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Case Closed! (old time radio)
Johnny Dollar and The Crime Club
Case Closed begins with Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar this week. We'll hear The Beauregard Matter, from January 26, 1954. (28:50) Next up is Mr. Smith's Hat, the January 23, 1947, episode of The Crime Club. https://traffic.libsyn.com/forcedn/e55e1c7a-e213-4a20-8701-21862bdf1f8a/CaseClosed928.mp3 Download CaseClosed928 | Subscribe | Spotify | Support Case Closed Your donation of any amount keeps Case Closed coming every week. Visit Donate.RelicRadio.com if you’d [...]
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Johnny Dollar
This is Case Closed, your hour of mystery and crime from the golden age ofradio@ Relicradio.com. our first story comes from yours truly, Johnny Dollar. This week we'll hear the Beauregard matter from January 26, 1954. After that, it's the Crime Club and Mr. Smith's hat. That story aired January 23, 1947. For your listening enjoyment, John Lund as Johnny Dollar. Dave Brace, Johnny, Plymouth Mu. Oh, hiya, Dave. Johnny. Sapphire is a bad luck. Yeah, so a black cat. Cats don't get stolen. Or at least we don't insure them. How much? 30,000. Does the name Benny Stark mean anything to you? Benny Stark? Yeah. Jewel thief, couple of convictions. I haven't heard of him lately. You're hearing now? He called us from Rockport outside of Chicago. Wants to talk a deal. He apparently has the Sapphire necklace. Who's your client, Dave? A girl named Ellen Beauregard. Big Wheel and Rockport Society. I've already made your plane and hotel reservations and gave Benny your name right here. I have a few words to say and I'll say them as quickly as possible. You know, someone once said that everyone and everything in America depends on speed. And that as our country grows older, we all move faster. But it wasn't much more than a hundred years ago that the fastest anyone could travel was at the speed of a running horse. Which wasn't very fast when you compare it to the speed of our latest jet plane. And talk about going to the moon at 25,000 miles an hour. And during that same 100 years or so, we've grown from the first crude telegraph to the perfection of color television. Yes, this increased speed in transportation, communication and everything else has changed almost everything in our country, including the Cabinet of the United States, for example, up to World War II, there wasn't any reason why the War and Navy Departments shouldn't be directly responsible to the President. But then there was a growing need for the speeding up of military action and decision, calling for unified commands and a more closely knit integration of military activities. Thus, our Department of Defense was born, creating a new Cabinet post to coordinate and execute the overall general policies relating to the armed forces. And the secretary heading this new Department of Defense became the representative to the President for the newly designated Secretaries of the Army, Navy and more recently, the Air Force. In the future, our fast moving world may add even more members to the President's Cabinet to ensure the safety and well being of our United States. Expense accounts submitted by Special Investigator Johnny Dollar to Home office, Plymouth Mutual Insurance Company, Hartford, Connecticut. The following is an accounting of expenditures during my investigation of the Beauregard matter. Expense account item 1.58.40. Airfare and incidentals to Rockport, Illinois. I checked into the Bleecker Hotel and waited for a contact from one Benny Stark, jewel thief. I planned to see the Beauregards later, but instead the Beauregards came to see me. Or anyway, one of them did. I'm Jaret Beauregard, Mr. Tallarat. It was my niece Ellen, from whom the necklace was stolen. May I? Oh, sure. Come in, Mr. Boregard. Have a seat. Thank you, sir. This is a little unexpected. I just got in town. Well, Mr. Brace of the insurance company wired us you were coming. I. I wanted to talk to you before you saw Ellen. Oh, I see. My niece is a remarkable girl, Mr. Dalla. A trifle headstrong at times though, and not always inclined to use the best judgment. Well, I guess that could apply to most of us. Yes, yes, of course. Tell me, Mr. Dala, do you have any hope that the necklace may be recovered? I think so. It's fairly certain in fact. Well, Ellen will be very happy. It was an engagement, if you understand, from till Azary, her fiance. She was quite broken up when it was stolen. Yes, I imagine $30,000 is quite a loss. Well, it's more the sentiment attached than the beauty of it. You've seen the necklace, Mr. Dollar? No, but I have photographs of it. Oh yes, from the insurance company. Well, about your niece, Mr. Bo, just what was it you wanted to tell me? Well. Excuse me. Johnny Dollar. This is Benny, Mr. Dollar. Oh, okay, shoot. You know where the pink pigeon is? No, but I'll find it. It's south of town. I'll meet you there at 9:00 tonight. Back pools behind the bar. Make it? Yeah, sure. Have you got the item? I got more than that. I got information that'll blow the lid off. I've been double crossed, Dollar, and I'm gonna get even. What do you mean, double crossed? Uh huh. First we make a deal. See you tonight. I've got to run along, Mr. Dollar. I didn't really have anything in particular. Just. Well, Elle. Too impulsive sometimes. But she never means any harm by it. I. I'm sure you understand. Expense account, item two. $14 to hire a car. Benny was on ice until 9:00. So I decided to call on Ellen Beauregard. A girl who was too headstrong and impulsive, but too didn't mean any harm by it. Uncle Jared was wrong though. I Didn't understand. I left the car near the Beauregard coach house and walked down the terrace toward the entrance. Ahead of me, in a glass in sun room, a man and a girl were so busy with each other that they didn't even notice me. A highly romantic scene. The mistress of the house probably the only trouble. Though she was wearing a maid uniform. She was still a little flushed when she answered the door. Good afternoon, sir. I'd like to see Ms. Ellen