Michael Shayne: Gossip Writer 07/09/1945

Summary

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Choice Classic Radio Detectives

Episode: Michael Shayne – "Gossip Writer" (Original Air Date: 07/09/1945)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode of Michael Shayne, Private Detective ("Gossip Writer") brings listeners to the gilded world of San Francisco’s high society, as a society columnist receives a deadly threat and enlists Shane’s help. It’s a classic whodunit: murder strikes in a room full of suspects, each with motive and secrets, and only Michael Shane’s sharp reasoning can unveil the killer. The story explores reputations, familial conflicts, greed—and the dangers of knowing too much about too many people.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. A Threatened Gossip Columnist – [01:24–04:35]

• Winifred Spencer, famed for her scathing society columns, bursts into Michael Shayne’s office with a threatening letter:

  "I'm going to kill you. Your poison words have caused grief, wrecked fortunes, divorce, suicides. Now they're going to cause your death." (Winifred, 02:09)

• She decides to confront her would-be murderer by inviting both Shane and his assistant, Phyllis Knight, to a dinner party, asking them to pose as “friends from out of town.”

2. Setting up the Mystery: Dinner with Suspects – [04:57–06:32]

• Shane and Phyllis arrive at the Spencer mansion, noting its imposing, old-fashioned decor and the “iron deer on the lawn.”
• Winifred introduces her brother, Seward Spencer, and his girlfriend, Merle Melody. Several guests—including banker Hugh Davis—give the evening a noir-tinged tension.

3. The Broadcast and the Murder – [07:03–09:23]

• At dinner, Winifred reveals she’s recorded a radio broadcast about the very people present. She intends to expose her brother’s scandalous relationship and possibly more.
• As her broadcast plays, chaos erupts: Seward storms out, Merle follows, and moments later, Winifred is found stabbed to death in the drawing room—killed during her own broadcast, steps from her guests.

4. The Suspects and Early Investigations – [11:18–16:09]

• Shane clears the room, keeping only key witnesses: Hugh Davis, Merle Melody, and Seward (initially missing).
• Motives are quickly apparent:
  • Seward lived off Winifred’s fortune and had quarreled with her (13:04).
  • Hugh Davis reveals $200,000 in bonds stolen from Winifred’s deposit box—blame points to Seward.
  • Merle is found unconscious, likely via sleeping pills, in another room.

5. The Interrogation and the Trap – [16:24–19:11]

• Seward is brought in, distressed but denying murder:

  "I might have wanted to [kill her], but I didn't." (Seward, 17:25)

• Attention turns to household staff, especially Henry the Butler, who claims to have been eavesdropping but gives suspicious answers.

6. Reconstructing the Crime – [18:22–19:11]

• Shane has everyone re-enact their positions during the murder:

  "Everybody, please take the places you had when Ms. Spencer turned on the radio." (Shane, 18:38)

• Seward collapses in stress before the reenactment completes.

7. The Real Murderer Revealed – [22:09–26:24]

• Hugh Davis attempts to extract a confession from Seward, tricking him into signing a document he cannot read without his glasses.
• Shane unmasks the truth: Davis manipulated the radio and light switch timing to create an alibi, then killed Winifred while all eyes were elsewhere.

  "You killed Winifred Spencer when you found out you couldn't hoodwinkle her any longer, about the theft of those bonds." (Shane, 23:50)

• The detail turns on the radio’s warm-up period and the overlooked “snap” sound of the light switch.
• Davis tries to refute but is confronted by Shane:

  "You killed Ms. Spencer. You tried to hang the murder...on young Spencer. You stole his glasses, persuaded him to sign a confession he couldn't even read." (Shane, 24:03)

• Case closed—a classic Golden Age radio twist.

8. Epilogue: Postscript and Light Banter – [26:24–27:45]

• Shane and Phyllis depart, heading for seafood and winding down:

  "When you look like that, angel, they'll serve you anything." (Shane, 27:16)

• They muse on the method, revealing how the “radio trick” gave Davis away.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Winifred’s awareness of her enemies:

  "Her chickens are coming home to roost. Half the people in San Francisco, the so-called better half, would like nothing better than to send flowers to her funeral." (Shane, 03:18)

• Society's harsh edge:

  "You can't grow up on the right side of the tracks, tattle on your friends, and not get your fingers burned." (Phyllis, 03:29)

• Shane piecing together evidence:

  "That's it...10 steps, 12, maybe 14 seconds. Why didn't I think of it before?" (Shane, 22:44)

