Candy Matson 491210 - [25] Jack Frost

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Overview

Podcast: Candy Matson
Episode: Jack Frost
Original Air Date: December 10, 1949 (re-broadcast on May 11, 2020)
Host: Old Time Radio DVD/Nostalgia USA Prime
Main Cast: Natalie Masters as Candy Matson, Henry Leff as Inspector Ray Mallard, Jack Thomas as Rembrandt Watson

Theme:
San Francisco’s female detective, Candy Matson, is drawn into a holiday whodunit when a department store’s Santa’s helper – “Jack Frost” – is found murdered and the prime suspect list includes more than just bad little boys and girls. What starts as a favor for a friend quickly spins into an intricate murder investigation, blending witty banter, keen detection, and a touch of seasonal noir.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

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1. A Department Store Crisis (00:34–03:09)

• Myra Fisher, head of advertising at the Brownstone department store, enlists Candy’s help when their beloved Santa’s helper, Jack Frost, goes missing before the Christmas rush.
• Myra: “Well, yours would wrinkle too if you had a missing Santa Claus helper on your hands.” (01:13)
• Initially, Myra just asks Candy to help find a replacement, but the situation quickly escalates.

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2. Discovery: The Murder of Jack Frost (03:09–06:35)

• Candy visits Rembrandt Watson, her photographer friend, for help finding a Jack Frost replacement.
• They discover in the afternoon paper that the missing Jack Frost (real name Ralph Jordan) has been murdered – a “slug through the head.”
• Candy: “On the front page. Ooh, what he got in his Christmas stocking. A slug through the head.” (05:53)

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3. Candy Takes the Case (06:35–09:44)

• Prentice Burke, Brownstone’s Assistant VP, confidentially hires Candy to uncover the murderer before the press catches on and damages the store’s reputation.
• Burke: “I have reason to suspect that Jordan was killed by someone in our employ.” (09:17)
• Candy accepts, wary that department store intrigue may be the key motive.

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4. Roundup with Inspector Mallard (09:44–12:15)

• Candy checks in with Inspector Ray Mallard, who’s working the official police angle.
• The victim was found in his apartment, killed with a .45. Not much evidence—except one: “a .45 slug out of the guy's wall. Ballistics is checking it now.” (10:58)
• Their banter is flirtatiously sharp, culminating in:
  • Mallard (joking): “Do you know where I can get a couple of tickets to the Rose Bowl game?” (12:06)
  • Candy: “My brain lit up like a Roman candle. I stormed for the door…” (12:15)

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5. A Second Murder: Myra Fisher (12:50–13:45, 25:26–25:28)

• Myra visits Candy to express thanks for saving her job but is later discovered murdered.
• This second murder raises the stakes – now two killings are linked to the Jack Frost job.

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6. Red Herrings and Department Store Suspects (14:58–22:07)

• Candy and Mallard discover Jack Frost’s bloodstained costume abandoned at Land’s End, adding evidence that the murder was elaborate and premeditated.
• Candy interacts with Simon Liggett, the officious floor walker, who is later revealed as a suspect.
• Rembrandt as Jack Frost receives a threatening note via a child at the store:
  • Candy reads: “‘Dear Jack Frost, a word to the wise is sufficient. When you take your lunch hour, keep on going. Don’t come back. Otherwise you’ll meet the same fate as your predecessor.’” (20:03)
• Using clues, Candy connects handwriting and footprint evidence found at the scene with suspects at the Brownstone.

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7. The Climax: A Ketchup-Fueled Trap (22:07–25:28)

• Candy’s plan: recreate the crime scene, with Rembrandt posing as Jack Frost’s corpse, ketchup substituting for blood.
  • Candy: “For the sake of art. Hold still. There. How does he look, Nellard?” (23:28)
• They wait, knowing the killer may return.
• Simon Liggett enters, sees the ‘corpse’, and breaks, confessing to both murders in a fit of guilt and jealousy.

