Let's get out the popcorn, pour some drinks and settle in for a night at the movies with Roger Corman's Wasp Woman , starring Susan Cabot and Fred Eisley.

You're watching Subterranean Cinema only on PBS Fort Wayne.

(gentle music) (suspenseful music) (tense music) (insects buzzing) >> Now, now, don't get nasty, my little friends, your bumping's not gonna hurt you one bit.

Just relax and sleep.

Sleep, sleep, sleep, and in the morning, you'll find yourselves in your new home.

Eh, my pets?

(man chuckling) (twig snapping) (mysterious music) >> Good morning, Doc, what you got there?

>> Alvin, I found some new friends.

Listen.

(insects buzzing) >> Wasps?

Better be careful, they can sting a man to death.

>> Don't worry, we understand each other.

They know who their friend is.

They can tell.

>> Yeah, but they know when you ain't, too.

>> Nonsense.

If you knew about wasps what I know, you'd have no fear of them, my boy.

No fear.

(chuckling) >> Hey you, give us a hand here!

>> Hello there, Mr. Barker.

Surprised to see you out here in the field, sir.

How are things running at the front office?

>> Smooth as honey, Renfro.

I see here you've turned in over 1000 pounds of orange blossom honey and 400 of beeswax last month, Renfro, congratulations, you've made the top of the list again.

>> Why, thank you sir.

>> Holiday Honey needs your kinda man, Renfro.

You stay with it and I can see a bright future for you with the company.

>> Well, I do try to do my best, Mr. Barker.

I try to take my inspiration from the bees, always busy, busy, busy.

>> Yes.

Now, what about this fellow, Dr. Zinthrop?

>> Zinthrop?

Boy, there's a nut, him and his bees.

You know it wouldn't surprise me someday to see him flapping his arms, taking off after some queen bee with the rest of the drones?

>> Mm-hmm, well, he's paid to do research on royal jelly.

Haven't had a progress report from him in a month.

>> Hmm, well, he has a little workshop up there, back of the orange grove, keeps a few colonies.

>> I suppose I better go up there and take a look.

Hey you!

Where's this fellow Zinthrop?

>> Oh, he's up where the extractor is, up there!

>> Hey, hey, this isn't a honey bee.

These are wasps.

Wasps!

Who's responsible for this?

>> Most likely Dr. Zinthrop, sir.

I told you he was a crackpot.

>> Zinthrop, huh?

Zinthrop.

Zinthrop!

Zinthrop!

Now look here, Zinthrop, what's all this nonsense about wasps?

>> I'm so glad you dropped in, Mr. Barker.

Mr. Barker, I'm on the verge of a great discovery.

>> Discovery, what do you mean?

>> Well, sir, I almost perfected a new method of extracting royal jelly from the queen wasp.

>> According to my figures, you're better at extracting funds from the company.

Now look here, Zinthrop, over $1,000 last month for miscellaneous.

>> Yes, yes, I know, but Mr. Barker, let me just show you something.

Just let me show you something.

Already I've learned to slow the process of aging.

Soon, I shall be able to reverse it entirely.

>> What are you getting at, Zinthrop?

>> Zinthrop: Look, what do you see?

>> I see a big dog and a little dog.

>> Let's say an old dog and a young dog.

>> All right, so what?

>> But they're exactly the same age.

You see, the little one Greta has been given regular injections of my compound from the queen wasp.

>> Just like I told ya, Mr. Barker.

>> Now look here, Zinthrop, I understand about science and progress and all that, but you were attained to extract queen bee royal jelly.

Now it's a health food, a cosmetic.

It's not a miracle drug or an elixir of youth, that sort of thing is impossible.

>> Oh, but Mr. Barker- >> Zinthrop, I'm sorry, Zinthrop, but I'm gonna have to let you go.

You just don't seem to be one of the team.

You understand.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll fit in somewhere.

>> Fit in.

Somewhere.

(insects buzzing) (tense music) Oh, now, now, don't worry, my friends.

We shall find a home somehow.

Somewhere.

Oh, but you sound impatient.

I know, it's your babies, huh?

They're hungry and they must be fed.

Now, how would you like a nice, juicy little caterpillar, huh?

You'd like that, wouldn't you?

There.

Now you must eat and be strong because, well, a lot of work to do together.

Yes sir.

(Zinthrop sighs) A lot of work.

(dramatic music) >> As you can see, gentlemen, sales for the last fiscal quarter have dropped.

