Michael Shayne: Pirates in San Francisco Bay 04/30/1945

Summary

Episode Summary: "Michael Shayne: Pirates in San Francisco Bay"

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Broadcast Date: April 30, 1945
Podcast Date: May 12, 2026

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Overview

In this thrilling Golden Age of Radio episode, private detective Michael Shayne and his clever assistant Phyllis Knight find themselves swept into a "pirate" murder mystery set on the picturesque yet perilous waters of San Francisco Bay. What starts as a possible Hollywood publicity stunt involving pirates and a kidnapped woman quickly turns deadly, and it's up to Shayne, Phyllis, and Inspector Faraday to untangle a complex web of deceit, blackmail, and betrayal aboard a luxurious yacht. With sharp banter, classic hardboiled detective work, and a cast of colorful suspects, the episode showcases witty repartee and classic mystery structure, all set to shimmering 1940s ambience.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Pirates or Publicity?

• Michael Shayne and Phyllis Knight are called to join Inspector Faraday for a "wild goose chase" involving reports of pirates in San Francisco Bay.
• The "pirates," it turns out, are extras from a Hollywood film, stranded by a suspicious murder on a yacht.

"Anything can happen in San Francisco. Well, almost anything. And when it happens, you usually find Michael Shayne, Private Detective, somewhere around." — Narrator [00:45]

2. The Crime on the Yacht

• Victim: Professor Porter, a wealthy college professor with side investments in oil wells.
• Wife: Annabelle Porter (formerly a film actress), claims pirates boarded the boat, killed her husband, and kidnapped her.
• Alleged Pirate: Jim Fonda, Professor Porter's black sheep nephew and a Hollywood press agent rumored to be blackmailing the professor.

"But when she says pirates boarded a yacht, killed her husband and kidnapped her. Well, now, really…" — Phyllis Knight [02:28]

3. Initial Investigation

• Annabelle’s melodramatic performance and her background as an actress arouse suspicion.
• The only physical evidence for her story: sleeping pills (which would not have knocked her out), and her being found in a canoe, wrapped in a blanket, with a "body" thrown overboard.
• Shayne and Phyllis discover packed bags on board, suggesting plans for a trip rather than the sudden violence Annabelle claims.

"These pills prove Annabelle went canoe riding with her eyes open." — Phyllis Knight [05:54]

4. Motives and Blackmail

• Bill Taylor, the professor's secretary, reveals that Porter was once involved in a scandalous divorce, had changed his name, and was being blackmailed by Fonda.
• Annabelle may have known about the money, but apparently not the past identity.

"Professor Porter was William Steele." — Bill Taylor [15:02]

5. Unraveling the Timeline

• Coroner reveals that Porter’s body had been in the water "two or three days," contradicting Annabelle’s timeline.
• Shayne carefully notices that three blankets and a set of encyclopedias are missing—Porter is found weighted down with volumes A to J.

"Every clue that you planted, every clue that you thought would point to Fonda was a signpost leading us right to you." — Michael Shayne [27:39]

6. The Trap and Confession

• Shayne and Faraday realize Annabelle and Taylor are framing Fonda for Porter's murder and preparing to flee.
• A lamp hiding a fresh bullet hole and a second bundle containing the rest of the encyclopedias (K to Z) confirm a second body—Fonda’s.
• Annabelle and Taylor attempt escape; Taylor is tricked into confessing when Shayne fakes Annabelle's death. Annabelle, confronted, admits to the crimes.

"She poisoned the professor and she shot Fonda." — Bill Taylor [27:17]
"He's lying. Don't believe him." — Annabelle Porter [27:19]

7. Resolution & Classic Shayne Witty Epilogue

• With the murderers apprehended, Shayne and Phyllis share post-mortem banter about redheads, romance, and detective instincts.

"Just because you look so cute when you're jealous?" — Michael Shayne [28:57]

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Phyllis on Annabelle's acting:
  "Man, this I've got to see. Annabelle in a swoon." [13:33]

• Shayne on the crime’s complexity:
  "Well, the professor went down wrapped in culture. The Encyclopedia Britannica." [12:41]

• Inspector Faraday, dry as ever:
  "Hollywood had its laugh this morning. Now I'm gonna have mine. They have to pay, those pirates every day, you know." [03:46]

• On the frame-up:
  "They decide to knock off Fonda, hang the Porter murder on him and live happily ever after." — Michael Shayne [24:08]

• The big twist:
  "Porter was dumped overboard with A to J. And you think K to Z are with Fonda?" — Inspector Faraday and Michael Shayne [20:22]

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Meeting the Client & Setting the Scene:
  [00:45–05:16]
• Examining the Yacht, Annabelle’s Story:
  [05:16–09:26]
• The Blackmail Motive Unveiled:
  [14:06–16:09]
• Discovery of Professor’s Body:
  [12:17–13:33]
• Detectives Connect the Dots on Blankets & Encyclopedias:
  [19:29–21:00]
• Annabelle and Taylor's Escape and Confession:
  [25:05–27:49]
• Final Wrap-up and Detectives' Banter:
  [28:07–29:27]

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Conclusion

This episode exemplifies classic radio detective drama—wit, atmosphere, and clever plotting. The chemistry between Shayne and Knight lights up the investigation, while Inspector Faraday offers the perfect straight man to their banter. The story delivers classic twists: the “pirate” theme is a red herring, and the true villain is brought down not by brute force but by careful attention to mundane details like blankets and encyclopedias. The episode is a treat for fans of old-school mystery, laced with humor, suspense, and period charm.

