Philo Vance: Flying Murder Case 02/08/1949

Summary

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Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Philo Vance: The Flying Murder Case (02/08/1949)

Main Theme and Purpose

In this episode, listeners are treated to a suspenseful old-time radio detective mystery starring Philo Vance, “the greatest private investigator in the country.” The story centers on the mysterious murder of an airline pilot, Greg Allen, at an airport, and the investigation that unfolds among a small yet tangled group of suspects, all connected by jealousy and complicated personal relationships.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Developments

1. Setting the Stage: Airports, Affairs, and Tensions

[01:41 – 06:13]

• The drama begins with a tense confrontation between Millard Crane (businessman), Johnny Taylor (co-pilot), and Greg Allen (pilot), over romantic entanglements with Sue Gordon (flight hostess).
  • Johnny accuses Greg of treating Sue frivolously and threatens to expose Greg’s affair with Millard Crane’s wife, Sylvia.
  • “You're only giving her a run around and she's taking you seriously.” – Johnny Taylor ([02:20])
  • Greg shrugs off the threats and proceeds to see his wife, Sylvia, setting up the love triangle and motives for the upcoming murder.

2. Airport Operations Interrupted

[06:13 – 12:00]

• Preparations for the flight to Center City are underway. The dynamic between the primary characters—Greg, Johnny, Sue—remains tense as they board the aircraft with Millard Crane present as a passenger.

  • The flight is delayed due to engine trouble, with Johnny making a pointed remark: “I wouldn’t be so sure that all of us were going to be leaving in an hour.” ([08:49])

• The delayed flight brings all suspects to the same location, setting up the murder:

  • Greg is found stabbed in the pilot’s room with the lights out.
  • “The murderer probably turned them out to delay the finding of the body.” – Philo Vance ([11:30])

3. The Investigation Begins: Interviews and Suspicions

[12:00 – 15:29]

• Philo Vance and District Attorney Markham discuss the facts and begin questioning suspects:

  • Vance astutely observes details: “This room was built for tall men...even the chairs seem to be built to accommodate long legged individuals.” ([12:09])
  • Each of the primary suspects—Johnny, Sue, and Millard—deny involvement, but the evidence remains circumstantial.

• Vance lets all suspects proceed to Center City, intending to observe further.

4. Unraveling Alibis and Motives

[15:29 – 20:22]

• Markham summarizes the situation and the suspects for the audience and Philo Vance revisits their alibis.

• In a private conversation, Millard and Sylvia Crane discuss Greg Allen’s murder, revealing Millard’s paranoia and potential guilt:

  • “If, as you believe, I killed him, it would be only self preservation for me to kill you, too.” – Millard Crane ([19:23])

• Philo Vance confronts Sylvia, confirming her acquaintance with Greg Allen through what is left unsaid (“Thank you for answering that question by not answering it.” – Vance, [20:22])

• Vance trails Millard Crane, discovering his business trip was a facade—he simply went to a movie, not a sales meeting.

5. The Climax: The Hidden Clue

[21:46 – 26:39]

• Reconstruction of the Crime Scene:

  • Vance gathers all suspects in front of the pilot’s reading room. He instructs them to turn the lights on and off, keenly observing their familiarity with the room.
  • Millard Crane, without hesitation, finds the unusual light switch in the dark—a decisive clue.
  • “...he walked into the dark room and without a second's hesitation, snapped them on.” – Philo Vance ([26:08])

• Vance reveals the truth:

  • Millard Crane bribed a mechanic to sabotage the engine, ensuring a delay. During the downtime, he murdered Greg Allen and turned off the lights to hinder discovery.
  • “He has confessed, you know. And so has the mechanic he bribed to fix one of the engines.” – Philo Vance ([25:40])

6. Resolution: Case Closed

[26:39 – End]

• Vance’s deduction rests on Crane’s knowledge of the room—a place only pilots would know well.
• Ms. Deering, Vance’s secretary, sums up the audience’s admiration:
  • “Not that it isn’t always after you explain it.” ([26:50])
  • Vance presents his signature suave closure.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Motives and Manipulation:

  • "You're only giving her a run around and she's taking you seriously."
    – Johnny Taylor to Greg Allen ([02:20])
  • "If, as you believe, I killed him, it would be only self preservation for me to kill you, too."
    – Millard Crane to Sylvia ([19:23])

• Detective Insight:

  • "This room was built for tall men...even the easy chairs seem to be built to accommodate long legged individuals."
    – Philo Vance ([12:09])
  • “Thank you for answering that question by not answering it.”
    – Philo Vance to Sylvia ([20:22])

• Solution Reveal:

  • “...he walked into the dark room and without a second's hesitation, snapped them on.”
    – Philo Vance ([26:08])

• Humor and Wit:

  • "The whole thing was awfully simple though, wasn’t it? Not that it isn’t always after you explain it."
    – Ms. Deering ([26:50])
  • “You may have the rest of the day off.”
    – Philo Vance ([26:55])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Love Triangle & Motive Established: [01:41–03:38]
• Flight Delayed & Murder Occurs: [06:13–11:10]
• Vance Begins Investigation & Interviews: [12:00–14:49]
• Vance Follows and Confronts Crane: [20:02–21:46]
• Climactic Proof in Dark Room: [23:44–24:41]
• Case Solution Explained: [25:08–26:39]

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Episode Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is brisk, witty, and rife with the sly repartee characteristic of golden age radio mysteries. Vance is urbane, observant, and always several steps ahead—moving smoothly from benign humor to sharp deduction, while the supporting cast provides both tension and comic relief.

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Summary Conclusion

This episode of "Philo Vance" delivers a classic whodunit featuring personal jealousies, misdirection, and a satisfying puzzle solved through sharply observed clues and keen psychological insight. Philo Vance’s methodical and urbane approach peels back the layers of deception, with the crucial clue hinging on the murderer's knowledge only a real pilot would possess. The drama is thick with motive and opportunity—making for gripping old-time radio entertainment.

Transcript

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[Millard Crane]

Greg. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. What's all the excitement about? Oh, Jew Johnny.

[Johnny Taylor]

That's right, Greg.

[Millard Crane]

Gus, you realize you woke me up. It's all right if it is.

[Johnny Taylor]

It's the only thing that's all right. Greg, I've got something to talk to you about.

[Millard Crane]

Gonna wait until we're at the airport this afternoon. Seems to me you're my co pilot on the Senate City flight, aren't you?

[Johnny Taylor]

That's right. Only I'm doing you a favor by not talking about this where anybody else can hear. I want you to keep away from Sue Gordon.

[Millard Crane]

Oh, you do? Well, what do you know about that?

[Johnny Taylor]

Don't kid about it, Greg. You're only giving her a run around and she's taking you seriously.

[Millard Crane]

And you don't like your girl taking me seriously. Selfish, aren't you?

[Johnny Taylor]

I wouldn't mind if she meant anything to you. But she's too nice a kid for you to be.

[Millard Crane]

Johnny, I'll see Sue and she'll see me just as often as we like. There isn't a thing you can do

[Johnny Taylor]

to stop that, understand?

[Millard Crane]

Not a thing. Oh, no, I don't like the way you said that.

[Johnny Taylor]

Well, I've got something to say you're gonna like even less if you don't stop seeing Sue. A certain party is going to learn about you and that certain party's wife.

[Millard Crane]

What certain Party.

[Johnny Taylor]

You want names?

[Millard Crane]

Yeah.

[Johnny Taylor]

Okay, you'll get them. The woman's name is Sylvia Crane.

[Ms. Deering]

Oh.

[Johnny Taylor]

And her husband is Millard Crane.

[Millard Crane]

How do you know about Sylvia and me?

[Johnny Taylor]

I made it my business to find out. And I can make it my business to keep quiet about it too, if you keep away from Sue.

[Millard Crane]

We're gonna be a very swelled crew when we fly this afternoon, aren't we? My co pilot is ready to cut my throat over the hostess on the ship.

[Johnny Taylor]

Never mind about what happens when we get in the plane. What happens from now on is what I want to know.

[Millard Crane]

I don't think it over, Johnny boy. I'll scram out of here while I take a shower and get dressed. I think we can make a deal about the Sylvia Crane situation.

[Johnny Taylor]

Good enough. I don't want to hurt her. All I want to do is keep you from hurting Sue.

[Philo Vance]

I know.

[District Attorney Markham]

You said that before.

[Millard Crane]

Goodbye, Johnny. I'll see you at the airport.

[Johnny Taylor]

Yeah.

[Millard Crane]

Seems to me that maybe Sylvia ought to know something about this. Yeah. Certainly thinks you should.

