Philo Vance: Murdock Murder Case 12/14/1948

Summary

Podcast Summary: Philo Vance – Murdock Murder Case (12/14/1948)

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Date: June 27, 2026
Featured Detective: Philo Vance

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Episode Overview

This episode of Philo Vance immerses listeners in the world of thoroughbred stables, where jealousy, suspicion, and blackmail lead to a double murder. Philo Vance, with his trademark wit and logical prowess, teams up with District Attorney Markham to solve the deaths of horse trainer Edward Burke and exercise boy Pinky Rice at the prestigious Murdoch stables.
The story weaves together sharp character exchanges, a clever radio quiz show twist, and classic detective deduction, epitomizing Golden Age radio’s engaging mystery format.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: Life at the Stables

• Key Characters Introduced:
  • Edward Burke: Head trainer, honest but under pressure.
  • Carol Murdoch: Wealthy, tough stable owner.
  • Billy Alberts: Star jockey with a dangerous reputation.
  • Phil Dexter: Burke's cash-strapped assistant.
  • Pinky Rice: Eager exercise boy, aspiring jockey.
• Notable Scene (01:43–02:20):
  • Pinky returns from exercising a horse, hoping for success and dreaming of racing ("I sure wish she was my horse, Mr. Burke. Sure wish she was. I sure wish I was riding her in a race, too.")
  • Friendly banter and subtle threats between Burke and Alberts hint at tense relationships.
• Conflict Established: Burke knows damaging secrets about jockey Alberts and faces veiled threats:
  • "Open that mouth of yours out of turn sometime, pal. And I'm telling you now, I'll close it for you permanently." — Billy Alberts (03:00)

2. Tensions Boil Over: Suspicions and Threats

• Overhearing and mixed loyalties are established.
• Burke tries to alert Carol Murdoch about Alberts’ dishonesty, only to be threatened with job security and hints of silence—possibly permanent:
  • "So you won't talk? Not as long as you're in my employ, you won't. And if you ever leave my employ, well, perhaps it might be arranged that you won't talk anyhow." — Carol Murdoch (05:07)
• Phil Dexter is desperate for a loan, admitting he broke Murdoch’s no-betting rule:
  • "I need it bad, Mr. Burke. A couple of bets I made went haywire." — Phil Dexter (06:39)

3. Murder at the Stables

• While Vance and Markham enjoy friendly banter and quiz shows, the murder occurs.
• Announcement: Burke is found shot with a .45 at the stables. (10:08–10:27)
  • "A man named Edward Burke. He was a horse trainer shot with a .45 automatic about 15 minutes ago at the Murdoch stables." — Ms. Henderson (10:19)
• The timing of the murder aligns with Jockey Billy Alberts being heard on a radio quiz show, apparently giving him an alibi (9:00–9:43).

4. Investigation: Interviews and Alibis

• Vance and Markham interrogate suspects at the Murdoch home: Alberts, Murdoch, and Dexter.
• Carol Murdoch is picked up for speeding and being near the scene, complicating her position (14:02).
• Billy Alberts claims ironclad alibi via radio show appearance but is evasive:
  • "Any idea who might have killed him?" – Markham
    "Search me. He had an assistant who had ambitions. A guy named Phil Dexter." — Billy Alberts (12:55)
• Phil Dexter provides his version; Pinky was heading in town, happy for a date, seen just before the murder.

5. Second Murder: Pinky Rice

• News breaks that Pinky Rice has been found murdered, shot with the same weapon, likely to silence him (17:55–18:20).
• "A body has just been found about 10 miles from where you are now—shot in the head by a .45 automatic... It was an exercise jockey employed by the Murdoch stables. His name was Pinky Rice." — Ms. Henderson (17:50)

6. Blackmail, Confrontation, and The Quiz Show Ruse

• Billy tries to blackmail Carol over her threats to Burke and suspicions about the crime, but she turns the tables:
  • "Did you kill him to protect me, too?" – Billy
    "No. That's not saying. I might not have if I thought it would stop him from talking, though. You see, that's the way I feel about you, Billy." — Carol Murdoch (21:48)
• Vance brings all suspects together and asks odd questions blending gun knowledge and music trivia, designed to catch inconsistencies tied to the quiz show alibi (24:47–25:58).