Beauregard. My name is Johnny Dollar. Dollar? You're the investigator on the robbery. Dave must have wired everybody in town. I'm sorry, sir. Won't you come in? Thanks. If you'll wait here, please, I'll tell Ms. Beauregard you're here. Yeah, right. See you later. Oh, hello. You must be the insurance fellow. You too. Alan said you were doing town today. I'm Phil Avery, Miss Darling. How do you do? Ellen and I are engaged. I gave her that necklace that was stolen. Yes, I know. I certainly hope you can get it back. The insurance won't cover the sentimental value. Sentimental value? Yes. Oh, I know I saw you come up on the terrace. But appearances are deceiving sometimes. I wouldn't want you to misunderstand. Oh, I think I understand perfectly, Mr. Avery. Good, good. Well, I got to run. My offices are in the Central bank building. Drop in if there's any information you'd like. Thanks, I will. Bye. I'm awfully sorry to keep you waiting, Mr. Dollar. Quite all right. Ms. Beauregard gave me a chance to meet your fiance. Oh, isn't she a little darling? Headstrong, sometimes impulsive, but he never means any harm by it. That is exactly. Well, I suppose you want to know all about the robbery. No, I think I know most of it already. I would like to see the safe, though. Oh, yes, of course. It's over here behind the painting. You've just got to find that necklace, Mr. Dower. I feel so guilty about it. Guilty? Why? Well, because it. It was a gift from Phil. And not that I was careless, but I'm sure you understand. Here it is, back of the portrait. An old fashioned one, huh? Everything in the house is. Our family's been around quite a while. Yes. Wouldn't be much of a job for a professional safecracker. How'd they get into the house, Ms. Beauregard? Force a lock somewhere? No, they must try to key. You see, I'd gone out for the afternoon and Uncle Jarrett was off somewhere and the house is empty. Your maid wasn't here, Lois. No, After I left, she decided to go into town, do some shopping or something or that. They couldn't have picked a better time. No, they couldn't have. Oh, say, incidentally, you'll. You'll probably be talking to Uncle Jarrett, and I wanted to warn you about him. Of course he means well, but is he headstrong and impulsive, too? No, no. It's just that he's. Well, a little vague. I'm sure you understand, Mr. Dar. It was nearly dark when I left. Filled with understanding and with a lot of questions about the Beauregard establishment that still needed answering. I started to open the door of my car when I caught a flash of white at the corner of the coach house. Somebody had seen me and then tried to duck out of sight. I walked across the drive and moved quietly up to the corner. Evening, Lois. Can I help you with that? No, no. I was just going to burn some trash. Well, fine. Let me put it in the incinerator for you. No, please. Oh, it's no trouble. I'll just. Hey, have you sorted through this? There's something heavy inside these papers. Please let me have it. You won't understand. Well, you're the first one around here who hasn't thought so. She sounds impatient. You better run along. I'll take care of this for you. No, please. Oh, I knew what it was already, and in a moment I had it unwrapped. A.32 caliber revolver and one chamber had been fired recently. Mr. Dollar? I slipped the gun in my pocket and shoved the papers into the incinerator. Mr. Dollar? Right here, Ms. Borgard. Oh. Oh, I saw your car was there in the driveway. Am I good. Checking the layout of the ground. I'm leaving now. Lois just came in from somewhere in this direction. Oh, Was she talking to you by any chance? Oh, we passed the time of day. Well, don't believe anything she tells you. Any definite reason why not? Oh, I've caught her in all sorts of lies. I. I didn't want to say anything Inside. She might have been listening. How long has she been with you? Four months. She goes out in the afternoon sometime, and I know she lies about where she's been. Do you think she had something to do with the robbery? I don't know. I'm only suggesting that you check very carefully on anything she might tell you. Well, if she's like you say, why have you kept her? Well, I've been planning to let her go, but. So objections were raised. Who raised the objection? Uncle Jerus. When I got back to the Hotel and went to my room. I had another surprise waiting for me. Come right in, son. Have a seat. Oh, thanks. I could be in the wrong room. Of course, I'm out of your. Mr. Dollar, you know a fella named Benny Stark? Not exactly. I'm looking forward to meeting him, though. I see. You got business with him? I might. Do I have any with you? My name's Cotton, Mr. Dollar. I'm the chief of police here. Oh, I see. How did you get on to me? Found your name. Where? Stark had written it down at your room number here at the hotel. He a friend of yours? Well, I guess we might as well work together, chief. I'm an insurance investigator checking on that Beauregard robbery. Ah, so that's it. Stark is a jewel thief. He phoned the company and offered to talk a deal. I've got an appointment with him at 9. Tonight. Yeah, I don't reckon you're gonna be able to keep it. Why not? Because this Stark fella got himself shot a few hours ago. Real shot. Dead, in fact. Murdered? Yep. Found him in a room in Hires over across town. You wouldn't know anything about it, would you, Mr. Dar? I might. What kind of a gun was it?32 revolver, according to the lad. Well, this might be the gun I'm fired, all right. Where'd you get it? I took it away from Lois, the Beauregard's maid. He was trying to hide it in the incinerator. He might have his check, but I doubt if it's registered. It's registered, huh? We don't have many guns around town. Here. I recognize this one. Belongs to Jared Beauregard. Uncle Jared, huh? What about these Beauregards? Who are they? What are they? Old lion family. Four generations. Just the two of them now. Jared and Ellen. Not as wealthy as they once were. Maybe. You never know, though. Lately, at least. Jared seems to have plenty of money. Lately. Oh, not just since the robbery. That's what you think. And I meant the last four