CONTAGIOUS CONFESSION and THE NORTHS BUY A LETTER (NEW ADDITION!-DETECTIVE) MR. AND MRS NORTH

Summary

Podcast Summary: 1001 Radio Crime Solvers – "CONTAGIOUS CONFESSION and THE NORTHS BUY A LETTER (NEW ADDITION!-DETECTIVE) MR. AND MRS NORTH"

Release Date: March 9, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, host Jon Hagadorn takes listeners through the intricate murder investigation facing the seasoned detectives, Mr. and Mrs. North. Set against the backdrop of America's golden age of radio detective stories, this episode combines classic detective work with unexpected twists, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

Case Overview

The episode opens with Jerry North and Pamela North consulting with their associate, Bill Wigand, about a perplexing murder case. The victim, Walter Middleton, was shot in his dining room under mysterious circumstances, with seemingly obvious suspects—the deceased's son and daughter. However, the Norths uncover deeper layers of deceit and manipulation.

Notable Quote:

• Jerry North [03:04]: "That's what I said. And since sense doesn't work in this case, I thought intuition might."

Confessions and Initial Investigation

Two individuals, Larry Chapman and George Warwick, have confessed to Walter Middleton's murder, each claiming they acted alone. The Norths grow suspicious of both confessions, leading them to suspect that neither is telling the truth.

Notable Quote:

• Pamela North [05:17]: "I have a hunch they're both lying."

Uncovering Clues

As the investigation progresses, the Norths delve into inconsistencies within the confessions. They discover that both confessions mention disposing of the murder weapon in bushes, but the date on the newspaper wrap contradicts the timeline of the crime.

Notable Quote:

• Bill Wigand [20:34]: "And why would he want to kill us, Jerry?"

The Letter Revelation

A pivotal moment arises when Alby Baker, a lawyer defending one of the suspects, is implicated in the case. The Norths learn about a crucial letter from the murdered detective, Frank Anderson, which could exonerate Baker. However, the letter's authenticity and existence come into question, leading to a high-stakes bidding war orchestrated by Kewpie Warren, a blackmailer with ulterior motives.

Notable Quote:

• Bill Wigand [25:08]: "Only a twister would have thought of that first confession."

Confrontation and Resolution

In a tense climax, the Norths confront Kewpie Warren, who attempts to manipulate them into paying for the letter. Utilizing their detective prowess, they expose Warren's deceit and secure the original letter, which clears Alby Baker of the murder charges. The episode concludes with the Norths successfully dismantling Warren's scheme, ensuring justice is served.

Notable Quote:

• Pamela North [27:36]: "Well, Jerry, we have the letter and it didn't cost us a thing. And we've caught Cupy. Everything's turned out for the best after all, hasn't it?"

Themes and Insights

This episode underscores the importance of meticulous investigation and the dangers of deceit in criminal cases. The Norths demonstrate how intuition, coupled with logical analysis, can unravel complex conspiracies. Additionally, the narrative highlights the manipulative tactics used by criminals to divert suspicion and achieve their ends.

Conclusion

"CONTAGIOUS CONFESSION and THE NORTHS BUY A LETTER" masterfully blends suspense, strategy, and classic detective elements, providing listeners with an engaging and thought-provoking experience. Through clever dialogue and unexpected plot twists, Mr. and Mrs. North exemplify the quintessential radio detectives, ensuring that justice prevails against all odds.

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For more captivating detective stories from the golden age of radio, tune in to 1001 Radio Crime Solvers every Sunday at 5 pm ET.

Transcript

[Jerry North]

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[Narrator]

The Adventures of Mr. And Mrs. North, starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin, and brought to you by Woodberry.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Woodberry.

[Pamela North]

Woodberry.

[Jerry North]

For the skin you love to touch.

[Narrator]

Jerry and Pamela north often drive Bill Wigand to the verge of insanity. However, for all their bewildering antics, they often help him, too. And at times, he even goes so far as to ask them for advice. Tonight is such a time, because he's faced with a dizzy situation. Now, as Bill seats himself in the North's living room, Jerry says to him.

[Bill Wigand]

All right, Bill, now what's this great problem that's puzzling you?

[Jerry North]

It's a case that I'm working on.

[Pamela North]

I know Somebody crept to the window and shot him in the middle of his dinner.

[Bill Wigand]

What?

[Pamela North]

Yes, I read about it in the paper. He was dining alone.

[Bill Wigand]

Who was?

[Pamela North]

Walter Middleton, of course. Dear Mrs. Middleton's been dead for years and the son and daughter were out. So he was alone. The butler heard the shot and ran into the dining room, but Mr. Middleton was already dead. It's been on all the front pages.

[Bill Wigand]

Oh, I only read the funnies.

[Pamela North]

He was rich as anything. So there's the motive. Cigarette, Bill?

[Jerry North]

No. No, thanks.

[Pamela North]

The son and daughter are the Most obvious suspects. So that lets them out. How about some candy, Bill?

[Jerry North]

No, not just now. Why does it let them out?

[Pamela North]

That's too obvious. Fruit?

[Jerry North]

No, thanks.

[Pamela North]

Nuts?

[Jerry North]

Yeah, I'm beginning to think so.

[Bill Wigand]

Bill, is this Middleton case what you wanted to ask us about?

[Jerry North]

Yeah. Yeah, it has a screwy angle. I thought it would be just up the north alley. You see, we have two confessions.

[Bill Wigand]

You mean two people have confessed to the same murder?

[Jerry North]

That's right. And each claims he worked alone.

[Bill Wigand]

Well, that doesn't make sense.

[Jerry North]

Yeah, that's what I said. And since sense doesn't work in this case, I thought intuition might. How about it, Pam?

[Pamela North]

I have to have something to go on. Who are these people who confessed, Bill? Not the son and daughter?

[Jerry North]

No, no. They're a couple of friends of the Middletons. Larry Chapman and George Warwick.

[Pamela North]

Oh. Can I meet them?

[Jerry North]

Sure. We're holding them at headquarters.

[Pamela North]

Well, let's go.

[Jerry North]

All right.

[Pamela North]

I wonder what's in back of it. Jerry.

[Bill Wigand]

I know they heard. Confession's good for the sou.

[Narrator]

The dining room window was open, so I just pointed the gun through it and fired.

[Jerry North]

That's impossible, Larry.

[Narrator]

Why?

[Jerry North]

Because I did. Here we go again.

[Narrator]

Look, Lieutenant, doesn't priority count around here?

[Bill Wigand]

I confessed first.

[Jerry North]

But you're lying.

[Pamela North]

May I ask a question?

[Jerry North]

Go right to it.

[Pamela North]

Then why did you gentlemen kill Mr. Middleton?

[Narrator]

Well, it's just that I.

[Jerry North]

Like this. What I was going to say is that. Hold it, hold it. Are you Warwick? Why did you shoot Middleton?

[Narrator]

Well, sir, I, I. I owed him.

[Bill Wigand]

Some money and I couldn't pay him.

[Narrator]

So I killed him.

[Jerry North]

You took the words right out of my mouth.

[Narrator]

You mean I put them in your mouth? Never even thought of it.

[Jerry North]

I don't care what you say. I don't care what anyone says. I killed Walter Middleton. I hope to die if I didn't.

[Narrator]

It's the other way around.

[Pamela North]

George, this isn't getting us anywhere.

[Bill Wigand]

Why don't we toss a coin? Winner gets the electric chair.

[Pamela North]

Wait a minute, Jerry. Now, look, if either of you shot Mr. Middleton, you had to have a gun. All right, tell us where the gun is and we'll see if it matches the bullet.

[Narrator]

I threw the gun away.

[Jerry North]

So did I. I mean, that's what I did. I demand you hold me for murder.

[Bill Wigand]

You ought to hold him for plagiarism instead.

[Pamela North]

Where did you throw away the gun?