7. The Solution: Unmasking the Murderer

• Vance deduces that Pinky, not Billy, was on the radio quiz, providing a false alibi for Billy.
• Confronted, Billy panics and tries to escape but is thwarted by Carol’s timely intervention with a vase (26:22).
• Resolution: Vance explains the ruse and exposes Billy’s motive—killing Burke to avoid being exposed and Pinky to prevent blackmail. (27:11–28:29)
  • "All I knew was that Alberts was on the radio when Burke was killed." — Markham (27:11)
  • "Oh, that wasn't Alberts at all. It was Pinky establishing an alibi for Billy Alberts. That's the reason Alberts had to kill him." — Philo Vance (27:18)

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Billy’s Threat:
  "Open that mouth of yours out of turn sometime, pal. And I'm telling you now, I'll close it for you permanently." — Billy Alberts [03:00]
• Carol’s Icy Warning:
  "So you won't talk? Not as long as you're in my employ, you won't. And if you ever leave my employ, well, perhaps it might be arranged that you won't talk anyhow." — Carol Murdoch [05:07]
• Vance’s Deduction:
  "Oh, that wasn't Alberts at all. It was Pinky establishing an alibi for Billy Alberts." — Philo Vance [27:18]
• Final Showdown:
  "You're not saddling me with any murder rap. Not when I got two legs and this gun to get me not." — Billy Alberts [26:22] "Thank you, Ms. Murdock. I'm afraid the vase you hit him with is pretty well shattered, though." — Philo Vance [26:32]

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Important Timestamps

• 01:43: Stable life and jockey tensions established
• 05:07: Carol Murdoch issues a veiled threat to Burke
• 10:19: Murder of Burke is announced
• 12:55: Vance and Markham interview Billy Alberts
• 17:55: Discovery of Pinky’s body is reported
• 24:47–26:07: Vance questions suspects; key deduction sequence
• 27:11–28:29: Vance reveals the solution and exposes Billy Alberts

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Tone & Style

The episode blends snappy dialogue, classic noir suspense, understated humor, and clever plotting—with Vance’s calm, methodical approach contrasting with the suspects’ edginess and bluster. The final unmasking is both logical and dramatically satisfying, encapsulating what made radio detectives beloved.

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Conclusion

This Philo Vance adventure highlights the power of logic, the dangers of leverage, and the intricate web of relationships behind seemingly straightforward crimes. A compelling listen for mystery fans and a textbook case of detective radio drama craftsmanship.

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Transcript

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[Edward Burke]

Okay, Pinky, climb down off her back and throw a blanket over her. How'd she do?

[Pinky Rice]

Well, she went a little slow in her turn, Mr. Burke. She sure opened up plenty good when I got her into the stretch. Plenty good? She's a winner, this horse is.

[Edward Burke]

Ah, Ms. Murdock will be glad to hear that.

[Pinky Rice]

I sure wish she was my horse, Mr. Burke. Sure wish she was. I sure wish I was riding her in a race, too.

[Edward Burke]

You'll ride someday, Pinky. All jockeys have to be exercise boys to start. Well, take the filly over to her stall and rub her down, will you?

[Pinky Rice]

I sure will, Mr. Burke. Sure. Like this here. Hoist. Come on, princess. Come on, attic girl. Gotta get you over to your stall and pitch you up some nice clean

[Butler/Assistant]

Sprite to sleep on.

[Pinky Rice]

Please juke and get some sleep.

[Billy Alberts]

What's so funny, Burke?

[Edward Burke]

Oh, hello, Billy. Didn't hear you come into the stable.

[Billy Alberts]

Yeah, I don't make much noise. I'm so small you can hardly hear me. Fact is, when I was in school, I had to keep yelling or I'd be marked absent. Nobody could see me. Well, why aren't you laughing at that?

[Edward Burke]

It's not terribly funny, Burke.

[Billy Alberts]

Sometime you're gonna learn that when a star jockey tells a gag, it's a good thing of a horse trainer laughs it up. Especially if the star jockey happens to be friendly with the trainer's boss. Like I am with Ms. Murdock.

[Edward Burke]

How long do you think you'd be friendly with Ms. Murdock, if she knew as much about you as I do.

[Billy Alberts]

Not long. Only there's a couple of ifs you want to remember. One of them is if she believed you. And the other one is if you had nerve enough to rat on me. I'll be the talking type, Burke. Open that mouth of yours out of turn sometime, pal. And I'm telling you now, I'll close it for you permanently.

[Pinky Rice]

Miss Murdoch will see you now, Mr. Burke. This way, please.

[Edward Burke]

Thanks, Andrew.

[Pinky Rice]

She's in the library. Seemed a bit disturbed that you were calling, sir.

[Edward Burke]

Most people are disturbed when you come over to tell them things for their own good.

[Pinky Rice]

I wouldn't know about that, sir. Please go in.

[Philo Vance]

Thanks.

