Broadway Is My Beat: The David Blaine Murder Case 07/22/1951

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: "Broadway Is My Beat – The David Blaine Murder Case" (Aired 07/22/1951)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Broadway Is My Beat: The David Blaine Murder Case
Host/Detective: Detective Danny Clover (voiced by Larry Thor)
Date Transcribed: November 26, 2025

---

Overview

In this moody and evocative episode from the golden era of radio drama, Detective Danny Clover navigates the neon-lit loneliness of Broadway to unravel the mysterious death of David Blaine. What initially seems to be a suicide soon gives way to suspicions of murder, revealing jealousies, heartbreak, and deadly pride lurking beneath the polished veneer of New York’s streets. The episode expertly captures the existential grit and poetry of postwar Manhattan, using noir dialogue and a haunting jazz score to underline the emotional stakes.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. A Fatal Night on Broadway (02:15–04:39)

• Danny Clover paints an atmospheric portrait of nighttime Broadway before being summoned to a fourth-floor apartment where David Blaine, a noted gun collector, has apparently shot himself.
• Quote (Clover, 02:15): "In July, the night slips down over Broadway like a black silk stocking... The shadows start at 7 o’ clock and deepen into night. You hug it close because it’s your chance that something will happen to you outside of the movies and the tap on the shoulder starts it."
• Sergeant Mugavan and Detective Muggerman are present as Blaine’s fiancée, Regina Carroll, is found in shock, and neighbors are anxious.

2. Initial Investigation: Suicide or Murder? (04:39–08:39)

• After processing the crime scene, Clover meets Regina Carroll for a tense interview. She is adamant about her love for Blaine and cannot explain why he would kill himself.
• Regina hints that Blaine had a secret:
  Quote (Regina Carroll, 07:16): "He had a secret. That’s it. He didn’t want to stain me with it... Isn’t that why a man kills himself for the girl he loves?"
• Medical examiner Dr. Sinski’s findings are inconclusive but raise doubts:
  Quote (Dr. Sinski, 08:15): "Except when a man who dies as Blaine did, in shock spasm, arms rigid at right angles to his body... how is it the gun was not found in his hand but on the floor?"

3. Suspects and Motives Begin to Emerge (09:11–11:45)

• Clover interviews neighbor Richard Fallon, a bitter writer with sharp words for the city but no obvious motive.
• Technical reports suggest no one could have escaped after shooting Blaine, and financial records show Blaine lost $50,000 in the market—the likely cause for suicide.

4. A Twist: Murder Called In (11:53–12:14)

• Blanche Hemby phones to claim Blaine was murdered, giving her address. Clover arrives to find her dead, suggesting a connection between the two cases.

5. Peeling Back Regina Carroll’s Past (15:51–20:29)

• Investigation uncovers Blanche's troubled background and a possible link to Blaine.
• Clover uncovers that Regina had multiple broken engagements; hears from ex-fiancé Pete Mason that Regina was a proud, rigid woman whose relationships always ended abruptly.
• Quote (Pete Mason, 22:20): "Regina... has a picture in her head of a husband in a smoking jacket with satin lapels and a curved pipe and a fireplace. I don’t fit the requirements."

6. The Case of the Watches (16:36–19:37)

• Richard Fallon is caught with a distinctive watch matching Regina’s engagement present.
• Notable Scene: The jeweler, Mr. Levante, reveals two identical watches—one bought by Blaine for Regina, one bought by Regina herself to cover the loss after returning the original to Blaine post-breakup.
• Quote (Levante, 18:42): "This is quite an unusual watch... We rarely sell more than one a year... we sold two in the last few months... Both to Miss Carroll or for her.”

7. Cracking the Case: Forensic Breakthrough (23:03–24:29)

• Dr. Sinski re-examines the gun and notes scratch marks indicating a silencer was used—a sign of premeditation and careful staging, not suicide.
• Quote (Dr. Sinski, 24:29): "The man killed himself with a silencer on his weapon. Now that’s what I call taking ‘quiet, please’ a shade too far.".