[Sylvia Crane]

Don't bother, darling. Go on with your packing. I'll take it.

[Millard Crane]

Hello, Sylvia? This is Craig.

[Sylvia Crane]

Oh, hello, Barbara.

[Philo Vance]

I get it. Your husband's okay.

[Millard Crane]

This won't take a second. Listen, we'll have to watch our step for a while. I'll explain why I want to see you.

[Sylvia Crane]

Why, certainly, Barbara. Luncheon tomorrow at the Barton Room. I'll be there. Goodbye.

[Philo Vance]

What did Barbara want, Sylvia?

[Sylvia Crane]

Oh, luncheon tomorrow, Millet, that's all. I'll help you finish packing. You won't need more than one shirt, will you, Millard?

[Millard Crane]

I think not, darling. I'll pack the other things I need myself.

[Sylvia Crane]

I'm going to miss you, dear.

[Millard Crane]

No, darling. I'll be back tonight. Get on the plane in an hour. Be at Center City in two. I'll be back before you know. But I like the idea of you missing me. It's good for my ego.

[Sylvia Crane]

If you knew how much I miss you, you'd never be able to get your hat on.

[Millard Crane]

Ooh, that reminds me. One hat. Oh, in the closet there, please.

[Sylvia Crane]

Sure hope you close the deal, darling.

[Millard Crane]

Won't be any trouble.

[Sylvia Crane]

I still don't see why you don't send one of your men. That's what they're for, isn't it? Here's your hat.

[Millard Crane]

Thank you. Yes, I have salesmen and good ones. This is one thing I'm going to take care of myself all by myself.

[Sylvia Crane]

Hurry back, darling. And please take care of yourself.

[Millard Crane]

Oh, I will, Sylvia. Don't worry about that. And I'm not only going to take care of myself, I'm gonna take care of somebody else too.

[Philo Vance]

Flight 22 for Center City now loading at Gate 7.

[District Attorney Markham]

Flight 22 for Center City now loading at gate.

[Millard Crane]

Good afternoon.

[Sue Gordon]

Hello.

[Millard Crane]

Hope you have room for one more on this plane.

[Sue Gordon]

Certainly, sir. Just take any seat at all. I'm Sue Gordon. I'll be your hostess on this trip.

[Millard Crane]

How do you do? My name is Crane.

[Sue Gordon]

Go right in, Mr. Crane. I think you'll find most of the other passengers already aboard. We're about to take off.

[Millard Crane]

Yes, I see the pilot and co pilot coming now. Thank you, Miss Gordon. I'll see you on the pilot.

[Announcer]

Right.

[Sue Gordon]

Oh, Mr. Crane. Hello, Johnny.

[Millard Crane]

Hi, sweet. Customers all on board.

[Sue Gordon]

Practically a full house.

[Millard Crane]

Matter all over me, Sue.

[Sue Gordon]

Of course. Greg, how are you?

[Johnny Taylor]

Leave her alone, Greg. I warned you about bothering sue, didn't I?

[Millard Crane]

She's the only one who knows whether it's a bother or not.

[Sue Gordon]

She knows. Believe me, she knows.

[Millard Crane]

I like the way she said that. Come on, Johnny, let's get this plane started. Okay.

[Johnny Taylor]

I'll see you in a little bit, Sue.

[Sue Gordon]

Do that, Johnny, please.

[Millard Crane]

Duck your head. Low bridge.

[Johnny Taylor]

Don't worry about me. You're gonna have enough trouble looking out for yourself.

[Millard Crane]

Come on in. Tell me all about it, lad.

[Johnny Taylor]

What's gonna scare big Bad?

[Millard Crane]

Me.

[Johnny Taylor]

Skip it. Let's get the plane warmed up.

[Millard Crane]

Thanks for telling me my business. But ahead with the checking.

[Johnny Taylor]

Left and right engine gas Electro valve set.

[Millard Crane]

Check. Control tabs set. Mixture control idle off. Props low pitch. Gyros altimeters set. Battery switch on. Hold it. Think hell boy being held.

[Johnny Taylor]

Okay, ignition switch on.

[Millard Crane]

Here we go with engine number one.

[Philo Vance]

Burn like a kid.

[Millard Crane]

Engine number two. Uhuh. Listen to that. Hand me that microphone.

[Johnny Taylor]

L, Johnny.

[Millard Crane]

I'll get instructions from the control.

