The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: Life Can be Murder 07/21/1951

Summary

Summary of "The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: Life Can be Murder"

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio presents "The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: Life Can be Murder," an enthralling episode released on March 23, 2025. Featuring Gerald Moore as the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe, this episode delves deep into a web of deception, familial ties, and murder in the Golden Age of Radio.

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1. Setting the Scene

The episode opens at Bell's Trifle Inn, an authentic English restaurant adorned with Union Jack decorations, nestled just south of the Sunset Strip. Philip Marlowe introduces the establishment with his characteristic wit:

Philip Marlowe (01:26): "It's authentic English script and it hangs over the door of an authentic English restaurant just south of the authentic Sunset Strip."

Marnie Carr, the barmaid, engages Marlowe in a casual conversation, revealing snippets of her past and establishing a rapport between them.

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2. An Unexpected Connection

As the evening unfolds, Marlowe and Marnie share personal anecdotes. Marnie mentions her time teaching in Ogallala, Nebraska, and her current role at the inn:

Marnie Carr (03:05): "I believe you know what I mean. It's like I'm doing something wrong and I should feel guilty about it, but I don't."

Their interaction is light-hearted yet hints at underlying complexities in their lives.

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3. A Deadly Turn

The next morning, Marlowe's routine takes a sharp turn when Lieutenant Matthews informs him of a murder at the Edwards' residence:

Lieutenant Matthews (10:51): "The dame has been murdered."

The victim, Ann Harkness, a New York native, was found dead shortly after arriving at the Edwards' home. The connection to Marlowe arises when it's revealed that Marnie was the one who brought Ann to the Edwards the previous night.

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4. Delving Into the Investigation

Determined to uncover the truth, Marlowe embarks on a meticulous investigation. He discovers a note addressed to Mrs. Edwards from someone named Marnie:

Philip Marlowe (14:36): "Dear Mrs. Edwards, thanks for the lovely remembrance. You're very thoughtful. I'll tell Miss Harkness to make herself at home."

This leads him to question Marnie, whose responses raise more questions than answers. Marlowe's pursuit takes him to various locations, including a beauty salon and apartments on Vermont Avenue, as he pieces together Marnie's connections.

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5. Unraveling the Mystery

Marlowe's tenacity pays off when he confronts Marnie at a motel in Malibu. Through a heartfelt revelation, Marnie discloses that her brother, Paul, was involved in the murder:

Marnie Carr (26:10): "He knows he can get away with it."

The confrontation culminates in Marlowe apprehending Paul, who confesses his motives and involvement, linking back to his strained relationship with Marnie.

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6. Resolution and Reflection

With the case closed, Marlowe reflects on the night's events, contemplating the fragile lines between good and evil, and the complexities of human relationships:

Philip Marlowe (27:10): "I bet someone said that about Capone. Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd. Now take Marnie. She's what a kid."

The episode concludes with Marlowe contemplating the moral ambiguities he navigates as a detective, leaving listeners with a sense of contemplation about justice and personal integrity.

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Notable Quotes

• Philip Marlowe (00:34): "Crime is a sucker's road, and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison or the grave. There's no other end, but they never learn."

• Marnie Carr (05:35): "Yes, it was a very Nice dinner, Bell. Thank you."

• Philip Marlowe (19:40): "Well, I just want to see her. Good enough reason?"

• Marnie Carr (26:17): "Who doesn't love their own kid brother?"

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Conclusion

"The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: Life Can be Murder" masterfully intertwines suspense, character development, and sharp dialogue, showcasing Gerald Moore's compelling portrayal of Marlowe. The episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to ponder the moral dilemmas faced by those who walk the thin line between right and wrong in a world rife with corruption and familial loyalty.

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Production Credits:

• Star: Gerald Moore as Philip Marlowe
• Cast: Virginia Gregg, Joan Banks, Paul Dubov, Jim Nusser, June Whitley, Shirley Mitchell, Marjorie Bennett
• Director/Producer: Norman McDonnell
• Writer: Kathleen Hite
• Music: Pierre Garaganc, conducted by Wilbur Hatch

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Tune in next week for another gripping installment of Philip Marlowe's detective adventures, exclusively on Choice Classic Radio.

Transcript

[Podbean Announcer]

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[Philip Marlowe]

Podbean.

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[Philip Marlowe]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean.

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To launch their podcasts. Launch your podcast on Podbean today. My school uses Podbean. My church too.

[Marnie Carr]

I love it.

