Sherlock Holmes and Philip Marlowe

Summary

Case Closed! Podcast Summary

Episode: "Sherlock Holmes and Philip Marlowe"

Date: April 22, 2026
Host: Cy Harris (RelicRadio.com)

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Overview

This episode of Case Closed! delivers a classic double-feature from the golden age of radio crime drama, replaying two iconic mysteries: Sherlock Holmes in "The Case of the Frightened Bookkeeper" and Philip Marlowe in "The Last Wish." The episode transports listeners to a world of intrigue, classic detective logic, and noir suspense, showcasing two of radio's greatest detectives as they unravel intricate cases involving murder, blackmail, and human frailty.

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Part 1: Sherlock Holmes – "The Case of the Frightened Bookkeeper"

(Starts at ~00:10)

Main Theme

A humble, rule-abiding bookkeeper finds himself accused of murder following the discovery of a corpse in a most peculiar place—a giant bell’s mechanism. As Inspector Lestrade and the police close in, Sherlock Holmes steps in to pierce the curtain of circumstantial evidence, demonstrating his trademark acumen and skepticism.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

• Morning on Lombard Street ([04:04])

  • Humphrey Littleton, a normally punctual bank bookkeeper, is late for the first time in 21 years due to a town bell not ringing.
  • Police, led by Inspector Lestrade, are present after a body is found on top of the merchant's building.
  • The body, Henry Bennett, is identified as a petty thief and blackmailer. Evidence (Littleton’s walking stick, a blackmail note) points to Littleton.

• Littleton Confronted and Flees ([06:37])

  • Lestrade accuses Littleton of murder. In panic, Littleton grabs a gun and escapes, making him a fugitive.

• Holmes’ Investigation ([08:23])

  • Holmes deduces from Lestrade’s dust, threads, and anxious manner that the inspector is desperate and without leads.
  • Holmes picks up two crucial clues from Littleton’s bank cage: a pink pill and a fragment of green paper (railway ticket punch).
  • He also deduces Littleton planned a sea voyage, suggested by the seasickness pill.

• The Chase & Capture ([12:54])

  • Holmes and Watson race to Victoria Station, expecting Littleton to board a train for Dover. A tense confrontation on the train ends with Holmes disarming Littleton using his hunting crop.
  • Notable quote:
    "I regret the necessity of using my hunting crop on your hand, Mr. Littleton, but you are rather obstinate." – Sherlock Holmes ([01:49], repeated at [18:19])

• Doubts and the Trial ([19:29])

  • Holmes feels unsatisfied with the logical chain of evidence, suspecting a deeper truth.
  • Visits Mr. Francis Ridgeway, defense counsel, who seems resigned to losing the case, despite his perfect record.

• Holmes' Breakthrough & Courtroom Revelation ([23:09])

  • Holmes reveals to the court that the real murderer is not Littleton, but Ridgeway himself. He lays out:
    • Ridgeway’s motive: as both he and Littleton were being blackmailed.
    • Ridgeway's office rug was stained with tar from the hot rooftop where the murder happened.
    • Plaster casts of Ridgeway’s shoe prints match those left at the scene.
    • Testimony from a chimney sweep who overheard Ridgeway’s confrontation with Bennett, and who had been bribed to keep silent.
    • Ridgeway used Littleton’s walking stick to kill Bennett, framing the frightened bookkeeper.
  • Notable exchange:
    "Henry Bennett was not murdered by Humphrey Littleton, the prisoner in the dock, but by Mr. Francis Ridgway, counsel for the defence." – Sherlock Holmes ([23:09])

• Resolution ([27:29])

  • Holmes explains: Ridgeway, desperate to cover his criminal past, killed the blackmailer and attempted to implicate the innocent Littleton, who was only a hapless victim of circumstance.

• Classic Sign-off

  • Holmes: "Elementary, my dear Watson." ([28:07])

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Holmes' Reasoning:
  "You've dust on the knees of your trousers and the elbows of your coat, indicating clearly that you've been squirming about in an area that's barely accessible. You found a corpse..." – Holmes ([07:47])
• Watson’s Amazement:
  "Confounded Holmes. How do you do these things?" ([28:00])

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Part 2: Philip Marlowe – "The Last Wish"

(Starts at ~31:02)

Main Theme

Los Angeles private detective Philip Marlowe is called in to grant an old man's dying wish: to see his estranged son Jack one last time. The mission entangles Marlowe in a fast-moving web of nightclub intrigue, blackmail, and betrayal.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

• A Dying Wish ([33:28])

  • Dr. Sam Towman summons Marlowe to his office: his friend Jacob Schiller is dying and wishes to see his son Jack.
  • Jack Schiller is estranged, suspected of criminal activity, and possibly entangled with a singer, Peggy Grant.

• Tracking Down Jack ([37:21])

  • Marlowe investigates Sherry Towers and learns Peggy Grant is the key connection.
  • He encounters resistance – including a “turkey neck” tough who tries to intimidate him.

• Crown Club Connections ([40:09])

  • At the Crown Club, Marlowe observes Jack with Peggy, hears of a troublesome envelope of love letters with lawsuit potential, and meets owner Ross Harlan.

• The Envelope and Double Cross ([45:20])

  • Following Jack to the home of sleazy agent Mancini, Marlowe is attacked and pulled into a violent confrontation: Jack is suspected of attacking Mancini for the letters.

• The Real Plot ([51:12])

  • Marlowe uncovers that the alleged love letters—claimed by Peggy—were never hers, but rather letters that implicate Harlan and Mancini in fraud.
  • Peggy admits she was retrieving them for Ross Harlan, her real boyfriend, having manipulated Jack.
  • Notable quote:
    "Why not also tell him who your real boyfriend is, baby?" – Marlowe ([51:12])

• Tragic Timing ([53:11])

  • Marlowe finally brings Jack to Dr. Towman, but finds Jacob Schiller has died just minutes before Jack’s arrival. Deep regret follows.

• Resolution & Redemption ([55:02])

  • Jack chooses to face justice for his role in the night’s violence, but Marlowe urges him to take his father’s unclaimed flight ticket—fulfilling the old man's wish and beginning a new life in Israel.
  • Notable exchange:
    • "Is Jack your real name?"
    • "No, it's really Jakob, like my old man's." ([55:17])
    • "You're catching that plane with luck you may make it all the way." – Marlowe

• Closing Reflection ([57:14])

  • Marlowe and Lt. Matthews watch the plane depart, contemplating the two Jacob Schillers and the promise of starting over.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Opening Marlowe Monologue:
  "Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gutter, the prison, or the grave." – Marlowe ([30:49])
• On the nature of trouble:
  "You're not the first guy that's happened to, I doubt that she'll be the last." – Marlowe ([54:53])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------|-----------| | Sherlock Holmes intro/overview | [00:10] | | Holmes confronts Littleton | [06:37] | | Holmes’ deductions in Lestrade’s office | [08:23] | | Clues found at the bank | [11:53] | | Holmes and Watson at Victoria Station | [12:54] | | Littleton's capture on the train | [15:03] | | Courtroom scene and Holmes reveals Ridgeway's guilt | [23:09] | | Holmes explains solution to Watson | [27:29] | | Philip Marlowe’s opening monologue | [30:49] | | Dr. Towman’s dying wish for Marlowe | [33:28] | | Sherry Towers and Crown Club investigation | [37:21], [40:09] | | Confrontation at Mancini’s house | [45:20] | | Peggy Grant’s confession | [52:25] | | Marlowe brings Jack to father (too late) | [53:49] | | Closing reflection at the airport | [57:14] |

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Tone & Style

• Sherlock Holmes: Polished, patrician, analytical, with witty banter between Holmes and Watson; features deductive reasoning and brisk pacing.
• Philip Marlowe: World-weary, tough, with sardonic noir narration; more emotionally driven, with deep undercurrents of regret and longing.

