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Case Closed! (old time radio)
Casebook Of Gregory Hood and Pursuit
This week on Case Closed, The Casebook Of Gregory Hood brings us his story from July 29, 1946, The Forgetful Murderer to start things off. (29:52) This episode concludes with The Pursuit Of The Man Who Couldn't Go Home, the July 1, 1950, story from Pursuit. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/CaseClosed950.mp3 Download CaseClosed950 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support Case Closed Your donation [...]
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- [00:00]
Gregory Hood
This is Case Closed. One hour of mystery and crime from the golden age of radio every Wednesday@ Relicradio.com our first story comes from the.
- [00:09]
Harry Bartel
Casebook of Gregory Hood.
- [00:11]
Gregory Hood
We'll hear the forgetful murderer from July 29, 1946. After that it's Pursuit in pursuit of the man who Couldn't Go Home. That story aired July 1, 1950.
- [00:24]
Harry Bartel
That's Rewind brings you the Tastebook of Gregory Hood. Tonight, the Petri to bring you good wine. Invite you to listen to the story of the Forgetful Murderer. Another exciting story from the Casebook of Gregory Hood. And if you don't mind, I'd like to repeat something I've said before. It's simply this. The best beginning a good meal ever had is a glass of Petri California sherry. Try serving for dinner and you'll know what I mean. That Petri sherry is a marvelous wine. Just look at its deep amber color, so rich and inviting. And as for the wine itself, what a flavor. Petri sherry has a flavor you know. Comes right from the heart of luscious sun ripened California grapes. And say if you like your sherry dry, like I do know, not sweet. Petri makes a delicious dry sherry. Petri pale dry. If you don't know which you prefer, the regular or the pale dry, don't buy one, buy two. Try them both. But remember, always buy Petri. Well, it's Monday night in San Francisco and it's time to keep our weekly date with Gregory Hood and his friend Sanderson Taylor. Tonight's rendezvous is at one of this city's favorite and most colorful meeting places. The top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Let's join them there, shall we? Harry Bartel, how are you? Evening, Mr. Taylor. Hello, Greg. Hello, Harry. Come and sit down. You're just in time to settle a few fierce argument. Argument, huh? Company policy or private opinion? The latter. Brigger and I have been arguing as to what is the plural of mongoose. I say it's mongooses and his vote has gone for mongoose. Now, what's your bet, Harry? Well, I think I'd go for mongooses too, Greg. Ah, you're outvoted, Sandy. Punk and Wagnalls who hear of this now? You must be an obstinate old mongoose. How did you get onto the subject anyway? Oh, it came up quite logically. A little earlier on, Sandy and I were shooting craps at the apartment. He threw three double aces in a row. Double A's is better known as snake eyes. From there we began to Discuss snakes and the ways of killing them. And that was when Sandy made his fatal remark about monkeys. You call that logical? You find, Harry, that Greg's logic is always a little involved. Well, I'll forgive that if he'll keep up his record of good storytelling. How's about tonight yarn, Greg? Well, Harry, I think I should preface the story by telling you that last year I decided to open a small but select retail store. And I may tell you, Harrod, that it took all of Gregg's wiles and personal contact. The wangle, the riffle. Yes, we finally secured a location on Post street near the St. Francis Hotel. On the night my story begins, Sandy and I were at the new place talking over the final plans with our manager. He sat there quite late, I remember, and it must have been after 10 as we left the store and walked down Post towards where my car was parked. As we reached it, we noticed quite a crowd gathered outside a jewelry store. Naturally, we walked over to see what had caused. Well, hello. What's the excitement, you suppose, Greg? It looks as if someone's giving away nylons on the sidewalk. Let's go and snoop. Well, there must be trouble, Greg. The police are here. Yes, and prominent among them is Sergeant Barton. Hello, sergeant.
- [04:06]
Gregory Hood
Oh, evening, Mr.
- [04:08]
Harry Bartel
Hood. I might move back there, please. Out of the way. You got to keep this clear. Doesn't take you long. Smell out a murder, Mr. Hood. A murder? It's purely a coincidence that we happen to be passing, Sergeant. What happened? Star broken into? Jewelry stolen? Night watchman stabbed to death? Nabbed the killer? No, he was too fast for us. Made a clean getaway, Mr. Hood. Oh, can I come in and take a gander? Oh, Greg, keep out of it. Let your curiosity alone for once. I'm afraid I've got strict instructions, Mr. Hood. If you call headquarters, I'm sure they'll authorize a paraso. No, no, Sergeant, I won't bother. By the way, how's your wife? All over the operation? Doing fin. Thank you, Mr. Hud. Good. Well, so long, sergeant. Night, Mr. Hud. Out of the way. Wonders one ever sees, Greg. We're actually walking away from the scene of a murder. Purely commercial robbery. Murders like that aren't in my lines, Andy. In any case, I'm not in the mood for violence tonight. Let's go over to the Lick Grill and rattle a few dice.
- [05:07]
Gregory Hood
No, not me.