14 and one-half percent.

There's not been a corresponding drop in our competitor's sales.

I trust one of you gentlemen has a satisfactory explanation for this decline.

Not one little suggestion, gentlemen?

We'll start with you, Thompson.

As Public Relations Manager, no doubt you have some faint glimmering of what's happening to Starlin Products.

Well, Thompson?

>> Well, you see, I... >> I had no idea you were such an excellent public speaker, Thompson.

>> Oh, I'm sorry Miss Starlin, I guess I'm not feeling very well this morning.

>> Janice: I'm sorry you aren't.

>> I think I can tell you why Starlin Products are falling off so badly, Miss Starlin.

>> We're listening, Lane.

Where would you put the responsibility for this decline?

>> On you, Miss Starlin.

>> I imagine you have arguments to support that contention?

>> We've all been looking at it for the past 20 minutes.

The most convincing argument is right on that graph.

May I show you?

Thank you.

Now, right here in April is when Starlin's sales started falling off.

>> Very clever of you, Lane.

>> Would you mind waiting until I finish, Miss Starlin?

>> That's enough, Lane.

>> Relax, Willis.

My apologies for the interruption, go on.

>> Thank you.

Now as I said, sales began to fall in April, but the reason for the fall was back here in February.

Starlin Products have always been thought of as something of a modern miracle in the cosmetics trade.

A firm built to a multi-million-dollar-a-year business on the strength and appeal of one person, Janice Starlin.

From the beginning right through until February of this year, only one woman's face was used to advertise those products.

Your face, Miss Starlin.

The public have come to accept you as a symbol.

Well now, after 16 years, they see a different face, they don't trust it.

They feel cheated.

The simple fact is that Starlin Cosmetics should have Janice Starlin's picture advertising them.

Well, that's about all I've got to say.

>> And a darn good job of saying it, too.

>> I agree.

(applauding) >> Lane makes a lot of sense on that score, Miss Starlin.

>> I think I've had enough flattery for one morning, gentlemen.

(intercom buzzing) It was a very convincing argument, Lane.

>> Secretary: There's a Mr. Zinthrop to see Miss Starlin.

>> There's only one small factor you've overlooked.

Not even Janice Starlin can remain a glamor girl forever.

>> Miss Starlin.

>> Yes, Mary?

>> There's a Mr. Zinthrop in reception, he says he has an appointment.

>> Thank you.

Well, this has been a very informative get-together.

That'll be all for now.

(people murmuring) Oh, Arthur?

>> Yes, Miss Starlin?

>> I'd like to see you in my office, please.

>> Sure, Miss Starlin.

Take it easy, hot shot.

Something on your mind, Miss Starlin?

>> You've done some work on royal jelly, haven't you?

>> A little.

>> Are there any real therapeutic values in it?

>> Oh, I'd say so.

Course, a lot depends on each individual's reaction to the stuff.

>> What do you mean?

>> Just that no two people react in precisely the same way.

One man's meat's another man's poison.

>> Oh.

But you think royal jelly can be beneficial in some cases?

>> Queen bees set a lot of store by it.

>> I'll accept that as an affirmative answer.

Supposing a more powerful form of royal jelly could be obtained, from the queen wasp, for example.

I mean, do you suppose that might have some rejuvenating effect on a human being?

>> I'd stay away from wasps if I were you, Miss Starlin.

Socially, the queen wasp is on a level with the black widow spider.

They're both carnivorous, they paralyze their victims, and then take their time devouring them alive.

They kill their mates in the same way, too.

Strictly a one-sided romance.

>> Well, I'm not exactly interested in the love life of the queen wasp.

I want your opinion on the possibilities of using enzyme extracts from royal wasp jelly, commercially.

>> Well, if you want an honest opinion, Miss Starlin.

>> Of course I want an honest opinion.

>> Then my advice is forget about it.

(Janice sighs) >> Thank you, Arthur.

>> Any time, Miss Starlin.

>> Have Mr. Zinthrop come in.

>> Yes, Miss Starlin.

You can go in now, sir.

>> Oh.

'Bout time.

(phone ringing) >> Janice Starlin Enterprises.

(mysterious music) >> Zinthrop: Miss Starlin?

>> Yes, how do you do?

I'm afraid I won't be able to give you much time, Mr. Zinthrop.

>> But it is I who give you the time, Miss Starlin.

Oh yes, plenty of time I give you, 10, maybe 15 years I give you.