or five months. What about this Phil Avery? Been here a couple of years. Fine young fellow, civic leader. Everybody was pretty tickled when they got engaged last spring. Figured they was meant for each other. Well, he goes in for lavish gifts, at least. Picking anybody? No. Who is it? Lois? I've got to Talk to you, Mr. Dollar. Just a second. You want to dodge into the bathroom and listen in? Good idea. Come in, Lois. Thank you. I've got to have it back, Mr. Dollar. What? The gun. Please, Mr. Dollar. It's not the way it looks. Someone's trying to get me in trouble. I found the gun. Where? Hidden under the mattress of my bed. I got scared. I was trying to get rid of it when you stopped me tonight. In the paper it says a man's been shot. Did you know him? No. You know whose gun this is? No, I don't know anything about it. Give it to me, please. I'd like to, Lois, but I'm afraid it's not that simple. All right, Chief. You know, many great men have attained the highest office in our land. The presidency of the United States. Can you guess the name of this man? As a boy, his general health was bad, but as a man, he was a dynamo of energy. He was only 42 when he became president, the youngest man ever to hold that position. His administration was a fairly untroubled one. There was still no income tax, other taxes were comparatively low, and the United States was in a peaceful era. Conservation of our natural resources was one of his greatest concerns as president. And in 1902, he signed a bill putting the Reclamation act into action. If you don't have his name by now, here's one more important clue. During his administration, work was begun on the Panama Canal. Who was he? Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States. His life is part of your American heritage. And now, with our star, John Lund, we bring you the second act of yours truly, Johnny Dower. Expense account, item three, $2.90. Two hamburger steak lunches the next day at noon in the Bleecker Hotel Grill, apparently a favorite daytime eating place for the president. President of the Central City Bank. You mind passing me that Tabasco sauce, Mr. Dollar? Oh, here you are. Oh. Oh, I love it on hamburger. I love hamburger. For that matter, just a proletarian at heart, I guess. Maybe so, but you've got some pretty aristocratic clients, haven't you? Well, that's a bank for you. Yes. You mean the Boulevard. Oh, here, try some of the sars. Thanks. Nice. Oh, they're aristocratic enough as far as the family background is concerned. A social position, that sort of thing. But when it comes to money, that's another story. When you want to know about a man's economic status, just ask his bank. That's exactly what I'm doing. Oh, yes, so you are. Now, you understand, Mr. Dollar, that I wouldn't ordinarily let this information out. Yes, yes. The fact is those are town figures. They're rolling in it. Boulevard guards are broke near plate. They have been for a couple of years. What about that house? The estate? No, my mortgage to the Hilt like a few other properties they've still managed to hang on to. But Tash, no, no, no. They haven't got it. You gonna eat that butter, Mr. Nyler? Huh? Oh, no, no, go ahead. Thank you. Thank you. Except the last three or four months. You know, it's a funny thing. Old Jarrett seems to be going around with a pocket full of money. Probably borrowing it from his perspective son in law, Bill Avery, huh? How is he fixed financially? Oh, how is he fixed? A man who can afford a thirty thousand dollar engagement. I've never looked through his account, but I'd say that if he doesn't have it, he soon will have. Oh, my, that boy's a go getter. Pretty well thought of, huh? Elected him to the board of directors at the bank last month. You're not gonna eat that roll? Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you. I don't know how he finds time for it, that boy. He's got a half a dozen jobs already. He had to postpone his wedding even. They were supposed to get married three weeks ago. Oh, I see. Lois the Beauregard maid wouldn't have anything to do with that, would she? Oh, go gossip. What gets around that gossip? Well, she's a pretty little thing, you know. And a man who's about to tie himself down for life. Well, you know how that is. Yeah, yeah, sure. Yeah. Be just too bad a felon found out about it, though. It's time to be in for some real excitement. If she fell, would you pass that sauce again? Mr. Dallas? Come in. Afternoon, Chief. I have a couple. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were busy. Well, that's all right. Come on in. You know Mr. Avery? Yes, we've met. How are you, Ms. Darling? Glad you came. This concerns you too. Mr. Avery figures we're doing this girl loss and injustice. She's not involved any of this, Mr. Dollar, either the theft or the murder. She's not the kind. I know her. Oh, well, Mr. Avery well enough to know that she's a pretty fine person. The only trouble is, Mr. Avery, I've got a pretty strong case against the girl. She was trying to dispose of the murder gun. She know the time the house would be empty to set up the robbery. She could have given Benny Stark a key to get in. One thing though, Chief Cotton, we haven't found the necklace. Unless she can be tied up with that, the case won't stand. We're still looking. What about her room at the Beauregard? Places around the house that she might have Access to first thing in the morning. We're gonna take it to pieces, Mr. Dolan, and you won't find a thing. Wait and see. I'm afraid that's what we'll have to do, Mr. Avery. Wait and see. Well, you go on back and talk to her if you want. I told Ed you could have 15 minutes. Thank you. Gun. I'll see you, Miss Doling. Right now. What's on your mind, Mr. Darling? Jewelers. This is a photo of that necklace. You know any jeweler here in town who could make a duplicate imitation? No. Have to go to Chicago for that. Well, that's what I want to know. Whether somebody did go into Chicago four or five months ago. Well, I could get Jim over here from Hawkley's Jewelry Store. He could give him a technical description over the phone. Chicago police work