Michael Shayne: Date with a Wedding 05/14/1945

Summary

Podcast Summary: Michael Shayne – "Date with a Wedding" (05/14/1945)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Michael Shayne: Date with a Wedding
Release Date: May 26, 2026
Original Airdate: May 14, 1945
Main Cast: Wally Mayer (Michael Shane), Kathy Lewis (Phyllis Knight), Joe Forte (Inspector Faraday)

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Episode Overview

This episode, “Date with a Wedding,” puts private detective Michael Shayne and his assistant Phyllis Knight in the middle of what’s supposed to be a tranquil wedding weekend in timber country. Instead, a sudden death turns celebration into intrigue after timber magnate Mr. Harrison is found dead—apparently poisoned. Shayne must unravel a complex web of blackmail, deceit, and murder among a cast of high-society characters, all within a vintage Golden Age radio drama ambiance.

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Key Discussion Points & Major Story Beats

1. Setting the Scene: A Wedding and a Mystery (00:15–04:07)

• Michael Shayne and Phyllis arrive at the Harrison estate for Betty Harrison’s secluded wedding to Don Manchester.
  • Shayne (01:20): “You know, I ought to have my head examined. Coming way out here to see two people I don't know get married.”
• They meet Inspector Faraday, who’s been called on business, not pleasure.
• As Mr. Harrison’s private train arrives, his business associates (Mr. Oliver and Mr. Miller) alight—but Mr. Harrison does not.
• Harrison is found dead in his private compartment, apparently from a “heart attack.”
  • Shayne (04:08): “About murder, Inspector. Froth on the lips and dilated eyes don't spell a heart attack. Somebody slipped Mr. Harrison a nice big slug of poison.”

2. Suspicion and Early Investigation (04:31–08:52)

• Shayne quickly identifies poison as cause of death and keeps suspicions under wraps while sending Faraday and the evidence for examination.
• Betty is devastated; Shayne and Phyllis start probing motives:
  • Harrison was initially against his daughter’s marriage, then suddenly relented.
  • Suspicion shifts to the behavior of Miller and Oliver, both acting suspiciously on the train.
• Shayne and Phyllis sneak into Miller's room, discovering burnt letters and books on poison.
  • Phyllis (06:52): “Mike, let's get out of here.”
• Miller catches them with a gun, orders them out.
• Oliver requests protection from Shayne, claiming Miller threatened him and is potentially blackmailing the Harrisons.

3. Confirming Murder and Taking Action (09:14–13:47)

• Faraday reports toxicology: Harrison was killed by strychnine.
  • Shayne (09:15): “I was right, honey. 100% right. Harrison was loaded with strychnine.”
• Shayne realizes someone is eavesdropping on his phone call—suspecting the murderer is among them and now alert.
• Shayne investigates Harrison’s compartment, getting attacked by an unseen assailant, but finds a forced-open briefcase.
• The briefcase contains a detective agency report implicating "Z" in a major embezzlement; Shayne deduces the murderer is “not Z.”

4. Suspect Web Expands (13:09–18:12)

• Shayne, Phyllis, and Faraday question Miller; Miller claims Don Manchester was also on the train.
  • Miller (15:05): “There were three of us on that train.”
• Don admits he boarded the train at Harrison’s request—a telegram asked him to meet at Camp Junction.
  • Phyllis reads telegram (16:24): “Have changed my mind. Happy to have you as son in law. Meet my train at Camp Junction. We'll ride in together. Much to talk over.”
• Shayne sends a telegram to the detective agency to unmask "Z."
• Faraday reveals Miller is a blackmailer with a criminal record—and decides to detain Miller.

5. Murder Escalates: Miller Killed (20:44–22:20)

• When Faraday, Shayne, and Phyllis go to arrest Miller, they find him shot dead.
  • Shayne (20:56): “Looks like you were wrong about Miller, Inspector. At least wrong about his being the murderer.”
• The team debates suspects. Faraday leans on Oliver; Shayne urges caution, also noting Don’s presence on the train.

6. Climactic Reveal and Final Confrontation (22:43–27:13)

• Phyllis and Shayne retrieve the detective agency’s telegram confirming “Z” is Oliver.
• At a tense late-night gathering, Oliver is accused of theft, but not of murder.
• When Oliver tries to flee, Don intervenes with a gun, but is disarmed.
• Shayne accuses Don of sending a fake telegram to himself as an alibi—proving he was already at the station before Harrison’s arrival.
  • Shayne (26:11): “Sorry, Betty. Don wanted to marry you in the worst way. ... You made a mistake. ... You sent that telegram 20 minutes before Harrison got there.”
• Don’s guilt is irrefutably exposed; Oliver is detained for embezzlement.

