Choice Classic Radio Detectives: Old Time Radio
Episode: Nero Wolfe – "The Final Page" (03/23/1951)
Date Aired: March 10, 2026
Starring: Sydney Greenstreet as Nero Wolfe

Episode Overview

This episode of Choice Classic Radio features the iconic detective Nero Wolfe in "The Final Page," originally broadcast in 1951. The story kicks off when Wolfe and his assistant, Archie Goodwin, are invited to dinner by the celebrated novelist Arthur Merle. However, instead of an evening of fine dining, they walk into a murder scene. The subsequent investigation centers on a missing manuscript and a mysterious fourth dinner guest. "The Final Page" stands out as a classic locked-room whodunit, brimming with witty banter, tight plotting, and sharp character work emblematic of the golden age of radio detective dramas.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Progression

1. The Invitation and Discovery of the Murder

• [00:47–06:20]
  • Wolfe, complaining about leaving his home and discussing food with Archie, is convinced to attend a dinner invitation by Arthur Merle, a successful novelist.
  • Upon arrival at Merle’s apartment (aided by Cynthia Roberts, the elevator operator), they discover Arthur Merle stabbed, slumped over his typewriter with only page 189 in it.
  • Immediate suspicion is cast on anyone in the building, especially since the elevator operator seems to know everyone's movements.

2. The Initial Investigation

• [06:20–13:02]
  • Inspector Kramer arrives to lead the inquiry, interviewing Archie and Wolfe.
  • The Serve Rite Caterer, Henry Childs, attempts to deliver dinner for four, prompting the detectives to suspect an additional, unidentified guest.
  • Cynthia Roberts, revealed to be Merle’s fiancée as well as the elevator operator, is questioned but doesn't provide much information aside from her relationship with Arthur.
• Quote:
  • “He said he was to serve dinner for four. Well, Arthur, Merle, Archie and myself are only three.” – Nero Wolfe ([09:54])

3. Motives and Manuscripts

• [13:02–16:01]
  • The investigation rules out robbery as nothing of significant value is missing—except Arthur’s new novel manuscript. The only clue: a partial, mysterious page left in the typewriter.
  • Evidence shows the murder likely wasn’t premeditated, given the use of a blunt paper knife.

4. Following the Manuscript’s Trail—Publisher and Publicist

• [16:01–19:12]
  • Archie visits Carlton Morton, Merle’s publisher, and Henry Childs, Merle’s publicity agent.
  • Morton claims ignorance about the novel’s content or any existing copies.
  • Childs leaves, and Morton laments the financial loss of the missing best-seller.

5. Unraveling Lies and a Trap

• [19:12–23:10]
  • An article in the newspaper contradicts Morton’s earlier claim; now he says there is a carbon copy and synopsis.
  • Wolfe orchestrates a trap: Morton announces possession of the manuscript, hoping the murderer will reveal themselves to steal or destroy the incriminating document.
• Quote:
  • “I want you to call the literary editors first thing in the morning. Here’s what I want you to tell them...” – Nero Wolfe ([21:24])

6. The Confrontation and Confession

• [23:12–28:10]
  • At Wolfe’s office, Wolfe, Archie, and Kramer hide as Morton is confronted (at gunpoint) by Henry Childs, revealed to be the murderer.
  • Childs confesses: the novel exposes his blackmail operation, which he couldn't risk being public.
• Quote:
  • “Most of you people in the publishing business know me as a public relations and publicity agent... Actually, I’ve been as successful as I might in this business because a few years ago, I stumbled onto a very neat and foolproof method of blackmail. Unfortunately, Arthur Merle thought of the same thing and based this story on it.” – Henry Childs ([26:22])

7. The Denouement

• [28:10–29:13]
  • Childs, cornered, tries to take his own life rather than be arrested.
  • Wolfe and Archie wrap up, reflecting on the clever ruse they set with blank pages standing in for the manuscript.
  • Wolfe expresses regret that he’ll never learn exactly what the blackmail gimmick was in Merle’s story—a mystery within a mystery.
• Quote:
  • “In a way, though, I wish it hadn’t been just a scheme... I’d like to know exactly what that blackmail gimmick really was.” – Nero Wolfe ([28:41])

Memorable Moments

• Archie’s flirting and Wolfe’s deadpan retorts add humor and texture to their relationship, exemplified by Archie’s interest in the elevator operator and Wolfe’s dry comments.
• Wolfe’s reluctance to leave home for dinner offers comic insight into his character and passions.
• The turning point is when the caterer reveals dinner for four, not three—transforming the dinner party into a critical lead ([09:54]).
• The theatrical trap for the killer, with blank manuscript pages, is classic detective strategy and provides an exciting climax.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• The Murder Discovered: [06:09]
• Dinner for Four Revealed: [09:54]
• Cynthia Interrogated as Key Witness: [12:03–14:23]
• Publisher’s Contradictory Press Release: [22:31]
• Childs’ Confession and Motive Exposed: [26:22]
• Resolution and Wolfe’s Regret at the Unsolved Inner Mystery: [28:41]

Tone and Dialogue

• The episode is marked by witty repartee, especially between Wolfe and Archie (“You don't solve crimes by imagination, Archie.” – Wolfe [14:41])
• Dramatic tension builds as suspects are introduced and ruled out, with a touch of classic detective cynicism and banter throughout.

Conclusion

"Nero Wolfe: The Final Page" stands out as quintessential radio detective fare—sharp, suspenseful, and cleverly constructed. The interplay between a missing manuscript and the real-world consequences of its lost story ties thematically into the plot’s grand reveal. The episode captures the timeless appeal of Nero Wolfe’s methodical brilliance, Archie’s sardonic humor, and the satisfying unraveling of locked-room mysteries for which the series is beloved.