Nero Wolfe: A Slight Case of Perjury 04/06/1951

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Nero Wolfe: A Slight Case of Perjury (Originally aired 04/06/1951)
Release Date: March 24, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Summary by: [Your Name]

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Episode Overview

In this golden-age detective drama, Nero Wolfe and his right-hand man Archie Goodwin are drawn into a web of murder, perjury, and blackmail among New York society. The episode centers on Tom Wilcox, a man recently acquitted of the murder of singer Keith Hansen, who seeks Wolfe's help after surviving an attempt on his life. As the investigation unfolds, secrets and strained loyalties surface, each character desperately trying to protect themselves—and each other—from scandal and suspicion. The episode is a classic Nero Wolfe puzzle, filled with clever deduction, dry wit, and a satisfying twist conclusion.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Case Begins: Attempted Murder and Perjury

• [01:20] Wilcox calls Nero Wolfe's office for help, stating he was acquitted of singer Keith Hansen's murder, only to have a shot fired at him during the call.
  • Archie Goodwin: “He whispered. Someone was at the window. Then I heard a shot and he dropped the phone. Boss, I’m afraid we’ve just lost a cl—” [02:04]
• Wolfe is intrigued—especially as Wilcox was acquitted thanks to an alibi given by socialite Patricia Park, whom Wilcox claims has lied and is a total stranger.

2. Meet the Players: Motives and Alibis

• [04:27] Wilcox arrives, admits the alibi was false, and wants Wolfe to find Keith Hansen’s real killer.
• [06:07] Archie confronts Patricia Park, who quickly admits to lying to save Wilcox from conviction—but for unclear reasons.
  • Patricia Park: “I believe Tom Wilcox was innocent. And I didn’t want him to be sentenced to die, so... I lied. At the trial.” [07:29]
• We meet Patricia’s husband Don Park, her sister Marge King, and Marge’s husband Brad. All are evasive with their alibis for the morning Wilcox was shot at and the night of Hansen’s murder.

3. The Missing Gun and Family Secrets

• The Parks’ .32 caliber gun is missing, presumably used in both the Hansen killing and the attempt on Wilcox.
• Both Archie and Wolfe realize many family secrets are being concealed:
  • Patricia and Marge’s statements don’t fully align
  • Marge and Brad had complicated past ties with Hansen, including hints at blackmail

4. Uncovering Evidence: Letters, Lies, and a Contact Lens

• [14:16] Archie discovers Hansen was blackmailing several women, including Marge King, with love letters found stashed in Hansen’s dressing room refrigerator.
• [15:31] Archie is attacked at Hansen’s apartment; in the scuffle, a small, concave piece of glass—a contact lens—is found, providing the key clue.
• Attempts are made by Marge and Patricia to bribe Archie to drop the investigation, hinting at desperation.

5. The Dramatic Reveal: Whodunit?

• [21:14] All suspects are gathered at Wolfe’s brownstone for a classic wresting-the-truth scene.
  • Wolfe reveals that Marge was once secretly married to Hansen. He held this over her for blackmail.
  • Patricia lied to protect Marge, believing her sister killed Hansen to retrieve the letters.
  • Marge admits she tried to buy the letters back but claims Hansen was shot from another room.
• Wolfe, using the evidence of the dropped contact lens and medical knowledge, implicates Don Park as the true killer:
  • Don’s impaired vision with one contact missing is exposed under cross examination.
  • Don attempts to flee but is apprehended by Archie and Inspector Kramer.
  • Nero Wolfe: “Inspector, Don Park is your murderer. Don't move, Park.” [27:15]
  • Archie Goodwin: “Now. I got his gun, Inspector. He’s all yours now.” [27:39]

6. The Final Puzzle Pieces

• Wolfe explains the subtle clue: The victim’s eyelids were closed, but Marge said his eyes were “wide open”—suggesting someone with medical training (Don) had closed them.
  • Archie Goodwin: “He must have bothered Don too, and he closed them—his medical training, right?” [28:43]
• Motive: Don intended to blackmail Marge himself after learning of Hansen’s scheme and took the money she’d brought to Hansen.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nero Wolfe’s dry humor about beer:

  • “The beer first.” [03:27]

• On the dangers of poking into family secrets:

  • Archie to Marge: “Now, be a good little girl, Marge, and stop trying to act like a Delilah. If you’re innocent, you have nothing to worry about.” [10:59]

• On the futility of bribery:

  • Archie: “Not interested. But I am interested in learning why you lied. Why Tom was shot at this morning, and why you should try to bribe me.” [07:12]