7. Wrap-Up and Reflection (27:13–end)

• Back in San Francisco, Phyllis quizzes Shayne about when he was certain of Don’s guilt:
  • Phyllis (27:40): “When did you know for sure that Don was the murderer?”
  • Shayne (27:42): “When we found Miller shot, of course. … Our blackmailing friend was talking right through us to the only other party there. Which meant, Don, he was throwing out a hint for a payoff.”
• Lighthearted banter closes out the episode, with Shayne hinting at his “statue on Market Street.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Romance? I've got angel, but when it comes to rice and orange blossoms, I'm strictly allergic.”
  — Michael Shayne (01:38)

• “Froth on the lips and dilated eyes don't spell a heart attack. Somebody slipped Mr. Harrison a nice big slug of poison.”
  — Michael Shayne (04:08)

• “I was right, honey. 100% right. Harrison was loaded with strychnine.”
  — Michael Shayne (09:15)

• “The murderer listened in on my telephone conversation with Faraday. ... He wanted us to find this report. And that means the killer isn't Mr. Z.”
  — Michael Shayne (13:13)

• “You made a mistake... You sent that telegram 20 minutes before Harrison got there.”
  — Michael Shayne (26:11)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:20] Shayne & Phyllis arrive; wedding set-up, meet Faraday
• [04:08] Discovery of murder—Shayne immediately suspects poisoning
• [06:34] Burning of Betty’s letters; Miller’s suspicious behavior with gun
• [08:14] Oliver requests Shayne’s protection, accuses Miller of threats
• [09:14] Faraday confirms poisoning by strychnine
• [12:00] Attack on Shayne and Phyllis at the train
• [13:13] Shayne suspects murderer wants to frame Oliver ("Z")
• [15:05] Don implicated as third person on the train
• [18:24] Faraday exposes Miller’s criminal record, blackmail background
• [20:56] Miller found dead
• [23:59] Telegram identifies “Z” as Oliver
• [26:11] Shayne corners Don with the falsified telegram evidence

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Overall Tone and Style

• Fast-talking, witty, and slightly cynical; classic hard-boiled detective banter
• Strong chemistry between Michael Shayne and Phyllis Knight, balancing suspense with humor
• Old Time Radio charm through rich character voices and atmospheric effects

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Summary

“Date with a Wedding” swiftly shifts from celebration to classic locked-room mystery, packed with blackmail, corporate intrigue, and romantic deception. Michael Shayne’s deductive prowess and Phyllis Knight’s resourceful support guide listeners through a maze of red herrings to unmask the real killer. The episode embodies the essence of Golden Age detective stories—jazzy, suspenseful, and deftly plotted.

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For classic detective fans, this is a solid example of Michael Shayne’s sharp tongue and sharper mind at work.

Transcript

[John Lang]

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]

[Narrator]

the Adventures of Michael Shane, Private Detective. The people who make 76 gasoline and Triton motor oil. Union Oil Company present. The adventures of michael shane, private detective starring wally mayer and kathy lewis. Even the busiest detectives can't always be detecting. And on this late Saturday afternoon, we find Mike Shane and his pretty assistant Phyllis Knight, driving through the timber country high up near the Nevada border. They're on their way to keep an important date. A date with a wedding. But no, not theirs. It's the wedding of Betty Harrison, daughter of the timber tycoon. And Mike has been unwillingly dragged along to help Phil carry out her social obligations.

[Michael Shane]

You know, I ought to have my head examined. Coming way out here to see two people I don't know get married.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, Mike, Betty was my closest friend at finishing school.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah, but I only finished high school. Now, where do I fit into this high society stuff?

[Phyllis Knight]

Michael, it's a quiet wedding. We're the only guests.

[Michael Shane]

And I'm supposed to hold the bridegroom's fevered head.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, where is your romance?

[Michael Shane]

Romance? I've got angel, but when it comes to rice and orange blossoms, I'm strictly allergic.

[Phyllis Knight]

You're hopeless. Hey, look, look. There's the Harrison place.

[Michael Shane]

Place you say. That, my love, is quite a shack.

[Phyllis Knight]

And there's Betty. There's Betty waiting for us.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah. Say, honey, that. That guy with her looks familiar, huh? Mike, that's Inspector Faraday in the flesh. And that spells trouble.

[Phyllis Knight]

Betty. Betty. Phyllis.

[Betty Harrison]

Phyllis, I'm so glad you've come.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, you look wonderful. Me too. Betty, this is Mike Shane. Hello.

[Michael Shane]

I'm pleased to meet you.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, I'll be. Mike and Phyllis.

[Michael Shane]

Say, Inspector, aren't you early with your vacation?

[Inspector Faraday]

No, I'm here on business, Mike. Mr. Harrison phoned me. Said he was leaving on the second section of 98, that he transferred to his own private trainer for me to meet him here.

[Betty Harrison]

Father wasn't planning to come up for the wedding. Then all of a sudden I get

[Phyllis Knight]

a wire that he is.

[Inspector Faraday]

That must be Harrison's train now.

[Betty Harrison]

Yes, it runs up to a little station behind the house.

[Michael Shane]

Well, then why don't we walk over and meet it, huh?

[Phyllis Knight]

Let's.

[Betty Harrison]

Father will be surprised.