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Notable Quotes

Sherlock Holmes

• "You've dust on the knees of your trousers and the elbows of your coat, indicating clearly that you've been squirming about in an area that's barely accessible..." – Holmes ([07:47])
• "Elementary, my dear Watson." ([28:07])
• "Henry Bennett was not murdered by Humphrey Littleton...but by Mr. Francis Ridgeway, counsel for the defence." ([23:09])

Philip Marlowe

• "Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gutter, the prison, or the grave." ([30:49])
• "You're not the first guy that's happened to, I doubt that she'll be the last." ([54:53])
• "You're catching that plane with luck you may make it all the way." – Marlowe to Jack ([55:26])

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Conclusion

This episode delivers a rich blend of cerebral detection and hard-boiled noir. Holmes solves the ostensibly “open-and-shut” case by mistrusting surface logic and pursuing overlooked details, leading to the exposure of a seemingly upstanding attorney as a murderer. Marlowe’s journey is messier and more emotional: a tough investigation culminating not with legal justice but a bittersweet shot at redemption.

Listeners are left with the enduring appeal of both detectives—Holmes, the master logician, and Marlowe, the dogged knight in tarnished armor—and a reminder that crime might make for exciting radio, but rarely ends well for those who live it.

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For more classic radio mysteries, visit relicradio.com.

Transcript

[Cy Harris]

This is Case Closed Crime stories from the golden age of radio. This is Case Closed One hour of mystery and crime from the golden age of radio. Every Wednesday@ Relicradio.com our first story comes from Sherlock Holmes. This week we'll hear the case of the frightened bookkeeper from October 3, 1948. After that, it's the adventures of Philip Marlowe and the Last Wish. That story aired July 19, 1957 o'

[Announcer]

clock by Longines, the world's most honored watch product of the Longines Whitnor Watch Company. Your Mutual station will broadcast exclusively the American League playoff game in Boston tomorrow between the Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. The playoff is on the air at 1:15pm Eastern Standard Time. That's tomorrow afternoon at 1:15 Eastern Time for the American League playoff on your Mutual station. Now, Sherlock Holmes, The makers of clipper craft clothes for men and more than 1200 leading retail stores from coast to coast. Presents are Arthur Conan Doyle's immortal character, the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, starring John Stanley. This week's adventure, the case of the Frightened Bookkeeper.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I regret using my hunting crop on your hand, sir, but you were rather obstinate and you are wanted for murder. I shall stop the train and we shall return to London. I shall have the pleasure of turning you over to Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard as a gift. Compliments of Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Announcer]

Well, here we are again at the door of Dr. Watson's study, ready to hear another exciting story from the good doctor's memoir.

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, good evening, Mr. Holmes.

[Announcer]

Good evening. Delighted to see you again, Dr. Watson. Which of your spine tingling adventures with Mr. Holmes do we hear about tonight?

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, it's the case of the frightened bookkeeper, Mr. Harriet. It concerned a murder under fantastic circumstances and it ended with the strangest doings in a court of law that I have ever witnessed.

[Announcer]

Well, doctor? Two things always amaze me, Mr. Holmes. Cases for one and for another.

[Dr. John Watson]

May I venture to guess that the other source of your amazement has to do with clipper craft Clue?

[Announcer]

It certainly does, Dr. Watson. If you think a really fine suit should cost you a young fortune, why, you'll be glad to know you're wrong. Absolutely wrong. Because you can own a suit that looks like an expensively tailored model without going haywire. Impossible. Well, just slip into a clipper cracked suit. Study the tailoring, examine the fabrics. Don't think you can afford it. Then glance at the price tag. No, your eyes aren't playing you a trick. The price is only 40 or 47.50 you wonder how it's done.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, listen.

[Announcer]

More than 1200 of this country's finest independent stores from Maine to California have combined their vast purchasing power to keep your budget happy. That's why you'll pay only $47.50 for the handsome Clipper Craft worsted suit you'll hardly ever wear out. Try one on at the Clipper Craft store in your community, you're bound to agree. Clipper Craft's values in suits, top coats and sport coats are flabbergasting. Compare clippercraft with clothes selling for many, many dol. And now, Dr. Watson, just what was the frightened bookkeeper afraid of?

[Dr. John Watson]

This story, Mr. Harris, begins shortly after nine in the morning on Lombard Street. The customary swarm of office workers was dashing about, but no one was hurrying quite as quickly as our bookkeeper, Mr. Humphrey Littleton.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He scurried across the street like a

[Dr. John Watson]

startled rabbit and ran into the Overseas Bank. He raced across the vast marble floors to his cubicle in a far corner. There he hastened to hang his coat on a hook and wipe his perspiring brow. Then he mounted his tall stool and

[Sherlock Holmes]

opened a huge ledger. Mr. Littleton. Yes, Mr. Mason? I presume you realize that you are late. Yes, Mr. Mason. I'm terribly sorry. To be precise, Mr. Littleton, you are 18 minutes late. Yes, sir. I believe, Mr. Littleton, this is the first time in 21 years that you have been late. That is correct, Mr. Mason. The bank is shocked. I know, sir. I presume there is some reasonable explanation for this unfortunate parent. There is, sir. It's the bell. What bell? If you'll step to the window with me, sir, then I can explain. The window, please. Oh, very well. Now, sir, if you look across the way at the crowd in front of the Merchants Building. What of it? It's the old bell. The bell on top of the building. It didn't ring this morning, sir. First time in years. And what concern is it of yours? Well, you see, Mr. Basin, I always stop for my breakfast down the street. I always time myself by listening to the bell. But it didn't ring this morning, and that's why I was late. Well, Mr. Lyndon. Oh, I say, what on earth are those policemen doing? It appears as though they are carrying something, doesn't it? It's a man. They're carrying someone out of the building on a stretcher. Oh, an accident, no doubt. Oh, say, they're covering his face with a blanket. He must be dead. And isn't that Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard out there? I have never met the gentleman. Of course it is. He's coming into the bank now. We shall see what's what and who's been killed. Mr. Lyttison. Yes. Mr. Bas, may I present Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard. Happy to make your acquaintance, Inspector. How do you do, Mr. Litterman? You were late this morning because the bell on the top of the merchant's building failed to strike the hour of 9. Yes, Mr. Mason. Inspector Lestrade informs me that the bell did not strike because something had fallen into the mechanism. Do you know what it was? I haven't the remotest idea. It was a dead body. Really? It was the body of a Mr. Henry Bennett. Henry? Mr. Bennett was murdered. What's that? You committed the murder, Mr. Little.

[Dr. John Watson]

I?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well I. You were late because you did not simply stop for breakfast. You also stopped to do away with Henry Bennett. Humphry.

[Dr. John Watson]

Littleton, you're under arrest.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No, no, I didn't kill him. You can't arrest me.

[Dr. John Watson]

You can't.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Keep him away. Snatcher or inspector at the bank keeps the gun there. I have a gun. Now out of my way or I'll shoot.

[Dr. John Watson]

You haven't a chance, Littleton. We'll find out.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I don't think so, Inspector. I'll take my coat if you don't mind. Don't call to your men. I can still see you. Very well. If you budge or say a word, I. I shall kill. I never thought he had it in him. Mr. L. A murderer.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now we'll have to search all London for the rascal. Stop that man. Stop him I say. Answer him. Answer him. I'll answer it.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Holmes. Good morning, Doctor.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good Morning, inspector. Le.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Holmes. Well, Lestrade, what information do you wish to impart? Aside from the fact that you found a cadaver in a small inaccessible area, that you've lost a prisoner and that you're desperately anxious to discuss the case?

[Dr. John Watson]

Holmes, the Inspector's hardly said a word.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you know what this is all about? He's hardly said a word, my dear Watson, but his appearance is most eloquent.

[Dr. John Watson]

Is it Mr. Holmes? Indeed.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You've dust on the knees of your trousers and the elbows of your coat, indicating clearly that you've been squirming about in an area that's barely accessible. You found a corpse since a considerable number of woollen threads are on your jacket. They are the distinctive colored threads found on the blankets used by the coroner when placing dead bodies in his wagons.