Transcript

[Jan from Toyota]

Hey campers, it's Jan from Toyota. This summer we're headed to Camp Toyota and the fun starts now. We're kicking things off by kicking up mud. Jump in campers. We're going off roading in a 4Runner. Next we're heading to the hot springs in Arav 4. And finally, park your tundras and Tacomas around the campfire because we're roasting marshmallows. There's summer starts here.

[Inspector Faraday]

Dealer inventory may vary so your participating Toyota dealer for details. Event ends June 1st. Toyota let's go places.

[Bill Taylor]

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 presents present the Adventures of Michael Shane Private Detective starring Wally Mayer and Kathy Lewis. Anything can happen in San Francisco. Well, almost anything. And when it happens, you usually find Michael Shane, Private detective somewhere around. That's why Mike and Phyllis Knight, his observant and easy on the eye assistant, are locking the office at 9am and heading for the nearest corner to join Inspector Faraday on what the inspector describes as a wild goose chase. Or as Phyllis more aptly puts it, a junket on office time. It seems there are pirates in San Francisco Bay.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, it's spring, Angel. Wonderful day. And I've always wanted to go aboard a yacht.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yacht my eye. It's probably phony too. What about our clients? You haven't cleaned up on that insur.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, let him wait, let him wait. Sixteen men on a dead man's chest. Joe Ho and a bottle of rum. Here's the elevator.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, you've been going to too many pirate pictures. Pirates in San Francisco Bay. You suppose they're related to the Indians at Stanford?

[Michael Shane]

What are you muttering about?

[Phyllis Knight]

I always mutter when some publicity seeking chorus girl lets herself be found drugged in her pajamas, wrapped in a blanket in the bottom of a canoe.

[Michael Shane]

She's no chorus girl, honey. She's the wife of a college professor.

[Phyllis Knight]

But when she says pirates boarded a yacht, killed her husband and kidnapped her. Well, now, real.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah. Yes, I know you. You don't believe it. Well, I'm the open minded type, darling.

[Annabelle Porter]

Certainly are.

[Michael Shane]

Here's where we get off. Oh, smell that air. As I said before, honey, it's spring.

[Phyllis Knight]

And in the spring, the SAP rises.

[Inspector Faraday]

Over here, folks.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, hi, Inspector.

[Phyllis Knight]

Hello, Inspector.

[Inspector Faraday]

What?

[Michael Shane]

I mean, here, darling.

[Inspector Faraday]

Thank you, Sausalito first stop.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, what a day for a motorboat ride. Why, Inspector, you're actually glowed. What's happened?

[Inspector Faraday]

Plenty. I think I got my finger on the guy at the bottom of this deal. A movie press agent by the name of Jim Fonda. And never that guy pulling his Hollywood shenanigans in my town.

[Phyllis Knight]

Why, Inspector, no pirates.

[Inspector Faraday]

Oh, plenty of them, Phil. Too many of them. A whole brig full. There's 200 of them.

[Michael Shane]

What? You've already got 200 pirates in jail. Holy smokes.

[Phyllis Knight]

A brigantine is a pirate vessel, Mike. Right, Inspector.

[Narrator]

Right.

[Michael Shane]

Fellas.

[Inspector Faraday]

They might as well be in jail for that. Anchor doesn't budge until I give the word.

[Phyllis Knight]

Lafitte's men, I suppose, from around the hall?

[Inspector Faraday]

No, no, nothing so romantic, my dear. They're Captain Kidd's men from Central Casting in Hollywood. There's a movie company aboard the ship and they're getting ready to sail down the coast on location when I climb down.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, aren't you a bit rough on them, Inspector? After all, press agents have to have their fun. Or do you know something I don't know?

[Inspector Faraday]

No, not a thing, Mike. I guess I lost my sense of humor. Hollywood had its laugh this morning. Now I'm gonna have mine. They have to pay, those pirates every day, you know.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah, I get it. Investigations, questions, delays. Well, where do we go first, the pirate ship or the yacht?

[Inspector Faraday]

The yacht. Maybe Professor Porter will be there himself. If he isn't still playing dead.

[Michael Shane]

Where's the wife?

[Inspector Faraday]

She'll be there too, and so will Jim Fonda. Or I'll fire every detective on my staff.

[Michael Shane]

Well, that might not be a bad idea.

[Inspector Faraday]

Save the sarcasm, Mike. Tony Cooler. Well, there's the yacht.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, that's.

[Inspector Faraday]

Wow.

[Michael Shane]

There's nothing phony about this baby. She's big enough to go to sea.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, but she hasn't been away from that dock site since the professor bought her.

[Michael Shane]

This doesn't look like a college professor's layout. A nice, tidy little investment there.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, teaching's a sideline with Professor Porter. They tell me he's got oil wells working for him.

[Phyllis Knight]

If that's Annabelle, his wife, coming out to welcome us, they better be Gushers. She looks very expensive.

[Annabelle Porter]

Inspector Faraday?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Inspector Faraday]

Oh, and this is Michael Shane and Phyllis Knight. Mrs. Porter.