- [05:09]
Harry Bartel
I'm going to hie me home to Mary and the children. You're a very worthy citizen, Sandy. Now, here's my car. Can I drop you at the bridge terminal. No, thanks. It's near. I'll walk. Good night, Greg. See you in the morning, Sandy. Give my love to Mary. I will. Hello? Hello. Did you get into the wrong car? I don't think so. You're Gregory Hood, aren't you? Yes, that's what it said on the license card card on the steering post. Who are you? Toffee. That's my nickname. Jump in and tell me where we're going, Gregory. Listen. You're sure you said Toffee? I did. Then listen, Toffee. I'm the kind of a guy who's more than willing to string along with the gag. But before I say where we're going, I'd like you to do one thing for me. What's that? Please switch on the overhead light inside the car. You want to make certain I'm not too repulsive, I suppose. Claire. What's the verdict, Gregory? Move over, Toppy. We're going just wherever you say. Sergeant Barton. Yes, Lieutenant Silvers. Anything from the lab reports on the jewelry store killing? Not a thing, Lieutenant. Never saw a cleaner job. Looks like we've got nothing at all to go on. Yeah, nothing. But this was found at the scene of the murder. What is it, Lieutenant? Your guess is as good as mine. Looks like just a hunk of metal to me. The owner swears it doesn't belong in the shop, so we must assume the killer dropped it. Can I look at it, Lieutenant? Ah, sure you can. Yeah. Thanks. Piece of metal about 6 inches long, thicker than a wire. Not much sharp at one end, no ring at the other. Could it be a meat skewer, Lieutenant? Don't ask me, Sergeant. Three days since the killing now, and after exhaustive tests, all I've been able to find out is that the murderer dropped the whatsit. Maybe I should ask Greg Hood to come in on this one. He was on the scene a few minutes after the murder was discovered. Lieutenant. Take it, will you, sir? Police headquarters, Homicide. Sergeant Martin speaking. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You know what, Lieutenant? No, I don't. If I'd been on my toes, I guess I should have deduced from your conversation, but I didn't quite make it. What's happened? There's been another robbery killing. Sounds like the same guy down on Market. Well, let's get moving. And keep your fingers crossed, Sergeant. Perhaps he's left another clue for us this time, a clue that we'll be able to pick up. Well, Sandy, the display stuff is ready. The carpenters are finished. The interior decorator has finally okayed the hang of the last grape. I think our store can open tomorrow on schedule. I'm very proud of it. The Cruden Company has to go into the retail market. It couldn't have a better showcase. Yes, as my eye roams over our newest domain, I feel quite happy. By the way, Sandy, look at that watercolor of James Cooper Wright hanging over there. Yes, the guy's a very great painter. Have you ever seen such a subtle and yet more exciting blend of color? Oh, I'm crazy about it. I've been ever since I first saw it. You know, I'm planning to buy Mary a Jimmy Wright original for her birthday. Ah, you're a man of taste, Sandy. If only you were worthy of Mary. Well, since we're talking of what is technically known as the gentler sex, may I ask you if you've seen any more of that girl you told me you met the other night? What was her name? Taffy? No, no, Sandy. Her name was Toffee. Oh. Well, okay. I don't want to be an old snooper, but I am curious. Have you seen her yet? No, Sandy. It's one of the darndest things that's happened to me yet. She just showed up out of nowhere. We had one of the most delightful evenings I've ever spent. And then she vanished. Insisted I drop her at the cab stand, if you please. Well, didn't you trail the cab? Nobody got away from me. You realize, Sandy, that I don't even know her name. You're a slipping drag. Yes, how can that be? Door doesn't open until tomorrow. Well, I'm sure Gino Carducci. Oh, you mean our night watchman from the West? Yes, yes, I thought it would be a break for him to move in a little nearer to the center of things. Ah. Hello, gino. Good evening, Mr. Horn. And how are you, Mr. Taylor? Hello, Gino. Come to look over your new empire? Ah, that's all right, Mr. Taylor. A fine place you have here. A fine place. You think you like being night watchman here, Gino? I thought it'd be a nice change for you after the warehouse. Gino is a very happy Mr. Moose. All my life I. I have wanted to be in a fashionable part of the city. And now. You just wait until I tell my Maria. Excuse me, please. I will examine this. Yes, make yourself at home, Gino. Someone else at the door. You really have built a better mousetrap, haven't we? Oh, Lieutenant Silver probably wants a preview of the store. Hi, Grant. Hello, Stan.
- [10:23]
Gregory Hood
Good to see you.
- [10:24]
Harry Bartel
Well, what do you think of our new place? Very nice. Evening, Mr. Payment. Hello, Lieutenant. You look worried, Stan. What's on your mind? This series of robbery killings. Greg is getting me down. No kidding. Three of them now and we haven't got a decent lead. You sure it's the same killer? Certain pattern in each case is exactly the same. And that pattern is? Store is broken into, stuff is stolen, night watchman gets slugged. While he's unconscious, his dirty rat stabs him to death. That's a medical examiner's report. Strange. Your average thief doesn't kill unless he has to. Sounds like a twisted kind of mind. It was. And here's another thing. At the scene of each of the killings, the murderers drop something. Look, I brought you the collection. See if you can make anything else. Item one, plain linen handkerchief, initial with a C. No laundry. Mine. Well, that's a great help. Merely narrows it down to all the people in San Francisco whose first, last or middle name begins with a C. I know, I know. Well, at least that puts Greg and me in the clear. What's the item number two? Well, it's a hard shaped piece of rubber. Looks like an earpiece of some kind. That is. Police surgeon tells us it's an earpiece off a stethoscope. Ah, the mad doctor, eh? Well, that should give you a lead. Well, it hasn't. Greg, have you any idea how many doctors there are in San Francisco whose initials have a C in them somewhere? Well, I can imagine. And the third exhibit, this funny looking piece of metal. They found it at the scene of the first killing. Hmm. It's not unlike a meat skewer. No, no, it's not that, Sandy. Rings a kind of a bell, but I can't quite hear it. Well, then hang on to it, Greg, until you do hear it, will you? I'd certainly appreciate it if you could help me out on this one. I'm going crazy. Okay, Stan, I'll take it and brood on the matter. You can have it back for exhibit A. But I'll see if I get any bright ideas