• The killer’s downfall:

  "You couldn't get them on with a pair of pliers. They're Seward's glasses. You picked them up when you helped carry him in here." (Shane, 23:43)
  "He counted on the noise covering up the click of a switch. His timing was bad." (Shane, 26:50)

• Phyllis’s comic relief:

  "Oh, the sleeping beauty. Well, she's young Spencer’s problem now." (Phyllis, 26:37)
  "I only wanted to know if they serve Crab Louie where we’re going!" (Phyllis, 27:07)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:24 – Winifred Spencer brings the threatening note to Shane
• 03:35 – Shane and Phyllis analyze the evidence
• 05:02 – First arrival at the Spencer mansion
• 07:03 – The dinner party and recorded broadcast drama
• 09:01 – Murder discovered
• 13:04 – Discussion of Seward’s finances and bond theft
• 17:15 – Seward’s denial and breakdown
• 18:22 – Shane’s reconstruction of the crime
• 22:44 – Shane realizes the radio/light switch trick
• 24:03 – The final confrontation with Davis
• 26:24 – Case closed, banter, and farewell

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Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is rich with clipped, witty banter, classic noir cynicism, and tense family drama. Shane’s sharp tongue, Phyllis’s dry quips, and the society backdrop create a mix of suspense and humor. The radio-era sound effects—clicks, crashes, and music—set a moody, atmospheric scene that’s both intimate and theatrical.

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Closing Notes

"Gossip Writer" encapsulates Golden Age detective radio: a tangled web of suspicion, sharp dialogue, and a solution hinging on a small but crucial detail. Shane’s logical mind prevails over smoke and mirrors, while Phyllis ensures the audience never forgets to smile along the way.

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Transcript

[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] the adventures of michael shane private detective.

[Narrator]

The people who make 76 gasoline and Triton Motor Oil Union Oil Company present. The adventures of michael shane private detectives starring wally mayer and kathy lewis. It's one of those drowsy summer afternoons. The sort of day executives spend on their favorite golf course and office workers spend watching the clock. But not Mike Shane. He's hard at work, hunched over a desk desk in his private office. Mike's mind is clicking like a Powell street cable car. In fact, he's right in the middle of a crossword puzzle. Phyllis Knight, his capable assistant, is daydreaming in the outer office, gazing out a window at San Francisco's rooftops. A quiet day. Let's be frank. It's a downright dull afternoon. But wait.

[Winifred Spencer]

Is this Michael Shane's office?

[Phyllis Knight]

Yes. Do you wish to see him?

[Winifred Spencer]

Idiotic Christian, of course I wish to see him. In there, I suppose.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, of all the nerve.

[Winifred Spencer]

Are you Michael Sheen?

[Henry (Butler)]

Yes.

[Michael Shane]

And the young lady who was suffering from spring fever is my usually capable assistant, Ms. Phyllis Knight. Won't you have a chair?

[Phyllis Knight]

I'm Winifred Spencer, the society columnist.

[Winifred Spencer]

I believe that is the correct title. Although most of my readers and radio listeners prefer to call me a gossip writer. I know something of your work as a detective, Mr. Sheen.

[Michael Shane]

Well, I'm just an amateur, Ms. Spencer, in comparison with you. When I think of all the skeletons

[Winifred Spencer]

dug out of closets, I'm afraid I've found one too many. Mr. Shane, I received this letter this morning.

[Michael Shane]

I'm going to kill you. Your poison words have caused grief, wrecked fortunes, divorce, suicides. Now they're going to cause your death. There are scores who would like to kill you. None has a better reason than I. So I'm going to kill you.

[Winifred Spencer]

What would you do if you received such a letter?

[Michael Shane]

I'd read it the second time on a train. A fast train.

[Winifred Spencer]

No, Mr. Shane, you'd go after the writer. And that's exactly what I'm going to do.

[Michael Shane]

You think you know the person?

[Winifred Spencer]

I hope I to know tonight. Mr. Shane, will you and Miss.

[Michael Shane]

Ms. Knight.

[Winifred Spencer]

Will you and Ms. Knight be at my home at 8:00'?

[Announcer]

Clock?

[Winifred Spencer]

I'm having a dinner party and I believe you will find the guests interesting. You may even find the person so intent on murdering me.

[Michael Shane]

We'll be there, Ms. Spencer. Oh, may I keep this note and the envelope too, please.

[Winifred Spencer]

Of course. And please dress. You're to be friends from out of town. Tonight we'll endeavor to be presentable and I Trust, prompt. Goodbye, Mr. Shane and Ms. Knight.

