George Feniman (0:00)

Welcome back to Case Closed, One hour of mystery and crime from the golden age of radio. Every Wednesday@ RelicRadio.com. our first story comes from the amazing Mr. Malone. We'll hear the Paul Conrad case from September 21st, 1949. After that, it's the Epic Casebook and Gates to Death. Be sure to listen tomorrow night for Ted Mack and the original amateur hour broadcast over most of these ABC stations. The amazing Mr. Malone. Operator. Operator, get me the office of John J. Malone. The American Broadcasting Company presents the amazing Mr. Malone, an exciting half hour of mystery created by Craig Rice and starring Gene Raymond. Our locale is the city of Chicago, the time, the present and the hero of these weekly adventures. The amazing Mr. Malone. Malone is the name. John J. Malone, attorney and counselor at law. And before we get underway tonight, I'd like to thank all our old clients and welcome the new ones who came by. We'll be here every week at this time, so if you're in the neighborhood, drop in. You're always sure to meet some interesting people. Take Paul Conrad, for example. Mr. Conrad is the stocky gentleman marching down the fourth floor corridor, the Benson Building. You can tell from his walk that he's a man with confidence in himself. When he comes to a door marked Larry Hogan, Private Investigations, he doesn't hesitate for a second, but barges right in. Yes, Mr. Conrad is a boy who knows his way around. Hello, Hogan. Huh? I said hello. Oh. You know, it's a funny thing, Mr. Conrad, but I was just thinking about you. All right, let me in on the joke, huh? You said it was a funny thing, and I could stand a laugh these days. Well, you know what I mean. Hey, why don't you sit down? What's the matter, Hogan? Don't you think I can take it standing up? What have you got for me? Well, it's like I told you on the phone, Mr. Conrad. You know you can't rush these things. Now, you take a dame. I mean, a lady like your wife. Now we're getting down to cases. Who's the boy Doris has been seeing? Well, we haven't been able to run him down yet, but I expect I'll have something for you by next week. That's what you told me one month and 400 bucks ago. Just what kind of a chump do you take me for anyway? I resent that, Mr. Conrad. Oh, don't get me wrong, Hogan. I don't blame you. I certainly acted like one. What's the man's name? Let me go. Come on, Hogan. I'm Losing my patience. Well, you think you're smart? Not where my wife is concerned. Otherwise I'd never let a gun off like you. Bleed me. Now, who's the boy Doris has been seeing? Didn't you hear me, Hogan? Sherman. Jackie Sherman. Jackie Sherman, huh? Where'll I find him? At the Brighton Apartments. That's very kind of you, Mr. Hogan. Now, if you'll be good enough to make out a check for all the dough you've clipped me for, why, I won't trouble you again. Just a second. Hello, Jackie. Doris, what are you doing here? Darling, you're not going to be angry with me. I couldn't stay away. Look, Dorothy, I. Don't be mean, Jackie. Honest, I couldn't help myself. I was sitting home all by my lozenge and I started to think about you. Next thing I knew, I was in a cab. You aren't the craziest dame. Mm. What am I gonna do with you? Well, if you stump for an idea, maybe I can give you one. Come here, darling. You know, maybe you've got something there. Try that again. Yeah, go on, Jackie. Don't let me stop you. Paul. Hello, Doris. Why don't you introduce me to your friend? Listen, Conrad. You won't have to bother, darling. Obviously he knows me. Guess that gives you the advantage. You see, Jackie, I didn't find out about you until this afternoon. Really? Uh huh. Doris, suppose you leave us alone for a while so we can get better acquainted. No. Go on, darling. I'll see you later. No, I'm not going. You think I'm afraid of you, Paul? Well, I'm not. I'm glad you found out about us. I'm crazy about Jackie. Crazier than you were about O'Neill or Burton or Wilson and what was that fellow's name in Springfield? I just want to make sure that this is different. Well, it is. I'm impressed. All right, clear out. No, I'm warning you, baby. Oh, I'll call you later, Jackie. Did you hear that, Jackie? She's gonna call you later. Look, Conan, don't try and push me around. It's never been done successfully. There's a first time for everything, isn't there? Why don't you stop playing the outraged husband? You know, your wife. You're speaking of the woman I love. And she loves you too. You mustn't forget that. Why you. Yeah, she's crazy about you, Jackie. I don't know what you got, but it's a cinch you aren't going to have it long. Yes, sir. Hey, what happened to you, Mr. Shaman? None of your business. But look at your face. Did you have an accident? I said none of your business. You know a boy named Daniel Seymour? Yeah. Is he here now? Well, look, Mr. Sherman, like you say, it's none of my. Like I said. Now where is he? In the corner booth. Send a bottle over to the table. You. Huh? You Daniel Seymour? Uh huh. You mind if I join you? So happens I do. You don't understand, Seymour. No, you don't understand, mister. I'm in no mood for company. Know what I mean? My name is Jackie Sherwin. That doesn't change my mood. I'm a friend of Sonny Wilson. So? So he thought you might be receptive to a business proposition. Ah, well, if it's a business, that's different. Sit down. Thanks. Yeah. Seymour, how'd you like to make yourself 500 bucks? It's a pretty ridiculous question, Jack. All you got to do is take care of someone for me. And what might this someone's name be, Paul Conrad. Oh, it's Conrad. The boy who roughed. Pardon? I shouldn't even ask. This wouldn't be the same Conrad who owns a Club 59 with Jerome Barney? Does that make a difference? Certainly. Conrad and Barney are big operators. And a kid like myself don't bat in their league unless there's a big incentive. Know what I mean? All right. What do you want? Another 500. Fair enough. You know, Jackie, I like a guy who don't quibble over a couple of pennies. Let me tell you, fella, you'll be happy with the service. Know what I mean? Come in. Hello, Conrad. What brings you here, Barney? I just thought I'd drop by to see how you and Doris are getting along. Just