8. Confronting the Killer (25:02–27:34)

• Clover lays out his theory to Regina: She killed Blaine out of pride and jealousy, then staged the scene and orchestrated the theft of the engagement watch to hide the breakup.
• The alibi of hearing a shot is explained—she fired a blank from her own gun moments after the real killing.
• Quote (Clover, 27:27): "You did. You couldn't live with the thought of another man walking out on you like the other three. That's why you bought the watch, so your friends would think you were still engaged."
• Regina's façade breaks: "It isn't true. I did walk out. Why? Why? Take me away. Put me someplace I don’t want to look at anyone. I can’t look at anyone."

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On New York’s Atmosphere:
  "It’s Broadway. The gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world. Broadway. My beat." (Clover, 28:55)

• On the aftermath of violence:
  "Stand for a moment and consider the virulence of death. How it is not content with its own, must reach out to slash the livid scar into the heart of those crowding its edge..." (Clover, 04:39)

• Regina Carroll’s breakdown:
  "Miss Carol, like David here, is filth instead of me... It isn't true. It isn't true. I did walk out. Why? Why? Take me away." (Regina Carroll, 27:46–28:13)

---

Key Timestamps for Reference

• [02:15] – Danny Clover’s opening narration sets the noir mood
• [03:18] – Discovery of David Blaine’s death
• [07:00] – Regina Carroll’s emotional interview
• [08:15] – Coroner’s subtle clue on the gun
• [11:28] – Evidence of Blaine’s financial ruin
• [12:06] – Blanche Hemby claims murder
• [13:53] – Blanche Hemby found dead
• [18:42] – Revelation of two identical watches
• [24:29] – Forensic discovery of the silencer
• [25:02]–[27:34] – Clover’s dramatic confrontation with Regina Carroll
• [28:55] – Closing, atmospheric soliloquy

---

Tone & Style

The episode is richly atmospheric, marked by hard-boiled dialogue and poetic narration. Detective Clover’s empathy and insight contrast with the cold brutality of the crimes, while side characters provide glimpses of the loneliness and striving that defines mid-century New York.

---

For Listeners

Whether you love classic radio, crime stories, or the evocative language of noir, this episode offers a masterclass in narrative structure and character. All clues are provided to the audience, and the unfolding investigation draws you into the heartbreak and shadows of Broadway.

---

End of Summary

Transcript

[Shopify Announcer]

When it's time to scale your business, it's time for Shopify. Get everything you need to grow the way you want. Like all the way. Stack more sales with the best converting checkout on the planet. Track your cha chings from every channel right in one spot and turn real time reporting into big time opportunities. Take your business to a whole new level. Switch to Shopify. Start your free trial today.

[Radio Host / Wrigley's Gum Announcer]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] Wrigley's spearmint chewing Gum the refreshing, delicious treat that gives you chewing enjoyment presents for your listening enjoyment.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Broadway's My Beat From Times Square to Columbus Circle, the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world.

[Radio Host / Wrigley's Gum Announcer]

Broadway's My Beat. The thrilling drama of murder and mystery and the people who walk the Great White Way. With Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover. For refreshment while you work. For enjoyment anytime, chew a stick of Wrigley Spearmint Gum. The delicious, long lasting real mint flavor of Wrigley Spearmint cools your mouth and freshens your taste. The good smooth chewing helps keep you feeling fresh and alert. Adds enjoyment to whatever you're doing. So indoors, outdoors, at work or play, enjoy chewing Wrigley Spearmint Gum. Wrigley Spearmint Refreshing, delicious.

[Detective Danny Clover]

In July, the night slips down over Broadway like a black silk stocking and you drift to it because the other promises you made to yourself never happen. The part of your life that never counted is left behind. You stand on a street corner, beating down the scream in your throat. The shadows start at 7 o' clock and deepen into night. You hug it close because it's your chance that something will happen to you outside of the movies and the tap on the shoulder starts it. Or the laughter that floats down to your end of the bar. Or a smile. Or the man who runs down the hall after you.

[Sergeant Gino Mugavan]

Danny. Hey, Danny.

