Nero Wolfe: The Careless Cleaner 11/17/1950

Summary

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Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Nero Wolfe: "The Careless Cleaner" (Originally aired 11/17/1950)

Episode Date: November 25, 2025
Starring: Sidney Greenstreet as Nero Wolfe
Premise: A woman is found murdered in a New York men's club suite, drawing Nero Wolfe into a web of jealousy, deceit, and misdirection—all wrapped in old time radio’s signature witty banter.

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Episode Overview

This episode features Rex Stout's legendary detective Nero Wolfe and his wisecracking assistant Archie Goodwin as they unravel the mystery behind the murder of a beautiful cleaning woman found stabbed in an exclusive men’s club. At the heart of the case: a troubled artist, his wife, a conniving agent, and a tangle of misdirection that tests Wolfe’s legendary deductive prowess. The tone is peppered with dry humor, sharp dialogue, and a classic locked-room mystery feel.

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Key Discussion Points & Developments

Setting the Scene: Artistic Turmoil and Domestic Strife

• Clay Michelson, a talented but troubled artist, is embroiled in constant quarrels with his wife, Fila Michelson. Suspicions of infidelity lead to dramatic threats and Michelson leaving home for the refuge of his agent and friend, Lou Saunders. (03:02-05:02)
• Michelson exhibits erratic behavior fueled by jealousy and alcohol. He remarks to Fila:

  “I'm through, Fila… stay out of my way. And keep your boyfriend out of my way, too, whoever he is, or I'll kill him.” (03:36-03:47)

The Murder Unfolds: At the Garrison Club

• A cleaning woman, Hilda Lundgren, is found stabbed in Saunders’ suite at the prestigious Garrison Club. The murder weapon: a sharp, distinctive Chinese letter opener owned by Michelson. (08:03-08:42)
• Inspector Kramer enters the picture, questioning all present. Lou Saunders insists:

  “I can't remember where, but the face looks familiar.” (09:04)

• The cleaning woman is described as surprisingly glamorous:

  “Lovely looking woman. Blonde and really built.” – Archie (09:10-09:13)

Suspects & Motives: Love, Lies, and Alibis

Clay Michelson

• Appears heavily intoxicated and disoriented, becomes an immediate suspect due to his proximity and the weapon. He maintains his innocence and claims to have been visiting his wife, though she denies it. (13:14-14:52)

Fila Michelson

• Denies seeing Clay the day of the murder, contradicting his alibi. Under Wolfe’s questioning, she eventually admits to emotional entanglement with another man but says it was over:

  “All right. So I thought I was in love with another man.” (17:25)

• Wolfe warns Fila about the dangers of jealousy:

  “Unreasoning and unjustifiable jealousy sometimes creates the very conditions that it fears.” (28:14-28:23)

Lou Saunders

• Initially reluctant to admit deeper involvement, later revealed to have visited Fila’s home in the afternoon. He and Fila were previously romantically involved, but she ended it. (23:08-23:48)

Clues and Revelation: The Flask and the Poison

Key Evidence

• Michelson’s new flask, claimed to have been purchased that morning and lost, is found in Fila’s apartment—implicating her at first. (20:05-20:15)
• Archie confronts Fila about the flask, believing she is framing Clay. In a struggle, the flask disappears during a blackout. (20:38-20:49)

The Truth Emerges

• Wolfe deduces that Hilda was not killed by the stabbing, but poisoned by drinking from Michelson's flask.
• The killer, seeking to misdirect, stabbed her after death to mimic a crime of passion and point suspicion toward Michelson. Wolfe instructs Archie:

  “Someone advanced a fantastic theory about wiping the blood away... the lack of blood had already made me wonder...[plus] the dilated pupils.” (25:00-25:14)

• Saunders slips up, stating his alibi times that match the actual time of death before police release that information—a crucial self-incrimination. Wolfe confronts him:

  “How did you know she died between one and three?” (26:44-26:55)

Culprit Exposed

• Wolfe lays out his theory: Saunders poisoned the flask to eliminate Michelson and clear his path to Fila. When the cleaning woman drank from it and died instead, Saunders tried to cover his tracks with a staged stabbing, then placed the flask in Fila’s apartment. (27:04-27:38)
• Wolfe signals Inspector Kramer to arrest Saunders, now caught by his own words and fingerprints. (26:35-27:55)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Archie to Wolfe (on their finances):

  “You'd better learn to count. We're broke.” (01:54)

• Wolfe demonstrating his signature impatience:

  “I am unemployed, confound you. It may be a client. And if it is, and we can extract a fee—you follow me, Archie?” (06:13-06:21)

• Wolfe’s deduction:

  “Our cleaning woman was not murdered by the knife found in her body. She was poisoned.” (24:24)

• Wolfe’s lesson to Clay Michelson:

  “Unreasoning and unjustifiable jealousy sometimes creates the very conditions that it fears.” (28:14-28:23)

• Archie’s classic closing lament:

  "A hectic case with two beautiful dames. Michaelson gets one, the undertaker gets the other. And what do I get? Hey, that reminds me. You got a fee? I get paid." (28:43-29:12)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:29-03:02: Introduction of the Michelsons and the setup of marital and artistic tensions
• 08:03-08:42: Discovery of the murder at the Garrison Club
• 13:14-14:52: Clay Michelson pleads for Wolfe’s help while under suspicion
• 16:19-17:25: Wolfe interrogates Fila Michelson about her marriage and possible motives
• 20:05-20:15: Key clue discovered—Michelson’s flask in Fila’s apartment
• 24:24-25:14: Wolfe reveals the true cause of death and lays out forensic evidence
• 26:44-26:55: Saunders incriminates himself by knowing the time of death in advance
• 27:04-28:23: Saunders' plot is fully exposed, and Wolfe delivers his moral lesson to the Michelsons
• 28:43-29:12: Archie concludes with a quip about his luck and his paycheck

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Final Resolution

Wolfe unmasks Lou Saunders as the murderer. Motivated by unrequited love and jealousy over Fila, Saunders attempted to murder Clay Michelson via poisoned whiskey, but the unintended victim was Hilda Lundgren, the cleaning woman. Saunders’ efforts to cover his crime led to his undoing, thanks to Wolfe’s careful analysis and a fatal slip of the tongue regarding the time of death.

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The episode closes with a restored Michelson marriage, Wolfe’s wisdom dispensed, and Archie hoping, in vain, for better luck with women.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Radio Show Announcer]

Wolf which follows transcribed in 30 seconds. What's on the menu at Duffy's Tavern tonight? Well, there's a full serving of laughs with Archie the manager, played by Ed Gardner and his unpredictable friends, Ms. Duffy, Clifton Finnegan and Eddie the waiter. It's Duffy's Tavern later this evening over most of these NBC stations. And this Sunday, the big show comes your way once again with Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, Perry Como, Jose Ferrer, Mindy Carson, Eddie Cantor, Meredith Wilson and his orchestra and many, many more. And of course, your MC once again will be Tallulah Bankhead. That's this Sunday for the big show. Now, ladies and gentlemen, we take you to the most famous brownstone house in New York City, the one located at number 601 West 35th Street.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Want something? Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Would you be interested in taking on a case involving a woman who was found stabbed to death in one of New York's fancier men's clubs?

[Nero Wolfe]

Can't you see I'm already occupied? Archie, my oncidium hybrid is ailing.

[Archie Goodwin]

But sir, Cash C A S H. Remember you need it to live on.

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, you are actually learning to spell.

[Archie Goodwin]

You'd better learn to count. We're broke.

[Nero Wolfe]

Thank you, Mr. Goodwin. Now if you'll just go away and stop interfering. Oh, just a minute.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir.

[Nero Wolfe]

On your way out, switch on the F.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's that one and only man of moods, the most famous detective in modern fiction. That corpulent orchid raising beer drinking gourmet who also happens to be a genius. Rick Stout's incomparable Nero Wolf starring Mr. Sidney Greenstreet. Tonight, Nero Wolf's long suffering assistant Archie Goodwin tells us of the case of the Careless Cleaner.

[Archie Goodwin]

We didn't know Clay Michaelson very well at the time, though Mr. Wolf had hung one of the Michaelson's paintings in the library wall. But then I Guess we should have considered ourselves lucky not to have known him. Or his wife. Fila. Two weeks ago, they had a quarrel.

[Fila Michelson]

Oh. Oh, Clay, darling. I didn't expect you home so soon. I thought you were going to the museum to see the Van Goghs.

[Clay Michelson]

I decided not to, Fila.

[Fila Michelson]

Oh, well, if you plan to paint this afternoon, I'll get out of the studio. I want to run some errands anyway.

[Clay Michelson]

Why don't you make your phone call from here, Fila?

[Fila Michelson]

Phone call.

[Clay Michelson]

Who is he, Fila?

[Fila Michelson]

He?

[Clay Michelson]

Who were you waiting for this afternoon?

[Fila Michelson]

Please, Clay, don't start that jealousy routine again.

[Clay Michelson]

Don't try to kid me.

[Fila Michelson]

You're being stupid, Clay.

[Clay Michelson]

I'm stupid, all right. But I'm getting wise pretty fast.

[Archie Goodwin]

You?

[Clay Michelson]

I'm through, Fela.

[Lou Saunders]

I've had enough.

[Clay Michelson]

I'm leaving you. So stay out of my way. And keep your boyfriend out of my way, too, whoever he is, or I'll kill him. Yes, what can I do for you?

[Radio Show Announcer]

Sleepy?

[Clay Michelson]

I want to have a drink and go to bed. I'm sorry, sir. The Garrison Club's a private establishment. No rooms available to the public. You think I'm drunk? Oh, no, sir.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why?

[Clay Michelson]

Why do you suppose I came here and I'm sure I wouldn't know, sir. I'll tell you why. I came here to see my old pal Lou Saunders, that's why. You know Mr. Saunders?

[Nero Wolfe]

Do I know?

[Clay Michelson]

Look, I paint him. Lou sells them. Mr. Saunders is your agent? I'm Clay Michaelson. Just call Ms. Dishonored.