>> I want you to understand one thing very clearly, Mr. Zinthrop.

I expect absolute proof of what you claimed in your letter, tangible proof, not words.

(Zinthrop chuckling) >> Such proof you shall get, Madame, and more.

But I think I better show you in the laboratory, yes?

>> All right.

Come along.

(tense music) >> Zinthrop: Look.

>> They look terrible.

Why don't you put them out of their misery?

>> Madam, you asked for proof, please be kind enough to look at the proof you asked for.

May I proceed?

Thank you.

Come, come, come little one.

(suspenseful music) In a few minutes, Madame, we shall see a miracle you shall not believe.

Oh, no tricks, you may look if you like, I have no tricks.

Well, don't look at me, I'm not changing.

>> I don't believe it, it's not possible.

>> I see you do not believe one animal, so I bring two.

I show you again, yes?

>> Yes, I must be sure.

>> Yes, Madame.

Well, Miss Starlin, does my secret have interest for you, yes?

>> What are your terms, Mr. Zinthrop?

>> First, I must have a laboratory equipped with everything I need for my research.

If we're successful, well, I ask for a little percentage.

But I must get full credit for my discovery, that is most important to me.

>> I'll have Gordon draw up the contracts.

>> Oh, contracts, contracts I do not need, you give me your word, good enough for me.

(Janice chuckling) >> You amaze me.

Frankly, when I received your letter, I thought you were just another eccentric.

But there was always a chance you might not be.

Then you walk in here and show me nothing short of a miracle.

Two miracles.

And you say that you'll accept my word that I won't cheat you.

>> You won't.

I know you're a good woman, even if you do not like other people to know it.

However, my formula may not be good for human beings, I have not tested yet.

>> You will, on me.

>> Oh, no, no, no, no, there might be danger.

>> Those are my terms, Mr. Zinthrop.

Janice Starlin will be your next guinea pig.

>> Very well.

Though it may take a little time to prepare a sufficient extract, a week, maybe more.

>> I'll make whatever arrangements you may need for your equipment.

>> Thank you, Madame.

Now I see how you built all this.

>> I'm very close to losing it, Mr. Zinthrop.

Maybe working together, we can save Janice Starlin Enterprises.

Maybe even make it bigger than ever before.

>> Yes.

Oh, yes.

>> I'm sure the next three months we will see a rise in Starlin sales that will surpass anything we've dared imagine.

Mr. Zinthrop... Is working on the final stages of a development that will revolutionize the cosmetic industry.

He's to have a free hand in his experiments, and will be answerable to no one but myself.

At the moment, I cannot divulge the nature of Mr. Zinthrop's experiments, but I can assure you, it will bring world-wide recognition to Janice Starlin Enterprises.

(energetic music) >> I dunno, this Zinthrop must be the granddaddy of all confidence men to have taken a gal like Starlin.

Now why doesn't somebody wise her up?

>> Like you, for instance?

Bill, what makes you think Zinthrop really isn't on the level?

After all, we don't even know what he's working on, it could be very legitimate.

>> You're as bad as she is.

Oh, women.

>> Men.

Every time you're stuck for an answer, you always come up with women.

You're not getting out of this one so easily.

I'd like to know why you think Zinthrop really hasn't got something.

>> Well, you can call it male intuition if you like.

It's just that there's something about this whole business that doesn't smell right.

The private laboratory, the secret experiments, Zinthrop himself.

The only thing that's missing is a genie with a lamp.

>> You better leave the intuition to me.

Come on, I'll let you buy me dinner.

>> Buy you dinner?

What's happened to your sporting blood?

I thought we were gonna toss for the check.

>> Oh no, you won the last three times.

>> All right, look, I'll make a deal with you.

Dinner is on me if you promise to keep an eye on what goes on in there.

>> Oh, what do you want me to do, read her mail and send you messages in secret code?

>> You could do worse.

>> Oh no, Mr. Cooper, not you too.

>> I've been trying to tell bright eyes here that I think Zinthrop is a phony and a confidence man.

>> If I were sure of that I wouldn't be worried.

I think he's a lot more dangerous.

A quack.

>> Well, I don't follow you, Coop.

>> Well, a confidence man would just be interested in your money.

The only damage they can do is to your pocket book.

A quack can be fatal.

(upbeat jazz music) >> So I says to him, I says, "Listen Irving, I'm getting sick of this TV every night, I mean, you know, we can do the same thing in a night club."