• Wolfe’s explanation of the crucial clue:

  • “A layman would never touch the eyes of the dead. Marge couldn’t. Not even to get back the $10,000.” [28:47]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Time | Segment/Topic | |--------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:16–03:22 | Wilcox’s urgent call and first attempt on his life; Wolfe becomes involved | | 04:27–05:38 | Wilcox’s confession about the perjured alibi | | 06:07–07:29 | Patricia Park admits to lying on the stand | | 08:10–11:08 | Introduction of Marge and Brad King; shifting alibis and suspicions | | 13:18–15:31 | Autopsy report; Archie discovers letters and the contact lens | | 17:03–18:43 | Archie and Tom search Hansen’s dressing room and find letters and bank book | | 21:11–23:40 | The big group showdown at Wolfe’s home; motives and secrets are uncovered | | 26:25–27:32 | Wolfe outs Don Park as the murderer using the contact lens and medical clue | | 28:54–29:49 | Wolfe’s full explanation of the motive and method; case resolution |

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Episode Tone & Style

• Archie Goodwin: Snappy, irreverent, with a skeptical humor.
  • Example: “Be a good little girl, Marge, and stop trying to act like a Delilah.”
• Nero Wolfe: Ponderous, razor-sharp, and slyly indulgent, especially about food and beer.
• The Family: Tense, defensive, desperate to keep secrets close.

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Takeaway

“A Slight Case of Perjury” is a classically twisty Nero Wolfe mystery, where appearances are deceiving, everyone has a motive, and a simple act—dropping a contact lens—leads to the unraveling of a complex murder plot. With layers of family loyalty, social pressure, and blackmail, the episode exemplifies why Rex Stout’s detective yarns remain compelling: the truth emerges not just from clues, but from understanding human nature.

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For fans of classic detective tales, this episode offers all the pleasures—wit, suspense, and a reveal that’s as clever as its famously sedentary sleuth.

Transcript

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[Archie Goodwin]

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[Archie Goodwin]

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[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the ringing of that phone bell brings you mystery adventure.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nero Wolf's office, Archie Goodwin speaking. Just a moment, please. Hey, boss, Mr. Tom Wilcox wants an appointment. How about one o', clock, Archie?

[Nero Wolfe]

No appointments today. I intend to put some dendrobium offsets.

[Archie Goodwin]

One o' clock will be fine, Mr. Wilcox.

[Nero Wolfe]

See the Tom Wilcox who was acquitted yesterday of the murder of that singer, Keith Hansen.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wilcox, are you the Tom Wilcox who. Oh, you are? I say, what does he want with me? Mr. Wilcox, why do you seek Mr. Wolf services? I see. Well, our fee is $1,000 with a retainer of 500. Okay. Oh, yes. Mr. Wolf will see you. What's that? Hey. What was that?

[Nero Wolfe]

Hey.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hey, Mr. Wilcox.

[Nero Wolfe]

How'd you stop shouting? Hey.

[Archie Goodwin]

He whispered. Someone was at the window. Then I heard a shot and he dropped the phone. Boss, I'm afraid we've just lost a cl.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, it's that renowned genius who is the bulkiest, balkiest, most ponderous and most brilliant detective in the world. Yes, none other than that chairborne mass of unpredictable intellect. Nero Wolf, created by Rex Stout and brought to you in a new series of adventures over this NBC network in the person of Mr. Sydney Greenstreet.

[Archie Goodwin]

This episode is one Nero Wolf refers to as a slight case of perjury. It all started with a phone Call from Tom Wilcox and the ensuing shot, which I was sure had brought our newfound income to an early end. Anyway, there was the shot and. Hello, Mr. Wilcox? Hello? Well, boss, I've certainly waited long enough for him to come back to the phone. We may have just lost a nice bankroll.

[Nero Wolfe]

Nonsense. Other clients will rescue us. Now for a cold bottle of beer.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, we're almost out of beer. I better get over there and see what happened to Mr. Wilcox.

[Nero Wolfe]

The beer first.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nero Wolf's office. Archie Goodwin speaking. Oh, Wilcox. You all right? Was that a shot? It was. Huh? I'm glad it missed.

[Nero Wolfe]

Tell him to come right over here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah. You dug the slug out of the wall. We'll come right over, Boss. The police never found the gun that killed Keith Hansen.

[Nero Wolfe]

No gun was found.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wilcox said he thinks he was shot at with a.32. He dug the bullet out of the wall. The murderer of Hanson must now be after Wilcox.

[Nero Wolfe]

If Wilcox is telling the truth, he was acquitted.