[District Attorney Markham]

Very good, sir.

[Edward Burke]

Miss Murdock.

[Carol Murdoch]

Well, what is it, Burke? What is it?

[Edward Burke]

Oh, I thought perhaps you hadn't heard me come in.

[Carol Murdoch]

The butler announced you opened the door for you. I heard you say my name. And you thought I didn't know you were there.

[Edward Burke]

You seem so occupied in that book, I didn't know.

[Carol Murdoch]

If the book were interesting, I wouldn't have seen you at all. Well, what is it, Miss Murdock?

[Edward Burke]

It's about Billy Albert, your jockey.

[Carol Murdoch]

What about him?

[Edward Burke]

He isn't honest, Ms. Murdock. I know that for a fact. I thought perhaps you wouldn't want him riding for you if you knew about him.

[Carol Murdoch]

Oh, you thought that, did you? Mr. Burke, what is it that you're paid to do?

[Edward Burke]

Train your horses? Breed them? Run your training farm?

[Carol Murdoch]

Not to question my judgment of people.

[Edward Burke]

Well, hardly, Ms. Murdock. I never intended to do that. All I wanted to do was tell you something you didn't know.

[Carol Murdoch]

What makes you think I didn't know? I'm a little surprised that you knew, but that isn't too difficult a situation to remedy. After all, you do work for me.

[Edward Burke]

Yes, Miss Murdock.

[Carol Murdoch]

So you won't talk? Not as long as you're in my employ, you won't. And if you ever leave my employ, well, perhaps it might be arranged that you won't talk anyhow.

[Butler/Assistant]

Pinky.

[Carol Murdoch]

Hmm?

[Butler/Assistant]

Pinky.

[Pinky Rice]

Yes, sir. Mr. Phil. How are you tonight, sir?

[Butler/Assistant]

All right.

[Phil Dexter]

You seen Burke?

[Pinky Rice]

I sure have. He's in his office. Looks like the moon fell down on him. Gonna go see him?

[Phil Dexter]

Yep.

[Pinky Rice]

Well, don't get in any mood like he's in. Been in it all day too. Hey, as long as you're as his assistant out here, maybe you could do some assistant. In the trouble he's having. Maybe that wouldn't be a bad idea, huh?

[Butler/Assistant]

Might not be at that.

[Phil Dexter]

Hey, you're pretty dolled up for an exercise boy. Where you going, Pinky?

[Pinky Rice]

Got me new suit, new tie and the same old girl. I'm stepping out tonight, Mr. Phil.

[Butler/Assistant]

Go ahead, Pinky.

[Phil Dexter]

Only watch that step a little.

[Pinky Rice]

I sure will, Mr. Phil. I sure will. Tonight's tonight. Yes, sir. Tonight's tonight.

[Edward Burke]

Come in.

[Phil Dexter]

Evening, boss.

[Edward Burke]

Oh, hello, Phil. Come in.

[Phil Dexter]

Say, you've got the lows, Mr. Burke. What's wrong?

[Edward Burke]

Nothing very much. Nothing you can help me with, I suppose. Well, what's on your mind, Phil?

[Phil Dexter]

I need some money, Mr. Burke.

[Philo Vance]

Thousand dollars?

[Edward Burke]

Who doesn't?

[Phil Dexter]

I need it bad, Mr. Burke. A couple of bets I made went haywire.

[Edward Burke]

You've been betting on horses, Phil.

[Phil Dexter]

Well, I thought they were horses when I made bets on them. I haven't got a thousand bucks, Mr. Burke. You gotta lend it to me.

[Edward Burke]

You know, Ms. Murdock has a rule about her employees betting on horses.

[Phil Dexter]

Oh, now, look, I don't want a lecture. I want the money. You can get it and take it out of my pay. The Murdoch girl will give it to you if you ask for it.

[Edward Burke]

If I ask for it? Maybe she will. But I'm not going to. In fact, I don't know why I shouldn't tell her that you've disregarded her orders about betting.

[Phil Dexter]

I wouldn't do that, Mr. Burke. That way I'd never get the money I need, would I?

[Edward Burke]

No, but that's your problem. I can't worry about you and me, Phil.

[Phil Dexter]

No, I. I guess you can't. But that being the case, Mr. Burke, maybe you'd better do some extra worrying about.

[Philo Vance]

Sit down, Markham. Sit down. Nice to have you drop in on me this evening.

[District Attorney Markham]

Thank you, Vance. I got through at the office and thought I'd come in here after dinner. You know, this business of being a district attorney has many complications, Vance, and only a few compensations. One of them is you.

