Michael Shayne: The Malcolm Boyd Case 07/02/1945

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Michael Shayne: The Malcolm Boyd Case (07/02/1945)

Main Theme / Purpose

In this classic radio detective drama, private investigator Michael Shayne is called upon to solve the mysterious murder of Malcolm Boyd, a wealthy San Francisco socialite. With rumors of a jewel theft ring, mistaken identity, and a web of suspects, Shayne must untangle the truth before an innocent man is charged. The episode showcases sleuthing, brisk banter, and old-time detective intrigue during "The Golden Age of Radio."

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Murder and Its Immediate Aftermath

• Phyllis Knight, Mike Shane's assistant, reads about Malcolm Boyd's murder in the morning paper [01:30].

  • She had known Boyd in college:

    “Malcolm Boyd? Well, I used to know him at college. He took me to the prom once. He was a smooth number.” — Phyllis Knight [01:35]

  • Details: Boyd was shot in his Bayview Towers apartment while his wife was out for aspirin.

• Inspector Naumai calls Mike Shane to headquarters [02:22].

  • Shane learns that the police have no suspect, motive, or clues—but have called him in for a case related to the Boyd murder.

2. Introduction of the Main Suspect

• Ward Ritchie, an old college friend with personal ties to the Boyds, is introduced by Inspector Naumai [03:15].
  • Richie’s connection: was once engaged to Mary Boyd (Malcolm’s wife) and had bitterly broken ties.
  • Richie becomes a suspect because:
    • Three witnesses (switchboard operator, elevator boy, and manager) identify him as visiting Boyd's apartment close to the murder [04:12].
    • His previous threat—"If he ever mistreated Mary, I'd kill him." — Ward Ritchie [05:50]
  • Ritchie protests his innocence, claims an alibi, and pleads for Mike Shane to prove his innocence.

3. The Frame-Up and Additional Suspicion

• Bloodstained suit found at a cleaners, linked to Ritchie, raises the stakes [07:22].
  • “The name is...without looking. Ward Richie.” — Inspector Naumai [07:24]
• Evidence seems stacked against Ritchie, but Mike Shane is skeptical.

4. Interview with Mary Boyd (the Widow)

• Shane and Naumai visit Mary Boyd’s apartment [12:28].

  • Mary is evasive about her husband's activities and her own contact with Ritchie, only reluctantly admitting to a few letters [13:55].

  • Shane suspects she's hiding information but doesn’t think she's involved with the crime.

  • Notable quote:

    “It seems to me your attitude is rather uncooperative.” — Mike Shane [15:08]

• Manager’s interruption and odd behavior [14:14]

  • Arguing for quick resolution and showing personal interest in the building’s reputation.

5. Discovery of a Larger Conspiracy

• Search of Malcolm Boyd’s 'office' (a nearly empty space) [16:35]

  • They find numerous clippings about social events and guest lists—possible 'spotting' for jewel thieves.
  • Shane and Naumai theorize Boyd was either a jewel thief or marked valuables for others [17:51]:

    “He could have gone to all those social functions to spot jewels for somebody else.” — Mike Shane [17:54]

• Jewel thefts at recent parties directly implicate a network.

  • Names from clippings match victims of thefts, suggesting organization.

6. The Real Perpetrators

• Cleaner’s suit alibi is disproven—the suit was bought and planted as evidence [19:36].

  • The man who submitted it wasn’t Ritchie but a heavyset stranger.
  • Shane realizes the identification was also a setup.

• Ed Collins, known jewel thief, is identified as the man observed at Bayview earlier [20:03].

  • Identification by Shane and Phyllis as "the man in the lobby."

• Shane theorizes that Mrs. Boyd may be targeted for what she knows, based on her social position and presumed knowledge of the gang [20:31].

7. Climactic Confrontation and Resolution

• Phyllis stays with Mary Boyd to protect her [20:56].

  • Mary admits Malcolm was involved with thieves and that she planned to leave him [21:29].

• A threatening call from Collins—posing a direct threat to the women [22:00].

  • Phyllis recognizes his voice and realizes the switchboard operator is in on the conspiracy.

• Ed Collins enters and kidnaps both women [23:13].

• Shane and Naumai return, find the apartment empty; Lockridge (manager) and Grant (elevator boy) lie about where the women went [25:20].

• Key realization about the dumbwaiter being used for the escape; Phyllis and Mary are found bound and gagged inside [27:21].

• Showdown:

  • Collins and Lockridge are accused—Lockridge shoots and kills Collins [28:03].

  • Lockridge is arrested for two murders; the jewel gang is broken up.

  • Notable exchange:

    ”You boots this up, Lockridge. We told you not to kill Boyd in the apartment.” — Inspector Naumai [27:50]
    “Shut up, you double-crosser.” — Mike Shane [27:53]

8. Wrap-up and Epilogue

• Shane explains his deductions [28:44]:

  • Collins’ diversion to the manager’s office, the phony suit and identification, the coordinated cover-up.
  • The manager’s office on the fourth floor corroborates Shane’s suspicions.
  • The identification of Ritchie was a preselected frame job—a "thousand to one shot" that happened to fall on Ritchie.