[Detective Danny Clover]

What's the matter, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Gino Mugavan]

Glad I nabbed you before you took off for the day. Phone call, Danny, from a hysterical woman. You know, I had a hard time seeing it all. 1647 East 56, Danny. Fourth floor apartment. That's where her fiance lives. The guy's threatening to blow his brains out here. The names and such I jotted on this paper.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Squad car, Gino.

[Sergeant Gino Mugavan]

Waiting for you downstairs. Muggerman's with it.

[Detective Muggerman]

That's it, Danny. 1647. Who'd you say was doing all this threatening.

[Detective Danny Clover]

A man by the name of Blaine. First there's. Let's see. David. Try the buzzer. Mugman. Yeah.

[Regina Carroll]

He did it. Mr. Ms. Carol said he was going to do it and he.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Where from? The police.

[Regina Carroll]

It happened up there on the fourth floor, Mr. Blaine. It happened just now. Not more than.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Who's that crying?

[Regina Carroll]

That's her. Miss Carol. See her?

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

See her?

[Regina Carroll]

Hugging the banister up on the third floor landing. And that's Mr. Fallon at the rail on the second floor.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Let's go. Mugavan. Dead.

[Detective Muggerman]

The gun's here, Danny, by his chair. Looks brand new.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Looks like Mr. Blaine had his choice.

[Detective Muggerman]

Uh huh. There's quite a gun collection from derringers on up. Complete equipment for a young arsenal.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Muggerman. Yeah. Those people we passed in the landing. That boy on the second floor. Mr. Fallon and Ms. Carroll on the third. I'll want to talk to them.

[Detective Muggerman]

Miss Carroll's still crying, Danny. You hear her, poor woman.

[Detective Danny Clover]

And stand for a moment and consider the virulence of death. How it is not content with its own must reach out to slash the livid scar into the heart of those crowding its edge. The woman crying softly, the other tenants whispering, moving restlessly in the lower corridors and then hugging the wall. Because the attendance on violence must pass. The photographers, the interns, the technicians. The moment is gone. It's routine now, official. The first entry in the file of night. The next morning. Gather it into a neat stack on your desk and sit down to it and be surprised at the opening door and the quick presence of the woman you had marked for later interrogation.

[Regina Carroll]

The man who was with you last night. He said you wanted to talk to me.

[Detective Danny Clover]

It could have waited, Ms. Carol, until you felt better and until you.

[Regina Carroll]

It'll not be forgotten that easily, Mr. Clover. That's what you mean. If you have something to ask, ask. Only don't prolong it. Don't make me wait and wonder. Sorrow's enough by itself, don't you think?

[Detective Danny Clover]

Yes. Yes, it is. And you try to understand us, Ms. Gail.

[Regina Carroll]

A man I loved, who loved me, is dead. By his own hand, by his own will. He could have lifted his burden onto me, whatever it was. But he didn't. And now he's dead. You want more than that.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Maybe. Because this is my job. Because I can't rule out the possibility that David Blaine was murdered.

[Regina Carroll]

Awful. How ugly of you to think a thing like that. That anyone could have wanted my David dead. It's ugly.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Tell me about him.

[Regina Carroll]

He loved me. He was going to marry Me. He was polite, gentle. Sometimes he'd forget himself. Then he'd beg my forgiveness, wept sometimes, showered me with gifts so I'd be quicker to forgive. This watch. He called it an engagement present. But it was really an atonement for. Look at it. See how I love me?

[Detective Danny Clover]

It's a beautiful watch, Miss Carol.

[Regina Carroll]

See, I listen to ticks, ticks, ticks away. My life with David. Softly, gently.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Listen to me, Miss Carol. Why would David kill himself? You were in love. You were going to be married. Why?

[Regina Carroll]

He had a secret. That's it. He had a secret. He didn't want to stain me with it. Isn't that it, Mr. Clover? Isn't that why a man kills himself for the girl he loves?

[Detective Muggerman]

I'm sorry, Danny. I thought. But it's important.

[Detective Danny Clover]

It's all right, Dr. Sinski. You can come in. Well, that'll be all for now, Miss Carol. Thank you. You helped a great deal. Thank you.

[Regina Carroll]

You have nothing more?