[Philo Vance]

Well, very pretty compliment, Markham. Thank you very much. May I add to that speech that my profession of private investigating could very easily become a chore without the incentive of the cases you've called me in on.

[District Attorney Markham]

Okay, we're even. And now to the purpose of my call.

[Butler/Assistant]

Yes?

[District Attorney Markham]

Could you take the evening off to go over to the club for a game of billiards?

[Philo Vance]

I'd like to, Markham. I'd like to very much. Just give me a second to slip out of this robe and into a coat. Turn the radio on if you like.

[District Attorney Markham]

I will. Oh, I've got a new three cushion shot to show you. That's Terrific, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Not fair. You've been practicing.

[Butler/Assistant]

Very good, very good. And now for your last question, sir. What is the capital of the state of Maine? Now tell me quickly, before a gust of wind comes into the store.

[Philo Vance]

What have you got there, Martin?

[District Attorney Markham]

A quiz show, apparently.

[Butler/Assistant]

No, no, no. No coaching, please. No help from the audience. Come on now, sir. The. The capital of the state of Maine. Augusta. Wind will come into the studio.

[Billy Alberts]

Augusta.

[Butler/Assistant]

That's right. That's right.

[Philo Vance]

Lots of fun, these quiz shows, Markham.

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes, I enjoy them. Let's listen for a moment, Vance.

[Butler/Assistant]

All right now, everybody, we're ready for our next contestant. Your name, sir?

[Pinky Rice]

Billy Alberts.

[Butler/Assistant]

Well, welcome to our game, Mr. Alberts. And what do you do for a living, may I ask?

[Pinky Rice]

I'm a jockey for the Murdoch stables.

[Butler/Assistant]

You're a good man to know. I once knew a fella came to a betting window and he said, I want to bet $5 on this horse. And then the man said, on his nose. And the fella said, on his nose, on his back, on his tail, everywhere. So even if he comes in sideways, I win. Well, Mr. Albert, you've selected a topic to talk about. Now let's have your slip. Popular songs, huh? Well, okay. Here's your first question number. Name five songs that Irving Berlin composed

[Pinky Rice]

always Because I love you.

[Butler/Assistant]

That's two.

[Pinky Rice]

Alexander's Ragtime Band, remember, and Blue Skies.

[Butler/Assistant]

That's five. That's correct. In fact, that's wonderful.

[Philo Vance]

Turn that off, will you, please, Mark? And I'll get the phone.

[Edward Burke]

Sure, Vance.

[Carol Murdoch]

Hello, Mr. Vance? This is Sally Henderson, Mr. Markham's sale secretary. Is he there?

[Philo Vance]

Why, yes, Ms. Henderson. Just a moment. For you, Margam. Your secretary.

[Butler/Assistant]

Uh. Oh.

[Pinky Rice]

Bye.

[District Attorney Markham]

Bye. Billiards?

[Pinky Rice]

Yeah.

[District Attorney Markham]

Thanks, Vance.

[Carol Murdoch]

Hello, Mr. Markham. I'm glad you left word where you could be reached. Sergeant Heath of the homicide just called you. There's been a murder and he thought you'd want to get there right away.

[District Attorney Markham]

I most certainly do. Who was killed, Ms. Henderson?

[Carol Murdoch]

A man named Edward Burke. He was a horse trainer shot with a.45 automatic about 15 minutes ago at the Murdoch stables.

[District Attorney Markham]

Thank you very much.

[Edward Burke]

I'm on the way.

[District Attorney Markham]

Goodbye, Miss Henderson.

[Carol Murdoch]

Goodbye, sir.

[District Attorney Markham]

Well, Vance, we're on the way to a murder. Horse trainer named Edward Burke was killed.

[Phil Dexter]

Burke?

[Philo Vance]

He trains for the Murdoch stables, doesn't he?

[Pinky Rice]

That's right.

[District Attorney Markham]

He say that jockey we just heard on the air was from the Murdoch stables too. Quite a coincidence.

[Philo Vance]

Yes, it is. Well, you were talking a while ago about a very difficult billiard shot. Apparently a murderer has called his shot Markham. Perhaps we can call his hand.

[Phil Dexter]

Vance.

[District Attorney Markham]

The Murdoch staples where the body was found are miles from here. Why did you ask me to stop the car outside the Murdoch house?

[Philo Vance]

Because Sergeant Heath is at the stables with the body.

[Billy Alberts]

Markham.

[Philo Vance]

He'll find anything there that I might find. I thought someone at the Murdoch house might give us something to work on. After all, the Murdochs own the stables.