• Phyllis and Mike reflect on Mary Boyd’s fate and Ritchie’s lingering feelings [29:50]:

  “The only person I really feel sorry for is Mrs. Boyd. ... Married to a crook, then a murder.” — Mike Shane [29:50]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Perfect murder mystery.” — Phyllis Knight [03:54]
• "It's a case of mistaken identity, of course. A terrific coincidence.” — Ward Ritchie [05:58]
• "Means we have little to search." — Mike Shane, upon seeing Boyd's sparse office [16:41]
• “The queen of the town, Van Allen Haven. ... Malcolm Boyd.” — Mike reading society clippings [16:56]
• "If Mary Boyd knows about the gang, knows who killed her husband, that gang is going to be plenty uneasy about her. They'll try to keep her quiet." — Mike Shane [20:40]
• “No, she cut you off. She wouldn't connect you. She's one of the gang.” — Phyllis Knight, on the switchboard operator [23:10]
• Phyllis and Mary’s escape via dumbwaiter and the climactic capture of Collins and Lockridge [27:21–28:03]
• The closing banter about romance and the gleam in a man's eyes, poking fun at Shane's and Ritchie's potential interest in Mary Boyd [30:05–30:16]

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Important Timestamps

• 01:30 — Phyllis discovers Malcolm Boyd’s murder in the newspaper
• 02:22 — Inspector Naumai summons Shane to headquarters
• 03:15 — Ward Ritchie introduced and identified as suspect
• 04:12 — Trio identifies Ritchie as the supposed murderer
• 07:22–08:58 — Blood-stained suit 'evidence' found
• 12:28–15:40 — Interview with Mary Boyd
• 16:35–18:16 — Discovery of jewel-theft connection, discussion about Boyd’s society activities
• 19:36 — Realization that suit was a plant; evidence mounting against the jewel gang
• 21:29 — Mary admits knowledge of husband’s criminal activities
• 22:00–23:13 — Threatening call and kidnapping of the women
• 25:20–27:21 — Shane and Naumai realize deception and locate the women in dumbwaiter
• 27:30–28:07 — Final confrontation; Collins killed, Lockridge arrested
• 28:44–29:50 — Shane’s case-tying explanation and the fate of Mary Boyd

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Conclusion: Episode’s Tone & Legacy

• The episode blends fast-paced investigation, witty repartee, red herrings, and a satisfying twist—hallmarks of classic radio detective drama.
• Michael Shayne’s deductive methods and moral compass shine, as does his chemistry with Phyllis Knight.
• The real murderer is found not to be the most obvious suspect, but the local jewel gang—demonstrating the perils of simple solutions in complex crimes.
• In the conclusion, both law and a hint of renewed romance, as old wounds are mended and new beginnings implied.

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For fans of vintage detective stories, “The Malcolm Boyd Case” delivers on atmosphere, suspense, and old-school criminal cunning—a quintessential "radio noir" experience.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Announcer]

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 detectives starring wally mayer and kathy lewis. As San Francisco's favorite private detective. Mike Shane's life has plenty of excitement and drama, but it also has its routine. It is shortly after 9am and the business day in room 1515 rust building begins just as it does in any other office. While Mike opens the morning mail, his sleek and lovely assistant, Phyllis Knight glances at the newspaper. Suddenly Phyllis leans forward in her chair.

[Phyllis Knight]

Good heavens. I can't believe it.

[Mike Shane]

What's the matter?

[Phyllis Knight]

Have you looked at this paper, Mike? About Malcolm Boyd. Malcolm Boyd? Well, I used to know him at college. He took me to the prom once. He was a smooth number.

[Mike Shane]

Too warm a day for me to be jealous.

[Phyllis Knight]

Angel. No, no, no. Listen. Malcolm Boyd, 31, wealthy young socialite of San Francisco, was mysteriously shot to death in his apartment last night. Well, well, Mrs. Mary Boyd, his widow, informed the police that about 10 o' clock she told her husband she was going down to the drugstore for a few minutes. When she returned to their apartment in the Bayview Tower, she discovered the riddle body.

[Mike Shane]

Does it say anything about suspects or witnesses?

[Phyllis Knight]

No, not so far.

[Ward Ritchie]

Hold it, honey.

[Inspector Naumai]

Hold it. Hello?

[Phyllis Knight]

Mike Shane speaking.

[Inspector Naumai]

Mike, you busy right now?

[Mike Shane]

Oh, morning, Inspector. What do you mean busy? I'm always up to my ears.

[Inspector Naumai]

Fine. I got a client here at headquarters for you.

[Mike Shane]

You have? Well, thanks, Inspector, but I've got some odds and ends to clean up.

[Inspector Naumai]

Just a minute, Mike.