pretty fast. Might have some information back by this evening. Good. I'll wait to hear from you. There was nothing more I could do until I heard from the Chicago Police. So I went to my hotel room to wait it out. Johnny Dollar. Ellen. Low regard, Mr. Dollar? Oh, yes, Ms. Bargard. We wondered if you'd come out to dinner tonight. Well, that's awfully nice. Yes, I'd like to. Good. Just the family. Seven o'clock. All right? Fine. See you then. Expense Account, Item 4, $14 Car Rental for an additional 24 hours to attend dinner party at home of client. I arrived at 6:45, parked by the coach house. And then at 7:00 I joined Phil Avery in the bid room. We were about to start a game when the phone call I'd been hoping for came through. I took it on the extension in the entry hall. Johnny dollar. Jeep cotton. Mr. Dollar, just got word from Chicago. Oh, good. Any luck? Yes. They located the custom jeweler who made a copy of that necklace five months ago. He remembered it well. Did he remember the client? Yes. A girl whose description fits Ellen Burke. Or do it? She. Then it all adds up. Oh, I found the necklace, by the way. Well, maybe I better come out there. The sooner the better, chief. I'll see you. Well, good evening, Mr. Beauregard. You've discovered our little family secret, I take it. I'm afraid so. I knew you. You would. I want to tell you I warned Ellen, but she's headstrong. Of course, it was legal in the beginning. But not later. No. You better ask Ellen to come down. As you wish, Mr. Dollar. Well, shall we start the game, Mr. Avery? Right. Go ahead and break them. Let's make it straight pool. Okay. Good start. Two on the break. Like shooting quail in the brush. Ah. Four ball in the corner pocket. By the way, Mr. Avery, you were right about Lois. She isn't guilty. She was being framed. I told you so. She's not involved in any of this except as an innocent bystander. Even though I found the necklace a little while ago hidden in her room. You found it? Good. The Borguards, though, are not quite so innocent. A seven ball in the side pocket. What do you mean? The Boar guards needed money. They were still keeping up a front, but they were broke. And when you started getting interested in Ellen, they figured you were their answer. You make her sound pretty cold blooded. Oh, I don't think there was much love lost on either side. You were playing the same game. Now wait a minute. It was a natural the way you saw it. Ellen, the last of an old line family, prominent, wealthy. Why, she was the key to open any door in town. So you gambled your stake on a $30,000 gift to show her that you weren't a fortune. Mr. Dollar, I don't like this 12 ball in the far corner. Hmm. Then about a month ago, you had a chance to see the Beauregard accounts at the bank. Why, they were broker than you were. I wasn't marrying Ellen for money. Only trouble was, you couldn't stand losing that 30 grand necklace. So you brought Benny Stark in and he stole it for you. But when he gave it to you, he told you it was phony and you thought he was double crossing you. He got sore and decided to try for a deal with the insurance company. And that's why you killed him. You're accusing me of murder, Mr. Dolly? Let's see now. The eight ball in the end pocket. Well, who else, Mr. Avery? Lois wasn't involved. Except that you tried to frame her. The Beauregard knew the sapphire necklace was an imitation. You were the one who didn't. It wasn't an imitation. I paid $30,000 for it. Not this one, Ellen. Soldiers. A month after you gave it to her, they've been living on the money. He had this one made in Chicago. That dirty look. Another clincher. You were the only one who heard me tell Chief Cotton that we'd have to find the necklace before we could convict Lois. So you brought it here tonight and planted it. Well, apparently I don't have to go on. No, you don't. Did you steal that gun from Uncle Jared too? Oh, no, this is my own. Better lay down that queue now and get your hands up slow and Easy. And if I doubt you. Thanks, McBargar. What's a dollar? Oh, a vineyard queue makes quite a weapon. What's this all about? Well, it seems your fiance is the lad who had your safe rifled and then later killed his partner. Told me. Yeah. I guess murder is worse than fraud. What do you mean? You filed an insurance claim on a necklace you'd already sold. I rather imagine the company is going to prosecute. Chief Cotton's on the way, Ms. Beauregard. Expense account, item five, $114.10. Hotel incidentals and transportation back to Hartford. Expense account total $203.40. Yours truly, Johnny D. Hello. I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the Crime Club. I'm the librarian. Mr. Smith's hat. Yes, we have that Crime Club story for you. Come right over. Ah, you're here. Good. Take the easy chair by the window. Comfortable? The book is on this shelf. Here it is. Mr. Smith's hat by Helen Riley. A very intriguing story of a finger that puts its print on death. Let's look at it under the reading lamp. It was a bad day for New York City. The worst in a three week period of early summer heat. And Inspector Christopher McKee was in his office at the Center Street Police headquarters when the telephone rang. Yes? Inspector McKee talking. Homicide. Yes, I was just going to talk to you about that. What? Homicide? How'd you like to meet a freshly made corpse? Go ahead, mister. Well, go to 1142 West 16th Street, Gilbert Shannon's apartment. I'm not there now, but don't worry, you'll find me waiting for you. What's your name? Gilbert Shannon. Well, I'll be. Of all the days to be hung up by a lunatic. Yes? Inspector McKee. Cassidy, get the local precinct for West 16th Street. I want them to check on a nut. Yes, sir. Hold a minute. Inspector McKee, Homicide. Inspector. Inspector, my father's been killed. Murdered. All right, lady, give me the facts. Name, place. Gilbert Shannon. 