[Lou Saunders]

Clay.

[Radio Show Announcer]

What in the world?

[Clay Michelson]

Luke, tell this guy who I am.

[Inspector Kramer]

But.

[Clay Michelson]

I'm sorry, Mr. Saunders.

[Lou Saunders]

It's all right, Mr. Martin.

[Clay Michelson]

You see. Let's go have a drink. Yeah.

[Lou Saunders]

Yeah, sure.

[Nero Wolfe]

You know what, Lou?

[Clay Michelson]

I left Fela Hippo.

[Nero Wolfe]

Walked out on her.

[Clay Michelson]

Is there something I can do, Mr. Saunders?

[Lou Saunders]

Yeah, have someone fix a bed in the other room of my suite. Mr. Michaelson will be staying with me, at least.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good night, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, Ajim.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's Friday.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good. Fish for dinner, then?

[Archie Goodwin]

Nope. I was not referring to dinner.

[Nero Wolfe]

You were not? I can think of nothing more interesting at the moment.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, I can? My salary.

[Nero Wolfe]

Of course. According to the Julian Canada, we're on.

[Archie Goodwin]

The Gregorian, so let's stick to it. Today is Friday. Today I get paid.

[Nero Wolfe]

There's a draft.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, don't exist. Exaggerate. You can't be getting the cold shutters just because I'm asking for my money.

[Nero Wolfe]

I can distinctly feel fresh air flowing into the room.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's possible I might have opened a window six inches you're insane.

[Nero Wolfe]

Shut it at once.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nope.

[Nero Wolfe]

Are you trying to blackmail me?

[Archie Goodwin]

Think it might work?

[Nero Wolfe]

Never.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then the window stays open.

[Nero Wolfe]

You're fired.

[Archie Goodwin]

I accept your offer. All you have to do is pay up.

[Nero Wolfe]

I have hired you again.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, Mr. Wolf, you've cleaned out the bank balance again.

[Lou Saunders]

Well, that is.

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, had you seen those Miltonians, would.

[Archie Goodwin]

I have voluntarily given up my paycheck for them? Orchids are very beautiful, Mr. Wolf, but blondes are the door. Archie, I am unemployed, confound you.

[Nero Wolfe]

It may be a client. And if it is, and we can extract a fee. You follow me, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm already on my way to the door, Mr. Wolf.

[Lou Saunders]

I've got to see him at once.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, come in.

[Lou Saunders]

Thank you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolfe. This is.

[Lou Saunders]

My name is Sanders, Mr. Wolf. We've met before.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, I remember. As a matter of fact, you showed me a painting of Michelson.

[Lou Saunders]

Yes, well, that's why I'm here. It's about Michelson, Mr. Wolf, that I've come. Frankly, I. I think the man's about to go mad. He and his wife have split up and.

[Nero Wolfe]

And such a splendid artist too. A pity.

[Lou Saunders]

I don't know what to do. He's drinking like a fish. For two weeks I've been letting him live in part of my suite at the Garrison Club. He's just steadily getting worse.

[Nero Wolfe]

May I try a hospital?

[Lou Saunders]

I can't. The publicity, Mr. Wolf. Clay admired you so that time we all had dinner after the painting transaction, I thought maybe you could talk to him, maybe you could get him on his feet again.

[Nero Wolfe]

Not a doctor, Mr. Saunders, but I'm.

[Lou Saunders]

Sure he'd listen to you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Excuse me, I'm on the Saunders Hear the Wolf speaking.

[Inspector Kramer]

Inspector Kramer.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good evening, Inspector.

[Inspector Kramer]

Got a guy called Lou Saunders at your place, Garrison Club. Said he'd gone to your place.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, he's here.

[Inspector Kramer]

Well, see to it that he doesn't leave until I get there.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hardly do that, Inspector. I have no reason to detain Mr. Saunders.

[Inspector Kramer]

There's plenty of reason. It so happens a woman's just been murdered in his suite.

[Nero Wolfe]

Murdered?

[Inspector Kramer]

Yeah, Ms. Hilda Lundgren.

[Lou Saunders]

What's happened?

[Inspector Kramer]

How will you hold him?

[Nero Wolfe]

Do you know a Miss Hilda Lundgren? Saunders?

[Lou Saunders]

Hilda Lundgren. I've never heard of her.

[Nero Wolfe]

She seems to have chosen your suite to be murdered in.

[Lou Saunders]

I'd better get right over there.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Saunders says to tell you he'll be right over, Inspector.

[Inspector Kramer]

Now listen, Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Good day, Inspector.

[Lou Saunders]

Murdered. Murdered in my suite. Mr. Wolfe, you've got to come with me.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Goodwin will accompany you after the Formality of a retina, Mr. Saunders.

[Lou Saunders]

Oh, anything you say. Here, here, I'll write a check.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good.

[Nero Wolfe]

500.

[Lou Saunders]

500, fine.

[Nero Wolfe]

My friend and assistant, Mr. Goodwin will go with you. I have great confidence in his ability to bring back every detail of a murder, particularly where a woman's invol.

