Mr. Chameleon and Rogue’s Gallery

Summary

---

Case Closed! – Mr. Chameleon & Rogue’s Gallery

Date: June 24, 2026
Host: RelicRadio.com

---

Episode Overview

This week’s Case Closed brings listeners back to the golden age of radio crime solving, featuring two classic detective dramas:

1. Mr. Chameleon – “Death and the Dependent Husband” (Aug 4, 1948)
2. Rogue’s Gallery – “The Star of Savoy” (Jun 23, 1946; starring Dick Powell as Richard Rogue)

The episode celebrates the clever plotting, colorful suspects, and sharp dialogue that defined golden-era radio mysteries—filled with double-crosses, disguises, and classic hardboiled repartee.

---

Mr. Chameleon: "Death and the Dependent Husband"

[Start: 01:22]

Key Discussion Points & Plot

• Who is Mr. Chameleon?
  A master of disguise and a relentless police detective, Chameleon “takes on the color of whatever situation” he encounters, instilling fear in the underworld while remaining a mystery to those he pursues.

• Case Setup

  • Andrea Shepherd, a successful fashion designer, prepares to depart for a business trip; her husband John, a sickly man, is uneasy about rumors she may leave him.

  • Tensions are high, with talk of infidelity, family disputes, and threats from John's half-brother, Cliff.

    “You have to bring home the bacon. You’re Andrea Shepherd, the successful fashion designer! And aren’t I lucky that you are so successful?”
    — John Shepherd (02:51)

• The Murder

  • Andrea returns home to find John dead—poisoned by almond cakes. Louise, her secretary, discovers the body and is devastated.
  • The police investigation initially yields nothing conclusive, with both Cliff and Louise falling under suspicion due to turbulent relationships and opportunity.

• Chameleon’s Method

  • Months later, Chameleon adopts the persona “Larry Whitlock,” a jovial chemical company employee, to get close to Andrea, Cliff, and Louise, intending to draw out the real killer.
  • Chameleon's comic, over-the-top personality is his cover—“Always a little too much of everything.” (08:08)
  • Key theme: patience and psychological manipulation let murderers drop their guard (“After three months, the killer feels fairly safe.” — Chameleon, 06:33)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Dramatic Confrontation
  Tensions flare between Andrea, Cliff, and Louise as suspicions build.

  “You also should be a little afraid of your secretary, Louise Clark. That’s a very sick girl. You don’t know which way she’ll jump.”
  — Chameleon (14:59)

• Second Attack

  • Louise attempts suicide (or becomes the next victim) via more poisoned almond cakes; Cliff disappears, increasing suspicion.

• The Reveal

  • Chameleon, feigning continued courtship, finally searches Andrea’s apartment for poison, focusing on a musical cigarette box.

    “So that’s where the poison is hidden. I thought so. Well, I’ll have to pry off the top of the lid...”
    — Chameleon (23:36)

  • Philip Hawley, Andrea’s prospective fiancé, bursts in—revealing his complicity. Andrea is forced to admit her guilt. Chameleon’s cool wit unspools their plan.

    “The two of you planned his death together, didn’t you? ... That phone call a moment ago was from Detective Sergeant Arnold... the man who sold the poison will identify you if he finds her.”
    — Chameleon (24:11, 24:57)

• Psychological Insights

  • Louise, saved from the poison, questions Andrea’s motive.

    “Why did Andrea kill John? Why didn’t she simply divorce him?”
    — Louise (27:05)

    “My guess is that Andrea Shepherd had played a part for years and she loved it. She loved being the noble young wife... They wouldn’t have admired her so much if she'd thrown aside a sick husband in order to marry Philip Hawley. See, when I finish a job, I put aside my disguise. Andrea Shepard couldn’t bear to put aside hers.”
    — Chameleon (27:13)

---

Notable Episode Structure

• Timestamps:
  • 01:22 – Case introduction and character background
  • 04:03 – Discovery of the murder
  • 09:32 – Chameleon’s undercover dating
  • 15:33 – Louise’s attempted suicide
  • 17:44 – Case status update with the Commissioner
  • 23:27 – Musical box/poison breakthrough
  • 24:57 – Confession and arrest
  • 27:05 – Chameleon’s closing analysis

---

Rogue’s Gallery: "The Star of Savoy"

[~30:41]

Key Discussion Points & Plot

• Meet Richard Rogue

  • Private investigator with a tough exterior, a penchant for self-deprecation, and an inner alter ego (Yugor) who annoyingly offers backward advice.
  • Betty Callahan, Rogue’s love interest and sharp newspaperwoman, livens the banter.

• Case Setup

  • A stranger (Charles McDonald) stumbles into Rogue’s office, mortally wounded, and dies almost instantly—leaving an address clutched in his hand.

  • McDonald’s supposed wife, a statuesque brunette, arrives, frantic; Rogue’s girlfriend Betty is present throughout.

    “If you can get rid of that assignment you have for this afternoon, we’ll go to the races, huh?”
    — Rogue to Betty (32:57)

• Investigation Begins

  • Rogue discovers McDonald was a jewelry store manager from New York; he was shot twice in the heart.
  • Rogue and the police quickly discover inconsistencies with the “wife’s” story.

• Underworld & the MacGuffin: The Star of Savoy

  • Rogue is led to a mysterious address (Squirrel Hill), where he’s knocked out and wakes on his mental “cloud” with Yugor.

  • The real prize is the Star of Savoy, a legendary diamond, hotly pursued by hardened criminals.

    “You know what I’m speaking of. The Star of Savoy. Where is it?”
    — Moore (45:37)

• Confrontation with the Criminal Mastermind

  • Mr. Moore, the ice-eyed villain, believes Rogue has (or knows the location of) the diamond.

  • Rogue’s tough talk and comic wit contrast Moore’s icy precision.

    “You present a beautiful target there in the doorway.”
    — Moore (55:30)

• Unraveling Identities

  • Rogue uses fingerprints to reveal the supposed “Mrs. McDonald” is actually Alice Ryan, an ex-confidence woman.
  • He follows a trail from North Hollywood to Los Angeles, then to another suspect location, with Moore always one step ahead.

• Final Showdown & Resolution

  • Rogue, unarmed, faces Moore, who has killed Alice and threatens him for the diamond.

    “A hundred people have died, I would imagine, Mr. Rogue, in the history of this stone... I have spent the last 10 years scheming... to get this lovely thing.”
    — Moore (56:13)

  • Betty secretly intervenes, distracting Moore long enough for Rogue to counterattack.

    “Oh, Betty, Betty. Bless your little pointed head. But why did you do it, Betty? Well, of all the times to faint. Isn’t that just like a woman.”
    — Rogue (57:30)

  • Moore is arrested; the gang’s greedy treachery has left only him alive—now bound for justice.

    “Moore soon paid the final score for the murders he committed. And, well, I got a five thousand dollar reward for breaking the case. Five thousand dollars for just getting batted around a little isn’t bad.”
    — Rogue (58:36)

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Rogue’s sardonic wit and banter with Betty:

  • “Money isn’t as important as true love, but there’s a lot more of it. You know what I mean?” (59:02)

• Physical Action

  • Rogue constantly battered but never beaten; classic detective toughness.