[Mike Shane]

Sorry, partner. Oh, oh, by the way, by the way, we were just reading about this Malcolm Boyd killing. You boys at Homicide got any ideas?

[Inspector Naumai]

Yeah, you're one of them, huh? This client is the Malcolm Boyd case. Come on down and talk to him. Or are you still too busy with odds and ends?

[Mike Shane]

As a matter of fact, Inspector, I'm at the end of my odds right now. I'll see you in five minutes.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, here's the Inspector Naumai coming out of his office.

[Inspector Naumai]

Fast traveling kids. You made it in about 8 minutes flat.

[Mike Shane]

Where's your man?

[Inspector Naumai]

In the office. Come on in.

[Mike Shane]

Okie doke.

[Inspector Naumai]

Richie, I want you to meet Mike Shane and Phyllis Knight, friends of mine from way back. Mr. Ward. Richie.

[Mike Shane]

Glad to know you.

[Phyllis Knight]

How do you do, Mr. Richie?

[Inspector Naumai]

The reason I called you in, Mike, is that this department can't help Richie. What he needs is a lawyer and a darn good private detective.

[Mike Shane]

It's about the Malcolm Boyd case.

[Ward Ritchie]

That's right.

[Phyllis Knight]

But I didn't see your name in the newspaper account of it.

[Inspector Naumai]

We didn't give it to the papers, Phil, but they'll get a hold of it soon enough. Oh, pull out some chairs and I'll tell you the story.

[Mike Shane]

Yeah, sure, sure, Inspector.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Thank you.

[Inspector Naumai]

Now, as you know, Malcolm Boyd was shot last night in his apartment, the Bayview Towers. His wife telephoned Homicide. We got there about 15 minutes after the murder. No guns, no clues, no fingerprints, no known enemies, no motives.

[Phyllis Knight]

Perfect murder mystery.

[Ward Ritchie]

Yeah.

[Inspector Naumai]

The girl at the switchboard in the lobby said a man came in and phoned up to Boyd about 9:50pm the elevator boy says he let him off at the six floor apartment is 6:10. And in about 10 minutes the guy went down in the elevator again. The manager happened to be in the elevator this time.

[Mike Shane]

Then you must have a pretty good description of the fellow.

[Inspector Naumai]

Okay, Sergeant, read the description. He was tall, he was short, he was fat, he was thin, What? But here's the payoff. About 30 or 40 minutes before homicide was called in, the apartment house directly across the street was robbed. And close to midnight the thieves were caught. Three men with a grip full of jewels. We figured one of the three might have done the murder across the street. So I got ahold of the apartment manager, the elevator boy and the telephone operator to see if they could identify any of them.

[Ward Ritchie]

This is where I came in. You see, I was at home all the evening. I turned on the radio for the midnight news bulletins. It said, Malcolm Boyd murdered. Malcolm and I graduated from college together and Malcolm married the girl I had hoped to marry. So of course I was interested. I got dressed and hurried right down here to headquarters.

[Inspector Naumai]

The people from the apartment house were sitting in the show up waiting to have a look at these three jewel thieves. Well, Mike, as you know, on a show up for identification, we always add a few innocent people to the line.

[Mike Shane]

Yes, Joe, Assure inspectors so the witnesses won't identify the first man they see.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Right.

[Inspector Naumai]

Go on. I asked one of our plainclothesmen and Richie to stand up with the three robbers. And what happened? The manager, the elevator boy and the telephone operator immediately pick out Ward Richard.

[Mike Shane]

Oh, well, of all things, it's impossible, of course.

[Ward Ritchie]

I've never in my life been inside the Bayview Towers. I was at home all evening till I heard that news bulletin.

[Mike Shane]

I can see it puts you in a spot. You say you knew Malcolm Boyd and his wife was your ex girlfriend?

[Ward Ritchie]

Yes. We were engaged once.

[Mike Shane]

Yet you never went to their apartment, nor were even in the building.

[Ward Ritchie]

I can explain that. Malcolm took Mary away from me. Had a devilish way with women.

[Mike Shane]

I was terribly bitter.

[Ward Ritchie]

I didn't want to see them again. At least not Malcolm. I told him if he ever mistreated Mary, I'd kill him.

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, fine, fine. That'll sound great to a jury.

[Ward Ritchie]

It's a case of mistaken identity. Of course. A terrific coincidence.

[Mike Shane]

And you want me to prove it's a coincidence by digging up the real killer.

[Inspector Naumai]

That's our job too, Mike. But it's less embarrassing if Richie gets his help from outside this department.

[Ward Ritchie]

The inspector tells me that if we don't find the real killer very soon, he'll be forced to arrest me. That would ruin me.

[Mike Shane]

Isn't there just a possibility that Mrs. Boyd herself may have killed her husband?

[Ward Ritchie]

Oh, no, Mary isn't that type. She's refined and gentle. Murder is beyond her.

[Mike Shane]

Mr. Ritchie. I'll take the case on one condition. Where it finally leads must be my responsibility.