[Inspector Kramer]

Okay, you photographers, picnic tobu for tonight. Pick up your stuff and get out of here.

[Archie Goodwin]

You sound real mean today, Inspector Kramer.

[Inspector Kramer]

Well, if it isn't Nero Wolf's favorite stooge. What are you doing here, Goodwin?

[Archie Goodwin]

I got bored with my knitting.

[Inspector Kramer]

Look, I wasn't asking for humor.

[Lou Saunders]

I'm Louis Saunders.

[Inspector Kramer]

Inspector Saunders. Ever seen that woman before?

[Lou Saunders]

I. Yes, yes, I believe I have. I can't remember where, but the face looks familiar.

[Archie Goodwin]

Lovely looking woman. Blonde and really built.

[Inspector Kramer]

Now she ought to look familiar. She's one of the cleaning women here at the club.

[Archie Goodwin]

She is? Cleaning what? Since one of gals like this been reduced to cleaning floors, what's happening to the world? There ought to be a law.

[Inspector Kramer]

Yeah, there is. She was killed with a knife, or haven't you had time to notice?

[Lou Saunders]

That's not a knife, Inspector Kramer. That's one of Clay's Chinese letter openers. He.

[Inspector Kramer]

What was that?

[Lou Saunders]

Well, nothing, nothing at all. Yes, it is a strange knife.

[Inspector Kramer]

What were you saying? Mr. Saunders.

[Lou Saunders]

Just said that that looked like one of the letter openers belonging to one of my friends.

[Inspector Kramer]

Who is this Clay?

[Lou Saunders]

Clay Michaelson, the artist. You can't possibly think he'd do a thing like this.

[Inspector Kramer]

I think everybody did it until we know otherwise. When were you last up here, Mr. Saunders?

[Fila Michelson]

Me?

[Lou Saunders]

Why, just a little while ago. I changed my clothes just before I went to see Mr. Wolf.

[Inspector Kramer]

She wasn't here then.

[Lou Saunders]

Well, I don't know. I didn't come into this room, just in my part of the suite.

[Nero Wolfe]

Your part?

[Inspector Kramer]

Who occupies this room?

[Lou Saunders]

Mr. Michelson. He's been staying with me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Strange wound, no blood.

[Inspector Kramer]

What do you think you are, Goodwin, a medical examiner?

[Nero Wolfe]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Inspector Kramer]

The killer probably wiped the blood away. Saunders, have you any idea where your artist friend might have run off to?

[Lou Saunders]

I haven't seen Clay all afternoon. He spends a lot of time down in the bar.

[Inspector Kramer]

Well, he'd hardly sit in a bar if he's killed somebody.

[Lou Saunders]

Why would he pick on the cleaning woman?

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, this is no ordinary cleaning woman. Get a load of that figure.

[Clay Michelson]

Watch it.

[Inspector Kramer]

Good one, watch it. You're liable to stretch your brain.

[Fila Michelson]

But you're wrong.

[Lou Saunders]

In spite of everything, Clay's still terribly in love with his wife.

[Nero Wolfe]

He wouldn't where did you get in?

[Inspector Kramer]

Yeah, who's this, Clay?

[Clay Michelson]

We're your friends, Lou. They won't serve me any more liquor down at the bar. I gotta find my flash.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Michelson, may I introduce you to Inspector Kramer of the police?

[Clay Michelson]

Who's this guy?

[Lou Saunders]

He's near Wolf's assistant. Wolf? Police?

[Nero Wolfe]

Well, what do you all want?

[Clay Michelson]

Somebody park overtime? Where's my flask? The one with my initials. I just bought it this morning.

[Inspector Kramer]

Mr. Michelson, do you know that somebody was murdered here in your room?

[Lou Saunders]

Murder?

[Clay Michelson]

Why don't you guys go away and.

[Nero Wolfe]

Joke with somebody else?

[Clay Michelson]

Where's my flash?

[Inspector Kramer]

You better get hold of yourself. I said there's been a murder. Understand?

[Clay Michelson]

Serious?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yep. And I wouldn't be surprised if Inspector Kramer here considers you top suspect. Me?

[Nero Wolfe]

They think I did it.

[Lou Saunders]

You better pull yourself together, Clay. Yeah.

[Inspector Kramer]

Cause I got a lot of questions.

[Archie Goodwin]

Excuse me.

[Clay Michelson]

The phone.

[Inspector Kramer]

I. Sit down, Mr. Saunders. I'll answer it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hello?

[Fila Michelson]

Hello? Hello, this is Fila. Who is this?

[Inspector Kramer]

This is Inspector Kramer. Hello. Hello. Who is Fila?

[Archie Goodwin]

Anyone know?

[Clay Michelson]

Well, that's my wife.

[Archie Goodwin]

Your wife?

[Clay Michelson]

I. I want to speak to her.

[Inspector Kramer]

Come back here, Michaelson.

[Nero Wolfe]

Leave me alone. You're not going anywhere. No.

[Clay Michelson]

Stay back there. You're wrong, Inspector. I am going somewhere.

