Case Closed! Episode Summary: "Candy Matson and The Crime Club"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Description: Crime stories from the golden age. Old Time Radio is filled with cops, robbers, and private investigators... Let's reopen the cases and hear these great stories again!
• Episode: Candy Matson and The Crime Club
• Release Date: April 23, 2025

1. Introduction

"Case Closed!" delves into thrilling crime stories from the golden age of radio, resurrecting classic mysteries filled with intrigue and suspense. In this episode, listeners are treated to two gripping tales: "Valley of the Moon" featuring the savvy detective Candy Matson, and "Murder on Margin", a riveting Crime Club mystery. Hosted by RelicRadio.com, the episode promises an hour of captivating detective work, clever plot twists, and memorable characters.

2. Candy Matson and "Valley of the Moon"

Main Characters:

• Candy Matson: A resourceful girl detective from San Francisco.
• Rembrandt Watson: Candy's old friend, a photographer with a murky past.
• Inspector Ray Mallard: A sharp-minded inspector from San Francisco Homicide.
• Mr. Lawrence: Owner of the Double L Dude Ranch.
• Jeff: The ranch’s bartender and singer.
• The Duchess: A mysterious and affluent guest at the ranch.

Plot Overview: Candy Matson, weary from the holiday season and seeking respite, decides to spend New Year's Eve at the Double L Dude Ranch in the serene Valley of the Moon. She convinces her friend, Rembrandt Watson, to join her on this getaway. Upon arrival, Candy reunites with Inspector Ray Mallard, who seems to carry his own hidden agendas.

As Candy settles into ranch life, she observes suspicious activities surrounding the ranch owner, Mr. Lawrence, and his interactions with other guests, notably the enigmatic Duchess. Her detective instincts are piqued when she notices odd boot prints near a creek and a stolen 10-gallon hat marked with initials J.F. Further investigations reveal that the Duchess and Jeff conspired to murder Mr. Lawrence's neighbor, Mr. Ferguson, to manipulate property deals with a wine company.

Key Events:

• [02:14] Rembrandt Watson asks Candy to drive him to the ranch, revealing financial strains affecting his commission.
• [07:03] Candy spots a headline: "Man Missing in Sonoma Mystery," hinting at underlying tensions.
• [09:35] Introduction of Jeff and the Duchess, who display unusual behavior, raising Candy's suspicions.
• [17:24] A confrontation with Mr. Lawrence leads to his disappearance, intensifying the mystery.
• [25:15] Candy uncovers the plot orchestrated by the Duchess and Jeff to eliminate Mr. Ferguson.
• [26:58] The Duchess is found dead from poisoning, with evidence pointing towards Jeff's involvement.
• [27:36] The truth is unveiled as Candy exposes the conspiracy, ensuring justice is served.

Notable Quotes:

• Candy Matson [02:14]: "Set up the spectacular and say hi. Noon."
• Rembrandt Watson [03:25]: "Holy smokes, Miss Matson, Detective Extraordinaire."
• Candy Matson [07:13]: "Man Missing in Sonoma Mystery, and Sonoma can have it."
• Candy Matson [26:25]: "Alcohol. Yes. It's not only lifting to begin with, but also acts as a depressing agent."

3. Crime Club and "Murder on Margin"

Main Characters:

• Lieutenant Riley: A diligent police officer investigating the case.
• Pat Barton: A private detective assisting in the investigation.
• Joan Randall: A manicurist with connections to the victim.
• Carl Hamill: A stockbroker implicated in the case.
• Ruth Carson: The victim’s wife.

Plot Overview: "Murder on Margin" centers around the mysterious death of Larry Carson, a prominent stockbroker. The story unfolds in a shabby Manhattan hotel where Carson is found strangled outside his office. Detectives Lieutenant Riley and Pat Barton delve into the investigation, uncovering a web of deceit involving business deals and personal vendettas.

Joan Randall, a manicurist who had interactions with Carson, becomes a key suspect due to her proximity to the crime scene and her financial entanglements. As the investigation progresses, evidence points towards fraudulent stock manipulation and embezzlement, leading to Carson's murder. The detectives meticulously piece together the clues, ultimately revealing the true perpetrator behind the facade.

Key Events:

• [31:10] Introduction of Joan Randall and her connection to Larry Carson.
• [34:03] Tensions escalate as Joan threatens to expose financial misconduct unless forced into a divorce.
• [40:39] Discovery of Joan in a plot closet, raising suspicions about her involvement.
• [48:07] Joan confesses her true motives, revealing her innocence and highlighting the real culprit.
• [49:22] Pat Barton connects the significance of Carson's polished shoes to identify the killer.
• [50:00] The true murderer, imitating a shoeshine assistant, is apprehended, closing the case.

Notable Quotes:

• Joan Randall [34:12]: "I want to warn you, Larry, don't do it."
• Candy Matson [47:10]: "I did something terribly foolish. I went to Larry's office this morning."
• Pat Barton [49:22]: "Larry Carson Shoes. Yes. Now, there's just one thing we ought to check."

4. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Candy Matson [01:26]: "Like the man just said, this is the start of mystery."
• Rembrandt Watson [03:25]: "Well, Candy, my little cupcake."
• Candy Matson [07:24]: "Man Missing in Sonoma Mystery and Sonoma can have it."
• Inspector Ray Mallard [17:12]: "It's like being on board ship, Miss Matson. The captain is the law."
• Candy Matson [26:58]: "Like Jeff said, he went quietly. Too bad he wasn't content to be just a ranch hand, simple and unspoiled."
• Joan Randall [34:22]: "I want to warn you, Larry, don't do it."
• Pat Barton [49:22]: "Larry Carson Shoes. Yes. Now, there's just one thing we ought to check."

5. Conclusion

This episode of "Case Closed!" masterfully intertwines two distinct yet equally engaging mysteries. "Valley of the Moon" showcases Candy Matson's sharp detective skills as she unravels a plot of greed and betrayal at a secluded ranch. Simultaneously, "Murder on Margin" presents a classic whodunit scenario, highlighting the intricacies of financial crimes and personal vendettas. Through vivid storytelling, memorable characters, and clever plot twists, this episode captivates listeners, offering a nostalgic yet refreshing dive into the world of old-time radio crime dramas.

Credits:

• Candy Matson Story:

  • Voices: Natalie Masters (Candy), Henry [Last Name], Jack Thomas (Rembrandt)
  • Writer/Producer: Monty Masters
  • Sound Effects: Bill Brownell and Jay Rendon

• Murder on Margin Story:

  • Radio Adaptation: James Earthine
  • Produced by: Roger Bauer
  • Directed by: Jock McGregor
  • Cast:
    • Jack McBride as Lieutenant Riley
    • Julie Stevens as Joan
    • Kellen Shields as Ruth Carson
    • Danny Ako as Sasha
    • Ray Thompson as Pat
    • Joe Desantis as Nick
    • Sherling Oliver as Carl Hamill

Note: All characters are entirely fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons is purely coincidental.

Listen Again: Explore more captivating old-time radio stories like "Candy Matson and The Crime Club" and "Murder on Margin" at RelicRadio.com. Dive into the rich history of radio dramas, support the creators, and enjoy endless hours of vintage mystery and adventure.