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8. The Reveal & Motive: Jealousy and Ambition (25:28–28:03)

• Liggett’s motive: he was passed over for a promotion as head of advertising in favor of Myra Fisher.
• In trying to sabotage Myra, he killed both Jack Frost and, ultimately, Myra herself when his schemes failed.
• Candy closes:
  • “The whole thing was jealousy. Not the jealousy of a man for a woman, but the jealousy of a man for a job.” (25:28)
• Christmas is salvaged: “And there is a Santa Claus. Three of them for me, as a matter of fact…” (27:36)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Candy’s quip about being soft:
  “I went home and looked up the Webster definition of soft. It said soft easily yielding to pressure. That was me, Candy Matson. Girl, Dope.” (03:09)
• Mallard’s deadpan humor:
  “Sure. Also my gun and my handcuffs. Anything else we need? A mortar, maybe?” (15:33)
• Candy on Christmas and crime:
  “When you see a star in the sky, soft water below, feel Christmas in the air, how can there be violence in the world?” (15:04)
• Comic use of ketchup:
  Candy: “For the sake of art. Hold still. There. How does he look, Nellard?” (23:28)
• Closing line:
  “And last but not least, Inspector Ray Mallard. He gave me a Christmas sock right on my mouth. Just where any well placed Christmas socks should go.” (27:57)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|--------------------------------------| | 00:34 | Myra asks Candy for help | | 05:53 | Discovery Jack Frost was murdered | | 08:37 | Candy interviews Prentice Burke | | 10:27 | Candy meets Inspector Mallard | | 12:50 | Myra thanks Candy (final meeting) | | 16:25 | Finding Jack Frost’s bloodstained costume | | 18:22 | Rembrandt takes over as Jack Frost | | 20:03 | Rembrandt receives threatening note | | 23:28 | The trap for Liggett is set | | 25:28 | Liggett confesses, second murder revealed | | 27:36 | Final wrap-up and the “three Santas” |

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Character List & Relations

• Candy Matson: Private eye, clever, sardonic, the story’s heart.
• Myra Fisher: Advertising head at Brownstone; initial client, victim.
• Rembrandt Watson: Candy’s loyal, comic friend; poses as Jack Frost.
• Inspector Ray Mallard: Candy’s sometimes romantic police counterpart.
• Prentice Burke: Store VP, concerned about reputation, hires Candy.
• Simon Liggett: Floor walker, ultimately the jealous killer.

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Tone and Style

The episode blends witty banter, dry humor, and playful flirtation—especially between Candy and Mallard—with classic hardboiled detective narration and a dash of holiday spirit. The repartee between Candy and her supporting cast drives the narrative, keeping it both lively and suspenseful.

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Summary for New Listeners

“Jack Frost” is a fast-paced, witty detective yarn, with private eye Candy Matson uncovering jealousy and ambition behind seasonal sparkle and department store trappings. Between dead bodies dressed as Christmas icons, scathing one-liners, loyal friends, and well-placed ketchup, Candy proves that sometimes, in San Francisco, even the holidays can be deadly—unless you have a sharp eye and a sharper tongue.

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Transcript

[Candy Matson]

Hello, Yukon 28209. Yes, this is Candy Matson.

[Narrator]

The national broadcasting company presents candy matson. Yukon 28209.

[Myra Fisher]

Candy.

[Candy Matson]

Candy, over here. What? Why, Myra Fisher. What are you doing here in a department store with your work clothes on?

[Myra Fisher]

I work here, dear. I'm a wage slave.

[Candy Matson]

Well, I must say, on you it looks good. What do you slave at?

[Myra Fisher]

I'm head of advertising and promotion.

[Candy Matson]

Well, quite a spot, hey girl?

[Myra Fisher]

No, it was until this morning. Oh, now my neck is in the fire.

[Candy Matson]

What'd you do, forget to proofread one of your ads?

[Myra Fisher]

Nothing so trivial, dear, believe me. But am I glad to have bumped into you.

[Candy Matson]

Maybe you'll change your mind when I tell you I've been shoplifting.

[Myra Fisher]

No, I'm serious. Candy, could you spare a moment and come on up to my office?

[Candy Matson]

Why, sure. And wipe that frown from off your brow. It's wrinkling your makeup.

[Myra Fisher]

Well, yours would wrinkle too if you had a missing Santa Claus helper on your hands.

[Narrator]

Well. Well, now, there's a situation. And it almost broke Andy Matson's heart when someone told her there was no Santa Claus helper one Jack Frost. Listen, here she is now to tell you about it.

[Candy Matson]

That's right. What the man said. I ran into a deal where we had a missing Santa Claus helper. Jack Frost. The gent with the icicles was supposed to talk to the tiny Tots at the Brownstone, one of San Francisco's larger and classier department stores. I'd gone down there that afternoon shopping. I wanted a bow tie for my old pal, Inspector Ray Mallard of the San Francisco Police Department. A bow tie that lit up and fell. Cossack when you press the button on the battery. That was when I bumped into this gal, Myra Fisher. We went up to her office on the sixth floor and she sat me down. Cigaretted me too.

[Myra Fisher]

You think I'm fooling about this Jack Frost thing, don't you, Candy?