[Phyllis Knight]

How do you do?

[Annabelle Porter]

Good morning.

[Michael Shane]

How do you do?

[Annabelle Porter]

Please come into the lounge.

[Michael Shane]

Thank you.

[Inspector Faraday]

I'm a courteous man, Mrs. Porter, but I haven't time for courtesy this morning. I can't understand why an apparently sane woman would expect us to believe such A story.

[Michael Shane]

Do you mind if we stroll around, Mrs. Porter? I've never been on a yacht before.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yes, certainly.

[Annabelle Porter]

And now, Inspector, would you please explain why you died?

[Phyllis Knight]

Big Hearted Mike. He just can't bear to hear a beautiful redhead bawled out, so he takes the powder.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, look, angel, this doesn't add up. You don't plot publicity gags in a playhouse like this one, huh?

[Phyllis Knight]

You've seen something, Mike. Or maybe it was just one look at the redhead.

[Michael Shane]

I guess this is the master's stateroom. Two beds.

[Annabelle Porter]

What are you doing?

[Michael Shane]

The one bed layouts in the guest cabin.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, what did you see?

[Michael Shane]

Oh, yes. Mrs. Porter. She used to be Annabelle Armstrong in the movies.

[Phyllis Knight]

So what? Hey, now it's my turn. I spy something beginning with the letter P. Give you one guess.

[Michael Shane]

Phil's in a blue bottle by the bed.

[Annabelle Porter]

Think I'll have a look.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, this entire bottle wouldn't put a child asleep.

[Michael Shane]

Let me see.

[Inspector Faraday]

Honor.

[Michael Shane]

It doesn't spell anything backwards.

[Phyllis Knight]

It spells something for me. These pills prove Annabelle went canoe riding with her eyes open. What'd you expect to find in the closet? Pirates?

[Michael Shane]

Oh, that bag that hit my foot felt like it was packed.

[Phyllis Knight]

Hey, it is. And so is this one. Everything for a nice long trip. You know, I could take a honeymoon with this bag.

[Michael Shane]

Say, the professor's a snappy dresser. Just look at the sport coat.

[Phyllis Knight]

Come on, Mike, let's quit playing house. I want to watch Annabelle act.

[Michael Shane]

Okay.

[Inspector Faraday]

I might have known how it would turn out when I brought you along, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Why, what's up, Inspector?

[Phyllis Knight]

It's murder, my boy, while we're playing houseboat.

[Michael Shane]

So her story stood up.

[Inspector Faraday]

I'm buying it up to here.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, I haven't heard it, but I think I'll shop around now.

[Inspector Faraday]

Fonda's the guy, all right. I just telephone a general alarm or to pick him up any minute.

[Michael Shane]

You telephone?

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, there's a phone. The yacht's permanently tied up to the pier. I also sent for Porter's secretary. He may have some information.

[Michael Shane]

Inspector, do you mind bringing us up to date? We've been sightseeing.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, Mike, here's the story. Jim Fonda is Porter's nephew. Yeah, Sort of a family black sheep. He's been causing trouble. Everything from forgery to some sort of blackmail. Well, it seems Fonda headed for the professor's home. As soon as he hit town, the professor's secretary sent him to the yacht. That'd be yesterday afternoon. There was a row. Porter threatened to send Fonda to jail and shoved him off the Boat?

[Michael Shane]

Yeah.

[Inspector Faraday]

Fonda yelled he'd be back and told Porter he'd better have it ready. Mrs. Porter thinks he meant a sum of money. Maybe the Secretary Taylor can clear that point.

[Michael Shane]

But where did the pirates come in?

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, I'm coming to that.

[Phyllis Knight]

I'll tell you, Mike. After Fonda left, Mrs. Porter developed a headache. That night. She couldn't sleep. The professor went into the lounge to read and Mrs. Porter took two sleeping pills. Three, my dear. Mrs. Porter took three sleeping pills. Later. She was aroused by loud voices. And then? And then a big, burly pirate with a red beard leaned over the bunk.

[Annabelle Porter]

I believe his beard was black this night. Oh, yes.

[Phyllis Knight]

The light was on.

[Annabelle Porter]

No, the cabin was dark. This man dressed like a pirate seized me, threw a blanket over me and carried me to the canoe. It was one we kept tied to the yacht. There was a body wrapped in a blanket on the bottom. He paddled for several minutes and then put the body overside.

[Phyllis Knight]

Maybe you'd better ask the questions, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

Well, you're doing fine, angel. Thanks, Mrs. Porter. The cabin was dark. There was no moon. How did you know the man was dressed like a pirate?

[Annabelle Porter]

He struck several matches. Yes, he was smoking a pipe.

[Michael Shane]

I see. And why are you so sure that this man dressed as a pirate was Jim Fonda?

[Annabelle Porter]

I knew Jim. He was publicity man on one of my pictures. Oh. Maybe I should explain. I'm Annabelle.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, not at all. I recognized Annabel Armstrong the moment I came aboard.

[Phyllis Knight]

Thank you.

[Annabelle Porter]

Well, Jim Fonda had two peculiarities. His eyebrows were highly arched and his left eye twitched. I recognized him despite his disguise the first time he lighted a match.