in the meantime. But don't pin too much faith on me. This really isn't my type of case. Kids. Hello, Gregory. Puffy. You ought to lock your car. You know. I always used to. Until that night I forgot. Now I leave it open, hoping I find you here again. Over. Darling, where are we going? I think a bite of supper at the palace is indicated. The lights are so discreet. They're admirably suited to your mystery and your beauty. My, but you're in great form tonight, Gregory. And after that? After that, darling, we might take a drive up to Twin Peaks. The view from there is quite lovely. I doubt if you've ever seen it, Gregory, but. And come on, let's go. Oh, you were actually truthful, Gregory. The view is beautiful. You're right, Tati. It's quite beautiful. You aren't even looking. Oh, yes, I am. My old father used to say that even the Taj Mahal in the moonlight didn't compare with the sparkle in a beautiful girl's eyes. I wish I'd met your old father. So does he. In the meanwhile, how's about his son? He's not bad, darling. Oh. Oh. What's wrong? Copy? What have you got in your pocket? The razor blade pricked me. Oh, it must be this gimmick. See? A fine thing, sir, carrying concealed weapons. This isn't a weapon, my sweet. It's the vital clue to a murder case. The only trouble is no one knows what it is. I bet I know what it is. What? It's a thing for cleaning pipes. Oh, no, no, darling. The gadget you're thinking of has a much shorter spike. And it's got little spoons for screws, scooping out the tobacco and all sorts of other doodads on it. My father used to use one just like this. He had it specially made. It was for cleaning out the. The. Oh, you know, the middle part of the pipe. You mean the shank? Say, you may be right at that. You're a bright girl, Toffee. You may have helped to solve a murder. There's going to be another murder very soon, Gregory, if you're not careful. Me? What have I done? You talk too much. Hi, Stan. Hello, Gregory. What brings you over to police headquarters? You get any brain waves in that steel gimmick I gave you? Yes, Stan. I went out with a beautiful girl last night and she gave me an idea. Nothing very surprising about that. Don't be cough, Stan. I'm talking about the metal object found at the first murder. This gal suggested it might be a rather special kind of pipe tool. I checked on it this morning and learned two interesting facts. The gimmick was made of surgical steel and there were traces of nicotine on it. So we narrow it down still further. Sam, you're looking for a doctor who has a C in his initials. And he's also a pipe smoker. IS or PC you can take your choice. Right. Not another murder. Sam, last night you left a silver lighter at the scene of the crime. I'll let Sam, you look powdered. Come on out and have a drink. Forget it for a while. How can I forget it? Look, Greg, you're an amateur. Sometimes you get a bright idea and solve a murder. Swell. And the safety and lives of a city don't depend on it. But it's different with me. Men are dying, Greg. Four men in the last two weeks. And the Lord alone knows where the killer's going to strike next. Or when. And what can I do? Nothing. Except I'm aside. Silver speaking. Yeah, Button. What? Yeah, okay, Button, I'll be right over. Not another Sam. Yes, last night, maybe early this morning and. Hold on, Greg, it was your new store.
- [16:42]
Gregory Hood
What?
- [16:43]
Harry Bartel
They murdered your night watchman. You'll hear the rest of Gregory Hood's story in just a sec. Just time for me to tell you the simplest, easiest way I know to make a good meal taste better. Serve that meal with a glass of good Petri wine. You're having hamburgers or as well pot roast for dinner. Then you've just got to try it with Petri California Burgundy. That Petri Burgundy is a hearty red wine that's just made to go with any meat or meat dish. Personally, I think it's great. Now, if you're having chicken for dinner or maybe fish or seafood, then by all means try a Petri California Sauterne. Petri Sauternes is a subtle, intriguing white wine. That's really something. Believe me, when you want a good wine, you can't miss with a Petri wine. Well, Greg, this one's really got me on the edge of my chair. So the murderer struck for a fifth time when he killed your night wife? Yes, Harry. Poor old Gino Carducci. He was one of my favorite people and I was fighting mad when I heard the news. I called Sandy and told him to join me at the store. And then Lieutenant Silvers and I raced over to the scene. As the three of us stood there, I swore a silent vow that this was to be the last. But I do, Sandy. While I was out having a romantic adventure with a mysterious girl last night, poor old Gino was killed protecting my property. I don't see that you could have done anything to save him, Greg. The murderer didn't write a postcard and say he was going to be here last night. I know, I know. Your men have searched the place thoroughly, I suppose. Yeah. Now I've got him on a routine job that may lead us somewhere. What's that mistake? Checking on a list of every medico in San Francisco who may have the Initial CP Or PC did the forgetful murderer leave us any clue this time? Yeah. These few pages gone from a novel. Sergeant Barton said they were lying beside the body, but they're not much help. No fingerprints on them. Let me see them. Yeah, yeah, see what you make of them. Well, meanwhile, I'm going back to headquarters. I'll be in touch with you later. Okay, Stan. Okay. What do you make of the pages, Sandy? Well, I seem to be torn from one of those novels about the gallant young doctor. Can't say I feel too kind of disposed toward doctors at the moment. Let me see those pages. Wait a minute. You were wrong, Sandy. These pages weren't torn from a novel. They're loose sheets. They've never been bound. What does that tell you? I think it tells us where to look for Dr. P.C. or C.P. who you calling? Joseph Henry Jackson, book editor on the Chronicle. I think he can help us. Chronicle Joe Jackson. I hope you're on the right trail. So do I. Hello, Joe, this is Greg Hood.
- [19:22]
Gregory Hood
Hello, Greg.
- [19:22]
Harry Bartel
Listen, Joe, I'm in a jam. I need some help. Oh, now look, Greg, I'm a respectable married man. No, no, no, no, not that kind of a jam. I need your professional help. That's different. What's the problem? Am I right in thinking that sometimes book reviewers like yourself are sent unbound pages on a book? Yes, they do that occasionally when the regular copies won't be out far enough ahead. Personally, I wish publishers would do it more often. I see. Another question, Joe. Do you have a reviewer who covers medical books? Someone whose initials might be CT or PC oh, we have so many part time reviewers.
- [19:55]
Gregory Hood
Let me see.