[Dr. John Watson]

Remarkable.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Your complexion is livid and you're breathless. You have therefore been running. Surely not in Haste to pay us a social call, Rather I should say in pursuit of someone. And the manner in which you're nervously fingering your notebook, Inspector, can only signify that you are impatient to discuss the case. Pray discuss it then.

[Dr. John Watson]

Understand Mr. Holmes, I'm telling you this because you have been somewhat helpful on previous occasions.

[Sherlock Holmes]

A masterpiece of understanding.

[Dr. John Watson]

I'm not asking your assistance, it's just if you should come across anything that should be brought to my attention. Now then, our information's fragmentary, perhaps I may embellish it. We found a corpse lying across the mechanism of the gigantic bell on top of the merchant's building on Lombard Street. Who was the dead man? A Mr. Henry Bennett.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Bennett? Bennett, yes, I have a card on him.

[Dr. John Watson]

Who is he Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, a petty thief. Tiresome record of criminal trivia, served a few short prison terms, bit of flotsam on the sea of the London underworld.

[Dr. John Watson]

Bennett's skull was split open. We found the weapon with a walking stick with a cast iron top. A walking stick? We couldn't fathom where it came from but a girl in the crowd recognized it. She's the secretary of the Overseas bank across the way. The bank had presented the walking stick to one of its bookkeepers. The memento of 20 years service.

[Sherlock Holmes]

And the bookkeeper's name?

[Dr. John Watson]

Humphrey Littleton.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Find anything else?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, there was a letter on the body. Obviously a blackmail note addressed to Humphrey Littleton. Well how did the note read? It said, Merchants Building, Tuesday morning, bring usual payment. Be sure you keep mum. The scrawled in pencil wasn't signed of course.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Any eyewitness?

[Dr. John Watson]

Two of his fellow employees saw Littleton leave the merchant's building.

[Sherlock Holmes]

You then crossed the street and entered the bank and attempted to arrest Humphrey Littleton, but he's escaped. Am I correct this round?

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, yes Mr. Holmes. He vanished. He took a gun from the cashier's drawer, forced his way past us. Evidently the little bookkeeper was tired of being blackmailed by Bennett, so he did away with him. Yes, but how did the body get

[Sherlock Holmes]

into the mechanism of the bell, Inspector Lestrade?

[Dr. John Watson]

Littleton met his man in the building this morning, struck him on the head, killing him instantly. Dragged the body to the room intended to push it off. So we believe Bennett had fallen or committed suicide. That's all very well but you still haven't explained. I'm coming to that Dr. Watson. The killer must have been startled by a noise and believed he was about to be caught. Seen by someone on the roof. Chimney sweep perhaps? There's a trap door on the roof at least the bell. Littleton must have dropped him there when he became afraid, lest he wouldn't have time to push him off the roof.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Anything further you wish to state? Bastard.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, no. Now I must be off. I. I don't suppose you'll have occasion to do so, Mr. Holmes, but if you should come across a clue as to the whereabouts of Littleton, you might tell the Yard.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lestrade, I leave the solution of this case entirely in your capable hands.

[Dr. John Watson]

It will Rest well there, Mr. Holmes, I've no doubt.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Lestrade. Good morning.

[Dr. John Watson]

Good morning. Good morning, Inspector. Well, confound it, Holmes, you're not just going to sit there while Inspector Lestrade steals a march on you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

A bit of it, my dear Watson. I'm merely giving him time to leave. The moment he's sufficiently far away, we're off to the Overseas Bank. We shall see if we can't locate Mr. Humphrey Littleton, the frightened bookkeeper. Perhaps we may shake salt on the tail of this bird who's flown the cage. This is the photograph of Mr. Littleton, Mr. Holmes, from our files. Ah, yes, Mr. Mason.

[Dr. John Watson]

And this is the cage where he worked.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Mason. Yes, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

I said.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

What are you doing crawling about on the floor?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Mason, when he made his escape, you say he seized the revolver from the drawer, then his coat hanging on that hook, then left the bank. Exactly. I don't know how on earth he'll ever be found in all of London. Aha.

[Dr. John Watson]

Found something else.

[Sherlock Holmes]

This pink pill, it rolled under the desk. And this microscopic bit of green paper. Note the geometric design of the paper. Both items are most informative. Peel, green paper, that copy of the Evening Star on the desk. Watson, please.

[Dr. John Watson]

First you find a pill and then

[Sherlock Holmes]

you want to read the newspaper.

[Dr. John Watson]

What are you up to, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Ah, there we are. This page. Excellent. Come, Watson. Mr. Mason, we shall have the killer in a jiffy.

[Dr. John Watson]

But, but, but Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

With no time, Watson, no time. Good morning, Mr. Mason. Oh, yes, good morning.

[Dr. John Watson]

Where are we off to, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Victoria Station as quickly as the Campbell Carrier.

[Dr. John Watson]

And why, may I ask?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Because, my dear Watson, it's there that we shall find Mr. Humphrey Littleton. Of course, not too late. We shall find him with the aid of this pink pill and the geometrically designed speck of green paper. The most fortunate, Watson. The train Mr. Littleton has chosen for his departure to the continent is still here at the station.

[Announcer]

Come along.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I purchase tickets for us. We must board it.

[Dr. John Watson]

But what train? How.

[Sherlock Holmes]

How do you know all this? The answer is the pink I discovered in his cage. At the bank. I recognized it immediately. Its mate is missing. There's a pink pill and a brown pill. Ingredients? A form of butyl alcohol, thyrocine, bromide and caffeine. More commonly known as seasick pill.

[Dr. John Watson]

I see. The pill fell from Littleton's pocket when he lifted his coat from the hook. Pill? By George, he was preparing for a sea voyage.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Positively brilliant, my dear Watson. Yes, our bookkeeper was prepared to bolt from the clutches of his blackmailer to abandon his position at the bank. He was preparing for a sea voyage, timid soul that he is, by securing pills. Ms. Gate. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

All right you are. Thank you. But why did you read the Evening Star?

[Sherlock Holmes]

To examine the travel section. Not a single passenger ship sails today for a far off port. There are simply the regular daily sailings across the channel to France. Of course I had to fortify this clue with more tangible evidence.

[Dr. John Watson]

The particle of green paper.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Easily identifiable it was a familiar green paper utilized for the printing of railway tickets. As for the neat pattern of it, it was definitely the portion punched out by the ticket seller. The railways maintain an infallible system of tracing those punch marks 1. Each punch has a peculiar design of its own. I was quite correct in surmising that Littleton was headed across the channel via Victoria Station. His tickets for the train to Dovar. The train we're about to board. Shall we? This compartment said the agent said.

[Dr. John Watson]

I say, Holmes, do you expect the killer in this compartment?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, I realize it's empty now, but he'll arrive most assuredly. All right, step in Watson, step in. Thank you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, by the by, while I was waiting at the gate I glanced at the newspaper home. There's an item about this crime. The eminent counselor, Mr. Francis Ridgeway, upon being informed of it, has volunteered to

[Sherlock Holmes]

defend Littleton without a fee. Really? You know I.

[Dr. John Watson]

This is an extremely dangerous method of

[Sherlock Holmes]

dealing with a killer. My homes were leaving and he isn't aboard. You must have made an error in your deduction. Impossible.

[Dr. John Watson]

We're moving.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, and someone's out there trying to jump on. Open the door. Right. Thank you.

[Dr. John Watson]

Thank you.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I thought I'd never make it. Are you gentlemen going to Dover? Yes, and you? To Dover.

[Dr. John Watson]

The maternal fever.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Well, since we've a journey of two hours together, perhaps we should introduce ourselves. This is Dr. John Watson. How do you know? My name is Sherlock Holmes. What is your name, sir? What is your name, sir? Barclay. George Barkley. I beg your pardon. Your name is Humphrey Littleton and you're wanted in London for committing murder.

[Announcer]

Well, Dr. Watson, Mr. Holmes was brazenly inviting disaster in challenging the armed killer, wasn't he?