[Jerry North]

Who, me?

[Pamela North]

Either of you. Both of you.

[Jerry North]

I don't remember.

[Bill Wigand]

I wrapped the gun in some old.

[Narrator]

Newspaper and threw it in some bushes.

[Pamela North]

What bushes? Where?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

That's What?

[Bill Wigand]

I don't remember. Well, Pam, you're doing fine. Have any hunches yet?

[Pamela North]

I have a hunch they're both lying.

[Bill Wigand]

That's no hunch. It's a logical conclusion based on observation of the fact.

[Jerry North]

You must believe me. I tell you, I killed Walter Middleton.

[Bill Wigand]

With your little hatchet. Yeah, we know.

[Jerry North]

Now, look, don't either of you fellas want to change your stories?

[Narrator]

No.

[Bill Wigand]

I killed Walter Middleton.

[Jerry North]

He didn't. I did. Okay, okay.

[Pamela North]

Here comes the policeman.

[Jerry North]

Oh, yes. He has David Middleton with him. Hello, Lieutenant Wagner. Hello. Oh, hello, Mr. Mrs. North. Hello, Lieutenant. I don't know how you're gonna like this. Maybe it's good and maybe it ain't. All right, what's up? Well, you sent me to question young Middleton here and check up on his whereabouts on the night of the murder. So I did. Yes. Well, what do you think? He tells me he says he killed his father. Oh, that's swell. He. He what? Yeah, he wants to confess.

[Bill Wigand]

Bill, it looks like you've hit the jackpot.

[Jerry North]

Well, I took your advice, Pam, and released our three murderers.

[Bill Wigand]

But what if it turns out that one of them's telling the truth?

[Jerry North]

Yeah, we can always pick him up again. We certainly have nothing on either one of them as yet.

[Pamela North]

Besides, if one of them is guilty, this is a better way to trap him. Give him enough rope.

[Bill Wigand]

But, darling, you know what some people do with rope.

[Pamela North]

What?

[Jerry North]

Skip.

[Pamela North]

Oh, we'll have to work fast before he has a chance.

[Bill Wigand]

Do you have any plans?

[Pamela North]

I'd like to talk to Helen Middleton. Maybe she can tell us something.

[Bill Wigand]

Okay. But if she tells us that she's the one who killed her father, there'll be a second murder, and I'll commit it.

[Pamela North]

After all, Larry and George are both very dear friends of mine. And David is my brother. You can't expect me to say anything against them.

[Bill Wigand]

But if one of them killed your father.

[Pamela North]

Oh, none of them did, I'm sure. Why, I just know it. Well, then perhaps you can tell us something to help clear them. They're all under suspicion. But I don't know what to say. I told the police all I know, and I've tried to answer your questions. Unfortunately, it hasn't helped us much. Oh, I'm sorry. You can't think of any reason why they should all confess? No. All right. Well, we won't keep you any longer, Ms. Middleton. Thank you. I hope you'll pardon me if I don't show you out, but I'm so terribly tired and I don't want to go downstairs again.

[Bill Wigand]

Oh, that's quite all right. Goodbye.

[Pamela North]

Goodbye. Goodbye.

[Bill Wigand]

Well, Pam, what do you think?

[Pamela North]

You forget, Jerry, I'm not supposed to think. I'm supposed to feel. You know, intuition.

[Bill Wigand]

Well, then, what do you feel?

[Pamela North]

Bewildered. I don't understand.

[Jerry North]

Oh, I'm sorry, madam. I didn't mean to alarm you.

[Pamela North]

You ought to give more warning when you pop out of nowhere.

[Jerry North]

Not nowhere, madam. I was concealed in this archway.

[Bill Wigand]

Eavesdropping on our conversation with Ms. Middleton, huh?

[Jerry North]

If you wish to call it that. I call it detecting.

[Pamela North]

Are you a detective?

[Jerry North]

Unofficially. Like yourselves. Officially, I'm the Middleton's butler.

[Pamela North]

Oh. Oh, you're the one who discovered the body?

[Jerry North]

Yes.

[Pamela North]

Madam, perhaps you can tell us something.

[Jerry North]

I can tell you a great deal. I'm a profound student of crime. Fascinating subject.

[Pamela North]

Yes.

[Jerry North]

I tell you this, you're on the right track. It's not suicide, it's murder.

[Bill Wigand]

Of course it is. Nobody suggested it wasn't.

[Pamela North]

After all, there was no gun near the body.

[Jerry North]

How do you know? Well, how do you know I didn't find a gun and hide it to make it look like murder?

[Pamela North]

But there's no earthly reason why you should.

[Jerry North]

Jumping to conclusions. First rule of a good detective, never jump to conclusions.

[Pamela North]

But you just said yourself that it was murder.

[Jerry North]

True. As a matter of fact, there was no gun. But you shouldn't take my word for it. Why? Why are you looking at me like that? Ah, perhaps you think I killed Mr. Middleton.

[Narrator]

Good.

[Jerry North]

Very good. Never overlook anything. First rule of a good detective.

[Pamela North]

I thought you just said that the.

[Jerry North]

First rule was never very good. However, you're wrong. I couldn't have done it.

[Bill Wigand]

Why?

[Jerry North]

The butler never does it. Not anymore. That went out with the bustle. But I'll give you a clue if you want it.

[Pamela North]

What?

[Jerry North]

In the back of the house, a little bungalow. Young David Middleton's studio.

[Pamela North]

What about it?

[Jerry North]

No one is allowed in it but the young master himself. The windows are all blacked out. My wife does the cleaning here in the main house. But even she's not allowed in there. Nobody is. Doesn't that strike you as significant?

[Pamela North]

Certainly does.

[Jerry North]

What mysteries does that studio contain? One time I tried to find out, but young David caught me. He was very angry.

[Pamela North]

Haven't you any idea what he keeps there?

[Jerry North]

No, but I'm sure it must be important. If you want the key to the mystery, find out the secret of the studio.

[Bill Wigand]

Okay. Thanks for telling us. Come on, Ben.

[Pamela North]

All right. Goodbye, Mr. Butler.

[George Warwick]

Goodbye.

[Pamela North]

Well, Jerry, let's go and see if we can get in the studio?

[Bill Wigand]

Don't be silly, Ben. That butler's slap at me.

[Pamela North]

But there might be something to that story of the studio nonsense. But suppose there is, Jerry, we shouldn't overlook anything.

[Bill Wigand]

First rule of a good detective.

[Pamela North]

I mean it.

[Jerry North]

Well, we'll tell Bill.

[Bill Wigand]

If he wants to investigate, he can.

[Pamela North]

I think we ought to. But, Pam, we're right here.

[Bill Wigand]

I don't think we should.

[Jerry North]

Oh, Jerry, please, no.

[Bill Wigand]

Please, no.

[Pamela North]

That must be it. In the clump of trees. Come on, Jerry. Careful, nobody sees us.

[Bill Wigand]

You know, if young Middleton catches us at this, he'd be within his legal rights. If he shot us.

[Pamela North]

Oh, I can't see that it would hurt any more than if it were illegal. I mean, if you were shot, you wouldn't care, would you, whether it was legal or not. Especially if you were dead. Oh, let's not let him catch us.

[Bill Wigand]

You're right. Let's not let. Be careful. This moonlight's pretty bright. Stay close to the bushes.

[Pamela North]

All right.

[Bill Wigand]

I don't know why I let you talk me into things like this.

[Pamela North]

Because you're sweet.

[Bill Wigand]

I think it's your baby blue eyes. They look so sad when you can't have your way. Like a calf's.

[Jerry North]

Well, here we are.

[Pamela North]

Calf's eyes are brown.

[Bill Wigand]

Somehow that seems irrelevant. Now that we're here, what do we do?

[Pamela North]

Let's see if we can find some way to get in. Gollies. It seems kind of spooky, doesn't it? It's all dark.