- [19:57]
Harry Bartel
Yes, Greg, there's a Dr. Christopher Partington. Have you ever met him, Joe? No, he's never been in here. We send stuff out to him and he mails a copy back. Just a minute, I'll check the address. What is all this anyway? Well, Joe, you're well known as an authority on factual murder, aren't you? True murder is a hobby of mine.
- [20:17]
Gregory Hood
Why?
- [20:17]
Harry Bartel
Well, Joe, don't look now, but I think you're just about to solve a murder. Well, Sandy, this is the house of Dr. Christopher Parting. Yes, and very nice too. You know, it's pleasant out here in the marina. Here, aren't you gonna ring the bell? Not since the door is unlatched. Surprise is always an advantage when you're dealing with a murderer. You really think he's your man? The evidence would point that way. Come on, Sammy, keep your eye sharpened. This guy probably knows all the answers. I Don't like open door. This might be a trap. We'll soon see. You should have called Lieutenant Sil. No, no, Sandy. Since poor Gino got killed, this is a private battle. Here's the living room. It's empty. So recently occupied by a pipe smoker. You notice? I don't see any pipes lying there. Look at that ashtray. Lots of ashes and burned matches. But no cigarettes. Who is in this? Oh, hello, Gregory. Coffee? What on earth are you doing here? I'll tell you that when you tell me how you tracked me here. Well, I have my method. By the way. Toffee. Let me introduce my friend, Sanderson Taylor. How do you do, Mr. Taylor? Well, how do you do, Mr. Since your friend has tracked me here, he really should be able to tell you my name while he's thinking about it. I'll go and get you both a drink. You look as though you could use one quick handed. Scram. Get the number on that phone, slip out of the house and go to the nearest public phone and call here. Ask for Dr. Christopher Pottinger. Why? Get it? That'll smoke him out without your having to mention. That's a good idea. Gr. And then I'll come. Right? I hope, Ms. Gary, will that be? Where did your friend go? Out for cigarettes. We wanted some. I didn't notice any here. I'm a shocking hostess, aren't I? You like some cere? I'd love a glass. Coffee? Yes. Do you live here with Dr. Partington? Yes. Here's your Sharon. Thank you. Toffee. Have you been reading about these night watchman murders in San Francisco? Yes, Gregory. I've been devouring the newspaper reports. Why? They're most unusual murders. The killer always leaves a clue. Now, these clues might be deliberately false ones, but I think not. I think it's a phenomenon a psychiatrist might enjoy. A murderer subconsciously compelled to betray himself. You know, Toffee, they say that absentmindedness is never accidental. It's always the result of subconscious desires. Do they gradually. Darling, you're being dreadfully serious. I feel dreadfully serious. You see, an old friend of mine was murdered last night. Excuse me. Hello? Yes, Sticky, who's this? Funny, you hung up. Oh, well, he asked for Dr. Christopher Partington, didn't he? Did he? And you are Dr. Christopher Partington, aren't you? Toffee. Not a common name for a girl, but I've heard of a few others. I've heard of Christopher Partington's parents. So that your nickname of Toffee was another clue, wasn't it, Gregory, darling, I'm afraid I'm losing my illusion for you. But go on. It's fascinating. I've known of women who privately smoked pipes too. That was another clue you gave me. And women doctors are commonplace these days. The subconscious is beautifully tricky, isn't it, Toffee? Even while seeking to betray you, it left a series of clues pointing to pipe smoking, Dr. Partington. All misleading factors not to be associated with a beautiful girl nicknamed Kathy. You're very silent, Dr. Partington. I told her not to, Grace. I kept telling her not to kill those people, but she wouldn't listen to me. She was a surgeon, you know, and she loved to use a knife. When it was so easy for her to fool a night watch me. She went right on killing me. So I had to try to betray her. That's why I waited in your car that first night. I thought I might be able to help you get. Huh? Who? Cassie Peters. He's bad. Very bad. She kills people. Cassie Peters. C.P. holy smoke. Don't tell me I figured this out all wrong. After all, where is she, this. This Cassie Peters?
- [25:30]
Nora Wales
Here.
- [25:32]
Harry Bartel
Here. And me inside of me. We use the same body we built. I hate her. I did so want you to catch her, Grace. It's all right, Toffy dear. I've caught her. Then lock her up, Grace, please. Lock her up. Promise you won't let her do those things anymore. You won't, will you, griggily? Don't worry, Taffy. We won't let Cassie Peters kill people. Not anymore. Ever. Greg, I swear. This is a story strangest case you've ever told me. And the saddest. Five innocent men, including my old friend Gino, murdered in cold blood. And yet you can't hold that girl morally responsible. She never went to prison, of course. No, Harry. She was obviously an insane schizophrenic. A 1946 Jekyll and Hyde. She wound up in a state institution. It was just a psychological misfit. Darn it, Harry. It was a miserable case. You know, Greg, there are times when I'd sure hate to be in your shoes. Yes, Harry. It wasn't easy to take. But as my old father would say, when you cry over a woman, there's always another woman ready to wipe away the tears. Now, you can't dismiss it that easily, Greg. When you fall, I know that you fall, but good. Yes, Harry. You and I were the kind of fellows who decide they like something and well, that's that. That's right. I'll never forget the night I. Oh, but you don't want to hear about it. But I do. The night you what? The first night I. You sure? Of course. The first night I tasted Petri wine, I said, that's the wine for me. And it sure is. I should have known. Yep. Petri wine is the wine for everybody. Because it's good wine. It's got to be. Look at the long years of skill and experience that go into its making. The Petri family has been making wine for generations. Winemaking is their heritage. A heritage handed on down from father to son. From father to son. So you can see why the Petri business has grown and grown so that today the Petri family are America's largest independent winemakers. Yes, the making of Petri wine is a family affair. And the Petri family has every intention of keeping it just that. So you know, the name Petri on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark. It's the personal assurance of the Petri family that Petri wine is and always will be good wine. Well, Gregory, what story from your casebook have you lined up for us next week? Next week, Harry, I'm going to tell you of an odd adventure that Sandy and I had as we were flying to New York a few months ago. It concerns a Southern colonel, an unusually attractive girl, and an elusive piece of ice. I call the story the Double Diamond. See you next Monday, Harry. The Casebook of Gregory Hood is written. Written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher. Original music composed and played by Dean Fossler. Gail Gordon plays the part of Gregory Hood and Sanderson Taylor is played by Howard McNear. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California invites you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. The Casebook of Gregory Hood comes to you from our Hollywood studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petri family.