[Dr. John Watson]

Ah, he certainly was, Mr. Harris. But at this point I have an invitation for you concerning a much more pleasant topic. Won't you tell us more about Clippercraft clothes?

[Announcer]

Well, I accept the invitation gladly.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Doctor.

[Announcer]

One of these days you're going to walk into the Clippercraft store in your community and walk out wearing a happy smile and a handsome suit. Buy Clipper craft. You'll pay only 40 or 47.50, depending on your choice. But you'll deserve all the admiration your friends will voice because yours will be an investment in one of America's greatest clothing values. Yes, Clippercraft is just about the finest clothing value America can offer you. You see, more than 1200 fine stores from coast to coast have concentrated their enormous buying power to really put the brakes on your high cost of living. Why, it's clear as daylight that a project of Clippercraft scope keeps Clipper Craft's great tailoring plants operating at full speed the full year round. You get the savings this money saving plan makes possible. Yes, Clippercraft suits are phenomenal values at only 40 and 47.50. That's why men who know insist on Clippercraft clothes. So be sure to visit the Clipper Craft store in your city. These leading stores in the metropolitan area are proud to add their names to Clippercraft. In your suits, topcoats and sport jackets.

[Sherlock Holmes]

In Manhattan, John Wanamaker Men's stores, Broadway

[Announcer]

at 8th and 67 Liberty Street. Saks 34th Broadway at 34th. In Brooklyn, Abraham Strauss in Newark, NJ Boulevard.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Men's Shop, Kresge, Newark. And in Jamaica, the B and B

[Announcer]

Clothes Shop, 1648 Jamaica Avenue.

[Dr. John Watson]

Now, shall we return to the frightened book, Mr. Harris?

[Announcer]

We can't return to that train fast enough for me, Dr. Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, you remember that Holmes and I were in the compartment of the Dover train face to face with Humphrey Littleton, the murderer. Holmes had just identified him.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What makes you think that I'm Littleton? Suppose you answer one question, sir. Will you leave this train and return to London in our custody, or do you choose to be stubborn? I'll not return to London. I'll take that revolver, Mr. Littleton. You'll not take me back.

[Announcer]

I repeat, your revolver.

[Sherlock Holmes]

No. You're behaving like an idiot. London's most brilliant criminal attorney, Mr. Francis Ridgway, has announced he will defend you greatest. He has never lost the case. You have an excellent chance. No, no, I won't I won't.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, don't be silly, man. You have no possible avenue of escape. Scotland Yard ass, surely. Telegraph the French surety.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm waiting, Mr. Littleton. Turn over your. No. Once I surrender to you, I'm finished. I'd rather kill both of you. Once you're out of the way I can jump off the train. Then what? Dashing from village to village. How long can you hide out on the downs like a stricken animal? You shan't persuade me. My mind is made up. I'll take my chances. Very well, if you insist upon. He's missed. He's gone, Watson. I have his home. I regret the necessity of using my hunting crop on your hand, Mr. Littleton, but you are rather obstinate. I shall stop the train and we shall return to London. Then I shall have the pleasure of turning you over to Inspector Lestrade as a gift with the compliments of Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, Holmes, the morning newspapers say that Littleton is safely locked in prison. I must say you handle that case with astonishing speed. I've. I've hardly even had time to catch

[Sherlock Holmes]

my breath and it's over. It's not over, Watson. What do you mean it isn't over?

[Dr. John Watson]

I'd say from the moment the murder was committed, events moved with a relentless logic.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'd hardly employ the word logic, my dear Watson. That's what disturbed me so. Hurry, finish your breakfast. We're off to the merchant's building.

[Dr. John Watson]

But why, holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

To visit Mr. Francis Ridgeway, counsel for Littleton's defence.

[Dr. John Watson]

Why?

[Sherlock Holmes]

To ascertain how he plans to defend the bookkeeper.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, it should be a simple speedy trial, shouldn't it?

[Announcer]

Perhaps.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I'm delighted that you've dropped in here to my office, Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watts.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, thank you, Mr. Ridgeway.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It is an incredibly exquisite office. Those draperies, magnificent rugs, most striking.

[Dr. John Watson]

Don't you agree, Holmes?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Yes, yes. Right. May I ask, Mr. Ridgeway, what sort of defense you plan for Humphrey Littleton? Well, there isn't a scrap of evidence on his behalf, Mr. Holmes, and he admits he was being blackmailed by the dead man. You see, Littleton once needed money desperately for his wife who was ill. He took some from the bank and juggled his books to cover up. Bennett knew about it, but Littleton denies committing the murder. Says he was never on the roof of the merchant's building. Said his walking stick was stolen from his plaque. No one will believe him, I'm afraid. I don't suppose you've learned anything that would help me have You? No, I have not. To make matters worse, he bought that ticket to France. He claimed he wanted to chuck his position and run away just to avoid the blackmailer. The jury will interpret it as a plan for escaping after committing murder. Oh, I shall paint as stirring a

[Dr. John Watson]

picture as I can of the miserable

[Sherlock Holmes]

creature hounded by a petty thief.

[Philip Marlowe]

He.

[Sherlock Holmes]

He became fed up, that's about all. I shall fight every inch of the way but confidentially this may be the first case I've ever lost.

[Dr. John Watson]

It's 2 in the morning, Holmes. Where the dickens have you been?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I couldn't wait for you to return from the hospital, Watson. My mission was urgent.

[Dr. John Watson]

Esworth, where were you?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I've been searching for evidence that might interest Mr. Ridgeway.

[Dr. John Watson]

Oh, and did you go on this urgent mission carrying that pair of shoes under your arm?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I did not start out on the mission that way.

[Dr. John Watson]

No, really, you do perform the most extraordinary antics.

[Announcer]

Why?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The trial begins tomorrow.

[Dr. John Watson]

You mean you've got something that might acquit the bookkeeper?

[Sherlock Holmes]

The grim fascination of a trial for homicide, Watson, is that the results are most unpredictable.

[Dr. John Watson]

Silence. Silence in the court. Here you are, Helm, two seats. There's Littleton in the docsium in Fentage, Ridgeway in the far corner.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Quiet Watson. The clerk of your size is about to read the indictment of the jury.

[Dr. John Watson]

Gentlemen of the jury, the prisoner at the bar, Humphrey Littleton, is indicted and the charge against him is murder. Upon this indictment he has been arraigned. Upon his arraignment he has pleaded that he is not guilty and has put himself upon his country, which country you are. It is for you to inquire whether he be guilty or not and to hearken to the evidence. The Crown charges that on the morning of July 19th Henry Bennett was ruthlessly attacked and died instantaneously when he was struck upon the skull.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Francis Ridgeway. Good heavens.

[Dr. John Watson]

Sit down, Holmes.

[Sherlock Holmes]

What?

[Dr. John Watson]

The silence in the.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Mr. Holmes, what is the reason for this disturbance? May it please your lordship, gentlemen of the jury. Henry Bennet was not murdered by Humphrey Littleton, the prisoner in the dock, but by Mr. Francis Ridgway, counsel for the defence. May it please your lordship. I do not know why Mr. Holmes has chosen to interject this fantastic assertion by Mr. Ridgeway. Mr. Holmes, milord, you have on many previous occasions made a substantial contribution to the enforcement of law and order. The court will entertain a statement. I protest, your lord. Sh. Go on Mr. Holmes, tell them. Tell them I didn't do it. I didn't do it.

[Dr. John Watson]

God help me.

[Sherlock Holmes]

I didn't do it.

[Dr. John Watson]

I had.