[Jerry North]

Yeah.

[Pamela North]

What's the matter?

[Bill Wigand]

Wait a minute. Thought I heard something. I guess I was wrong. Well, now what do you want to do?

[Pamela North]

I think I'll just try the door. Oh, Jerry. Jerry, how can you laugh? I've been shot.

[Jerry North]

You're all wet.

[Pamela North]

I'm not. I've been shot. Oh. Oh, I am, aren't I? I thought it was blood.

[Bill Wigand]

No, darling, you just walked into a trap. A bucket of water fell on your head.

[Pamela North]

I'm soaked to the skin.

[Jerry North]

What's going on here?

[Bill Wigand]

Oh, hello, Middleton. My wife decided to take a shower.

[Jerry North]

Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. North. I hope you're all right.

[Pamela North]

I guess so, only I'm cold.

[Jerry North]

Come on back to the house and you can warm up. I'm sorry about this, but I don't like people to go near my studio.

[Bill Wigand]

So we found out. You know, that's quite an effective booby trap you have there, young fellow. Isn't it? Bam. I beg your pardon?

[Pamela North]

Jerry, stop laughing and come to bed.

[Bill Wigand]

I can't help it, Pam. When I think of the way you look like a drowned cat.

[Pamela North]

Before I was a cat.

[Bill Wigand]

Well, you will go snooping at other people's business. This.

[Pamela North]

Well, Bill asked us to help him.

[Bill Wigand]

I'm afraid you weren't much help.

[Pamela North]

I guess not. You know, Jerry, in spite of it all, I like that David Middleton.

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah, it seems to be a nice kid.

[Pamela North]

I would like to know what he's got in that studio.

[Jerry North]

Maybe he's hoarding sugar. Oh.

[Pamela North]

Now what?

[Bill Wigand]

I'll answer it, dear.

[Jerry North]

Hello? Yes, this is George Warwick. Oh, yes. I've been trying to get hold of Lieutenant Wigand. Do you know where he is?

[Bill Wigand]

No, but I think I can find him for you.

[Jerry North]

Good. If you and he come out to my house right away, I'll show you something very important.

[Bill Wigand]

What is it?

[Jerry North]

I've just discovered a very important clue. Now I know who killed Mr. Middleton.

[Bill Wigand]

Well, I thought you said you killed him.

[Jerry North]

I'll explain everything. How soon can you get here?

[Bill Wigand]

I don't know. As soon as I find Bill.

[Jerry North]

All right. I'll be waiting. Goodbye. Goodbye.

[Pamela North]

Who is it, Jerry?

[Bill Wigand]

George Warwick. You better put your clothes on again, darling. One of our murderers has something to tell us, and this time it's not a confession.

[Jerry North]

Well, this is it.

[Pamela North]

I wonder what he wants to show us.

[Bill Wigand]

Well, it. It better be good. I don't like coming out in the middle of the night for nothing.

[Jerry North]

I doubt that this will be as good as he promised. Somehow I don't trust.

[Pamela North]

Wait a minute, Bill.

[Jerry North]

What is it, Pen?

[Pamela North]

I think there's somebody standing by the corner of the house.

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah, you're right.

[Pamela North]

He's shooting at us.

[Jerry North]

Hey.

[Narrator]

Now a brief intermission for a message of special interest to the ladies.

[George Warwick]

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[Narrator]

And now back to Mr. And Mrs. North. The Norths and Wigand were approaching George Warwick's house. When someone began shooting at them.

[Pamela North]

Golly's. He's shooting at us.

[Jerry North]

Doc Hayne.

[Pamela North]

Jerry.

[Jerry North]

There he goes. He's running back of the house. You got your gun, Jerry? Yeah. Good. Go around the other side. I'll go this way. Okay.

[Pamela North]

You see anything, Jerry?

[Jerry North]

Pam.

[Bill Wigand]

You shouldn't have followed me.

[Pamela North]

I wasn't gonna stay back there alone.

[Jerry North]

Well, all right.

[Pamela North]

Someone by the back door?

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah, back.

[Jerry North]

Pam.

[Bill Wigand]

Who's there?

[Jerry North]

Hello? That's you, Jerry. Phil?

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah.

[Jerry North]

See anyone, Jerry? No. Neither did I.

[Bill Wigand]

What do we do now?

[Jerry North]

Well, I guess we'd better go the other.

[Pamela North]

What's that?

[Bill Wigand]

Someone's calling for help.

[Jerry North]

It's coming from inside the house. Come on. Here's the door. That's locked. To break the glass. Then I can reach in, turn the knob. Look out. Okay. There we are.

[Pamela North]

The call's coming from upstairs.

[Jerry North]

Right. Let's go.

[Pamela North]

I can't see anything.

[Jerry North]

Wait.

[Bill Wigand]

I'm feeling for the light switch.

[Jerry North]

Here it is.

[Pamela North]

Well, that's better.

[Jerry North]

Now come on. Hello? Where are you?

[Pamela North]

In here.

[Bill Wigand]

Sounded like that room there.

[Jerry North]

Right. Hello. In there. The door's locked.

[Bill Wigand]

Break it in.

[Jerry North]

Okay. I'll shoot off the lock. Stand back, Jerry. There we are. Hey, where are you? Over here, behind the bed.

[Narrator]

What?

[Bill Wigand]

It's Warwick.

[Jerry North]

His hands and feet tied. What happened, fella? Larry knocked me down. Tied my hands and feet and ran out. Larry Chapman, eh? Yes. He wore a mask, but I recognized him.

[Pamela North]

Anyway, he must be the one who shot at us.

[Jerry North]

Probably. I heard the shots. I wondered what was happening. Can you roll over a little so I can get to this other knot? Yeah, that's it. I'll have you loose in a second.

[Bill Wigand]

What did Chapman want, Warwick?

[Jerry North]

He must have been snooping around and heard me phone you. He's probably stolen the clue.

[Bill Wigand]

What clue?

[Jerry North]

A gun that killed Walter Middleton.

[Pamela North]

You mean you found the gun?

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Jerry North]

Well, there you are, all untied. Thanks. Now, what about this gun? I had it locked to my desk downstairs. Perhaps he didn't find it. Come on. We'll see. Okay. You see, on the night of the murder, I saw Larry throw a package wrapped in newspaper and some bushes. I didn't think anything of it until today when he mentioned wrapping the pistol, newspaper and throwing it in the bushes. And you went back to the same spot tonight, and the gun was still there? Yes, I went back as soon as you released me. Then I went to see Helen. Why? I had to be sure she wasn't involved. As soon as I found out she had a perfect alibi, I phoned the North.

[Pamela North]

Oh, then you confessed before just to shield Miss Middleton.

[Jerry North]

That's right, Mrs. North.

[Bill Wigand]

But it wasn't necessary. Chapman had already confessed.

[Jerry North]

I know, but he was just making a play for her benefit. He's cut in enough already. Until he came along, I thought my chances with her were pretty good. Now I'm not so sure. Well, here we are. Just a second. I'll open the desk. Ah, it's still here. So it is. Let me see it. Here. Here.

[Bill Wigand]

Well, apparently that isn't what Chapman was after. Then maybe he just wanted a chance to shoot us.

[Pamela North]

But why would he want to kill us, Jerry?

[Jerry North]

I don't know. Well, I can't explain it. All I know is that he knocked me down, tied me up, and then I heard him run out the door, and the next thing I knew, there was shooting.

[Bill Wigand]

Say, wait a minute. Let's see that.

[Jerry North]

What, the gun?

[Bill Wigand]

No, the paper it's wrapped in. Hmm.

[Pamela North]

What is it, Jerry?

[Bill Wigand]

Warwick, you say you saw Chapman throw this package in the bushes on the night of the murder. That's right. That's very strange.

[Narrator]

Why?