[Michael Shane]

Goodbye,

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike. You didn't ask her any questions?

[Michael Shane]

Well, for the present, angel, I'd rather she did the talking.

[Phyllis Knight]

I believe she was actually frightened.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, she'd scared stiff, honey. Her chickens are coming home to roost. Half the people in San Francisco, the so called better half, would like nothing better than to send flowers to her funeral.

[Phyllis Knight]

I guess that's true enough. Now, you can't grow up on the right side of the tracks, tattle on your friends and not get your fingers burned. Hey, isn't there a brother somewhere in the background?

[Michael Shane]

Mm, bit younger than the old dame. Went through his money fast and now they say he's going through hers. I believe he lives with her.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, let's have a look at the note, huh? Envelope, plain business type, dressed. The old girl at her office. Mailed at 6pm last night.

[Michael Shane]

You noticed anything odd about the paper?

[Phyllis Knight]

Look at it against the light. Watermark. Business stationery. Mike has been torn. The letterhead's been torn off.

[Michael Shane]

Right you are, angel. Now look at the typing.

[Phyllis Knight]

It looks almost like a professional job to me.

[Michael Shane]

Could be. But come on, let's do a bit of research on San Francisco society.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, that won't be necessary, Mike. I'm one of Winifred's constant readers. Just ask me questions.

[Michael Shane]

I'll remember that when the time comes.

[Phyllis Knight]

Now, please, Mr. Shane, I'd like the rest of the afternoon off.

[Michael Shane]

We get a red hot client and you want to play?

[Phyllis Knight]

No, dear, I want to get my hair done. We're stepping out in society tonight.

[Michael Shane]

Say, I wonder if I got a black tie.

[Phyllis Knight]

It's an old mansion. Look at the iron deer on the lawn, Mike. Bay window in front.

[Michael Shane]

Not as big as the Palace Hotel, but older. Anybody with iron deer on the lawn is just inviting me.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah. Oh, it gives me the creeps. Ivy all over the walls.

[Michael Shane]

Probably some growing inside too. Anyhow, let's find out. Ring the bell.

[Phyllis Knight]

You mean lift the knocker.

[Henry (Butler)]

This way, please.

[Winifred Spencer]

Bring them in here, Henry.

[Henry (Butler)]

This way, please.

[Winifred Spencer]

Oh, I'm glad you came early.

[Phyllis Knight]

Nice to be here, Ms. Spencer. What an unusual house.

[Winifred Spencer]

Oh, yes, this old house is filled with memories. The Spencers have lived here since 1850.

[Michael Shane]

Say, that's a fine old square rigor model on the mantelpiece there.

[Winifred Spencer]

My grandfather sailed the original round the horn. He brought most of the furniture. You See here with him. This desk was one of his prized possessions.

[Michael Shane]

Well, it looks like it's being put to use these days, too. Typewriter, lots of books. Is this your study?

[Winifred Spencer]

No, I do my work at the office. My brother Seward spends quite a bit of time in here. Seward likes to think of himself as a writer.

[Michael Shane]

Is your brother here tonight, Ms. Spencer?

[Winifred Spencer]

Yes, with his latest conquest, a Ms. Melody. You'll meet them at dinner. Oh, we'd better be getting back to the dining room. It's time for the guests.

[Phyllis Knight]

I think there's somebody behind that curtain.

[Winifred Spencer]

Of course there is. The curtains hide a service entrance. Come in, Henry.

[Henry (Butler)]

Pardon me, Ms. Spencer. May I announce dinner?

[Winifred Spencer]

Yes, Henry, we're ready. Oh, will you please stop boring one another and listen? I have a surprise for you. This is my broadcast night and it's almost time for me to go on the air.

[Hugh Davis]

You're going to do your broadcast right here?

[Winifred Spencer]

No, I recorded it this afternoon. We're going to listen to it on the radio. I thought it would be interesting to have the people I'm going to talk about as my guests. That's why most of you are here tonight. I'm sure you'll find what I have to say interesting, Mr. Davis. Hugh, please step into the drawing room and turn on the radio. I don't want anyone to miss a word of this broadcast.

[Seward Spencer]

You might have spared us this, Winifred.

[Winifred Spencer]

I'm through protecting you, Seward.

[Seward Spencer]

I'm not going to sit here and be made a fool of by my own sister.

[Winifred Spencer]

You will remain right where you are.