Well, almost.

(phone ringing) >> Good morning, Janice Starlin Enterprises.

I got two words for ya, drop dead.

Twice.

Irving?

>> Calls me to tell me "Dr. Cyclops" is on channel nine tonight.

>> What a crust.

>> He's seen it twice already.

>> Good morning.

Is Miss Starlin in her office now?

>> Miss Starlin's in conference.

Would you like to speak to her secretary?

>> Oh, no, no, no, just say to Miss Starlin I should like to see her when she has time, huh?

>> Yes sir.

Was there something else, Mr. Zinthrop?

>> No, no, no, no, goodbye.

Goodbye.

>> Goodbye.

>> What a character, a regular two-eyed Dr. Cyclops.

>> Even the bow.

>> "Good morning, may I see Miss Zarlin, please?"

(both giggling) He's a real weirdy.

Wonder what his game is.

>> Who cares.

>> You know, Morton thinks he's a crackpot.

I heard him telling Cooper so.

Old bug eyes really has the execs worried.

>> About what?

>> That's just it, they don't know.

>> Oh.

So anyway, back to Irving.

(insects buzzing) (suspenseful music) (knocking on window) >> Good morning, Miss Starlin, good morning.

>> Good morning.

I couldn't get away any sooner, is it important?

>> Miss Starlin, do you remember the big cat I showed you last week, no?

>> What about it?

>> Well, I want you to look at him, come.

>> No.

>> Quite a difference, yes?

(Zinthrop chuckling) >> Why, it's incredible!

The same mark.

>> Same cat.

(Janice laughing) >> You're young again, can you realize what that means?

You're a kitten again.

Your whole life to live over.

How does it feel?

>> I think perhaps you'll be able to find out for yourself, Miss Starlin.

Today will be your first injection.

Come.

(dramatic music) Sit down, please.

>> Mary: Mr. Gleason of accounting, on line three.

>> What is it, Gleason?

I sent you a memo.

Mr. Zinthrop has carte blanche to order anything he requires.

It is no concern of yours, Gleason.

Make out a check for the full amount.

(rotary phone rattling) >> Sue?

Mary.

Can I talk to Mr. Lane a moment?

Bill?

Hey, listen, Gleason just got a bill for $2300.

Zinthrop.

Enzyme extracts.

(mysterious music) (insects buzzing) >> Yes, yes, yes, we are making progress, there's great improvement in the tissue.

>> Why is it taking so long?

It's the third week.

>> You forget, my dear, there's more to you than a little kitten, no?

Besides, there's a difference in metabolism.

>> Why not increase the dosage?

Wouldn't that step up the process?

>> Patience, my dear, patience.

We must tread lightly, with care, your arm, please.

(mysterious music) There.

You know, I've been experimenting with a concentrated solution of the enzymes, oh, a great deal more powerful than the solution I've been using in your injection.

>> Janice: Oh?

>> Yes.

And I think it will be better for lotions, as an emollient lotion it'll make estrogenic creams and all such products old-fashioned.

My dear, Starlin will be world famous, bringing you to millions.

>> If you're right, Zinthrop, there are going to be a few red faces in my advertising department.

>> But I am right.

Why, your own mirror will tell you that I am right.

Why, you look at least five years younger than you looked three weeks ago.

>> I know.

(dramatic music) >> Will you let me talk to Bill a minute, Sue?

Thanks.

Bill, I think I've got it.

Yeah, I'm a nervous wreck.

At lunch, at lunch.

>> You'll have to translate for me, Coop, I'm not very good at that technical stuff.

>> Pseudo-technical.

Our Mr. Zinthrop's a very capable confidence man from what I read in this letter.

He claims he can stimulate the processes of rejuvenation through the use of enzymes extracted from wasps.

>> Oh, for... >> Well, what are you two Sherlocks going to do about it?

>> Right now, I don't know.

>> Frankly I'm getting tired of the whole business.

That woman's so intent on holding back time she's ready to fall for the first phony line she hears.

Wasps.

>> Bill.

>> Face the facts, Mary, Janice Starlin has built her whole life on youth and beauty.

Now that she's losing them, she's scared to death.

Right now she's on cloud nine with that quack Zinthrop, but I'd hate to be around when she comes back down to Earth.

>> Well, maybe we can let her down easy.

I think we owe her that much.

>> Yeah.

What are we gonna do?