peachy. You couldn't expect me to know. Haven't been down at the club in quite a while. And I've had other problems on my mind. You got room for another? We're short. What do you mean we're short? I just finished going over the books with Harold Plant. He tells me there's close to $50,000 that he can't account for. Is what? Well, I didn't mean to upset you, Conrad. Still, I can't blame you. 50 grand ain't peanuts. What happened to it, Barney? I was hoping you could tell me. Let me get this straight. You think. Just a second. Don't go away, Barney. I'll be right back. Take all the time you need, Conrad. I'll be here. Yeah. What the hell are you? Devil. Yeah. Have I the pleasure of addressing the amazing Mr. Malone. Don't tell me. It can't be Lieutenant Brooks, can't it? I know I'm asking the impossible, Lieutenant, but if you had a mind, what would be on it? You know, that layoff did you good before your vacation. I didn't think your jokes could get any worse, but you fooled me. You're wasting your time in Homicide, Brooks. Have you ever considered radio? You like my delivery? I think it's the greatest thing since the US Mail. What's up? Ever hear of Paul Conrad? What about him? Got himself knocked off at 5:30 tonight. What's that got to do with me? Well, silly fools that we are, we're holding his partner for the murder. Jerome Barney. Uh huh. You're crazy. I bet you tell that to all the cops. Barney couldn't have killed him. You didn't even know Conrad was dead. You already got to figure out Barney is the killer. That's right. That's my boy. Who said that? Unfortunately. All right, Malone. We haven't been amazed in months. Come on down here and get to work. You are listening to the amazing Mr. Malone. Today, more than ever before, Americans must be made to realize that freedom and the rights of the common man are a precious heritage. History has proved that people start to lose their freedom the moment they think it is forever secure. That is why we must all work at keeping our American heritage of freedom. For freedom is everybody's job. Many nations of the world today are standing at the crossroads between free government and dictatorship. But there are those who still aspire to political, economic and religious freedom. And they look to America as an example. Well, it goes without saying that what Americans do during the troubled months ahead can greatly influence the decision that the war exhausted peoples will make. To win against the totalitarian idea, Americans must become more aware of their citizenship. As a good citizen, remember your American heritage and work to defend your individual liberties. Do this by taking a more actual part in the affairs of your community and in fulfilling at all times the duties of American citizenship. And now back to the amazing Mr. Malone. Well, that's life for you. One minute you got it, and the next you haven't. As Mr. Conrad learned to his sorrow and two hours after the police picked up Jerome Barney for teaching him the lesson, I was down at headquarters where I was greeted by the team that panicked the policeman's ball in 1922. And they were still using the same material. Hey, Sussman, look who's here. Do I have to, Lieutenant? Oh, now come, Sussman, let's have A little respect for the gentleman. This is, you should excuse the expression, John J. Malone, attorney and counselor at law. It's a great routine you got there, fellas. Do you do a repeat performance for the Coast? Where's Barney? Oh, well, Malone, seeing that he's one of your clients, we gave him the best seat in the house. Of course, it doesn't compare with the one he's going to get at Joliet. Whatever happened to all the straight men on the force? We traded them to the street cleaning department. That's enough out of you, Sushman. Only he can make the jokes. Professional jealousy, Hank. Come on. Come on. Open them up, Malone. How are you, Barney? Fine. How soon can you get me out of here? What's the matter, Mr. Barney? Haven't we made you feel at home? All right, Brooks, knockoff already. What have you got on him anyway? Where do you want me to start? At the top of the page. Okay. Number one, he was spotted leaving Conrad's apartment right after the murder. Number two, the gun was in his pocket. Why did you do that, Barney? Because my fingerprints were on it. Say what? Well, I lost my head. And I picked it up when I saw Conrad was dead. Oh, that's a jolly one. Come on, Sidney, fool us both and try to use your head. Where's his motive for killing Conrad? Where's his motive? Conrad was tapping the till down at the club. The books were to the tune of almost 50 grand. Is that right, Barney? Well, sure. But if I killed Conrad, how was I going to get my money back? Because you boys had a partnership insurance policy in the lives of each other. You know, I forgot about that. Well, it's a pleasure to remind you. But what do you say, Mr. Malone? I wish I could think of a smart exit line. Oh, you leaving already, counselor? Yeah. You haven't been at all amazing. Well, that makes us even, because you haven't been at all amusing. I'll see you girls. Just a second. Hello, Mrs. Conrad? Yes? I wonder if you could spare me a few minutes of your valuable time. I'm afraid I'm busy. Oh, you can't be that busy. My name's Hogan. Hogan? Larry Hogan. I'm detective. Oh. Well, won't you come in? Thanks. Hey, it's kind of establishment you got here, Mrs. Conrad. Can I offer you anything? I wouldn't be surprised. Of course. I told Lieutenant Brooke. Oh, I guess there's been a slight misunderstanding. I'm not with the police. But you just said. Yeah, I know. I meant I was a private defective player. That bar just for sure. Get out. Oh, no, no, no, no. Let's not be hasty, Mrs. Conrad. I know you're upset about your husband, but then he was plenty upset about you. What's that supposed to mean, Hogan? Just what it sounded like. I was doing a little research for him. Get me? No. Well, a couple of months ago, he dropped by my office and asked me to do some checking on you. Well. Well, if I say so myself, I'm pretty good. It didn't take me long to find out about you and Jackie Sherman. The next time you do something like that, honey, you want to use a little discretion. I think I've