• Timestamps:

  • 30:59 – Rogue’s world and Betty introduced
  • 34:47 – Charles McDonald’s death
  • 37:43 – Mrs. McDonald’s interrogation
  • 42:13 – Rogue’s first attack/knockout
  • 45:16 – Moore’s interrogation
  • 53:52 – Fingerprint breakthrough
  • 55:41 – Final confrontation
  • 58:36 – Case wrap-up

---

Tone & Style

• Language:
  Fast, punchy, clever—reminiscent of classic radio noir with a blend of humor and suspense.
• Atmosphere:
  Tense and atmospheric, punctuated by moments of comic relief and snappy dialogue.
• Narrative Style:
  Linear, but with frequent asides—both Rogue and Chameleon share thoughts directly with the audience, drawing them into the investigative process.

---

Takeaways

Both stories exemplify why golden age radio mysteries endure:

• Ingenious puzzles and plotting
• Vibrant, witty characters sporting colorful dialogue
• Moral ambiguity and flawed heroes
• The ultimate satisfaction of justice—by way of a clever twist or a slug to the jaw

Whether with Chameleon’s methodical mind-games or Rogue’s wisecracks and brawling, justice is served, and the past is—once again—Case Closed.

---

Listen to more classic detective adventures at RelicRadio.com

---

Transcript

[Case Closed Host]

This is case closed crime stories from the golden age of radio. This is case Closed Mystery and Crime from the golden age of Radio every Wednesday@ RelicRadio.com. if you'd like to help support this and all of the Relic radio shows, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on the support link in the show notes. You've made this possible since 2007. Thank you as always to those who have thanks for joining me this week. We'll begin with Mr. Chameleon and hear the case of Death and the Dependent Husband, his story from August 4, 1948. Then we'll hear the star of Savoy from Rogues Gallery. That story aired June 23, 1946.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tonight, we again present the famous Mr. Chameleon of Central Headquarters in his most famous cases of crime and murder, brought to you by the makers of Bayer Aspirin. For those who do not know who Mr. Chameleon is, we give a quick sketch of his character. Born of a well to do family and a college man, he tried from childhood to live up to the name he bore Chameleon by taking on the color of whatever situation in which he found himself appearing in endless guises, finally entering the police force where he became known as Chameleon, the man of many faces, the underworld's most dreaded man. Throughout this series, the listener will invariably know who Mr. Chameleon is, no matter in which disguise he appears. But the criminal he's tracking seldom does. Tonight we give you Mr. Chameleon and the case of Death and the Dependent Husband. It is late afternoon, and in the modernistic bedroom of her East 50s apartment, Andrea shepherd is packing. Packing and trying to give her sympathetic attention to her husband John, who is stretched out on the bed. And she says to him gently, oh,

[Andrea Shepherd]

darling, please, why must you torment yourself with all these doubts? You know I love you. I hate to leave you like this,

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

but after all, after all, you. You have to bring home the bacon. You're Andrea shepherd, the successful fashion designer. And aren't I lucky that you are so successful? John, according to your friends, I am the luckiest man in the world. They don't even believe I'm sick. They say I like having you support me.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Well, I know better, John, dear. I should be back Friday morning.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Cliff, that charming half brother of mine even accuses me of being in love with your secretary.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, certainly. By Friday noon at the latest. The fashion show takes place on Thursday night, and if I can catch a sleeper back to New York, I will. Otherwise, I'll fly.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Andrea, are you Listening to me, John,

[Andrea Shepherd]

you forget, I've heard all this a million times before.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

But they all say.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I don't care what my friends say. I don't care what your half brother Cliff says. He's no good. You've lent him too much money as it is.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Yes, he hates me for it. He's. He's even threatened me. He says if you really understood me, you'd. You'd leave me.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Well, I do understand you, and I shan't leave you. As for your being in love with my secretary, darling, well, I'm very fond of Louise Clark, but I really don't think she's a threat to our marriage.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I must admit she's got quite a crush on me. She knows I'm sickly, that I don't just sponge on you.

[Andrea Shepherd]

So do I, John. And now, please, will you stop thinking about it? Just take care of yourself until I get back. And before you know it, darling, I will be back. John, I'm home. John, sweetheart. Andrea. Oh, Andrea. Thank heaven you're here. Louise, what's the matter? He's dead. He's dead. Who? John. John. When I got here this morning to go over your mail, he didn't answer the bell. The superintendent let me in, and we found him in the kitchen slumped over the table. He'd been dead for hours, Andre. He'd been poisoned. John? Dead? No. Oh, no, he can't be.

[Narrator/Announcer]

John. And now, at central headquarters, in the office of the Commissioner of police, we find the commissioner restlessly pacing the floor. And with him is the famous Mr. Chameleon, the man of many faces, the scourge of the underworld, who at present looks completely mild and harmless as he smiles and says, you know, Commissioner, if

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

you aren't careful, you're going to burst a blood vessel. It's three months since John shepherd was murdered, and we haven't dug up enough

[Richard Rogue]

evidence to hold anyone.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

But what about the half brother, Ms. Shepherd's secretary? We had to let them go. What else could we do? Louise Clark is an emotional, neurotic young girl who admitted she had an unrequited love for John Shepherd. Unrequited love is the form of poison, too. Sure it is, Chameleon. But Andrea Shepard stuck by the girl just the way she stuck by her hypochondriac husband. As for Cliff Shepard, the brother, he's a bad egg. Apparently, he lived off John, who lived off his wife. Sound like charming people. The brothers hated each other. The night that John died, Cliff was quarreling with him, and we had a fine Case against Cliff. But you had to let him go. We couldn't prove that Cliff had brought John those almond cakes in which we found the poison. The bakery that sold them and had a hundred customers that day. So the poison was inserted later, eh? Well, nothing will kill the taste like almond flavoring. Exactly, Chameleon. Furthermore, we could find no trace of where it was bought. So we had to let Cliff Shepard and Louise Clark go. Now don't start quoting that pet motto of yours.

[Richard Rogue]

The innocent must be protected and the guilty punished.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I am not in the mood. It's still a good motto, Commissioner. I wish you'd been free at the time to take the case. After three months, the trail's pretty cold. Well, that has its advantages too. After three months, the killer feels fairly safe. Look, Commissioner, let's send out a story saying the shepherd murder is an unsolved case. That'll make them feel even safer. All right. Good. Meanwhile, I want to meet Andrea shepherd, murdered man's wife and her secretary. And Cliff Shepherd. Let's see now how I do that. What sort of a man would start courting a three months widow because he'd fallen in love with a picture in the papers? I'd say a fool Chameleon. Yes. Oh, that's it. A fool. But an entertaining fool with money in his pocket. Maybe he works for a big chemical company. Yes, I can see him, Commissioner. A natty dresser who laughs all the time at his own jokes. Yes, sir. Larry Whitlock is quite a card. Is that going to be his name, Chameleon? That is going to be my name, Commissioner. From this point on, I am Larry Whitlock. Darling, can hardly wait till tonight. Your witless friend, Whitlock. How's that, Dave? That's not bad, eh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know, Mr. Chameleon, if you have to keep this up much longer, you're honestly going to start thinking those jokes are funny.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Well, never mind, Dave. I'm making headway. Tonight for the first time, I'm having dinner with Andrea Shepherd. Took weeks of flowers and telegrams to do it. But at last I'm having dinner with her at the Coronad restaurant. Alone. Dave, for a detective sergeant of police, you ask more questions alone. No, Philip Hawley will be with us. He's the dress manufacturer for whom she does most of her designing. Nevertheless, I expect to escort her home and finally meet that little secretary of hers, Louise Clark.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. Chameleon, tell me something.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Aren't you working awfully slow in this case? It's necessary. You see, we're up against a Killer who's exceptionally clever. One false move will never get him. Well, now that does it. Those roses should convince Mr. Shepard that I'm an ardent admirer. Three dozen. See, that's Larry Whitlock for you. Always a little too much of everything.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, good luck tonight.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Well, the same to you, Dave. Have a nice trip. And if you get that information, call me immediately.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, yes, I will, Mr. Million.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Dave, please. The name is Larry. Good old Larry Whitlock, who doesn't have the sense he was born with. But he's going to be the life of the party if it kills him.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, really, Larry, your humor is certainly not subtle. I don't know why I even laugh at it. Do you, Philip?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Well, he doesn't. I haven't heard Mr. Hawley laugh once. I don't have to, Mr. Whitlock. You make up for it. Not bad. Not bad. That's not bad at all, is it, Andrea? He has a nice wit, too. What do you mean, too?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Beat you to it.