We can't just let Zinthrop build up her hopes and then knock the props out from under her.

>> How can he do such a terrible thing?

Poor Jan.

There must be something we can do before it's too late.

>> He's got a mighty convincing argument.

Very impressive to the layman.

10 to one he's got a record just as impressive.

There are ways to find out.

The answer might be right here in our hands.

Heads.

I'm gonna keep this letter for a day or two.

>> Wait a minute, suppose she finds out it's gone, I'm the only one with access to that desk, she'll know I took it.

>> Well, that's a chance you have to take, Mary.

>> I think we can be pretty sure that Coop knows what he's doing, honey.

>> Well come on, young lovers.

(mysterious music) >> What is it, Maureen?

>> It is you, Miss Starlin?

>> Of course it's me.

Who did you think it was?

>> You look so different.

>> Finish your nails.

(phone ringing) Maureen.

>> Hmm?

>> I think your phone is ringing.

>> Oh, yes, Miss Starlin.

Good morning, Janice Starlin Enterprises.

>> Gentlemen, Janice Starlin Enterprises is about to start on the most wide-spread publicity campaign in the history of the cosmetic industry.

Our slogan will be, "Return to youth with Janice Starlin."

When Mr. Zinthrop arrives, there will be a press interview and all questions regarding the rejuvenation process will be referred to him.

That'll be all for now, gentlemen.

>> It's amazing.

>> Why, it's wonderful.

>> Absolutely amazing.

>> You look marvelous.

>> I said that will be all for now, gentlemen.

Good morning.

Oh not you, Mary, wait a moment, please.

>> Yes, Miss Starlin.

>> Mary, isn't it wonderful?

It's a miracle, a wonderful, incredible miracle!

>> We were so worried about you, we really thought you were in danger.

(Janice laughing) We even went to plotting how to rescue you from Mr. Zinthrop.

(Janice laughing) It all seems so silly, it seems ridiculous.

>> Oh Mary, Mary, how old do I look?

Tell me, how old?

How old do I look?

Tell me!

How old!

>> 23, maybe 22?

(Janice stammering) That's how old I was when I started Janice Starlin Enterprises.

Do you realize what that means?

I'm back where I started, 18 years ago, with what it took 18 years to accomplish.

It's like a dream.

(tense music) (dramatic music) (cat yowling) >> 30 years ago, a bunch of quacks were treating people with monkey glands.

Seemed to work for a while.

Then the deterioration set in.

>> That's awful.

Do you think that will happen to Jan?

>> I don't know.

If I could just get inside of his lab and run a breakdown on what he's using.

(suspenseful music) (insects buzzing) (knocking on door) >> Mr. Zinthrop!

Mr. Zinthrop?

Mr. Zinthrop?

(suspenseful music) I want you to find him, Mr. Hellman, I don't care what it costs.

>> We'll find him all right, sooner or later we find them all.

>> Time is vital, Mr. Hellman.

Every hour he's gone, it means more than you can possibly imagine.

>> Well, you haven't given me very much to go on.

No home address, no former employer, no phone, this is just like starting from scratch.

Mr. Zinthrop wasn't a conventional employee.

He didn't go through regular personnel.

>> Uh-huh.

You say he came here about a month ago.

Well how did he come here, Miss Starlin?

He just didn't walk in off the street, did he?

>> The letter.

Right here in my drawer.

>> Hellman: Maybe one of the other drawers?

>> So that's what she meant.

>> What who meant?

(dramatic music) Miss Starlin?

The letter's been taken and you think you know who took it, is that right?

>> My secretary, Miss Dennison.

>> Hellman: You got her address handy?

>> Her phone number.

>> It might be better if I busted in on her cold.

This way she'll have a chance to prepare a story.

>> I know what I'm doing.

>> All right.

>> Mary?

Janice Starlin.

Before I went to lunch, I made a duplicate copy of Mr. Zinthrop's letter.

I was going to take that one to Bill and Mr. Cooper at first, but then I thought that the original would be better.

>> Have you got the copy?

>> Yes, it's in my desk.

>> Get that copy, Miss Dennison.

Uh-huh, 946 West 73rd Street, Manhattan.

Yeah, that's right.

Get right on it, Jerry, and check back with me as soon as you can.

(suspenseful music) (dramatic music) (phone ringing) Yeah?

Oh?

You're sure he's our boy?

Uh-huh.

>> Is he?

>> Central emergency.

Mm-hmm.

Right.