[Hugh Davis]

What's the station, Winifred? And for heaven's sakes, how do you turn this antique on?

[Winifred Spencer]

Oh, bother. I'll come and do it. I believe he was afraid to turn it on.

[Phyllis Knight]

What's this all about, Mike?

[Michael Shane]

It looks like she's going to tittle tattle on Seward and her guests.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, hey, Mike, look at Seward. He's ready to explode.

[Michael Shane]

He's not by himself, honey. Most of the guests seem to have high blood pressure.

[Phyllis Knight]

I don't know. There's Mr. Davis. He's standing there by the door, laughing.

[Hugh Davis]

Looks like the joke's on Winifred. I don't believe the radio is going to work.

[Michael Shane]

Well, what seems to be wrong with the radio?

[Hugh Davis]

Well, that's what Winifred's trying to find out. She should have bought a new one years ago. Are you sure it's plugged in, Winifred?

[Inspector]

Well, I guess we're going to have

[Hugh Davis]

to listen to her.

[Phyllis Knight]

And now Your society reporter, Winifred Spencer.

[Winifred Spencer]

Good evening. This is Winifred. Have I been gathering tidbits about people you know? The first item tonight concerns an immediate member of your reporter's family. My brother Seward. He has played with fire once too often and I regret to announce my brother.

[Michael Shane]

Come on, Morrow.

[Winifred Spencer]

She's got no right to talk to.

[Phyllis Knight]

There goes Seward into the drawing room and Miss Melody right after him.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, come on, Bill, let's get in there.

[Seward Spencer]

Hey.

[Hugh Davis]

Hey.

[Michael Shane]

What goes on here? It's Winifred. She's dead. She's dead. A knife in her back. She's dead all right.

[Narrator]

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[Michael Shane]

May I have your attention, please? Now, I'm sure you want to return to your homes and there's no reason why those of you who were at the table when Ms. Spencer met her death should remain. You may leave now before the police arrive, if you wish.

[Phyllis Knight]

Hey, the inspector isn't going to like this. Mike, you said yourself that there were 10 people here who had reason to murder Ms. Spencer.

[Michael Shane]

I said there were at least 10 people who would love to murder her. Whoever killed the old dame had a lot stronger motive than revenge, Angel. I let them go because they were cluttering up the place.

[Phyllis Knight]

Just the same, the Inspector isn't gonna like it.

[Inspector]

Watch this. I'm not gonna like it.

[Phyllis Knight]

No. Mike got big hearted and let some of the guests go home.

[Inspector]

We can always bring her back. Phil. Who's left?

[Michael Shane]

That's Ms. Spencer in the chair with a knife in her back. Inspector, I believe I told you on the phone that her brother Seward took a powder. The lady on the sofa is his.

[Phyllis Knight]

I am Merle Melody and I'm sticking around a little. Seward will be back. He just lost his temper and couldn't face the gas.

[Inspector]

Lost his temper, huh? Oh, tut tut.

[Michael Shane]

And the gray haired gentleman who looks like a banker is a banker family friend named Hugh Davis. He's coming over to say hello.

[Hugh Davis]

Glad you're here, Inspector. I'm Hugh Davis. Mr. Shane has told you that's why I'm here.

[Inspector]

I understand you're an old friend.

[Hugh Davis]

I suppose I know Winifred as well as anyone in San Francisco. I've been the Spencer's banker for 20 years, Inspector.

[Michael Shane]

Did you handle Seward's financial affairs too, Mr. Davis?

[Hugh Davis]

Yes, although I must say they became rather tangled.

[Michael Shane]

Ms. Spencer mentioned something. Something about his spending a great deal of money on his new girlfriend, the charming Miss Melody.

[Hugh Davis]

None of us approved of that infatuation. All this might never have happened.

[Michael Shane]

Well, you'd better tell us all about it, Mr. Davis.

[Hugh Davis]

I'd much rather discuss the matter when Seward is present.

[Michael Shane]

Mr. Spencer isn't here. He's flown the coop. So let's have it now. What about Seward and his money?

[Hugh Davis]

It wasn't his money. Oh. Winifred was generous with him. Generous to a fault, in my opinion. Seward spent the last of his fortune more than a year ago.

[Michael Shane]

So he has been living off his sister, eh?

[Hugh Davis]

Yes, Mr. Shane.

[Phyllis Knight]

It's not a very pretty picture, but you can't hang a man for sponging. Something I'd like to know, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah, what, Angel?