[Richard Rogue]

Mr. Hawley.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I'd rather we came out even. Mr. Whitblock, do you mind if I ask you a question? If you really work for that big chemical company. Well, don't you believe I do? Well, it's simply amazing to me that you ever stopped laughing long enough to hold such a job.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Philip, really, you're being very rude. Larry's my friend, and he's done me a lot of good. I, for one, can use a little laughter.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I'm sorry, Andrea. You're absolutely right, Mr. Whitlock. I apologize. Your apology's accepted, Mr. Hawley. No, no, no, seriously. You've been extremely good for Andrea. And as her friend and employer, I appreciate that. I'm only sorry that I have to leave the two of you so early. But you'll see that she gets home all right, won't you, Mr. Whitlock? Oh, don't worry, though. I warn you, I'll make love to her all evening. Well, that's all right. Just as long as she keeps on laughing. Andrea, I don't think he takes me seriously. But he will someday. He will. He will. He will. Now, let's see. What do I want for dessert?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, yes, we'd better order it if Philip has to leave soon.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I know that cake with almond filling that they make especially of here. I'm simply crazy about anything with an almond filling.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

What's the matter? Oh, Andrea. Oh, darling, I'm so sorry. How stupid of me. I completely forgot about your husband. Andrea, darling, are you still upset?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Larry, of course not. Please stop talking about it. Oh, this is my apartment. You'll come in for a minute, won't you?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I'll come in for several minutes, but I. I know that you've been upset. You've hardly heard what I said during the past hour.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Well, Larry, I was a little upset. I love John very much. He was both my husband and my child.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Well, who do you think killed him? Surely not your secretary? Now, you said you have her living here with you. Surely if you thought she'd killed him.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Larry, Louise is a very tragic girl, but lately she's frightened me. She's even talked of suicide. In fact, you had no business coming and threatening at this place.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

What's that?

[Andrea Shepherd]

What's Louise. And someone must be with her.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I'll come here as often as I please. And you won't make trouble for me.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Not after tonight. It's Cliff. John's half brother. What's he doing here? How dare he come here this way. How dare he. Cliff.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, Andrea, what a pleasant surprise.

[Narrator/Announcer]

We didn't expect you home for hours.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Louise. How did he get in here? He was here when I got back from the movies, Andrea. He let himself in with a skeleton key. What?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Sure I did. I thought I'd take a look around. I'm trying to find out who killed poor John.

[Andrea Shepherd]

You mean you were after money? He asked me for money, Andrea. Then he started saying terrible things about

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

John and me again, all of them true.

[Narrator/Announcer]

John himself told me you were so crazy in love with him, you scared him to death.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Be quiet. Then. Get out.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Oh, I know you're so loyal, Andrea.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Just the way you were loyal to your chiseler of a husband.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I said get out. I'm fully convinced it was you who killed John. It was just too bad the police couldn't hold you.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Let me tell you something.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I heard from.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

From certain friends of mine that a man named Chameleon has been put on the job.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The smartest detective in the business.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

You never know when he's around. You never know.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Anyway, somebody better start watching his step.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

And what are you so scared of, old boy? Or shouldn't I ask? What? And where did you hear this rumor? Do you have friends in the underworld?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Eh?

[Richard Rogue]

Who the devil are you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Andrea, who is he?

[Andrea Shepherd]

This is a friend of mine, Mr. Whitlock. Larry, this is Cliff shepherd. And this is my secretary, Louise Clark. How do you do, Mr. Whitlock?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

How do you do? And as for you, old boy, I wish I could say I was glad to meet you, but I'm sure you wouldn't. Want me to tell a lie now, would you, huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Very funny. Where'd you pick up this character, Andrea? Consoling yourself pretty quickly, aren't you?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Listen, old boy.

[Richard Rogue]

And don't call me old boy.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I might suddenly decide to slap you down.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Oh, really?

[Andrea Shepherd]

You mean like this flowery Mr. Whitlocker.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

What did you do to me? You threw me over your shoulder.

[Richard Rogue]

How did you do it?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Nothing to it, old boy. That's just something I studied in college. In fact, I majored in. Shall I do it again? No, no. Well, then I suggest that you leave quietly. Andrea already has asked you twice. Ay, my friend will ask you only once.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Really, it was just too funny. I didn't expect it from you.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I know, I know. Most people think I'm good for nothing except clowning. No, if I were you, I'd be afraid of Cliff.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I am, I am.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

You also should be a little afraid of your secretary, Louise Clark. That's a very sick girl. You don't know which way she'll jump.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Poor child. She's probably crying herself to sleep right now. Larry, you see that cigarette box on the table next to you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Yes. Open it.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh. Plays a tune. Yes. That was John's favorite piece. Louise gave him the box. She spent a whole week's salary for it. She. Larry, what was that? It sounded like Louise. It came from her room.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Come on.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Louise. Louise. Are you all right?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ms. Clark?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Try the door. It's locked. Clark? Don't know. Louise. Open the door. What's happening in there? Larry, what's happening?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Get out of the way, Andrea. I'm going to break in the door.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Louise.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Ms. Clark, what happened? Who did this?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, she's ill. Look, Larry, There on the dresser, some of the almond cakes. Just like the ones that killed John.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. Chameleon. And the Case of Death and the Dependent Husband continues in just a moment. If frequent headache attacks are making your life miserable, by all means see your doctor. His knowledge and experience may make a new person of you. But whenever you have an ordinary headache, take two Bayer aspirin tablets with a full glass of water and see how quickly relief comes because of its famous 2 second disintegrating action. Genuine Bayer aspirin is one thing that really works and works quickly. Actually, Bayer aspirin is ready to go to work almost the instant you take it. To prove this, just drop a Bayer aspirin tablet in a glass of water. You'll see it start to disintegrate within two seconds. Because it does the same in your stomach. You get amazingly fast relief. Bayer aspirin means reliable relief, too. It has been used for years without ill effect by millions of normal people. So when you want fast relief and dependable relief, remember to do what millions do. Use Bayer aspirin. Ask for it by its full name, Bayer Aspirin. Never by the name aspirin alone. Get the 100 tablet bottle and you get Bayer aspirin tablets for less than a penny a piece. And now back to Mr. Chameleon and the case of death and the dependent husband. It is the following morning, and again we find Mr. Chameleon in the police Commissioner's office. And this time it is he and not the commissioner, who is pacing nervously about the room.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

How is Louise Clark? What's the latest report, Commissioner? I'm afraid she's still in a coma, Chameleon. I met her at the hospital, but she hasn't been able to talk, so we still don't know exactly what happened. Do they think there's a chance that she might die?