[Candy Matson]

Well, now, look, dear. We all have our little peccadillo. Yours just merely happens to be a missing Jack Frost. You'll get over it.

[Myra Fisher]

I refrain from hurling this ashtray at your Candy only because of our long acquaintance.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Good.

[Myra Fisher]

Now, listen to me. We've had a Santa Claus helper here for almost a month and a darn good one. The kids were crazy about him this morning. He didn't show.

[Candy Matson]

You don't suppose Jackie Boy got in the mood and caught the Christmas spirit, do you? The kind that comes in pints?

[Myra Fisher]

No, he wasn't that sort of Joe well, your answer?

[Candy Matson]

Simple. Hire a new one.

[Myra Fisher]

They're hired through an agency I called, the one we do business with. And they're fresh out of Jack Frost. And I've got to get one Candy. Otherwise I come down 10 notches in the opinion of the brass.

[Candy Matson]

I don't want you to think I'm unsympathetic, Mara, but what can I do? You get around.

[Myra Fisher]

You know people. Find me somebody, anybody who'll take over the job of being Jack Frost.

[Candy Matson]

Well, okay. I'll do the best I can, Myra.

[Myra Fisher]

Candy, you're a dear.

[Candy Matson]

Yeah, one of Santa's dears. Okay, I'll try and find you a Jack Frost, Mara. But don't hold it against me if he turns out to look more like Humpty Dumpty. I went home and looked up the Webster definition of soft. It said soft easily yielding to pressure. That was me, Candy Matson. Girl, Dope. Here I had all my Christmas shopping to do and I agree to find a substitute Jack Frost. I had no idea where to start, so I changed into something red and green for stop and Go also for Christmas, and went over to see my friendly advisor, Rembrandt Watson. Rembrandt is a photographer, and excellent too, now that he doesn't have the sherry shivers or the port palsies. He lives on California Street. Just kitten rompers from Old St. Mary's with a statue of sun yet Sen for company in a park next door.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Handy dog. How delightful. Do come in, won't you?

[Candy Matson]

Thanks, Rembrandt.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Oh, pet, you're acquainted with my friend Diogenes Murphy, aren't you?

[Myra Fisher]

Oh, yes.

[Candy Matson]

Hello again, Mr. Murphy.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Well, good afternoon, lass.

[Candy Matson]

You look prettier than you did the.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Last time I saw you.

[Candy Matson]

Uh oh, here comes the blarney, young lady.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Diogenes Murphy, the honest Irishman. Never says a word he doesn't mean. Now, how do you think I managed to sell so many used cars at me place out on Vanessa?

[Candy Matson]

Because you're an honest Irishman.

[Rembrandt Watson]

You're so right there. Incidentally, if you need a good car, I can get you one at a very reasonable diagenies. Oh, sorry. I got carried away.

[Candy Matson]

I didn't mean to barge in on you like this.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Rembrandt, don't be ridiculous. There.

[Candy Matson]

No, don't be.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Think nothing of it, lad. I'm on my way now. Rembrandt and I were only discussing the situation of the world.

[Candy Matson]

And to what conclusion did you come?

[Rembrandt Watson]

It stinks. The bottom of the afternoon to the board again.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, he's quite a Boy.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Yes, I'm very fond of Diogenes. What brings you around this way, dear?

[Candy Matson]

Jack Frost.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Yes. Now getting on with our conversation. What brings you around this way, dear Jack Frost? Maybe the needle's bad. Shall we try again?

[Candy Matson]

I know how you feel. I reacted the same way myself. I'll give you the pocket sized edition. The brownstone department store is without a Santa Claus helper. Jack Frost. He didn't show up for work this morning. I said I'd find him a new one.

[Rembrandt Watson]

That's very sweet of you, Dove.

[Candy Matson]

Very dumb of me, Dove. I know of only one character who even remotely looks like Jack Frost. I met him up in Alaska when I was traveling with the uso.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Won't do you much good down here with it.

[Candy Matson]

No. That's why I came to see you. Rembrandt. Don't you keep a cross file on models you've used in photography?

[Rembrandt Watson]

As a matter of fact, I do. Hear in this little book. Let's see. Men thin. Extremely. I have just one. Pietro Tarantello. Would you care for a Sicilian Jack Frost in Sicily?

[Candy Matson]

Yes. Hey, what's that?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Where?

[Candy Matson]

On that chair next to you.

[Rembrandt Watson]

That's the afternoon paper, dear. Diogenes left it, I imagine.

[Candy Matson]

Yes, but on the front page. Here's the whole story about the missing Jack Frost. On the front page. Ooh, what he got in his Christmas stocking. A slug through the head.