[Michael Shane]

Did he know you had recognized him?

[Annabelle Porter]

I'm not sure. He might have worn the pirate costume as a prank. Jim had an odd sense of humor. I believe he intended taking me with him. He tried to arouse me. When he landed the canoe, I was too heavy to carry far.

[Michael Shane]

Those sleeping tablets must have been pretty powerful.

[Annabelle Porter]

Mr. Shane. Those tablets are a mild, harmless sort. I was wide awake, limp from fright at first. Then I acted. Don't forget, I used to be an actress.

[Michael Shane]

Why did you stay in the canoe after he left you?

[Annabelle Porter]

Well, I yelled my head off. And nobody came. It was dark and, well, I was afraid I'd fall into the water. I can't swim.

[Michael Shane]

Well, that's sensible. Do you think you could locate the spot where your husband's body was dropped into the water?

[Annabelle Porter]

I pointed out the spot when the police brought me to the yacht this morning.

[Inspector Faraday]

That's right, Mike. We've had men Grappling for the body all morning. There's no current and the water is quiet, so we ought to bring it up. Well, that's the police launched the body, inspector. That ties it up. Bring it in, boy.

[Michael Shane]

Well, you satisfied now, Angel?

[Phyllis Knight]

No, I am not. And neither are you.

[Michael Shane]

Say, I guess that'd be Mr. Taylor with the briefcase over there coming down the pier, huh?

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, yes, the secretary. Dark and handsome and not too tall.

[Narrator]

In just a moment we'll rejoin Mike Shane and Phyllis Knight in their advent. Probably no other possession you may have requires the attention and constant care that your automobile does. The hundreds of bearings and precision gears in a car need continual protection against rust, friction, heat and abrasion. That is why regular stopware lubrication is so vital to the condition of your car. You see, stopware lubrication is more than just a grease job. It's a system that's been worked out from years of experience to give your automobile the best possible care. When you leave your car at a Union Oil minuteman station for stop wear lubrication, you can be sure that nothing on your automobile will be overlooked or hurriedly serviced. Each fitting is carefully and thoroughly lubricated according to the manufacturer's specifications. While your car is on the hoist, the minutemen inspect out of sight points and check them for danger signs. Finally, as complete proof of stopware's reliable lubrication, you receive a thousand mile written guarantee with each job. You'll find your car rolls smoother, handles easier, stands up better with regular stopware lubrication. Stopware guaranteed lubrication is available only at Union Oil minuteman stations. Professor Porter's body has been recovered from the bay and Inspector Faraday is hurrying to meet the launch at the end of the pier. Mike and Phyllis are following, but Phyllis is reluctant to leave Mrs. Porter and the professor's secretary, Bill Taylor, together in the lounge of the yacht.

[Michael Shane]

Come on, hurry, honey. They'll be here in a minute.

[Phyllis Knight]

You're getting awfully careless, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

I know what I'm doing.

[Phyllis Knight]

I wonder.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, cut it out, Angel.

[Phyllis Knight]

Please, Mike, get tough. Be yourself.

[Michael Shane]

Why? What do you mean?

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, don't let a good looking redhead blind you.

[Michael Shane]

So far she's got all the answers, Angel. Good answers, all of them.

[Inspector Faraday]

Bring it over here. Hey, give me a hand. This is he. Okay, Sergeant, Cut the roofs.

[Michael Shane]

Right. Hey, what are all those lumps? Some sort of weights made a sack out of the blanket.

[Inspector Faraday]

Open it up, ma'.

[Annabelle Porter]

Am.

[Inspector Faraday]

Okay, here we are.

[Michael Shane]

Holy jumpin catfish.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, I'll be.

[Phyllis Knight]

I knew they were Heavy reading. But I never thought of them as weights.

[Michael Shane]

Well, the professor went down wrapped in culture. The Encyclopedia Britannica.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah. 1, 2, 3, 3.

[Michael Shane]

4.

[Phyllis Knight]

12 volumes.

[Michael Shane]

Mm. From A to J. Mike, look over by the inspector.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mrs. Porter and Bill.

[Jan from Toyota]

Hey, campers, It's Jan from Toyota. This summer we're headed to Camp Toyota and the fun starts now. We're kicking things off by kicking up mud. Jump in, campers. We're going off roading in a 4Runner. Next, we're heading to the hot springs in Arav 4. And finally, park your tundras and Tacomas around the campfire because we're roasting marshmallows. They're dumber. Start here.

[Inspector Faraday]

Dealer inventory may vary. So you're participating? Toyota dealer for details, event hands. June 1st, Toyota. Let's go.

[Michael Shane]

Places, Taylor. Of course, darling. They've got to identify the body.

[Inspector Faraday]

Look out.

[Michael Shane]

She's fading.

[Inspector Faraday]

Take her back to the yacht.

[Phyllis Knight]

Man, this I've got to see. Annabelle in a swoon.

[Michael Shane]

You better go with her, angel.

[Narrator]

Now, hurry.

[Inspector Faraday]

Doc says can you have the body now. Okay. Take it to the morgue. What about all them books? You know what to do with evidence, the blank and everything. Go to headquarters.

[Michael Shane]

Right, Inspector.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah.

[Michael Shane]

See any marks on the body?