heard enough. Good. Now, let's say, suppose I drop around, let's say, every Wednesday morning. What for? Well, to pick up my check. Though actually, I prefer cash. You're wasting your time, Hogan. I don't intend to be blackmailed. Oh, now, baby, who said it was blackmail? It is. Buying my services. I don't need them. You're making a serious mistake, Mrs. Conrad. Are you threatening me? Why, I wouldn't dream of it. Still, I got something to sell. And if you don't want to buy, I bet I can find myself another customer. Yeah, I'd like to talk to John J. Malone, please. You are now. Well, you don't know me, Mr. Malone, but my name is Larry Hogan. Who? Larry Hogan. I'm a private eye. A private eye? You've been seeing too many Bogart pictures. I bet you even own a trench coat. Look, Mr. Malone, I call to do you a favor. Why? What do you mean, why? You're representing Jerome Barney and the Conrad killing, ain't you? Well. Well, what would it be worth to your client if I can clear him? What do you want? Well, I'm no pig, you understand? How does 500 bucks suit you? It suits me fine. Well, the party for you to see is Mrs. Conrad. Her hubby hired me to keep tabs on her. Who was she holding hands with? A boy named Jackie Sherman. Jackie Sherman? Yeah, he lives at the Bright. Well, thanks a lot, Hogan. I'm forever in your debt. Hey, wait a minute, Malone. What about my dough? What, though? You promised me five bills. No, I didn't. I said 500 would suit me fine. And it would. I haven't made a penny since I came back from my vacation. So if you'll excuse me, Hogan, I got to get down to cases. Yes, Mrs. Conrad. That's right. You don't know me. And what makes you think I'd like to? I've got references. What about samples. That can be arranged too. Well, in public. In that case, you better come in. Thanks. What did you say your name was? I didn't, but it's Malone. John J. Malone. Offer you a drink? You can try. Well, you have anything you've got. You're taking quite a chance. Well, I believe in living dangerously. That's a reporter for you. Pardon? Well, you are a reporter, aren't you? How could you tell? Well, there's a certain something of that all to you newspapermen. Does it show? Oh, definitely. Well, I guess there's no fooling you. You know Larry Hogan? No. No. Am I missing something? Well, if you are, I'll make up for it. Here's your drink. Thanks. Mmm, good. I don't know when I've had better. Now I tell you what I had in mind, Mrs. Conrad. The name's Dodge. Well, I didn't want to presume. How would you like to do a personal series on the murder of your husband? What do you mean, personal series? Oh, what it was like to be married to a big shot. I'm afraid I couldn't. Why not? I never learned how to write. Now, maybe if I had someone to collaborate with. That's an idea. You be willing. No, but maybe Jackie Sherman won't. What did you say? Well, let's face it, lovey, you and Jackie are natural. He probably knows more about this case than anyone else. How long have you two known each other? Get out. Out. I haven't even finished my drinking. You gotta get out of here. Now, now, Doris, you wouldn't throw a glass at me. Yeah, I guess you would. Get out. Now, don't be angry just because you missed. It's hard to hit a moving target. It's lucky your husband didn't present that problem. Don't say it. It's been grand, lover. Let's do it again real soon. 1. 1, 2, 1. Hello? Is that you, Jackie? Yeah, doggy. You gotta come over here. You out of your mind, dog? You don't understand. A newspaper man named John J. Malone was just over here. Oh, John J. Malone? He's no newspaper man. He's a lawyer. But he just told you he's representing Barney. Well, that's even worse. What did you tell him? I didn't tell him anything. He knew about us. Oh, how? Hogan must have told him. Jackie, I gotta see you. Don't be any stupider than you have to be, Doris. Well, I. I can't go on like this. Look, will you try and get this through your head, Baby, we're Through, washed, up, finished. Oh, no, we're not. I say we are. Then what about me? You don't have to worry. According to the World Almanac, there are a million other men in Chicago. How dare you say that. It's the truth, isn't it? All right, Mr. Sherman. I can see you're looking for trouble. Maybe I know just the girl to accommodate you. Hello, Seymour. Remember me? Well, the bandages look familiar. Squat. I was very surprised to hear you were still in town. Why? We expect me to leave, Jackie. I got nothing to hide. I disagree with you. Never seen it that fail. Look, Jackie boy, up to this point, my association with you has been very pleasant. You know why? Because you didn't tell me how to run my business. Know what I mean? Well, don't you think with Conrad dead, that you. Conrad? Never heard of him. Now, look, Seymour, you all right? Look, I'm willing to pay you 500 more to get out of town. Well, if you're gonna put it on that basis, Jackie Boy, I'd be an ingrate to refuse. Know what I mean? I don't. You what? That's what I hate about this place. They never keep out the riff raffle. What are you doing here, Malone? You probably won't believe this, Seymour. Probably not. I had no idea you were here. I was following your friend. Imagine my surprise. Beat it, Malone. Say, what's the trouble with me today? Nobody seems to want me around. Maybe you ought to start reading the ads. That's a thought. And I got one too. What do you suppose Lieutenant Brooks is going to say when I tell him that Mrs. Conrad's boyfriend has been consorting with a hired killer? Is that what you think I am? Alone? Well, you're wrong. I never harmed a soul in my life. But you keep talking like that and I might surprise myself. Know what I mean? What are you stalling for, Sussman? King me. King you? Wait a minute, lieutenant. How'd that checker get there? It was in that box all along. Funny, I didn't see it. Are you implying that I would cheat? No, he wouldn't do that, Sussman. He's just dishonest. Well, if it isn't the amazing Mr. Malone. What do you hear from Perry Mason? Why don't you give up, Brooks? I don't think you boys will ever replace the Keystone Cops. What did you find out? Find out about what? Conrad's murder. Oh. Oh, haven't you heard, Mr. Malone? We've got the