[Sherlock Holmes]

The court will entertain a statement by Mr. Sherlock Holmes. Mr. Ridgeway, it originally struck me as curious that a council possessing your perfect record should volunteer for a case so obviously doomed to defeat. Could it have been that you wanted to have the case because you wanted to lose it? Idle speculation. I visited your office to develop my theory. Dr. Watson admired your draperies. But I noticed a black spot on your rug. It was tar. Although you may have vigorously cleaned the remainder of your office, you neglected to remove that one speck. Go on, Holmes, go on. Where did the tar come from, Mr. Ridgeway? Well, the murder was committed on an extremely hot day on the roof of the Merchants Building. The tar melted. It came off on your shoes. After killing Bennett on the roof, you returned to your office, soiling your rug. Preposterous conjecture on your part, sir. Last night I was on the roof of the merchant's building. I made plaster casts of the killer's footprints. I then paid a midnight visit to your deserted office, Mr. Ridgeway. I found a pair of your shoes in a closet. The cast, which I'm prepared to submit as evidence, match your footprints. Perfectly inconclusive evidence. Utterly inconclusive. In addition. In addition, I took a sample of a tar from that same roof and compared it with a sample from the tar on your rug. Or I have here a report based on experimentation at home to the effect that both samples match perfectly in chemical content.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Proof?

[Sherlock Holmes]

I demand proof, sir, that I actually committed the murder. And you shall have it. There is a young gentleman waiting outside at my request. His name is Bob Dexter. What is most important about this young gentleman, however, is not his name, it is his occupation. Mr. Dexter is a chimney sweep, my friend. In speckle of strength, Thesis was correct. There was a noise that startled the killer. It was the chimney sweep. Mr. Holmes, do you request that the witness be summoned now? In a moment, my Lord. I made inquiries. I found this young gentleman at his home in Stepney. I persuaded him that accepting your bribes to keep silent, Mr. Ridgeway, was a disgraceful crime. He is prepared to testify that he overheard your angry conversation with Bennett upon the roof. Mr. Hearn, what was the subject of the conversation? Mid August? The conversation revealed that while Bennett was in prison, he secured information from his fellow prisoners. From your victims, Mr. Ridgeway, your dukes who served while your clients were scot free. Once released, Bennett patiently gathered canceled checks, notes, photographs. Overwhelming evidence about your career. Your brilliant career was founded upon a tissue of lies. Bribery, forgery, coercion. You invited Bennett to the building to purchase his collection. But you killed him with Littleton's walking stick, which you'd stolen. To be sure, the evidence pointed to the helpless bookkeeper. Now, shall we call Mr. Dexter, who saw you do away with Bennett? May it please your lordship, I should like to make a request. Proceed, Mr. Ridwen. I move that the indictment against Mr. Humphrey Littleton be stricken from the record and a new indictment be drawn up by the grand jury charging the murder of Henry Bennett. Mr. Francis Ridgeway,

[Dr. John Watson]

By Joe Holmes. Now that you're relaxed in your chair with your pipe, you must take the time to tell me precisely what did happen on the morning of the murder. I. I confess I'm still a bit puzzled.

[Sherlock Holmes]

It's painfully obvious, Watson. Bennett was blackmailing both the bookkeeper and Mr. Ridgeway. Ridgeway knew it. Littleton didn't. Ridgeway sent a message to the bookkeeper, enticing him to the Merchants Building that morning. He'd previously stolen the walking stick.

[Dr. John Watson]

I see.

[Sherlock Holmes]

But before the bookkeeper was due to arrive, Ridgeway killed Bennett with Littleton's walking stick. Then Littleton came along, innocently enough, expecting merely to make his regular insignificant payment to Bennett. He saw a crowd, became frightened and dashed off to work at the bank.

[Dr. John Watson]

Well, I'm still amazed at how you arrived at the proper solution. Confounded Holmes. How do you do these things?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Elementary, my dear Watson.

[Dr. John Watson]

Element.

[Announcer]

Well, Dr. Watson, the case of the frightened bookkeeper was really very surprising. I'm sure you have an equally startling adventure planned for next week.

[Dr. John Watson]

Yes, Mr. Harris, I have. It's called the Adventure of the Guy Fawkes Society. A secret cult whose membership consisted entirely of fanatics devoted to one of the most horrible purposes imaginable. Of course, nothing on earth could keep Holmes from the joining the society.

[Announcer]

Well, Dr. Watson, we shall be standing impatiently at the door of your study next week for the adventure of the Guy Fawkes Society. The makers of clipper craft clothes and more than 1200 stores from coast to coast have brought you another in the new series of broadcasts featuring the world's most famous detective, James Sherlock Holmes. Our stories are based upon the character Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the program is produced and directed by Basil Loughran. Sherlock Holmes is played By John Stanley, Dr. Watson By Ian Martin. This week's story was written by Howard Merrill, with special music by Albert ber. If you don't know your clipper craft dealer, write ClipperCraft, 200 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Be sure to listen next week to Sherlock Holmes in the Adventure of the Guy Fawk. Society. This is Cy Harris speaking for Flipper Aircraft.

[Philip Marlowe]

Closed.

[Announcer]

This is a Mutual Broadcasting System with your dial set at 7:10. You're all set for behind the Front

[Sherlock Holmes]

Page with Gabriel Heater, which follows in just a moment. Eastern Airlines now ready for departure.

[Dr. John Watson]

It's Eastern Airlines.

[Sherlock Holmes]

For double dependability.

[Announcer]

Eastern planes are the world's finest.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Its pilots, tried and proven through years of service. Fly Eastern, the dependable airlines. This is WOR New York.

[Philip Marlowe]

Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison or the grave. There's no other end, but they never learn.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. The refreshing, delicious treat that gives you chewing enjoyment presents for your listening enjoyment Raymond Chandler's most famous character in the Adventures of Philip Marlowe. To make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to refreshing, delicious Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum. Here's a taste treat you can enjoy indoors, outdoors, at work or at play. The cool, long lasting mint flavor refreshes you. The smooth, steady chewing helps keep you fresh and alert. Adds enjoyment to whatever you're doing. Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Healthful, refreshing, delicious. Now with Gerald Moore starred as Philip Marlowe, the makers of Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum are glad to bring you tonight's transcribed story. The Last Wish. Flight 7 from Dallas, Texas, now arriving Gate 4.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Flight 7 from Dallas, gay Reactor.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Jeff Coffey.

[Philip Marlowe]

Still Terrence tell you on a running mate. Pie, Cake.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Sandwich.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hotter. No, honey, just coffee. Nothing else. Oh, wait a minute. Make another coffee, will you?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Sure.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, Lieutenant Matthews over here.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, hi, Phil. Hi.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sit down. I just ordered some coffee for you.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, that's wonderful, Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now that the niceties are over, where is he? He's around. Matthews. We're around, Marlow.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Look, why all the hocus pocus?

[Sherlock Holmes]

When you called, you told me to

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

get over the airport here in a hurry.

[Philip Marlowe]

You said you had him.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

I do.

[Philip Marlowe]

Also, I've got a story. Well, that can keep till we get to headquarters. No, it can't keep, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Flight 77 now loading at Gate 9.

[Philip Marlowe]

It can't keep any longer than that, Lieutenant. I don't follow your model.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

A guy the law wants in a

[Philip Marlowe]

cozy sell in a plane going to New York.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Where's the connection?

[Philip Marlowe]

That's the story, lieutenant. We got 20 minutes before that plane takes off.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Yeah.

[Philip Marlowe]

Have your coffee.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Anything else, sir?

[Philip Marlowe]

No.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

All right, Marlow, let's have it.

[Philip Marlowe]

But make it snappy. I can't make it snappy, Matthews. It's not that kind of a story. Not parts of it, anyway.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

All right, Phil, do it your way.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, it began early this Evening, Lieutenant, about 5:30, when I got a call from a doctor in my neighborhood. A nice elderly guy named Sam Towman, who once took a bullet out of my shoulder.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Oh, I remember.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, he wanted me to come over to his office right away. Matthews. He was excited, but not for himself. Excited for a patient. An old man who was dying. When I got to his place, the kind of old fashioned doctor's office where the drab horsehair furniture sort of gets mixed up with the shiny new X ray equipment. He met me at the front door.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

He's inside with my nurse, Phil, and he's going fast. You've got to be quick. Now, what did I tell you on the phone?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, almost nothing, Doc. Just that he's old.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Yes. 70, Phil. Maybe more. Anyhow, his name's Schiller, Jacob Schiller. He's a good friend of mine from San Francisco. And he was on his way to Israel, to Tel Aviv. Oh, it was his life ambition. Sit down, Phil.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay. He. He's not gonna make it, Doc.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Not a chance. It's his heart. He had an attack this afternoon. I can't even move him out of here. He's through a little too soon.