Well, it looks like we've got him.

There's a John Doe down at central emergency, auto accident.

There's no identification on him, but he was wearing a lab smock and fills Zinthrop's description.

>> Mary, get my coat and Lane, get a cab downstairs.

Is he badly hurt?

>> Head injury, general contusion to the body.

>> He's had a severe injury and there's definite brain damage, just how much we can't tell as yet.

>> How long before you'll know?

>> It's hard to say, Miss Starlin.

>> Who's the best man for this kind of injury?

>> Well, there's several top specialists.

>> Get the best.

I'll take full responsibility for the expenses.

>> Yes, Miss Starlin.

(mysterious music) >> I don't know, Arthur.

I think it best we wait.

>> It's been three days since the accident, Jan, and no sign of improvement, he's still in a coma.

You heard what the doctor said.

He may never regain consciousness.

And even if he does, who knows how badly his brain has been damaged.

>> Well, I'll give it another 48 hours.

If he doesn't regain consciousness by then, you can take over the laboratory, Arthur.

>> Janice.

>> It's my decision.

(somber music) (mysterious music) >> It's incredible, right in front of our noses.

He can't have used it all.

I could run a qualitative analysis.

(dramatic music) (playful music) >> Guard: Confounded thing, always goes on the fritz right in the middle of a good program.

(somber music) >> I want this to be the biggest advertising campaign in the history of cosmetic advertising.

Every newspaper and magazine in the country will be flooded with our new slogan, "Return to youth with Janice Starlin."

>> Excuse me, Miss Starlin.

>> What is it, Thompson?

>> I think we should be a little conservative, Miss Starlin.

Cosmetics are one thing, medications another.

We're liable to run into trouble.

>> Yes.

All advertising copy will be cleared through your office.

>> It's a touchy business, you know?

>> Max is right, Miss Starlin.

>> You don't have to second the motion, Lane.

(mysterious music) I want one thing understood very clearly now, gentlemen.

Janice Starlin Enterprises is going to bring the most fantastically sellable product ever developed by modern cosmetics to the public.

And I don't intend to be restricted by timidity on the part of my own staff, is that clear?

>> Are you all right, Miss Starlin?

>> It's just a little headache, Mary.

I'm fine.

>> Can I get you something?

>> I'm all right, I'm all right, thank you.

>> I have some Aspirin in my purse.

>> It's all right, Mary.

Well, that'll be all for now, gentlemen.

>> Hi.

>> Hi, sweetie.

>> Gee, I sure hope they give the girls working at Starlin first crack at that new stuff.

Imagine being 18 again.

>> I guess if it can take 15 years off Starlin, it can take 10 off you.

>> What do you mean 10?

>> Face it honey, this is Maureen you're talking to.

>> Yeah?

Well if I were you I'd take a double dose, then maybe Irving wouldn't watch television so much.

>> So who says he looks at it?

>> I can't imagine what else he does.

>> Three guesses.

>> Say, did Cooper come in yet?

>> Mm-mm.

Missed a board meeting this morning, I bet Starlin's having a fit.

>> He should worry.

Uh-oh, see you later.

>> Bye, honey.

(upbeat jazz music) >> Hi, pretty puss.

You know where Miss Starlin's office is?

>> Suite number one.

(man laughing) >> La di da, the Duchess of Flatbush herself.

>> How'd you like to have this phone wrapped around your ear?

Wise guy.

>> That's more like it, sister.

(upbeat jazz music) Suite number one.

>> Thank you.

Miss Starlin.

>> Oh, what is it, Mary?

>> Is there anything I can do?

>> Yes, is Mr. Zinthrop's room ready?

>> Uh-huh, the nurse is fixing the emergency equipment now and the ambulance is due any minute.

>> Be sure to let me know when it arrives.

Oh, Mary, please, before you go, could you see if you could work that thing?

>> Oh, sure.

I've seen lots of these.

>> zqOh, simple enough.

That'll be all, Mary, thank you.

>> All right.

>> We've had a room especially made over for you, Mr. Zinthrop, and Mrs. Warren has a room adjoining yours, so there'll be someone near you at all times.

>> Thank you, thank you.

>> When you're feeling better, Mr. Zinthrop, there are a few things I'd like to discuss with you.

>> Good, good.

>> We'll do everything we can to make you comfortable, Mr. Zinthrop.

I'm going to spend the nights here in my office, so if anything develops, I'll be on hand.

>> Thank you.