- [29:53]
Gregory Hood
Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. The refreshing, delicious treat that gives you chewing enjoyment presents for your listening enjoyment.
- [30:07]
Harry Bartel
Pursuit.
- [30:17]
Gregory Hood
Pursuit. A criminal strikes and fades quickly back into the shadows of his own dark world. And then, the man from Scotland Yard, the famous inspector Peter Black, and the dangerous, relentless pursuit when man hunts man. To make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to refreshing, delicious Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum. Here's a taste treat you can enjoy indoors, outdoors, at work or at play. The cool, long lasting mint flavor refreshes you. The smooth, steady chewing helps keep you fresh and alert. Adds enjoyment to whatever you're doing. Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum Healthful Refreshing. Delicious. Now with John Dana starred as the famous Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard. Wrigley's Spearmint Gum brings you tonight's story. Pursuit of the man who Couldn't Go Home. How long has he been there, Mr. Babcock? Over four hours, Inspector. Somebody down in the street saw him and I turned in the alarm. Anybody in the room now? Only the chambermaid, sir. The man will talk to her. He swears he'll jump if anyone else tries to get near him. Oh, it. It's a frightful thing for the hotel, Inspector. Frightful. Have you been inside? Oh no, sir. The divisional inspector tried, sir, but the man nearly jumped. All right, you better stay out here. You're going in, Inspector.
- [32:15]
Harry Bartel
Don't worry.
- [32:16]
Gregory Hood
I won't let him see me. It was 10 o' clock that night when I received a call at my flat. He was registered at the hotel under the name of Ralph Jarrick. And at a little past six o' clock had stepped through the window from his room out onto the ledge seven stories above Oxford Street. When I arrived the crowds were blocking traffic squares. Their heads turned upward and there was a terrible anticipation in every face. The beams of three searchlights converged to pin to the wall the figure of the man above. As I entered the room I thought of those expectant faces in the street.
- [33:06]
Nora Wales
Aren't you tired, Mr. Jarrett? I know I'd be. You must be awfully brave to stay out there like that.
- [33:15]
Gregory Hood
I'm very tired, Nora. I think I'll go now.
- [33:19]
Nora Wales
No, don't, please. You mustn't do that. It's wicked. Besides, I'd miss you. You like me, don't you?
- [33:30]
Gregory Hood
I want another cigarette. Will you get me one?
- [33:33]
Nora Wales
Of course I will. You'll be a love and stay there now, won't you?
- [33:38]
Gregory Hood
Alright. But don't be long. I'm getting tired.
- [33:41]
Nora Wales
Of course you are. Come Aiden. Nora will take care of you. Might even give you a kiss if you're good.
- [33:51]
Gregory Hood
Get me a cigarette.
- [33:53]
Nora Wales
Half a tick. What are you doing in here? Do you want him to jump?
- [34:00]
Gregory Hood
I'm Chief Inspector Black of Southern Jar.
- [34:02]
Nora Wales
You think that's going to make any difference to him?
- [34:04]
Gregory Hood
Can you get him to come in?
- [34:05]
Nora Wales
Oh, I've been trying for three hours. I don't think I can stand it much longer.
- [34:10]
Gregory Hood
We're trying to get Annette down.
- [34:12]
Nora Wales
Oh, don't do it. If he sees it he'll jump. I know he will.
- [34:15]
Gregory Hood
Has he told you why?
- [34:17]
Nora Wales
Poor beggar. Must be balmy. Susie. Killed a man and he can't Go home.
- [34:21]
Gregory Hood
Oh. Did he mention a name?
- [34:23]
Nora Wales
No. Please give me a fag for him and get out of here. If he sees you, he's right outside the window. Don't move. Coming, Doc?
- [34:34]
Gregory Hood
Who is that? You told me there was no one in the room. You lied to me.
- [34:38]
Nora Wales
I didn't. Honest. I had to get a cigarette for you, didn't I? Well, this gentleman was kind enough to oblige.
- [34:45]
Gregory Hood
I don't believe you. He's a policeman. I'm going to jump. No. Oh, no.
- [34:49]
Nora Wales
Mr. Jerrick.
- [34:50]
Gregory Hood
No. You're a nice one. Look what you've done. You made a cry. Don't be ashamed. Why don't you come in and apologize? You don't have to speak to me like that. I'm not mad. I know what I'm doing. Who are you? I'm from Scotland Yard. Name's Black. Black? Have you got a cigarette?
- [35:06]
Harry Bartel
Black?
- [35:06]
Gregory Hood
Yes. What's this about killing a man? Nothing to do with you. Bring me the cigarette. It's close enough. Stop.
- [35:15]
Harry Bartel
Now.
- [35:16]
Gregory Hood
What was his name? Doesn't make any difference. Light it for me. All right. What now? I'm going back along the ledge. Put the cigarette on the sill. I'll count five. If you're at the window before I'm finished cutting, I'll jump.
- [35:35]
Harry Bartel
Very well.
- [35:39]
Gregory Hood
1, 2, 3, 4. But here it is. I don't want it. My stomach hurts. Come in and I'll get you a doctor. It hurt. I want another glass of water.
- [36:04]
Nora Wales
Give me another glass of water.
