Podcast Summary: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio)

Episode Title: Philip Marlowe and Casey, Crime Photographer
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Release Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Case Closed!, listeners are treated to two gripping crime stories from the golden age of radio. The first narrative follows the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe as he delves into a mysterious case involving debt, deceit, and danger. The second story centers on Casey, a tenacious crime photographer, as he uncovers sinister activities within a coal mine plagued by unexplained accidents. Both tales are masterfully crafted, blending suspenseful storytelling with rich character development.

Section 1: Philip Marlowe and the Bedside Manners

Setting the Scene

The story begins with Philip Marlowe recounting a recent misadventure that left him bedridden with a fractured leg. As Marlow navigates his injury, he's approached by Ordine Patterson, a woman seeking his help to locate her brother, Maynard Patterson, who owes a substantial debt to a mysterious figure named Fish.

Key Plot Points

• Marlowe's Injury and Ordine's Plea:
  Marlow shares his struggle with his injury, emphasizing the urgency of Ordine's request:

  "Two weeks ago, when they scraped me up off the pavement, I felt like everything must have been broken." ([05:30])

• The Mysterious Debt:
  Ordine reveals that Maynard owes Fish $50,000 and hints at Maynard's potential remorse:

  "Phil, it was terrible. Fish." ([12:45])

• Initial Investigation:
  Determined to help despite his condition, Marlow contacts Sid Rayfield at the Colony Club and enlists the help of Hunger Malloy, a reliable bookie with deep connections:

  "Hunger, I went to the Colony Club and got talking around, but not one thing worth noticing went on there Saturday night." ([25:10])

• Threats from Fish:
  Marlow receives threatening phone calls from Fish, heightening the tension and danger surrounding the case:

  "Mr. Marlow, it's Mitzi from the restaurant. Are you all right, Mr. Marlowe?" ([40:20])

• Unveiling the Deception:
  Through meticulous investigation, Marlow deciphers the intricate web of lies spun by Fish, uncovering that Fish is a fabricated persona used to extort money:

  "A rotten tailor-made scheme to get your sister to save you by paying 50,000 bucks to a gambler named Fish who doesn't exist." ([55:50])

Notable Quotes

• Marlow's determination despite his injury:

  "But I put in a call for Sid Rayfield at the Colony Club. Sid was out, so I left a message for him to get in touch with me next." ([18:35])

• The chilling threat from Fish:

  "You are only still alive because it's convenient to me. Too bad you didn't feel that way about Sid Rayfield." ([50:15])

Conclusion of the Story

Philip Marlowe successfully dismantles the fraudulent scheme, ensuring that Maynard and Ordine are no longer entangled with the dangerous Fish persona. The case underscores Marlow's unwavering resolve and sharp investigative skills, even when faced with personal adversity.

Section 2: Casey, Crime Photographer, and the Demon Miner

Introduction to Casey's World

Transitioning to the second story, listeners meet Casey, an ace cameraman working alongside Ethelbert Miner. They're assigned to investigate a series of suspicious deaths at the Slakeville Colliery, where miners are falling victim to what locals believe to be a "demon miner."

Key Plot Points

• Mysterious Deaths:
  The narrative introduces a series of unexplained fatalities caused by falling roof rocks, leading to legends of a supernatural miner:

  "A large piece of roof rock found near the dead man's head...frightened the workers into believing in a demon miner." ([01:15:30])

• Gathering Clues:
  Casey and Ethelbert interview mine workers like Gus Hapsel and Frank Adams, piecing together eyewitness accounts of the demon miner's appearance and behavior:

  "He had big hands, freckles on the backs of them, and kind of a reddish hair on him." ([01:25:50])

• Discovery of Evidence:
  While exploring the mine, Casey discovers a powder puff with white powder, hinting at a human masquerade behind the supernatural facade:

  "A black powder puff. It's just an ordinary powder puff covered with coal dust." ([01:45:20])

• Unmasking the Culprit:
  Through deductive reasoning, Casey identifies Eddie Bliss as the perpetrator, revealing that the "demon miner" was a charade to conceal the murders:

  "Eddie Bliss...I made guys afraid to work here. Yes, I kill. I'm the boss now." ([02:10:45])

• Climactic Confrontation:
  In a tense showdown, Casey exposes Bliss's deception, bringing the true criminal to justice and dispelling the supernatural rumors:

  "He was playing my game. But he won't trap me." ([02:15:30])

Notable Quotes

• Gus Hapsel's description of the demon miner:

  "He had a big old-fashioned house, dark and gloomy with high ceilings and old ornate brass chandeliers." ([01:20:10])

• Casey's realization of the ruse:

  "Casey hit him. Yeah, he coughed him out." ([02:08:55])

• Eddie Bliss's confession:

  "I've got a confessional to make...I kill. I'm the boss now." ([02:12:40])

Conclusion of the Story

Casey adeptly solves the mystery behind the demon miner, demonstrating his prowess as a crime photographer and investigator. The story highlights themes of superstition versus reality and the ingenuity required to expose hidden evils within a community.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Case Closed! masterfully intertwines two compelling narratives, showcasing the depth and versatility of classic old-time radio storytelling. Philip Marlowe's relentless pursuit of the truth and Casey's sharp investigative instincts provide listeners with an engaging blend of detective work and suspense. Notable quotes and detailed plot progression ensure that both newcomers and long-time fans of the genre find the episode captivating and thoroughly enjoyable.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Philip Marlowe:
  "But I put in a call for Sid Rayfield at the Colony Club. Sid was out, so I left a message for him to get in touch with me next."
  — [18:35]

• Fish (Threatening Tone):
  "You are only still alive because it's convenient to me. Too bad you didn't feel that way about Sid Rayfield."
  — [50:15]

• Gus Hapsel:
  "He had a big old-fashioned house, dark and gloomy with high ceilings and old ornate brass chandeliers."
  — [01:20:10]

• Eddie Bliss:
  "I've got a confession to make...I kill. I'm the boss now."
  — [02:12:40]

Listeners are encouraged to revisit these classic tales on relicradio.com and support future episodes through donations on the website.