[District Attorney Markham]

I've learned better than to argue with you, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Don't ever stop, please. I'm not always as certain as I sound. We might find out absolutely nothing here.

[District Attorney Markham]

We certainly won't if we don't get inside. I'll handle that detail. Oh, I hope you have your calling card ready, Vance. Ms. Carol Murdoch is very social.

[Philo Vance]

You mean she's very rich? Markham. Some of the richest people I know are antisocial.

[Pinky Rice]

Yes, sir.

[District Attorney Markham]

District attorney Markham and Mr. Philo Vance to see Ms. Carol Murdoch.

[Pinky Rice]

Ms. Murdoch is not at home. Would you care to come in and wait, Vance?

[Philo Vance]

We would.

[Pinky Rice]

Very good gentleman. You might wait in the library if you like. Right this way. There's someone else in the library. A Mr. Billy Alberts. He works for Ms. Murdock.

[Philo Vance]

Billy Alberts, the radio star?

[Pinky Rice]

He's a jockey, sir.

[Philo Vance]

I know, but he was on the air tonight. How does it happen he's here?

[Pinky Rice]

He telephoned after the program and I informed him of Mr. Burke's death. He came in only a few moments ago to wait for Ms. Murdock.

[District Attorney Markham]

I see. And where is she?

[Pinky Rice]

I'm sorry, sir, that I do not know. She'll return presently. I imagine she always has. Make yourselves at home. Right through that door there.

[District Attorney Markham]

Thank you. Oh, good evening, young man. You're Billy Alberts.

[Billy Alberts]

Yes, I'm Alberts.

[District Attorney Markham]

I'm District Attorney Margam. This is Philo Vance.

[Billy Alberts]

Vance.

[Philo Vance]

A private dick, I suppose you could call me that. I'm glad to have an opportunity of speaking to you. Mr. Albertson. You undoubtedly knew Mr. Burke.

[Billy Alberts]

Sure. He trained horses for Ms. Murdock.

[District Attorney Markham]

Any idea who might have killed him?

[Billy Alberts]

Search me. He had an assistant who had ambitions. A guy named Phil Dexter.

[Philo Vance]

Phil Dexter, eh?

[Billy Alberts]

Yeah.

[Philo Vance]

Must remember to talk to him. Anybody else?

[Billy Alberts]

Nobody I know of. He could have a lot of guys sort him.

[District Attorney Markham]

That I wouldn't know, though that's entirely reasonable, I'd say.

[Philo Vance]

Mr. Alberts, we understand that Edward Burke was killed at about 9:10 tonight. We know you were on the radio shortly after that time. In fact, we heard you.

[Billy Alberts]

How was I? Gun.

[Philo Vance]

Very. Tell me, how long had you been in the radio studio?

[Billy Alberts]

Well, I'd seen How? The show went on the air at 9. They picked us contestants out of the studio audience at about 8:30. I must have got there about 8:15, I guess.

[District Attorney Markham]

And Burke was killed an hour later while you were still in the studio.

[Philo Vance]

Mr. Albert, I'd like to take hands off me.

[Phil Dexter]

I can walk.

[Carol Murdoch]

Take them off.

[Billy Alberts]

Hey, that's Carol's voice. Some guy's with him. Maybe the murderer.

[District Attorney Markham]

Come on, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

I'm with you, Markham.

[Edward Burke]

It's no use arguing, Miss. I'm still.

[Billy Alberts]

There's a cop with Ms. Murdoch. Listen, you wait a minute.

[District Attorney Markham]

Wait a minute.

[Edward Burke]

I'll handle this.

[District Attorney Markham]

Helmets. Good evening, officer. I'm Markham, District attorney.

[Edward Burke]

Oh, hello, Mr. Markham. And how are you this evening?

[Carol Murdoch]

Well, how are you this evening? You In a minute, Mr. Markham. This officer of yours has been pushing me around and I won't stand for it. I'm Carol Murdoch.

[District Attorney Markham]

No, no, take it easy, Ms. Murdock. What's wrong, Officer?

[Edward Burke]

Well, I picked this young lady up about an hour and a half ago, Mr. Markham. She was speeding, going like a bat, headed for this place for a half hour. She wouldn't tell me who she was. Then when we finally get to headquarters, she tells me her name is Carol Murdoch.

[Pinky Rice]

Well, that's who she is.

[Billy Alberts]

She is Carol Murdoch.

[Edward Burke]

Shut up, sonny. I'm talking to Mr. Markham. So, Mr. Markham, I asked to see her license and she says she hasn't got any. Then when I want to take her in again, she said she left it at home. So here we are.