- [36:06]
Gregory Hood
Give me your hand. I can't. I can't hold on. I'm coming out. His body was removed. And except for the name under which he had registered, there was absolutely no identification either upon his person or in his room. And so the next morning at Scotland Yard, the meticulous process of establishing identity got underway. The answer came sooner than we'd expected. At 11 o' clock, Sergeant Muffett, who had been waiting for the report, came into my office. Bell Muffett. I've got the report, sir. Ah, good. Who was he? Not Ralph Jarrack, sir.
- [37:01]
Harry Bartel
Oh.
- [37:01]
Gregory Hood
According to the fingerprints, he was Edward Tilton. Criminal Records Office. No, sir. War Office. Oh. Now, let's have a look. He's dead, sir. Oh, really, Murphy. No, sir. I mean he. He's dead. He's been dead six years. Oh, he can't be. No, no, they. They must have made a mistake. That's what I thought, sir, but it's the same man. Killed in action, July 1944. Destroyer in the Mediterranean. HMS Plover HMS Plover. Yes, here it is. Body not recovered. Did you notice that, Moffat? I know, sir, but I don't imagine many of them were. She was hit by two torpedoes. Magazine went up, not much left. Except Mr. Ralph Jerrick or Edward Tilton. Now there can't be any doubt of it. Survived by brother Richard Tilton, wife Amanda Tilton and father Cedric Tilton. Is it down, sir? Where is that? Just south of Falmouth, Moffet, near the coast. Lizard House. What about that killing, sir? You mean the one this poor devil said he did? I don't know. Something quite odd about it. Muffet. Lizard House. Rather grim sounding place, Muffet. I think we better have a run down there. Right, sir. The name Lizard is given to a peninsula whose tip constitutes the southernmost point of England. Our destination, Lizard House on the Downs was an extraordinarily hideous structure which seemed to fit quite naturally into its unattractive fog laden setting. And it seemed to Moffat of me when we met them at first, that the Tiltons themselves had absorbed the dull unpleasantness of the place. Father. Who is at the front door, Richard? The police, sir. Police? Should have used the back door. Sorry, Mr. Tilton. I'll know better next time. You're new here, you'll learn. What do you want, Constable? Chief Inspector Black, sir, of Scotland Yard. This is Sergeant Muffin. Not interested in who you are. What do you want in concerned? Your son, Richard? Non, sir. Edward. Mr. Tilton. Edward, I think there's been a mistake. Afraid not. Your son died last night in London. Oh, then you've got the wrong man. My brother was killed during the war. So the War Office records stated. However they were in an error. But we received an official wire. Oh no, you're wrong. It's absolutely impossible. Please understand that this is a most unpleasant. You unpleasant Boulder day. The whole thing is public hot. But were it not you People revel in situations like this. You love it, Father. That's unfair. I refuse to entertain these blue nosed plum dumps in my house. I'm going to my room. I'm sorry, Inspector. Sergeant. All right, sir. We're used to it. My father makes it a point to loathe authority. If what you tell us is true, and I can't really believe that it is. How did he die? He fell from the seventh story of his hotel suicide. Edward, if this is true, I hope we can keep this from my wife. Amanda. She used to be married to Edward. Oh, really, sir. We waited for three years after the war. There was always the hope that I understand? Mr. Tilton, I wonder if you would be kind enough to accompany us back to London. We need positive identification. And I imagine that you want the body returned here. I know you're wrong about all this. It's ridiculous. But I suppose you can force me to go with you. Not at all, sir. We thought that you'd want to. What a morning would be satisfactory. No, I'd rather go immediately. Again, Inspector? It's better if Amanda knows nothing about this. She's not at all well. It'll only take a moment, sir. It's all right, Inspector. I can look. You identify this man as your brother, Edward Tilton.
- [41:30]
Nora Wales
Edward?
- [41:34]
Gregory Hood
Yes, it's Edward. Edward? Where has he been all these years? Why didn't he let us know? Why? A long time. Why did he do it? What possible reason? You're not sure? Mr. Tilton? He spoke of a killing. You talked to him for a minute or two, Yes. I tried to stop him. A killing? Yes. Yes. We assume that such was his motive for deciding to take his own life. He. He did kill a man 10 years ago. Go on. It was in Lizard. Edward fought with one of the villagers, an older man. They were in a tavern. Edward was drunk. Father came in and saw the whole thing. He testified in court that it was self defense. The magistrate was a friend of father's. And Edward got off scot free. He was guilty. He was drunk and he beat the man to death. That clears up the killing then. Things were never the same between Amanda and him after that. He knew it too. It must have preyed on his mind, Inspector. After you permit it. Yes, Martin. Sit down, Mr. Tilton. I shan't be a second. You were right, sir. About the way he died. Poison. A lot of it. Dr. Bishop is sending you a full report. But here's a strange thing, sir. According to the analysis, the poison would have killed him within an hour. But he was on the ledge for four hours. Which means, Muffet, that poison was administer while he was out there. And following that, Edward Tilton was not a suicide. Edward Tilton was murdered. To make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to refreshing, delicious Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum. The lively, full bodied, real mint flavor. Cools your mouth, moistens your throat, freshens your taste. And the chewing itself gives you a little lift. Helps you keep going at your best. So for real chewing enjoyment, that's refreshing and long lasting. Always keep Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum handy, helpful, delicious Wrigley Spearmint Gum will make every day more enjoyable. Now the Second act of pursuit of the man who couldn't go home. The pathologist's report was on my desk when Moffat and I returned to the office. As I read it, I could see once again the man on the ledge beginning to double in pain. I could hear him asking for another glass of water. I remembered his desperate hand clutching for mine in an effort to save himself. No. No, he couldn't have done it, Muffet. But he could have taken the poison, sir, so that if he lost his. No, no, he didn't want to die. He tried to save himself. Now, we know he was given water while he was out there. You know who gave it to him. Chamber night, sir. Tonight you are Miss Nora Wales. Oh, is. Is the brother settled? Yes, sir. I suggested that you wished him to remain in London. He'd be staying with a print in orchestic and Splendid. Come along, Miss Wales.