[Bill Wigand]

Well, the murder took place a couple of days ago, but this newspaper the gun's wrapped in is today's paper.

[Narrator]

What?

[Jerry North]

Why? I don't understand. I think I'm beginning to. Well, there's some mistakes. I'll say there is. And you've made it. Oh, no, you can't think that. I can't. We, though, how about that other story of yours? Which story? About Chapman attacking you and tying you up. It's true. He did. Oh, he did, huh? And then he ran out the door. That's right. How do you explain the fact that when we reached the door to your room, it was locked from the inside? I, I, I don't know. According to your story, you Couldn't have locked it because you were tied up. Chapman went out through it. Well, I. It must have. Oh, I don't know.

[Narrator]

I don't know.

[Pamela North]

Jerry, look out. He's grabbing the gun.

[Jerry North]

Stop him, Bill. No, you don't. I've got the gun. Now stand back, all of you. That's it. Now look here, Wallach. You can't get away. I'm getting out of here.

[Pamela North]

He's getting away.

[Bill Wigand]

Yes, darling, I'm afraid he is.

[Jerry North]

And you're sure you haven't any idea where he might go to hide out, Ms. Middleton?

[Pamela North]

No, I haven't.

[Jerry North]

All right, thank you. We'll run along now. I'm sorry we had to disturb you in the middle of the night like this.

[Pamela North]

That's all right.

[Jerry North]

Good night.

[Pamela North]

Good night.

[Jerry North]

Well? No luck here. We'll have to try something else.

[Pamela North]

You know, Bill, I can't help wondering.

[Jerry North]

About what?

[Pamela North]

If he really was guilty, why did he confess?

[Jerry North]

Oh, that was clever. By seeming to protect Ms. Middleton, he threw suspicion off himself.

[Pamela North]

Of course. That's it. Bill. Jerry, I just thought of something.

[Bill Wigand]

You think you know where he is?

[Pamela North]

I think I know where. Wait a minute.

[Jerry North]

What is it?

[Pamela North]

Look, there's a light under the door in David Middleton's studio. Come on.

[Bill Wigand]

Why, you don't think Warwick's there, do you?

[Pamela North]

No, but I just got to find out what's in there.

[Bill Wigand]

You and your curiosity. You know what? I got you before.

[Pamela North]

Well, watch out, Jerry. I know what to look for this time.

[Jerry North]

And we've got a murderer to track down.

[Pamela North]

Oh, you man. Don't you have any curiosity? Besides, it won't take any time.

[George Warwick]

Come on.

[Bill Wigand]

All right, let's go.

[Jerry North]

Bill.

[Bill Wigand]

There'll be no living with her until she's satisfied.

[Jerry North]

Well, all right.

[Pamela North]

You're darlings, both of you.

[Bill Wigand]

We're saps.

[Jerry North]

I don't know why I agreed. I don't have to live with her.

[Pamela North]

Shpiel. Getting close.

[Jerry North]

Too bad you forgot your bathing suit.

[Pamela North]

I won't touch anything this time, Jerry. I'll just stoop down and see if I can see through the keyhole.

[Bill Wigand]

See anything?

[Pamela North]

Yes, he's in there.

[Bill Wigand]

Young Middleton?

[Pamela North]

Uh huh. What's he doing? Sewing.

[Jerry North]

Sewing?

[Pamela North]

Yes.

[Jerry North]

What's the idea?

[Pamela North]

I lost my balance.

[Jerry North]

Hey.

[Pamela North]

Oh, I'm sorry. I lost my balance. I fell against the door and I'm terribly sorry. I didn't mean to. I mean, I didn't mean I fell.

[Jerry North]

Doggone it. I told you to keep away from here. Oh, Mr. North too. And the lieutenant. What do you want?

[Bill Wigand]

I wanted to be able to live with my wife, huh? Yes. She just had to see what you have in here.

[Jerry North]

Well, now, you see. I hope you're satisfied. Dolls. Yes, I make them. Silly, isn't it?

[Pamela North]

I don't think so.

[Jerry North]

I just like to make dolls. Sort of a hobby. There's no law against it, is there? No, no, not that I've heard. I know I ought to fool around with shortwave radio or electric motors or something, but I'd rather make dolls. Well, what are you waiting for? Why don't you laugh?

[Bill Wigand]

I don't feel like it.

[Jerry North]

Look, son, is this where you were the night of the murder? Yes, that's why I confessed. Say it all stopped asking questions about where I was. I didn't want to have to tell about it. I was safe enough. Two confessions before mine. And I could always tell the truth if I had to. But I hoped I wouldn't have to.

[Pamela North]

Oh, you shouldn't feel so ashamed, David. These dolls are beautiful. Why, you're an artist. Look, Jerry. All kinds of characters.

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah, they're absolutely perfect.

[Pamela North]

Look. Every little detail exact. Some of these dolls are so tiny and others are almost life size.

[Jerry North]

Thanks, Mrs. North. You can have one if you like.

[Pamela North]

Oh, thank you. I would. This one. This little old man with a pipe.

[Jerry North]

Okay, he's yours.

[Pamela North]

Oh, thank you, David. Jerry, look. Isn't he cute? Little wrinkled up face. Jerry.

[Bill Wigand]

Hmm?

[Pamela North]

Dolls.

[Bill Wigand]

What about them?

[Pamela North]

They give me an idea. I think I know how we can catch the murderer.

[Bill Wigand]

With dolls?

[Pamela North]

Yes, Jerry, with dolls.

[Bill Wigand]

You see, Ms. Middleton, it was quite a scheme. By pretending to shield you, Warwick could throw suspicion off himself.

[Pamela North]

The very confession of murder would suggest he was innocent.

[Bill Wigand]

And then being found tied up right after we were shot at, it would again make him seem innocent of that, too. And the gun plant would throw the blame where he wanted it.

[Pamela North]

Clever. It's too clever.

[Bill Wigand]

Anybody who'd work out such an elaborate scheme wouldn't make such stupid mistakes as the date on the paper and the locked door.

[Pamela North]

Besides, he's a slitherer.

[George Warwick]

A what?

[Pamela North]

A slitherer. There are two kinds of liars. Twisters and slitherers. Twisters figure out three or four twists ahead and lie accordingly, while slitherers just slide into whatever lie seems to fit. At the moment, Mr. Warwick is a slitherer.

[George Warwick]

But how do you know?

[Pamela North]

At the jail, Mr. Chapman was always way ahead of Mr. Warwick. He confessed first, and he lied much better. He's a twister.

[Bill Wigand]

It was he who confessed to throw suspicion off himself. Warwick simply confessed out of jealousy. At Chapman's getting all your gratitude.

[Pamela North]

Only a twister would have thought of that first confession.

[Bill Wigand]

And get this twist. Instead of framing a case against Warwick, he lets Warwick frame a case against him. A case that will fold up and make Warwick seem guilty.

[Pamela North]

You. You mean Larry is the murderer?

[Bill Wigand]

Sure, but.

[Pamela North]

But then why did George run away?

[Bill Wigand]

He saw so much evidence piling up against him, he was afraid we'd be able to pin the murder on him. Chapman's scheme was working.

[Pamela North]

And it was an elaborate scheme, too. Chapman planted the gun in today's paper and put it in the bushes.

[Bill Wigand]

And after tying up Warwick, he walked to the door, slammed it and then quietly locked it. Slipped to the window and got out that way. Warwick, on the floor behind the bed, couldn't see him.

[Pamela North]

I can't believe it. Why? Why would he do all this? Kill father and then try to put the blame on George?

[Bill Wigand]

Simple. With your father's death, you and your brother share the inheritance. And by framing Warwick, Chapman hoped to eliminate him and marry you for your money.

[Pamela North]

I can't believe it. I can't.

[Bill Wigand]

Unfortunately, it's true. We haven't told Bill yet, but as soon as he gets here, we're going to tell him.

[Jerry North]

You're not going to do anything.