killer under lock and key. It's a fellow named Jerome Barney who, by an odd coincidence, happens to be your client. You mean you haven't done any more work on the case? Well, it seemed like such a waste of effort with you on the job. Shall we get back to our game, Sussman? Listen, you comics, you know darn well that Barney didn't kill Conrad. Well, enlighten us, counselor. Where did we make our mistake? Mrs. Conrad was holding hands with a boy named Jackie Sher. Do tell. 20 minutes ago, Mr. Sherman met with a fellow named Daniel Seymour. And you know what Dan Seymour does for a living. Yeah, I have my suspicions. Well, what deduction do you hawkshaws draw from that? Now, you listen to me, Malone. As strange as it may seem, we occasionally get an idea once in a while. Now, it's your theory that Seymour gunned Conrad on behalf of Jackie Sherman. Yes. Well, there's only one thing wrong with that. When Conrad was killed, Mr. Seymour was being questioned by the police 15 miles away. He what? So I guess you'll have to find yourself another suspect. It's your move, Mr. Malone. You are listening to the amazing Mr. Malone. The United States Forestry Service has declared a state of emergency. Drought conditions across the nation have increased the danger of forest fires. Recently, 17 forest firefighters lost their lives. Due to these unprecedented drought conditions, destructive forest fires are causing widespread damage in the west, the Rocky Mountains, New York and New England. The danger of similar disastrous fires elsewhere is rapidly increasing. The only obvious reason that 90% of forest fires are started is carelessness on the part of the average American. All persons entering wooded or forest areas or even driving through in automobiles are urged to exercise extreme care when smoking or using fire. Learn by heart these simple rules. Crush out cigar, cigarette and pipe ashes. Break matches in two after using, drown all campfires. Then stir and drown again. And find out the law before starting any fire outdoors. Remember, 9 out of 10 forest fires are caused by people. You can help prevent them. And now back to the amazing Mr. Malone. I wonder if Professor Einstein had as much trouble with his theory as I had with mine. Here I had it worked out so beautifully that Dan Seymour had killed Conrad at the behest of Jackie Sherman. And according to Lt. Brooks, there was only one slight flaw. It never happened that way. Same alone, huh? Your mouth's still open. Listen, Lieutenant, are you sure that Seymour couldn't have killed Conrad? Positive. How do you know? Because at the time of the murder, we were having a little Tate. A Tate? I got a phone call Yesterday afternoon that Mr. Seymour had secured himself an assignment. And a little interview might be in Order. Who was your tipster? My friend didn't care to leave his name. But the point is. The point is that the very moment Conrad got himself gunned, I was looking into Seymour's beautiful brown eyes. Well, how about Mrs. Conrad? Yeah. Hey, how about her? I mean, why couldn't she have killed her husband? No reason, except she didn't. At 5:30 she was having cocktails in Evanston. Any further nominations? Hogan? Who? Did you ever hear of a private detective named Larry Hogan? Yeah, several times. Well, he was the one who gave me Mrs. Conrad and Jackie Sherman. Well, that was sweet of him. Maybe Hogan killed Conrad. Oh, Malone, don't you think you're reaching a little? Well, why not? Where's his motive? He did some work for Conrad by you. That's a motive. Suppose Conrad refused to pay him. Suppose they had a. Wait a minute, Lieutenant. I think I see it all now. You do? Yeah. Put your head on. We got work to do. Hello, Jackie. Taurus. I thought I told you on the phone. Sweetheart, you know you didn't mean that. You couldn't possibly. Couldn't I? No. You're crazy about me and I'm crazy about you. You're crazy, period. You're wasting your time, Jackie. You can't make me angry. I know how much you care, but look what you did for me. What did I do for you? Doris? You know. Yeah, but we don't. So suppose you enlighten us, Mrs. Conrad. How did you get in here? I suppose we should have knocked Brooks. Yeah, but they probably wouldn't have paid any attention. All right, Malone, what do you want? The party who killed Paul Conrad. I thought you were a lawyer. That's a common mistake. Actually, Jackie, I'm very bad in the courtroom. So I find it much easier if we never go to tr. All right, Lieutenant. Like they say in the police manual, do your duty. All right. And Ms. Conrad, by the power invested in me. I know, Lieutenant. Not her. Him. What does that mean? You killed Conrad? Are you nuts? Now, there's no reason to be sore, Jackie. You went to a great deal of trouble to work out this plot. I'm just seeing to it that you get the proper billing. Say, Malone. Huh? If it's not asking too much, would you mind drawing me a diagram? Oh, I thought the doctor told you to lay off those stupid pills. Well, Malone, we can't all be as smart as you. After all, if I knew all the answers, I'd be doing guest shots on Gangbusters. Well, it had to be Jackie Sherman had to be on Wyatt couldn't be anyone else. Where was his motive? Don't tell me he was in love with Doris. Of course not. But you saw the shellacking Conrad gave him. Well, Jackie wasn't the kind to take it laying down. That still doesn't prove any. Well, where do you think your tip came from to pick up Seymour? Jackie who melts. That makes a lot of sense. Sure does. Jackie knew his name was bound to pop up. In this case, he was the most obvious suspect. So he hires a killer and then tips us off about it. Exactly. Oh, that's Ms. Sugar. It's not crazy at all. Jackie had a great knowledge of psychology. He banked on us figuring the way we did. It didn't seem possible that having hired a gunman, he'd do the job himself. Which is just what he did. Why do you think I had no trouble following him to Seymour? He led me there deliberately. Then I can't get over it. Do you realize how unusual this case was? You mean I didn't wind up with a beautiful blonde? No, no, I've seen that happen before. Oh? What then? Well, I've been running around with you man and boy almost three years. And this is the