[Detective Danny Clover]

Nothing?

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

Not now.

[Regina Carroll]

Then I'll go. If you should want to talk to me again, I promise I'll be. Goodbye.

[Detective Muggerman]

It's not easy, huh, Danny? To pry into grief, to scavenge?

[Detective Danny Clover]

You've got something, Doctor. Just tell me.

[Detective Muggerman]

Forgive me, Danny. Sometimes my mouth gets the better of me. I studied it, Danny. I put it on your desk for you to study. Read it sideways, upside down, still comes out suicide.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Then it's done. Finished, huh? Nothing to bother our brains about.

[Detective Muggerman]

Like you say, Danny, finished. Except when a man who dies as Blaine did, in shock spasm, arms rigid at right angles to his body, fingers clenched. How is it the gun was not found in his hand but on the floor? It's just a small question, Danny. To gnaw at the brain of a medical man. Sometimes it happens so.

[Detective Danny Clover]

But, yeah. Go practice medicine, doctor. Maybe I can bring you back an answer. Maybe where a man died, someone has an answer.

[Richard Fallon]

I'm busy right now.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Your name? Richard Fallon. I'm from the police.

[Richard Fallon]

I guess that gives you a right. Come on in. You want to sit over there? Move those papers off the couch. Just put them on the floor.

[Detective Danny Clover]

You a writer, Fallon?

[Richard Fallon]

You interested or curious?

[Detective Danny Clover]

What do you write about?

[Richard Fallon]

About your city. About how it's not like my part of the country. About your many faceted city. About your stinking city, Your people, your small people, your hurry up people. Your no place to go people. The no tears city, the rat hole city. That's what I write about.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Any material up on the fourth floor?

[Richard Fallon]

I figured that'd be your gambit. Uh, Nothing. Your city Caught up with a man and he shot himself before it drowned him. I'll think about the man and smile and wish him well.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Know anything about him?

[Richard Fallon]

His name was David Blaine. He walked arm in arm with a third floor woman. Ms. Carol. Last night I heard a shot. I ran out into the hall. Mrs. Galvin downstairs ran out into the hall. Ms. Carol upstairs ran out into the hall. We looked up the stairwell to the fourth floor from where the shot came. David Blaine was dead. I know that about him.

[Detective Danny Clover]

What else?

[Richard Fallon]

Uh, nothing. Sit there if you want, but don't stare at the back of my neck when I write. Makes me self conscious.

[Sergeant Gino Mugavan]

My gratitude for permitting me my 10 minutes at the water cooler, Danny.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Feel better, Gino.

[Sergeant Gino Mugavan]

Goes without saying. And now to the toils of the day, it comes to that part of the rundown in which I proffer you your daily piece of resistance. In two parts. To wit, gun found at sight of deceased David Blaine is indeed gun with which deceased did do himself in.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Now, Gino, that hasn't been.

[Sergeant Gino Mugavan]

Patience, Danny. Part two will settle the question itching in your brain of suicide versus murder.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Scratch it for me, Gino.

[Sergeant Gino Mugavan]

Delighted. Part two of report from technical states. Impossible for any tenant to have shot said deceased. Make an escape down the fire escape. Arrived in the hallways in time to look up and yell man dead on the fourth floor in your presence. Add to this the double whammy I have held out on you.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Give it to me.

[Sergeant Gino Mugavan]

Tartaglio piques you, huh, Danny? The Lakeman assigned to such duty. I've come up with that. David Blaine did indeed lose upwards to fifty grand by sour bets in the stock market. This in the period of the last month. 50 grand in 30 days for this guy's killed themselves, Danny. For a lot less sometimes.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Yeah, yeah, all right. You know, close the file on Blaine. There's nothing more. Danny Clover speaking.

[Regina Carroll]

They switched me to you. You the man on that Blaine thing?

[Detective Danny Clover]

Yes, what about it? Who are you?

[Regina Carroll]

Blanche Hemby, mister. 1834 East 59, room 1 1.

[Detective Danny Clover]

You said Blaine. What have you got?

[Regina Carroll]

What have I got? I got he was murdered, mister.