[Podbean Announcer]

I really do. Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank.

[Philip Marlowe]

You for [e-mail] get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road, and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison or the grave. There's no other end, but they never learn.

[Podbean Announcer]

From the pen of Raymond Chandler, outstanding author of crime fiction, comes his most famous character in the Adventures of Philip Marlowe. Now, with Gerald Moore starred as Philip Marlo, we bring you tonight's exciting story, Life can be Murder.

[Philip Marlowe]

A sign in the half light above the entrance reads Bell's Trifle Inn. If you say it fast enough, you may be right. It's authentic English script and it hangs over the door of an authentic English restaurant just south of the authentic Sunset Strip. Owned and barth, headed by Bell Smithers inside. From the paneling to the prime rib, from the Welsh rarebit to the dart gourd at one end of the bar, it's the Union Jack all the way. And it figures. Bell's authentic, too. A hundred percent pure Nebraska. I always sit at the bar.

[Marnie Carr]

Milo, you old dog. You've been neglecting me.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, I've tried to stay away from you, honey, but I can't. You're bigger than both of us.

[Marnie Carr]

Ah, you and your palaver.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, me and what you said.

[Marnie Carr]

You want a drink, honey?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, but make it with your own light hand for a change, will ya? I'm tired of walking out of here on my knees. Just an ounce, the water will float it.

[Marnie Carr]

Okay, honey.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's your poison and my stomach lining. Hey, looks like most of the regulars are here, huh? Don't you ever get tired of looking at the same old faces?

[Marnie Carr]

I can stand it as long as they can. No, Marlo, I kind of like it. It's clubby. This way you get a few people who just come in to see what a lady barkeep's like. But most of them are just regular folks, you know, real people who like.

[Philip Marlowe]

The food and drink, huh, Belle?

[Marnie Carr]

Oh, yeah, sure. Sometimes I forget. I get all carried away working My jaw.

[Philip Marlowe]

Cheers, baby.

[Marnie Carr]

Yeah, thanks, honey.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, you know, sometimes you forget a lot of things, I think. Like teaching school in. Where was it? Nebraska?

[Marnie Carr]

Ogallala. That name don't stick with you worth a darn, does it?

[Philip Marlowe]

Ogallala. Does that mean anything?

[Marnie Carr]

Well, it does to the folks back there. County. See the Keith counties? It's right there on the South Platte River. That's just south of the North Platte River.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, that's a nice arrangement.

[Marnie Carr]

No, Marlo, that's one thing I'll never forget. Teaching school back there in Ogallala. I declare, if I hadn't done that, I wouldn't be doing this. Now. You see, these reached cattle folks, they come through from Cheyenne. And what have they got but a 13 year old shaver?

[Philip Marlowe]

And where are they going with the shaver but England? And what do they need but a tutor?

[Marnie Carr]

And who do they draw but me? Right out of 10th grade Social Studies at Oglawa High School. Now, I got a feeling you've heard this song before.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, just a few thousand times, Val. But don't worry, I like it. Matter of fact.

[Marnie Carr]

Excuse me, Mrs. Smithers. Oh, call me Belle, honey. What can I do for you? Well, the young lady said you kept the darts at the bar. The. Oh, for the dart bar. Yeah, sure I do. Well, it is all right throwing darts, isn't it? I'm waiting for someone and I. Oh, it's perfectly all right, honey. Just make yourself at home. There you are. Thank you. Oh, I hope I didn't bother you.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm so glad you did. In fact, if you want to build a house, I'd like that too.

[Marnie Carr]

Well, thank you for the dyes.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hey, Belle. That red hair, the green eyes to.

[Marnie Carr]

Get my you and your.

[Philip Marlowe]

Don't say it. Just pour me another palaver and water.

[Marnie Carr]

If you don't beat all, I declare. Look out, Marlo. Bullseye. She made it, Marlo. Why, your head was right in front of the target and she still made it.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, I'm very happy for her.

[Marnie Carr]

I hope I didn't frighten you. I had no idea your head was in the way.

[Philip Marlowe]

Neither did my head, as long as it's you.

[Marnie Carr]

Look, I'm really sorry. Sorry?

[Podbean Announcer]

Why?

[Marnie Carr]

We haven't had a bullseye all week. That rate's a drink and dinner on the house.

[Philip Marlowe]

A belle for two. Of course, a belle girl.

[Marnie Carr]

Right now, tonight.

[Philip Marlowe]

Come again?

[Marnie Carr]

With Marlo here, naturally.