[Philip Marlowe]

He wanted to go to the new country, is that it?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Yes. Pioneers measured by his spirit, not his years, he said. Anyhow, Phil, he came down here to see his son, for he caught a plane tonight for New York and the first leg of a trip to Israel. And that's where you come in. I don't know where Jack Schiller is. Jack's his boy's name. But the old man would like to see him once more. It's his last wish. He knows he hasn't much time left.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, why me, Doc? Why not the police?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Well, I didn't think.

[Philip Marlowe]

I mean, Phil, the kid doesn't sit so well with the law, huh?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

I'm afraid not. Excuse me.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sure.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Dr. Talman.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Hello?

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, yes, Mrs. Caller. Yes. One every three hours, like it says on the bottle. Yes. Goodbye, Mrs. Caller. Where was I?

[Philip Marlowe]

Feel Jack Schiller in the law. The reason they don't get along.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, well, you see, Phil, Jack came down here to LA about three months ago, and as his father's old friend, he looked me up. So we had him over for dinner a couple of times. But pretty soon he started coming less and less. And when he did, it was A different Jack Schiller. Smart, flashy clothes, a new way of talking. You know, big shot kind of talking. I know the police are dumb and there's easy money to be made. That kind of talking. And he never would say what his business was, if he had any. But believe me, Marlowe, whatever it was, it wasn't too much on the up and up. And there was some kind of a girl mixed in.

[Philip Marlowe]

There always is. What's Jack Schiller look like?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Document look like? Yeah. Oh, yes. Here, Phil. A picture we took of him when he first came to the house. A barbecue we were having. He's about 30 years old.

[Philip Marlowe]

Kind of good looking, huh?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Maybe too good looking, Phil. Maybe that's the trouble. Anyhow, for Jacob's sake, Phil, for my old friend, do you think you can find him?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, that depends, Doc. What else do you know? Like last address, friend's name, favorite bar. That's the kind of information that counts.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

I was afraid it would be like that, Phil. I never did know his address.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, yeah, but, Doc, there's gotta be someplace I can start.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, one thing, Phil. Twice or maybe three times, I saw him going to a fancy apartment house on Wilshire Boulevard. The Sherry Towers.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sherry Towers?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

I passed it late at night coming from the clinic. I didn't bother stopping to call him. I. Well, you know, Phil, if he wanted no part of me, I wanted no part of him. And I wouldn't care about him now either, but for Jacob. Jacob's been a good man, Phil.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Always.

[Philip Marlowe]

Phil.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

You'll try?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, sure, Doc.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

I'll try.

[Philip Marlowe]

Doc. Tom. And smiled his thanks without moving his lips, turned and shuffled toward a room behind him. When he opened the door, I caught a glimpse of a lot of cylinders and tubes and gadgets I didn't understand. And something I did understand a little. The almost peaceful face of an almost peaceful old man who was dying. I didn't try to see anymore. There wasn't time to waste. I suddenly wanted to get started in a big hurry. The Sherry Towers on Wilshire was made out of plaster, glass, brick and acute angles. And it was anybody's guess what held it all together. The only person in the plush lobby was a tall man with a red turkey neck who had a toothpick and a cigarette jammed in one corner of his mouth. I walked over to the receptionist.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Yes, that's right. Mr. Lederman's car at 9. Mr. Kelly's at 9.

[Philip Marlowe]

30.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Washed and gas. That's it, Steve. Goodbye. Oh, yes, sir. Can I help you?

[Philip Marlowe]

I hope so. I'm looking for Jack Schiller. I'm an old friend of his from out of town. I tried his place and a neighbor said I might find him here.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

The neighbor was right. But you're early. Ms. Grant isn't through at the club until 10 at least.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Ms. Grant?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Mm. Peggy Grant. She sings at the Crown Club. She's the one who lives here. Didn't the neighbour tell you that too?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, but the way he said it, I thought he was kidding.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

You are from out of town, aren't you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, Pitchfork Corners. Well, good night, ma'.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Am.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Good night. Look for you later, Mr. Pitchfork.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, you big city. Slick of you, huh? Yeah.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Pardon me for butting in, but I couldn't help overhearing you. I can tell you something about your friend Jack Schiller.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, start telling.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Well, let's step outside. I'd rather only you heard it.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, sure thing. So you know Jack, do you?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Yeah, buddy of mine. That's why I think I ought to tell you it's a bad night. For what? For old friends to bother him. Robe.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

He's busy.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh,

[Philip Marlowe]

Roll of nickels that Turkey Neck must have had clenched in his palm folded me fast. By the time I climbed back onto a pair of wobbly knees, he was across the street into an alley and gone. But I cheered myself up at the thought that it was better this way. After all, with Turkey Neck coming out on top, I was only a friend of Schiller's from the Stick, so nobody had to worry about that thought helped, all right. Helped everything from the blood that trickled out of my mouth right down to the side. I hoped it would stop by the time I got to the Crown Club.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Good evening.

[Philip Marlowe]

A table for one, sir? No, thanks. I think I'll watch from the bar. Oh, tell me, Captain, does Ross Holland still run this club?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Philip Marlowe]

You're a friend of Mr. Holland? An acquaintance.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, in that case, sir, I must insist. A table. Oh, Andre, Henri. Table for one.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Vip.

[Philip Marlowe]

This way, sir. The Shantels will be on in a moment. You cannot see as well from the bar.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Uhhuh. Thanks.

[Philip Marlowe]

I did want to catch her a number, but. This way, sir. Sir, there is something wrong?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, no.

[Philip Marlowe]

I just changed my mind, Skipper. I think I'll go to the bar. After all, it was Jack Schiller, no doubt about it, at a corner booth just beyond the bar and huddled close to a girl who was almost most dressed in something strapless and spangled and who matched the display poster I just seen in the lobby labeled Peggy Grant. I ordered a drink at the bar and then walked it over to a celebrity picture gallery on the wall near them and listened to Schiller all smile

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

the unhappy end of Mr. George Mancini's squeeze play.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

And to your letters back, safe and

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

sound in the lily white hands that wrote them.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Hey, sweet. You're supposed to drink a toast, not to supposed.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Stare it down, baby.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

What is it, Jack? I. I'm worried. I do want everything to go right. Why? If you don't go, get those letters from Moncini. Everything. I worked so hard, I couldn't catch

[Philip Marlowe]

it all, but it was easy to fit together. Peggy Grant, who was now going up fast as a vocalist, had once been in love with and under the personal management of George Mancini, a preserved and alcohol combination agent producer, was now going down even faster. And although she had never had a contract with Mancini beyond an oral agreement, her old love letters included enough business Mancini to drag them into court, where they could stand up in lieu of a written contract and thus net brother MANCINI the customary 10% of Peggy's earnings and a say so about future engagements that neither of them wanted.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

I haven't spent all this time cultivating Mr. Mancini at his lair on top

[Lieutenant Matthews]

of Sweetser Drive for fun, you know.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Believe me, doll, we're in.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Honest.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

All right, Jack. If you say so, darling. But will you know the letters?

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

I know.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Love letters. Forget it, angel.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

I won't even open them.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

They belong to a long time ago and I'm not interested. Now, you go on out there and sing for your supper.

[Philip Marlowe]

I knew that once Schiller left the club, he was going to be busy. So as they started to tear themselves away from each other, I figured it was the right time for me to step in. What I didn't figure on was Ross Holland, the king of the Crown Club, standing at my elbow. Hello, Marlo. Pretty picture, isn't it? Yeah, if you like angenos with bags under their eyes. I wasn't talking about the one on the wall, Detective. I meant Peggy. You were staring, remember? I do. Your move, Harland. Take the chip off your shoulder, Phil. I don't mind if you stare. She gets paid for it. But you pay. Sure, but also I pay the waiters, the doorman and so on. That. That was all you were doing, wasn't it? I mean, staring, window, shopping. I'd hate to think you were here on business. Oh, sensitive, aren't you? You know, Marlow, I've piled up a lot of enemies. Raking in the blue chips that figures. What are you getting at, Harlan? A job I think you might fit. Oh, let's try the office if you can spare the time. Can you, Phil?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Sure, sure.