[Sylvia Crane]

Thanks.

[Millard Crane]

Flight 22 to control tower.

[Johnny Taylor]

Pilot.

[Millard Crane]

Flight 22 to control tower. Engine missing badly.

[Johnny Taylor]

What do you want us to do?

[Millard Crane]

Hold them.

[Philo Vance]

Control tower to Flight 22. Inform passengers there will be delay while

[District Attorney Markham]

we transfer them to another ship. Inform passengers they will be transferred and flight will be delayed one hour.

[Philo Vance]

That is all.

[Millard Crane]

Well, gentlemen. Boy, cut the engine and tell your girlfriend. Relay that little information to the customers, will you? Tell them we're leaving in an hour.

[Johnny Taylor]

Okay, Greg. Only I wouldn't be so sure that all of us were going to be leaving in an hour.

[Philo Vance]

What I want to know is this, Ms. Dearing. Are you happy in your work?

[Ms. Deering]

In my work? Yes, Vance, I'm very happy. A job with the greatest private investigator in the country. Who wouldn't be happy.

[Philo Vance]

You will forgive me for momentarily reveling in that compliment and secondarily questioning the sincerity of it. Your face sort of belies that happiness.

[Ms. Deering]

You said you might call me last night, Vance. What happened? Did Markham call you about a murder?

[Philo Vance]

No such. Good luck, Ms. Deering. I haven't seen the district attorney in days. Seems that I became involved at dinner over a discussion concerning the merits of modern as against medieval architecture. Quite interesting.

[Ms. Deering]

So interesting that you forgot all about the fact that I was waiting for your call.

[Philo Vance]

You didn't wait too long. You went to the movies and not later than 9 o'.

[District Attorney Markham]

Clock.

[Ms. Deering]

Who told you?

[Philo Vance]

Nobody. There's a single ticket stub from the Kingsway Theatre in your bag. The date is on it and your purse is open. The last feature at the Kingsway starts at 9:00'. Clock. So you see.

[Ms. Deering]

Yes, I see. All right. Vance, does anything ever escape you?

[Philo Vance]

Of course, my dear, many things. Now, inasmuch as I have explained how I knew you didn't wait too long for me, am I excused for last night?

[Ms. Deering]

You were excused last night for last night and you know it.

[Philo Vance]

Hello there, you two.

[District Attorney Markham]

Apparently I'm interrupting something pleasant.

[Ms. Deering]

How are you?

[Philo Vance]

Hiya, Markham. Welcome to our little city. I hope I know why you're here.

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes, you do, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Who was it this time?

[District Attorney Markham]

My friend, what puzzles me is that you don't know. You always seem to be able to anticipate everything. It was an airlines pilot vans man named Gregory Allen. I was on my way to the airport and dropped by to pick you up.

[Philo Vance]

I'm glad you did. What are the particulars, Markham?

[District Attorney Markham]

Well, from what we've been able to gather so far, this Allen was kind of a ladies man. He had a romance going with the airplane hostess, Sue Gordon. And this was resented by her boyfriend, his co pilot, Johnny Taylor.

[Ms. Deering]

That sounds like a nice happy crew. Remind me to travel by train here after.

[District Attorney Markham]

Oh, that isn't all. The dead man also was going around with a woman named Sylvia Crane and her husband was aboard the plane.

[Philo Vance]

You're going a little too quickly for me, Markham. Was Mr. Gregory Allen killed in the plane?

[District Attorney Markham]

No, it seems that when he was about to take off, one of the motors went bad so everyone was to be switched to another plane. That would have meant a delay of about an hour. So Allen went into the pilot's room in the administration building and that's where his body was found. In the pilot's room with the lights out.

[Philo Vance]

The murderer probably turned them out to delay the finding of the body. When did all this happen, Markham?

[District Attorney Markham]

Not 15 minutes ago. I've had all the passengers held, although they're all quite anxious to get to their destinations.

[Philo Vance]

Good. You had the co pilot and the hostess held too, I imagine.

[District Attorney Markham]

Of course, Sergeant Heath is there now.

[Philo Vance]

In that case, Markham, I might say that within a half hour we should be there too. Good day, Ms. Dearing. I have the co pilot and the

[District Attorney Markham]

hostess outside, Vance, just as you asked. Are you ready to question them now?

[Philo Vance]

Not at the moment, Markham. I want to look around this murder room a bit.