[District Attorney Markham]

I see. What time did you pick her up, Officer?

[Edward Burke]

Oh, I should say about 9:20.

[Philo Vance]

And the murder was committed at about 9:10, eh, Markham?

[District Attorney Markham]

So we've been informed.

[Carol Murdoch]

Look, I know all about the murder. I heard it firsthand over the police radio. I know one of my men was killed, but that doesn't give this. This cop any license to treat me like a criminal.

[Philo Vance]

Driving without a license is against the law, Ms. Murdock. Officer, where did you pick her up?

[Edward Burke]

Just a short distance from her own stable, sir.

[Philo Vance]

And you heard about this murder from the police radio, Ms. Murdock?

[Carol Murdoch]

Yes, of course I did. Ask this. This big lug here, he heard it with me.

[Edward Burke]

That's right, sir.

[Philo Vance]

Well, I don't doubt that you heard about it over the police radio, Ms. Murdock. I was just wondering if it was news to you when you did hear it.

[District Attorney Markham]

This is District Attorney Markham. The Murdoch murder case began when Edward Burke, trainer for the Murdoch Stables, owned by Carol Murdoch, was found dead. Vance has questioned Billy Alberts, a jockey who Was on a quiz program at the time of the murder and also questioned Carol Murdoch, who was caught by a motorcycle policeman coming from the murder scene at about the time of the murder. Still to be interviewed by him is Phil Dexter, assistant to the dead man. But I understand Vance is taking care of that detail right now in the Murdoch home. We have been at the house.

[Phil Dexter]

I'd tell you more if I knew any more, Mr. Vance, but I don't. Honest, I don't. Let me go, Mr. Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Let me go. I'm not stopping you from leaving, Mr. Dexter. The police might, but I won't.

[Phil Dexter]

But you've been asking me the questions, Mr. Vance. If you said to let me go,

[Edward Burke]

they'd let me go.

[Philo Vance]

They might, but they'd only pick you up again. Why don't you tell me what you know of this case and then you'll be clear of it once and for all.

[Phil Dexter]

All I know is what I told you last time I saw Mr. Burke. He was worried about something. Just been to the house here, he told me. And he was worrying. Don't ask me about what I don't know.

[Philo Vance]

Tell me all about the last time you saw him. Alive and detailed.

[Phil Dexter]

Okay. Okay. I was walking toward the stable when I saw Pinky.

[Philo Vance]

Pinky?

[Phil Dexter]

Pinky's an exercise boy. It was about 6:30. And I asked Pinky if he knew where Mr. Burke was. And he said sure, in his office. And I said so long to Pinky, and I went in.

[Philo Vance]

Where was Pinky going, Do you know?

[Phil Dexter]

Oh, yes. Yes, I do know. He was all dolled up in a new suit and he said he had

[Philo Vance]

a big date in town.

[Phil Dexter]

He was pretty happy about something.

[Philo Vance]

I see. Then you spoke to Burke and found out that he was worried.

[Phil Dexter]

Well, that's what he told me anyhow. But he didn't say about what.

[District Attorney Markham]

Excuse me, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Oh, come on in, Markham.

[District Attorney Markham]

Thank you. There's a phone call for me and I didn't want to take it out in the hall. More privacy in here.

[Philo Vance]

I thought you'd released our jockey suspect, Mr. Billy Alberts.

[District Attorney Markham]

I did. I sent him home about an hour ago, Vance. But Ms. Carol Murdock is still in the house and I just don't want to be overheard in case this is important.

[Philo Vance]

I see. Mr. Dexter, you may leave. Only be somewhere that I can reach you in case I have to. Will you please?

[Phil Dexter]

Yes. Yes, Sir, I will, Mr. Vance. I'll be at home.

[Philo Vance]

Well, Markham, go right ahead. The coast is clear and the phone is yours.

[District Attorney Markham]

Thank you, Vance. I can take that Call now. Markham speaking.

[Carol Murdoch]

Mr. Markham, this is Ms. Henderson. Yes, Ms. Henderson, the Homicide department call was some information I thought you'd like to have. Hope I didn't disturb you.

[District Attorney Markham]

Go right ahead, Sally. Oh, just a minute. You hear this, Vince?

[Phil Dexter]

Yeah, I can.

[Pinky Rice]

Go ahead.

[Carol Murdoch]

Sally, A body has just been found about 10 miles from where you are now. Yes, it was shot in the head by a.45 automatic and tossed out of a car. The police believe.

[District Attorney Markham]

I see. Any identification?