[Rembrandt Watson]

That's no way to treat Jack Frost.

[Candy Matson]

And here's a picture of the guy without his false icicles.

[Rembrandt Watson]

What? The ham looks like he stepped right out of an 1890s Shakespearean play.

[Candy Matson]

I hate to say this, Rembrandt, but he resembles you.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I take back what I said, Rembrandt. Divorce yourself from that tone of voice, Candy.

[Narrator]

I don't like it.

[Candy Matson]

Rembrandt, I've got an idea.

[Rembrandt Watson]

You usually do.

[Candy Matson]

You like little children.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Can't stand them.

[Candy Matson]

You like to talk to people.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I abhor conversation.

[Candy Matson]

You like to be charming.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Lost me charm.

[Candy Matson]

Gay.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Lost me gay.

[Candy Matson]

With the help of a few icicles, ducky, you're going to be Jack Boss. Rembrandt fought, he argued, he paced the floor. He had the vapors. He fainted. I brought him, too. I won the argument. I got my friend Myra Fisher on the phone and informed her that one R. Watson would assume the role of jolly Jack Frost on the morrow. She was delighted. I couldn't say the same for Rembrandt. Then I went home. I was greeted by a sound very much like that of a phone ringing. Using my keen Instincts. I figured it was the phone. It was. Hello. Candy Matson.

[Prentice Burke]

How do you do, Miss Matson? Allow me to introduce myself.

[Candy Matson]

Allowed.

[Prentice Burke]

My name is Burke, Prentice Burke. I'm the first assistant vice president of the brownstone.

[Candy Matson]

Brownstone? Oh, yes. That's a store of some kind, isn't it?

[Prentice Burke]

Yes. Now, the reason for my call. There has been, shall I say, a rather unfortunate occurrence in our store today.

[Candy Matson]

So I read.

[Prentice Burke]

I need the help of a professional sleuth.

[Rembrandt Watson]

You were highly recommended by the head.

[Prentice Burke]

Of our advertising department, Ms. Myra Fisher.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Aha.

[Candy Matson]

The thick platinum.

[Prentice Burke]

I beg your pardon?

[Candy Matson]

No need to.

[Rembrandt Watson]

You didn't do anything.

[Candy Matson]

Okay. Care to talk to me now?

[Prentice Burke]

Mr. Burke, I'd much rather have you come down to my office. Ms. Batson, this matter is of an extremely confidential nature.

[Candy Matson]

I'm your girl then. Figuratively speaking. How long will you be there?

[Prentice Burke]

As long as necessary. That's up to you.

[Candy Matson]

Very well. I'll be there in half an hour if I can find a place to park. I only had time for a fast change, so I made it from Andes Gray to Taboo. I sniffed at it and felt I was on the right sense. Then I climbed in my car, drove down Carney street, waved a crisp single under the nose of a hotel doorman and had my car taken care of. Then into the brownstone and up to Mr. Prentice Burke's office. I flipped a hip past the girl secretary and walked on in. Burke was waiting for me. That was obvious. I could tell by the expression on his face. It was worried. Look. Number 12B. How do you do, Mr. Burke? I'm Candy Matson.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Oh, sit down, won't you?

[Candy Matson]

Thank you. Now, our subject is what?

[Rembrandt Watson]

A man named Jordan that's on another network. I beg your pardon?

[Candy Matson]

That's right. Now, about this. Jordan.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Yes, Ralph Jordan, to be exact.

[Candy Matson]

Well, that's a relief. For a moment, I thought you wanted to talk about Jack Frost.

[Rembrandt Watson]

That's just it.

[Narrator]

He was Jack Frost.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, me and my big mouth.

[Rembrandt Watson]

He was working here up until yesterday afternoon. And maybe you read about it. He was found shot today.

[Candy Matson]

Yes, yes, I read about it.

[Rembrandt Watson]

That's the reason I've called you.

[Candy Matson]

Why didn't you have your own store? Detectives, take over, Mr. Burke.

[Rembrandt Watson]

No, no, that would never do. I want no one in the store to know what's going on.

[Candy Matson]

Intrigue?

[Rembrandt Watson]

Quite possibly. I have reason to suspect that Jordan was killed by someone in our employee. I want to find out who that someone was before the police do and get it splashed all over the front pages. Publicity can't you say business has been off all year, and any bad breaks in the press would hurt us that much more.

[Candy Matson]

Maybe you've got a point there. I don't know.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I know I have.

[Candy Matson]

Okay, I'll take the job. You say you have a suspicion. What is it?