[Phyllis Knight]

I'd like to know what Winifred Spencer said about Seward in her broadcast tonight and ended rather suddenly here.

[Inspector]

I picked up the script on the way over, Phil. Just a lot of society gab and a sprinkling of sneers. Right people in the wrong places.

[Phyllis Knight]

What she say about her brother and his girlfriend?

[Inspector]

Let's see. Oh, yes. She said Seward had stepped out of bounds with a chorus girl. They were dropping his name from the social register. Then she said she doubted that Ms. Melody would be able to support Steward in the style he'd been accustomed to.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, so Sister was going to cut him off. That right, Mr. Davis?

[Hugh Davis]

Yes. They had a bitter quarrel a couple of days ago.

[Inspector]

Will Seward inherit Ms. Spencer's money, Mr. Davis?

[Hugh Davis]

I think the proper person to advise you on that matter is Ms. Spencer's attorney.

[Michael Shane]

Maybe you're right, Davis, but as Ms. Spencer's banker, I believe you can answer the question.

[Hugh Davis]

Well, I'd much prefer that Seward was present, but. Well, I don't suppose this is any time to be guarding family secrets.

[Michael Shane]

You're right so far. Now look, if you know anything, spill it.

[Hugh Davis]

I doubt that there will be more than several hundred dollars in this old house for Seward to inherit. What?

[Michael Shane]

Well, what happened to the old lady's fortune?

[Hugh Davis]

Well, I'd much rather wait. Well, it'll have to come out sooner or later. Winifred and Seward have had the same safety deposit box at the bank for years. Just three days ago, Winifred came to my office highly agitated. More than $200,000 in negotiable bonds were missing from the box.

[Michael Shane]

And just what has your bank done about finding the 200 grand in bonds, Mr. Shane?

[Hugh Davis]

There are times when a bank has to use discretion. We Hope to recover Ms. Spencer's property without undue publicity or scandal. That's one reason I sent Winifred to you this afternoon.

[Phyllis Knight]

So Brother Seward raided the box?

[Hugh Davis]

That is all too evident.

[Michael Shane]

There's another thing quite evident, sir. If you and Ms. Spencer hadn't been so cagey ducking the very thing that little Winifred dished out. Scandal. She might be alive right now.

[Hugh Davis]

We thought we were doing the right thing.

[Inspector]

Well, that's water under the bridge.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike. Do you notice anything missing from the room?

[Michael Shane]

Well, sure, Angel. The body. The police doctor just left a few minutes ago.

[Phyllis Knight]

No, not that body. Merle.

[Hugh Davis]

Merle.

[Phyllis Knight]

Melody.

[Seward Spencer]

Huh?

[Michael Shane]

Holy smokes. She has gone.

[Inspector]

You better search, Mike. With the murderer still on the loose,

[Hugh Davis]

there's only one way she could have gone through here.

[Michael Shane]

The door is open. Try that room, Inspector. I'll try this.

[Inspector]

Right.

[Phyllis Knight]

Here she is on a bed.

[Michael Shane]

Is she alive?

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, I don't know yet. Yeah, yeah, she's breathing now.

[Michael Shane]

It's like a light. Oh, sleeping pills?

[Phyllis Knight]

I guess so. Pulse is slow but regular.

[Michael Shane]

Didn't want to answer questions, eh? All right. Let us sleep.

[Inspector]

Let's have a look around while we're back here, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

You read my mind, Inspector. Which way is the kitchen, Davis?

[Hugh Davis]

Next turn to the left and down the hall.

[Inspector]

Here it is.

[Phyllis Knight]

It's as big as a barn and just as empty.

[Inspector]

The Sergeant came back here when he searched the house. He probably sent the servants to their quarters.

[Michael Shane]

What's that?

[Inspector]

What have you picked up, Sergeant?

[Narrator]

I just nabbed the butler.

[Michael Shane]

Let me.

[Narrator]

Guy in the back door.

[Inspector]

Bring him into the light.

[Michael Shane]

Wow. Look who's with him. The missing brother.

[Inspector]

Thanks, Sarge. I'll take him.

[Michael Shane]

All right, bring him into the drawing room, Inspector. Here we are.

[Inspector]

All right, talk.

[Michael Shane]

Where have you been all evening, Mr. Spencer?

[Seward Spencer]

What are police doing all around the house?

[Henry (Butler)]

Where.

[Seward Spencer]

Where's Winifred? What have you done with Ms. Melody?

[Michael Shane]

I'll have the answer to my question first, Mr. Spencer. Where have you been?