[Phyllis Knight]

Betty. Hey, where's the bridegroom?

[Betty Harrison]

Don should have been here by now.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, bridegrooms are always late those last free hours.

[Betty Harrison]

You be quiet, oh, there's Don coming now.

[Phyllis Knight]

Hey, he's a bit of all right.

[Michael Shane]

I'm sorry I'm late. Had a flat tire.

[Betty Harrison]

Oh, Don dearest, this is Phyllis Knight. Mr. Shane, Mr. Faraday, Don Manchester, my fiance.

[Michael Shane]

How do you do? Hello there.

[Inspector Faraday]

How are you?

[Michael Shane]

Well, there she is. A coming around the mountain.

[Phyllis Knight]

You know, this is something to see. An engine pulling one coaster.

[Michael Shane]

They dropped the lumber cars off at Camp Junction.

[Phyllis Knight]

Hey, look there. There's somebody getting off.

[Betty Harrison]

Oh, that's Mr. Oliver, Father's business associate.

[Michael Shane]

That's Mr. Miller getting off the back platform.

[Inspector Faraday]

I still don't see Mr. Harrison.

[Phyllis Knight]

No.

[Betty Harrison]

Oh, Mr. Oliver.

[John Lang]

Oh, hello, Betty.

[Betty Harrison]

Where's Father?

[John Lang]

Oh, as usual, in his private compartment. Hasn't even stepped out since we left Northwood City.

[Betty Harrison]

He's probably napping again.

[John Lang]

He certainly was fine company. Well, I'm going up to the house.

[Michael Shane]

That's one happy character.

[Betty Harrison]

Let's climb aboard and get farther.

[Phyllis Knight]

Sort of like a welcoming committee, huh?

[Michael Shane]

Okay, Inspector. Watch your lumbago on these steps.

[Inspector Faraday]

Never mind my lumbago, Mike. Watch out for those fallen arches of yours.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, get him.

[Betty Harrison]

Here's father's compartment. I'll sneak in and shout boo.

[Michael Shane]

Father, something's wrong. What is it? What is it?

[Inspector Faraday]

It's Harrison stretched out on the floor.

[Michael Shane]

I bet he's fainting. Here, put her on that couch. Don't rub her wrist.

[Phyllis Knight]

Wait a minute, I'll get some water.

[Michael Shane]

Well, Inspector, how's Mr. Harrison?

[Inspector Faraday]

He's dead, Mike. Looks like a heart attack.

[Michael Shane]

Uh huh. Maybe so, Inspector, but this heart attack has had a little help.

[Inspector Faraday]

What are you talking about?

[Michael Shane]

About murder, Inspector. Froth on the lips and dilated eyes don't spell a heart attack. Somebody slipped Mr. Harrison a nice big slug of poison.

[Inspector Faraday]

Oh, there you are, Mike. Get Betty up at the house. All right.

[Michael Shane]

Yes, Inspector. Phil and Don are taking care of her.

[Inspector Faraday]

You still think Mr. Harrison was poisoned?

[Michael Shane]

I know so, Inspector. Look at his neck stiff and his jaws locked. Eyes wide open and staring. I've got a little plan, Inspector. Would you like to try it?

[Inspector Faraday]

You know me, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Well, look, no one knows we suspect murder. And whoever pulled this job figured on a local doc calling it a heart attack. So now you take Harrison's body into Northwood City along with that thermos of coffee we found by him. While you're checking for poison, Uncle Shane here will keep his big ears open. Here. All right, honey. How's Betty?

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, she's a little better, Mike. She's sleeping now.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, the poor kid. Say, what was that? Betty said about her father not coming up for her wedding.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, originally he didn't like the idea of her marrying, but she was going

[Michael Shane]

to go through with it anyway.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yes, then Mr. Harrison changed his mind, that's all.

[Michael Shane]

Maybe it is, maybe it isn't.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, when you start double talking, I get worried.

[Michael Shane]

Angel, look, there were three men on that private train making a 50 mile trip. Now come to the end of the line. What happens?

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, I'm listening.

[Michael Shane]

Mike Miller gets off the back platform and scoots. Oliver hops off the front and goes away mad.

[Phyllis Knight]

And we go aboard and find Mr. Harrison dead.

[Michael Shane]

Uh huh. That's it. This Mr. Harrison is the big boss. Honey, you'd think those other two would wait for him. Sociable like.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, it's probably just a coincidence, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

And is it a coincidence that Faraday is here on business?

[Phyllis Knight]

All right, all right, mastermind. So what do you make of it?

[Michael Shane]

Uh, Angel, A good detective works from facts. So let's go get some facts.

[Phyllis Knight]

Where?

[Michael Shane]

Where? Mike, Mr. Miller's room is at the end of this hallway. Let's stop in and say hello.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, I hope you know what you're doing.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah, me too. Here's his room, unlocked.

[Phyllis Knight]

There's no answer, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

So being friendly people, we'll go in and wait.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, you can't just barge into somebody.