[Ward Ritchie]

You mean whoever turns out to be the murderer?

[Mike Shane]

Yes.

[Ward Ritchie]

Well, all right.

[Mike Shane]

Good, good. And now, if you don't mind, I'd like to talk to the inspector.

[Ward Ritchie]

Of course. I guess there's nothing more I can tell you. When you want me, you'll find me in my home. Inspector has my phone number.

[Mike Shane]

Okay.

[Ward Ritchie]

And a pleasure to meet you, sir. And you, Ms. Knight.

[Phyllis Knight]

Thank you.

[Inspector Naumai]

Well, Mike?

[Mike Shane]

Well, Inspector, I'd say you're as much on the spot as Mr. Ritchie. A man has been named by three witnesses, yet you don't make an arrest. What's the DA going to say?

[Inspector Naumai]

I'm not completely dumb, Mike. I've checked up on Ward's story. His houseboy says he got home at 7 o' clock and didn't go out again till midnight.

[Phyllis Knight]

Can you believe his houseboy?

[Inspector Naumai]

I think so, Phil. He's an old time Chinese. They're loyal but truthful. Inspector. Yes, Sergeant? Got something here on the board case. The Universal Cleaning Company just turned it in. Some guy took us in for cleaning this morning. They found some fresh blood stains on the coat and got suspicious. They get the customer's name yeah, it's

[Mike Shane]

right here on this tag, Inspector.

[Ward Ritchie]

The name is.

[Inspector Naumai]

Yeah, I know. Without looking. Ward Richard.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Mike Shane]

Thank you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

At police headquarters, Phyllis watches two worried men pace the floor. Mike Shane and the inspector.

[Inspector Naumai]

Mike. But I've got to arrest Ward Ritchie for the murder of Malcolm Boyd. When three people identify him and a cleaner turns up with his blood stained

[Mike Shane]

suit, it's still circumstantial evidence.

[Phyllis Knight]

Inspector, the simplest thing would be to ask Ward Ritchie if the suit belongs to him. Unless you think he might lie.

[Mike Shane]

If he's the killer, he will lie. Besides, there's one other thing I'd like to do first. I'd like very much to meet Mrs. Mary Boyd.

[Inspector Naumai]

She's still at the apartment. I can drive you out there right now.

[Mike Shane]

Thank you, Inspector. Then let us meet the widow.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Bayview towers, Ms. Evans. Thank you.

[Inspector Naumai]

Oh, Miss.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Yes, sir?

[Mike Shane]

We'd like to see Mrs. Boyd, please. Apartment 610.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Sorry, sir, the police won't allow any visitors.

[Mike Shane]

I'm not a visitor. I'm a private detective.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Those are my orders.

[Phyllis Knight]

Sir, we're with the police. The inspector's outside parking his car. He'll be right in.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Sorry, I'll have to wait for his permission.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hi, Kelly.

[Ward Ritchie]

Give us room 807.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Sorry, sir. Mrs. Jones doesn't wish to be disturbed.

[Ward Ritchie]

Too bad. She's gonna be. Give her a buzz.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

She Cannot be called sir.

[Inspector Naumai]

Listen, sister, this is important. Get me important.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Well, you'll have to take the responsibility.

[Inspector Naumai]

Okay, kids, the elevator this way.

[Phyllis Knight]

The switchboard gal says we can't go up without your permission.

[Inspector Naumai]

You got it.

[Mike Shane]

Come on, honey.

[Ward Ritchie]

That man who asked for Mrs. Jones

[Mike Shane]

at the desk, do you recognize him?

[Phyllis Knight]

Huh? The one getting into the elevator?

[Mike Shane]

No, Only his face looks familiar to me.

[Ward Ritchie]

Hang up.

[Inspector Naumai]

Not. Please, that's us.

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[Mike Shane]

How are you, Inspector?

[Inspector Naumai]

Sixth floor? That's right. Oh, Mike, this is Grant, one of the men who identified Richie.

[Mike Shane]

I see.

[Inspector Naumai]

Fourth floor, please.

[Ward Ritchie]

Yes, sir.

[Mike Shane]

I still like to know who that guy is. It bothers me.

[Inspector Naumai]

Out on six, Apartment is the first one here on the left. Mike.

[Ward Ritchie]

Okay.

[Inspector Naumai]

If I were you, Mike, I'd be a little easy on the questions. Mrs. Boyd is the high tension type.

[Mike Shane]

Okay, okay, I'll watch it.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yes.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Oh, oh, inspector.

[Inspector Naumai]

Good morning, Mrs. Boyd. Mind if we come in and talk a while?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Please do.

[Inspector Naumai]

Mrs. Boyd, this is Mr. Shane and Ms. Knight.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

How do you do? How do you do?

[Inspector Naumai]

Mr. Shane is a private investigator who's also working on this case.