Thank you, Miss Starlin.

Only there's something I must tell you, something important.

But, important, but...

I cannot remember.

>> I'm sure it can wait.

Right now the main thing is to get you back to health.

Take good care of him, Mrs. Warren.

>> Yes, Miss Starlin.

>> Sure is funny about old Coop.

>> He misses one day of work and you're ready to call missing persons.

>> Well, he's a pretty conscientious guy, honey, if he felt sick or something, he'd have called in.

>> Relax, he'll probably be in bright and chipper in the morning.

>> Oh, am I interrupting something?

>> Bill: Oh, we were just having a little coffee class, Miss Starlin, we were talking about Mr. Cooper.

>> What about Mr. Cooper?

>> Bill: Well, about his missing the meeting this morning.

Nobody's been able to reach him all day.

>> I wouldn't worry about that.

Mr. Cooper's been here a long time.

Probably feels he's entitled to take a day for himself now and then.

>> Mary: That's what I've been trying to tell Mr. Lane.

>> Oh, by the way, Miss Starlin, how is Mr. Zinthrop?

>> Oh, fine.

In a few days we'll start the layouts for the campaign.

>> I'm ready when you are, boss.

>> Look those over.

>> Hey, Bill.

>> Hmm?

>> Don't go getting any ideas about the boss.

>> Me?

Don't be silly, I just want her to know that I'm an eager member of the team.

Still, she is looking a lot younger these days, isn't she?

You think Zinthrop would give you any of those treatments?

Break the watch or something.

(mysterious music) (radio whistling) >> Guarantee on this too.

(insects buzzing) (dramatic music) (man screaming) >> What's that?

>> Lie back now, you just had a bad dream.

Lie down now, go to sleep.

>> This horrible sound.

Like a nightmare.

>> Just a bad dream.

Lie down.

>> Tell Mr. Green that personnel is his responsibility.

I have other things to think about than worrying whether the night watchman walked off the job.

>> Well that's just it, Miss Starlin.

Mr. Green feels that the watchman never left the building.

His lunch pail and his raincoat are still in the basement.

>> I don't want to hear anything more about it, Mary.

>> All right, Miss Starlin.

>> We'll use these.

>> She swears she heard a scream from one of the other floors.

Zinthrop heard it too, but she convinced him he was having a bad dream.

>> Oh, maybe they both were.

>> It's not funny anymore, Mary, there's something going on in that building.

And I'm gonna find out what it is.

>> How?

>> Have a look around Cooper's lab, for one thing.

After that, I don't know.

Hold it steady.

>> Bill, this is crazy.

We could really get in trouble.

>> I won't tire him, Mrs. Warren, but it is important.

>> All right, Miss Starlin, I'll be in my room.

>> Zinthrop, Zinthrop, you've got to help me.

Something's happening.

Something's happening to me, I can't control it.

>> There's something I must remember, but I can't.

>> Try to think.

The wasp enzymes, the extracts you were experimenting with before the accident.

Try to think!

>> I can't.

>> Well, this is Zinthrop's notebook, Mary.

Notes on his experiments with Jan. >> Well, how did Cooper get hold of it?

>> I don't know.

If only Coop would show up.

Mary, look.

>> It's Mr. Cooper's pipe.

>> Don't you get it?

He'd sooner go out without his pants than leave that pipe behind.

He's still somewhere in the building, I'd bet a year's salary on it.

>> If he is, he's- >> He's dead.

(ominous music) And the night watchman.

>> There's only enough left for one more injection.

One more.

You've got to make more, Zinthrop.

Help me, Zinthrop.

>> Please, my head, oh, my head.

>> Zinthrop, help me!

Help me!

(suspenseful music) (insects buzzing) (man yelling) (dramatic music) (woman screaming) >> Mary: Is he asleep?

>> I don't know.

>> Bill, don't touch him.

>> If anybody knows what's behind all this, it's him.

Mr. Zinthrop?

(dramatic music) >> Bill.

Look it.

(mysterious music) (insects buzzing) >> Well, her coat, purse and everything else is still in there.

She wouldn't go out without her purse.

>> Bill, let's get out of here, I don't like it.

>> The cat...

The cat... Must warn her.

>> Mr. Zinthrop!

>> Who are you?

>> Now there's nothing to be alarmed about, Mr. Zinthrop, I'm Bill Lane and this is Miss Dennison, Miss Starlin's secretary.