[Detective Danny Clover]

And go there and walk the hallway mottled with shadows and scuffings. The short corridor that ends in the door with the tin numbers and the pull down bed and the basin in the corner. Knock on door 11. Get no answer. Go in because there was urgency in the voice that said, come here. The bed was pulled down, the rug was frayed and the splotch of blood trailed off and onto the floor. The girl was behind the couch huddled, her knees drawn to her chest, and only the fat summer fly pinging against the window made sound. That and the lonely room silences that intruded upon the dead girl, the murdered.

[Radio Host / Wrigley's Gum Announcer]

For refreshment while you work, for enjoyment anytime, chew a stick of Wrigley's Spearmint Gum when your mouth feels dry, when you're warm or tired, Wrigley's Spearmint is really refreshing. 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 feel your best and do your best. So for chewing enjoyment plus pleasant refreshment, chew delicious Wrigley Spearmint Gum. We now continue with Broadway's My Beat, written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin and starring Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover.

[Detective Danny Clover]

In the glittering midsummer's day, Broadway takes time out to shimmer. The chrome is polished high, the better to reflect the passage of women who lean for a moment against the summer's heat and then walk slowly on. The mouthpieces of the pay phones glisten with the moist whispers of an empty summer afternoon. A money clip glints through the dark of an alley and you know that someone has gotten odds on a piece of the day. There's the drone of the neon and the tired wind nudging a headline in a shining trash bin. Cop finds murdered girl in tenement Room. And the wet shirt pulled from your back. Like other summers, other days. Where I was in the corridor between my office and the show up room. That had happened before, too. Only the names of the dead were different.

[Detective Muggerman]

Blanche Hemby. I got the rundown on her you wanted, Danny.

[Detective Danny Clover]

What'd you get? Muggerman.

[Detective Muggerman]

I'll have to slice it off fast, Danny. I'm due at the show up. A woman there, Mrs. Westfall, real eager to identify a prowler she dreamed last night.

[Detective Danny Clover]

I'll walk you down.

[Detective Muggerman]

This girl, Blanche Hemby, frequent visitor. Got her name on her guestbook maybe five times.

[Detective Danny Clover]

For what?

[Detective Muggerman]

Oh, nothing. Sensational brawl over a hairdo with another dame in a bar phonograph screaming. Her screaming, disturbing the neighbors. Beat a guy's head open with a bottle because he called her a gimme, gimme girl.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Things like that, any tie up with David Blaine.

[Detective Muggerman]

I noticed around the bar is where she had the trouble. The tenement where she lived, the place she was working at two weeks ago, they fired her. Uh, she gave notice, Danny. Two weeks ago. Said she was sick and tired working for nickel tips behind a hamburger counter. She had better, she told him. A lot better. Bit a hole in her timecard, threw it on the griddle, walked out.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Work anywhere else? See anyone else?

[Detective Muggerman]

Mm. Mm. I checked that too. Lance slept away the days in her room. Three times a day she got up the phone for beer. Once a day for sandwiches. Here I am. I'll check with you later, Danny.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Yeah.

[Detective Muggerman]

How do I know where I got it?

[Sergeant Gino Mugavan]

Why don't you leave me alone, Mugavin?

[Detective Danny Clover]

That kid up there.

[Detective Muggerman]

What about him, Danny? Some punk, probably.

[Detective Danny Clover]

That's the boy who was the tenant on the second floor where Blaine was murdered. Get him, Mugavin. Bring him up to my office.

[Detective Muggerman]

Sure, Danny. Right away. Here he is, Danny. He's not anxious.

[Richard Fallon]

Your hands off me.

[Detective Danny Clover]

You're scum.

[Richard Fallon]

All of you.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Take it easy, kid. What happened? The city trying to drown you the way you said it does to people?

[Richard Fallon]

I hate it. I get drunk at night because I hate it. That way. I see it for what it is. And you can't stand that. When someone like me sees you for what you are, you hate me and you kick me. You throw me in jail because I'm better. Even drunk, I'm better.

[Detective Muggerman]

He's right, Danny. He's a lot better than us. He goes around with a pocket full of watch like this because he's so much better.