[Richard Rogue]

Apparently there is.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

What about Cliff Shepherd? He's gone. I'm not surprised. We sent out an alarm for him right after you telephone, but he already skipped. Did they check on the almond cakes? Ms. Clark herself had bought them. The baker was able to swear to that.

[Richard Rogue]

He remembered her this time.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

She and shepherd certainly had a fatal taste for almond cakes.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, Chameleon, you know as well as

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I do it's the one thing that'll make that poison palatable. Quite right, Commissioner. Well, that's one way of killing yourself. You think that's what it was? Attempted suicide? Possible. Almost anything is possible now. Lord knows Cliff Sheppard had plenty of time to put the poison in those cakes. Been there at the shepherd apartment for some time when Louise Clark got in from the movies last night. Chameleon, does it occur to you that if Cliff murdered John Sheppard, he might have hidden the poison right there in the apartment? Oh, of course. Well, Commissioner, I guess it's up to me to locate that poison.

[Richard Rogue]

I wish you luck.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

The shepherd apartment was searched this morning. The boys couldn't find any trace of poison anywhere. If only Dave Arnold would get in touch with me. Apparently, Detective Sergeant Arnold is having his troubles, too. That's the most elusive poison I've ever come up against. I better get me a search warrant. Hey, wait a minute, Chameleon. Do you really intend to search Mrs. Shepherd's apartment? I do. I have a hunch the poison's still there. And, Commissioner, I want to get my hands on it fast. But how the devil will you work it. You're disguised as Larry Whitlock, a gay young blade who's employed by a chemical company. What reason could you give her for searching the apartment? The very best reason in the world, Commissioner. Glad you find it so funny. I'm sorry. As Larry Whitlock, I have acquired the bad habit of finding myself amusing. But it'll pass. And seriously, I'm going to search that apartment. And believe it or not, Andrea shepherd will let me go ahead and do it. So you see, Andrea, I acquired an interest in chemistry at a very early age. And just between you and me, darling, am I boring you? Because if I am, don't tell me.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, Larry, me.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I haven't gotten a single laugh out of you all evening.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Well, there are times when people don't feel like laughing. You seem to forget Louise may be dying.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Oh, did you go to the hospital this afternoon?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Yes. She didn't even recognize me. I'm so frightened, Larry. I have a terrible feeling I may be next.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Oh, no, darling. No, that's not possible. I'm here, aren't I? Not that that would stop it.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, Larry.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Well, at least that got a little response. Andrea, I'm crazy about you. I'm simply crazy.

[Andrea Shepherd]

No, please, no.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I am. I am. Now, don't pull away from me. I may be a clown, but I make love very nicely. No, Larry, no, don't. Saved by the bell.

[Andrea Shepherd]

You see, you can't even be serious about your lovemaking. Honestly, Larry, I've never known such a character. Hello?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

If that's Philip Hawley, hang up.

[Andrea Shepherd]

What's that? Oh, just a moment, please. It's for you, Larry. And Mr. Arnold calling you from Buffalo.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Oh, well, thank you. I left his number down at the hotel. Hello, Dave? Yes. You did good. Huh? Huh? Okay, Dave. That means I can close the deal immediately.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Bye. That was a fascinating conversation. Business.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Yes, Andy, a very big deal. And now, where were we? I was sitting with my left arm around the room.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Larry, wait. I have something to tell you. I shouldn't even have let you bring me home tonight. You see, my dear, I'm going to marry Philip. Poorly.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

What?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Yes. I'm not in love with him. I'll never be in love with anyone but John. But he's kind and so solid.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Oh, And I'm not solid?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Hardly. Oh, you're fun and full of tricks that amuse people. But I want someone I can lean on. I'm sorry, Larry.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Well, darling, now I'll tell you something. I'm Mr. Chameleon.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Who?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Mr. Chameleon.

[Andrea Shepherd]

You mean the famous detective? The one that Cliff shepherd was talking about?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Yes.

[Andrea Shepherd]

What's the matter? Oh, I get the point. If I'm gonna marry Philip Hawley, you're Mr. Chameleon. You really don't believe I'm gonna marry Philip, do you?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

And you don't really believe I'm Mr. Chameleon. Fair enough.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Well, I am gonna marry Philip Hawley. And I certainly don't believe you're Mr. Chameleon, the famous detective.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Well, then I'll have to prove it to you, darling. I'm going to search the apartment.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Larry, you idiot.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Yes, I am. Andrea, where shall I start? I wonder if the poison could be hidden in these books.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, now listen, Larry. Fun is fun, but nothing in the books.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Well, what about these veils? Nothing in there either.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Larry, how long do you intend to keep this up? You certainly run a joke right straight into the ground.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I have to prove to you that I'm Mr. Chameleon, don't I?

[Andrea Shepherd]

I'm afraid I'll have to prove to you that I'm in no mood for jokes tonight. Will you forgive me, Larry, if I get you your hat?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

What?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Go ahead.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Andrea, will you forgive me if I tap the woodwork to see if it's hollow?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Go ahead.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

No. Seems to be perfectly solid. Just like my head. Beat you to it, darling.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Where did you leave your hat?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Put it in the closet. Now, let's see. Cigarette box. Musical cigarette box that plays a tune when you raise the COVID Nothing but cigarettes. Unless.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Unless. What are you doing?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

What, dear?

[Andrea Shepherd]

What are you doing with that box?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Well, I'm going to examine it. Thoroughly, I might add.

[Andrea Shepherd]

No. Put it down. I. I won't have anyone touching that box. It belonged to John. Put it down.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

So that's where the poison is hidden. I thought so. Well, I'll have to pry off the top of the lid.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Don't you touch it.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

My, my, my, my, my, my. But we're getting excited, aren't we?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Let's see. Where is my pen knife?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Here we are.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Come on, you. If you touch that box. Larry, I.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

And I happen to have a search warrant right here with me. You won't need it. Chameleon. Put it away. What?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Philip.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Well, if it isn't Mr. Philip Hawley, the not so solid businessman. My successful rival. Or John Shepherd's successful rival, I might add. The two of you planned his death together, didn't you? Save your breath, Chameleon. Won't do you any good. And drop that penknife. That's better, Andrea. Search Him. See if he has a gun. I haven't. Search him, Andrea.

[Andrea Shepherd]

But Philip, you. You don't think he's not really Mr. Comedian?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Of course he is. Oh, he fooled me too. But you, Andrea, you little moron, you had to give it away.

[Andrea Shepherd]

He guessed the poison was in the music.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Guessed? You practically told him.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I couldn't help it. I was so nervous. Why shouldn't I be nervous?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

That's right. It's poor Andrea who did all the dirty work. First John and then Louise. Because Louise might suspect, as Andrea so rightly said. Why shouldn't she be nervous? Aren't you just a bit nervous, Mr. Chameleon? You should be. You'll never get out of here alive to tell your story. I don't have to.