[Narrator]

I'm shutting you up now.

[Jerry North]

All right, Chapman, drop that pistol. I've got you covered. That's it. Okay, folks, you can come out from behind the sylvan.

[Narrator]

Helen and Mr. And Mrs. North.

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah. What you shot were just dummies. Life sized dolls, which you probably can see yourself now that you take the time.

[Pamela North]

Mr. And Mrs. Proxy. Oh, poor Mrs. Proxy. You hit her right between the eyes.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Helen.

[Bill Wigand]

You. You were in on this.

[Narrator]

You invited me here.

[Bill Wigand]

Left the front door open so I'd come in and overhear you.

[Pamela North]

Yes, Larry.

[Bill Wigand]

She didn't want to, but when we convinced her that you'd killed her father, she agreed.

[Jerry North]

Well, you can come along with me, Chapman. We didn't have any proof against you before, but we have now, thanks to.

[Pamela North]

Mr. And Mrs. Proxy. Gollies, Jerry, you know something?

[Jerry North]

What?

[Pamela North]

We're not such bad twisters ourselves, are we?

[Narrator]

Do you think a film star has an easy life? Well, she doesn't. Making a picture is unusually hard work. She has to be up at dawn to have her makeup on and be ready in time. She works all day under blazing lights. Then there are personal appearances for every star is busy with war work these days. And off the set as well as on, she has to look glamorous. Well, the beauty, care that can keep her skin soft and radiant through all that has to be remarkably effective. And here's what Veronica Lake does, the Paramount star now appearing in so Proudly We Hail, she told us.

[George Warwick]

I take the three minute Woodbury Beauty Nightcap every night with Woodbury Cold Cream. The beauty results are thrilling.

[Narrator]

Well, girls, your skin may not have such hard treatment as a film star's, but if Woodbury Cold Cream can do so much for them, think what it can do for you. That's because Woodberry is much more than just cold cream. It's a complete beauty cream. Jars 10 cents to a dollar and a quarter. That's Woodberry. W O O D B U R Y Woodberry Cold Cream Get a jar to tune in again next Wednesday evening at this same time for another adventure of Mr. And Mrs. North. For thrills and laughs. Be sure to listen, won't you? This is Ben Grauer saying good night for Woodenberry.

[Pamela North]

Woodberry Woodenberry for the skin you love too.

[Jerry North]

Touch.

[Bill Wigand]

This program came to you from New York.

[Narrator]

This is the National Broadcasting Company.

[Kewpie Warren]

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[Narrator]

Woodberry Cold Cream. Lovely to look at, delightful to oh.

[Pamela North]

And heaven to kiss.

[Jerry North]

Not at all.

[Narrator]

The makers of Woodberry Cold cream. The beauty cream for the skin you love to touch. Present the Adventures of Mr. And Mrs. Pam. And Jerry knew Alby Baker couldn't have committed the murder. But there was all that evidence against him. And as his own lawyer said to the Norths one night in their apartment, I don't like it. I'm his lawyer, and his story doesn't even sound good to me.

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah, I know.

[Pamela North]

Oh, but you must believe him, Albie. Never kill anyone. Never.

[Narrator]

What makes you so sure?

[Pamela North]

Why, Jerry and I have known him for years.

[Narrator]

I'm afraid that wouldn't convince a jury, Pamela.

[Bill Wigand]

Pam's right, though. Alby's no killer.

[Pamela North]

All you have to do is look at him, Mr. Hansen. He has one of the kindest faces I've ever seen. Oh, if only there was some way of finding that letter.

[Narrator]

Yes, if the letter is the only piece of evidence to support Baker's story. And nobody has ever seen it except Baker himself.

[Bill Wigand]

Al said he showed it to Krug.

[Narrator]

But Krug denies it.

[Bill Wigand]

He's lying.

[Narrator]

Well, it's Baker's word against Krug's. And with all the other evidence against Baker, I'm afraid the jury will believe krug. All right, Mr. Baker, just tell the court your story the way you told it to me. Now, you've told us that Private Detective Anderson questioned you about the stolen goods in your store. Yes, sir. He asked me where I got the merchandise. And I. I said, from Mr. Warren, but I didn't know where Warren got it. What did the detective say to that? He said he'd investigate Warren. And then what happened? Well, about a week later, I got a letter from Detective Anderson. He said he thought he had the goods on Warren and asked me to invite Warren to my apartment. I wish to introduce Anderson to Warren as. As a friend of mine. So, Mr. Baker, Detective Anderson wrote you a letter telling you that he wanted to meet Warren in your apartment. Did he? Yes, sir. Where is that letter? I. I don't know. You don't know?

[Jerry North]

I see.

[Narrator]

Did anyone beside yourself ever see that letter? Yes. Yes, I. I showed it to Wilbur Crue.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Why?

[Narrator]

Well, I. I wanted his advice. After Anderson was murdered in my apartment, I. I was in a jam. I thought Wilbur would help me. I showed him the letter and asked him what I should do. What did he do with it? I don't know. He must have destroyed it. Did you see him destroy it? No, sir. You didn't see what he did with it? No, sir, I did not. Well, wasn't that a rather strange thing to do? To give someone such a vital piece of evidence and then not even notice what he did with it. I was upset and confused. I hardly knew what was happening. Besides, I thought he was my friend.

[Jerry North]

I didn't think of him.

[Narrator]

Mr. Krog, did the defendant ever show you a letter to him from Frank Anderson stating that Anderson was to meet Warren in the defendant's apartment?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

No, he did not.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this case is very simple. Stolen merchandise was found in the store of the defendant. This is a fact. A man investigating the stolen goods was murdered in the defendant's apartment. This is a fact. Against these facts, we have only the defendant's word and the letter he claims the dead man Anderson wrote him. Very well. Where is that letter? Did anyone but the defendant ever see that letter? No. And why? For the very simple reason that there is no such letter. There never was such a letter. Frank Anderson didn't go to Baker's apartment to see Warren. He went there to see Baker. And it was Baker who killed him. Gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

We have, your honor.

[Bill Wigand]

We find the defendant guilty as charged.

[Pamela North]

Jerry, I'm just sick. Think of it. Alby Baker convicted of murder.

[Bill Wigand]

Meow.

[Pamela North]

Such a nice little fellow. Only there was something we could do. Oh, darling, I don't feel like seeing anyone.

[Bill Wigand]

Well, I'll go send whoever it is away.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Ah, Mr. North.

[Bill Wigand]

Oh, hello, Mr. Krug.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

May I come in? I have something to tell you.

[Bill Wigand]

You mean you're ready to tell the truth about that letter?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

More. I'm ready to produce it.

[Narrator]

What?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Yes. Oh, don't think I've enjoyed playing the part. I did. I despised myself. But I'm really a very weak character. And in my own way, I have to look out for myself. Every man for himself in this dog eat dog world, I always say.

[Bill Wigand]

Skunk would be more like it. But come on in if you really have something to offer.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Oh, thank you. Don't be too harsh in judging me. I'm prepared to undo the wrong I've done.

[Bill Wigand]

Good.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

But for a price. Ah, Mrs. North. As lovely as ever, I see.

[Bill Wigand]

Darling, this worm has decided to take a turn for the better. He's going to let us have the letter.

[Pamela North]

Oh, God.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

But as I mentioned before, for a price, all right.

[Bill Wigand]

What price?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Well, it depends.

[Bill Wigand]

On what?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

On Cupy Warren.

[Bill Wigand]

What's he got to do with it?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Well, the letter, while clearing Albie would convict Warren. Under the circumstances, he'd be willing to bid on the letter, too.

[Pamela North]

You mean you're going to give that horrible Thug. A chance to buy that letter, to practically buy Albie's life.

[Bill Wigand]

You know we can't match dollars with that gangster. He's big. And I don't have that kind of money. As for Al, the poor fellow sank his last cent on the trial.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

You have friends.