[Philip Marlowe]

That's my girl. The red hair and green eyes smiled A nice smile went along with the gag we toasted her Throwing arm. My and Belle's solid sense of judgment in putting the dartboard at head level at one end of the bar. By the time we moved to a table for two, I knew her name was Marnie Carr. And before dinner was over, I had a pretty good idea that everything about her was all right with me. Hey, Marnie, you got that look again.

[Marnie Carr]

Really? Which one?

[Philip Marlowe]

The dark one. Happens every time you look through the door.

[Marnie Carr]

Yes, I expect that. You see, I'm not exactly a free agent. Someone brought me here, said he'd be back.

[Philip Marlowe]

Think he'll object to a little party? Is that it?

[Marnie Carr]

Not really. I. I guess I hope he doesn't come back.

[Philip Marlowe]

I hope so, too. Tell me, can I place 20 questions?

[Marnie Carr]

I rather you didn't.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay.

[Marnie Carr]

You know, I really feel pretty silly. It's. Well, it's so easy being with you. Like, I've known you a long time and I practically picked you up. You know, I've never done a thing like that in my life.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, Belle picked us both up. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Marnie Carr]

I don't think you even heard me. It very important to me that you know I've never picked anyone up.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sure.

[Marnie Carr]

I believe you know what I mean. It's like I'm doing something wrong and I should feel guilty about it, but I don't. I'm not making any sense at all, am I?

[Philip Marlowe]

Look, why don't you just forget about it, huh? You said you felt easy with me. That's enough, isn't it?

[Marnie Carr]

Yes, that's enough. Well, I guess I really think I should go now.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, Belle. Never forgive you for not finishing the trifle. There's house specialty, you know.

[Marnie Carr]

Maybe I'll come back sometime. I'll eat a double order.

[Philip Marlowe]

Ah. Will you let me take you home?

[Marnie Carr]

Oh, I don't know.

[Philip Marlowe]

It'll be all right, Marnie. Very all right. Well, can I take you home?

[Marnie Carr]

Yes. Yes, you can.

[Philip Marlowe]

Good girl. We'll stop by the bar and slip bell the grip, and then we'll be on our way.

[Marnie Carr]

Yes, I do want to thank you. Who do they draw but me? Right out of 10th grade Social Studies at Ogallala High School.

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah, yeah, you told me. Belle, great story.

[Philip Marlowe]

You ought to change it a little, Belle, just for listener interest. Hiya, Matthews.

[Podbean Announcer]

Oh, hello, Phil. What brings you out?

[Philip Marlowe]

Ms. Carr, Lieutenant Matthews.

[Marnie Carr]

How do you do?

[Podbean Announcer]

This guy, great.

[Philip Marlowe]

Dinner bell.

[Marnie Carr]

Dinner bell.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, I lost my head.

[Marnie Carr]

Honestly, Marlo, I declare, you say the darndest thing.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, I'm a regular yell.

[Marnie Carr]

Yeah, it was a very Nice dinner, Bell. Thank you. My pleasure, honey. You come again.

[Philip Marlowe]

She will. Night off, Matthews?

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah, so far. Hey, you two have a drink with me.

[Philip Marlowe]

I think the young lady's anxious to go home.

[Marnie Carr]

Oh, I'm afraid I'm taking Phil out of his way, Lieutenant. But Bedford Drive isn't too far. Maybe he could.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now, wait a minute, wait a minute. I'll make my own arrangements.

[Marnie Carr]

I know some lovely folks on Bedford. The Dickinson 600 block. Do you know him? No. No, I don't. I'm north of there, 2470.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, yeah. Well, we'll see you, huh? Night, Belle Matthews.

[Marnie Carr]

Good night. It was nice to meet you both. Yeah. Good night. Turn right at this corner. It's the last house on the road.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, say, Marnie, can we do this again?

[Marnie Carr]

Oh, I don't know, Phil, I. Are you usually at Bell's? In case I get the urge to throw darts again.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Well, I also have a home and I'll get a dartboard.

[Marnie Carr]

Let's keep it at Bell's. Maybe later sometime I'll. Oh, wait a minute. This is the house.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh. Hey, looks like you got company. Car in the driveway.

[Marnie Carr]

Yes, I see it.

[Philip Marlowe]

I wonder the guy who was supposed to come back and didn't.

[Marnie Carr]

I'll say good night here, Phil. Don't bother coming to the door.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, now, look, I think I. I mean it.