[Detective Danny Clover]

That's it. Where'd you get this watch, Richard?

[Richard Fallon]

I held out my hand and I begged. And a kindly person dropped it right into my begging hand.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Where'd you get it?

[Richard Fallon]

I told you. I walked the streets and it fell into my hand because I was crying and lonely and sick for home.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Ms. Carroll, your neighbor has a watch like this. You steal it from her. You steal it, Richard. Lock him up, Mugglen. A watch exactly like the one Regina Carroll owned. Her engagement present from the man now dead. Presumed a suicide, suspected murdered. If it were Ms. Carroll's watch, what was Richard Fallon doing with it? It was a simple question and Richard couldn't answer it. So call Ms. Carroll. Get no answer. So open the plush box that held the watch. Levante Jewelers for over a century. That's what the satin ribbon said. Glued against the inside top. Stolen from Levante Jewelers for over a century. Go there. Ask Mr. Levante.

[Mr. Levante]

Oh, no, not stolen.

[Detective Muggerman]

Purchased.

[Detective Danny Clover]

By whom?

[Mr. Levante]

A policeman. You said you were. Let me see, please.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Sure. Here.

[Shopify Announcer]

When it's time to scale your business it's time for shopify. Get everything you need to grow the way you want. Like all the way Stack more sales with the best converting checkout on the planet. Track your Cha Chings from every channel right in one spot. And turn real time reporting into big time opportunities. Take your business to a whole new level. Switch to shopify. Start your free trial today.

[Mr. Levante]

Yes, this watch was purchased.

[Detective Danny Clover]

You've already said that.

[Mr. Levante]

Apologies. I'm temporizing. You see, I'm trying to gather my forces together. Now, as to who purchased this watch, perhaps to a Ms. Carroll. My old friend, Ms. Regina Carroll. Of course, it's impossible to tell.

[Detective Danny Clover]

What are you trying to tell me, Mr. Levant?

[Mr. Levante]

You see, this is quite an unusual watch. We rarely sell more than one a year. Our own design, with a foreign mechanism. However, we sold two in the last few months. Remarkable.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Who did you sell them to?

[Mr. Levante]

Even more remarkable. A few days ago, Ms. Carroll purchased such a watch. A few months ago, her fiance, now dead, I've heard. A few months ago, this gentleman also purchased such a watch as an engagement gift for Ms. Carroll.

[Detective Danny Clover]

That makes two watches for Ms. Carroll, both the same kind. Is there an explanation for it, Mr. Levante?

[Mr. Levante]

Ms. Carroll said she lost her engagement watch, thus she purchased another one. She cautioned me not to mention it to her fiancee or to anyone, for that matter. But now you, a policeman, Mr. Blaine. Dead. Well, you don't think I'm going back on my word to an old friend, do you?

[Detective Danny Clover]

Ms. Carroll is your old friend.

[Mr. Levante]

Her dad and I were close. I toddled Regina, poor woman.

[Detective Danny Clover]

You mean about her fiance?

[Mr. Levante]

About all of them.

[Detective Danny Clover]

What do you mean?

[Mr. Levante]

There were four of them, you know. Two at college, one when she was a sophomore, one when she was a senior. Then about 10 years ago, a young man since quite successful in groceries, has a nice store for select customers on medicine. Chap named Mason, I think.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Ms. Carroll was engaged four times.

[Mr. Levante]

She's 37, you know. She doesn't look it, does she? Still a beauty. A bygone day kind of beauty, if you know what I mean. Victorian. Would that be it? I often wondered why she never married any of her young men. Why they backed out on their marriage.

[Detective Danny Clover]

I wonder why, too.

[Pete Mason]

You need some help, sir?

[Detective Danny Clover]

I'm looking for a Mr. Mason.

[Pete Mason]

All right. I'm Mason.

[Detective Danny Clover]

I'm Danny Clover, police.

[Pete Mason]

The first name's Pete.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Danny, you got a couple of minutes? Anytime.