[Inspector Faraday]

Not a scratch. Hey, where's Porter's secretary?

[Bill Taylor]

Right here, Inspector. Bill Taylor.

[Inspector Faraday]

Does Jim Fonda strike you as the sort of fellow who'd pull a job like this?

[Bill Taylor]

Well, I wouldn't like to accuse anyone of a thing like this.

[Inspector Faraday]

How long have you known him?

[Bill Taylor]

About a year. Ever since I've been with Professor Porter. Shall we return to the yacht? I'm afraid Mrs. Porter's ill. We can talk here.

[Inspector Faraday]

Ms. Night will look after her. Oh, this is my friend, Mr. Shane.

[Bill Taylor]

Oh, how do you do, Mr. Shane?

[Michael Shane]

Fine. Well, looks like Fonda put his trademark on this one.

[Bill Taylor]

I don't know. I only wish I'd never sent him to the yacht.

[Michael Shane]

Hmm. When was this?

[Bill Taylor]

Sunday? Yesterday afternoon.

[Michael Shane]

Well, why did you send him?

[Bill Taylor]

Well, I never dreamed. He was insistent.

[Michael Shane]

Did Porter tell you to keep Fonda away from him?

[Bill Taylor]

Well, this is embarrassing, Mr. Shane.

[Michael Shane]

Murder usually is, Mr. Taylor. Come on, let's have a story.

[Bill Taylor]

Well, Professor Porter disliked seeing his nephew.

[Michael Shane]

Why? Was he afraid of him?

[Bill Taylor]

No, no, not exactly afraid. It was just that. Well, look, Inspector, can this be kept confidential?

[Inspector Faraday]

How can I tell you until I know what it is?

[Bill Taylor]

Well, a good many years ago, Professor Porter was involved in a rather nasty divorce case.

[Inspector Faraday]

Nothing like that.

[Michael Shane]

Stand up.

[Inspector Faraday]

His past is clean.

[Michael Shane]

Maybe he took on a new identity. Inspector, it's been done, you know. Yes.

[Bill Taylor]

Yes, Professor Porter did take a new name and arrange an entirely different past. You see, Professor Porter was William Steele.

[Michael Shane]

Hey, wait a minute. I remember that case back on Long Island.

[Bill Taylor]

I don't know a great deal about it, however.

[Michael Shane]

But Fonda did, huh? And made the most of it.

[Bill Taylor]

Well, I'm not sure, Mr. Shane. But you see, I took care of Professor Porter's bank account. And he gave his nephew large sums of money.

[Michael Shane]

How much does Mrs. Porter know about this?

[Bill Taylor]

I don't believe she knows anything about the divorce.

[Michael Shane]

But she knew Fonda had something on her husband.

[Bill Taylor]

I suspect she did. She knew about the money because she spoke to me about it.

[Michael Shane]

How often has Fonda been tapping the professor?

[Bill Taylor]

Almost every month. This was his second trip this month.

[Michael Shane]

Speaking of trips, where were you going on your vacation?

[Bill Taylor]

My vacation?

[Michael Shane]

Oh.

[Bill Taylor]

Oh, you found my bag.

[Inspector Faraday]

What's this about a bag, Mike?

[Michael Shane]

I found two bags fully packed in a closet. One belonged to you, Mr. Taylor, I believe, and the other one to Mrs. Porter.

[Bill Taylor]

Well, that's. That's easy to explain. You see, the professor sold the yacht, and I was moving my personal possessions. I presume that Mrs. Porter had the same thing in mind.

[Michael Shane]

What about Professor Porter?

[Bill Taylor]

Well, he always put things off until the last moment.

[Michael Shane]

Meaning?

[Bill Taylor]

Well, the moving van isn't due until tonight.

[Inspector Faraday]

All right, Mike. That explains the bags. Now let's get back to my office. I want Fonda.

[Bill Taylor]

And I'd like to see how Mrs. Porter's feeling.

[Inspector Faraday]

All right, go ahead. The coroner's inquest hasn't been set, but I want to see you and Mrs. Porter tomorrow morning.

[Bill Taylor]

Okay. We'll be at Mrs. Porter's home.

[Inspector Faraday]

Mike.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Annabelle Porter]

Michael.

[Michael Shane]

Yes, angel.

[Phyllis Knight]

Now I've seen everything.

[Inspector Faraday]

How is Mrs. Porter?

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, she's beautiful, but bereaved. She's repairing her makeup.

[Inspector Faraday]

Come on. I want to get to my office.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike. Mike, did you ask Mr. Taylor about the bags?

[Michael Shane]

Yes, angel. Yes, but he knows the answer.

[Inspector Faraday]

Any messages? Hollywood's been calling every 20 minutes, Inspector. What do they want? Feller at Apex Studios wants his pirates. Tell him we got a murder case to settle first. Says you're gonna have a lawsuit too. Claims this has costing them thousands.

[Michael Shane]

Why don't you turn him loose, Inspector?

[Inspector Faraday]

Guy says you better do it pronto. That boat's stuck till I get my hands on Fonda. Come on, Michael. Fellas.

[Michael Shane]

Okay.

[Inspector Faraday]

Now let's get down to business.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah, let's go to work.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, it's about time.

[Inspector Faraday]

What do you mean, Phyllis Fonda left

[Phyllis Knight]

a trailer y too Wide, Inspector.