[Archie Goodwin]

The society gal, Mrs. Patricia park, established his alibi. Said she was with Wilcox at the time the murder was supposed to have occurred.

[Nero Wolfe]

I read the papers, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where's last night's paper? Wow, boss, look at her picture. Ooh, she's a honey.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, will you get me some beer?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, if you move your arm six and a quarter inches, you can't possibly miss it. Mr. Wolf, this is Tom Wilcox, our new client.

[Tom Wilcox]

How do you do?

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, the red leather chair for Mr. Wilcox.

[Tom Wilcox]

Mr. Wolf, I. I'd like your aid in finding the murderer of Keith Hansen.

[Nero Wolfe]

Me? Why do you suppose you were shot at this morning?

[Tom Wilcox]

I gave a statement to the press last night which was printed this morning, saying that I was going to seek out the killer of Keith Hansen. The killer obviously wants me stopped. Here's the bullet. A.32, I'd say.

[Nero Wolfe]

Why did you go to Keith Hansen's apartment on the day of his death?

[Tom Wilcox]

I went there to tell him to stay away from my sister. We had a fight. The manager came and stopped us. I told Hansen I'd kill him if he didn't lay off. The manager heard this.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then I went home. What time was that?

[Tom Wilcox]

About 8:30. The police claimed I returned to Hansen's apartment and shot him. I couldn't prove I was at home all night. It was going rough for me until Patricia park testified she was with me at the time the crime was said to have been committed.

[Nero Wolfe]

Why didn't you tell the police in the first place that this Patricia park was with you?

[Tom Wilcox]

Well, that's the whole trouble. She wasn't What? Her claim that she spent the hours from 9 till midnight with me was a lie. In fact, I'd never met the woman in my life.

[Nero Wolfe]

Have you contacted Ms. Patricia since your release, Mr. Wilcox?

[Tom Wilcox]

Yes, but she refuses to see me.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, phone Mrs. Patricia park and tell her that you must see you at once for her own good. Time is of the essence.

[Archie Goodwin]

And what else can you tell me, Mrs. Park?

[Patricia Park]

Mr. Goodwin, I haven't anything more to say than I've already said.

[Archie Goodwin]

All I want is a simple answer as to why you lied about being with Tom Wilcox.

[Patricia Park]

Well, Tom Wilcox is a very fine man, but he isn't telling you the truth.

[Archie Goodwin]

Did you commit the murder and succeed in establishing your own alibi by swearing you and Tom Wilcox were together 10 miles from the scene of the crime?

[Patricia Park]

I did not.

[Archie Goodwin]

You own a gun?

[Patricia Park]

Don has one around.

[Archie Goodwin]

Who's Don?

[Marge King]

Don's my husband.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh. Is he here?

[Patricia Park]

I doubt it. He's never here. Spends most of his time at the bookies throwing away every cent he can get his hands on. I've had to cut his allowance to practically nothing.

[Archie Goodwin]

Doesn't he work?

[Patricia Park]

No, he studied medicine. Gave it up. He was an illustrator for years, but gave that up when his eyes were burned in a plane crash.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where's the gun?

[Patricia Park]

It's in the desk. It used to be in here.

[Archie Goodwin]

What caliber?

[Patricia Park]

I don't know.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where were you at 10 o' clock this morning?

[Patricia Park]

Why? I think I was with the cook.

[Archie Goodwin]

Someone fired a shot at Tom Wilcox this morning through the window.

[Marge King]

No. Oh, no.

[Patricia Park]

Archie, please don't continue with this investigation.

[Marge King]

Please.

[Archie Goodwin]

How well did you know Keith Hanson?

[Patricia Park]

Not very well. But enough to realize he was no good. Mr. Goodman, if you drop this case, I'll give you $1,000 cash.

[Archie Goodwin]

Not interested. But I am interested in learning why you lied. Why Tom was shot at this morning, and why you should try to bribe me.

[Marge King]

You must stop, for your own sake.

[Archie Goodwin]

How will it benefit me to step out of it?

[Patricia Park]

The killer tried to stop Tom Wilcox. You might be may not miss this time.

[Archie Goodwin]

Go on. Why have you been protecting Wilcox?

[Patricia Park]

I believe Tom Wilcox was innocent. And I didn't want him to be sentenced to die, so. So I lied. At the trial.

[Archie Goodwin]

He told us today he'd never seen you before.

[Marge King]

That's true.

[Patricia Park]

But he looked so innocent, so. So clean and good and decent.

[Archie Goodwin]

That's not very believable. If you don't think Wilcox killed Hansen, who do you think did it?