[District Attorney Markham]

Of course.

[Philo Vance]

This room was built for tall men, Markham. The top shelf on that bookcase is out of the reach of an ordinary sized man.

[District Attorney Markham]

Pilots are generally tall, Vance, and only pilots were permitted in here.

[Philo Vance]

Yes, I know. That light switch is back pretty far and very high on the wall. And even the easy chairs seem to be built to accommodate long legged individuals.

[District Attorney Markham]

No question about that. Tell me, Vance, how long do you want the passengers held? Some of them are complaining about being held up.

[Philo Vance]

Well, I don't believe I'll have to see them all, Markham. Although I'll know better after I talk to the co pilot. Ask him to come in, will you please?

[District Attorney Markham]

The hostess too?

[Philo Vance]

Might as well.

[District Attorney Markham]

Right, Vance. The co pilot's name is Johnny Taylor and the hostess is Sue Gordon. I'll tell them to come in.

[Philo Vance]

Oh, Mr. Taylor.

[Johnny Taylor]

Yeah?

[District Attorney Markham]

Ms. Gordon. Yes, please come in here.

[Philo Vance]

It's all right, dear.

[Johnny Taylor]

I'll handle everything.

[District Attorney Markham]

Vance, this is Mr. Taylor and Ms. Gordon. Philo, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

How do you do, Ms. Gordon? Tell me something. Were you ever in this room before?

[Sue Gordon]

No. Neither hostesses nor passengers are allowed in here, Mr. Vance. Only pilots.

[Philo Vance]

That means that you've been here, Mr. Taylor.

[Johnny Taylor]

That's right, Vance. You're wasting your time with us. We don't know anything about who killed Greg.

[Philo Vance]

No? What makes you think I ought to believe that?

[Johnny Taylor]

Because there's somebody being held outside who had a real reason for killing him. Millard Crane. Greg was fooling around with his wife.

[Philo Vance]

Oh, that's very interesting. Markham, would you ask Mr. Crane to be out in the hall in a moment, please?

[District Attorney Markham]

Certainly.

[Philo Vance]

I'll get him there, Vance. I understand the late Mr. Allen also liked you, Ms. Gordon.

[Sue Gordon]

Yes, I believe he did.

[Philo Vance]

But you are supposed to be Mr. Taylor's girlfriend.

[Johnny Taylor]

She is my girl. The only reason I told you about Crane was so you'd know who your real suspect is.

[Philo Vance]

Is that so?

[Johnny Taylor]

Yeah.

[Philo Vance]

You'd better stop, Mr. Taylor, because you're beginning to sound like my real suspect at the moment.

[District Attorney Markham]

Vance. Millard Crane. The man you wanted to see is right outside the door.

[Philo Vance]

Good. Come on, Ms. Gordon. All right, Mr. Taylor. Thanks, Markham. Right this way, everybody. Mr. Crane, I want to see you.

[Millard Crane]

And I want to see you, too. I understand it's because of you that we're being delayed.

[Philo Vance]

The delay will only be temporary, Mr. Crane. I've just been told by Mr. Taylor here that your wife and the dead pilot were quite friendly.

[Millard Crane]

You were told that, were you?

[Philo Vance]

Yes.

[Millard Crane]

Well, if they were friendly, Mr. Vance, I didn't know a thing about it.

[Johnny Taylor]

I don't believe them.

[Millard Crane]

You're the young man who told that to Mr. Vance, aren't you?

[Johnny Taylor]

That's right. What about it? You really ought to have proof before

[Millard Crane]

you make a remark.

[Johnny Taylor]

Don't talk to me about proof.

[Philo Vance]

Oh, both of you. I was under the impression that I was conducting this investigation. Let me understand something. Are all three of you going on that flight to Center City?

[Johnny Taylor]

I'm co pilot on the plane and

[Philo Vance]

Sue's the hostess, and I've got to

[Johnny Taylor]

get there on business.

[Philo Vance]

Very well, then. Go ahead, all three of you. You're all free to go.

[Johnny Taylor]

Come on, sue, let's get out.

[Philo Vance]

All right, gentlemen.

[District Attorney Markham]

Vance, I don't think I understand why you let them all go. They were your principal suspects.

[Philo Vance]

That's right. And they're all going to Center City. But they'll all be back. Markham, would you see what you can do about getting me a reservation on that plane?