[Carol Murdoch]

Positive identification, Mr. Markham. It was an exercise jockey employed by the Murdoch stables. His name was Pinky Rice. That's all the information that was given me.

[Butler/Assistant]

Fine.

[District Attorney Markham]

Thank you, Ms. Henderson.

[Carol Murdoch]

You're welcome, sir. Goodbye.

[Philo Vance]

Well, a second murder, eh, Markham?

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes, and connected with the Murdoch family and its stables. Well, this certainly complicates things, doesn't it?

[Philo Vance]

On the contrary, Markham, I'd say it simplifies things quite a bit. In fact, I'd say it points pretty directly to the murderer.

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[Carol Murdoch]

billy, is that your Carol?

[Phil Dexter]

Yes.

[Carol Murdoch]

Where are you?

[Billy Alberts]

Right here. I've been waiting for you over the side of the road where I wouldn't be seen.

[Carol Murdoch]

Well, all right, I'm here. What's all the mystery? Why did you call and ask me to meet you here?

[Billy Alberts]

Take it easy. I thought you'd like to know what I think about the murder of your trainer, Burke, and of Pinky the exercise boy.

[Carol Murdoch]

Oh, so that's what it is.

[Butler/Assistant]

Mm.

[Carol Murdoch]

What's there to talk about that you couldn't say on the phone?

[Billy Alberts]

Oh, I had no reason for privacy. I thought maybe you might want it, though. You see, I know you had a battle with Burke. Your butler told me.

[Carol Murdoch]

I pay him for services rendered. Apparently, you did, too.

[Billy Alberts]

That's right. As I understand it, you threatened Burke.

[Carol Murdoch]

You want to know why I did? To protect you, you fool. He knew something about you.

[Billy Alberts]

Did you kill him to protect me, too?

[Carol Murdoch]

No. That's not saying. I might not have if I thought it would stop him from talking, though. You see, that's the way I feel about you, Billy.

[Billy Alberts]

Yeah. You've been trying to convince me of that for quite some time now. You'd get tired of me, though.

[Carol Murdoch]

Probably. I got tired of everything else in my life. But what does that to do with what you called me about?

[Billy Alberts]

Oh, everything. Now, take me. I'm a good jockey. I make good money in a couple of years. I'm a little too old to ride. I don't make such good money. Carol, how much is it worth if the police don't know about your threats to Burke?

[Carol Murdoch]

You're not that low.

[Billy Alberts]

I wouldn't be so sure.

[Carol Murdoch]

You can't prove I killed Burke.

[Billy Alberts]

Oh, maybe not. But according to the cop who picked you up, you were near enough to the stables to have done it.

[Carol Murdoch]

Billy, where were you when Burke was killed?

[Billy Alberts]

Me? I was on the radio being a genius. I was practically talking on the air when Burke got his.

[Carol Murdoch]

And when Pinky was killed, where were you then?

[Billy Alberts]

Home, kid. There's no heat on me. Now, let's get back to the important reason for this little meeting. How much is your life worth?

[Carol Murdoch]

Quite a bit, Billy. In fact, I value it a whole lot higher than I do yours.

[Philo Vance]

Is everybody in the next room? Markham?

[District Attorney Markham]

Everybody. You asked for Vance, Billy. Alberts, the jockey, Carol Murdoch. And the young man who found Burke's body, Phil Dexter.

[Philo Vance]

Good. We'll go in in a moment. I'm pretty sure one of those three is our murderer, Markham.

[District Attorney Markham]

Well, if you are, I am too.

[Philo Vance]

I think, of course, that Pinky, the exercise boy, was killed by the same person that murdered Burke. The connection may not be terribly apparent to you at the moment, but I imagine it will be shortly.

[District Attorney Markham]

All I can say is I hope you're right, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

All I can say is I hope your hope comes true. Well, come on. Let's go in. I'm sorry to have kept the three of you here so long, but it couldn't be helped. I promise that two of you will be able to leave this room very shortly.

[Phil Dexter]

Mr. Vance. I found somebody who saw me away from the Murdoch stables at the time Mr. Burke was shot. You see, that's why I wanted you to let me out, so I could find somebody.

[Philo Vance]

That's very convenient, Mr. Dexter. Did you find someone to alibi for you, Ms. Murdock?

[Carol Murdoch]

I don't need any alibi, Mr. Vance. I didn't do anything, and you can't prove that I did.

[Philo Vance]

That's right. I can't as yet, Mr. Alberts.

[Billy Alberts]

You don't want anything to do with me, Vance. I was on the radio when Burke was killed, and I was home when Pinky got knocked off.