1142 West 16th Street. What's that? 1142 West 16th Street. I just found him lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Your name, please? Julie, Will you please send someone over here right away, please. Please. Yes, Cassidy. Yes, Inspector. Never mind calling the local precinct. Get the medical examiner and order my car. I'm going up to that place. My. I walked in, Inspector. Dad never bothered to lock the door. He didn't believe he had anything worth stealing except a lot of unpaid bills and empty whiskey bottles. Ms. Shannon. All over the place. We pleaded with him to give up this dingy apartment. Oliver and I begged him. Who's Oliver? My uncle, Inspector. Oliver Gore, the utilities man. Since my mother died two years ago, I've been living with him and Tams and his wife in their big house on East 54th Street. They wanted dad to stay there, too, but he was stubborn. Why? He didn't want charity. He wouldn't let anyone help him. Not even Santa Mara, his oldest friend. Not even me. His own daughter, Mary seemed to have enough money for liquor Mission. That wasn't very often. You see, dad was a writer. Popular magazine stories. Sometimes he sold one. Then he. I know. Must have been pretty tough when you and your mother. Well, let's see what happened here. Gilbert Shannon was sitting at that desk, working his back to the door. When someone came in and cracked him on the skull with a blunt instrument. Not once, but six times. Please, Inspector. I'm sorry. It was a vicious crime done by a vicious person. Someone who feared or hated your father. But I don't know of anyone. It was also someone your father trusted and was expecting. What? The blows were all on the back of the head. In other words, when Gilbert Shannon's killer opened that door, your father knew who it was. He didn't turn around, but kept right on working. Inspector McKee, do you realize what you're saying? I always do, Ms. Shannon. But it's crazy. Why? Dad's friends were the best in the world. They were always trying to do things for him. I can't think of. Know thine enemies, but beware of thy friends. A wise old saying, young lady. And in some cases of murder. I have known it to apply to relatives, too. Let's go. Where are you taking me? Home. I'd like to meet Oliver and Tams and Gault and Santis de Mora. And maybe a man who commits murder and then likes to play ghost. Julie, I think you ought to go upstairs and lie down. I. I don't feel like it, Tamsen. But she is so right. Julie, my dear, it is no good for you to hear all this talk about murder. Please, Santos. Like Gilbert, she is so obstinate. Inspector McKee, you haven't answered my question. Your question, Mr. Gough? About the newspapers. I'm sorry. I wasn't listening. What do you want me to do? Keep this matter private. Why? My position, of course. I'm vice president of Eastern Utilities. I don't want a scandal. What? What are you afraid of? Gilbert Shannon was my brother in law. He was married to my sister. You haven't answered my question, Mr. Galton. I don't want his private life made public. It wasn't clean. Oliver. Well, Julie, let's face it. We've been ashamed of him for a long time. Long before your mother died. Now, why should I be punished for his mistakes? He never did anything to hurt you. He wouldn't even take your pity. Now, there, there, Julie. Oliver didn't mean what he said. Well, Inspector, I make no promises as an old time citizen. I think it's bad business to interfere with the press. But my reputation. We'll worry about that later. Where were you this afternoon? At my office. Every minute until a quarter past 12. Then I had lunch. And after that? Now look here, inspector. After lunch, Mr. Gould, I. I went for a walk. A long walk. I was back at my office at a quarter past two. Shannon was killed between 12:30 and Inspector McKee, if you were intimating that. How about you, Mrs. Gault? Where were you? On Fifth Avenue, shopping. Buy anything? No. Meet anyone? No, Inspector. I thought you said the murderer was a man. Oh, did I? Never take a policeman literally, Ms. Shannon, until he waves a pair of handcuffs. Now, Mr. DeMora, I was in Central park all afternoon for work. It was too hot. The weather. You meet anyone? Only the pigeons and the squirrels, Inspector. Yes, and they can't talk. Senor, it is quite useless to make up a case about us. Not one person in this room had a reason or a wish to dispose of Gilbert. You will prove nothing to the contrary. Nice going. Certainly stick together. I hope you don't have to hang together. Hello? One moment, please. For you, Inspector? No, thank you. Yes? Yes, Kirsten. Where? Okay, put it through the lab. Ah, good work. Have a check for type. Yes. Yes, I'll tell them. But. Well, well, well. Everything comes to him who waits. What is it, Inspector? A few things to worry about, Mrs. Galt. The murder weapon has been found. Would one of you like to guess? I'm sick of this, Inspector. You have no right to make us all feel like. All right, all right. It was a hammer. The postman took it out of a mailbox on Lower fifth Avenue. What? Samson. Don't look at me. I didn't go below 50th Street. But it is quite ridiculous if one desire to conceal or dispose of a weapon. Makes many mistakes. Now, Ms. Shannon, are you going to wave the handcuffs? Inspector, when you entered your father's apartment, did you go out again before I arrived? No. Somebody did. There was a fresh smear of lipstick on the inside doorknob. You'd make a wonderful fingerprint huh? No comment. All right, Ms. Shannon. The district attorney has released your father's body for burial. You can make the arrangements. Thank you. That's so awfully kind of you. I'm in touch with all of you. And don't try to leave town unless you're so hot you'd like to spend some time in the cooler. Well, Cassidy? The funeral services should be started any minute, sir. Are they all here? They are, Inspector. They are in that first puke. Mr. Santos. Deborah. With Mr. Oliver Galt sitting next to him. Then it's Mrs. Galt and Julie Shannon. Notice anything? It's hey than they are, Inspector McKee. The way they're rushing that poor fellow's body off the face of the earth. Yes, I thought of him. And him not dead more than a few hours. It ain't decent. That's what comes of having daylight saving time. If the time was now. Who's that fellow sitting over there in the last pew with his hat on? Who, sir? Yeah, another