>> Miss Starlin, the cat.

>> What about a cat?

>> Must warn her.

The injections, must not take any more injections.

>> Mary: Is Miss Starlin in danger?

>> Terrible danger.

I must- >> Take it easy, Mr. Zinthrop, you're still pretty weak.

Mary, see if you can get Jan on the phone.

(phone ringing) >> There's no answer.

(phone ringing) Oh, Miss Starlin?

>> Is that you, Mary?

Where are you?

>> We're in the building.

We're in Mr. Zinthrop's room.

Something's happened down here- >> Here, let me talk to her.

Hello, Miss Starlin, this is Lane.

>> Why are you and Mary still in the building?

It's after 10.

>> I must help, I'm responsible.

>> Don't let him get up, Mary.

>> I must help.

I must... >> I can't explain now, Miss Starlin.

>> I must go.

>> Hang onto him.

>> I must help.

You must not hold me back.

>> Don't worry, Mr. Zinthrop, we won't let anything happen to Miss Starlin.

>> Bill: Hello, hello, Miss Starlin.

>> What's going on down there?

>> Stay in your office, I'll be right up.

(suspenseful music) Keep an eye on Zinthrop, honey, I'm going upstairs.

>> No, no, no!

The insect, the insect!

>> Take it easy, Mr. Zinthrop.

>> You do not understand, Miss Starlin, she's in danger, I must warn.

>> Look, I'll have to stay here, you go for Jan. >> Mary: Okay.

>> When you get up there, call the police, you can't get outside on this phone.

>> All right, all right, I'll hurry.

(suspenseful music) >> Not the police, not the police.

(suspenseful music) >> Miss Starlin!

Miss Starlin!

(knocking on door) Miss Starlin, it's me, Mary!

Miss Starlin, please, open the door!

(suspenseful music) >> What is it, Mary?

>> Miss Starlin, please!

Would you please call the police?

>> What for?

>> Look, I don't have time to, nevermind.

>> Mary!

(suspenseful music) I'm sorry I had to do that.

There's no time for hysteria.

Now what is this?

>> The enzymes, the enzymes, they're going crazy.

>> Sure, Mr. Zinthrop, now you just relax and take it easy, everything'll be all right, we'll take care of those whatever you call those- >> You do not understand, you do not understand, that girl, you shouldn't have sent her upstairs.

She's in danger, you must stop her before it is too late.

>> Okay.

As soon as the cops get here, we'll take- >> Oh, you fool, you fool.

Miss Starlin will kill her and tear her body to shreds.

>> Miss Starlin, kill Mary?

>> Miss Starlin is not a human being any longer.

The enzymes have changed her.

She will destroy the girl as an evil wasp would destroy her enemies, and then devour the remains!

>> Then Bill found Mr. Zinthrop's notebook in Cooper's desk.

No, no, there's no mistake, we've got to call the police now.

>> Now, Mary, you're just getting a little excited.

Now who could possibly want to hurt Mr. Coop... (suspenseful music) >> I don't know.

But it's not only Mr. Cooper.

What about... (insects buzzing) (dramatic music) (Mary screaming) >> I told you, we're too late.

>> Mary!

(dramatic music) Mary!

>> Wait, I'll go with you.

>> I can't wait, I'm gonna take the stairs.

>> Oh look.

Laboratory, she's going to the laboratory.

>> Going up the stairs.

(dramatic music) Mary!

Mary!

Mary!

(glass shattering) (insects buzzing) (man yelling) >> Get away from her!

(dramatic music) (woman screaming) (somber music) >> Mary.

(mysterious music) (dramatic music) Hey, it's Kris and Jake.

And we're still alive and hiding out down here in the basement.

I think we might be safe for the moment.

Well, at least we're safe anyway.

Jake, can you tell everyone how to find out more information about Subterranean Cinema ?

Sure thing.

Check out PBSFortWayne.org/subcinema on the web to see our broadcast schedule and info about upcoming movies.

You can also find links to watch the movies or find them on the PBS App or on the PBS Fort Wayne YouTube channel.

So what's next week's movie, Kris?

Well, Jake, I am going to tell you.

Next time around, we have House on Haunted Hill starring Vincent Price and Carol Ohmart.

Thanks, Jake, for being here.

And make sure you tune in next week to find out who will have in the chair right over there.

Thanks for having me, Kris, and thanks for bringing us Subterranean Cinema on the on PBS Fort Wayne.

Sure thing.