[Bill Wigand]

Well, I'll see what I can do.

[Pamela North]

Mr. Krug, you're. You're. Oh, there are no words for you.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Well, after all, Mrs. North, I do have to eat, you know.

[Bill Wigand]

Why?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Ah, me. Everyone hates me. Well, it's to be expected. But do unto others and you wind up on the bread line. I always say I'd much rather be comfortable and well fed than popular. So let's get down to business. Now, tomorrow you come to the address I'll give you. Naturally, you won't mention this to the police till the deal's off. I'll see to it that you're not followed. You'll go up one flight of stairs, knock on the door three times, and if everything is ready. Ah, Mr. And Mrs. North. I've been waiting. Come in. Mr. And Mrs. North, allow me to present Mr. Kewpie Warren.

[Bill Wigand]

How are I?

[Pamela North]

Why are you locking the door?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

So we won't be disturbed. Well, now, let's get started, shall we? Come over to the table and sit down.

[Bill Wigand]

All right.

[Narrator]

All right, bright eyes. Where's that letter?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

In time, Mr. Warren. In time.

[Narrator]

I ain't got time and I ain't bidding. I see what I'm bidding on.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Very well. Just a moment and I'll get it. No.

[Narrator]

If you and your Mrs. Are smart, you're going to keep your mouth shut when I start bidding.

[Bill Wigand]

Unfortunately, we're not very smart.

[Narrator]

Well, don't say I didn't warn you. If you wake up in the morg some morning, you'll know why.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

All right, folks, here we are. The one and only genuine Frank Anderson letter to Alby Baker. Let's say that, ah, Mr. Warren mustn't.

[Narrator]

Give me that letter.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Oh, a gun.

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Now hand over that letter.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Oh, thank you. Thank you, Mr. North. You hit him with that chair just in time. And now I have the gun. I was very foolish. I should have seen to it that he was disarmed before he came in here.

[Bill Wigand]

Get up, Kewpie. You're all right.

[Narrator]

Oh, I'll get you for this, North.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Well, folks, shall we start the bidding?

[Bill Wigand]

Yes, let's get it over with.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Very well. What am I bid for this? 100% foolproof, perfect alibi for Al Baker.

[Narrator]

I'll give you a grand.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I beg your Pardon?

[Narrator]

You heard me.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

A grand, he says. $1,000. Don't you realize your life hangs on this piece of paper? Mr. Warren, is that all your life is worth to you? A measly thousand dollars?

[Bill Wigand]

His life isn't worth a measly 20 cents. I'll be 2,000.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

But, Mr. North. Albe Baker's life also depends on this paper. Is $2,000 all you bid for your very dear friend?

[Bill Wigand]

He was supposed to be your very dear friend, too, remember?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Come now, let's stop this fooling around. I want a real bid.

[Narrator]

Five grand. And if you open your mouth, North, I'll push your face afar back through your head. Every time you want to blow your nose, you'll have to turn around.

[Bill Wigand]

10,000.

[Narrator]

All right, wise guy. You'll get yours.

[Jerry North]

10,000.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I'm bid 10,000. Do I hear 15? Come, come, gentlemen. What are we waiting for?

[Narrator]

15.

[Bill Wigand]

20.

[Narrator]

Why, you.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Well, now, this is more like it.

[Bill Wigand]

20 years bid.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Do I hear 30?

[Narrator]

30.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

30. Do I hear 30?

[Pamela North]

Jerry, where are we going to get $20,000?

[Bill Wigand]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

25.

[Bill Wigand]

30.

[Narrator]

Mister, you're just asking for trouble. And don't think you won't get it. Now, I'll give you just one more chance. Forty grand, Krug. And that's positively, absolutely my last bid. And, north, if you and the little lady don't want to go swimming in the river with your feet in a bucket of seaweed, ignore him.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Mr. North, I have 40,000. Will anyone make it 50?

[Narrator]

50?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Do I hear 50? 40,000. Then it's going at 40,000. Going once.

[Pamela North]

Jerry, we can't let him get away with it.

[Bill Wigand]

I know, Donald.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Going twice.

[Bill Wigand]

Okay, Krug, I'll make it 50.

[Narrator]

All right, brother, if that's the way you want to play. 50,000.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Do I hear sick?

[Narrator]

You don't hear nothing. Let him take it.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Okay, sold to Mr. North for $50,000.

[Bill Wigand]

How long can I have to raise the money?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

You don't have it with you, huh?

[Bill Wigand]

Don't be funny.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Oh, how about tomorrow? Noon?

[Bill Wigand]

Well, that's pretty fast.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I'm in a hurry. I want to get this over with.

[Bill Wigand]

Well, I'll do what I can.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

All right. I'll call you tomorrow and make arrangements.

[Narrator]

You better make arrangements for his funeral.

[Pamela North]

Gollies, Jerry, how will we ever get that money? We're not millionaires.

[Bill Wigand]

We're not even 50,000 heirs.

[Pamela North]

Well, we better be before noon tomorrow if we want to get that letter. I wonder if it really is the letter.

[Bill Wigand]

That's word for word what Alby? Told me was in the letter.

[Pamela North]

We've just got to get that money. Can we, Jerry?

[Bill Wigand]

I doubt it. But you bid for time, darling.

[Pamela North]

There must be some way we can. Jerry, look out. That car.

[Narrator]

Whip pan.

[Bill Wigand]

Come here.

[Pamela North]

Oh, Jerry, you pulled me out of this doorway just in time.

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah, it seems Kewpie's losing no time keeping his promise.

[Pamela North]

Jerry, car's stopping in the next block. It's turning around.

[Bill Wigand]

Come on. I don't feel like playing target for that thug with a machine gun anymore.

[Pamela North]

Where are we going?

[Bill Wigand]

There's a taxi across the street. Here we are. Quick, get in.

[Narrator]

Driver.

[Bill Wigand]

Start going. I don't care where, only make it fast.

[Pamela North]

Gary, they're coming.

[Bill Wigand]

Hurry, driver.

[Pamela North]

Oh, golly, they're still coming.

[Bill Wigand]

Driver, turn again at the next corner. See if you can get away from that car that's following us. Good.

[Jerry North]

Now, if you can shake them, you can name your own tip. But if you can.

[Pamela North]

Let's not even think about that, Jerry. After all, I don't have a thing to wear to my funeral. Oh, I hope I never have to go through anything like that again.

[Bill Wigand]

No, it was a pretty bad 10 minutes, wasn't it? If our driver hadn't cut through that alley, we never would have shaken them.

[Pamela North]

Well, what do we do now, Jerry? We can't stay cooped up in this hotel room. Got to find some way to raise that money. Let's see. Do we know anybody with $50,000 to spare?

[Bill Wigand]

Do we know anybody with $50,000?

[Pamela North]

No. Oh, there must be some way to get our hands on some money. Either beg, borrow or steal it. Of course, Jerry, steal it.

[Bill Wigand]

Oh, now, Pamela, if you think I'm going to rob a bank.

[Pamela North]

No, no, Jerry, not money. The letter.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

What?

[Pamela North]

Why don't we steal the letter?

[Narrator]

How?

[Pamela North]

Well, we could. We could just. I don't know. It does seem like a good idea.

[Bill Wigand]

We don't even know where he keeps it.

[Pamela North]

It was in the back room.

[Bill Wigand]

Yes, but you can be sure it's well concealed. He probably expects us to try just what you're suggesting.

[Pamela North]

Well, I know how we can find out where he keeps it, Jerry. You see, when he thinks the house is on fire, he'll go right there.

[Bill Wigand]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Why should he think the house is on fire?

[Pamela North]

Because of the smoke, silly.

[Bill Wigand]

What smoke?

[Pamela North]

From the bomb.

[Bill Wigand]

Bomb smoke? What the dickens are you talking about?