[Michael Shane]

You want to do me a favor, Inspector?

[Inspector Faraday]

You too? What is it?

[Michael Shane]

Check on that story about the sale of Porter Jacques.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yes, Mike. I had that in mind. Yes, Inspector? Is Bolton back from that pirate ship? He's waiting outside. Send him in. Pick up any leads. Bolton? Not a line. The guy just vanished. Oh, he can't do that.

[Michael Shane]

What did they tell you about Fonda?

[Inspector Faraday]

Everybody had a good word for him. He came to town ahead of the picture crowd last Friday. Oh?

[Michael Shane]

When was he on the boat?

[Inspector Faraday]

Yesterday. He said he seemed worried about his uncle. Hadn't been able to see him.

[Michael Shane]

Did he tell anybody why he wanted to see his uncle?

[Inspector Faraday]

No. Seems that he didn't do much talking.

[Michael Shane]

Does Fonda smoke a pipe?

[Inspector Faraday]

Say, you haven't found him, have you, Mike?

[Michael Shane]

No. Why?

[Inspector Faraday]

The pipes are part of the description they gave me.

[Michael Shane]

Left eye twitches too.

[Inspector Faraday]

You must know the guy.

[Michael Shane]

No, no. Just the woman he kidnapped.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, he can't get out of town. Must be holed up somewhere. You searched the boat? Yeah. Even turned up some girl pirates.

[Michael Shane]

Any pirate costumes missing?

[Inspector Faraday]

Wardrobe man says they're all there.

[Michael Shane]

Well, how about the odd parts? Wigs, scarves?

[Inspector Faraday]

I thought of that. Could be. It'd take a week to check. Okay, take a week, but check it. Okay. Hello. That Hollywood guy's on the wire, crying. Tell him I got a murder in my hands. The boat stays here. Father's not on that boat, Inspector. His friends are. Get back to that boat. If I stay out there any longer, I'll turn pirate. My. Got any ideas, Mike?

[Michael Shane]

Well, I'd like to know about.

[Inspector Faraday]

About that Porter yacht, Inspector. Yes, Professor. Sold it, all right. That satisfy you, Mike?

[Michael Shane]

Well, that cooks one idea anyhow.

[Phyllis Knight]

I've got an idea, Inspector.

[Inspector Faraday]

Let's have it, Phil.

[Phyllis Knight]

Remember when lovely Annabelle was giving us Act Two?

[Michael Shane]

Oh, let's. Don't be catty, angel.

[Phyllis Knight]

You be quiet. I know when you're getting ready to spring something.

[Michael Shane]

I wish I knew as much.

[Phyllis Knight]

All right. All right, smarty. Well, Mrs. Porter spoke of Jim Fonda in the past tense.

[Inspector Faraday]

A natural reaction. Probably glad to have him out of her life.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, you don't?

[Inspector Faraday]

Just heard from the coroner's office, Inspector. When's the inquest? Tomorrow.

[Narrator]

Funny thing.

[Inspector Faraday]

What's that? Doc says Porter's been in the water two or three days. Do you hear that, Mike?

[Michael Shane]

Well, that knocks the whole case into a cocked hat.

[Inspector Faraday]

But Mrs. Porter said it happened last night.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, maybe she'll know the answer to this one.

[Michael Shane]

Maybe I know the answers.

[Inspector Faraday]

What?

[Michael Shane]

Remember when we went through the state Rooms in the yacht?

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, yeah. You admired the beds.

[Michael Shane]

Uh huh. There were two in the state room and one in the guest cabin.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, they'd all been slept in.

[Michael Shane]

Maybe yes, maybe no, but. But there was something missing.

[Phyllis Knight]

Hey, hey, I remember the blankets.

[Michael Shane]

Now you're cooking.

[Inspector Faraday]

Look, this is no time for guessing games, Mike.

[Phyllis Knight]

Let him alone.

[Annabelle Porter]

Let him alone?

[Phyllis Knight]

I thought he never would wake up.

[Michael Shane]

One blanket to wrap the professor in. One for his wife for a canoe ride. That makes two blankets.

[Phyllis Knight]

Where's the third one?

[Michael Shane]

Maybe it was for Fonda.

[Inspector Faraday]

You're wrong, Mike.

[Michael Shane]

And about encyclopedias.

[Phyllis Knight]

20 volumes to the set covering everything from A to Z.

[Michael Shane]

Right Angel? Right. Where's the other eight volumes? Porter was dumped overboard with A to J.

[Inspector Faraday]

And you think K to Z are with Fonda?

[Michael Shane]

Say, anybody on the yacht with that

[Inspector Faraday]

dame or Taylor's with her? She'll keep.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, Fonda didn't keep very well.

[Inspector Faraday]

Well, maybe I left her uncovered so she'd lead us to Fonda.

[Michael Shane]

I've got a different slant, Inspector. The only place Annabelle will lead you to is astray.

[Inspector Faraday]

I guess we better get back to the yacht.

[Michael Shane]

If you're still looking for Fonda, we'd better go. I doubt if there's anyone else there.

[Inspector Faraday]

All right, let's go. Fond as the lad I'm still looking for.

[Phyllis Knight]

Then you better take along the boys with the long handled rakes, Inspector.