[Patricia Park]

Please believe me, Archie.

[Marge King]

I don't know.

[Patricia Park]

I don't. I tell you.

[Marge King]

Hi Sister. Hey, what's the matter? Are we intruding?

[Patricia Park]

Oh, hello, Marge. Brad, come in. This is Mr. Goodwin. My sister and brother in law, Marge and Brad Keane.

[Archie Goodwin]

How do you do?

[Marge King]

Hello. What gives? And who's Mr. Goodwin?

[Patricia Park]

A private detective, Marge. I've just explained to Mr. Goodwin that I wasn't with Tom Wilcox at the time of Keith Hansen's murder.

[Marge King]

Pat? Why did you tell him that?

[Brad King]

Mr. Goodwin, I hope you will not use this knowledge against Pat.

[Archie Goodwin]

Did you all know Keith Hanson?

[Patricia Park]

Yes, and my husband and Keith went to school together.

[Brad King]

Keith, Don and I were on the same polo team.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where were you at the time of the Hanson murder, Mr. King?

[Patricia Park]

He and Don John were attending a horse show at Madison Square Garden. Marge and I didn't want to go. We stayed here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where were you at 10 this morning, Mr. King?

[Brad King]

Why, I had an appointment with my dentist. Dr. Flagg, Rockefeller Center.

[Archie Goodwin]

And you, Mrs. King?

[Marge King]

I was shopping. Ilsa's Salon. A sale on dresses. I owe this questioning, Marge.

[Patricia Park]

Someone tried to kill Tom Wilcox this morning.

[Marge King]

What?

[Archie Goodwin]

May I use the phone, Mrs. Park?

[Patricia Park]

Yes, of course. First audio left.

[Archie Goodwin]

Suppose you try to find the gun.

[Patricia Park]

Marge, that gun is missing from the desk.

[Tom Wilcox]

I haven't seen it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Do you know the caliber, Mr. King?32, I think.

[Marge King]

It must be in the house.

[Archie Goodwin]

For your sake, I hope you find it.

[Nero Wolfe]

Near. Wolf speaking.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie.

[Nero Wolfe]

Boss, you should have reported long ago. She must be very pretty.

[Inspector Kramer]

Pat park admits she lied. She claims now she was with her sister, Marge King. Marge and her husband Brad have alibis and all have alibis for this morning. I'll check them before I return.

[Nero Wolfe]

Where were they the night of the Hanson murder?

[Inspector Kramer]

Well, Brad and Don park, that's Pat's husband, were at the Madison Square Garden horse show. Pat and Marge were together here at the house.

[Nero Wolfe]

Impossible to verify the Madison Square alibi at this date. Check all the rest and come home for lunch. It's Oysters Rockefeller.

[Inspector Kramer]

Has Inspector Kramer arrived yet?

[Nero Wolfe]

He has and left the police records on the Hanson murder. He has taken the bullet Wilcox brought to be checked at ballistics.

[Inspector Kramer]

Good. Pat had a.32 caliber gun on the desk in the library. It's now missing. And boss, Pat just offered me $1,000 to quit the case. When I refused, she said if I didn't lay off, something might happen to me.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh, dear me, that would be most upsetting, eh? After lunch I want you to visit the late Keith Hansen's apartment.

[Archie Goodwin]

Bye.

[Marge King]

Before you join the others, Mr. Goodwin, I want to talk to you.

[Archie Goodwin]

All right. Close the door, Marge.

[Marge King]

Pat didn't mean anything when she offered you money, Archie. And she wasn't threatening you. Honest, I'm convinced.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why the pressure?

[Marge King]

Well, why don't you sit down here by me?

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay. What's on your mind, huh?

[Marge King]

Archie, I can add another thousand to what Pat offered. Wouldn't that be enough? Archie, I can give it to you right now. Brad will write a check.

[Archie Goodwin]

Does Brad want me to stop too?

[Marge King]

He said you couldn't be persuaded.

[Archie Goodwin]

Every one of you seems to have had a reason for killing Hanson. None of you apparently liked it. Now, be a good little girl, Marge, and stop trying to act like a Delilah. If you're innocent, you have nothing to worry about.

[Marge King]

You're stuffy. I hope you do get hurt.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thanks a million. Now, let's join the others. Well, Pat, did you find the gun?

[Patricia Park]

I can't find it anywhere. Mr. Goodwin, this is Dun park, my husband.

[Archie Goodwin]

How do you do?

[Nero Wolfe]

How are you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Have you seen the gun, Mr. Park?