[Mike Shane]

Oh, it's just routine. Mrs. Boyd. I understand you left your husband here in the apartment about 10 o' clock last night. He was gone about 10 minutes. May I ask where you went and why?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

I told him down to the drugstore to get some aspirin. I. I had A headache.

[Inspector Naumai]

I should have told you, Mike. We checked at the drugstore.

[Mike Shane]

I see. And just what was your husband's line of work, Mrs. Boyd?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Oh, must I go through all this again? My husband was wealthy. He didn't have to work.

[Mike Shane]

Oh. And the source of his income?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

It was a trust fund or something. I didn't pry into his business affairs.

[Phyllis Knight]

You mean he just lived at home, a young man of 31, and did nothing?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

We had a very full social life. Oh, Malcolm had an office he went to occasionally. Just. Well, just something to do.

[Inspector Naumai]

You didn't mention that to me, Mrs. Bourne.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

You didn't ask me. He had some office in the Exposition Building.

[Mike Shane]

Mrs. Boyd, how long is it since you've seen Mr. Ward Ritchie?

[Inspector Naumai]

He asked you a question, Mrs. Boyd.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Ward? Why, it's been years. Not since. Well, a long time.

[Phyllis Knight]

Not since you married Mr. Boyd?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

No. But what has Ward to do with all this?

[Mike Shane]

Have either of you two written or telephoned to each other during those years?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Well, one wrote once or twice.

[Inspector Naumai]

You remember what he wrote?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Only that if I ever needed anything or was in trouble to come to him.

[Mike Shane]

And Hadley?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

No. Excuse me, please.

[Inspector Naumai]

Good morning, Mrs. Boyd. Is the inspector still here?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Yes. Come in.

[Inspector Naumai]

It's the apartment house manager, Mike. Morning, Mr. Lockridge. Hello. I stopped in, Mr. Inspector, to ask what you've done with this case. I didn't see anything in the morning papers about Mr. Ritchie. No, we haven't arrested him yet. You haven't? But this is absurd. We all identified him. We'll make an arrest when the time is right, Mr. Lockridge. Well, I hope so. I certainly don't want to see this scandal drag on in the newspapers. It's very bad publicity for the apartment.

[Mike Shane]

Well, in these days of housing. Shorty. Mr. Lockridge, I don't think you'll lose any business.

[Inspector Naumai]

I'm thinking of myself. I've been severely criticized by the owners for permitting such tenants in our house.

[Mike Shane]

Mr. Lockridge.

[Ward Ritchie]

Yes?

[Mike Shane]

Do you remember the color of the suit wad which he had on last night?

[Inspector Naumai]

Yes, it was gray. Well, I've got to get along. I have a man waiting to see me. Oh, Mrs. Boyd, in light of what's happened, I hope you'll make arrangements for other quarters as soon as possible.

[Mike Shane]

Good day.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Precious apartment house.

[Mike Shane]

Mrs. Boyd, getting back to our own problem, it seems to me your attitude is rather uncooperative.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

I answered all your questions after fashion.

[Mike Shane]

Yes, but if you're genuinely interested in solving your husband's death, you can probably give us a good deal of background Information. That's what we've got to have.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

But of course, if I knew anything at all, I'd certainly tell you. I gave the inspector everything I could think of.

[Inspector Naumai]

Mm.

[Mike Shane]

Well, there's one thing you can tell us, Mrs. Boyd. On which floor are the manager's offices located?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Why, I believe on the fourth floor.

[Mike Shane]

I thought so.

[Inspector Naumai]

Now, just what's that supposed to mean?

[Mike Shane]

Inspector, it's so blamed obvious that for once I'm not going to tell you.

[Inspector Naumai]

Yes, sir. Gentlemen, I was glad to help the police. I always say there was something wrong about that Mr. Boyd.

[Mike Shane]

Did he come down to his office much, Gideon?

[Inspector Naumai]

Well, sir, I can't say. I. Janitors mostly. Afternoon and the night time. This janitors door. I get out my keys here. Yes, Mr. Boyd had oceans of money. He was a big man. But I always told my wife, I don't like that look in Mr. Boyd's eye. Someday it's gonna go bad. There, you gentlemen. Thank you, Gideon. Glad to do it. So glad to do it.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, this is certainly a Barney place. Just one desk and two chairs. There's not even a picture on the wall.

[Mike Shane]

Means we have little to search.

[Inspector Naumai]

Nothing on top the desk. I hope the drawers aren't locked.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Huh.

[Phyllis Knight]

Look at this drawer. Theater programs, ticket stubs. List of box holders at the opera.

[Inspector Naumai]

Well, we know he was a social butterfly.

[Mike Shane]

There's a bunch of newspaper clippings. Let me see. Brilliant. Gathering at Carls and Party and Evening at Irene Eggert's. Wow, look at the names. The queen of the town. Van Allen Haven. Crystal Finley, Audrey Dyer. Malcolm Boyd.

[Inspector Naumai]

So he was there.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah. Here's another story. Guests. Beverly Pryor, Joseph Spiegel, Francis Ryland. Malcolm Boyd.