- [45:27]
Nora Wales
Oh, it's the inspector, isn't it?
- [45:29]
Gregory Hood
Yes. I'd like to ask you a few questions.
- [45:31]
Nora Wales
Well, I suppose it'll be all right. Mr. Babcock doesn't like us to talk about things that go on in the hotel.
- [45:36]
Gregory Hood
I've already spoken to him.
- [45:37]
Nora Wales
Oh, well, in that case, Wells, you.
- [45:39]
Gregory Hood
Were with Mr. Tilton during the time he was outside on the ledge.
- [45:43]
Nora Wales
Mr. Tilton?
- [45:45]
Gregory Hood
Oh, yes. Yes, of course. He was registered as Jarrack, but his real name was Tilton.
- [45:49]
Nora Wales
I see. Yes, sir. I was with him.
- [45:52]
Gregory Hood
You gave him some water?
- [45:53]
Nora Wales
He was thirsty, sir.
- [45:55]
Gregory Hood
And you drew the water from the tap in his room?
- [45:58]
Nora Wales
No, sir. There wasn't a glass in there. Oh, I ran next door and got it from the gentleman in there.
- [46:03]
Gregory Hood
Mr. Tilton was in room 7 11. And the occupant of 713 was Mr. Smith, sir. Smith. Make a note of that, would you, Martin? I've got it, sir. I'd like to talk to Mr. Smith.
- [46:13]
Nora Wales
Oh, sir, I've cleared up his room. He left the hotel last night.
- [46:16]
Gregory Hood
I see. Miss Wales.
- [46:20]
Nora Wales
Yes, sir?
- [46:21]
Gregory Hood
Did you see Mr. Smith put anything into the glass of water?
- [46:26]
Nora Wales
No, sir.
- [46:26]
Gregory Hood
All right. What do you do with the rubbish in the waste paper baskets when you clean the rooms?
- [46:32]
Nora Wales
It's burnt, sir.
- [46:33]
Gregory Hood
Immediately?
- [46:33]
Nora Wales
Yes, sir.
- [46:35]
Gregory Hood
Can you give me a description of Mr. Smith?
- [46:39]
Nora Wales
Well, he was quite tall. About your height, I'd say, sir. Black hair, medium weight, sharpish face.
- [46:49]
Gregory Hood
Would you recognize him if you saw him?
- [46:50]
Nora Wales
Yes, sir.
- [46:51]
Gregory Hood
All right. That will be all for the present. Thanks very much.
- [46:53]
Nora Wales
Not at all, sir.
- [46:54]
Gregory Hood
Do you mind? In the hall, Moffatt. Miss Wales wants to get back to work. Well, sir. Smith. Moffatt. A convenient name if one wish to remain anonymous. Yes, sir. And she could have been describing Mr. Richard? It had occurred to me at the time. Sir. Exactly, Nell. I hope that Mr. Smith was more original than to use the first name of John. Mr. Smith, as it turned out on the hotel register, was not original. The name was John Smith and the address was in Huddersfield. We put out an alarm and awaited developments. The next morning at the Yard, I found a rather surprising visitor in my office. Well, sir. Good morning. Cursed place. Meadows of the law. Where's my son, Richard? With a friend in North Kensington. Notified me. Well, I don't think he wanted to worry you. Nonsense. Wasted trip. The body was Edwards, wasn't it? Yes. I knew it would be. How did you know? Because I spoke to him in Lizard Town a week ago. Why didn't you tell me that before, Sir? I didn't want to been enough unhappiness in my house as it was. Where had he been? Traveling, I suppose he had his own reasons not to let us know that he was still alive. He phoned me at Lizard. Wanted to come home. What did you tell him? Mr. Tilton told him to stay away. We didn't want him there. And then said the only reason he had returned was because of Manda. He wanted her back. I told him it was too late. She'd married Richard. Told me go away. He wanted nothing more to do it. Go on, sir. That's all. I wouldn't say. Mr. Tilton, your son was killed by a fall from the seventh story window ledge of his hotel window light. Suicide? He killed himself. Can't be helped. I've forgotten about him. He wasn't my son anymore. I did the right thing to send him away. You didn't tell your daughter in law of your conversation? No, absolutely not. Already done enough to her. What do you mean, Mr. Tilson? Amanda. He's not well, Inspector. I couldn't get over the shock of Edward's death at sea. She waited a long time until she married Richard. Too long. Are you saying that she was still in love with Edward even after she married Richard? The false memory. She loved Edward was never what she thought. I know. I was his father. Mr. Tilton, where was Richard the night Edward died? In Falmouth, visiting Amanda. I beg your pardon? Amanda is in a sanatorium and has been for two years. Are you sure that is where he was? Yes. He sees her every Saturday. Edward did not commit suicide, Mr. Tilton. He was poisoned. We're looking for a murderer. Then the tall and grim looking Old man, who had tried so hard to remain stern and unforgiving, broke down. I left him alone in the office to regain his composure. We put through a trunk call to the sanatorium at Falmouth and learned that as Richard Tilton was such a regular visitor there, he was no longer a required to sign the register. We should have to wait until the nurse on duty could be contacted. It was then 10 o' clock, exactly a quarter past two, I received a phone call from Kings Cross station. They were holding a man in the station master's office. It was Mr. John Smith. Now, now, what's all this? Smith? You resided at the Queen's hotel in room 713 two days ago? Of course I did. I missed my train. Now, what's all this about? You know that the man fell to his death from the room next to yours on that night? Do I know? He asked me. I was watching him. Of course I know. I saw him fall. You drew a glass of water for him at the request of the gentleman? I did. That glass of water contained poison, Mr. Smith. It was responsible for the victim's death. Poison? Me? Murder. I didn't even know this Jarrack chap. Ah, but you know his name. Course I do. I read it in the papers. I was there, wasn't. I saw him fall. You've never seen him before, then? No, never. Why did you leave the hotel immediately after the death, Mr. Smith? What would you have done, I ask you? Could you sleep in a room what was next to a man who killed himself? I ask you. You moved and went to another hotel? Yes, the Winchester. Very well. I want a written statement from you concerning these facts. And until further notice, I shall require your presence in London.