[Seward Spencer]

I've walked for miles. I don't know where I've been. You were here when I lost my temper and dashed out, Mr. Shane. Winifred had no right to humiliate me before my friends. I hated to come back here.

[Michael Shane]

Then why did you come back?

[Narrator]

I don't know.

[Seward Spencer]

This is my home. Where is Winifred, Merle?

[Michael Shane]

Ms. Melody's asleep, Mr. Spencer. Your sister is dead.

[Hugh Davis]

Murdered.

[Seward Spencer]

No, that isn't true. I saw her sitting in that chair when I ran out the front door.

[Inspector]

Yes, Spencer, she was there. It also looks as if you stopped long enough to stick a knife into her back.

[Winifred Spencer]

No.

[Seward Spencer]

No, I didn't do it. I might have wanted to, but I didn't.

[Michael Shane]

Just a minute, Henry. Where are you going?

[Henry (Butler)]

To my quarters, sir.

[Michael Shane]

You'd better stick around. Say, where were you when Ms. Spencer's broadcast began?

[Henry (Butler)]

Oh, yes, yes, I recall. I. I was preparing to serve the coffee, sir.

[Phyllis Knight]

I saw you going toward the side entrance to the drawing room, and Ms. Spencer left the table to turn on the radio.

[Michael Shane]

So you entered the drawing room by the side door, just ahead of Miss.

[Henry (Butler)]

I did not, sir. The door was closed. I. I stood outside listening. I never miss one of Ms. Spencer's broadcasts.

[Michael Shane]

Why did you lie to me about serving the coffee?

[Henry (Butler)]

I was frightened.

[Michael Shane]

You don't look like the type that frightens easily. Were you outside with Mr. Spencer?

[Henry (Butler)]

No. I heard someone at the back. It was Mr. Spencer.

[Michael Shane]

I let him in. Didn't the Sergeant tell you to stay in your room?

[Henry (Butler)]

I've always answered the door, sir.

[Michael Shane]

That's probably the only truthful answer you've given me, Inspector. Yeah. Want to help me with an Experiment.

[Hugh Davis]

What are you going to do, Mike?

[Michael Shane]

I'd like to refresh my memory, Inspector. Let's all go into the dining room. Now, there's one thing I want to find out. All right, everybody, please take the places you had when Ms. Spencer turned on the radio.

[Inspector]

I see.

[Michael Shane]

Mr. Davis, when I give the word, you are to get up and walk to the radio in the drawing room.

[Hugh Davis]

Yes.

[Michael Shane]

Wait a few seconds and call just as you did at dinner. Very well. You be Ms. Spencer and answer him.

[Phyllis Knight]

All right, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Henry. Henry, you had better take your eavesdropping post by the side door if that's where you really were.

[Henry (Butler)]

Yes, sir.

[Michael Shane]

Mr. Spencer, when Mr. Davis returns to the dining room, I want you to run into the drawing room.

[Seward Spencer]

How? Do I have to go through with this again?

[Michael Shane]

Yes, you have to go through with it again.

[Seward Spencer]

No, I can't. I. I can't.

[Michael Shane]

What se.

[Hugh Davis]

It s. Fainted.

[Phyllis Knight]

Was that what you wanted to find out, Mike?

[Michael Shane]

No, no, that wasn't on the schedule, Angel.

[Narrator]

We'll rejoin Mike and Phyllis in just a moment. Ladies and gentlemen, an automobile radiator that's clogged with rust and scale is a menace to your gas coupons. Yes, that's right. You see, choked water lines block the easy flow of the water. That means your motor heats up more than it should, and that spells trouble, because motors, when too hot, can waste gasoline. Now, another thing which many people overlook is that cars driven around town with constant starting and stopping get hotter than those driven on the open road. So even if you aren't planning any trips this summer, it's a good idea to drop in at a Union Oil station and ask the minuteman to clean out your radiator. This service takes but a few minutes and works like magic. Union radiator flush is harmless to metal, but its special solvent action cuts scale, rust and grease right out of choked radiator cores and water lines. Then, when this foreign matter is cleaned out and the Minute man fills your radiator with fresh, clean water, you can be sure it will really circulate with a fast, steady flow. So for cooler driving, economical mileage, just drive in wherever you see the sign of the big orange and blue 76 and ask for Union Oil radiator service. Thank you. A couple of minutes has passed. Seward has been placed on a leather couch. Mike, Phil and the others are gathered around the couch.