[Andrea Shepherd]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Well, that phone call a moment ago was from Detective Sergeant Arnold, who was calling me from Buffalo. He called me Andrea. And to tell me that at last he'd managed to trace the sale of that poison. See, I sent Dave to Buffalo because I knew that you had spent quite a lot of time there supervising your fashion shows. Was on one of your last trips that you purchased the poison under another name. But the man who sold it will identify you if he finds her. Also, needless to say, if anything happens to me, the police will know who did it.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Philip, he's right.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Yes, Andrea. But there's one little thing he's forgotten. At least if we get rid of him, we can make a run for it. How about it, Chameleon? Isn't that true? Quite true, Philip.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Don't go so close to him.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Don't be silly. You don't think I'm afraid of him? I have a gun and he has nothing. Nothing. Have you, Chameleon? No.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Just the same, don't go too close to him.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

That's too bad, Andrea never did get

[Andrea Shepherd]

a chance to tell you I was

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

an expert at Jiu Jitsu. Andrea, when I dropped that gun. Why didn't you pick it up? She was too nervous. Too nervous, Mr. Holly? Anyway, I have it now. And I think the three of us will take a little ride to police headquarters. Uhuh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You see, Mr. Chameleon, they hid the poison right here inside the music box. Right under the edge of the lid.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Very clever, Dave. Would you like to take a look at it, Ms. Clark?

[Andrea Shepherd]

No. Please, Mr. Chameleon. I never want to see that box again.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Okay, Dave, take it away.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Ms. Clark, may I say something? You're all right now. The doctors managed to save you from that poison. But there's more than one kind of poison, you know. You must try to forget this. You must forget John Shepherd.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I will. I made up my mind. I will. Mr. Chameleon. I was afraid I'd be accused of murder. There's only one thing I can't understand.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Oh?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Why did Andrea kill John? Why didn't she simply divorce him?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I suppose that only a psychiatrist would really answer that one. My guess is that Andrea shepherd had played a part for years and she loved it. She loved being the noble young wife. People felt sorry for her. They admired her. They wouldn't have admired her so much if she'd thrown aside a sick husband in order to marry Philip. Holly. See, when I finish a job, I put aside my disguise. Andrea shepherd couldn't bear to put aside hers.

[Narrator/Announcer]

And with these words, Mr. Chameleon concludes tonight's murder case. There's nothing as important as fast relief. When you have an ordinary headache and millions who want very fast relief use Bayer Aspirin, where Bayer aspirin is ready to go to work almost instantly. Within two seconds after you take it, it starts to disintegrate. And that's why relief comes so quickly. Remember this, and remember too, that Bayer aspirin is one thing you can take with complete confidence. We say this because no other pain reliever can match Bayer aspirin's record of reliability, its record of use by millions of normal people without ill effects. So for fast and reliable relief, use genuine Bayer aspirin. And when you buy, ask for it by its full name, Bayer Aspirin. Never by the name aspirin alone. Get the 100 tablet bottle and you get Bayer Aspirin tablets for less than a penny a piece. Listen. Next Wednesday night at the same time for Mr. Chameleon, the man of many faces in the vestibule murder case. The part of Mr. Chameleon is played by Carl Swenson with dialogue by Marie Bomber. From the original story by Frank and Anne Hummert. Music directed by Victor Arden. Your announcer is Howard Cleaning. After years of work, a revolutionary new toothpaste has been developed, called Lion's Toothpaste. By actual laboratory test on scores of individual teeth. It gets teeth two and a half to five and a half times brighter than any of the five leading brands. Brighter by far than any other toothpaste. New Lion's Toothpaste does this because it's a new kind of toothpaste with a formula that's completely new and radically different. A remarkable toothpaste that cleans without soap and polishes without chalk.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Try it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ask for lion's toothpaste, Mr. Chameleon. The new mystery drama will be heard in another performance next Wednesday night. At this time, this is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Richard Rogue]

The f.w. fitch company presents dick powell as private investigator richard rogue in rogues gallery.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Fitch.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The F.W.

[Richard Rogue]

fitch Company, makers of Fitches saponified coconut oil shampoo and Fitch's shaving creams, presents Dick Powell as private investigator Richard Rogue in Rogues Gallery. For the benefit of those who tuned in, hoping to hear Cass daily, may I introduce myself? My name is Richard Rogue. I'm a private investigator. I said it and I'm glad. Private investigator. That's the Harvard way of saying I'm a guy who has parlayed a hard head and a great curiosity about other people's affairs into a career. At least that's the way the homicide squads. Lt. Urban, who shares my interest in unalive bodies, feels about me. And I'd also better tell you now that I have a certain personal idiosyncrasy. I hold audible consolation consultations with my alter ego once in a while when I'm confused and in need of advice. His name is Yugor, which is Rogue spelled backwards, and he's a very fresh little spook. Of course, I wouldn't have known I had an alter ego. Betty Callahan, the girl I would rather be marooned on a desert island with than not hadn't browbeaten me into reading Sigmund Freud. Betty, who is the sharpest newspaper woman in town, extends upward about 5ft from the floor, has hair the color of cordovan letter and firelight, and a tip tilted Irish nose, shying away from the most kissable mouth in the world. She's. Well, she's wonderful. And on this day I'm going to tell you about. She and I had had lunch together. She had an hour to kill, so she walked back to my office with me.

[Andrea Shepherd]

You know, Richard, this is much too nice a day to work.

[Richard Rogue]

Look, Betty, if you can get rid of that assignment you have for this afternoon, we'll go to the races, huh?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, I haven't been out this year.

[Richard Rogue]

I got some information from Herb Hyde at the cigar store in the lobby. He gave me two horses who gave him their word they were ready today.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Talking horses.

[Richard Rogue]

Only to Herb. They don't speak English, but fortunately he speaks horse. Get on the phone and ask that slave driver at your city desk for the afternoon off. Tell him you have to go to your grandmother's wedding or something.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Well, I'll try, but it's not going to work and I know it.

[Richard Rogue]

Just sit right down there and pay no attention to that sign asking you to leave a nickel in the cigar box for every call.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, thank you.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Oh, it's nothing.

[Richard Rogue]

It's nothing. I'll do anything for the girl I love.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Better. Think of something better than my grandmother's wedding.

[Antagonist / Moore]

I know.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I'll tell him. I want to go to the race.

[Richard Rogue]

Okay, but you're Richard Rogue.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Richard Rogue]

A detective in New York named Clement Cohan referred me to you. My name is Charles McDonald. Yeah, I got his letter. I got to see it right away. Go on in that office there. I'll. I'll be in in a minute. All right.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Please hurry.

[Andrea Shepherd]

What was the matter with him? He looked sick.

[Richard Rogue]

Probably been drinking. I noticed that when.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, wait a minute. Hello? Give me the city desk, please.

[Richard Rogue]

Now, make it a good story. Tell him that your grandmother.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Hello, Walter, this is Betty Callahan. Look, can you put somebody else on that Struble story this afternoon? I want to go to the races. But, Walter. Yes, but. Okay.

[Richard Rogue]

What did he say?

[Andrea Shepherd]

No. Oh, he told me to get right back to the paper and I like my job, so here I go.

[Richard Rogue]

But wait a minute. Wait a minute. I'll go in and talk with this guy, give him a quick brush and go over with you. Maybe I can talk Walter into letting you take the afternoon off for the betterment of racing.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Well, you'll have to hurry. Walter's mad.

[Richard Rogue]

Just take it easy. I'll be right back.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Hey.

[Richard Rogue]

Hey, what's the matter? Good Lord. Betty.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Richard. What happened? Oh, he fell out of his chair.

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah, get Urban on the phone and call for an ambulance.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, Rich. He's dead.