[Philip Marlowe]

I've got nothing but time.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Ross.

[Philip Marlowe]

Let'. As I trailed Holland out of the bar as far as an unmarked heavy oak door, I caught a glimpse of Jack Schiller picking up his hat and coat at the entrance. Operation Mancini was underway. I never get these keys straight, Marlow. Round key on top, square one on the bottom. You'd think I'd remember that, huh? Yeah. A switch to a revolving door. Oh, well, I like my privacy. So did my boys. Now, go on in. Make yourself comfortable. I'll get a couple of drinks going. As I moved into the vault, Holland called home. One thought alone stood out in my mind. Every second that mine host wasted was a second that old Jacob Schiller couldn't afford to lose. But finally, when I was just about ready to skip playing it close and take off, Holland came to the point. His proposition that I go to work for his enemies, play spy and get paid for both parties that I needed. Like a weekend in a leaky submarine. Well, that's it, Marlow. Yes or no? Yes and no, Ross. I'd like to sleep on it.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Fair enough.

[Philip Marlowe]

Fair enough. Good night, Phil. Get to bed early, huh? It was all the cue I needed. I bum joked my way out of his office, hurried through the club to the street, then ran for my car and pointed it to the top of Sweetser Drive in the Hollywood Hills and the Schiller George Mancini rendezvous. I couldn't afford to miss. The place, which turned out to be. Bilious green walls under a shocking pink roof stood out in that conservative neighborhood like a black panther in a snowbank. There was a car parked nearby and the name on the owner's certificate wrapped around the steering wheel was Jack Schiller, which was no surprise. So when I knocked, I used the barrel of my.38. That was smart of me, but it would have been smarter if I'd pointed it the other way. Behind me.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Don't move an inch, mister.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, fine.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

And drop your gun right where you stand.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Go on.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now turn around and answer up real fast. What do you want with George Machini? Nothing. It's you.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

I. Hey.

[Philip Marlowe]

That blood all over you. What happened in there, Shilly? You didn't kill him for those lousy letters in that envelope under your arm, did you? Well, is that it?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

No, not quite, mister. He isn't dead.

[Philip Marlowe]

What do you know about me? How come you Know my name?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Cops. Never mind.

[Philip Marlowe]

Just back off.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Mr. Fast, open that door. Move on. Screaming must have disturbed the neighbors.

[Philip Marlowe]

Listen, Sheila, I'm working for Dr. Stay shut or your wish you had.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Now go on, get in there with him or I'll kill you.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

To make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to refreshing, delicious Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum. The lively, full bodied, real mint flavor cools your mouth, moistens your throat, freshens your taste. And the chewing itself gives you a little lift, helps you keep going at your best. So for real chewing enjoyment that's refreshing and long lasting, always keep Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum handy. Healthful, delicious Wrigley Spearmint Gum will make every day more enjoyable. Now with our star, Gerald Moore, the second act of Philip Marlowe, and tonight's exciting story, the Last Wish.

[Philip Marlowe]

It only took one look at the unconscious pulp on the floor inside to tell me that George Mancini had tried hard to hang onto the letters. Almost too hard. I rolled him over. He was as limp as a slice of raw bacon, but still alive. I just got his shirt collar loosened up when the door behind me opened again. Easy, partner.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hello, Matthews. Little early for a lieutenant from homicide. How come they sent you?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

They didn't.

[Philip Marlowe]

Becker and I were driving by when

[Lieutenant Matthews]

a call came out over the radio. One of the neighbors out here heard something and phoned in. Who is he? Malum.

[Philip Marlowe]

A guy named George Mancini.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Uh huh.

[Philip Marlowe]

Becca, see what you can do for him.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Okay, Lieutenant. Looks like he soaked up a lot of punishment.

[Philip Marlowe]

He did, but not from me. Matthews.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, no. What were you? Marlow. Referee. Who did it?

[Philip Marlowe]

It was over when I got here. The guy who did it didn't give me much time to talk. He had a gun. All of which still doesn't answer my question. I don't know his name. His occupation is loving a blonde.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Is that why you're here? The blonde?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, more or less. She was afraid of Mancini. He had some letters.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Letters, huh?

[Philip Marlowe]

Which are long gone now.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

No doubt, no doubt.

[Philip Marlowe]

What's the blonde's name?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Lieutenant, I think we better have an ambulance. This guy a long ways out. Okay. Take care of it, Beck. Yeah. Okay.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, Marlow. Now, look, Matthews. Nothing's actually happened so far but this beating. And it's probably well deserved. But the situation's touchy. Girls worried silly if a name gets mixed up in a thing like this.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

All right, all right.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now listen to me.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

I want that guy who dished up this mess.

[Philip Marlowe]

Either that or the whole story down at Headquarters now.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Which?

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay, you'll have him. But just give me a little time alone and I'll deliver him on a platter, I promise.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, come on.

[Philip Marlowe]

It means a lot to me, Matthews.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Okay, Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Just see this doesn't blow up when you kiss her.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

And don't get lost. Understand?

[Philip Marlowe]

Outside, after I found my gun, I climbed into my car and headed for Peggy Grant's lush apartment house again. When I got there, I parked away from the place and skirted the front entrance. I was sure that by now the pretty face of the switchboard would be well primed for a tip off I went along the side of the building toward the service entrance.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

At the back, the glow of a

[Philip Marlowe]

match in the shadows in an alcove stopped me. It was the turkey night. Jack Schiller's quick fisted help, mate. Lighting a cigarette, I eased my.38 out and moved toward him. When he finally heard me, he turned.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Hey.

[Philip Marlowe]

But by then he was looking right down the muzzle of my gun.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Easy now, Easy, chum.

[Philip Marlowe]

Still soul. It's a bad night for seeing old friends, chum.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

You got me nailed down, brother. You don't have to take my word for nothing. But listen, whatever your angle is, let it rest. Leave the kid alone for a while. Otherwise you're due for nothing but trouble in large doses. You're kidding. Yeah, you bet I'm always kidding.

[Philip Marlowe]

You got more nerve than brains, buster. You can't pull that swipe,

[Lieutenant Matthews]

go fly your ears.

[Philip Marlowe]

And making a clot on the skull almost fun. Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. All that stuff spill on the walk there. It fell out of your pocket, didn't it?

[Dr. John Watson]

Didn't it?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

So what?

[Philip Marlowe]

So you don't have to say another word, watchdog. I'm beginning to get the whole thing all by myself. Sure. What's more, you yellow jerk, I don't like it. The two small items I'd just seen on the walk made swinging the flat side of my gun butt against his head a distinct pleasure. They also made getting in the service door and up the stairs two at a time to Peggy Grant's apartment a definite gratification. Because now I had a Jim dandy hunch on exactly what to expect. Come on, princess, open up.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Who are you? A cop.

[Philip Marlowe]

Expecting cops, Ms. Grant?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Not exactly. The milkman doesn't carry a gun and my friends all use the front door.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm the informal type. Where's Jack Schiller? Right behind you, mister. Again.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

This time, lay your gun on the table.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Go on.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sure, sure. You're slightly Better than the guy downstairs. I got by him with no trouble at all.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

What's that?

[Philip Marlowe]

What guy? Why, you mean Peggy didn't tell you about the watchdog?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

What is this?

[Philip Marlowe]

Go ahead, princess, tell him about the turkey neck character with orders to keep everybody away while Jack makes a fool of himself.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Darling, get this idiot out of here. This is a trick.