Hayden to be wearing a hat in the Lord's house. A hat that's so loud. It's loud enough for the racetrack and shabby enough for a funeral of its own. I told him to take it or. Wait a minute. He seems to be sobbing. Why, so he does. And all the time I've been taking him from an old no good vagrant. Inspector, do you think he might be getting out? He's coming this way. I'm sure I'll be the devil's own witness. He ain't sobbing. He's laughing in a church and at a funeral, too. Now see here, you. What's the idea, Damon? Amphitheus. The spider on the fly. Who is less noble than man? You tell me. Nothing and no one. In the beginning there were serpents and vermin. And today they walk like men. Excuse me, I have an appointment with a nightmare. It's crazy with the heat. The poor fellow is. You should have let him go, Inspector. He might be dangerous. Get after him, Cassidy. Oh, sure. Keep a tail on him. I want to know who he is and where he lives. He could have asked himself when he was sitting. That's not all I want to know, your honor. Now get going and report to me at my office. I'll be there all evening. Inspector McKee talking. Homicide, Cassidy talking, sir. What'd you get? Well, sir, I tailed that fella to a broken down tenement house on 10th Avenue. He's got a room on the third floor. Good. What about his name? Believe it or not, Inspector, it's John Smith. It's happened before. What else, Cassidy? Well, sir, Smith stayed indoors for about an hour and a half, and when he emerged, it was only to lock himself up in a phone booth in the corner drugstore. Did you find out whom he called? I couldn't, sir. But I know he made two calls, Inspector. Yes. It was on the second one that I was able to catch a few words. What were they, Cassidy? Well, sir, there must have been an argument because all of a sudden Smith's voice went up and he said, you'll be there in half an hour and don't keep me waiting. And that's all, is it? Did Mr. Smith go to sleep in that boat? No, sir. He came out and walked straight up down to Central Park. And that, Inspector, is where it happened. What? What happened? Well, sir, he was walking along a path near the 59th street lake with me about 50ft behind him. Yes, something was wrong with the park lights because a whole row of them was out. And then. No, go on, Catherine. Well, sir, it was pretty dark, but I could see that hat. It shone like a beacon light on a dark and empty ocean. Never mind the poetry. Give me the facts to the point. Yes, sir. Well, just before he turned off the path onto another one, he took off his hat. Inspector. B Key. I've been a member of the force for 32 years. I could retire and take my pension and live the good life of a peaceful man. But I haven't done it. Instead, I have chosen to stay in the service of the department and devote myself entirely. Oh, no. You're locked him. I couldn't help it, sir. He took off his hat. But if the Park Department had fixed those lights at the proper time. He was going to meet somebody. And you lost him. I'm sorry, Inspector. I'm a brokenhearted man. We could have broken this case tonight, close the books on it. Oh, well, have you had something to eat? No, sir. We'll get something and then come back here to my office. We'll have a good cry together. Hello, Thompson. Santa. What are you doing here? I came in for a lonely drink. I saw you sitting at this table. I am delighted. Oliver took Julie and me home after the funeral and he went out to keep an appointment. Julie went to bed. I am glad. They deserved you, Thompson, darling. It gives me an opportunity. Santos, please. Thought. I am only holding your hand. Is it forbidden? Yes. We never know who might be looking. Well, let them look. Do I care? Well, I do. Handsome. Stop making a fool of yourself and leave me alone. It has not always been like this. It is now. I. I'm not ready to lose Oliver. Lose? You do not lose something you do not want. That's how I feel about you. Santa, I do not like to hear such talk. Yesterday it was different. You could not stand to live with Oliver. I've changed my mind. And if you were a good sport. No, I am not a good sport when there is no good reason. Why didn't you tell me that you haven't got a penny to your name? Is it important? But shouldn't it be? Would you have me divorce Oliver for a marriage without money at your age? I see. You would rather be with a man you do not love. He isn't impossible. A fish with gold fins. When did you find this out about me? Last night at dinner. Oliver mentioned that your business was on the rocks and that you were going into bankruptcy. And immediately love flew out the window. I like my daily bread and butter. You cannot do this to me when I have lost everything. It's unbearable. Oh, stop it, Casanova. Don't you know when you're licked? Julie? Why, Santos, I'm surprised at you. A lady wants to be with her husband and you keep. What are you doing in this place, Julie? I thought you were home in bed. Did my father know about you too, Gilbert? Don't answer that. I think he did. And he was killed for knowing too much. Am I right, Tamsen? You're completely out of your mind. You were afraid that dad might tell Oliver about you and Santa. That would have cost you a good home plus a lot of money. Julie, you are not making sense. Tamsin could not kill you. Stop being so loyal, Romeo. She just tore the balcony. Oh, I'm going home. A good place for you, Tamsen. Maybe you can find the hammer that used to be in that second floor closet. What? I looked for it tonight. It wasn't there. You might ask one of the servants about that. Shall I ask one of the servants about my lipstick too? Look here, Julie. I've had enough of your nasty little insinuations. If anyone had a motive for killing your father, you did. He made your life miserable and he destroyed your mother. He killed her, Tamsen. You know how she died? She didn't fall in front of that subway train. She threw herself. No, no. And the next time you feel like accusing someone of murder, think of the consequences. All of them. Good night. It is true, unfortunately, Julie. Gilbert was my oldest friend. But sometimes