first time I can remember where you didn't get your head parted in the middle with a lethal weapon. Say, that's right. Yeah. Let's just hope it doesn't establish a dangerous precedent. Good night, Malone. Ever hear the story of the gangster who was haunted by ambition? He was going to be Public enemy number one if it killed him. You got to give the boy credit. He made it. I'll tell you all about it next week. So why not pick me up in my office at the same time? I'll be waiting for you. Good night. Gene Raymond was starred as John J. Malone. Our program was written by Gene Wang and directed by William P. Rousseau. Music by Basil adler. The Amazing Mr. Malone is produced by Bernard L. Shubert. The events and characters depicted in this story were entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual places of people living or dead, is entirely coincidental. This is George Feniman inviting you to be with us next week. The amazing Mr. Malone has come to you from Hollywood. Now, a listening reminder. Listen now for the premiere of the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company, the makers of Epic Pure sunflower oil, purine and pret cooking fat. Yum, yum. Peanut butter maple margarine and niblets cheese twists present the Epic Casebook in which Inspector Carr investigates. Good evening. I've just returned from a hurried trip to London, where I sat in on a full day's hearing of what has become known as the Kray Brothers murder trial. As this trial has not yet reached its conclusion, to comment on it would be wrong. Nevertheless, the proceedings were quite remarkable as a demonstration, if such were needed, of the extraordinary arcane atmosphere of the underworld with its own laws, codes and even language. Time and time again the judge had to stop counsel and witness in order to have interpreted some of the words used. Why all this? Well, there have been times when for the purposes of reality, I have got characters to talk about. Grassing instead of informing and a spieler instead of a gambling den. I have come back convinced that were I not to put such underworld slang into the scripture, it would give a false picture of the scene. The Kray Brothers trial reminded me quite vividly of another case. The murder and the circumstances were vastly different, yet the principal characters involved were identical. All of them lived and had their social life within one square mile of that area in the East End of London known as Stepney. I've called my story the Gates to Death. Wolf Larkin was mowed down by a submachine gun within minutes of emerging from Pentonville Prison after serving a 10 year sentence for robbery with violence. Naturally enough, the murder squad of Scotland Yard received the news within seconds of the murder. I was summoned to the Governor's office. You come in. Ah, Carr. Come on in. Hello there, sir. Dontown. Those here? Inspector Carr. Hey, what is this, a frame up? Don't you give me no third degree stuff. You can't keep me in here without a warrant. I've explained to you a thousand times, Mr. Russell, we're not keeping yours. You put it. We've asked you to await the arrival of Inspector Carr so that you may be able to assist him in his inquiries. Yeah, I've heard that phrase before too. Oh, look, Governor, Wolf was knocked off right in front of the gates. There are two screws who'll bear witness to it. All right, so I came to meet him. But that doesn't make me a killer, does it? You'll in. You'll understand, Inspector Carr. Whoever did for Wolf will do for me if the buzz is that I'm helping the cops. Look, I'm afraid you've no choice, Russell. You are witness to a killing and as such have to make a statement. You can't keep me here. I know my rights. We can't keep you here. Now don't be a fool. You know the form. If you refuse to make a statement, I can't Force you? But there is such a thing as hindering the police in the course of their duties. I'd have you inside, so. All right, all right. I don't know much. We'll be the judges to the extent of your knowledge. Now, you came to meet your friend, Wolf Larkin? That's right. Well, I promised him I would. You know, his missus died while he was in jail. I know what it's like hearing those big gates clanging behind you. You're out in the world all alone, just holding onto your quid note and your attache case, wondering what to do and where to go. I didn't want that for Wolfsey. We'd been friends since we were nippers. Did you correspond with him all the time he was in jail? Yes. Mind you, he didn't write, Matt. Well, after all the regulations. We know all about the regulations, Russell. What happened? Oh, is that your car parked on the other side of the road? Yes. What time is Larkin released, Governor? What's the time now? Less than 20 minutes ago. That makes it almost precisely 9:00. We were going to release him this evening after he'd seen the chaplain. He kicked up such a fuss saying that his friend could only be at the gates this morning at 9:00, so we let him go. I see. Thank you. And you are the friend, Fred, are you? Yes, I saw him last Wednesday. Told him I'd got a steady job at the Stepney Green dog track. He said he thought he'd be able to fix it with the Governor to leave earlier. Now, what happened this morning? Well, I got here about five to nine. I parked the car. Slim Fred come to have a look around whenever old means of habitation. I don't have to take any old lip from you or any other screw. I'm outside now, so you can go and jump in a lake for a start. But if you must know, I've come to meet Wolf Larkin. Ah, Wolf, eh? I'd be glad to get rid of him, I can tell you. Here he is now. Well, be seeing your Larkin. Not in your sleep loft, you won't. Hello, Fred. I will. Oh, you. Goodbye, Mr. Larkin. I trust you found our beds comfortable. You go and get. Okay, let's scarbo. The car's just over there. Thanks, Fred. You know my choice. Appreciate this. Get him, Wolf. I'll get him back inside quick. We got him back in stir. The doc told me he was dead. He was the only real pal I ever had in me life. The rotten, dirty, stinking swines, whoever they are. You use the phrase whoever they are. Oh, come off it, Fred. You know, stepped me inside out. Who bumped him off and why? I