[Philip Marlowe]

Why not also tell him who your real boyfriend is, baby.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Why, you lousy fellow. He should have learned a little from what happened to that skunk Mancini. Now go on back to him and tell him if he tries anything else

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

like this, I'll go over him again

[Sherlock Holmes]

right from the beginning.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

My, my, aren't we spunky tonight?

[Philip Marlowe]

Now, look, Shelley, I want you to listen, and I haven't got all night. There's a guy downstairs who was sent out to see that nobody interfered while you played perfect pigeon. It was you who risked getting plugged when you went in after those letters. Once you were sucker enough not to read. Now it's you who's in a big jam with the police. And what's more, I found out that that guy is one of Ross Harlan's boys.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

You liar. Get out of here. Oh, Jack, make him go away, please.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Wait a minute. What's Ross Harlan got to do with this?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Nothing.

[Dr. John Watson]

Nothing, Hal.

[Philip Marlowe]

Eight, ten to one those letters were written by Harlan, not Dreamboat here. And that they set him up for a squeeze and have nothing whatever to do with their dubious career as a singer. You got any sense, she'll read one.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Jack, you gave me your word. Oh, don't be a child, darling. Can't you see what he's trying to do to it?

[Philip Marlowe]

Just take one look at one signature, Jackson. If I'm wrong, you can split my other lip.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

No, Jack.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Don't get the letters, Peggy. At least I'm gonna know who wrote them.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

All right. If that's the way you want it, Jack, that's the way it'll be.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Jack.

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Right on either one of you. Drop it. Jack. I mean it.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Hagee.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Peggy, what are you doing?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Drop that gun. Well, mister, you sure wrecked a lovely setup. Why, I don't know, but it won't do you any good. I'm leaving and I'm taking these letters with me.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Then it's true what he said?

[Supporting Character (e.g., Hotel or Club Staff)]

Of course it's true. All of it. These letters were written by Ross Harlan back when Mancini was his partner. And they're loaded with them. Mancini could cut himself in for half of every cent Ross had. And Ross couldn't trust anyone but me. To get them back for him. Stay where you are. Don't feel too bad, Jackie boy. You have to live to learn. Maybe you won't be a dope all your life.

[Philip Marlowe]

Peggy better go.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, shut up. You were right.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

So you made your point.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Now whatever your reason was, get it

[Lieutenant Matthews]

out of here and leave me alone. Oh, no.

[Philip Marlowe]

I haven't been monkeying in your corny affairs. Just for laughs, sonny. I was hired to find you by Doc Tolman.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Doc Tolman? Oh, that nosy old goat.

[Dr. John Watson]

Why?

[Philip Marlowe]

Your father's in town. He's had a heart attack. A bad one.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

My father?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, he wants to see you. I told Doc Tomon I'd bring you back and that's what I'm gonna do. Regardless now.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, Phil. Come in.

[Philip Marlowe]

I finally got Jack. Doc. Here he is.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Hello, Doctor. Where's my father? Back in the bedroom.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'll go right in and see him.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Jack. What? What is it?

[Sherlock Holmes]

What's the matter?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Jack, your father's dead. He passed away 20 minutes ago. Oh, I'm sorry, Doc. Dad.

[Sherlock Holmes]

Oh, Pop.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Pop. Here, my boy. Sit down.

[Philip Marlowe]

20 minutes. Just about the time it took to beat a chiseler out of a bunch of letters and argue with a cheap two timing blonde.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Try to get hold of yourself, my boy. We knew you'd have come if you could have. Your father's last thoughts were of you, son. He was very proud of you. Don't, Doc, please.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'll run along, Doc. I got a phone call to make.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, wait a minute. Marlon, you can't leave thinking like you do. Not now with Pop dead. I. I don't know what happened to

[Philip Marlowe]

me these last few weeks.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

I can't understand how I got in so deep. She had me. I guess I'd have done anything she asked.

[Philip Marlowe]

You're not the first guy that's happened to. I doubt that she'll be the last. Yeah, but I've got to square myself now.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

I've got to. And I want to start with the police.

[Philip Marlowe]

You really mean that?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

I never met anything more in my life. I'm not really a wise guy, honestly. What's this about the police? I'm in a jam, Dr. Tom, and a pretty bad one.

[Philip Marlowe]

Because you got too much nerve and too much energy. All you need is the right place to spend them. That gives me an idea. Is Jack your real name?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

No, it's really Jakob, like my old man's.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, Doc, where's that plane reservation for Jacob Schiller?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Here. I have it right here.

[Philip Marlowe]

Wait a minute.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

You mean.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Yeah, you're catching that plane with Lucky May make it all the way.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Oh, but you're letting me go, Marlow.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

You'll be in a jam yourself.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I think I know a pair of strong shoulders I can dump the responsibility onto.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Let's go, kid.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Flight 17 to New York now loading at gate five.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, that's the story to hear, Matthews.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Just whose shoulders did you have in mind of that responsibility business?

[Philip Marlowe]

You're wearing them, you lug. Oh, give me that napkin, will you?

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Yeah, yeah.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hey, just tell me something else to

[Lieutenant Matthews]

make it all nice and tight.

[Philip Marlowe]

That turkey neck character, how did you

[Lieutenant Matthews]

know he worked for Ross? Harlem?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, well, when I slugged him in back of Peggy Grant's apartment house, a lot of junk fell out of his pocket, including a pair of keys on a chain. One had a round head, the other one was square. Oh, duplicates of that set that open.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Holland's double locked office. Huh? Huh.

[Philip Marlowe]

Tight enough, Lieutenant? Tight enough.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

Last call for Flight 17 to New York, now loading at Gate 5. They. They just called a. A New York flight, Bill.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, Last call. Yeah, you know, I. I hear they're

[Lieutenant Matthews]

doing great things over there in Israel.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, building farms right out of the

[Lieutenant Matthews]

desert land, that kind of stuff.

[Philip Marlowe]

That's right.

[Lieutenant Matthews]

They.

[Philip Marlowe]

They can use all the help they can get. I understand. I was raised on a farm. Did you know? Keeps you so busy you don't have

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

time to get in trouble.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hey, Malo, sit down. I'll buy you another cup of coffee. Thanks, Lieutenant. Thanks a lot. We watched the plane take off swinging heavy thundering grace and head east. I guess we were both thinking the same thing. Two Jacob Schillers were on their way to the fulfillment of a promise. The old and the new promised land.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Remember, friends, to make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to refreshing, delicious Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum. There's lots of cooling, real mint flavor in every stick. And chewing Wrigley Spearmint helps keep you feeling fresh and alert. You feel better, work better, get more fun out of doing things. So indoors, outdoors, wherever you go, keep some healthful, refreshing Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum handy to make every day more enjoyable. Treat yourself often to delicious Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. The Adventures of Philip Marlowe presented by Wrigley Spearmint Gum. Bring you Raymond Chandler's most famous character and star, Gerald Moore. Philip Marlowe is produced and directed by Norman McDonnell and written for radio by Robert Mitchell and Gene Levitt. Featured in the transcribed cast were Jack Edwards, June Foray Larry Dobkin, Harold Direnforth, Jack Crucian, Lynn Allen and Stan Waxman. The special music is composed and conducted by Richard Arant, the makers of Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Hope you've enjoyed tonight's adventure of Philip Marlowe and that you're enjoying Wrigley's Spearmint Gum every day. Next week. Philip Marlow will be heard on Friday evening. So we invite you to be with us next week on Friday when Philip

[Philip Marlowe]

Marlow says, this time I found an old friend in the morgue, watched a man with a burned hand die in a quiet garden, and listened to a pathetic killer give up, all because a little glass donkey came to town.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

This is Bob Stevenson speaking. And this is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Cy Harris]

You can find more from Sherlock Holmes, Philip Marlowe, Case Closed, and all of the Relic Radio podcasts at the website relicradio.com you can donate through that website as well if you'd like to help support this and all of the shows. We've got some downloadable sets for certain donation amounts, so anything is always helpful and appreciated. Thanks again to those who have helped out. Thanks for joining me this Wednesday. Talk to you again next Wednesday with another hour of mystery on Case Closed.