Broadway Is My Beat: The Roberto Segura Murder Case – Detailed Summary
Podcast Title: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Broadway Is My Beat: The Roberto Segura Murder Case
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Release Date: January 31, 1950 (Released on January 22, 2025)
Introduction
Broadway Is My Beat introduces listeners to Detective Danny Clover, portrayed by Larry Thor, navigating the gritty underbelly of Broadway. Set against the backdrop of Times Square and Columbus Circle, the episode delves into the mysterious murder of Roberto Segura, unraveling a complex web of relationships, deceit, and betrayal.
The Murder Case
The episode opens with Detective Clover receiving an urgent anonymous call about a murder:
- Danny Clover (00:41): “At 11:45 on a January night, you look down on Broadway and watch it generate its own heat...”
Upon arriving at the scene on 116th Street, Clover discovers Christina Perez amidst the aftermath:
- Narration (01:09): “A girl and a boy, a pattern of torment and death...”
Key Points:
- Victim: Roberto Segura, identified as deceased for three hours.
- Survivor: Christina Perez, in extreme shock, believed to be out of immediate danger.
Investigation Unfolds
Detective Clover interacts with Don Eduardo Perez, Christina's father, to gain insights:
- Danny Clover (04:03): “I want to talk to Christina Paris.”
- Don Eduardo Perez (04:14): “Cristina is such...”
Clover learns about Roberto’s roommate, Johnny Martinez, leading him to investigate further:
- Johnny Martinez (07:28): “I stuck a shiv at a small man with glasses...”
Key Points:
- Alibi: Both Johnny Martinez and Don Eduardo Perez claim alibis for the time of the murder.
- Suspicions: Christina's erratic behavior raises red flags.
Interviews and Alibis
Clover's interrogation reveals inconsistencies:
- Cristina Perez (18:37): “You have come to tell me you have found my Christina?”
- Danny Clover (19:08): “You're under arrest for the murder of Roberto Segura.”
Notable Quotes:
- Cristina Perez (20:12): “He is evil. I tell you this because you should know it.”
- Danny Clover (24:33): “You're Cristina. You killed her to keep her to yourself, didn’t you, rado?”
Key Points:
- Motives: Eduardo Perez harbors hatred towards Roberto Segura.
- Timelines: Rigor mortis and temperature discrepancies suggest the murder occurred later than initially reported.
Breakthrough and Confrontation
A pivotal moment occurs when Cristina Perez confronts Clover, revealing her involvement:
- Cristina Perez (25:34): “No one good enough for Cristina but you.”
- Danny Clover (26:00): “You had help, of course.”
The tension escalates as Cristina admits to orchestrating Roberto's murder to keep Cristina under her control, involving Johnny Martinez as an accomplice.
Notable Quotes:
- Cristina Perez (25:51): “It is as you say, senor. No one good enough. So I had Roberto killed.”
- Danny Clover (26:24): “You will not kill me.”
Conclusion
Detective Clover skillfully maneuvers through alibis and confrontations, ultimately apprehending Cristina Perez for the murder of Roberto Segura. The episode concludes with Clover reflecting on the dark and deceptive nature of Broadway, emphasizing the relentless pursuit of truth amidst glamor and chaos.
Final Narration (27:50): “Like I was saying, let's go get booked for murder. Broadway. It's an enchanted island or a desert of dust... It's Broadway. My beat.”
Key Takeaways:
- Character Depth: Cristina Perez emerges as a tragic antagonist, driven by possessiveness and familial pressures.
- Mystery Resolution: The intricate plot underscores the complexity of human motives and the challenges faced by investigators in the Golden Age of Radio.
Production Details
Broadway's My Beat features an impressive cast, including Tony Barrett, Jeanette Nolan, and Herb Butterfield, with a musical score composed by Alexander Courage. Directed by Elliot Lewis, the episode masterfully combines suspense, drama, and classic detective storytelling, embodying the essence of old-time radio's golden era.
Notable Contributions:
- Music: Alexander Courage
- Production & Direction: Elliot Lewis
- Cast Highlights: Larry Thor (Danny Clover), Tony Barrett, Jeanette Nolan
Conclusion
Broadway Is My Beat: The Roberto Segura Murder Case captivates listeners with its intricate plot, compelling characters, and atmospheric storytelling. Detective Danny Clover's relentless pursuit of justice amidst the dazzling yet perilous streets of Broadway offers a timeless narrative that continues to resonate with fans of classic detective radio dramas.
Notable Quotes Compilation:
- Danny Clover (00:53): “Broadway is my beat.”
- Don Eduardo Perez (04:29): “Cristina is the child of my body also. I am the mother of Christina.”
- Jimmy Martinez (08:25): “Have you talked to her? Have you looked at her?”
- Cristina Perez (20:12): “He is evil. I tell you this because you should know it.”
- Cristina Perez (25:51): “I had Roberto killed.”
- Danny Clover (26:24): “You will not kill me.”
- Final Narration (27:50): “It's Broadway. My beat.”
These quotes highlight the critical turning points and character motivations that drive the narrative forward, providing listeners with memorable lines that encapsulate the episode's essence.