even I did not understand it. Come, I will take you home. To Oliver's house. Yes, yes. Two reservations on the midnight plane. Splendid, Mrs. Galton. I'll pick them up at quarter to 12. Thank you. Really, Thompson, I didn't hear you come in. Where are we going on such short notice? Mexico. Why? The newspapers have got hold of Gilbert's case. By tomorrow morning, all the filth in that man's life will become public gossip, and I don't want to face it. Of course. But why must we go tonight? Because I decided. Now, let's pack. We very little time. I. I can't go, Oliver. What? Now, look here, Tess. Now, please listen to me. I can't leave Julie. She needsn't. Oh, she'll get along. You don't know how she carried on tonight after you went out. It. It wouldn't be fair to desert her at a time like this. But I. Oh, well, all right. I'll phone the airport for another reservation. No, no, Oliver. Julie needs time to organize herself. She's had a terrible shock. Why don't you go alone and we'll join you in a few days? Well, you won't have to face the publicity and I'll have a chance to help Julie. Yes. Yes. Very well. I can wait for you at. At the Continental Hotel in Mexico City. And from there we can go on to. That's a good idea. Tanton, will you phone the airport and cancel your reservation while I go upstairs and thank you. Of course, darling. Hello, police headquarters? Inspector McKee, please. Inspector McKee, this is Tamson Gault. I came home a few minutes ago and I found that my husband has disappeared. Yes, two of his suitcases are gone. Well, I phoned the airport and I was told that he'd made a reservation on the midnight plane for him and me. Well, I don't know why he included me, but. No, no, I didn't cancel it. I didn't want Oliver to become suspicious. Yes, you're quite welcome. Goodbye. You just made a serious blunder, Oliver. You should have called the airport first. Now Inspector McKee will know that you were lying. Oliver, put down that candle. It was all worked out on your precious little mind, wasn't it? Julie needed care. Loving care. I didn't mean it, Oliver. I'll call the inspector. I'll clean. It's too late, Tamson. Would you like to know how much I really loved you, Oliver? Please. Please give me a chance. As much as I hate you now, you won't kill me. Somebody's listening on this phone now. Oliver. Oliver. No. Yes, Tamson. Yes. Hello? Hello? I'm tired, Cassidy. It's Been a long day. Sure. But wouldn't you be feeling good enough now to eat that sandwich? I. Birch. For your good appetite. Oliver. Go. Big Utilities. Man making a getaway. Every day a new surprise. Would he be guessing when he finds the airports loaded down with cops? Yes. You don't say. Are you sure? You gotta be sure. Okay. What's the trouble, sir, if you don't mind me asking? Those fingerprints we found on the doorknob of Shannon's apartment, Cassidy. They ain't good. They belong to a John Revillo. I don't recall no such name, sir. The San Diego confidence man. Arrested 21 years ago. Broke jail six months later, was never found. Well, well, that sort of changes the picture, don't it? Revillo. Could that be a Spanish name? I don't know. On the other hand, it's possible that a fellow who calls himself John Smith and laughs at the church funeral might. Yeah, yeah. Anything's possible. Now. Beckham, McKee, Homicide. Catherine Grace. Yes, sir. What's the joke, mister? We meet again, inspector, and again it's bad news. Tell me about it. You know who this is? A ghost of Gilbert Shannon. A toast to the wise. Death begets death. And when it's murder, there can be no end except in death. What's that? It's happened again. But now it's a beautiful lady. Young, charming. Who was it? Tamson? Gault. What a horror of horrors to be snuffed out in the prime of life. Now, listen, you. If this is a gag, I want to. Goodbye, inspector. I assume your next stop will be the Galt mansion on East 54th street, which is now a tomb. Cassidy. Cassidy. I was on my way, Inspector. That car was made from booth near the guard house. Never mind that. Pick up Smith and hold him here until I get back. If I ever do. Let's keep talking to Shannon. I've got work to do. Well, I didn't know what had happened until you came to the house, Inspector McKee. Santa Mora brought me home, and I went straight up to my room. Where'd he go? He left me at the front door, Inspector. Well, all right, I'm satisfied. I think we'll wrap up this candle holder. Now, the fingerprints on it should tell us who struck the first blow. The first? Yes. Tamsen Gault was not killed by a blow on the head. She was smothered to death. Good heavens. By someone who held her nose and mouth while she was unconscious. But how can you tell? Those swollen veins in her neck and the color of her face. How dreadful. But who Anybody. It didn't require courage or strength. I see. What about Oliver? How do you mention him? He might have found out that Sandals and Tamsen were. Well. Oh. One of those things, huh? Did your father know about them too? He must have. The hammer he was killed with was taken out of this house. Well, thank you. Why didn't you talk about it sooner? I didn't know until a few minutes ago. I went to the second floor closet to look for something. And I found that we're having company. That's it. That's Oliver. Perfect. Meet him in the hall and don't tell him what happened. Don't. Go ahead and do as I say. All right, Inspector. And leave that door open. I want to hear every. Oliver. Julie. I was just going upstairs. Where's Tamson? Oh, she's indisposed. Indisposed? I just don't understand that woman. An hour ago, she wanted to fly to Mexico tonight. Mexico? What are you talking about? I rushed down to my office to get these papers. I thought I'd combine pleasure with business. And now. Is she upstairs? No. Mr. Galt. What? He's waiting for you in the living room. Inspector McKee. Would you like to see him? Of course you would. Now, come on. After you've had a good look, we'll take a trip downtown to police headquarters. And you too, Ms. Shannon, if you like. I like. And while we're driving, we'll pick up Mr. Demora and give him a lift too. Santos. But