[Marnie Carr]

I. Well, maybe I'll see you at Bell's again.

[Philip Marlowe]

Don't call us, we'll call you. Is that it?

[Marnie Carr]

That's it, Phil. Thanks. I liked it.

[Philip Marlowe]

Great work, Marlowe. So crazy about you. She's running the other way.

[Marnie Carr]

Paul, what on earth are you doing? Never mind, Paul. Let's go inside. Good night, Phil. Thanks again.

[Philip Marlowe]

It wasn't ideal, the way the evening ended. Not the way I'd planned it. But then how could you plan an evening like that? Girl meets the dart, girl throws dart, girl meets boy. Didn't make much sense, but it didn't have to. It was a nice evening. Short, but nice. Monica was a nice girl, and I decided to leave it at that. Nice girl. It was straight up 11 o'clock when I got home. I thought about the red hair and the green eyes for several pleasant minutes. And then I went to bed to sleep. A chance to dream. Oh, well. Oh, hello, Matthewsville. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Podbean Announcer]

That girl you were with last night.

[Philip Marlowe]

Where was it she lived? Where did she live? Look, it's not even 8 o'clock in the morning. You're asking.

[Marnie Carr]

Take it easy, Phil.

[Podbean Announcer]

Was it 2470 Bedford Drive?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes, it was 2470 Bedford Drive. And if you hurry, maybe you can get there in time for breakfast.

[Podbean Announcer]

I'm already here, Phil, and you better come on out. The dame has been murdered. In just a moment we will return to the second act of Philip Marlowe. But first. So you think this old world of ours is fresh out of miracles? Maybe you sort of long for the days of the Arabian Nights or folks of fable who possessed those magic wands, lamps, rings, talismans that all produced wonders. Well, if you do, you'll find CBS's Mr. Aladdin a refreshing gent to meet. He gets the name Mr. Aladdin from the fact that his exciting adventures have the atmosphere of miracles about them. Listen for him later this evening on most of these same CBS stations. And now, with our star, Gerald Moore, the second act of Philip Marlo and tonight's story, Life can be Murdered all.

[Philip Marlowe]

The way to Beverly Hills. I tried hard to see the face of the guy in the doorway the night before. Paul Marnie had called him. But it was no use. You can't remember a face you never saw. And the car in the driveway when I took her home. A chevy coupe, gray, two door, 49 of 50. Ah, there are millions of them. It had been blue and bright with stars the night before. The morning was hazy overcast and so was I. Matthews met me at the door.

[Podbean Announcer]

Come on in, Phil.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sure.

[Podbean Announcer]

Tell me, how long you known her?

[Philip Marlowe]

Last night.

[Podbean Announcer]

You sure?

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm sure. Any idea what happened?

[Podbean Announcer]

Oh yeah, yeah. Someone was looting the place. The back door was jimmied and some stuff missing. This dame must have interrupted it, got herself killed.

[Philip Marlowe]

Where is she?

[Podbean Announcer]

What, the corpse?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes.

[Podbean Announcer]

The copse in here.

[Philip Marlowe]

I. Hey, that's not Marnie.

[Podbean Announcer]

Did I say it was?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, no, but I. I thought that. Never mind. Do you know who this is?

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah, Ann Harkness. According to identification in her purse. She's from New York. Taxi driver brought her here about 11 last night from the airport. And the coroner says she must have been shot shortly after that.

[Philip Marlowe]

Uh huh.

[Podbean Announcer]

You bring your girlfriend straight here from Bell's?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Podbean Announcer]

That's new for you all right, huh. That would put her here by 10:30, easy.

[Philip Marlowe]

So?

[Podbean Announcer]

So the taxi driver says a red headed gal answer the door and let the Harkness woman in.

[Philip Marlowe]

That doesn't prove a thing.

[Podbean Announcer]

No, no, no, it doesn't. I'd like to talk to her though, Phil. You know where she lives?

[Philip Marlowe]

She lives here, doesn't she?

[Podbean Announcer]

Uh huh. House belongs to Mr. And Mrs. Orville Edwards. They're out of town. They got Called to Chicago yesterday with a death in the family. And the neighbors don't know anything about this Miss. Miss Carr, was it?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, Marnie Carr.

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah. Well, I got a call into Chicago for the Edwardses. They ought to clear it up.

[Philip Marlowe]

That's something here, Lieutenant. Oh, hello, Mr. Marlowe. How are you, Mooney?

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah, what do you got, Sergeant?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, this address book. Phone numbers from the phone desk in the hall. Nobody named Carlisted, though.