don't know. Why should anyone bump him off? He'd served seven of his 10 years sentence, didn't he? I tell you this, I'll get the swines who did it, even if I have to. No, Russell, you won't. We will, but we need your help. Now you say you're going straight, you're working at the dachshund. I haven't done anything schlenter for the last three years. All right, Russell. There's no need to keep the governor waiting any longer. If we can have an office, sir, we'll take down Russell's statement. Get him to sign it. Russell duly made his statement. It was signed and witnessed. Naturally, we put a tail on him from the moment he left. I stayed behind to have a word with the governor of the prison. This isn't going to be easy, sir. Larkin could have been bumped off for a variety of reasons. These thugs have long memories when it comes to revenge. May have double crossed one of his accomplices when it came to sharing out the loot. Taking a fellow gangster, Sheila, from him could be a multitude of motives. I've got his release papers in front of him. He got 10 years for robbing the Whitechapel branch of the Imperial Bank. The security guard was disabled for life. Nice. I remember the case well. Yes, we put up roadblocks all around the area. Within a matter of minutes. We don't know who actually shot the guard. We couldn't prove that it was Larkin. All the others got away. Lucky for us, Larkin dived into a side street and jumped right into the arms of two of our men. And what about the loot? As far as I remember, every farthing was recovered intact in the gangster's car. The driver saw the roadblock at the top of Cable street, stopped the car and ran. Ironically, each of the four of them thought the other had the swag. And they've never been found? No. We tried hard to make wolf grass, but he wouldn't. Look at this. It's from X Branch. There. Okay. Please inform us immediately. Wolf Larkin is due for. At least there's your motive. It's a 20 to 1 chance that Larkin was bumped off because his accomplices were afraid that he might lead us to them. By the way, that warder was a special. He was from X Branch. I suppose they wanted to see who was meeting him or who wasn't. Oh, well, it's nothing for it, but the usual foot slug. I suppose the Ex Branch man had a good look at the car that carried the killers. Not that it'll do much good. Oh, is he here, sir? Yes, he's in the outer office waiting to see if you need him. I'll get him in. Yes, sir. No, send him in. Right, sir. I'm not relishing this, you know. Means going through hundreds of files that are over seven years old. The underworld's changed a great deal since then. Go me in. Oh, Sergeant Mitchell. I'd heard you'd gone to X Branch. Three years now, sir. Good. Oh, what have you got for me? I have a two in a car, nylon stockings over the heads. They were driving a black two door Smithson coupe, number GHX153. Not that it'll do us much good, sir. I got through to headquarters. I found the car already less than a quarter of a mile from here. It's the usual story, stolen car, fake number plates. Oh, well, I better get back to the Yard. Car speaking. Operations here, sir. Report has just come through that Fred Russell has been traced to 13 Paradise Walk, Stepney. He has a wife and two children. He's been in the clear for the last three years. As he says, last conviction. Yes, you can skip all that, Ops. I've got his record from CRO. What I'm waiting for is news of Larkin's buddies when he was trying to pull that bank job. What pubs did he use? That sort of thing? According to X Branch, he wasn't a member of any known gangs at the time he was pulled in. Forgive me, sir, but if they fail to find his associates at the time of his trial, I don't see how we can succeed. What do you expect us to do? Throw the dossier away? Mark the case of the murder of Wolf Larkin is unsolved? No, sir, of course not. All right then, get onto X Branch and tell him to get cracking. They've been working on the bank robbery case until the moment he stepped out of jail. They've probably got something useful. Very good, sir. Oh, I'm sorry if I lost my temper, Ops, but look, I don't quite know where to start until we've got some sort of lead. At the moment there's just Fred Russell. I better hold onto that straw until something fresh turns up. I doubt whether in the whole of London there was a thoroughfare so evil smelling and sordid as paradise walks. Stepney. As the police car pulled up outside number 13, it was immediately surrounded by mud, bespattered grimy kids whose grinning faces and happy laughing eyes demonstrated that our sociologists are not always right in pointing to the influence of one's environment. All right, driver, wait here. I don't think this is going to take very long. I'm coming. I'm coming. Not today. The inspector car. New Scotland Yard. May I come look? It wasn't my aspect, Mrs. Russell. All right. I suppose I've got no alternative. Count might have told me you were coming. Place in a terrible mess. I tried to keep it the best up there. Don't Worry about that, Mrs. Russell. We would have given you advanced notice. But you're not on the telephone. Telephone? Where do you think we get money for telephones in here? At least the parlor looks a bit decent. The parlour, as Mrs. Russell called it, was scrupulously clean. Yet its very cleanliness seemed to highlight its poverty. A warm threadbare woolen rug, an armchair that had seen better days, a battered old sofa constituted its entire furniture. If Mrs. Russell's husband was still an active member of the underworld, he couldn't be doing it for any financial reward. I see you're looking at the furniture. We got this when we were married 15 years ago. Of course, these tally men come round trying to get you to buy stuff on the. Never. Never. But not me. What with two kids and husband who earns the princely sum of ten quid a week. Takes me all me time to stay decently fed and clothed. You didn't seem surprised to see me, Mrs. Russell. Were you expecting the police? Well, of course I was. You don't think Fred'd keep it from me, do you? And let me tell you, Mr. Police Inspector, I'm glad he's dead. Wolf Larkin had it coming to him. The swine courses will be dawful. How you hear the