Podcast Summary: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio) Episode: Casebook Of Gregory Hood and Pursuit
Release Date: May 28, 2025
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Case Closed!, hosted by RelicRadio.com, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio with two enthralling crime stories: Casebook of Gregory Hood and Pursuit. These narratives, rich with intrigue and suspense, delve into the complexities of human motives and the relentless pursuit of justice. This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions of both stories, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

Casebook of Gregory Hood

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in post-war San Francisco, where Gregory Hood and his friend Sanderson Taylor, affectionately known as Sandy, navigate both personal and professional challenges. Gregory, an amateur detective, is passionate about solving mysteries, while Sandy is more grounded, operating a newly established retail store.

The First Murder

On a seemingly ordinary night, Gregory and Sandy encounter a crowd outside a jewelry store where a murder has just occurred. Sergeant Barton briefs them on the situation:

Sergeant Barton [04:06]: "Smell out a murder, Mr. Hood."

Gregory's curiosity is piqued, and despite Sergeant Barton's warnings to stay out of it, he becomes deeply involved in the investigation.

Developing Clues

Gregory discovers various clues left at the crime scenes:

1. Plain Linen Handkerchief with Initial 'C'

   Sergeant Barton [10:24]: "Merely narrows it down to all the people in San Francisco whose first, last or middle name begins with a C."

2. Earpiece of a Stethoscope

   Sergeant Barton [10:24]: "Police surgeon tells us it's an earpiece of a stethoscope."

3. A Strange Piece of Metal

   Sergeant Barton [10:24]: "It's not unlike a meat skewer."

Despite these clues, the case remains unsolved until Gregory meets Joe Jackson, a book editor, who helps him piece together the puzzle.

The Culmination

Gregory targets Dr. Christopher Partington, whose initials match the clues. Through meticulous investigation, he uncovers that Dr. Partington is, in fact, Nora Wales—a chambermaid with a troubled past. Nora reveals a tragic history tied to Edward Tilton, who had wronged her family years ago.

Nora Wales [54:26]: "I was afraid he wouldn't jump... I put cockroach powder in his water to stop him from killing himself."

Ultimately, Nora Wales is arrested, bringing closure to the series of murders that plagued San Francisco. The story highlights themes of guilt, revenge, and the psychological scars left by past actions.

Pursuit

Introduction to the Case

Pursuit shifts the focus to Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard, renowned for his tenacity and expertise in tracking elusive criminals. The narrative centers around Edward Tilton, a man presumed dead in World War II but whose presence resurfaces in a series of mysterious events.

Edward Tilton's Apparent Suicide

Edward Tilton is found on the ledge of a seven-story hotel window, seemingly having committed suicide. However, discrepancies in the case suggest foul play:

Inspector Black [32:15]: "I won't let him see me. It was 10 o' clock that night when I received a call at my flat."

Unraveling the Mystery

As Inspector Black delves deeper, he discovers that Edward Tilton's death was not a suicide but a carefully orchestrated murder involving poison. Further investigation reveals Edward's troubled past, including a violent incident where he killed a man named David Wales during his time in a tavern.

Confrontation and Resolution

The investigation leads Inspector Black to Nora Wales, who confesses to poisoning Edward Tilton out of fear and unresolved anger tied to his past actions.

Nora Wales [54:26]: "I was afraid he wouldn't jump... I put cockroach powder in his water to stop him from killing himself."

With Nora's confession, Inspector Black successfully concludes the case, demonstrating the relentless pursuit of truth and justice.

Notable Quotes

• Gregory Hood [00:00]: "This is Case Closed. One hour of mystery and crime from the golden age of radio every Wednesday."

• Harry Bartel [00:23]: "The best beginning a good meal ever had is a glass of Petri California sherry."

• Gregory Hood [25:29]: "I've known of women who privately smoked pipes too. That was another clue you gave me."

• Nora Wales [54:26]: "I put cockroach powder in his water to stop him from killing himself."

• Inspector Black [35:14]: "You can't do that."

• Gregory Hood [52:01]: "I'm a salesman. I'm supposed to be in Hull tomorrow. I've already missed my train."

Insights and Themes

Both stories within this episode explore the intricacies of human psychology and the lengths individuals will go to resolve past grievances. Casebook of Gregory Hood delves into the ripple effects of unresolved guilt and the pursuit of personal justice, while Pursuit highlights the meticulous nature of law enforcement in uncovering the truth behind deceptive appearances.

The narratives emphasize the following themes:

• Redemption and Justice: Characters seek to rectify past wrongs, often at great personal cost.

• Psychological Complexity: The stories portray the deep-seated motivations that drive individuals to commit crimes.

• Relentless Pursuit of Truth: Both Gregory Hood and Inspector Peter Black exemplify dedication in uncovering the truth, regardless of the obstacles.

Conclusion

This episode of Case Closed! masterfully blends suspenseful storytelling with deep psychological insights, offering listeners a compelling journey through two distinct yet thematically connected crime stories. Gregory Hood and Inspector Peter Black stand as testaments to the enduring appeal of classic detective tales, where wit, perseverance, and a keen eye for detail lead to the unraveling of complex mysteries.

For enthusiasts of old-time radio and classic crime dramas, this episode delivers an engaging and thought-provoking experience, inviting both nostalgia and admiration for the timeless art of storytelling.

Credits:
Case Closed! is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher, with original music composed by Dean Fossler. The episode features performances by Gail Gordon as Gregory Hood, Howard McNear as Sanderson Taylor, John Dana as Inspector Peter Black, Raymond Lawrence as Sergeant Mother, and a talented supporting cast including Eileen Erskine, Harold Hughes, Jack Edwards, Byron Cain, Herb Butterfield, and William Johnstone. Produced and directed by Elliot Lewis, with additional writing by Gil Dowd and Anthony Ellis.

Stay Tuned:
Join us next Wednesday for another thrilling hour of Case Closed!, where new mysteries await to be solved. Visit RelicRadio.com for more old-time radio shows and to support the production of these timeless stories.