[Narrator]

We'll return to Michael Shane and his adventures in just a moment. The front wheel bearings on your automobile are made of finely machined high carbon steel. With proper lubrication, these bearings will last the lifetime of the car with no other attention. But notice, ladies and gentlemen, that we say with proper lubrication for front wheel bearings do require extra protection. They're exposed to damage from brake dust, grit and water. In addition, they must support the heavy weight of your automobile. For these reasons, and because they are expensive and difficult to replace nowadays, front wheel bearings should be carefully and thoroughly lubricated. Your neighborhood Union Oil minuteman knows this. That's why he takes such pains to do a thorough job of lubricating front wheel bearings. First he washes out all the old grease and dirt with solvent. Then the bearings and races are individually cleaned until they're dry and shiny. Finally, the clean polished bearings are replaced in the races. Then with special equipment, every surface is snugly packed in a thick coating of Union Ball roll grease. And your front wheels are all set for months of well lubricated, easy rolling. The cost for the entire service of your front wheel bearing assembly is nominal. So for safer, easier driving, just stop in wherever you see the sign of the big orange and blue 76. And asked for union Oil's front wheel bearing service. Thank you. Mike. Phyllis and Inspector Faraday are back at the yacht. A crew with grappling hooks is just arriving. It would be old home week if Mrs. Porter and Bill Taylor were there. But they've flown the coop. The Inspector mutters to himself, I hope

[Inspector Faraday]

this phone's still working. Hello?

[Michael Shane]

Hello?

[Inspector Faraday]

Hello, Sarge. Yes, Inspector? Get Cassidy on the short wave. Tell him to bring Mrs. Porter and Taylor back to the yacht.

[Michael Shane]

So you did have them tailed.

[Inspector Faraday]

How do you think I keep my job? Mike.

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike, you were right about the blankets. And the bags are gone too.

[Inspector Faraday]

Sure they're gone. Taylor told us they were moving into town.

[Michael Shane]

And here's where the encyclopedia set came from.

[Annabelle Porter]

Where is it?

[Phyllis Knight]

An empty shelf and I never even noticed.

[Michael Shane]

Say, let's go out on deck and see if they fished up anything, huh? Hey, fellas, have you found anything?

[Inspector Faraday]

Two tire cases and a couple of pairs of old shoes.

[Michael Shane]

Well, keep on raking.

[Inspector Faraday]

Tire Ford beginning to add up all right.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah, sure, sure, it adds up. Fonda gets into town, goes to see

[Inspector Faraday]

Uncle Porter and tries to pick up five grand.

[Michael Shane]

No, no, no. I'm not buying the blackmail scenario.

[Annabelle Porter]

Why?

[Michael Shane]

Am I too well planted like the rest of the deal? Anyhow, A crook working a blackmail racket doesn't have to work as a press agent.

[Inspector Faraday]

Okay, so Fonda goes to see Porter

[Michael Shane]

and Porter isn't in sight. Annabelle and Taylor give Fonda a cock and bull story. He gets suspicious and starts checking.

[Inspector Faraday]

Yeah, but where?

[Michael Shane]

Around the neighborhood, at the university. And then Annabelle and Taylor get ideas. Maybe Fonda is the answer to a little job they've already done.

[Inspector Faraday]

You mean Porter's murder?

[Michael Shane]

You're on the beam, Inspector. My guess is Fonda stood to get a slice of the professor's estate. A big slice.

[Inspector Faraday]

I'm beginning to like your story.

[Michael Shane]

Well, wait a minute. Let me finish it. They decide to knock off Fonda, hang the Porter murder on him and live happily ever after.

[Inspector Faraday]

Take the whole pot, huh?

[Michael Shane]

Right. Right. So Taylor lets Fonda know that his professor uncle is on the yacht.

[Inspector Faraday]

And when Fonda shows up Sunday night, Taylor drills him.

[Phyllis Knight]

Hey, aren't you boys guessing a bit too far ahead? You got no proof that Taylor shot Fonda. In fact, you've got no proof that Fonda's even dead.

[Inspector Faraday]

No, but do you see what I see on that ledge?

[Phyllis Knight]

You mean the lamp?

[Michael Shane]

Yes, darling, a lamp where it couldn't do anybody any good?

[Phyllis Knight]

No, it's not very ornamental.

[Inspector Faraday]

Okay, okay. Quit being clever. Move it.

[Phyllis Knight]

All right.

[Annabelle Porter]

A bullet hole.

[Michael Shane]

Yes, honey, a bullet hole. Not very old either.

[Inspector Faraday]

And since no bullets were used to put the professor out of the way. And Taylor and the professor's wife are still alive. What is it, Sarge? Another bundle, Inspector. Well, well, inspector?

[Michael Shane]

Blanket number three.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, the same kind of bulges as the other bundle.

[Michael Shane]

Yes, Angel. Encyclopedia Britannica, volumes K to Z.

[Inspector Faraday]

Looks like a police car.

[Phyllis Knight]

Cassidy.

[Narrator]

You hope.

[Michael Shane]

With our two murdering lovebirds. Yeah, yeah, it's Cassidy, all right.

[Inspector Faraday]

Here they are, Inspector.

[Bill Taylor]

Did you send for us, Inspector?

[Inspector Faraday]

Yes, I wanted to finish our chat.