[Don Park]

Not for ages. You're a detective, eh?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah. May I ask where you were this morning about 10?

[Don Park]

Why? Frankly, I was at my bookies.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where's that?

[Don Park]

I can't tell you, but I'll call him and you can check it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Were you and Brad together at all times during the horse show the night of Keith Hansen's murder?

[Don Park]

No. Brad wandered away a couple of times and I saw some people I knew.

[Brad King]

You know how it is. We'd meet at intervals.

[Patricia Park]

Archer, you're wasting your time. None of us is guilty. I made a fool of myself, that's all. Tom Wilcox was such a decent man that I hated to see him have to pay for taking Keith Hansen's rotten life.

[Don Park]

If a man's guilty, why should you butt in? You never use your head.

[Marge King]

Pat is one person who thinks of others before herself.

[Patricia Park]

Marge, forget it.

[Don Park]

Now you've got private detectives snooping around. What are you after, Goodwin? Who are you working for? Why don't you let my wife alone? The case is closed, isn't it?

[Patricia Park]

Maybe, Don, this just makes it more interesting to Mr. Goodwin.

[Don Park]

As a matter of fact, I think you all know more than you're telling. I still think Tom Wilcox killed him. And there's only one reason why Pat should protect him.

[Patricia Park]

Don, that's enough.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nice, happy family suffering all the torments of a guilty conscience, is that it?

[Brad King]

What are you trying to do, Mr. Goodwin, get your nose poked?

[Archie Goodwin]

Not exactly.

[Brad King]

If not, you'd better leave.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, Mr. King, I'll run along. Mr. Wolf will be anxiously waiting to hear about this. So long,

[Nero Wolfe]

Pet box Cook. Ready, fighter alibi by 10 o' clock this morning. Then what about the other alibis?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, Brad's dentist said that he didn't get to Brad until about 10:30. His appointments had run over. He wasn't sure if Brad was there at 10 or not. The nurse was out at that time. Marge's alibi is no good. That mob at else's, the saleswomen wouldn't have known their own mothers. Don's alibi checks if we can take the word of the bookie.

[Nero Wolfe]

Don and Pat then are the only ones who have alibisa checked, huh?

[Archie Goodwin]

That's right. Are these the reports Inspector Kramer brought? Keith Hanson's body showed obvious signs of battery. Lips were swollen and lacerated. Clothes disarranged. Knuckles of the right hand were skinned, nose fractured. Major contusion over the right eye and the eyes were closed.32 caliber bullet was embedded in the left chest wall. Wow, what a battle.

[Nero Wolfe]

I am of the opinion that Hanson was battered by two different people. I think someone arrived after Wilcox was thrown out by the manager. And this someone gave Hanson another meeting.

[Archie Goodwin]

Really, boss?

[Nero Wolfe]

Come, let's have dinner. Then you must get over to Hanson's apartment.

[Archie Goodwin]

Boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, Arty? What have you found at Hanson's place?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, the desk yielded one thing of interest. Keith's address book. And Marge's name is in there. Apparently he'd known her before she was married. When she was Marge Van Cott.

[Nero Wolfe]

I see.

[Archie Goodwin]

A married named King was added in a different colored ink. Pat's phone number's there and of course, Don's and Brad's office numbers. There are a few bills, but no letters, no clues.

[Tom Wilcox]

Sure, boss.

[Archie Goodwin]

I've combed the place. Isn't it? Hey, wait a minute. I'll call you back.

[Nero Wolfe]

Who's there? AR you know I dislike the banging of doors. Sign of ill breeding. Arie, what happened to you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Target for tonight, Archie Goodwin.

[Nero Wolfe]

Your forehead's bleeding. You better have Fritz fix it.

[Archie Goodwin]

My head can wait. Some guy certainly surprised me at Hanson's. Creased me on the forehead. Good thing I snapped off the lights. He emptied his gun at me. He scuffled and he got away. And then I dug his slug out of a chair. I think it's a.32. But look at this, boss. A little round piece of glass. Found it on the floor.

[Nero Wolfe]

It's very small, very smooth and concave or convex in shape. Half an inch diameter.

[Archie Goodwin]

Watch crystal?

[Nero Wolfe]

Don't think so. The edges are too smoothly ground. I'll examine it under a magnifying glass.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'll get it, boss. Oh, hi, Tom. Come in, Mr. Wilcox.

[Nero Wolfe]

Boss.

[Tom Wilcox]

Archie.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hey, what's happened to you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Somebody tried to scalp me.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good evening, Mr. Wilcox.

[Archie Goodwin]

The red leather chair.