[Michael Shane]

Why not? The door's not locked. Come on, come on.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, I don't like this.

[Michael Shane]

Well, now, don't you worry your pretty head. Wow. The remains of a fire in the fireplace. I always love to poke around ashes. Now let's see.

[Phyllis Knight]

Those look like letters.

[Michael Shane]

Letters? They were letters to Betty.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, she's asleep in her room while

[Michael Shane]

someone conveniently burns her mail.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, let's get out of here.

[Michael Shane]

What's the matter, Angel? There's just us two.

[Inspector Faraday]

That's where you're wrong, Mike.

[Phyllis Knight]

Us.

[Michael Shane]

Well, well, Mr. Miller. And with a nice shiny gun.

[Inspector Faraday]

We don't like snoopers around here. Get going.

[Michael Shane]

Just a mistake, Miller, just a mistake.

[Inspector Faraday]

That kind of mistake isn't healthy. Get out while you're still lucky.

[Michael Shane]

Sure, by coincidence we were just leaving. Come on, Angel. The gentleman doesn't like our type. And I'm afraid the feeling is very mut. These couple of scraps I took from Miller's fireplace don't help much, honey.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, I can't understand why anyone would burn Betty's letters from her father.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, well, plenty of books around, Michael.

[Phyllis Knight]

After all, this room is the library.

[Michael Shane]

Encyclopedia Modern Timbered Methods. Look honey, here's a book. Famous Scotland Yard Murder Cases.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, that ought to help you, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

And here's a bookmark in the section on poisons.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, Here comes Don. Mr. Oliver's with him, huh?

[Michael Shane]

Mr. Shane. Well, what's up, Don? I told Mr. Oliver you're a detective. He wants to talk to him.

[John Lang]

Yes, something quite confidential.

[Michael Shane]

Ms. Knight is my assistant.

[Phyllis Knight]

Never mind, never mind. I'll go look up a sandwich.

[Michael Shane]

Okay, dear. All right, Oliver.

[John Lang]

Now, what's the trouble, Mr. Shane? I want protection.

[Michael Shane]

Protection? From what? Miller.

[John Lang]

He threatened my life on the train.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, what happened?

[John Lang]

Well, shortly after Miller came aboard Mr. Harrelson's private train at Northwood City, I discovered him going through some of Mr. Harrison's private papers.

[Michael Shane]

Then what?

[John Lang]

We had an argument and he drew a gun on me.

[Michael Shane]

What is Miller's position in the company?

[John Lang]

Frankly, I don't know. He's on Harrison's personal payroll.

[Michael Shane]

Betty's been rather worried. She felt that Mr. Miller had some sort of a hold on her father.

[John Lang]

Yes, that's it exactly. It was a very suspicious relationship.

[Michael Shane]

And you want me to do what?

[John Lang]

Watch Miller every minute. He's dangerous.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Yes, honey?

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike?

[Michael Shane]

Yes?

[Phyllis Knight]

Telephone call for you here in the den.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, okay.

[Phyllis Knight]

Inspector Faraday.

[Michael Shane]

All right. Okay, Phil. Close the door.

[Phyllis Knight]

All right.

[Michael Shane]

Hello, Faraday. Well, what's the dough? Yeah, well, that might help. Oh, sure, sure. They're all here. Don't worry. I'll be careful. Okay, Inspector. Hurry back. So long.

[Phyllis Knight]

What'd he say, Mike?

[Michael Shane]

I was right, honey. 100% right. Harrison was loaded with strychnine.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, then it. It was murder.

[Michael Shane]

And that's not all. I heard the click of an extension phone.

[Phyllis Knight]

There are extensions all over the house, Mike. Someone listened.

[Michael Shane]

We're keeping company with a murderer, honey. And the trouble is, we don't know who he is. But he knows we're looking for.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, we'll rejoin Mike and Phyllis in their adventures. Dirty or burned out, spark plugs can cost you a lot of gasoline. In fact, as much as one tankful out of 10. Now, that's a serious loss in mileage. Particularly so when it's unnecessary. Your neighborhood Union Oil Minuteman is equipped to give you complete spark plug service. The performance of each plug is accurately measured on a special tester, and you can see the results for yourself. If your plugs are dirty, the Minuteman will clean and regap them to the proper setting. If they're burned or worn out, he can furnish you with correct replacements. Then you'll not only save gasoline, but your engine will run smoother. Union Oil Spark Plug Service takes but a few minutes and costs but a few cents. A cost you'll soon save in extra mileage. So friends, if it's been 3,000 miles or more since your spark plugs were checked, or if your engines seem to be rough and listless, drive in wherever you see the sign of the big orange and blue 76 and ask for Union Oil spark plug service. It'll make driving easier. Gas coupons go farther. It is a few minutes later Mike and Phil have learned that what started out as a happy wedding has turned into a grim case of murder by poison. We find them walking rapidly towards the station behind the Harrisons house. The murdered man's private coach is still there on its siding, made almost invisible by the tall trees which turn the weak moonlight into gloomy shadows.

