[first lines]
Himself - Host: [Alfred Hitchcock loads one bullet into a revolver and spins the cylinder. He aims the gun off stage left while holding it up to his ear and pulls the trigger - click. He spins the barrel again, and pulls the trigger - click. He shrugs] That's precisely why I don't care for Russian roulette. I never seem to win. There are two revolvers, such as this, which play a part in tonight's story. It is what you might call a Western, although there isn't a horse to be seen. We intended to get horses, but they couldn't remember the lines. So you'll be seeing people instead. The cast is a very small one and threatens to become smaller with every passing moment. You see, two of the characters have threatened to eliminate each other on sight. Now, I am sure there are some of you who don't want to see them do that. So, I suggest instead that you listen to our sponsor's message.