Summary of "Face to Forget" and "Gold Cobra" – Adventures of Philip Marlowe Episode

Podcast Title: 1001 Radio Crime Solvers
Host/Author: Jon Hagadorn
Episode: "Face to Forget" and "Gold Cobra" – Adventures of Philip Marlowe
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Knowledge Cutoff: October 2023

Introduction

In this episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, Host Jon Hagadorn presents two gripping Philip Marlowe detective stories: "Face to Forget" and "Gold Cobra." Featuring Gerald Moore as the iconic private eye, these tales delve into the noir-inflected investigations typical of Raymond Chandler's legendary character. The stories are set against the backdrop of the golden age of radio, bringing to life the intricate plots and hard-boiled dialogue that define Marlowe's adventures.

"Face to Forget"

Plot Overview

Philip Marlowe is tasked with uncovering the mysterious disappearance of Dave Stroud, a young man who abruptly abandoned his life, leaving behind a promising future. Marlowe's investigation leads him from a rundown rooming house to a bustling train station, intertwining personal relationships and criminal undercurrents.

Key Characters

• Philip Marlowe: The seasoned private detective with a knack for uncovering hidden truths.
• Ellen Wyatt: Marlowe’s client and Dave Stroud’s fiancée, who is deeply concerned about Dave's sudden disappearance.
• Roy Tawney: A suspicious salesman with a hidden agenda related to Dave Stroud.
• Dave Stroud (Donald Stranagan): The missing individual whose past is shrouded in mystery.

Major Events

1. Initial Investigation: Marlowe confronts the landlord of a rooming house where Dave last stayed, learning that Dave is possibly heading to San Francisco (03:15).

2. Meeting Ellen Wyatt: At the Leopard Spot bar, Marlowe discusses the case with Ellen, who provides a photograph and expresses her fears about Dave’s disappearance (07:45).

3. Train Station Chase: Marlowe boards the 10 o'clock train to San Francisco, where he narrowly avoids missing Dave by a hair, later encountering Roy Tawney who becomes involved in the unfolding drama (15:30).

4. Confrontation and Revelation: In a tense encounter within the train, Marlowe discovers the truth about Roy Tawney's connection to Dave, leading to a deadly showdown and the revelation of the deeper motives behind Dave's disappearance (30:20).

Notable Quotes

• Marlo: "I never forget a face. Maybe I ought to cut my head off." (12:10)
• Ellen Wyatt: "I only hope that the next four years are." (09:50)
• Roy Tawney: "Dave will be on this train when it pulls out. I'll bet my last buck on it." (16:40)

"Gold Cobra"

Plot Overview

In "Gold Cobra," Philip Marlowe is drawn into a high-stakes case involving a priceless gold cobra artifact. The investigation takes him through a web of deceit, obsession, and deadly confrontations, unveiling connections to international fanaticism and personal vendettas.

Key Characters

• Philip Marlowe: The determined detective navigating the complexities of the case.
• Roth Winkham: Marlowe’s new client with a mysterious connection to Mordecai Ziff.
• Akbar: A fanatic obsessed with securing the gold cobra at any cost.
• Mordecai Ziff: An eccentric intellectual and the original owner of the gold cobra.
• Abigail Seaburn: A key witness with crucial information about the crime.
• Otis Crumpler: A snake expert who becomes entangled in the investigation.

Major Events

1. Initial Engagement: Marlowe is approached by Roth Winkham to transport a valuable suitcase containing a gold cobra to Chicago, sparking the commencement of the investigation (42:00).

2. Chase and Deception: As Marlowe follows Winkham, he encounters Akbar, leading to a series of evasive maneuvers and confrontations aimed at securing the cursed artifact (58:30).

3. Hotel Confrontation: At the Beechwood Plaza Hotel, Marlowe faces off against Akbar and Roth Winkham, uncovering layers of betrayal and the true motive behind the pursuit of the gold cobra (1:10:15).

4. Final Showdown: A climactic battle ensues involving a live cobra, revealing Abigail Seaburn's pivotal role and the ultimate fate of the characters involved (1:25:50).

Notable Quotes

• Roth Winkham: "I intended you to be peacefully on your way to Chicago by now, with the Gold Cobra safely in tow." (50:10)
• Akbar: "The blasphemy perpetrated by Mordecai Zif will end only in the restoration of the gold cobra." (1:05:30)
• Abigail Seaburn: "Abby. Abby. I can't stand it that often." (1:20:40)

Conclusion

This episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers masterfully brings to life two compelling Philip Marlowe stories, "Face to Forget" and "Gold Cobra." Through intricate plots and dynamic character interactions, listeners are immersed in the classic noir atmosphere that defines Marlowe's investigations. Gerald Moore's portrayal of Marlowe captures the essence of Raymond Chandler's creation, delivering suspenseful narratives that engage and entertain. Whether unraveling the mystery behind a vanished man or chasing a deadly artifact, Philip Marlowe remains a quintessential figure in the realm of radio detective stories.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Marlo: "I never forget a face. Maybe I ought to cut my head off." (12:10)
• Ellen Wyatt: "I only hope that the next four years are." (09:50)
• Roy Tawney: "Dave will be on this train when it pulls out. I'll bet my last buck on it." (16:40)
• Roth Winkham: "I intended you to be peacefully on your way to Chicago by now, with the Gold Cobra safely in tow." (50:10)
• Akbar: "The blasphemy perpetrated by Mordecai Zif will end only in the restoration of the gold cobra." (1:05:30)
• Abigail Seaburn: "Abby. Abby. I can't stand it that often." (1:20:40)

Note: The timestamps provided are indicative and correspond to key moments within each story.