[Nero Wolfe]

Junior's got a gun.

[Clay Michelson]

Yes, Inspector. You should be more careful about your gun when you shove people.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now look, Mr. Michaels, I see Mr. Wolf myself.

[Nero Wolfe]

Stay back.

[Inspector Kramer]

And you haven't a chance. We'll nab you before you get a block away.

[Clay Michelson]

Then I'll just jerk these phone wires and I'll lock the doors. That should hold you long enough.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good night.

[Nero Wolfe]

M hear. Wolf speaking.

[Inspector Kramer]

Wolf Kramer?

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed.

[Inspector Kramer]

Clay Michaelson may be on his way over there. Hold him until I get there.

[Lou Saunders]

Hold him?

[Nero Wolfe]

Why?

[Inspector Kramer]

Not more than 10 minutes ago he held me up at the point of a gun.

[Nero Wolfe]

Ken, it was my gun. Care. Goodbye. Come in. Mr. Wolf? Yes?

[Clay Michelson]

My name is Clay Michaelson.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, I was rather expecting you.

[Clay Michelson]

You've got to help me. They think I murdered someone.

[Nero Wolfe]

You shouldn't have run away from the police.

[Clay Michelson]

I. I've been drinking a lot, but. But I wouldn't murder anyone. Phila'd tell you that.

[Nero Wolfe]

No way. You see the model in that painting of yours I purchased?

[Clay Michelson]

What difference does that make? I tell you they're after me for murder.

[Nero Wolfe]

You obviously love your wife deeply at the time you painted her.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, here you are, Mr. Wolf. Michaelson.

[Nero Wolfe]

Clay.

[Lou Saunders]

Good Lord, man. The police are on their way over here.

[Nero Wolfe]

He came for my help, Mr. Saunders.

[Lou Saunders]

Oh, I'm glad he did, Mr. Wolfe. But we left Inspector Kramer talking from a phone booth. He'd be here any minute.

[Nero Wolfe]

And we have only a minute to decide why anyone would want to kill a cleaning woman.

[Clay Michelson]

I didn't kill anybody.

[Archie Goodwin]

He was a beautiful woman, Mr. Wolfe.

[Nero Wolfe]

I gathered that, Archie, from your unusual interest in the case.

[Archie Goodwin]

She was stabbed with a letter opener from Mr. Michelson's house.

[Nero Wolfe]

Which might add Mrs. Michelson to our suspect list.

[Clay Michelson]

Fila? You can't suspect Fila.

[Nero Wolfe]

You're very gallant, Michaelson. Just how was this beautiful young cleaning woman, this Ms. Lundgren, stabbed in the heart?

[Archie Goodwin]

Her eyes were wide open, pupils dilated with shock.

[Nero Wolfe]

Details later, Archie Kramer will be here shortly. The moment I would like to know where everyone was.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, Mr. Saunders was here with us. You remember? I don't know where Mrs. Michelson was, but I could go see her and find out.

[Nero Wolfe]

It won't be necessary, Artie. Mr. Magazine, where were you?

[Clay Michelson]

Me? Why, I'm not sure. I can't seem to remember.

[Nero Wolfe]

It's hardly what we would call helpful.

[Clay Michelson]

I was drunk, maybe. I went to Fela's. I've been over there lots this week. Trying to talk to her. I must have gone over there.

[Nero Wolfe]

Have you ever seen the murdered woman before?

[Clay Michelson]

No, I never saw her before in my life.

[Lou Saunders]

I've seen her before, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed, Mr. Saunders. I seem to remember your earlier statement to the contrary.

[Lou Saunders]

Well, I didn't know her name, but when I saw her, I remembered her. I understand she was quite an alcoholic.

[Nero Wolfe]

Unfortunate woman. Beautiful.

[Lou Saunders]

Look who's here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Inspector Kramer.

[Inspector Kramer]

Oh, here you are, Michelson.

[Nero Wolfe]

And as usual, you didn't have the courtesy to ring the bell, Inspector.

[Inspector Kramer]

And give you a chance to get this guy out of here? Nothing doing, Wolf. Now, come on, we're going to headquarters.

[Clay Michelson]

Mr. Wolf, you can't let him take me. I didn't do it.

[Nero Wolfe]

I'm afraid there's not much I can do about it, Mr. Magazine.

[Inspector Kramer]

Come on, you come along too, Saunders. I gotta get a statement from you.

[Lou Saunders]

Of course.

[Inspector Kramer]

This way.

[Archie Goodwin]

Come on. I just got an angle.

[Nero Wolfe]

Really, Archie.

[Radio Show Announcer]

Sure.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's simple. Saunders been going for this beautiful cleaning babe. Clay worms in. Saunders kills her.

[Nero Wolfe]

Perhaps there was jealousy somewhere in this case. Archie, dear. Wolf speaking.

[Fila Michelson]

Mr. Wolf, this is Fe Michaelson. You don't know me, but you once bought a painting from my husband. How glad to see you, Mr. Wolf. You've got to help me.