[Nero Wolfe]

Tomorrow, Archie. Please finish your report. Did you notice anything else of importance at Hanson's apartment?

[Tom Wilcox]

Is that where this happened?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah. Well, there were dozens of gals. Photos scattered around.

[Nero Wolfe]

Photos, eh? But no letters, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Not a one.

[Nero Wolfe]

There must be some letters, Archie. Love letters. Wherever we have girls, photos and telephone numbers. I assure you, they're bound to be love letters. That is what we must find. Then we'll have a motive.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, but where do I look, huh?

[Nero Wolfe]

Go to Hanson's dressing room in the curb diable. I have just phoned the place. A female singer is substituting for Hanson, but she won't arrive until supper hour. Mr. Wilcox, accompany Mr. Goodwin, if you please. Keep your eyes open. I need the boy.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then you do love me, boss. Come on, Tom, let's look at this Club Diablo.

[Tom Wilcox]

Well, I fixed it up with the stage doorman here. This is Hanson's dressing room.

[Archie Goodwin]

What a layout. Dressing room's fancier than most of the Met stars get.

[Tom Wilcox]

Hanson fixed it up himself. Bar, refrigerator, hot plate, television set.

[Archie Goodwin]

He could live here. Some of this stuff could be the new girl singers.

[Tom Wilcox]

I don't think so.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, let's get to work, Tom. Take the drawers and his dressing table first.

[Tom Wilcox]

What are we looking for, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf says the motive. It means letters. There's nothing here. Nothing in the desk. New singer must have cleaned it out for her things.

[Tom Wilcox]

Nothing in the books.

[Archie Goodwin]

Don't pass up that refrigerator.

[Tom Wilcox]

Nope. Empty. Hey, there is something here. Back of the ice cube trays. Come here.

[Nero Wolfe]

Wow.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf said there had to be letters. And so there are letters. Lots of them. Hey, here's one from Marge. And another. Look here. Really confidential letters from a dozen society gals.

[Tom Wilcox]

There's something else in the bank.

[Archie Goodwin]

A bank book. How do you know? A singer like Keith didn't make this much.

[Tom Wilcox]

No, that kind of money didn't come from crooning.

[Archie Goodwin]

This guy Keith was really shaking these babes down.

[Tom Wilcox]

Archie, someone's coming. Listen.

[Archie Goodwin]

Quick, behind the door and grabbing Dustalites.

[Marge King]

Run, Marge, run.

[Narrator]

Hold it, Mom.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's you two.

[Marge King]

You dirty rat. Higgin woman. What are you and Archie doing here? The letters, Archie, you found them. Archie, please give me those letters.

[Archie Goodwin]

Don't touch. I'll just put them safely away in my pocket. Besides, you didn't write all of these.

[Marge King]

Give them to me. At least give me my letters.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'll tell you what you go on home and stay there and we'll leave it up to Mr. Wolf. Tom, take him outside. I want to use his phone.

[Tom Wilcox]

Come along, ladies. Let us oblige. Mr. Goodwin.

[Brad King]

I'll meet you at the stage door.

[Tom Wilcox]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Right.

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[Archie Goodwin]

Hey, the lights. Who's there?

[Don Park]

Put the phone up. Good one.

[Archie Goodwin]

Who are you?

[Tom Wilcox]

Archie, what happened? Are you hurt? Here, let me help you.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm all right, I guess. Oh, my head. Did you see anybody?

[Tom Wilcox]

No.

[Nero Wolfe]

No, I didn't.

[Tom Wilcox]

I shouldn't have left you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Turn out the lights. Before I saw him, he whispered, got away with all the evidence. Where are the girls?

[Tom Wilcox]

I sent them home in a cab.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, let's get over to Mr. Wolf. This is tough luck. If I'm not mistaken, his next move will be to have a little get together with all concern.

[Tom Wilcox]

Come on,

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie. The door, I guess, are arriving.

[Archie Goodwin]

Excuse me, Tom. Come in. Inspector Kramer.

[Nero Wolfe]

A good one. Good Evening, Inspector. Well, Mr. Wolf got the killer. You said you'd hand him over to me this evening. In time, Inspector. You know Tom Wilcox.

[Archie Goodwin]

Of course.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Wilcox.

[Tom Wilcox]

Good evening, Inspector.

[Nero Wolfe]

What about the ballistics report, Inspector? The bullet was shot from the same gun that killed Hanson. And that gun, I am certain, came from the home of Pat and Don Parks. Marge and Brad King also had access to it. I have one more bullet here, Inspector. And one fired at Mr. Goodwin. I'm sure it was also shot from the same gun. However, it isn't important now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Isn't important? It almost cost me my life.