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah. Yeah, very dead. We'll continue our story in just a moment. First impressions often count a lot. And remember, the appearance of your hair is an important factor in impressing people favorably the first time you meet them. Fitch's Dandruff Remover Shampoo can be a real help to you in attaining the well groomed hair that people admire. For FIT Shampoo removes every trace of that enemy of good grooming, dandruff. It's the only shampoo made whose guarantee to remove dandruff is backed by one of the world's largest insurance firms. There's nothing magical in the way Fit Shampoo removes dandruff. It's simply that it has a special solvent action that penetrates the thousands of tiny hair openings on the scalp, cleansing them thoroughly and dissolving every trace of dandruff. That means not only the loose flakes of dandruff, but the kind that clings to the scalp as well. Then Fitch forms an abundance of fluffy lather that carries away the dissolved dandruff flakes. It rinses out easily and leaves the hair sparkling clean, completely free from dandruff. Try Fitch's dandruff remover. Shampoo yourself for the appearance that impresses. Now back to Dick Powell as private investigator Richard Rogue in Rogues Gallery. I should be inured to the sight and smell of sudden death by this time, but it always does something to me. It freezes my stomach and gives me a dull ache at the base of my brain. When I left Betty Callahan on the phone in my reception room and walked into my private office, I found my mysterious visitor falling forward out of his chair.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In death.

[Richard Rogue]

I knelt by his side and loosened the long top coat he was wearing. The front of his suit and his shirt were red, and there were two bullet holes, one to the right of his heart and one a little below it. I tried to blame myself for not talking, for not understanding that his staggering, shuffling gait was not caused by drinking, but by loss of blood. I looked in his billfold for identification. His name was Charles McDonnell, and he was assistant manager of a Park Avenue jewelry store in New York. There was a piece of paper in his hand. I looked at it. It carried an address. 1392 Squirrel Hill. I. I put the paper in my pocket. Then I heard the outer office door open. And the feminine voice said, Is this Mr.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Rogue's office?

[Richard Rogue]

I jumped to my feet and ran out there, closing the door behind me. There was a girl standing by the desk talking to Betty. A dark girl. Said she had a figure with enough O's in it to put it in the million dollar column and a face to match. Betty said, this is Mr.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Rogue. Where's my husband?

[Richard Rogue]

Well, I'm sure I don't know. What's his name?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Charles McDonald. He's here. I saw him come in.

[Richard Rogue]

That's very interesting. Excuse me.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Mama.

[Richard Rogue]

Betty. Are they on their way?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Yes, both of them.

[Richard Rogue]

Thanks. Now, Mrs. McDonald, what makes you think your husband is here?

[Andrea Shepherd]

I saw him come in here.

[Richard Rogue]

You were on the elevator with him?

[Andrea Shepherd]

No, I just happened to be passing on the street. I saw Charles and spoke to him. He didn't even look at me. He walked right by. I couldn't understand it. He looked sick. I saw him come into this building. I followed him in.

[Richard Rogue]

Where have you been all this time?

[Andrea Shepherd]

I missed his elevator. Why are you questioning me?

[Antagonist / Moore]

Like this.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I know he's here.

[Richard Rogue]

I want to see him. Well, if you missed his elevator, what makes you think he's here? This is a big building, you know.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I waited for his elevator to come back to the ground floor.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I talked to the operator.

[Andrea Shepherd]

He remembered my husband and told me that Charles had asked for your office. Where is he? Mr. Rogue? Where is he?

[Richard Rogue]

Mrs. McDonald, would you just please have a chair? He's a. He's here, all right, but he's busy. You'll have to wait. Oh, hello, Lieutenant. Urban. Come in.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, Ro.

[Richard Rogue]

What goes on? Where's the Urban. I want to see in the next office. Follow me, will you? Well, he sure did. How did it happen, Rogie? I'll tell you all I know. He came in here looking pretty sick. I. I thought he'd been drinking. That long top coat he had on covered the fact that he was bleeding to death. I told him to come in here and wait. I came in about two minutes later, just as he pitched forward out of his chair and died. That's when I called you. Or had Betty call you. She was here when he came in. Saw the whole thing. Looks like a.38 caliber job. Two around the heart. His name is Charles McDonald, and he's from New York City. That's interesting. Who's the girl outside with Callahan? His wife. Where does she fit in?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Here.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, she can't go in there.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I want to see Mr. Rose. Sit down. I'm going in there. No, Mr. McDonald. No, you can't go in there. In there? I know he's in there.

[Richard Rogue]

I'm going in. Well, when that girl saw Charles McDonald lying there as dead as yesterday's beer, she folded up right over him like a drop piece of string. Urban and Betty and I were still working over when the medical examiner and the technical squad from homicide showed up. We picked her up, carried her into the outer office. As soon as she came to, Betty gave her a glass of water, which she sipped nervously when Urban started throwing questions at her like baseballs. Mrs. McDonald, I'm sorry to have to question you at this time. Will you please put that glass down and listen to me? Now, your husband was obviously murdered. I have to have the information.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I don't know who could have done it. My husband was a businessman. He wasn't mixed up in anything that could have caused his murder.

[Richard Rogue]

What kind of business was your husband in?

[Andrea Shepherd]

He was in the jewelry business. Manager of a big store in New York.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Mm.

[Richard Rogue]

What was your address in New York?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I.

[Andrea Shepherd]

The paper. I'm gonna get this story.

[Richard Rogue]

Okay. Wait a minute and I'll walk out of the hall with you.

[Andrea Shepherd]

All right. Come.

[Richard Rogue]

Where are you going, Roggie? I'm taking Betty to a cab. I'll be back.

[Narrator/Announcer]

See that you are.

[Richard Rogue]

Come on.

[Andrea Shepherd]

What are you doing pulling me along like this? I have high heels on.

[Richard Rogue]

I'm in a hurry, baby.

[Andrea Shepherd]

But you told Lieutenant Urban you'd be right back.

[Richard Rogue]

I told him I'd be back and I will. My rent's paid for another month.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Well, where are you going?

[Richard Rogue]

To do a little investigating. That's what it says in my card. Investigator. Now look, honey, when we get downstairs, I'm gonna have to leave you. I'll see you tonight here at the office at seven o'.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Clock. Going down.

[Richard Rogue]

Hello, Mr. Rogue. Hi, Shorty. Drop this thing, will you? I'm in a hurry. I shot out of that building like a bat out of a belfry and jumped into a cab. I slipped the cab jockey a bill that made his eyes pop open like dropped eggs and told him he could keep it if he could get me to 1392 Squirrel Hill in five minutes. That's the address I found in Charles McDonnell's hand. He broke every law but the 18th amendment. The next four minutes and 50 seconds and I jumped out of the cab, hit the front steps of that big, deserted looking old house in the dead run. The door was ajar, so I took my gun out of its shoulder holster, put it in my side coat pocket, walked right in into a blackjack.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh,

[Richard Rogue]

my glazed eyes told my brain there was a dead man lying there. And then my head hit one of the stars which were surrounding me and the star exploded with a blinding flash. I felt myself flying upward at a speed that made me dizzy. I was grabbing at the tails of comets, trying to break my speed, but nothing could stop me. I looked down at the earth and. And I seemed to be looking through the wrong end of a telescope. It was a little round ball, that's all. I couldn't get my breath. I fought for it, fought for it. And then my lungs seemed to explode and everything was peaceful. I opened my eyes and I was on cloud eight, my home away from home. Ugor was sitting there, dangling his little short legs over eternity and combing his long white beard with his stubby fingers.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Hello, Rogi. Been using your head from blackjack back stuff again, huh?

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, never mind the cracks. I feel awful. Who did it?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Some big guy I never saw before.

[Richard Rogue]

But why would he want to hit me? Well, you must have been interfering in his Business, Jeepy. There was a dead man in that room, you know. Yeah, I know it. What was I doing there? I'm a little foggy. Well, you went there because it was the address that was printed on that piece of paper you found in Charles McDonald's hand.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Remember?