[Rembrandt Watson]

Well, nothing tangible. It's just a feeling I have.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, that's a big help. Well, I'll mush around and see what I can pick up. I'll bill you tomorrow for my first day's work. It's much easier to sustain a friendship on a daily basis. I left Burke looking as though someone had just called his store a bazaar. It was closing time, so I hefted my way through the crash and retrieved my car from the doorman. The hall of justice is right on my way home, so I decided to drop in on my old pal Mallard. Inspector Ray Mallard of San Francisco Homicide. A nice guy to serve coffee to on Sunday mornings if you could ever lasso him. I never could get strong enough rope.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Candy, what brings you around here?

[Candy Matson]

I hate to have my Christmas ruined so early. What about that Jack Frost character?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Oh, yeah. Poor guy got a good.

[Candy Matson]

Where'd you find him?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

In his apartment over on 17th. He lived near Seal Stadium. Why so interested, Candy?

[Candy Matson]

Rembrandt's a dead ringer for the guy. I still don't get the gal whose head of advertising for the brownstone was going out of her head for another Jack Frost. I talked Rembrandt into taking the job. That sounds funny. Doesn't bring me up to date, Nelly. Did you get any dope on the killing?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Nothing but a.45 slug out of the guy's wall. Ballistics is checking it now.

[Candy Matson]

Nothing else?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

If I did, I should tell you.

[Candy Matson]

No, I guess not.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

This goes beyond just a normal curiosity, Candy. What are you drilling for?

[Candy Matson]

Oh, it's only that I'm worried about Rembrandt. I got him the job. I'm responsible. I wouldn't want anything to happen to him.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Ask the silly question, Mallard, and you get a silly answer. Okay, let's forget it. How's about dinner tonight?

[Candy Matson]

I fought this thing long enough. Okay.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Uh, Candy?

[Rembrandt Watson]

Yes, Ellen?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

We've known each other a good long time, haven't we?

[Candy Matson]

That's right. Ever since the fair on Treasure island.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

We'Ve had our little quarrels, little misunderstandings.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, but they never seem to last long, though, do they?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

No. That's why I feel I have every right to ask you a question.

[Candy Matson]

Why, yes, I'd say you do, Mallard.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Maybe I'LL ask you tonight.

[Candy Matson]

No, no, no. Go ahead. Now's as good a time as any.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Perhaps it is canny. You get around a lot.

[Rembrandt Watson]

You meet people.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Do you know where I can get a couple of tickets to the Rose bowl game?

[Candy Matson]

My brain lit up like a Roman candle. I stormed for the door, turned back, stood there, my jaw waggling helplessly. Then I stuck my tongue out at Mallard and left. It was the only thing I could think of doing. Oh, he can make me so mad. But inside, half an hour after I got home, I started to laugh. Felt much better. Just as I was puttering around getting ready, the apartment buzzer buzzed that Mallard much too early. But I was wrong. It wasn't mellow. Well, Myra, what a surprise. Do come in, won't you?

[Myra Fisher]

No, thanks, Candy. A friend of mine's waiting in his car outside. He's driving me home.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, I'm sorry you can't stay for.

[Myra Fisher]

A moment so, my dear. I just dropped by to leave this. Merely a little token of thanks for getting me off the hook.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, Myra, there wasn't any need to do that.

[Myra Fisher]

Just a few pair of old stockings. Dear, getting me my new Jack Frost means more than you know. Here, please take them along with my very deepest thanks.

[Candy Matson]

Thanks so much. A girl can always use them. Are you all set with my friend Mr. Watson? Oh, yes.

[Myra Fisher]

He came in this afternoon and filled out his withholding tax and so on. Very nice.

[Candy Matson]

I think you'll find him very efficient, Myra. Oh, what's the matter?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Pardon me. I didn't mean to frighten you.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, Mallard.

[Myra Fisher]

Silly of me. I must have jumped a foot.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, that's all right. He frightens me too. Myra, I'd like to have you meet Inspector Mallard. Inspector, Ms. Fisher.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

How do you do?

[Myra Fisher]

Oh, fine, thank you, now that I've caught my breath. Do forgive me, Candy, but I must rush.

[Candy Matson]

See you soon, I hope. Tomorrow, Myra. I'll be down to see how my lad's doing his jack. Fr. Thanks for the stockings.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Well, aren't you going to invite me in?

[Candy Matson]

No, I'm not. Here's my coat right here with a hurry. Come on, let's go. I'm starved.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

I thought we could have a cocktail here before we left.