[District Attorney Markham]

You think you can find out something about this murder in Center City?

[Philo Vance]

Possibly. Besides, I haven't been to Center City in almost a year.

[District Attorney Markham]

This is District Attorney Markham. The flying murder case opened when airlines pilot Greg Allen was stabbed in the pilot's room at the airport. Philo Vance's suspects include Sue Gordon, airlines hostess, her boyfriend, co pilot Johnny Taylor, and Millard Crane, whose wife was friendly with the dead man. Vance took a plane trip to Center City with all three suspects, but has returned to town where he is again in the airlines administration building questioning Johnny Taylor and Sue Gordon.

[Philo Vance]

You see, Mr. Taylor and Ms. Gordon, there isn't anything I can ask you that would help me. But I am quite certain that there is something that you can tell me that will be important.

[Sue Gordon]

I don't know who murdered Greg, Mr. Vance. If I did, I'd tell you. Believe me, I would.

[Philo Vance]

At the moment, I'm not quite as anxious to have you tell me who murdered him as I am to have you supply me with some proof.

[Johnny Taylor]

What does that mean, Vance?

[Philo Vance]

It means I think I know who killed Mr. Allen. Where are you going, Ms. Gordon? Stop so they can't make me talk.

[Ms. Deering]

I won't let them. I'm gonna get out of here.

[Johnny Taylor]

Well, she had nothing to do with the murder, Mr. Vance. She's just scared, that's all. Honest, that's all it is.

[Philo Vance]

That might be the reason she left here so suddenly. It isn't terribly important, though. I can have Markham pick her up almost anytime. Mr. Taylor.

[Millard Crane]

Yeah?

[Philo Vance]

What can you tell me about Mr. Millard Crane?

[Johnny Taylor]

I've told you about Greg and Crane's wife. What else could I tell you?

[Philo Vance]

You might tell me that you saw Crane fooling with one of the motors on the plane that was originally scheduled to take him to Center City.

[Johnny Taylor]

But I didn't. Besides, what would that prove?

[Philo Vance]

It would prove that Crane wanted Flight 22 delayed so he could murder Greg Allen while the new plane was being readied.

[Johnny Taylor]

That means you know that Crane killed Greg.

[Philo Vance]

No, but I can understand how you might want me to think that.

[Johnny Taylor]

Oh, I see what you mean. Look, Vance, maybe I was sore at the way Greg treated Sue, but I wouldn't murder him for that.

[Philo Vance]

No, there have been murders for less reason, Johnny. In fact, this might be one of those murders.

[Sylvia Crane]

You haven't told me anything about your trip to Center City, Miller, darling. Was it successful?

[Millard Crane]

Very, Sylvia, dear. Very successful.

[Sylvia Crane]

I'm glad.

[Millard Crane]

There was a little delay at the airport before I got started, but song.

[Sylvia Crane]

Delay? What sort of delay?

[Millard Crane]

Oh, one of the engines on the plane went bad and we had to wait around an hour.

[Sylvia Crane]

Oh, well, that wasn't too bad, was it, dear?

[Millard Crane]

No, but it seems that while we were waiting around, the pilot on the plane was murdered.

[Sylvia Crane]

The pilot?

[Millard Crane]

Yes. Did you read about it or hear it on the radio?

[Sylvia Crane]

I've been out all afternoon shopping. What pilot was it, Miller?

[Millard Crane]

Oh, dear, please don't be so upset because it was too bad. After all, he was a stranger. He was a stranger, wasn't he, Sylvia?

[Sylvia Crane]

Who was it? Millet. What was his name?

[Millard Crane]

Violence.

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[Millard Crane]

Greg Allen.

[Philo Vance]

Greg?

[Millard Crane]

Oh, you knew him. How unfortunate for him.

[Sylvia Crane]

Millard, did you know I knew Greg Allen?

[Millard Crane]

Did you? Maybe you did know it.

[Announcer]

Millard.

[Sylvia Crane]

You killed Greg.

[Millard Crane]

Oh, please, dear. You're hysterical.

[Ms. Deering]

Of course I'm hysterical. Greg didn't. You killed him.

[Philo Vance]

You killed him.

[Millard Crane]

I wouldn't say I killed him. Philo Vance and the police have three suspects. Of course, I'm one of them. But the other two, Johnny Taylor and Sue Gordon, both had pretty good reasons for killing Greg.