[Nero Wolfe]

You can make it into a charm if you wish. Inspector Kramer, before our other guests arrive, I must tell you that Mrs. Park lied on the witness stand. She was not with Tom Wilcox at the time Keith Hansen was murdered. In fact, they were absolute strangers.

[Archie Goodwin]

What?

[Nero Wolfe]

Sit down, Inspector. Four other guests are due to arrive any moment. Well, four of the other guests. Patricia and Don Park, Marge and Brad King, one or all is involved in the Hanson murder. Archie, do any of these people wear spectacles?

[Archie Goodwin]

Nope.

[Nero Wolfe]

None of them.

[Tom Wilcox]

Do you know why this person killed Hanson, Mr. Wolf?

[Nero Wolfe]

First of all, Hansen was a blackmailer. The girl, Marge, was the current victim and let his Hanson held with a threat. I'll explain later.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, then, Pat must have thought that Marge killed Hanson to get the letters. And she lied on the stand to save Tom's life because she believed Tom was innocent.

[Nero Wolfe]

Where's this March King?

[Tom Wilcox]

I'll have her picked up.

[Nero Wolfe]

Sit down, Inspector. Archie, I believe our guests are arriving now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Come in, come in.

[Patricia Park]

Hello.

[Don Park]

How are you?

[Nero Wolfe]

Good evening, Archie. Cheers. Inspector Kramer, Patricia and Don Park, Marge and Brad King. And this is Tom Wilcock, who we've

[Marge King]

met at the Club Diablo this afternoon.

[Nero Wolfe]

All right, Mr. Wolfe, which one is it? Patience, Inspector. One of these five people is the murderer of Keith Hanson. A killer.

[Don Park]

What is this nonsense?

[Archie Goodwin]

Please sit down. Mr. Wolf speaking. Go ahead, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

Any one of you had sufficient motive to have committed the Hanson murder. Not one of you has established a bona fide alibi. You, who are actually innocent must tell the truth or you should all suffer as accessories after the fact.

[Marge King]

Mr. Wolf, you're wasting your time.

[Nero Wolfe]

Maud, several years ago, you were secretly married to Keith Hanson. It lasted but one week. You gave Keith the money to get a divorce from you at Mexico. He didn't. Which made you a bigamist. When you married Brad, Keith was all set to blackmail you. He knew your husband. Brad was worthy.

[Tom Wilcox]

Marge, is this true?

[Marge King]

Yes. Please, Brad. I thought he got the divorce.

[Brad King]

If I'd known that, I would have killed Hanson myself.

[Nero Wolfe]

Maybe you did kill him. One moment, Inspector. Patricia, you lied on the stand to protect Tom Wilcox here because you believe your sister Marge was guilty of Hanson's murder. Why did you believe her guilty? Were you at the scene of the crime?

[Patricia Park]

Marge, it's time to tell the truth and clear all this up.

[Don Park]

You won't be satisfied until you're in jail.

[Nero Wolfe]

Will you shut up?

[Archie Goodwin]

Be quiet, please. Go ahead, Marge.

[Marge King]

All right. Keith Hansen was shot from the bedroom while I stood talking to him in the living room.

[Archie Goodwin]

You went there to buy back your letters?

[Marge King]

Yes. Pat drove me to his apartment There was no place to park, so she said she'd drive around the block until I came out. That's why she's never been sure whether I killed him or not.

[Patricia Park]

That's right. Because I feel I might have shot him if I'd been in your place. Because of what Hanson did.

[Nero Wolfe]

What was it he did, Keith?

[Marge King]

Hanson demanded $10,000 in exchange for the letters. Pat loaned me the money so Brad wouldn't know what.

[Don Park]

Is that true, Pat? You loaned her 10,000?

[Marge King]

I got to Keith's apartment about 9:30. He looked awful. He obviously had been in a fight. The room was messed up and his nose was bleeding.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes. Gone.

[Marge King]

He went to the bedroom to get the letters and came back saying they were gone. I didn't believe him. Keith said he knew who had taken them and he'd have them back by morning. He grabbed the money from me and put it in his pocket. He was just about to tell me who took the letters when there was a shot from the bedroom door. Keith Hanson fell to the floor, but I didn't see anyone. I wanted to get my money from his coat pocket. Pat's money. I couldn't touch him. His staring wide open eyes were horrifying.

[Archie Goodwin]

I ran and I ran.

[Tom Wilcox]

Poor baby.

[Brad King]

Why didn't you tell me?