- [52:01]
Harry Bartel
You can't do that.
- [52:02]
Gregory Hood
I'm a salesman. I'm supposed to be in Hull tomorrow. I've already missed my train. I ask you, what am I going to tell the boss? I'm sorry, Mr. Smith, I haven't the remotest idea. You may go now. All right, all right, all right. What do you think, sir? You'll keep an eye on him? Have to catch him with the goods anyway. I suppose that takes care of Richard Tilton, sir. The fact that there is a John Smith who was in that hotel room. Oh, not entirely. Richard still has the strongest motive. The wife. He might have learned that Edward was still alive. Even so, sir, why murder a man who's about to commit suicide? Ah, that's a question that's troubled me too. Mother. The sanatorium at Falmouth phoned soon Afterwards and established beyond any doubt that Richard Tilton had been there at the time of his brother's death. Now we had to search for another motive, possibly that of revenge. A phone call brought Cedric Tilton to Scotland Yard. Mr. Tilton, Richard mentioned that there was a man in Lizard who had been killed in a fight with your son. That's just one of the things that Edward did which I want to forget. I'm sorry, sir. I must ask you these questions. Richard was of the opinion that Edward was guilty of and should have been prosecuted. It's true. It's my fault that he wasn't. I testified for self defence. It was not self defence. It was murder. But if you are intimating that at this late date I took the law into my own hands and did away with my son, you're mistaken. You realize, sir, that you will have to answer to the charge of perjury. Worthless perjury. We have reason to believe that the killing must have preyed on Edward's mine. What was the name of the victim? Wales.
- [53:55]
Harry Bartel
Wales.
- [53:56]
Gregory Hood
Mr. Tam? Yes. His name was David Wales. It's Wales. Nora.
- [54:15]
Nora Wales
Oh, hello, Inspector.
- [54:17]
Gregory Hood
Ms. Wales, why did you poison Edward Tilton?
- [54:27]
Nora Wales
Because I was afraid he wouldn't jump.
- [54:30]
Gregory Hood
You knew that he was the man who killed your father, didn't you?
- [54:33]
Nora Wales
Yes, I knew. I knew the minute I saw him.
- [54:37]
Gregory Hood
When was that?
- [54:38]
Nora Wales
The afternoon he came here.
- [54:40]
Gregory Hood
Did you plan to kill him then?
- [54:42]
Nora Wales
Oh, no, I. I was never going to kill him. Until that night. I'd finished dusting and I saw him go into his room. I was done for the day and I wanted to go in and tell him that I knew who he was. That I hadn't forgotten what he'd done.
- [54:58]
Gregory Hood
Did you face him?
- [55:00]
Nora Wales
No. When I went in, he was already out on the ledge. I saw him there.
- [55:06]
Gregory Hood
What did you do?
- [55:08]
Nora Wales
I went over to the window and just watched. Then he saw me. He didn't know me, but he wanted to talk.
- [55:16]
Gregory Hood
You said that you wanted him to jump.
- [55:19]
Nora Wales
I did. But I wanted him to think about it first. About everything that made him unhappy enough to do it. He talked about his wife and where he'd been all these years and how his father wouldn't let him come home.
- [55:35]
Gregory Hood
Did you try to make him come in?
- [55:37]
Nora Wales
Oh, no. Only when somebody was in the room. Otherwise, I just listened. Then I began to think that he wouldn't jump at all. So when he asked for a glass of water, I knew what to do. I got some cockroach powder from the store cupboard and I put in the glass of water I got from Mr. Smith. You see, there wasn't a glass in Mr. Tilton's room.
- [56:00]
Gregory Hood
I have to put you under arrest, Nora.
- [56:04]
Nora Wales
Well, that's all right. I know you do. But it isn't as if I'd murdered him, is it? He wanted to jump and I just helped him, that's all.
- [56:26]
Gregory Hood
There in the corridor of a London hotel, we heard the simple statement of guilt from a little chambermaid. No fear or hatred in her eyes. There was only a smile. Final triumph. Pursuit. And the pursuit is ended. Remember, friends, to make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to refreshing, delicious Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum. There's lots of cooling, real mint flavor in every stick. And chewing Wrigley Spearmint helps keep you feeling fresh and alert. You feel better, work better, get more fun out of doing things. So indoors, outdoors, wherever you go, keep some healthful, refreshing, Wriggly Spearmint Chewing Gum handy. To make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to delicious Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Pursuit brought to you by Wrigley Spearmint Gum is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis and written by Gil Dowd and Anthony Ellis. Music was composed and conducted by Marlon Skiles. John Thayner stars as Inspector Peter Black with Raymond Lawrence as Sergeant Mother. Also featured in the cast were Eileen Erskine, Harold Hughes, Jack Edwards, Byron Cain, Herb Butterfield and William Johnstone. Pursuit, the makers of Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum, hope you enjoy tonight's story of pursuit and that you're enjoying Wrigley's Spearmint Gum every day. We invite you to join us next week at this same time when pursuit will bring you another dramatic story of the famous Inspector Peter Black of Scotland Yard, relentlessly hunting down those whose disordered passions breed violence and murder. Another story of man hunting man when we bring you pursuit. This is cbs, the Columbia broadcasting System. There's more from Gregory Hood, Pursuit, Case Closed and all of the relic radio shows@ Relicradio.com. our shoutcast stream is up and running there as well with even more old time radio lots to listen to, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll talk to you again next Wednesday with another hour of Case closed.