[Sylvia Crane]

I don't care how good their reasons were.

[Millard Crane]

They didn't kill him, you did, Sylvia, dear. You were the principal motive. If any of the three of us killed your friend Greg. And if, as you believe, I killed him, it would be only self preservation

[Philo Vance]

for me to kill you, too.

[Sylvia Crane]

You wouldn't dare. I'll tell.

[Millard Crane]

Yes, dear, you were saying?

[Sylvia Crane]

Nothing. I'd better answer the door.

[Millard Crane]

I think you'd better control yourself and wipe away those tears, don't you? I'll be in the Library.

[Philo Vance]

Good evening, Mrs. Crane. Why, yes, Mrs. Crane, I'm Philo Vance. Is your husband at home?

[Sylvia Crane]

Why, yes.

[Philo Vance]

Would you please tell him I'm here?

[Sylvia Crane]

All right.

[Philo Vance]

Just one moment, Mrs. Crane.

[Sylvia Crane]

Yes?

[Philo Vance]

I notice you're upset. I hope not too upset to corroborate one fact.

[Sylvia Crane]

What is that?

[Philo Vance]

Were you and a man named Greg Allen Friendly?

[Sylvia Crane]

I'll tell Mr. Crane you're here.

[Philo Vance]

Thank you, Mrs. Crane. And thank you for answering that question by not answering it.

[Sylvia Crane]

Millard. Millard, dear, come in. I didn't mean to interrupt you, dear, but Philo Vance is here and he wants to speak to you.

[Millard Crane]

Well, ask him. Come in. I have nothing to hide.

[Sylvia Crane]

Come in, Mr. Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Hello, Mr. Crane. Sorry to have to drop in on you like this, but it was important.

[Millard Crane]

Yes, Mr. Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Mr. Crane, you took a plane to Center City today. Why?

[Millard Crane]

I have business there.

[Philo Vance]

That's the only reason.

[Millard Crane]

Of course.

[Philo Vance]

Did you Transact your business, Mr. Crane?

[Millard Crane]

Yes, as a matter of fact, I did. Why?

[Philo Vance]

Nothing, except that it's very strange where business is being transacted these days.

[Millard Crane]

What do you mean?

[Philo Vance]

Well, after you left the airport at Center City, I followed you.

[Millard Crane]

Yes, I know.

[Philo Vance]

You knew that, did you? Did you also know that I was in back of you when you went to a movie in Center City? Never forgive you for that, Crane. Bad picture.

[Millard Crane]

So I went to a picture show in Center City. And unless that's illegal, Vance, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave.

[Philo Vance]

It isn't illegal. And you may invite me to leave if you like. Of course. But may I extend you an invitation, too? Would you meet me and District Attorney Markham at the airport in exactly two hours? Please.

[District Attorney Markham]

Bring in that airplane hostess, Ms. Williams, and then come back here to take notes, please.

[Ms. Deering]

Yes, Mr. Markham. Ms. Gordon, come in, please.

[Sue Gordon]

Very well.

[District Attorney Markham]

Sit down, Ms. Gordon.

[Millard Crane]

There, that's better.

[District Attorney Markham]

Now then, I have a list of several questions I want to ask you. Ms. Williams will take down your answers, so please remember to tell the truth.

[Sue Gordon]

What do you Want to know, Mr. Markham? I've already told you why I ran away from Mr. Vance at the airport. I was afraid he'd have me arrested, and I didn't want to be arrested.

[District Attorney Markham]

You're not arrested, Ms. Gordon, merely held for questioning. If your answers are satisfactory, you may be released. Now, tell me, were you ever in the room where Greg Allen was found dead?

[Sue Gordon]

Never. That room was only for the pilots. Nobody else was allowed in. I told Mr. Vance that.

[District Attorney Markham]

I just wanted it on the record, that's all. Now, another question. Did you hate Greg Allen because his intentions were not serious?

[Sue Gordon]

No, I didn't. I couldn't hate him.

[District Attorney Markham]

I imagine Johnny Taylor knew that, too.

[Sue Gordon]

What's that?

[District Attorney Markham]

Nothing, nothing. Just Thinking out loud, Mr. Markham.

[Sue Gordon]

What's the reason for these questions? The real reason, I mean.

[District Attorney Markham]

You want the truth, Ms. Gordon?

[Sylvia Crane]

Of course.