[Phyllis Knight]

Come on, honey, I'm hurrying as fast as I can.

[Michael Shane]

I want to see if that briefcase is still in the car. Inspector Faraday remembered that Harrison mentioned some important papers he was bringing up with him.

[Phyllis Knight]

Then whoever was listening on the extension, they know about it too.

[Michael Shane]

Right. And I want first crack at that briefcase.

[Phyllis Knight]

Hey, maybe you do, Mike, but so does someone else.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah, Flashlight in Harrison's private car.

[Phyllis Knight]

Maybe it's the murderer.

[Michael Shane]

Hang on, honey, we'll find out.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Mike.

[Phyllis Knight]

There he is at the end of the car.

[Michael Shane]

Hey honey, look out.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Mike.

[Phyllis Knight]

Did he hit you?

[Michael Shane]

No, no, a clean miss.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, he got away out the front.

[Michael Shane]

Could you see who it was?

[Phyllis Knight]

No, a flashlight in my eyes.

[Michael Shane]

Well, we'll catch up with him sooner or later. Let's go look over the compartment. Here it is. The briefcase.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, what a break for us. We frightened him away without the case.

[Michael Shane]

Sorry, honey, bad guess. The lock on the briefcase has been forced open.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, and whoever was here opened it and got what he wanted.

[Michael Shane]

Correct. Now here's some papers, business letters, checkbook, some kind of a report.

[Phyllis Knight]

Honey, what's the matter?

[Michael Shane]

This report. It's from the Atlas outfit.

[Phyllis Knight]

Atlas?

[Michael Shane]

Uh huh.

[Phyllis Knight]

The. The detective agency in Los Angeles.

[Michael Shane]

Sure, sure. Listen to this. On the basis of our completed investigation, you have sufficient grounds to instigate criminal action against Z.

[Phyllis Knight]

Z?

[Michael Shane]

Evidently Harrison didn't want the name mentioned.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, Mr. Harrison was certainly checking up

[Michael Shane]

on somebody and getting ready for the kill. I'll bet that's why Inspector Faraday's here.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, this is the motive for the murder. All we have to do is find out if Miller or Oliver is the Z in that report and we've got the murderer.

[Michael Shane]

Partly right, angel, partly. But I'd say it was better this way. Find out which one of and the other guy is the killer, Huh?

[Phyllis Knight]

I don't get it, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Angel, look, the murderer listened in on my telephone conversation with Faraday. He heard the inspector tell me about this briefcase, and he knew it held evidence that could hang him.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, of course. That's why he dashed down here.

[Michael Shane]

Right, Angel? He beat us to the briefcase, and yet this report is here for us to find.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, you see, he wanted us to find this report. And that means the killer isn't Mr. Z. As soon as we get back to the house, I'll send a telegram to the Atlas people.

[Phyllis Knight]

Okay, but these high heels don't go very well with forests. Yeah, Mike. Yeah, yeah, I heard there's someone on that other path.

[Michael Shane]

Freeze. Behind this tree.

[Phyllis Knight]

Right. Whoever it is, he's walking fast. He's going past.

[Michael Shane]

No, he isn't. Hey, you. Hold it.

[Inspector Faraday]

Hey, what the.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike. Mike, it's Miller.

[Inspector Faraday]

I say, what's the big idea of roughing?

[Michael Shane]

I just want to ask you a few friendly questions, Tom. Now, look here. First, about a gun that took a couple of shots at us.

[Inspector Faraday]

You're off the beam. I'm not carrying a gun.

[Michael Shane]

No? Well, don't mind me. I'll just search.

[Inspector Faraday]

Go ahead.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, well, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

No. No gun. But you could have ditched it easy enough. Ms. Knight. Mr. Shane.

[Phyllis Knight]

Ms. Don.

[Michael Shane]

What's the hurry, Don? I was out for a walk. Is something wrong? Plenty. I'm glad you're here. I don't understand.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yes, Shane, how about you doing some explaining?

[Michael Shane]

Okay. Mr. Harrison was murdered. What? Murdered? But why?

[Phyllis Knight]

Who?

[Michael Shane]

That's what we're finding out. Miller, you're on the spot. And it's plenty hot.

[Inspector Faraday]

Are you saying I killed Harrison?

[Michael Shane]

He was poisoned on that coach, and you and Oliver were the only ones aboard.

[Inspector Faraday]

That doesn't prove a thing.

[Michael Shane]

It proves there's a 50. 50 chance that you're it.

[Inspector Faraday]

Listen, smart guy, your mathematics aren't so good. There were three of us on that train.

[Michael Shane]

Sure, sure, but only you and Oliver walked off.

[Inspector Faraday]

I don't mean Harrison. Somebody else got on that coach.

[Michael Shane]

Now we have the ever present mysterious third party.

[Inspector Faraday]

Not so mysterious. He's standing right next to you.