[Annabelle Porter]

Why? What happened, Inspector?

[Inspector Faraday]

Nothing much. We just found Fonda's body. Get out of the car, Taylor. You too, Annabelle. Look, guys, he's got a gun.

[Michael Shane]

Get him, Faraday.

[Inspector Faraday]

Get him.

[Michael Shane]

My gun's jammed.

[Inspector Faraday]

That got his tire.

[Phyllis Knight]

The car's caught fire.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah. Come on, Run for it.

[Narrator]

Hurry.

[Inspector Faraday]

They're both uncut.

[Michael Shane]

Yeah.

[Inspector Faraday]

Pull him out.

[Annabelle Porter]

Pull him out.

[Michael Shane]

Get her first.

[Inspector Faraday]

Easier that way. Taylor's all in one piece anyway. It's the same with the dame. Just bump your head.

[Phyllis Knight]

That's too bad. Mike, where are you going?

[Michael Shane]

To get the robe out of the

[Inspector Faraday]

car before it's burned.

[Phyllis Knight]

Have you gone crazy?

[Michael Shane]

No, no. Now, here. Here. Let's throw this robe over Annabelle. Pull it up over her face.

[Phyllis Knight]

Hey, Taylor. Stirring. He's coming out of it.

[Inspector Faraday]

Good, good.

[Michael Shane]

But I can't have Annabelle awake. Maybe I better conquer her. Let me wake him up, Inspector. Come on, you. Get up.

[Phyllis Knight]

Wake up.

[Michael Shane]

Come on.

[Inspector Faraday]

Where am I?

[Michael Shane]

You're at the end of the road, felon. Oh.

[Bill Taylor]

Where's Annabelle? Mrs. Porter?

[Michael Shane]

Mrs. Porter is dead. Oh, no.

[Bill Taylor]

No, she couldn't be.

[Michael Shane]

Pull the blanket back, honey. Was she dead?

[Bill Taylor]

I mean.

[Michael Shane]

I mean, I know exactly what you mean, boy. No, she talked. Talked plenty before she went. You've been out cold for 10 minutes, fellas. Come on. You'd better talk fast.

[Bill Taylor]

I had nothing to do with it. Oh, I helped dispose of the bodies, yes, but she made me.

[Inspector Faraday]

She threatened my life.

[Bill Taylor]

She acted like a mad woman.

[Inspector Faraday]

I didn't do it.

[Michael Shane]

I didn't. Then who did, Hannibal?

[Bill Taylor]

She poisoned the professor and she shot Fonda.

[Annabelle Porter]

He's lying. Don't believe him.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, so you came too, huh?

[Inspector Faraday]

But. But you said she was dead. You tricked me. Which is nothing compared to what we're gonna do to you. Both of you.

[Michael Shane]

Yes, we tricked you, and you accused her of murder. Now it's her turn. Where did he hide the gun?

[Annabelle Porter]

At My apartment.

[Michael Shane]

Oh, you're fool. If you kept your mouth shut. If you both kept your mouth shut, we'd still have caught you. Every clue that you planted, every clue that you thought would point to Fonda was a signpost leading us right to you. I don't want to talk to them anymore, Inspector. How about you?

[Inspector Faraday]

Not me. I've had all I want. Take him away, Cassidy.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, Mike, this is my apartment, remember?

[Michael Shane]

Huh? Oh. Oh, yes.

[Phyllis Knight]

What are you thinking of, Mike? The redhead.

[Michael Shane]

Redhead? Oh, her nose. Oh, no.

[Phyllis Knight]

She did sort of go for in a mild sort of way.

[Michael Shane]

Not me, honey. I knew she was a phony.

[Phyllis Knight]

Ah, don't give me that no.

[Michael Shane]

Look, angel, look. What do you think I am, a fool?

[Phyllis Knight]

Yes. Where blondes and redheads are concerned.

[Michael Shane]

Yes, angel from the wood.

[Inspector Faraday]

Go.

[Michael Shane]

I had her tag. She tried to identify Fonda as the guy who kidnapped her.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, I know it.

[Michael Shane]

Well. Could you picture Fonda picking her up, wrapping her in a blanket, carrying her to a canoe and all the time striking matches to her. The pipe he was smoking. T T, Angel.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, then why didn't you say so before?

[Michael Shane]

Just because you look so cute when you're jealous?

[Phyllis Knight]

Jealous?

[Annabelle Porter]

What?

[Michael Shane]

Angel, Please, angel, not here. The neighbors are watch.

[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 Tom Petty and based on the character created by Brett. Holiday music was composed and directed by Bernard Katz. This is Ed Stevens, substituting for John Lang, saying good night for the people who make 76 gasoline and Triton motor oil. Union Oil Company, ladies and gentlemen, despite all our efforts to know that living costs are rising and certainly the high taxes of war are cutting deeply into our incomes, so why not help yourself and your country by starting a Victory Garden? Now, growing your own vegetables will not only make a big saving on your grocery bill, but will provide a healthy, interesting hobby. Those who have no yards of their own may be able to find space in nearby vacant lots. So wherever you live, whatever you do, serve yourself and the nation with a Victory Garden in 45. This is the Mutual Don Lee Broadcasting System.

[Bill Taylor]

Sa.