[Hugh Davis]

A rather cruel thing to do, Mr. Shane, pretending to make Seward go through with all that nonsense.

[Michael Shane]

It wasn't nonsense, Mr. Davis. Here, loosen his collar.

[Hugh Davis]

Henry is There any brandy in here?

[Henry (Butler)]

I'll fetch it, Mr. Davis.

[Phyllis Knight]

Wait a minute, wait a minute. He's coming, too.

[Seward Spencer]

No, I can't. I can't.

[Narrator]

Oh, I fainted.

[Hugh Davis]

Yes, yes, you fainted, all right.

[Michael Shane]

Now.

[Hugh Davis]

Now maybe you'll tell us why you killed your sister, what you did with those bonds.

[Seward Spencer]

I didn't kill Winifred, I tell you, I didn't. And I don't own any bonds. My glasses. I've lost my glasses.

[Hugh Davis]

Mr. Shane, you've tried your methods. May I try mine?

[Michael Shane]

What are your methods, Mr. Davis?

[Hugh Davis]

I'd like to talk with Seward for a few minutes alone. I've known him since he was a boy.

[Michael Shane]

That's up to the Inspector.

[Inspector]

Why not let him talk, Mike, my man, have the place corked up like a bottle.

[Michael Shane]

Well, okay, but remember, we'll be just outside the door. Oh, I don't like this, Inspector.

[Inspector]

But, Mike, all we got on Spencer is circumstantial evidence. In fact, he was the last one with his sister.

[Phyllis Knight]

Don't forget the $200,000 in bonds.

[Inspector]

I'm not, Phil, but with this kind of evidence, I. Confession.

[Michael Shane]

We'll get it, Inspector, from one of the three.

[Phyllis Knight]

Three?

[Michael Shane]

Yeah, sure. Seward, the butler and Davis.

[Inspector]

Davis has a pretty fair alibi, Mike. You told me yourself he was back at the table, seated before Winifred Spencer turned on the radio.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, that's right, Mike. He was sitting on my left.

[Michael Shane]

Yes, yes, he was in the dining room, but he's still on my list. Now, let me see. I know it.

[Phyllis Knight]

What are you muttering about, Mike?

[Michael Shane]

10 steps. 12, maybe 14 seconds.

[Phyllis Knight]

That's it.

[Michael Shane]

That's it. Why didn't I think of it before? Come on, let's go. It's in the bag, Inspector.

[Inspector]

Maybe you got it locked up, Mike,

[Hugh Davis]

but I. Oh, there you are, Inspector. It didn't take long.

[Inspector]

Well, Davis, the conference over.

[Michael Shane]

What's that you've got in your hand, Mr. Spencer?

[Seward Spencer]

Well, you thought I should sign it. The bonds.

[Hugh Davis]

I'll explain. Seward wanted to make a statement after we talked a bit.

[Michael Shane]

All right, what about?

[Hugh Davis]

Seward and I talked things over and I typed a statement which he dictated to me.

[Seward Spencer]

Yes, I wanted to clear up any.

[Michael Shane]

Let me see that paper. Did you read this before you signed it, Mr. Spencer?

[Seward Spencer]

Why, I can't read without my glasses. Hugh read it to me.

[Michael Shane]

I thought so. Mr. Spencer, this is a signed confession to the murder of your sister.

[Inspector]

Well, you did get a Davis.

[Seward Spencer]

He tricked me. He told me to say whatever it took. The bond. I didn't Kill him.

[Michael Shane]

Grab him, Inspector. No.

[Narrator]

No.

[Michael Shane]

Not sure you gave us the matter with you.

[Winifred Spencer]

Hold him.

[Michael Shane]

Let me. Let me search him, Inspector. Well, here's a pair of glasses. This is outrageous.

[Inspector]

Those are my glasses.

[Michael Shane]

Like to try them on for size. You couldn't get them on with a pair of pliers. They're Seward's glasses. You pick them up when you help carry them in here.

[Hugh Davis]

You're crazy.

[Michael Shane]

Davis. Davis, you killed Winifred Spencer when you found out you couldn't hoodwinkle her any longer. About the theft of those bonds. The bonds you stole.

[Hugh Davis]

Are you out of your mind, Shane? I was standing where you could touch me when Winifred was killed.

[Michael Shane]

You killed Ms. Spencer. You tried to hang the murder and the theft of 200,000 in bonds on young Spencer. You stole his glasses, persuaded him to sign a confession he couldn't even read.