[Michael Shane]

All right, Don, that means you. Well, as a matter of fact, Mr. Shane, I did get on Mr. Harrison's train at Mill Junction.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, Shane, guess I can be running along while you turn the heat on him.

[Michael Shane]

Not so fast. I still think you know some of the answers.

[Inspector Faraday]

You know, maybe I do. And maybe I might just do a little talking to the right party and when it will do me the most good.

[Michael Shane]

You're sticking your chin out a mile. This is murder.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, I'll be around resting in my room.

[Michael Shane]

I don't trust him at all. Yeah, but you're still right in the middle of this. Don't. You were on that death train. But I only stayed a minute. You see, Mr. Harrison was asleep and I didn't want to disturb him. Which still doesn't explain why you drove out of your way from Northwood City to meet the train at the junction. It's a very personal matter. Look, Don. Look. A man has been murdered.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Michael Shane]

Why should I want to kill my future father in law? Harrison wasn't too happy about you marrying his daughter, but he changed his mind. That's why he sent me a telegram this afternoon asking me to meet his train. And what kind of a telegram might that be? Well, I have it right here. Read it for yourself. Here, honey.

[Phyllis Knight]

Huh?

[Michael Shane]

The flashlight.

[Phyllis Knight]

All right. M. Wait a minute, Don. Have changed my mind. Happy to have you as son in law. Meet my train at Camp Junction. We'll ride in together. Much to talk over.

[Michael Shane]

Harrison sounds all right. Let me see. An angel. Yeah, yeah, from Northwood City at 3:20 today. I wish I could help in some way. Yeah, sure, but. Hey, what was that?

[Phyllis Knight]

It's a window. Someone lowered it.

[Michael Shane]

That's Mr. Oliver's room, Mike.

[Phyllis Knight]

He must have heard everything.

[Michael Shane]

And something tells me we'll be hearing his little story very soon. That's right. The telegram is to the Atlas Detective Agency, Los Angeles. This is it. Please advise immediately. Name of Z. Yes, Z. The last letter in the Alphabet. Name of Z in report to Harrison. Right. Sign that Michael Shane. That's right. Send it right out, please. And phone the reply here to me at Harrison's place. Thank you. Goodbye.

[Phyllis Knight]

The answer to that telegram should mean a lot, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Well, it'll help, darling, but there are some angles I don't get. Miller is a mysterious employee of Harriet Harrison's. All very hush hush. Oliver's scared stiff of Miller. And Don goes walking around in the moonlight right after somebody takes a shot at us.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, you can't blame him for that, Mike. Here the night before his wedding and his future father in law is poisoned.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah, sure, sure. But there's one thing we do know. There's a killer here.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, there's a car outside.

[Michael Shane]

That must be Inspector Faraday. And in a big hurry.

[Phyllis Knight]

It's too bad you haven't the murderer. All signed, sealed and ready to deliver.

[Michael Shane]

Now, angel, now. Sarcasm doesn't become well Mike.

[Inspector Faraday]

Bill. How goes the home front?

[Michael Shane]

Oh, quite a few interesting details for you, Inspector.

[Inspector Faraday]

Whatever you're figuring, Mike, forget it.

[Phyllis Knight]

That means the inspector knows something.

[Michael Shane]

Plenty.

[Inspector Faraday]

While you two were taking it easy, I cracked this case wide open.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah, well, Gibbs, who's the murderer?

[Inspector Faraday]

Miller.

[Phyllis Knight]

Miller?

[Michael Shane]

Sure. I thought his face had a familiar

[Inspector Faraday]

profile, so I checked on him with headquarters.

[Michael Shane]

And found what?

[Inspector Faraday]

He's got a record a mile long.

[Michael Shane]

Mm. Well, I'd be willing to wager it's for blackmail. That's right.

[Inspector Faraday]

But how did you know?

[Phyllis Knight]

Inspector, are you forgetting Mike is smart?

[Michael Shane]

All right.

[Inspector Faraday]

I hope Miller's still around.

[Michael Shane]

He said he'd be in his room.

[Inspector Faraday]

Good. Let's go pick him up.

[Michael Shane]

Okay, let's go.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mr. Shane, it looks like Faraday beat us to it this time.

[Michael Shane]

Ah, he's just a good man, honey. Yeah, tell me, what's the line on Miller?

[Inspector Faraday]

All the usual stuff. Hires out as a private investigator and then turns the information he picks up into blackmail.

[Michael Shane]

Wow. Cute boy. That racket should put him in clover.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, but this time, Mike, it'll put him right in the middle of the lethal chamber at San Quentin.

[Michael Shane]

Here's Miller's room.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, no need to knock, Mike. Just open it up.

[Michael Shane]

Okay. Here goes.

[Inspector Faraday]

Miller, we want you.

[Michael Shane]

Say what? Well, there's your man, Inspector. You can take him in, but unfortunately, he's very dead.