[Pete Mason]

For you fellas, I need a couple of minutes to recuperate anyhow. Mrs. Smythe just had me on the floor. Oh, she comes in here with her French poodles, three on a leash. Maiden chauffeur trailing in back orders. It doesn't. Well, did you ever hear anybody Say bagel with a broad. A. She wants a dozen boggles. I don't understand her. Finally she tells me what she wants is receptacles for a delicacy known as lox.

[Detective Danny Clover]

How did she say lox?

[Pete Mason]

Lox, the chauffeur said. What can I do for you, Danny?

[Detective Danny Clover]

You were once engaged to a Regina Carol, weren't you?

[Pete Mason]

It was an experience. I'm not sorry for it.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Who broke the engagement?

[Pete Mason]

You've got to ask that because it's important for the police to know. Right, Danny? I broke it.

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

Why?

[Pete Mason]

Why? That's a question I often ask myself. Sometimes my wife asks me and I'll tell you what I answered.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Go ahead.

[Pete Mason]

Regina was a girl just like the girl that married dear old dad. Close to the wedding, I discovered this is not the type of girl I wanted personally. The girl that married my dear old dad. My mom nagged my father to an early grave. Mom and Regina, two peas from the same pod.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Go on.

[Pete Mason]

I'll tell you about Regina. I figure she has a picture in her head of a husband in a smoking jacket with satin lapels and a curved pipe and a fireplace. I don't fit the requirements. Personally, I like polka better than cribbage.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Uh huh. What else?

[Pete Mason]

Well, Regina, how she dressed. Pretty, you understand, but she made her own fashions, which she never changed. Ribbons, dresses, choked against the throat and always a little too long. She slipped on the ice. Once I told her she had pretty legs, she slapped me. That's what about Regina Carroll, Danny? That enough?

[Detective Danny Clover]

Plenty, thanks. Thanks a lot, Gordon.

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

Danny Clover. I couldn't be more charmed if I tried.

[Detective Danny Clover]

A quiet evening in technical, huh, Gordon?

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

It was. Now the place screeches at me. Did you do that, Danny? Just by walking in here?

[Detective Danny Clover]

You mix yourself bitter pills in those test tubes?

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

I don't have to. I have company. No offense.

[Detective Danny Clover]

The gun that killed David Blaine. Get it out. Go over it again.

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

I've already examined it thoroughly. My report was placed on your desk.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Get it out.

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

I can recall it to you if memory fails you.32 caliber Smith and Wesson. Fired once.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Get it, examine it.

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

All right, Danny. See, I'm examining. It's still as it was when Blaine held it close to it.

[Detective Danny Clover]

The barrel. Put it on a slide, hold it up to the light, whatever you have to do.

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

If you ask Danny, I'll do better. Perhaps this will amuse you. Spectromicrograph enlarges 45 times. And. There. Have a look, Danny.

[Detective Danny Clover]

You look all right, Danny.

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

All right. Wow. What These infinitesimal scratch marks on the barrel. Fascinating. And a new quirk. It didn't register on me before. I checked the rifling in the barrel against the slug, which we call standard operating procedure. I didn't think of looking at the outside of the barrel. Why should I, with its use side? I guess I should have.

[Detective Danny Clover]

And what would you have found out, Gordon?

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

That the man killed himself with a silencer on his weapon. Now that's what I call taking quiet, please. A shade too far.

[Regina Carroll]

Oh, Mr. Clover. I knew you'd come back. Knew there'd be more things you'd want to know about David. Come in.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Thanks.

[Regina Carroll]

You may sit down. That chair.

[Detective Danny Clover]

No, thanks. What makes you think I wanted to find out any more about David?

[Regina Carroll]

I assumed it. Suicide files to complete. I realize it's my duty to be cooperative, Ms. Carol. I can tell you so much about him. He was generous. He was a gentleman. Rare thing to find.

[Detective Danny Clover]

He was murdered.

[Regina Carroll]

You suggested that before, Mr. Clover. I didn't believe it then. I don't believe it now.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Murdered? He was dead minutes before we got to him.

[Regina Carroll]

That's stupid.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Listen to me, Ms. Carol.