[Hugh Davis]

You'll find such absurd surmises difficult to prove, Mr. Shane. I couldn't have killed Winifred and all of you know it.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, I. I really don't see how it was possible.

[Hugh Davis]

I was with you in the dining room when Winifred was killed. I was standing within plain sight of at least a dozen people.

[Inspector]

Can you answer that one, Mike?

[Michael Shane]

I don't have to, Inspector. It has nothing to do with the killing. I think you're all familiar enough with a radio set to know that after you switch it on, it takes a few seconds to warm up.

[Hugh Davis]

A few seconds?

[Henry (Butler)]

Yes.

[Hugh Davis]

But I was in the dining room considerably more than a few seconds, Mr. Shane. Besides which, I was carrying on a conversation with Winifred in full view of you all.

[Michael Shane]

A one sided conversation. Winifred didn't answer.

[Hugh Davis]

Very convenient of you to think of that now, Mr. Shane. But hardly enough to charge me with murder.

[Inspector]

I'm afraid Mr. Davis has a point there, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Mr. Davis has a point in that I was half asleep when I should have been wide awake. I heard the noise. That was the clue as to who killed Winifred Spencer. All of you who were in the dining room heard it too, but no one thought anything about it.

[Winifred Spencer]

You.

[Phyllis Knight]

You mean the snap of the radio switch? I heard Ms. Spencer turn it on, too.

[Michael Shane]

But that's just where we were all wrong, Angel. We didn't hear the radio switch when Ms. Spencer turned it on. Mr. Davis.

[Hugh Davis]

Yes?

[Michael Shane]

This is what you did. You saw that the radio was plugged into a light switch, so you switched off the light. That meant that when Ms. Spencer switched on the radio, nothing happened. You grabbed her, slapped your hand over her mouth and stabbed her. Then you walked to the dining room door, stood there talking. And when sufficient time had elapsed, sufficient time that you felt you had an alibi, you slipped your arm behind the wall, pulled down the light switch, and about 10 to 15 seconds later, the radio came on.

[Inspector]

Anything to say to that Mr. Davis?

[Phyllis Knight]

From the look on his face, you must have been right, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, I know I'm right. His efforts at blaming young Spencer will hold up in any court. Okay, here's yours, Inspector.

[Phyllis Knight]

Am I being kidnapped? This isn't the way home.

[Michael Shane]

I've got to get that society clam bake off my conscience. Honey, we're heading for Fisherman's War.

[Inspector]

Maybe a nice cold lobster.

[Phyllis Knight]

Jeepers, we forgot all about Merle Melody.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, the sleeping beauty. Well, she's young Spencer's problem now.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, what made you so sure Davis was the murderer?

[Michael Shane]

Oh, he kept chipping his hand.

[Inspector]

Yeah, but that radio business was a clever alibi.

[Michael Shane]

Not to clever, Inspector. He counted on the noise covering up the click of a switch. His timing was bad.

[Winifred Spencer]

It didn't.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, we both heard the snap, but we weren't thinking fast. Well, maybe you can tell me one other thing, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

I'll make a stab at it.

[Winifred Spencer]

Angel.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, don't use that word. I only wanted to know if they serve Crab Louie where we're going.

[Michael Shane]

When you look like that, angel, they'll serve you anything.

[Narrator]

Tune in again next week at 8 o' clock for another adventure with Michael Shane, Private Detective, starring Wally Mayer and Kathy Lewis, with Joe Forte as the inspector. Tonight's story was written by Tom Petty 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.

[Michael Shane]

This is Michael Shane with a message from Director of fleet Maintenance, Admiral V.D. chaplin, United States Navy. It reads, quote, to all welders, riggers, electricians, coppersmiths and other skilled shipyard repairmen. Subject fleet maintenance. There is a serious skilled labor shortage in all west coast shipyards due to heavy battle damage suffered by our warship in recent weeks. For three straight months, nip planes have hammered at our fleet off Okinawa. One day alone, late in May, 11 of our ships were hit. Not every day is that bad. But every day is bad enough. Until these smashed ships can be patched up or rebuilt. They are as total a loss to the fleet as if they were sunk. This is an urgent appeal to all skilled workers who may be able to qualify as shipyard repairmen. To apply at once to the nearest United States Employment Service office. Unquote. Well, that pretty well tells it, friends. Except to say that if you can qualify as a shipyard repair worker, apply it once. You'll find the number of the nearest United States employment office in your phone book.

[Narrator]

This is the mutual don lee broadcasting system.

[Hugh Davis]

Ra.