[Pamela North]

A Scandal in Bohemia. Oh, what don't you ever read, Jerry? Nice book publisher. A Scandal in Bohemia is a story by Sherlock Holmes. You know, when Holmes wanted to find out where Something was hidden. He had Watson set off a smoke bomb so that the woman who had hidden it would go and get it. And then he could get it. Only he couldn't because she was very clever and. Well.

[Bill Wigand]

It's all right, darling. I remember the story now.

[Pamela North]

Well, how about it then, Jerry? Well, you can go see Mr. Krug to ask for more time or something. And then we can set off a smoke bomb. And he'll think the house is on fire and he'll run to get the money.

[Bill Wigand]

All right, sweetheart. All right. You win. Let's go see what happens when smoke gets in his eyes. Now, you know just what to do, don't you, Pam?

[Pamela North]

Yes.

[Bill Wigand]

Good. Just watch for my signal. Now, here's Krug's apartment. We've got to be ready to work fast gullies.

[Pamela North]

I hope it goes all right.

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

You didn't expect to find me here, did you? But I thought me and the boys ought to drop over and pay Krug a visit. And now you come to the party, too.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Well, that's.

[Narrator]

Well, let's just. Swell.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Come in.

[Pamela North]

Well, I think we'd better. We were just leaving.

[Narrator]

I said, come in.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

That's right.

[Narrator]

Look, boys, we got company. Okay, Butch, lock the door. Now a brief intermission with a wartime beauty rule for the ladies.

[George Warwick]

These war days, we can't have all we'd like in the way of member Good grooming can do more than fine clothes to make you lovely to look at. And there's a wonderful way to help your skin keep immaculately well groomed. A way so quick and easy that it might have been made just for these busy days. You see, there's one cream that all alone does everything for skin beauty. It gives your skin complete beauty care for. It's a complete beauty cream. It's Woodberry Cold Cream. Just try it tonight and see. Dip into a jar of silky, soft Woodberry Cold Cream and cover your face with it well. The rich cleansing oils loosen dirt and old makeup, so wipe off the soil cream. Your skin will simply glow. It's so fresh, so clean. Now, pat on more Woodberry and leave some on your skin overnight. That's all you've given yourself the famous Woodberry Beauty Nightcap. It takes just three minutes. And tomorrow, when you see your clearer, smoother, more radiant complexion, you want to do that every night. Use Woodberry to cleanse your skin in the daytime, too. Your makeup will go on with a porcelain perfect finish. Four special softening and smoothing ingredients make Woodberry Cold Cream. So beautifying another ingredient makes Woodberry. Exceptionally safe for it works constantly purifying the cream in the jar in case blemish causing germs get in. No other cream gives you this added protection. Try this complete beauty cream. Get Woodbury cold cream tonight.

[Narrator]

And now back to Mr. And Mrs. North. In their attempt to get the letter that will clear Albie Baker, the Norths have gone to Cruve's apartment, only to be greeted there by cutie wine. You know, Mr. And Mrs. North, you just don't seem never to learn. Should I give them a once over lightly, boss?

[Bill Wigand]

Just so they get the idea you ain't fooling?

[Narrator]

Not yet, Butch, you're not through with crew.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Leave me alone, won't you?

[Narrator]

Sure, sure. Soon as you tell us where you got that letter.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I'll never tell you.

[Narrator]

Okay, Butch. Right, boys. Now, Krug, this is gonna hurt you more than it does me.

[Jerry North]

No, Brute.

[Narrator]

That was nothing, Mrs. North. Butcher's just getting warmed up. You gonna talk, mister?

[Bill Wigand]

Okay.

[Jerry North]

How do you like this?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

No, no. Stop it. Stop it. I'll tell you. I'll show you where the letter is.

[Narrator]

Okay, Krug, where is it?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I'll get it. It's behind this picture. There's a panel.

[Pamela North]

Jerry, he's getting the letter. What do we do?

[Bill Wigand]

Let's set off the smoke bomb. Maybe in the excitement.

[Pamela North]

Of course, Jerry.

[Narrator]

Oh, no, you don't. I'll take nothing. Come on, hand it over. Come on.

[Pamela North]

Okay, Jerry, we're licked.

[Bill Wigand]

Looks like it.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

All right, here's the letter.

[Narrator]

Good. Bring it here, Butch. Here you are, boss.

[Bill Wigand]

Ah.

[Narrator]

So I was supposed to top 50 grand for this, hey, Krug. Now, I'll just take this cigarette lighter. And I like this corner of the letter. And there goes the last piece of evidence against Kewpie Warren up in smoke.

[Pamela North]

There it goes, Jerry.

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

$50,000.

[Pamela North]

Albie's chance for freedom.

[Narrator]

Well, that's that.

[Pamela North]

We failed, Jerry.

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah, we certainly did.

[Pamela North]

Is there any chance of doing anything for Albie now?

[Bill Wigand]

No, I'm afraid not. I can only hope. I'll go, dear.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Ah, hello there, north, old man.

[Bill Wigand]

Do you always have to be so blame cheerful?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Ah, but I have good news for you.

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah, what?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I'm a liar. A frightful liar.

[Bill Wigand]

Is that good?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

But of course. May I come in?

[Bill Wigand]

Okay. Well, darling crawled out from under his rock again. He says he has some good news for us.

[Jerry North]

Hello.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Hello, Mrs. Knox.

[Pamela North]

Hello, my friends.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Do you still wish to purchase that letter?

[Bill Wigand]

What do you mean?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

It would have been foolish of me to show the real letter, wouldn't it? When I Was dealing with a man like Kewpie Warren who might pull a gun at any moment? Yes. It would have been insanely foolish. And Mr. And Mrs. North, I am not foolish.

[Narrator]

Weak?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Yes. Selfish? Yes.

[Bill Wigand]

But do you mean that letter Krug burned was not the original?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Exactly, Mr. North. It was a copy.

[Bill Wigand]

And the original is carefully put away.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Where it shall remain until the money is made ready to change hands.

[Pamela North]

Oh, thank heavens. Jerry, there's still a chance.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Yes. Now, sir, do we do business or don't we?

[Bill Wigand]

We do.

[Pamela North]

Good, but on different terms.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I beg your pardon?

[Pamela North]

You were able to force a high bid for from Jerry before by the pressure of Kewpie's bidding. But since you can't deal with Kewpie.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Anymore, why can't I deal with him?

[Pamela North]

Because you tricked him so he'd never trust you again. He'd never know whether you were holding back a photographic copy or something. And the letter doesn't do him any good unless he's sure that he's destroyed every last copy of it.

[Bill Wigand]

That's right, crew.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

So it is. So it is.

[Bill Wigand]

Distressing fact, but we'll do business with you because we only have to worry about one copy. The original. But we'll have to make sure it is the original. And we won't pay you anything like $50,000.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

What will you pay?

[Bill Wigand]

Oh, perhaps a thousand.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

My dear man, you're joking. It wouldn't be worthwhile to bother.

[Pamela North]

You seem to forget, Mr. Krug, that if we don't buy that letter, it's worthless. You might just as well take what we offer as it's all clear profit.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

And you seem to forget that if I don't take your offer, Al B. Baker goes to the electric chair. I can sit tight and wait. I think you'll come across.

[Pamela North]

Oh, you're despicable.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I certainly am.

[Pamela North]

I hate you.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I hate myself.

[Bill Wigand]

You seem cheerful enough about it.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

That, sir, is because I dislike myself so thoroughly. I enjoy hating me.

[Bill Wigand]

Oh.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

The trouble with me is I should have been a poet instead of a blackmailer. I have the heart of a poet, the feelings of a poet. The soul of a poet.

[Pamela North]

Well, then why aren't you a poet?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Simple. My poetry stinks. Tell you what. N. Let's settle this matter. $10,000. Take it or leave it.

[Bill Wigand]

Okay, it's a deal.