[Regina Carroll]

Stupid. Because I heard the shot. We all heard it. We all ran out into the hall.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Do you have a gun, Ms. Carol?

[Regina Carroll]

Yes, I have a gun. David gave it to me. Woman alone.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Did he show you how to fire it?

[Regina Carroll]

Of course he did. He loved guns. I interested myself in them. Shall I get the gun?

[Detective Danny Clover]

It isn't necessary for now. You don't have to get the silencer either.

[Regina Carroll]

What are you talking about?

[Detective Danny Clover]

The gun you shot David with. His own gun was equipped with a silencer.

[Regina Carroll]

Mr. Clover, I don't understand you at all. I'm a lonely woman. And I admit it, I. I'm a helpless one. How could I have killed anyone? Someone I loved.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Nice view from this window, Ms. Carroll. You could stand here, see Detective Mugavin and me coming, fire a blank cartridge from your gun, run out into the hall, look up, and everyone thinks the shot came from the floor above. From David Blaine's apartment. Do you admit, Ms. Carol?

[Regina Carroll]

No. No.

[Detective Danny Clover]

I want to show you something. Here. Look at it, Ms. Carroll. A watch. Just like the one you're wearing.

[Regina Carroll]

I didn't kill him.

[Detective Danny Clover]

David Blaine broke his engagement to you, didn't he?

[Regina Carroll]

I didn't kill him.

[Detective Danny Clover]

The kind of woman you are. Proper and proud. You gave him back the watch. But what to tell your friends? Tell them that someone else walked out on you the way three other men did. A proud woman like you. So you bought another watch, just like It? The one you're wearing.

[Sergeant Gino Mugavan]

Please. Please.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Because I have the one you gave back to David. The watch you had that boy, that writer, Richard Fallon, steal from David's apartment so the police wouldn't find it there and ask questions. You told him to get rid of the watch. He got drunk instead, got picked up.

[Regina Carroll]

Look, look. David jilted me, but I didn't kill him.

[Detective Danny Clover]

You did. You couldn't live with the thought of another man's walking out on you like the other three. That's why you bought the watch. So your friends would think you were still engaged.

[Regina Carroll]

Mr. Clover.

[Detective Danny Clover]

So your friends would think David died because of the money he lost. And Blanche Hemby, the reason why David walked out on you. The woman David loved.

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

Filth.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Beat her to death.

[Regina Carroll]

Beat her. Beat her.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Let's go.

[Regina Carroll]

Ms. Carol, like David here, is filth instead of me.

[Dr. Gordon Sinski]

Her.

[Regina Carroll]

A woman like that? Miss Carol, it's not true what you said. Those men didn't turn me down. I turned them down. College boys. Grosser. Not good enough. It isn't true. It isn't true. I did walk out. Why? Why? Take me away. Put me someplace I don't want to look at anyone. I can't look at anyone.

[Detective Danny Clover]

Broadway's deserted now. Maybe it's the heat. Maybe it's just that people get tired and want to go home because Broadway threw sand in their eyes. Maybe you found what you were looking for and couldn't stare it in the face because it's a street that'll give you anything you want, any way you want it. It's Broadway. The gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world. Broadway. My beat.

[Radio Host / Wrigley's Gum Announcer]

Remember, friends, for refreshment while you work, for enjoyment anytime, chew a stick of Wrigley's Spearmint Gum. There's lots of lively, real mint flavor in it to cool your mouth, freshen your taste and sweeten your breath. And chewing Wrigley Spearmint helps keep you fresh and alert. You feel better, work better. Get more fun out of doing things. So indoors, outdoors, at work or play. Always keep delicious Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum handy for refreshment while you work. For chewing anytime, chew a stick of Wrigley Spearmint Gum. The makers of Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum hope you've enjoyed tonight's story and that you're enjoying Wrigley Spearmint Gum every day. We invite you to join us next week at this time when Detective Danny Clover returns again with Broadway's My Beat. Broadway's my beat, brought to you by Wrigley. Spearmint Gum is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis with music composed and conducted by Alexander Courage. The program is written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin and stars Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover with Charles Calvert as Tartaglia and Jack Prusian as Mugavan. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System sa.