why? Your alibi, Ms. Shannon. And to you, Mr. Galt. A mathematical problem. The outside angle of a triangle. Excuse me, Inspector. What is it, Catherine? I just got the report on this candle holder. No fingerprints. It was wiped clean. All right. Stay here with Smith. I'm going into the next room to pin down a murderer. Inspector, I'd appreciate a drink if you have one. Great, Great. Give them one, Cassidy, from their water cooler. No, not that. I need something. Well, Inspector McKee, are you ready for us? For one of you, Ms. Shannon, an escaped convict by the name of John Revillo. The matter you struck down. What about it, Mr. DeMora? Would you like to enlighten me? I have never heard of the gentleman. Hmm. How about you, Mr. Golf? I don't know him. I don't recall ever having met him. Well, then, suppose I give you people an assistant. Here's an ink pad. We'll take some fingerprints. Who'll be the first volunteer? You, Mr. Golf? Well, all right. I'm John Revillo, Oliver. But I didn't commit murder. You yourself told me that Tamson was smothered. You made it possible by cracking a skull. I had no choice. We quarreled. She flew into temper and picked up a knife. You can do better than that. First, what about Gilbert Shannon? I thought he was blackmailing me. He was the only one who knew my real identity. I went to his apartment this afternoon for a showdown. I couldn't tell you that because. Well, because Gilbert was already dead when I found him. I was afraid. My criminal record, you know. I know. But I also know that Shannon was not blackmailing you. What? Just a minute. Smith. Come in here. When the law beckoned and put your hat on. Spoken like an old friend. That's the man. I paid him the money. Paid you? Paid me. All right, Smith, you can relax. But I told you, Inspector. I was the bait the spider used to lure the fly. When I saw them today in church, sitting side by side like David and phineas, I. Inspector McKee. What is it, Mr. DeMora? Could I have a glass of water, please? Sure. But first, give me what you have in your hand. You have no right. We'll talk about that some other time. Pills, huh? Poison. Sit down, Mr. Demora. It's your turn to talk now. About a double murder. And no double talk, if you know what I mean. I just can't believe it. Santos d'amora, of all people. Your father's oldest friend. Know thine enemies, but beware of thy friends. And Oliver, an escaped convict. I knew that dad had met Oliver in San Diego. He didn't meet him, Ms. Shannon. He helped put him in jail. Your father was one of those energetic newspaper reporters. Who like to play detective, too. But dad married all of his sisters. Yes. One of those things you never understand. Got the whole story from Smith. He was Gilbert Shannon's editor. Then he knew. Yes, but liquor and hard luck put a cloud on his mind. So when he met Oliver Gault after 20 years. He didn't recognize him as John Ravillo. And he collected the blackmail money. And turned it over to Santa's tomorrow for a whiskey pittance. Smith had to have whiskey. Inspector. How did Santis find out about Oliver? DeMora told me. He got it from your father during a moment of whiskey weakness. But why did he kill him? For protection. Your father was the only one who knew all of his past. But demora was blackmailing him. But why did he kill Tamsin? To frame you, my dear. For both murders. What? You quarreled with Tamsin in a restaurant. DeMora was present. He told you about that, too? Well, he's very Clever, I must say. How did he get into the house? I left him at the front door. He unlatched it while you were saying good night. Oh, well, that explains everything. Just enough. Calling Inspector McKee. Calling Inspector McKee. Oh, what now? Another murder? What is it? Excuse me, sir. This is Cassidy. There's a question that's played on me mind and if you'd be good enough to answer it. Sure, sure. Anything to go home and go to bed. Well, sir, it's about them telephone calls that Smith knocked me to your office about their murders. Why did he do it? An old newspaper man and a lunatic. He couldn't resist a scoop. But how could he know about him, Inspector? Very simple, Cassidy. He was in the right place at the wrong time. Yes, but I. Good night. Good night, Cassidy. Stop worrying about trifles. And the case is closed. And so closes tonight's crime club book. Mr. Smith's hat, based on a story by Helen Riley. Stedman Coles did the radio adaptation. Roger Bauer produced and directed. Inspector McKee was played by Raymond Edward Johnson and Julie by Elaine Kent. The cast included William Podmore, Eleanor Phelps, Paul Hammond, Sherling Oliver and Barry Thompson. Oh, I beg your pardon. Hello. I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the Crime Club. I'm the librarian. Yes, come over a week from tonight. Good. We have a very unusual story of a charity ball at which the principal gift was death. It's called Murder goes astray by M.V. heberden. In the meantime. Well, in the meantime, there is a new Crime Club book available this week and every week at bookstores everywhere. Yes, it's available now. Fine. And we look for you next week. And by the way, the next time you sit down to enjoy a good show, think of the million and a half men who are trying to win a peace throughout the world. And yes, think of the 199,000 who helped win the war and are still in the hospitals. They like a good show too, so keep them going with good uso. Enter entertainment. They still need uso and USO is you. This program came from New York. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System that's going to do it for Case Closed this week. There's more from Johnny Dollar, the Crime Club, this podcast and all of the Relic radio shows@ Relicradio.com. while you're there, you check out our shoutcast stream with even more old time radio. And if you'd like to help, help support it all. Give that donate button a click or visit donate. Relicradio.com your support makes all of this possible and has since 2007. Thanks again to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this week. Talk to you again next Wednesday with another hour of Case Closed.