[Candy Matson]

You thought wrong. Two tickets to the Rose Bowl. From now on, you earn your cocktails, Mallard. We went downstairs, and as I lost the front door, a car was just driving off. It was Myra and she waved. And driving, if these tired old eyes hadn't deceived me, was Mr. Prentice Burke Vice president of the brownstone. Well. Oh, well. Mallard and I climbed into our car and drove out to the Cliff House. It was that kind of an evening. We had dinner and after I suggested we walk a bit, the night was crisp and clear and the evening star was hanging out above the dark waters of the Pacific like an iridescent Japanese lantern. We cut across a little road above Sutro Baths where an old car barn had once stood, and worked our way over the cliffs and stood high above Land's End. It was exhilarating.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Penny for your thoughts, Candy.

[Candy Matson]

Inflation is still here.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

All right, I get two pennies.

[Candy Matson]

Well, I was just thinking, Mallory, dear, when you see a star in the sky, soft water below, feel Christmas in the air, how can there be violence in the world?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

An age old question, pal. One I can't answer. I'm too small.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Hey, you're cold.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

I better put my arm around you.

[Candy Matson]

Mallard, no. The headlights from that automobile are shining right down on us and we're. Mallard.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Candy, what's wrong?

[Candy Matson]

Got your flashlight with you?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Sure. Also my gun and my handcuffs. Anything else we need? A mortar, maybe?

[Candy Matson]

The lights from that car, they shone on something down there under that tree.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Oh, Candy, just for once, can't you stop digging up a mystery?

[Rembrandt Watson]

Be human.

[Candy Matson]

I am being human. Come on, Mallard. I want to see what's under that tree. We scrambled around through the brush, slipped into some sliding sand and rode the crest down to the tree. It wasn't easy to get around some of those brambles, but get there I fully intended doing because what I saw was red. Bright red.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

You. You okay, Caddy?

[Candy Matson]

Nothing that a new pair of nylons won't fix. Shoot the flashlight over this way. A bit mellow there at this. Now, do you think I'm dreaming things up?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

What is it?

[Candy Matson]

Well, I. Hold it up.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Well, looks like some kind of a costume.

[Candy Matson]

Right? And look, if those aren't blood stains, I'm a Labrador retriever.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

No, you're Candy Matson. Those are blood stains.

[Candy Matson]

How was your boy dressed when you found him?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Torn slack sweater, shoes, no socks was.

[Candy Matson]

Most likely his costume meant.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Yeah. Don't move around too much, Candy. I want to have a good look at the ground.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Hey, what are you doing down there?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Who's that? The police.

[Candy Matson]

Now get up here and don't try any tricks.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

That's all right, Officer. This is Inspector Mallard, Homicide. Oh, sorry, Inspector. That's all right. Stay right where you are. We'll be right up. This is a break. Candy. I want you to drive Me to a phone. I'll leave the officer here to guard the place. You can go home. I've got work to do here. Okay?

[Candy Matson]

Yeah, yeah, sure. For once we had dinner before you had a chance to date. Break the date. This baby was hard to reconstruct. Was the guy knocked off out there at Land's End or was he bumped off at his apartment? The killer driving way out to the beach and hiding the costume. Only time would tell. I went home, climbed into bed and logged about eight hours. Enough to give me fuel for the next day. In the morning I went down to the brownstone. The shoppers were already swarming through the place. I spotted a floor walker and strolled over to him. Pardon me, sir. I. I said pardon me, sir.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I'm very busy, young lady. Make it as brief as possible.

[Candy Matson]

You do work here, don't you?

[Narrator]

Of course.

[Candy Matson]

You are the floor walker assigned to this section.

[Rembrandt Watson]

That is correct. Come to the point, please. Of course. All the.

[Candy Matson]

Well, I've a good mind to report you.

[Rembrandt Watson]

As you wish. As I said, I'm very busy. Now, what is it you wanted to know?

[Candy Matson]

The words are like gall in my mouth now. But where do I find Jack Frost?

[Rembrandt Watson]

Right over there in the back, two aisles over.

[Candy Matson]

Thank you. Not at all very much. All the high handed characters. People like that make me steam. I was getting up a full head of dander, but it simmered out before I had a chance to boil over. Because as I rounded a corner, I saw Frosty Boy, or Rembrandt if you choose. Up on his platform with the cutest little blonde kid sitting in his lap.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Well, well, well. Look who we have here. Great big boy. Hello there, son.

[Candy Matson]

Hello, Jack Frost.

[Rembrandt Watson]

What is your name?

[Candy Matson]

Topper.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Topper. My, what a fine name. How old are you, Topper?