[Nero Wolfe]

I think you're lying, young lady. You took the gun from your sister's desk. And when Keith Hansen didn't produce the letters, you deliberately shot him. You didn't even offer him any money. You kept it yourself.

[Marge King]

No, I didn't. I didn't. Oh, Pat, don't believe him.

[Brad King]

Inspector Kramer, she's innocent. I know who did it.

[Marge King]

Oh, no, Brad, Stop. Brad, what are you saying?

[Archie Goodwin]

All right, all right, break it up.

[Don Park]

Yeah, so do I know, Brad, that's

[Archie Goodwin]

why you left the horse show.

[Don Park]

I thought you were guilty all along.

[Brad King]

All right, Inspector, now you know.

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't get this, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

Inspector, ladies and gentlemen, please. First, which of you had some medical training?

[Don Park]

Medical training? Keith Hanson and I both want a medical school.

[Nero Wolfe]

Why, that is most enlightening, Mr. Bart.

[Patricia Park]

Marge and I were nurses aides during the war.

[Nero Wolfe]

Then perhaps you can interpret this medical phraseology for me. These few lines from this little medical book. Archie, hand it to Dunpop, will you?

[Patricia Park]

Read it, please?

[Nero Wolfe]

The top of page 75,

[Don Park]

it says the form of pernicious anemia commonly found in the human is.

[Nero Wolfe]

Now, Don, hold your hand over your right eye and read on.

[Archie Goodwin]

What? Huh?

[Don Park]

Also common to the many.

[Nero Wolfe]

Lower. Now cover the left eye and read with the other.

[Don Park]

What is this?

[Nero Wolfe]

Go ahead,

[Don Park]

Many, many lower animals. And. And this. This light isn't so good.

[Nero Wolfe]

Step close to me. Yes, thank you. Mr. Park, here is the contact lens for your right eye. I am sure you've been tremendously handicapped without it all day. Inspector Dun park is your murderer. Don't move, Park.

[Don Park]

Keep away.

[Patricia Park]

I warn you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Stop that gun, Park.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now. I got his gun. Ar Inspector. He's all yours now.

[Nero Wolfe]

Okay, come on.

[Don Park]

Okay, Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

But I'll get out of this.

[Nero Wolfe]

You trapped yourself, Don, by your contact lens. He dropped from your eye during the scuffle with Archie in the Hanson apartment this afternoon. And the gun Archie just took from you is undoubtedly the murder weapon. And the gun that fired the bullets at Wilcox and Archie today.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hey, Tom, are you all right? There's blood on the side of your head.

[Tom Wilcox]

Just grazed my scalp. You and I must have hard heads.

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, that's that. Thanks so much, Inspector, for dropping in. Come again, won't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

This was a rough day's work, boss.

[Nero Wolfe]

Send me an Archie, please.

[Archie Goodwin]

Right. Hey, what was that business about the medical training?

[Nero Wolfe]

Maud said the body of Keith had staring wide open eyes preventing her from touching the body. But the police found the eyelids closed. How did they get closed?

[Archie Goodwin]

He must have bothered Don too, and he closed him his medical training, Right?

[Nero Wolfe]

A layman would never touch the eyes of the dead. Marge couldn't. Not even to get back the $10,000.

[Archie Goodwin]

Here's your beer. Why did Don do all this, boss?

[Nero Wolfe]

Obviously, he learned of Hanson's blackmail scheme and was trying to force him to agree to split Marge's $10,000. Don was quite startled a minute ago to learn that Pat, his own wife, put up the money. However, when they heard Marge arriving, Don stepped into the bedroom, found Marge's letters in there and must have hidden in the closet.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then, as Keith Hanson was about to speak Don's name, Don shot him and took Marge's money. Of course, he planned to carry on a blackmailing of Marge himself, thinking the money would come from Brad.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, and you are warming that beer with your hot glue hands, Boy. Please. There you are. You've had a rough day. Beaten twice and lost to interesting women. Tonight you may open your bedroom window.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good night, Army.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to the new Adventures of Nero Wolf, starring Sydney Greenstreet. Tonight's transcribed story by Gladys Williams was based on the characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edwin Fadiman production, produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin and Mary Lansing, Gene Bates, Paul Marion, Barney Phillips, Ken Peters, and Bill Johnstone. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the lost heir Don Stanley.

[Tom Wilcox]

Speaking.

[Narrator]

Three chimes mean good times on NBC.

[Howie Mandel]

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[Don Park]

Com.

[Howie Mandel]

That's globalgamingleague. Com in partnership with Level Up Expo.