[District Attorney Markham]

Well, then ask Philo Vance. We're going to meet him at the airport now. And I have a hunch that this case might hang on your answers to these questions.

[Philo Vance]

Or. Markham. Markham.

[District Attorney Markham]

Hello there, Vance.

[Sue Gordon]

Hello, Mr. Vance.

[District Attorney Markham]

Well, I brought Ms. Gordon to the administration building just as you asked.

[Philo Vance]

Thank you, Markham. And I've brought Mr. Johnny Taylor.

[Johnny Taylor]

Sue, have they done anything to you?

[Sue Gordon]

Of course not, Johnny. Everything's going to be all right, believe me.

[Philo Vance]

I invited Mr. Crane to be here. Markham. In fact, that should be the gentleman in question coming now.

[District Attorney Markham]

And it is. Hello there, Mr. Crane.

[Millard Crane]

Well, let's get this over with. I'm here. Somebody please tell me why.

[Philo Vance]

I will, Mr. Crane. Now, listen, everyone, please. We're standing at the door of the pilot's reading room. In this room, Greg Allen was stabbed to death.

[Johnny Taylor]

Is that supposed to be news, Vance?

[Philo Vance]

Hardly. For purposes of my own, I find it necessary to bring you all here. The lights in the pilot's reading room are off. I'm going to open the door leading to it now.

[Sue Gordon]

Now, this is beginning to be funny, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

I wouldn't start laughing just yet if I were you, Ms. Gordon. I ask you all to look into the room from this doorway.

[Millard Crane]

That's a good trick if you can do it. The room's pitch black.

[Philo Vance]

You can turn on the lights if you like, Mr. Crane.

[Millard Crane]

All right. You want the lights on? Yeah.

[Philo Vance]

Thank you. Now, Johnny, would you go in and turn them off?

[Millard Crane]

Sure.

[Johnny Taylor]

Is that all you want me to do?

[Millard Crane]

There.

[Philo Vance]

Close the door, Markham, please.

[District Attorney Markham]

Of course. Now what, Vance?

[Philo Vance]

Now, Markham, I have proof to convict the murderer of Greg Allen. Markham, you can arrest Mr. Millard Crane. Ready, Ms. Deering?

[Ms. Deering]

With eagerness, anticipation and everything else the secretary is supposed to have no curiosity. Oh, that's standard equipment with gals vans. You know that. By the way, I think I know how you knew Crane was guilty. But I don't know what proof you finally got.

[Philo Vance]

Tell me first how I knew it was Crane.

[Ms. Deering]

Oh, I think I followed that. He had no reason to go to that airport in the first place. In as much as his business trip was a phony. Which you found out by trailing him to a movie in Center City.

[Philo Vance]

That's correct. And now you want to know about the proof.

[Ms. Deering]

Well, for the purposes of our records, yes.

[Philo Vance]

Well, then, if that's the only reason, the explanation isn't important. After all, he has confessed, you know. And so has the mechanic he bribed to fix one of the engines on the plane Greg Allen was to fly.

[Ms. Deering]

Vance, you know, I'm dying of curiosity.

[Philo Vance]

That's different. In that case, listen, who was allowed in the pilot's reading room?

[Ms. Deering]

You mean where Greg Allen was killed?

[Philo Vance]

Mm.

[Ms. Deering]

Nobody but pilots. Of course, everybody kept insisting that all through this case.

[Philo Vance]

That's right. But still, today, when we were out at the scene of the crime And I asked Mr. Crane to please put on the lights, he walked into the dark room and without a second's hesitation, snapped them on.

[Ms. Deering]

Which meant that he'd been there before.

[Philo Vance]

Correct. The light switch was in an unusual position way back on the wall. He'd been there to kill Allen. After he killed him, he snapped off the lights to delay discovery of the body. When he turned on the lights for me, well, that was all the proof I needed.

[Ms. Deering]

Oh, this was an unusual case, Vance. The principal suspect turned out to be the killer. The whole thing was awfully simple though, wasn't it? Not that it isn't always after you explain it.

[Philo Vance]

Thank you, Ms. Deering, for that. You may have the rest of the day off.

[Ms. Deering]

Oh, thank you, sir. Of course, it's after 9 o', clock, but thanks just the same. I think I'll go wash up. Inasmuch as Mr. Millard Crane is all washed up and so is the flying murder case.

[Millard Crane]

It's sa.