children yell when they hear the dinner bell. Yes, indeed. Especially when you serve them food cooked with maple margarine. For tonight's maple menu, I have chosen as a starter soup done in true Russian style borsch and a bowl of crisp crunchy niblets. Cheese twists to follow Harico mutton served with new potatoes and green beans. Round off this delicious meal with apple charlotte, a sweet that can be served hot or cold, and a cup of strong fragrant coffee. If you'd like a free copy of this mouth watering maypole menu, just write to Maple Home Dinners, PO Box 8 9, Johannesburg. And remember, there's more to the flavor of good food cooked with maple margarine. At last I was confronted with someone who Wanted Wolf Larkin out of the way. But why, when her husband protested such deep affection for the murdered man. Why? You glad he's been killed, Mrs. Russell? For what he did to my husband. When we got married, Fred had a steady job working for the Stepney Wholesalers limited. It wasn't much but we managed. And what's more, we were honest. Go on. When it all started, he'd bring home a new radio set, buy himself new suits, presents for me. I kept asking where the money came from. Well, how do you like it? Fits me like a glove, don't you think? How much did that sports jacket cost you? Fred? Where are you getting all this money from? Like I told you, Wolf is in with the boys at the Grey Antrek. I've been winning it on the dogs. All I hear about is Wolf Larkin. Do you know how many times he's been in jail? Do you know his missus does nothing but get drunk cos she never knows when he's going inside again? Fred, look at me. Fred. Timothy will be born in a couple of months. Our first kid. He's going to have a decent, honest father, ain't he? Fred, you're not doing anything. I've already told you. Now stop worrying and give us a kiss. That same afternoon the cops came for him. Not for Mr. Iron Mighty Wolf Larkin. I'll know he had an alibi. Timothy was born while Fred was serving his sentence. And who was his great buddy when he came out of jail? Wolf Larkin. Yeah, and I'll tell you this, I was the most thankful woman in the whole of England when they caught him on that bank job. Luckily my Fred was inside at the time. Oh, he. He wasn't big time. He hasn't got the brains. Otherwise he might have been on a nap job too. Inspector, you gotta believe me. Fred hasn't done a dishonest thing since he came out over three years ago. Poor as we are. I haven't been so happy since our first few months of married life. He loves working at the dogs, even if it is a hand to mouth way of living. So he doesn't possess a car? Motor car? You must be joking, Inspector. Oh, I know what you mean. He told me he was borrowing his boss's car to pick Wolf up. Yes, that's right, Inspector. I loaned Russell one of the firm's cars. He told me his wife was sick in hospital, he had to go and meet her. He's steady, hard working man. I let him borrow the car. Was it a gray four seater, number GHL 8875? Yes. Why do you ask? Routine question. Look, Inspector, there's nothing wrong, is there? I know all about his prison record. The fact is, it was the Prisoner's Aid Society who asked me to give him the job. We've got enough wide boys hanging around the track without me employing one. You don't have to worry about your track. A friend of his was murdered. Naturally enough. We question everyone he was connected with. Daddy. Good day. Cop number 16 has just come through, sir. Yes? Russell spent a couple of hours at the Commercial Arms talking to someone named Henry Levine and Patrick Swinton. He then went straight home. I see. Is the romance still there? Yes, sir. He's being tailed day and night. What about Levine and Swinton? Levine keeps a greengrocer shop at 24 Commercial Road. He has a good record in the manor. Swinton? No known record. Not known to the police. New to the district. Works for the Gaslight and Coke Company. Comes from Huddersfield. Ah, we're getting nowhere fast. Well, they'll have to keep at it. The killers must have warned Russell not to contact them in any way. But why? Why did he become a party to a murder? All right, Ops, don't bother to answer. I'm only blowing off steam. I think I'll have Another word with Mrs. Russell. Mrs. Russell, I'm sorry to pester you like this. I'm going to be absolutely frank with you. The entire machinery of the law has failed to reveal one single clue as to the identity of the killers. Now, we're having your husband watched at this moment. Oh, no. Fred didn't do it. You know he didn't. Of course he didn't. But he is involved. Wittingly or unwittingly, he provided the killers with an opportunity to murder. My guess is unwittingly. Now, if you'll excuse me. You can't do this to my husband. All he's ever been was a stinking, petty tea leaf. And where's he got him? I know your husband was a petty thief, but he had a loyalty to Wolf. If I can break down that stupid never talk to a cop attitude of Stepney. I'll save your husband from going to the gallows, but you've got to help me. What's that? What's that in that bag? Just a way we keep contact. Our men. I told one of them, reach me here at 9:00 at. Now. Hello, Citadel. Hello, Citadel. 36. Carling. 36 Carling. Right, 36. I'm on net, over. Rabbit has just left the track. I'm Tailing him walking in a northwesterly direction indicates making for Paradise Walk. Good. That's all I wanted to know. Over and out. It's better you, Tracy. My husband. As though. Well, as though he. As though what, Mrs. Russell? I tell you, I think he's innocent. One of our best men is shadowing him now. Wherever he goes tonight, he'll be followed. If he comes here, well and good. If not, we will still have him in our sights. Now listen to me. Your husband knows that he helped to get his friend killed. But without your help, he won't grass. And you know what that makes him if he won't give us the information? An accessory to the act of murder. Oh, no. Yes, Mrs. Russell. Yes. A police officer has to learn to stifle his own emotions whilst investigating. Yet it was difficult not to feel a deep sense of compassion for this Stepney born and bred woman who fought so long and so hard so that her family might be respectable citizens. Much depended