[Pamela North]

Jerry, do we just stand here on the corner until he shows up?

[Bill Wigand]

Now that he's ready to show the original letter, he's being extra cautious. He's not telling us any address. Afraid we might send the police There.

[Pamela North]

I only hope this time it is the original.

[Bill Wigand]

I got some samples of Anderson's handwriting. We'll compare them with the letter. I'm not giving up $10,000 for any phony. I had too much trouble raising it.

[Pamela North]

How will we ever pay it back, Jerry?

[Bill Wigand]

It won't be easy.

[Pamela North]

15. 7. $5. Make it a dollar. That's easier. How many weeks are there in a year, Jerry?

[Bill Wigand]

52. What?

[Pamela North]

I'm trying to figure out how much we could save if you give up smoking. Oh, I'm afraid it's not very much. It's too bad I don't smoke. Then I could give it up too, and we'd save twice as much.

[Bill Wigand]

We'll manage somehow, Pam, but it won't be easy.

[Pamela North]

You know, Jerry, people shouldn't be allowed to blackmail anyone. Except very rich people.

[Bill Wigand]

I think that's crew coming out.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Hello, Mr. And Mrs. North. Get in, please.

[Bill Wigand]

Okay. Good then.

[Pamela North]

All right.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

There we are. Now we'll just drive around for a while.

[Bill Wigand]

Oh, the OPA Is not going to like that.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I have to make sure we're not being followed. Better to be cautious. And sorry, I always say. And I'm satisfied no one is following. I'll take you to a room I've rendered just for this little meeting. Well, Mr. Kn are you satisfied that that is the real letter?

[Bill Wigand]

Yeah, it seems to be. Good.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Then if you'll pay me, we can conclude our little negotiation.

[Bill Wigand]

Here you are.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Ah, thank you. Thank you. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Yes, seems to be correct. Well, that's that, then. I'll run along now. But just one more thing. You want to wait here for five minutes before leaving?

[Bill Wigand]

All right.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Well, goodbye. And please believe me when I tell you I'm heartily ashamed of myself. Goodbye.

[Pamela North]

Well, we've got it at last. I can hardly wait to tell Alby. Do they have telephones at Sing Sing?

[Bill Wigand]

Not private ones.

[Pamela North]

It'll be a wonderful surprise for him.

[Bill Wigand]

Ms. Kippy Warren's in for a surprise, too.

[Pamela North]

Yes. Oh, how I'd like to see his face when he finds out that what he burned was only a copy and that we have the original.

[Narrator]

Would you, sister? Oh, well, take a good look at Cupid. Yeah, and this time I'm finishing the job. I have had trouble with you two for the last time.

[Pamela North]

What are you going to do?

[Narrator]

What do you think I'm going to do? Nobody plays me for a sucker and gets away with it.

[Pamela North]

Oh, but it was Mr. Crood.

[Narrator]

I'll take care of him later. Right Now I got business with you. I'll fix you so I don't have no more trouble with you.

[Bill Wigand]

Oh, wait a minute.

[Narrator]

Can't we. No, I won't wait. I'm finishing you now, mister.

[Pamela North]

What happened? Jerry.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Hello, Mr. And Mrs. Knob Crew.

[Bill Wigand]

I never thought I'd be glad to see you.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I saw Kewpie coming down the hall, so I hid. And then I followed him back here.

[Pamela North]

You saved our lives.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I had to. I've entered this room, you see. If you were found dead in it, I'd be suspected. So I couldn't let him kill you. Not here.

[Bill Wigand]

How did he know we were here?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I don't know. He must have had someone spying. How is he? Did I? Why doesn't he move? Oh, dear. I'm afraid I've killed him.

[Bill Wigand]

Looks like it.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

I only meant to wound him. Oh, dear. Now his body will be found. I'm no better off than if he killed you.

[Bill Wigand]

Somehow I like it better this way.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Look, I was only trying to protect you. That's true, isn't it?

[Bill Wigand]

Yes.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

You'll say that, won't you? You're the only witnesses, you know. You'll testify that he was trying to kill you, won't you? If you don't, they might make a first degree case out of it. Please don't let me down. After all, I saved your life.

[Bill Wigand]

Yes, you did.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

So you will tell them what happened, won't you?

[Bill Wigand]

Sure we will. Don't worry.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Thank you.

[Bill Wigand]

However, it's going to cost you just $10,000. What? Yes. Otherwise we might have a sudden lapse of memory. That right, Pam? Well, how about it?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Okay, you win. Here you are.

[Bill Wigand]

Good. Thanks.

[Jerry North]

Me?

[Woodberry Advertiser]

Well, that's life. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I always say. However, it is rather annoying to have ventured so far and still gain nothing. Well, it's no more than I deserve.

[Bill Wigand]

I dare say it's a lot less than you deserve. You ought to be in jail, however, let well enough alone, I always say. What's that, Cupy?

[Narrator]

What? What you said. You said.

[Bill Wigand]

No, I didn't. You did. Your shot missed him completely. But it startled him just enough to give me a chance to clip him. He was standing between you and me, so you couldn't see it. No, no, no. Your gun won't help you. I have Cupid's gun now and I'm ready to use it. Better put yours on the table. Go on.

[Woodberry Advertiser]

All right. Ah, me. Seems I've played every card wrong, haven't I? Well, I suppose there's nothing left for me to do. But go back to my poetry.

[Pamela North]

Well, Jerry, we have the letter and it didn't cost us a thing. And we've caught Cupy. Everything's turned out for the best after all, hasn't it?

[Bill Wigand]

Not quite.

[George Warwick]

What do you mean, darling?

[Bill Wigand]

Think what we've done to lovers of poetry.

[Narrator]

One of the busiest bond sellers among the film stars is Dorothy Lamour. And she's one of Hollywood's busiest filmmakers, too. You'll be seeing her soon in the new Paramount Technicolor picture Riding High. Now, in spite of all that Dorothy Lamour is doing, that luscious complexion of hers stays as fresh and clear as ever. For you see, Dorothy Lamour is mighty smart. She's got her complexion care down to a matter of just a few minutes. Here's what she told us about it.

[George Warwick]

My every night skin care is the Woodbury Beauty Nightcast. I've never found anything else so helpful. It's all done with Woodbury Cold Cream in just three minutes.

[Narrator]

And many more among Hollywood's loveliest stars have this same beauty care. Try it, girls. Woodbury Cold Cream gives such remarkable results because it's a complete beauty cream. Besides cleansing, it softens and smooths beautifully and does still more jars. 10 cents to a dollar and a quarter. That's Woodbury. W O O D B U R Y Woodbury Cold Cream. Get a jar. Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, give to the National War Fund. This fund helps many great works. It combines the appeals of 17 national relief organizations and your own money. Go for our Boys and Girl prison Camps to feed starving children abroad. And of course, for relief work in your own community. The need is greater than ever, so give. When the war chest drive is announced in your community, give as you never gave before. Tune in again next week at this same time for another adventure of Mr. And Mrs. North starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtain. For thrills and laughs, be sure to listen, won't you? This is Ben Grauer saying good night for Woodbury Cold Cream. Lovely. Looking delightful. This program came to you from New York. This is the National Broadcasting Company.

[Kewpie Warren]

Marketing is hard, but I'll tell you a little secret. It doesn't have to be. Let me point something out. You're listening to a podcast right now, and it's great. You love the host. You seek it out and download it. You listen to it while driving, working out, cooking, even going to the bathroom. Podcasts are a pretty close companion. And this is a podcast ad. Did I get your attention? You can reach great listeners like yourself with podcast advertising from Libsyn ads. Choose from hundreds of top podcasts offering host endorsements or run a pre produced ad like this one across thousands of shows. To reach your target audience in their favorite podcasts with Libsyn Ads, go to libsynads. Com. That's L I B S Y N Ads. Com Today.