[Narrator]

We'll return to Mike Shane and his adventures in just a moment. It's true that clean spark plugs make a difference in engine performance and gasoline mileage. But it's also true that even the finest spark plugs cannot fire properly if the ignition cables are defective. These cables are the small, fine wires which carry the electricity from the distributor to the spark plugs. They should be carefully inspected whenever your spark plugs are checked, because old or damaged ignition cables leak electricity, which means that only a thin, weak spark reaches the plugs. So to get new performance out of old engines, ask the Union Oil Minuteman to check both spark plugs and ignition cables. Then you'll be sure of more power and better mileage. Just drive in wherever you see the sign of the big orange and blue 76 and ask for Union Oil Ignition Service.

[Michael Shane]

Thank you,

[Narrator]

Phyllis. Mike and Inspector Faraday have just burst into Miller's room, only to find him dead. Shot through the heart. This new development has put quite a crimp in the inspector's plans. And Mike is pointing this fact out to him.

[Michael Shane]

Looks like you were wrong about Miller, Inspector. At least wrong about his being the murderer.

[Inspector Faraday]

Miller could still have been the one who bumped off Harrison. Then somebody took care of him.

[Michael Shane]

Well, that would leave us with two killers. Well, could be, but it doesn't stack up that way.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, as far as I'm concerned, I'm gonna take Oliver in and charge him with murder.

[Michael Shane]

Okay, so you charge him with murder. But how are you gonna make it a stick, Inspector? How about motive? What evidence do you have?

[Inspector Faraday]

2 and 2 make 4. Mike Harrison must have been poisoned on that private train. So it had to be Oliver. There's Miller lying there, absolutely eliminated.

[Michael Shane]

All fine and good. But it leads us to one other little item. Don was on that train, too.

[Inspector Faraday]

Don? Betty's fiance.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, you saw the telegram Mr. Harrison sent him. Don couldn't have been the murderer.

[Michael Shane]

In this business, honey, we've got to figure every guilty until we know their innocence.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, Mike's right. Oh, Phil, would you step into the other room and phone the coroner down at Northwood City?

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, yeah, sure, Inspector. I'll give him your compliment.

[Michael Shane]

You know, this business is beginning to make sense. The one who poisoned Harrison had to get rid of Miller because he knew too much. Miller said he might do some talking when the right time came.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, Mike, for my money, Oliver fits into the picture. He's our man, and I'll get some evidence out of him.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, I'm sure he knows plenty, but.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, Inspector, I tried to call a coroner, but the telephones are dead. Uh.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, the wires have been cut.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, that don't make much difference.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, yes, it will, Inspector. You see, I'm expecting a reply to a telegram. I just sent a very important telegram. About this case? Yes, sir. In connection with the detective agency's report to Mr. Harrison. The answer to that why? Might be just what we need.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, now that the phones are dead, what are we going to do?

[Michael Shane]

Do? Simple, darling. The inspector will sit tight here while you and I go for a nice moonlight ride back to Northwood.

[Phyllis Knight]

There it is. There's the telegraph office just on the other side of the tracks.

[Michael Shane]

Okay, I'll park the bus here. Now, watch it. Easy crossing these tracks, honey.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, thanks for the tip. Oh, boy, but you could have carried me, huh? More trains.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah, this is the main line from San Francisco.

[Phyllis Knight]

Isn't this the place where Harrison transferred to his private train?

[Michael Shane]

Correct. Well, here's the telegraph office. Excuse, Mr. Folks. Can I help you? Yes, I'm Mike Shane. I'm expecting a wire from Los Angeles.

[Phyllis Knight]

Shane?

[Michael Shane]

Let me see. Yeah, your telegram's coming in now. I'll have it for you in just a minute. Okay,

[Phyllis Knight]

Look, Mike, there's another. The train just pulled in.

[Michael Shane]

That's 8:20, miss. Only stops for a few minutes. 8:20. Well, it's late. It's 8:35 now. Nope trains on time. That there's a second section of the 8:20.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, so many people traveling, huh?

[Michael Shane]

Yep, too many. That's why they run two sections. Like this afternoon, the second section in 98 came in at 3:40 with a whole parcel of folks. Is that right? You know, honey, that's interesting. Very interesting.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, yeah, of course it is. What are you staring at me that way for?

[Michael Shane]

Well, it's telegram, mister. Oh, swell, swell.

[Phyllis Knight]

Come on, come on. Who was Mr. Z in that report?

[Michael Shane]

Well, this does it, honey. This does it. That Z is nobody else but Oliver.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oliver? Then Faraday's right.

[Michael Shane]

No, Angel, Faraday isn't right. Oliver wasn't Harrison's murderer. But come on back to Harrison's place for a little meeting of the minds with Inspector Faraday.

[Inspector Faraday]

All right.

[Michael Shane]

Is everybody coming?

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, they're coming.

[Phyllis Knight]

I told Betty and Don. Oliver.

[Michael Shane]

Good girl, good girl. Now. Now to open these French windows there. Okay, Faraday, now out on the porch with him.

[Inspector Faraday]

Right, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Phil, drape that beautiful body in that chair.