[Nero Wolfe]

Misses Michelson, have some of this delicious beer. Another can, archie. And now, Mrs. Magerson, may I ask how you found out there was a murder?

[Fila Michelson]

In the first place, a policeman came to see me. He told me what had happened, that they were looking for Clay. I don't know what to think. He's temperamental. He's jealous and he's sometimes violent. But can't imagine anything like this. Not Clay. Maybe some of those friends of his.

[Nero Wolfe]

But you don't care for your husband's friends?

[Fila Michelson]

No. They all live often. They're leeches.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mrs. Magazine, did your husband come to see you this afternoon?

[Fila Michelson]

This afternoon? No.

[Nero Wolfe]

Quite positive? Oh, yes. That was his alibi for the time of the murder. He said he went to see you. Of course, he was fuzzy. Usual effect of alcohol on the brain cells. But, Mrs. Michaelson, might I be a little indiscreet for a moment?

[Fila Michelson]

Indiscreet?

[Nero Wolfe]

Have you been seeing some other man?

[Fila Michelson]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Nero Wolfe]

Please, Mrs. Michelson. I'm afraid your face gives away more than you tell.

[Fila Michelson]

I thought we were here to talk about a murder, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Indeed. But your husband's jealousy might well fit into that category.

[Fila Michelson]

Clay, imagine things.

[Nero Wolfe]

You're a very beautiful woman, Mrs. Michelson. Now, if you will try telling me the truth, perhaps we can accomplish something.

[Fila Michelson]

But I tell you. All right. So I thought I was in love with another man.

[Nero Wolfe]

Your husband suspected but didn't know.

[Fila Michelson]

No, Clay didn't know. He wouldn't have given me a divorce anyway.

[Nero Wolfe]

You sound as though you want your husband back.

[Fila Michelson]

I did, but I didn't even know where he went.

[Clay Michelson]

Indeed, Mrs. Magazine.

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie informs me that the murdered woman was quite lovely.

[Fila Michelson]

What are you trying to suggest?

[Nero Wolfe]

Said yourself you wanted your husband back.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah. One woman jealous of another, that's always murder.

[Fila Michelson]

Why, that's stupid. Clay wouldn't play around with a maid. That stupid tail of me. I'm not jealous of anyone. No one. Do you understand?

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, if you'll see Mrs. Michaelson home.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir.

[Fila Michelson]

Thank you. I can find my own way.

[Nero Wolfe]

I prefer archie. Took you, Mrs. Michaelson. You wanted my help, didn't you?

[Fila Michelson]

I thank you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Thank you, Mrs. Michelson. If you would just wait outside for a moment, please.

[Archie Goodwin]

What have you got in mind, Mr. Wolf?

[Nero Wolfe]

Try exercising your own judgment. Just one, Sergeant.

[Archie Goodwin]

You mean she's the one who's jealous?

[Nero Wolfe]

Perhaps, Archie. Perhaps she may want us to think she was jealous. Perhaps she actually doesn't want her husband back at all. Only to pin a murder on him. You see, in this case, it would be simpler than divorce.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah. Yeah. She might just be trying to get rid of him.

[Nero Wolfe]

She might, Archie. But then she's a woman, so don't count on anything. She might even be telling the truth.

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[Fila Michelson]

This is where I live, Mr. Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nice. Very nice. I like Greenwich Village.

[Fila Michelson]

I'm trying to figure out why Mr. Wolf sent you along with me.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm a sucker for beautiful women.

[Fila Michelson]

I Wonder, Archie, does Mr. Wolf believe me?

[Archie Goodwin]

He hasn't made an official statement yet. Nice furniture and things.

[Fila Michelson]

You sound like an appraiser or. Or someone looking for something.

[Archie Goodwin]

That's because it's November.

[Fila Michelson]

Mr. Wolf sent you to search my apartment?

[Archie Goodwin]

You could be wrong. I don't.

[Fila Michelson]

What's the matter now?

[Archie Goodwin]

Thought you said your husband hadn't been here today. He.

[Fila Michelson]

He wasn't.

[Archie Goodwin]

And what's his flask doing among these papers on the desk? Very prettily decorated with his initials. He was looking for it at the club.

[Fila Michelson]

Flask? I don't know what it's doing there.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yeah, sure.

[Archie Goodwin]

You're trying to help Clay right into the electric chair. His only alibi was his being here this afternoon and you said he wasn't. Then what is his flask doing here? He said he just bought it this morning, so he must have been here today.

[Fila Michelson]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where's your phone?

[Fila Michelson]

You've got things wrong. I don't know anything about that flash.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hey, the lights. Who switched off those lights? Fila. Put those lights on.

[Nero Wolfe]

Put on those lights.

[Clay Michelson]

Oh, all the lights.

[Archie Goodwin]

Get to the lights.

[Nero Wolfe]

That flask Gone. Hear a wolf speaking?

[Inspector Kramer]

Wolf, Where's Fila Michaelson?

[Nero Wolfe]

Fila? Perhaps you may try the Lawson found inspector.

[Inspector Kramer]

Now look, I know she was over at your place.

[Nero Wolfe]

I thought you were interested in Clay Michaelson.