[Philo Vance]

That's quite according to what I've been led to understand. Well, I don't want to appear overly dramatic, but one of you three killed two men. I have some questions I want to ask each of you. Answer. I don't know. If you don't know, that will be all right. Mr. Dexter.

[Butler/Assistant]

Yes?

[Philo Vance]

Two questions for you. One, how many shots in a.45 automatic?

[Phil Dexter]

I. I don't know.

[Philo Vance]

Who wrote the song Memory Lane?

[Phil Dexter]

What are you trying to do, Vance? Trick me into saying something? I don't know how that can mean anything. All I know is I don't know.

[Carol Murdoch]

Hmm.

[District Attorney Markham]

Singularly devoid of information, isn't he, Vance?

[Philo Vance]

Perhaps he told us more than he realizes, Markham. Ms. Murdock, your questions. Where on an automatic pistol is the safety catch?

[Carol Murdoch]

Near the thumb. It can be released by the thumb.

[Philo Vance]

Thank you. Your other question. Victor Herbert was a great composer. Who wrote most of the lyrics of his operettas.

[Carol Murdoch]

I haven't the slightest idea of who wrote the lyrics of why you're asking these stupid questions. Or who killed the two men that worked for me.

[Philo Vance]

All I can do is assure you that I have.

[Carol Murdoch]

You think because I Know about automatic sound?

[Philo Vance]

Please, Ms. Murdock, don't try to tell me what I think. Mr. Alberts.

[Billy Alberts]

Now what?

[Philo Vance]

It's question time for you. Who wrote the popular song of some time ago titled Remember?

[Billy Alberts]

I don't know. Jerome Kern? Cole Porter? One of those characters? How do I know?

[Philo Vance]

Your second question. How is a clip fed into a.45 automatic?

[Billy Alberts]

I don't. Why lie about it? It's fed through the bottom of the grip. Everybody who's ever seen a movie knows that. Any more questions?

[Philo Vance]

No, I think not. Markham, did those questions mean anything to you?

[District Attorney Markham]

No, Vance. As a matter of fact, they didn't. But I haven't the slightest idea of what the answers proved.

[Philo Vance]

No. Well, then I'll tell you. They told me that Billy Alberts killed Burke and Pinky.

[Billy Alberts]

Oh, no, you don't, Vance.

[Pinky Rice]

Wait.

[Billy Alberts]

I don't know if you're bluffing, I guess, or if you really know something. But I'm not taking any chances. You're not saddling me with any murder rap. Not when I got two legs and this gun to get me not.

[Philo Vance]

Well, thank you, Ms. Murdock. I'm afraid the vase you hit him with is pretty well shattered, though.

[Carol Murdoch]

What if it is? You just see to it that Billy Alberts gets put in jail all in one piece.

[District Attorney Markham]

I'm waiting, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

I'm not playing games, Markham. I just wanted to finish these notes, that's all. There. Now, what is it you're waiting for?

[District Attorney Markham]

An explanation, of course. As to how you knew it was Billy Alberts who killed Burke and Pinky. All I knew was that Alberts was on the radio when Burke was killed.

[Philo Vance]

Oh, that wasn't Alberts at all. It was Pinky establishing an alibi for Billy Alberts. That's the reason Alberts had to kill him. To avoid any possible future blackmail.

[District Attorney Markham]

You knew that?

[Butler/Assistant]

Of course.

[Philo Vance]

Remember when we heard that quiz program together? The master of ceremonies asked the contestant who was supposed to be Billy Alberts. To name five songs by Irving Berlin.

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes, and he named them.

[Philo Vance]

One of the songs was titled Remember, Remember?

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes, and the contestant included it.

[Phil Dexter]

Right.

[Philo Vance]

But when I asked Billy Alberts who wrote the song Remember, he didn't know. He couldn't very well know one night and not the next, could he? No. Therefore, it wasn't he we heard on the quiz show. It was Pinky.

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes, I know. That's right. But how did Billy Alberts know that? Pinky would be sure to get on the radio and give him an alibi after all? Contestants at radio shows are selected at random.

[Philo Vance]

All Pinky had to do was bribe somebody who was supposed to be on the program. Or in other words, buy that person's ticket. No problem there.

[District Attorney Markham]

No, I can't argue against that either. You know, Vance, Ms. Murdock was very helpful to us. She told us why Albert's killed Burke. And she really hit the lad with that vase when he tried to break away, didn't she?

[Philo Vance]

That she did. That little smack on the head was the end of Billy Albert's escape plan.

[District Attorney Markham]

And also, Vance, the end of the Murdoch murder case.

[Carol Murdoch]

Sam, it.

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