[Phyllis Knight]

Thank you. Yes, The Lord master. Well, here comes Betty and Don.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, hello. I'm sorry it was necessary to bother

[Betty Harrison]

you, Don and I understand.

[Michael Shane]

I'm glad to help in any way, Mr. Shane. Thanks, Don. Come over here. Stand by me. Out of range? Certainly, but out of range. I don't understand. What is all this rigamar all about in the middle of the night? There's nothing to get excited about, Oliver. I asked Ms. Knight to call you downstairs for a conference. A conference? About what? About mysterious happenings around here. But particularly about why Harrison had you investigated by a detective agency, Mr. Shane.

[John Lang]

What do you mean?

[Michael Shane]

I mean you've been cheating the Harrison Timber Company out of thousands of dollars. Oh, that's ridiculous. Why, Mr. Harrison trusted me implicitly. He did until he finally caught up with you. That's why he was going to turn you over to Inspector Faraday today. I won't listen to this. There's no proof. There's plenty of proof, all written down in black and white. What's more, you knew Harrison had your dead to rights. That's why you poisoned him. You're mad. I never killed anyone. Know you saliva, you're hooked like a fish. I didn't murder him. You can't frame him.

[Inspector Faraday]

Fine.

[Phyllis Knight]

He's running. He's running towards that window.

[Michael Shane]

I'll stop him. No, Don, no. Drop that gun. That's better. You knocked the gun out of my hand. You let Oliver get away. Oh, no, no. Here comes the inspector. And he's got our friend Oliver by the well known collar. Oh, here he is, Mike.

[Inspector Faraday]

Squirming, but safe and sound.

[Michael Shane]

I didn't do it. I'm innocent. Take him in, Faraday. You've got enough on him to make it stick and stick hard.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yes, he's a dead duck.

[Betty Harrison]

Oh, Mr. Shane, I can't believe Mr. Oliver would kill my father.

[Michael Shane]

But he didn't bet him. What? Well, you just told the inspector to take him in.

[Inspector Faraday]

Sure, Don. I'm taking Oliver in for theft. But for Mr. Harris's murder, we'll take you.

[Michael Shane]

Me?

[Phyllis Knight]

What are you saying?

[Michael Shane]

Sorry, Betty. Don wanted to marry you in the worst way.

[Inspector Faraday]

He married a couple of other girls with wealthy parents.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, Betty, don't listen to him.

[Phyllis Knight]

When your father suddenly wired he was coming up, Don knew it was the showdown.

[Michael Shane]

That's ridiculous. Oh, no, no, no. You had a hunch. Harrison engaged Miller to investigate. It's a lie. You saw the telegram Mr. Harrison sent me just this afternoon. Sure, darn sure. You got a telegram. A telegram you sent to yourself. All you did was slip over to the Northwood City, wait until the train pulled in and then send that telegram to your own address and sign Harrison's name. Nothing but lies. No, no, no, son. It's a fact. A fact that we can prove because you made a mistake. A bad mistake. Don't. You saw the train pull into Northwood City and thought that Harrison was on it. But you didn't know that there were two sections of that train today and that Harrison was on the second section. You sent that telegram 20 minutes before Harrison got there.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike. You know, it's wonderful to be getting back home here by the Golden Gate.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, I like it. You know, honey, one of these days they're going to put up a statue for me right on Market Street.

[Phyllis Knight]

I don't doubt it. I don't doubt it at all. You're such a genius.

[Michael Shane]

Well, maybe not a genius, but quick with the answers.

[Phyllis Knight]

Speaking of answers, as a couple, you still owe me.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, please, honey, no more questions.

[Phyllis Knight]

Now remember. Remember, Mike, that statue to a genius.

[Michael Shane]

Okay, okay, shoot me the question.

[Phyllis Knight]

When did you know for sure that Don was the murderer?

[Michael Shane]

When we found Miller shot, of course.

[Phyllis Knight]

Why then?

[Michael Shane]

Don't you remember, honey? When we caught up with Miller sneaking back to the house from Harrison's private train, he said he would talk to the right person when it would do him the most good.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, yeah. I thought he meant Faraday.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, no, no, no. Our blackmailing friend was talking right through us to the only other party there. Which meant, Don, he was throwing out a hint for a payoff.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, of course I know, but. How about that?

[Michael Shane]

That's all, honey, please. That's all. Positively all. And hold on to your. Because I'm turning.

[Phyllis Knight]

Just a minute. This isn't the way to the office. You're turning into Golden Gate Park.

[Michael Shane]

Is that bad?

[Narrator]

Tune in again next week at 8:30 for another adventure with Michael Shane. Private Detective, starring Wally Mayer and Kathy Lewis. With Joe Forte as Inspector Faraday. Tonight's story was written by Richard DeGraff and based on the character created by Brett Halliday. Music was composed and directed by Bernard Katz. This is John Lang saying good night for the people who make 76 gasoline. And Triton Motor Oil. Union Oil Company. This is the Mutual Don Lee Broadcasting System.