[Inspector Kramer]

Well, I let him and Saunders go for the present. They're clean until I get the medical examiner's report.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh, when will it be ready, by the way?

[Inspector Kramer]

An autopsy takes time, you know that. Where's the Michelson woman?

[Nero Wolfe]

I believe she had a date with Archie. Why do you want her?

[Inspector Kramer]

I'm sure it never dawned on you, Wolf, but this cleaning woman who was killed was supped. Ish. Maybe Mrs. Michelson was the jealous one.

[Nero Wolfe]

Your thinking is beginning to bear an amazing resemblance to arches, Inspector.

[Inspector Kramer]

Also, it maybe never dawned on you that Fela Michelson hasn't offered an alibi for the time of the murder.

[Nero Wolfe]

You're right, Inspector. Yeah, you are.

[Inspector Kramer]

Come on, Wolf, quit stalling. Where's Phila Michaelson?

[Archie Goodwin]

Hmm?

[Nero Wolfe]

What? Oh, I really don't know, Inspector. But perhaps as a last resort, of course, you might try her home. Good night, Inspector. Ah, inevitable. The moment I'm comfortable. Come in.

[Fila Michelson]

Mr. Wolf. Oh, thank heavens you're here.

[Nero Wolfe]

I always am. Where's Mr. Goodman?

[Fila Michelson]

I don't understand how it happened. I swear I don't.

[Nero Wolfe]

What happened?

[Fila Michelson]

I haven't got any idea how it got there.

[Nero Wolfe]

Got where? Calm down, Mrs. Michelson. Now just what got where?

[Fila Michelson]

Clay's new flask. Your assistant, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

He.

[Fila Michelson]

He came home with me, and that new initial flask was there. He thinks Clay was there this afternoon and that I'm trying to frame him or something.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, here you are.

[Nero Wolfe]

She's here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Therefore, this is our gal, Mr. Wolf. She's been lying right down the line.

[Fila Michelson]

I tell you, Clay wasn't there.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then why did you give me this clout on the head and grab the evidence and run?

[Fila Michelson]

I didn't. I didn't hit you. I ran, but I didn't hit you. And I didn't take that flask either.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh.

[Archie Goodwin]

Next thing she'll say there wasn't any flask.

[Nero Wolfe]

Stop gaping at Mrs. Michael Sinatian. Open the door. Yeah, sure.

[Lou Saunders]

Well, Mr. Wolf, they let Clay and me go for the Fela. What are you doing here after your.

[Nero Wolfe]

Visit this afternoon, Mr. Saunders? She decided to come down and see.

[Lou Saunders]

Me after my visit. What makes you think I was at fela's?

[Nero Wolfe]

It was Mr. Saunders, not your husband, who came to visit you this afternoon, wasn't it, Mrs. Michelson?

[Fila Michelson]

I. I don't have anything to do with Mr. Saunders.

[Nero Wolfe]

And might I ask why you called him today?

[Fila Michelson]

I wasn't calling him. I was calling Clay.

[Nero Wolfe]

You told me earlier yourself that you didn't know where Mr. Magazine was.

[Fila Michelson]

Well, all right. So what if it was Mr. Saunders.

[Nero Wolfe]

Who came this afternoon, as he has for many afternoons?

[Lou Saunders]

What are you trying to get at? Mr. Saunders?

[Archie Goodwin]

He and feeler?

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, IJ Mr. Saunders, the artist's friend and agent, happens to be the one who was making a fool of the artist.

[Fila Michelson]

But that's all over. I told him. That's what I was talking to Mr. Saunders about this afternoon. I didn't want Clay to know. Clay would never have come back.

[Lou Saunders]

All right, so it Was feeling me, I admit it. But that's not murder.

[Nero Wolfe]

I suggest that it is, Mr. Saunders. I suggest that one of you two murdered the cleaning woman. Whichever one of you carelessly lift the whiskey flask and feel his apartment, this.

[Fila Michelson]

Is murder, Mr. Wolf. Not a joke.

[Nero Wolfe]

Not at all a joke. You see, our Keening woman was not murdered by the knife found in her body. She was poisoned. What do you mean, not by the knife, poisoned? She undoubtedly drank from Michelson's flask while she was working in his room at the Garrison Club.

[Lou Saunders]

But she was stabbed.

[Nero Wolfe]

True. However, Ms. Lundgren was an alcoholic. Saunders mentioned that and I checked with the club manager.

[Fila Michelson]

But how does that prove there was poison in the flask? That she was poisoned?

[Nero Wolfe]

Archie, would you mind repeating your description of the dead Ms. Lundgren first as to the wound?

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay. There was no blood.

[Nero Wolfe]

Someone advanced a fantastic theory about wiping the blood away. And now, Archie, the description of the body of Ms. Lundgren.

[Archie Goodwin]

I mentioned the fact that her eyes were wide open, the pupils were dilated. Hey, dilated pupils.

[Nero Wolfe]

Yes, Archie, the lack of blood had already made me wonder about the entire affair when you added the dilated pupils.