[Inspector Naumai]

Why do you suppose he kept these clickings? To see his name in print.

[Mike Shane]

Well, ask it this way, Inspector. Why all these clippings kept in his business office? It meant dollars and cents to him somehow.

[Phyllis Knight]

Here's another clipping, Mike, marked with a heavy blue pencil. Reception at Lee Strayhorn's.

[Inspector Naumai]

Lee Strayhorn? Hold on, Mike. Remember what happened at Lee Strayhorn's party last month?

[Mike Shane]

Yeah, sure, sure. There was a big jewel. Robert. Oh, honey. Is Boyd's name on that guest list?

[Phyllis Knight]

It says he was to be there.

[Inspector Naumai]

Some of those other names you read, Mike. Van Allen Haven, Francis Ryland. The police are still looking for their missing diamonds. This could make a pattern.

[Phyllis Knight]

You mean Malcolm Boyd might have been a jewel thief?

[Mike Shane]

Not necessarily. But he could have gone to all those social functions to spot jewels for somebody else.

[Inspector Naumai]

I agree. We've had too many Jewel thefts lately for it to be the work of one man.

[Phyllis Knight]

What about those three men who robbed the place across from the Bayview Towers last night?

[Inspector Naumai]

There may be some connection, though. Don't forget the apartment house people all identified ward witches.

[Mike Shane]

Look, we're talking in circles. If Malcolm Boyd was mixed up with a jewel gang, we've got some fast checking to do. And you know where, Inspector?

[Inspector Naumai]

Yeah. Headquarters ROGUES Gallery.

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[Mike Shane]

Howard Wharton, 42, housebreaking.

[Inspector Naumai]

And O', Leary, 23. Hold up an assault, Inspector.

[Ward Ritchie]

Yeah,

[Inspector Naumai]

we'll get to them, Sergeant. Want to finish burglary files first? Yes, sir. Oh, by the way, Inspector.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah?

[Inspector Naumai]

We checked down that suit from the cleaners.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Huh?

[Inspector Naumai]

The guy who took it to them wasn't Richie.

[Mike Shane]

You got a description?

[Inspector Naumai]

Yes, a middle aged man, heavyset. We found out the suit was bought

[Narrator/Announcer]

this morning at a fire sale on Mission Street.

[Phyllis Knight]

Hey, then it was a fake. A plant.

[Ward Ritchie]

Yeah, plant.

[Mike Shane]

And so was the identification of Mr. Richie.

[Phyllis Knight]

You mean the apartment house people? What? Yes.

[Mike Shane]

Let me take a look at this picture. You too, Inspector.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, Mike, it's that man. The one in the lobby. And. And the elevator.

[Mike Shane]

Yeah. No wonder his face was familiar.

[Inspector Naumai]

Ed Collins, 39, jewel robbery, San Quentin, five years.

[Mike Shane]

He didn't just happen to go to Bayview Towers this morning. He was there for a purpose.

[Inspector Naumai]

Ed Collins, jewel thief. Malcolm Boyd, possible jewel spotter. Say things are beginning to string together.

[Mike Shane]

Yeah, but we can't tie a knot in it yet. Inspector, doesn't it strike you a little odd that Mrs. Boyd doesn't know anything about her husband's career?

[Inspector Naumai]

Very odd. He couldn't completely hide it from her. In fact, she might be with the gang.

[Mike Shane]

No, no, no, I don't think so. Richie was right. About her? She's too high class for that.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, but it might explain why she wouldn't give you boys any details. Mrs. Boyd has social position, a family name. She wouldn't admit that her husband was a crook.

[Mike Shane]

There's an angle. Look at it this way. If Mary Boyd knows about the gang, knows who killed her husband, that gang is going to be plenty uneasy about her. They'll try to keep her quiet.

[Inspector Naumai]

Yeah, could be.

[Mike Shane]

Yeah, but they wouldn't risk a second murder in that apartment house. Honey. Honey, we got a job for you.

[Phyllis Knight]

Name it.

[Mike Shane]

Go over to the Bayview Towers and stay with Mrs. Boyd. Don't let anybody trick her into leaving that apartment on any excuse. Don't let her answer the door or the telephone. Tell her what we find out. Try to pump her for the rest of the story, you know, woman to woman.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And where would you gentlemen be?

[Mike Shane]

I don't know yet, honey, but it will be wherever we can pick up Mr. Ed Collins.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, then Mr. Shane was right.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Oh, yes, yes, it's true. I didn't want anyone to know my husband was no good. I. I was going to leave him.

[Phyllis Knight]

He was working with a gang of jewel thieves.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Oh, I don't know who they were. I began to suspect a few weeks ago. I told him he had to give it up or I divorced him. He said he'd talk to them, but they killed him.

[Phyllis Knight]

This is the truth now. No more acting.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Oh, the truth. The truth.