[Richard Rogue]

Oh. Oh, yeah. Hey, I, I, I better get downstairs. I, I got work to do. Help me over the side, will you, Yugor? Oh, look, Rogie, there's no dough in this case for you.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Why don't you get out of it? You want to get yourself killed for free?

[Richard Rogue]

I'll get out of it. If I ever get back downstairs. Give me a show, will ya? I'm going down there. Okay, cheapy, but take care of yourself now. So long, Rogie. I opened one eye carefully. Then I closed it again so fast that I was afraid the guy who was watching me would hear it snap. He was a big man. His eyes were the blue of ice cubes. Ice cubes with floodlights behind them. Hot ice. One of his hands was holding a gun. And the gun was pointed right where my heart would have been if it hadn't been in my throat.

[Antagonist / Moore]

No use playing possum now, Mr. Rhodes. No, indeed. I am aware that you have returned to consciousness.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, now, now, who are you?

[Antagonist / Moore]

My name is moore. Now come, Mr. Rogue. I realize that you undoubtedly have a headache, probably a splitting headache, and I'm regretful. But we can finish our business in just a moment if you'll sit up and talk with me.

[Richard Rogue]

Okay, I'll try. Excellent.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Excellent.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Now, Mr. Rogue, where is it?

[Richard Rogue]

Where is what?

[Antagonist / Moore]

Now, now. Time is of the essence. Let us not waste it. You know what I'm speaking of. The Star of Savoy. Where is it?

[Richard Rogue]

You, you have to believe me. I, I don't know whether you're talking about a burlesque dancer, passenger liner or a military decoration. What is the Star of Savoy and why? Am I supposed to know something about it?

[Antagonist / Moore]

You're jesting, of course.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, believe me, I never jest with

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

a head like this.

[Richard Rogue]

Look, messy. You got the wrong number. Do you think I killed this man here?

[Antagonist / Moore]

Oh, indeed I don't. He was killed by a man named Charles MacDonald. You know Mr. MacDonald, of course. Vaguely.

[Richard Rogue]

Vaguely, yes. He was dead when I met him.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Delightful sense of humor. I always admire a man with a sense of humor.

[Richard Rogue]

Good.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Well, then.

[Richard Rogue]

Look, I am going to get out of here.

[Antagonist / Moore]

That's possible. Entirely possible. After you tell me where I may find the star of Savoy, Mr. Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

I don't know.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I don't know.

[Richard Rogue]

Anything about it? Don't even know what it is.

[Antagonist / Moore]

It's a large diamond, Mr.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Rogue.

[Antagonist / Moore]

One of the largest in the world. Formerly owned by the Hohenzollern family, recently the property of a New York collector of famous jewels.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

It's a magnificent jewel, Rogue.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Magnificent. Where is it?

[Richard Rogue]

I don't know. I suppose you think I came here after it.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Oh, I wouldn't know about that, Mr. Rogue. But you say you met my friend Charles MacDonald after he was dead. Very cleverly put. But when MacDonald left here, he went from here directly to your office. He was carrying the Star of Savoy in his coat. I know that to be true. I was following him.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

We.

[Richard Rogue]

We searched him, the police and I. He didn't have the Star of Savoy or any other diamond over a carrot any place on him.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

That's the truth.

[Richard Rogue]

Only thing I found on him was this address. That's why I came here.

[Andrea Shepherd]

That's very strange.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Yes, quite baffling.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Have you met a strikingly beautiful girl? Tall, black hair, brown eyes, very appealing?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

You.

[Richard Rogue]

You mean MacDonald's wife?

[Antagonist / Moore]

Well, yes, MacDonald's wife.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

You've met her?

[Richard Rogue]

Yes. She was at my office when he died. Who is this stiff here?

[Antagonist / Moore]

Oh, a former partner of mine. He was attempting to double cross me.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Poor fellow.

[Antagonist / Moore]

You see, Rogue, he and I had a market for the Star of Savoy. A very fine market. That's why we hope to get it from Mr. MacDonald today. MacDonald was most unreasonable. Most unreasonable. Of course, I intend to continue in my efforts to acquire the Star of Savoy. This dark young lady, Mrs. McDonald, was she alone with him at any time, either while he was alive or after his death?

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, no, I. She came into my office and saw that he was dead and fainted.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Oh, I see.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Well, Mr. Rogue, I'm inclined to believe your story about knowing nothing about my diamond. I think I'll be running along. But just to make sure that you don't use your meager talents to pursue me.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I'll have to.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, We'll return to our story in just a moment. First, one often hears that a woman's eyes, the window to the soul, are her most expressive features. But did you ever consider that a woman's hair can be very expressive too? It can tell the world whether the woman is fastidious or careless. That's why so many millions of smart women depend on Fitch's Dandruff Remover Shampoo to make their hair express good care and exquisite grooming. Forfitch's Dandruff Remover Shampoo is a thorough cleansing agent. And while it cleanses, it also reconditions the hair. This reconditioning action perks up drab and tired hair strands, gives them more elasticity and a bright, gleaming texture. Then, since Fitch's Dandruff Remover Shampoo is completely soluble in water, it leaves no dull, soapy film on your hair. It rinses out quickly and leaves the hair shining and lustrous. Let your hair be an expression of loveliness. Ask your beauty operator to give you a professional application of Fitch's Dandruff Remover Shampoo. Or buy an economical bottle at your drug or toilet goods counter. Fitch is spelled F I T C

[Narrator/Announcer]

H.

[Richard Rogue]

Now back to Dick Powell as private investigator Richard Roegl in Rogues Gallery. Well, what had started out to be a lovely, lucid day had certainly turned out to be as ugly and mad as a giraffe with a sore throat. The date I had with Betty Callahan had been interrupted by a stranger walking into my office and dropping dead of pre digested murder. I got knocked silly and came to to find a guy named Moore politely annoyed with me about a diamond I'd never seen. So annoyed with me, in fact, that he was determined to kick my teeth out. I saw that big shoe swinging from my jaw and I ducked right into it. Oh, it would have been so easy for me to pass out again. But I fought it. I couldn't. I needed the time. I vaguely heard the fading footsteps of Mr. Moore through the aura of pain which was surrounding me like a fog. And after he'd faded out, I. I sat there for a while. Then I got to my hands and knees and crawled until my head cleared a little. When I got to my feet, I ran out of the house, grabbed a cab for the Park Crest Hotel. I thought I'd find more there. Looking for Mrs. McDonnell. Oh, I must have looked like a hit and run victim. As I approached the very proper clerk. He backed away, but I reached across the counter and grabbed him. Let go of me. I want some information. I want it fast. What room is Mrs. Charles McDonald of New York City in? Mrs. McDonald, stop stalling. What's her room number? We have a Mr. McDonald, but there is no Mrs. McDonald. His wife is in New York. How do you know that? I sent a wire to a forum last night. There's no Mrs. McDonald out here and now. Let me go before I call the house officer. I remembered then Mr. Moore had hesitated when I pegged that tall, dark girl as Mrs. McDonald's. That girl was an imposter. My head was still Doing the Virginia reel with variations on the turns. But I couldn't slow up now, in spite of the racket inside my skull, I was thinking straight and clearly. I ran to my office. It was only a block. And I got that glass that Mrs. McDonald had been twirling in her fingers as Urban questioned her. I took it down to police headquarters and asked the sergeant of the Fingerprint Bureau to dust it for Prince and telephoto the Prince to the FBI in Washington. I told him he could find me in my office. I went back to my office and sank into my swivel chair and let sleep take over.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Richard. Richard. Richard. Richard, wake up. Richard.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Mm.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Richard, what has happened to you? Oh, honey, you look so awful. Oh.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Oh.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, Betty.