[Candy Matson]

Five and a half.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Five and a half. Well, you must go to school, Topper. Which one got you? That's a good school. Now tell me, what would you like to have me tell Santa Claus to bring you for Christmas, Topper?

[Candy Matson]

An electric train and a baseball bat. And I like to be in the seals for Lefty o'. Tool.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Well, I'll see what I can do to arrange that, Topper. I'll tell Santa Claus bye now.

[Candy Matson]

Goodbye and thank you and Merry Christmas. I hope you can make the boy's wish come true. O' Tool could use him.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Candy. I'm so glad you're here, though. Duck around into the back room for a moment. I've got to talk to you.

[Candy Matson]

Aren't you working, Frosty boy?

[Rembrandt Watson]

I got 10 minutes off every hour. I'll take the break now. Right around there, Candy.

[Candy Matson]

Okay, I'll see you in a moment. What's the matter, Rembrandt? Even under those icicles, you look warm under the collar.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Yeah, look at this. Every now and then, one of these muppets toddles up to me with a Christmas letter in its hand. A little redheaded girl handed me this about half an hour ago. I've been shaking ever since.

[Candy Matson]

Let me see. Dear Jack Frost, a word of the wise is sufficient. When you take your lunch hour, keep on going. Don't come back. Otherwise you'll meet the same fate as your predecessor. Just about what I expected.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Candy, you mean to say that you're deliberately using near the sacrificial lamb?

[Candy Matson]

By no means, ducky. Go ahead, take your lunch, then do as the note says. Keep on going. As a matter of fact, why don't you take off now? I'll meet you at your place in about an hour.

[Rembrandt Watson]

That's the best news I've heard since Nelson's victory at Trafalgar.

[Candy Matson]

I whipped upstairs, reported to Prentice Burke, got my first day's check and on my way out told his secretary she better get Burke some smelling salt. Then I went back down on the floor again. Sure enough, there was my boy, the floor walker. I wanted to have a few more words with him.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Oh, you again.

[Candy Matson]

If you don't mind, I was just up to see Ms. Myra Fisher. She wasn't in. Have you seen her down here?

[Rembrandt Watson]

No, and what's more, I won't see her all day. She phoned saying she was feeling ill. Most inconsiderate, I must say. During the holiday rush?

[Candy Matson]

Yes, I must say. Could you give me her address? She's a friend of mine. I've got to see her.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Address. Why, yes. Write it down here on one of my cards for you. Myra Fisher, 2-7F, Union Street.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

There.

[Candy Matson]

Thank you. You're so kind. I had all the ammunition I wanted. A check signed by Burke and a card written by the floor walker. His name was Simon Liggett. With that, I ducked into a phone booth and called Mallard.

[Prentice Burke]

I'm aside. Mallard speaking.

[Candy Matson]

Good boy. This is Candy. What did you find out at Land's End last night?

[Prentice Burke]

Couple of very juicy footprints. I give us nothing.

[Candy Matson]

Did you make any cast of them?

[Prentice Burke]

Why, sure.

[Candy Matson]

Mind if I borrow a couple of them for a few hours, Mallard?

[Prentice Burke]

Well, I don't see how it will hurt.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Sure.

[Prentice Burke]

Okay.

[Candy Matson]

Thanks, Melody. I'll be by in a moment. And I Want to borrow you too. I stopped by the hall of justice, got the cast of footprints, shoved Mallard into the car and then picked up Rembrandt. The thing was only a hunch, but my hunches have paid off, so I never ignore them. First, we went out to an address on Fifth Avenue near Clement. We got in the back door and went to work. Nothing made sense there, so we drove over to Receipt Away in the marina. Again, we got in and did some sleuthing. This time we hit the jackpot. A pair of shoes in the closet matched the cast we had brought with us. Rembrandt, go out in the kitchen and see if this place has any ketchup.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I'm not hungry, Dove. Oh, look.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

What are you up to, Candy? We've got enough to swing a case here.

[Candy Matson]

I'm working for a voluntary confession. Mallard, tell me, what was the position that Jack Frost was in when you found him dead?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

In a chair, like that one. His head slumped down on his chest.

[Candy Matson]

Good.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Here's the concert, though. When are you putting it on?

[Candy Matson]

You what? Without the burner? Relish. Ducky, sit down there, will you? Remember, now, just go limp and let your head hang down. That's it. Now for a little seasoning.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Look, Candy, you're smearing me with this sticky stuff.

[Candy Matson]

For the sake of art. Hold still. There. How does he look, Nellard?

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Why all the candy looks like the same guy. The real thing.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Good.