[Phyllis Knight]

Keep away from that phone.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Keep away.

[Phyllis Knight]

I'll get it.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Hello?

[Inspector Naumai]

Mrs. Boyd?

[Phyllis Knight]

Yes. Yes, who is it?

[Inspector Naumai]

You know who. Why didn't you let your husband meet me last night?

[Phyllis Knight]

When? Meet who?

[Inspector Naumai]

You know who. He told you about me. Well, didn't he?

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, I. I don't know which man you mean.

[Inspector Naumai]

He told you about me, didn't he?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

I. Oh.

[Phyllis Knight]

Who is this? Who is it?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Hello? Hello? Hello? Hello? Who was it? What did he say?

[Phyllis Knight]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Let me think. I've heard that voice.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

What did he want? What does it mean?

[Phyllis Knight]

Oh, wait a minute. I know. I remember the man in the lobby. It was ed Collins.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Oh, Ms. Knight. Ms. Knight, I'm afraid. I'm afraid.

[Phyllis Knight]

No, just relax. Just relax. Operator. Operator, get me the police, quickly.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Oh, I'm sorry, ma'. Am. All my lines are busy.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, clear one, this is an emergency. I'm sorry.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

You'll just have to wait.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, I won't wait.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

I'll call you when I'm ready, ma'.

[Inspector Naumai]

Am.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Oh, she cut you off. She wouldn't connect you no.

[Phyllis Knight]

And she'll never connect us. She's one of the gang.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

The door. Quick, quick. Lock it.

[Inspector Naumai]

Just a little too late, ladies.

[Phyllis Knight]

Collins,

[Ward Ritchie]

You know all about me, don't you?

[Inspector Naumai]

Well, introductions won't be necessary then. Pick up your handbag, put on your hat. We're leaving.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In just a moment, we'll rejoin Mike and Phyllis in their adventures. Ladies and gentlemen, we know that many motorists nowadays are complaining about X excess carbon in their engines. And we also know that most of these drivers blame wartime gasoline for their carbon troubles. Now, that's unfortunate, because actually nearly all carbon formed in automobile engines comes from the motor oil. But. And this is the payoff, no two motor oils form the same amount of carbon. For example, it is a proved laboratory fact that Triton Motor oil will form less carbon in your engine than. Than any of the seven leading motor oils sold in the West. Not only that, but Triton motor oil is a 100% pure paraffin based lubricant. The finest kind of motor oil that money can buy. The secret of Triton's superiority lies in Union Oil Company's exclusive propane solvent refining process. A process so valuable that it has been patented by Union Oil Company. So, friends with parts and mechanics as scarce as they are today, why not take advantage of the unusual protection Triton Motor Oil will give you against carbon? You can buy Triton at all Union Oil minuteman stations. Just look for the sign of the big orange and blue 76.

[Inspector Naumai]

Thank you.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Several minutes have passed. Mike and the inspector are hammering on the door of Mrs. Boyd's apartment.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Bill.

[Mike Shane]

Open up, angel. It's Mike.

[Inspector Naumai]

Mrs. Boyne.

[Mike Shane]

Say something's wrong, Inspector. Put your shoulder against the door.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

No.

[Inspector Naumai]

Hill.

[Mike Shane]

Hill, where are you?

[Inspector Naumai]

We better search, Bill. Not in the kitchen, Hill.

[Mike Shane]

Not in the bedroom. Maybe this closet.

[Ward Ritchie]

No.

[Inspector Naumai]

You told her not to leave this apartment.

[Mike Shane]

Where's the phone? Operator. Operator.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Yes, sir?

[Mike Shane]

Did you see Mrs. Boyd and another young lady leave this building?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

No, sir.

[Mike Shane]

All right, get me the manager.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

I'm sorry. The manager is busy.

[Mike Shane]

I said get me the manager. Send him up here in 30 seconds or else.

[Inspector Naumai]

No signs of violence around here, Mike. But surely Phil would leave a note for us.

[Mike Shane]

If anything's happened to that girl, I'll tear this place apart.

[Inspector Naumai]

We shouldn't have fooled around looking for Ed Collins.

[Mike Shane]

We should have come straight here. We would have got him. I didn't think I was sending Phil into any danger. So long as she stayed in the apartment.

[Inspector Naumai]

Easy now, Mike. Easy. You called for me, gentlemen? Lockridge. Yes.

[Mike Shane]

Yes, we're looking for Ms. Night and Mrs. Boyd. You know where they are?

[Inspector Naumai]

Well, not exactly. I saw him walk out of the lobby a few minutes ago.

[Mike Shane]

Not according to your telephone operator. She told me she hadn't seen him.

[Inspector Naumai]

Well, I can't help that. Mr. Lockwich is right, sir. I took him down to my elevator.

[Mike Shane]

You're lying. You're both lying. We sent Ms. Night to this apartment for the express purpose of keeping Mrs. Boyd inside these rooms.