on her reactions as her husband walked in. I could only hope that she would react in the way I wanted. For the last time, please. The kids will wake up. If there's any. Mary. Mary. What are you doing in the parlour, Inspector? What are you doing here? Why don't you leave us alone? It's half past nine at night. The kids are asleep. You left the dogs early. I wasn't feeling well. The boss let me off. Oh, Fred. Look, copper. My mate is dead. I swear it on my kids, lives, Mary's life, that I put my head on the block to see him walking through that front door. Why don't you leave us alone? That's an interesting statement you made just now, Fred Russell. Why didn't you say my mate's dead? I had nothing to do with it. What do you mean? Because you did have something to do with it, didn't you? That's a lie. I'm no murderer. Don't shout, Fred. You'll wake the kids. Then what's he on at me for? Because you know who killed him. Me. You're crazy. Oh, no, I'm not. You told the killers you were going to meet Wolf Larkin. You told them the day and the time. Who are they, Fred? They won't be able to hurt you. Your name won't even come into it. Provided I prove to my satisfaction that you don't. Go on. I'm Stepney, born and bred. I've never grassed on anyone in my life. Give me your hand, Fred. What's come over you? Please, Fred. Got to humor You, I suppose they're the other one. Now look at me, Fred. Did you mean for Wolf Larkin to get bumped off? Are you crazy? Then tell them, Fred. Tell them. You fool. They. They killed your best friend. Much as I hated him. Don't you know what'll happen? What you'll become if you don't grass? A murderer. They'll catch them. They'll catch them without you. And when they'll catch them, you'll be in the dock with them because you'll be guilty of being an accessory. I'm not grassing. Oh, listen to Lord Ironmighty. I'm not grassing. Go upstairs and have a look at your kids. Boy Scout crook doesn't grass so as his children can grow up having a murderer for a father. I didn' do it. Sorry, Inspector. I thought I'd won the battle with Fred Russell for three years. I thought he loved me and the kids more than he loved his stinking crooks. I've lost it. Where are you going? I'm taking the kids as far away from Stephanie as I can. They're old enough to read. I don't want them to see the new. Stop it, Copper. Oh, grass. I was in the Royal Albert when Peter walked in. Peter? Danny, the Peter. Oh, Peter. Safes. Danny the safecracker. Yes, I remember. Danny Parsons. Go on, Fred. Well, he came up to me with Tony Davis. Hello, Freddy boy. When Dwarf coming out? Why do you want to know? One of the boys inside tells us he's been given extra remission. Yeah, that's right. Matter of fact, I'm gonna pick him up Tomorrow morning at 9:00. Thanks, Fred. You may not know it, but you've probably saved yourself from a hanging. Yes, I've got his record here. Prisoner 752864, Bernard Fand, two years robbery. Released March 14 this year. You can find him at the Bentonville Steelworks. Thanks. Sure. I told Tony that the Wolf was grassing. I don't know on what. All I know is no man gets 3 years remission unless he's in with the cops. And that was the motive. Tony Davis and Daniel Parsons were involved with Wolf Larkin in the bank robbery. That earned for Larkin a 10 year sentence. Rumor went around Pentonville Prison that the Wolf was being released because he was acting as an informer. Ironically, that wasn't true. According to the Governor of the prison, the Home Office had issued a directive that all remissions should be reviewed and where a prisoner had a favorable report should be released earlier. Part of the penal Reform being instituted in Britain. At the time, Tony and Danny thought otherwise. They knew that no one could touch them if Wolf Larkin, the prosecution's chief and only witness, was put out of the way. But what made me convinced from the very start that Fred Russell was implicated? Not sure. Well, listen to the commercial and I'll be back to tell you. How can anyone make a peanut butter that's really different from any other peanut butter? It's not easy, but Yum Yum is a new kind of peanut butter. A peanut butter that's so smooth it spreads easily. So creamy it almost melts in your mouth. In fact, new Yum Yum is so different we don't even call it peanut butter. We call it Yum Yum super creamy spread. Yum Yum. The super creamy spread with a true peanut taste. Have you noticed how the sunflower always faces the sun? That's how the sunflower seed gets all its goodness from the sun. Epic pure sunflower seed oil is made from nothing but the finest sunflower seeds to give you all the golden goodness of sunshine. So the next time you want golden goodness in a pure sunflower seed oil. Before you say oil, say epic. Well, listeners, did you notice the clue? It was this. If you remember, the governor said we were going to release him this evening after he had seen the chaplain. He kicked up such a fuss saying that his friend could only be at the gates this morning at 9:00. So we let him. You see it now. Only one person outside the prison authorities could have known that Wolf Larkin would have been at that spot at precisely that time. Once we had ex convict Bernard Phelan's statement together with Fred Russell's testimony, the case was as good as proven. Both were hanged. Since the non hanging bill had not yet then been introduced. Oh, the moral of the story, if you must go walking down Stepney, take my advice, keep off the grass. Good night. The Epic Casebook was produced by Michael Silver for the makers of Epic Pure Sunflower Oil, Maple margarine, Yum Yum Peanut Butter and niblet cheese twists with Hugh Ross as Inspector Carr. Listen again next Thursday night at 9:30 to another exciting story from our Epic Casebook. You can find more from the amazing Mr. Malone, the epic Case Book, Case Closed and all of the other relic radio shows@Relicradio.com visit donate.Relicradio.com or click on one of the Donate buttons on the site and you can help support this and all of the relic radio shows. Your support makes it all possible. Thank you to those who have. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back again next Wednesday with another hour of Case Closed.