[Candy Matson]

Now, Rembrandt, you just sit like that. Don't move. Mallard, you duck into that closet over there and I'll hide in here. We've got a good view of the front door from both places.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Okay, okay. There are times, Candy, when I admit I admire your genius.

[Candy Matson]

Genius, Meanius. Come on, let's hide. The gold shafts of sun splashing in through the window from the ocean slowly turned pink then purple and into twilight. The minutes ticked on once. Bless you. But quiet, though, Rembrandt. You'll muss up your ketchup. Five minutes. Ten. Then we heard muffled footsteps coming down the hall and a key inserted in the lock of the apartment door. No.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Oh, no.

[Candy Matson]

It can't be.

[Rembrandt Watson]

The old fool I killed. No.

[Candy Matson]

No.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

Okay, buddy, that'll be about enough.

[Candy Matson]

Oh, no. You're getting Mallordy's ducking.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I'll get.

[Candy Matson]

Nice tackle, Mallory.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

All right, Mac, you're gonna remain peaceful, or do I have to give you a little tap?

[Candy Matson]

No, no.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I'll be quiet. You got me. I did it. I did it to both of them. I killed him. I Killed them.

[Candy Matson]

I killed both of them. Both of them?

[Myra Fisher]

Yeah.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Look behind the sofa. Sofa? The girl. Ted crossed the sofa.

[Candy Matson]

Wait a minute, Mallard.

[Rembrandt Watson]

I had to do it.

[Candy Matson]

Mallard.

[Inspector Ray Mallard]

More trouble.

[Rembrandt Watson]

Candy?

[Candy Matson]

Yes. An old friend of mine, the late Myra Fisher. The whole thing was jealousy. Not the jealousy of a man for a woman, but the jealousy of a man for a job. Simon Leggett had been with the Brownstone for almost 20 years. He'd worked himself up from the stock boy to a place where he'd been promised the job of head of Advertising and Promotion. He almost got it, except at the last moment Prentice Burke gave the position to Myra Fisher. That had only been two weeks before. He knew that Myra was on a probationary term. So he did everything he could to underminer little things like changing ad copy, sending out false stories to newspapers. He figured that if he could keep the store without a Santa Claus helper, he. He'd break Myra's back and get the job by the first of the year. He paid a visit to the first Jack Frost and tried to bribe him into quitting, but the guy would have none of it. It was a struggle. Leggett lost his head and whipped out a gun and shot him. He was still in his costume, so Leggett stripped him, put some old clothes on him, drove out to Lands End and ditched his costume. Then he felt sure there would be no Jack Frost the next day. But that's when Myra met me and I talked Rembrandt into taking over. By this time, Leggett was in a frenzy and would stop at nothing. He trailed Myra and Burke to Myra's home, killed her, took her body over to his place and ditched it behind the sofa. The next morning, he wrote a note to Rembrandt and gave it to one of the little girls waiting in line to see him. Fear and envy were taking their toll on the poor guy's mind. I wanted to compare the handwriting, so I had Burke write me a check and Leggett write Myers address on a card. Also, we had the footprint cast between the two. Everything pointed toward Leggett. That's when I staged my little parlor charade with Rembrandt playing the part of a corpse. The site with Rembrandt's resemblance to the dead Jack Frost would shatter anybody into a confession. But Christmas, in spite of everything, is a lovely time of year. And there is a Santa Claus. Three of them for me, as a matter of fact, Mr. Prentice Burke, who sent me a very nice check for my efforts. Rembrandt Watson, who, out of sheer love for the job, went back to playing Jack Frost for all the kids at the brownstone. And last but not least, Inspector Ray Mallard. He gave me a Christmas sock right on my mouth. Just where any well placed Christmas socks should go.

[Narrator]

Listen again next week at this same time. For excitement and adventure, just dial Candy Matson.

[Candy Matson]

And a merry Christmas to you all. Yukon 28209.

[Narrator]

Heard tonight were Helen Kleeb as Myra Fisher, Lou Tobin as Prentice Burke and John Grover as Simon Liggett. Jack Thomas plays the role of Rembrandt Watson and Henry, left, is heard as Inspector Mallard. The program stars Natalie Masters as Candy and is written and produced by Monte Masters. Sound effects were created by Bill Brownell and Jay Rendon. Eloise Rowan is heard at the organ. The characters in tonight's story are entirely fictitious, with the exception of the part of Topper, which was played by himself. Any resemblance to actual people is purely coincidental. The program came to you from San Francisco. Dudley Manlove speaking. You are tuned for the stars on NBC.