[Inspector Naumai]

All right, don't believe us. I don't care. We've had all we want of notoriety and ill manners from the Boyds and the police department.

[Ward Ritchie]

Hold on.

[Mike Shane]

You Grant?

[Ward Ritchie]

Yes.

[Mike Shane]

Grant, there's just one elevator in this building, isn't there?

[Inspector Naumai]

Yes.

[Mike Shane]

Is somebody running your elevator now?

[Inspector Naumai]

No, I left the door open.

[Mike Shane]

Yeah. Inspector, I hear the hum of an elevator. Where's the dumbwaiter?

[Inspector Naumai]

There's one in the kitchen. Come on, you two. I don't have to.

[Mike Shane]

Oh, yes, you do.

[Inspector Naumai]

There it is. Mike, open the door.

[Mike Shane]

It's going down fast. Phyllis. Phyllis, where's the button?

[Inspector Naumai]

Now.

[Mike Shane]

Now we'll bring it back up again.

[Inspector Naumai]

Stay where you are, Lockridge. You too, Grant. Ah, you guys are all wrong.

[Mike Shane]

Here it comes, Inspector.

[Ward Ritchie]

You ready?

[Mike Shane]

All right, Collins, get out of there. Smart guys, aren't you, Inspector? Yeah. Is Phyllis all right?

[Inspector Naumai]

Yeah, she's found and gagged, but she's all right.

[Mike Shane]

I'll watch these guys. You cut the girls loose.

[Inspector Naumai]

Okay, Mike.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Oh, my.

[Mike Shane]

Oh, angel.

[Phyllis Knight]

Well, it's about time.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

He. He was going to kill us.

[Inspector Naumai]

You boots this up. Lockridge. We told you not to kill Boyd in the apartment.

[Mike Shane]

Shut up, you double crusher.

[Inspector Naumai]

Yeah, I'll shut you up.

[Mike Shane]

Drop that gun, Lockridge.

[Inspector Naumai]

How about it, Mike?

[Mike Shane]

Yeah, he got him, all right. Collins is dead.

[Inspector Naumai]

Okay, Lockridge, now you got two murders to answer for. Come on, let's go. Well, kids, not a bad day's work. Murder solved and the jewelry gang smashed the robbery detail. Ought to buy us a round of drinks.

[Phyllis Knight]

Ms. Phyllis Knight wouldn't be here to enjoy it if you boys hadn't come back to the apartment in the nick of time?

[Inspector Naumai]

Well, you can thank Mike for that, Phil. He figured out the manager was in the deal with Collins.

[Mike Shane]

Sure. Remember Mrs. Boyd told us the manager's office was on the fourth floor and it didn't mean anything to you.

[Phyllis Knight]

Yeah, you said it was so obvious you wouldn't explain it to us.

[Mike Shane]

Of course, Ed. Collins told the telephone operator he wanted to see Mrs. Jones on the eighth floor, but we all saw him get out of the elevator. On the fourth floor. He went straight to the manager's office. That's why the manager barged in on us two minutes later.

[Inspector Naumai]

Yeah, and when Collins asked for Mrs. Jones, that was double talk, because you two kids were standing by.

[Mike Shane]

The thing which really tied it onto the manager was when I asked him the color of the suit Ward which he wore last night, he said gray, which was the color of the suit they bought this morning at a fire sale. Smeared it with blood and fused to try and frame Richie.

[Phyllis Knight]

I see. Plus their phony identification of Ritchie down at the Show Up.

[Inspector Naumai]

Yeah, the manager, the telephone operator and the elevator boy agreed among themselves to identify the same fall guy. And by a thousand to one shot, it happened to be Richie. The one outsider who was interested in the case and who was a favor to me had stepped into the show up box. Pure coincidence. Mm.

[Mike Shane]

But you know, Inspector, the only person I really feel sorry for is Mrs. Boyd. Yeah, she's bad enough to be married to a crook, but then a murder.

[Phyllis Knight]

Ah, don't worry. She'll be all right. She'll get plenty of comfort from our client, Mr. Richie.

[Mike Shane]

Oh, there you go again, cooking up another romance.

[Phyllis Knight]

I don't have to. He's still in love with her. I know that gleam in a man's eyes.

[Mike Shane]

Well, says the expert.

[Phyllis Knight]

Why, of course. Don't I see that gleam often enough?

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Mr. Shane, darling.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, the domestic heating situation is going to be tougher this winter than ever before. All fuel, including oil, coal, gas, coke and wood will be scarce here in the West. In particular, war industries are going to need more fuel for manufacturing. That means you should act now by weatherproofing and insulating where you can and by checking up on your heating equipment in order to conserve fuel next winter. And don't wait for some special fuel which may not be available. Stock up now on whatever kind and quantity of fuel your dealer can let you have. Remember, fuel will be scarce this winter. Be sure you're prepared. 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 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.

[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

You

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Mrs. Mary Boyd]

Go, team.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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[Inspector Naumai]

Com, who's ready for the trust fall?