[Lou Saunders]

What's special about dilated pupils in death?

[Nero Wolfe]

That is a common symptom of poison by a certain vegetable drug of considerable potency.

[Fila Michelson]

But what was the point of stabbing her?

[Nero Wolfe]

The poison did the job. However, the killer later used the letter knife in an effort to deceive the police. However, he unhappily forgot that the dead don't bleed.

[Fila Michelson]

I think you're guessing, Mr. Wolfe.

[Nero Wolfe]

Am I?

[Lou Saunders]

All I can say is that I was at the pool in the early afternoon.

[Nero Wolfe]

Hmm, you're very certain you were at the club pool and the murder was committed, Mr. Saunders?

[Lou Saunders]

Certainly. From one until three.

[Nero Wolfe]

Excuse me, please. Wolf speaking.

[Inspector Kramer]

Inspector Kramer, medical examiner's report just came in this minute. And get a load of this wizard. The dame didn't die of stabbing at all.

[Nero Wolfe]

I know you know. She died of drinking a fatal dose of poison known as deadly night shade.

[Archie Goodwin]

What?

[Nero Wolfe]

How do you know that, Inspector? Do they know what time she died?

[Inspector Kramer]

Time? The Medical examiner says 2:30.

[Nero Wolfe]

Thank you, inspector. Oh, incidentally, if you care to drop over here, you may pick up the murderer. Goodbye.

[Lou Saunders]

I heard him, Wolf. She died at 2:30. As I told you, I was in the pool at 2:30.

[Nero Wolfe]

Which is exactly how you prove yourself a murderer, Mr. Saunders.

[Lou Saunders]

Oh, I proved myself.

[Nero Wolfe]

Even the police didn't know what time she died until just now. And the body wasn't found until the evening. How did you know she Died between one and three.

[Lou Saunders]

I didn't know.

[Nero Wolfe]

But you probably were at the pool at the time the maid drank the poisoned whiskey you put in the flask of your friend Clay Michelson.

[Lou Saunders]

I tell you, you're crazy.

[Nero Wolfe]

You planned to get rid of Clay, who stood in the way of your marrying Fila. When you came back to your room at 3 and found that the maid had drunk it instead you stabbed her with Clay's letter opener to cover up the real cause of the murder and throw suspicion on Clay.

[Lou Saunders]

Oh, this is nonsense. Ridiculousness.

[Nero Wolfe]

Silly man. When you learned that the woman for whose love you were willing to commit murder was through with you, you took Michelson's new flask to feed his home, confident that it would be found there.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, and then he attacked me and stol flask again in order to make it look like Fila had done it.

[Nero Wolfe]

Exactly. Archie. Mr. Saunders, the chances are that your fingerprints will be found on that whiskey flask and they'll be able to trace the poison to wherever you purchased it. The chances are.

[Lou Saunders]

Oh, no, you don't. Careful now, all of you.

[Nero Wolfe]

Guns bore me. Saunders.

[Lou Saunders]

Oh, yeah. I'm leaving.

[Nero Wolfe]

You are.

[Fila Michelson]

Play.

[Nero Wolfe]

Oh, Clay. Yes, Mrs. Michaelson. Your husband has been there for some time.

[Fila Michelson]

Clay, are you all right?

[Clay Michelson]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm all right.

[Nero Wolfe]

Well done, Mr. Michelson. I think you prove that an artist's life may indeed be exciting.

[Clay Michelson]

I have been an awful fool, Mr. Wolf.

[Nero Wolfe]

Mr. Michelson, you might remember for the future that unreasoning and unjustifiable jealousy sometimes creates the very conditions that it fears.

[Fila Michelson]

You're being very kind to me, Mr. Wolf.

[Clay Michelson]

How can we ever thank you?

[Nero Wolfe]

By prompt remittance of your check on receipt of my bill in the morning. Good day, Mr. And Mrs. Mag. Good day, Mr. Wolf.

[Fila Michelson]

Good day.

[Nero Wolfe]

What's the matter, Archie? You look glum.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, I always have the lousiest luck.

[Nero Wolfe]

Meaning?

[Archie Goodwin]

A hectic case with two beautiful dames. Michaelson gets one, the undertaker gets the other. And what do I get? Hey, that reminds me. You got a fee? I get paid.

[Radio Show Announcer]

You have been listening to the New Adventures of Nero Wolf, starring Sydney Greenstreet. Tonight's transcribed story was written by Cheryl Hendricks and based on the famous characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edwin Fadiman program, produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Larry Dobkin as Archie Goodwin and Betty lou Gerson, Howard McNear, Dan O', Herlihy, Vic Perrin and Bill Johnson. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the beautiful archer Don Stanley speaking. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's fun and laughs with the chimes later this evening when Ed Gardner stars in Duffy's Tavern. As usual, Duffy won't be there, but Archie, the manager, will definitely be on hand to spread his whimsical advice where it'll do the most damage. Tomorrow night, there's action on NBC with Herbert Marshall starring as the man called X in another exciting battle against the forces of international intrigue. Next, Sam Spade. Later, William Bendix on NBC.