[Narrator/Announcer]

How.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Hello, baby.

[Richard Rogue]

What are you doing here?

[Andrea Shepherd]

It's seven o', clock, Richard. You told me to meet you here at seven o'. Clock.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Seven.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, seven it is.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh.

[Richard Rogue]

Hey, what about those fingerprints?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Fingerprints?

[Richard Rogue]

Excuse me a minute, baby. I gotta call the Identification Bureau.

[Andrea Shepherd]

You should be in a hospital. Oh, Richard, you can't take me to dinner looking like that.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, honey, think how I feel. Identification Bureau. Sergeant James. Sergeant, this is Richard Rogue. You get an answer from the FBI on those prints I gave you? Yeah, just came in.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Rogue.

[Richard Rogue]

They belong to a girl named Alice Ryan. Three years ago, when they took him at the aircraft company where she worked, she lived at 4435 Ethel Avenue in North Hollywood. Any criminal record? Arrested once in a confidence rap four years ago. Dismissed for lack of evidence. Thanks, Sarge. I owe you a cigar. Come on, Betty. We're going to go to North Hollywood. I'll explain why in a cab. Come on.

[Andrea Shepherd]

No, Alice does not live here anymore. She moved into Los Angeles for seven months ago when she quit her job at the airplane factory.

[Richard Rogue]

Did she leave a forwarding address?

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, yes. I'll get it for you. Just a minute. You think she has the diamond, don't you, Richard?

[Richard Rogue]

Sure. She lifted it off McDonald's body when she fainted over him.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Oh, how queer it is. It is a long drive from here in Los Angeles.

[Richard Rogue]

Thanks.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Alice Ryan? No, she doesn't live here anymore. Or she came into money or something.

[Richard Rogue]

She lives in Hollywood now, you know her dress there. Big guy around here after an hour

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

ago, it's north to Serrano.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, wait a minute.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I'll get it for you.

[Andrea Shepherd]

A big man. That's the man.

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah, that's the man. He has an hour's head start.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here it is.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

I wrote it down for you.

[Richard Rogue]

Well, thank you, sir. Okay, now, Betty, ring the bell and then stand back. Clear back against the wall. And stay away from the windows.

[Andrea Shepherd]

All right, Richard, you take care of yourself now.

[Richard Rogue]

I always do. Stand where you are and I'll go knock on the door.

[Andrea Shepherd]

All right,

[Richard Rogue]

You stay right there, Betty. I'm going to try the door now. Stay where you are.

[Andrea Shepherd]

I will.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Come in. Come in, Mr. Rogue. And don't attempt to be clever, because you present a beautiful target there in the doorway.

[Richard Rogue]

Where's Alice Ryan?

[Antagonist / Moore]

She's here. Drop your gun.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Please, Mr.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Rogue. I can see you, you know. I have a bit of advantage. Drop your gun, Mr.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Rogue.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Close the door, Mr.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Rogue.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Now that I've turned the light on, you can see that you have found Alice Ryan.

[Richard Rogue]

Oh, brother.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Yes. I'm sorry I was forced to eliminate her, Mr. Rogue. She was most unreasonable about giving me the Star of Savoy. She chose to pit her ordinary brain against my genius in this race to see who would be the possessor of the stone after Charles MacDonald was eliminated. And now, Mr. Rogue, you find yourself in much the same position.

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah, I guess I'm not very smart.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

You.

[Richard Rogue]

You have the diamond?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Indeed I have.

[Antagonist / Moore]

And I think perhaps you deserve a glimpse of it. There. Is that not the most inspiring sight you ever seen, Mr. Rogue?

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Look at it glistening here.

[Antagonist / Moore]

A hundred people have died, I would imagine, Mr. Rogue, in the history of this stone. Yes, at least a hundred. I have spent the last 10 years scheming, contriving, bribing, stealing to get this lovely thing. And now, Mr.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Rogue, it's mine.

[Richard Rogue]

Yeah, you've got it. What are you gonna do with it? Just sit there and look at it?

[Antagonist / Moore]

I can get a million dollars for it. A million? In cold cash and no questions asked. A million dollars. I'm not at all sure that that is enough, Mr.

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

Rogue.

[Antagonist / Moore]

And now I'm afraid I'm going to

[Mr. Chameleon / Larry Whitlock]

be forced, regretfully, to remove you.

[Richard Rogue]

There was cold murder in the ice. Blue eyes ever looking into mine. Moore was enjoying every breath of my last few minutes on earth. He was waiting for me to break. And all the time he was talking in that cultured iceberg voice. Then I saw Betty. She was hugging the wall in the next room, creeping silently toward the killer. I wanted to shout at her, to shout at her, to tell her to go away and.

[Andrea Shepherd]

Richard. Richard, are you all right? Yeah.

[Antagonist / Moore]

Yeah.

[Richard Rogue]

I knocked his gun up the air when you scared him silly. Oh, Betty, Betty. Bless your little pointed head. But why did you do it, Betty? Well, of all the times to faint. Isn't that just like A woman. Well, the police took it from there and the story was pretty plain. Moore was the head of a gang of international jewel thieves consisting of the man I found dead on Squirrel Hill, Alice with the dark black hair and himself. They had offered Charles McDonald a fortune to steal the Star of Savoy from the Park Avenue establishment where he was employed and where it was on exhibition. They planned to kill him when he delivered the stone. But the trio triple crossed themselves and finally only Moore remained alive, which was a temporary thing because Moore soon paid the final score for the murders he committed. And, well, I got a five thousand dollar reward for breaking the case. Five thousand dollars for just getting batted around a little isn't bad. I split the reward with Betty Callahan, who certainly saved my life, and she went right out and spent her half on a fur cape. You know, women should never have money. They don't know how to handle it. Of course, the first time she wore the cape she looked so lovely that I took her to the races and lost my half on a horse named Investigator. Oh, well, money isn't as important as true love, but there's a lot more of it.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You know what I mean?

[Richard Rogue]

This is Dick Powell again, ladies and gentlemen. It's awfully nice to meet you on a new network. I hope you enjoyed our story tonight. Ray Buffum wrote it. Leith Stevens composed and conducted the music in D. Engelbach produced and directed. Be with us again next Sunday, will you? We have a story for you about a triangle, a rendezvous and a plan that failed. We call it lady with a Gun. Thanks for listening. And now here's Jim Doyle. Listen again next week at this same time to hear Dick Powell as private investigator Richard Rogue in Rogues Gallery. Laugh a while. Let a song be your style. Use Fitch shampoo. Don't despair, Use your head. Save your hair. Use Stitch Shampoo. After and between fit shampoos, you can keep your hair shining and manageable by using a few drops of Fitch's Ideal Hair Tonic every day. Fitch's Ideal Hair Tonic is not sticky or greasy, yet it gives your hair that well groomed look.

[Case Closed Host]

I hope you enjoyed Case Closed this week. You can find past episodes at the website alongside our all of the other Relic Radio podcasts and more from Mr. Chameleon and Rogues Gallery. Our shoutcast stream is up and running there as well with even more old time radio lots to listen to. Thanks to your support. Thanks for joining me this Wednesday. I'll be back next week with another hour of Case Closed.