[Podbean Announcer]

Okay.

[Philip Marlowe]

This note might be something from the big bedroom upstairs, front of the house. Let's see.

[Podbean Announcer]

It's signed Marnie, Phil.

[Philip Marlowe]

It is. Let me have a look. Yeah. Dear Mrs. Edwards, thanks for the lovely remembrance. You're very thoughtful. I'll tell Miss Harkness to make herself at home.

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah, whatever that means.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'll keep looking around, Lieutenant.

[Podbean Announcer]

Do that, Mooney, huh? Well, as soon as the Chicago call comes through, we'll get our hooks into something.

[Philip Marlowe]

Look, Matthews, you mind if I look around?

[Podbean Announcer]

No, help yourself. You got any ideas?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, I don't think Monty had anything to do with it, and I don't know where she lives.

[Podbean Announcer]

Okay, okay, Phil. Only leave the note with me, huh?

[Philip Marlowe]

I looked around and tried to figure things that didn't figure. Marnie didn't live here, but she knew the Edwards. That is, she knew Mrs. Edwards, and she addressed her as Mrs. Edwards and signed herself Marnie. Maid, maybe, huh? Paul could have been anybody. And I wanted to find Marnie before I took up the matter of Paul. With Matthews upstairs by the phone in the master bedroom, I found something Sergeant Mooney had overlooked. Another address book. Smaller, with phone numbers. I flipped through it. There was nothing under C for car, but under M for money. There was a Crestview number, but no address. I decided to take the book with me.

[Podbean Announcer]

Are you still here, Phil?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, yeah, just leaving.

[Podbean Announcer]

Oh, look. Hey, what about that car girl? Yeah, she may be the sweetest kid in town, and she may be a killer. You never know.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thanks for the tip.

[Podbean Announcer]

And I didn't call you to get in my way, Phil.

[Philip Marlowe]

If I find her, I'll tell you. Fair enough?

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah, yeah, fair enough. Just don't get lost finding her.

[Philip Marlowe]

It was kind of a break. Head start. At least I had a phone number for Marnie that Matthews didn't have. And I wasn't for her against him. He knew that I just couldn't think murder and Marnie in the same thought until I could. I'd string with her if I could find her. The morning haze was lifting somewhat as I stopped at a gas station on the Strip and used the payphone.

[Marnie Carr]

Mr. Felixes, good morning.

[Philip Marlowe]

What'd you say this was?

[Marnie Carr]

This is Mr. Felix's beauty salon.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh. Oh, is Marnie there, please?

[Marnie Carr]

I'm sorry, Ms. Marnie's not in today. Can someone else help you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, no, I. Look, would you be kind enough to give me a home phone?

[Marnie Carr]

I'm sorry, sir, we're not allowed to give out phone numbers.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, but I'm an old.

[Marnie Carr]

It doesn't matter who you are. I can't give you her number.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay, thanks.

[Podbean Announcer]

Podbean, your message amplified, ready to share your message with the world.

[Philip Marlowe]

Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Podbean Announcer]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean.

[Podbean Announcer]

To launch their podcasts.

[Philip Marlowe]

Use Podbean to record your podcast. Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast. Use podcast PodBean AI to turn your.

[Podbean Announcer]

Blog into a podcast. Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere. Launch your podcast on Podbean today.

[Philip Marlowe]

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[Podbean Announcer]

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[Philip Marlowe]

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[Podbean Announcer]

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[Philip Marlowe]

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[Podbean Announcer]

There's Chewy.

[Marnie Carr]

May I help you, sir?

[Philip Marlowe]

I just talked to you a few minutes ago on the phone about money.

[Marnie Carr]

I told you then, I tell you now. We are not permitted to give out numbers. How did you find us?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, Mr. Felix is in the book and Marnie's not. Look, really, this is important. I'm doing this for her.

[Marnie Carr]

I've given Mr. Felix my word and I've never broken it.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, I don't doubt. Oh, Marnie's friend here, you know, the special one. She keeps talking about her all the time. Isn't it strange? I. I can't remember her name.

[Marnie Carr]

Peg.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes, yes, Peg. Sure, that's the one. Can I talk to her?

[Marnie Carr]

Well, I. Oh, all right. 36 desk, please. 36, please.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thank you.

[Marnie Carr]

I hope this never gets back to Mr. Felix. I can't imagine what he'd think.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, I can't either. But don't worry, my lips are sealed.

[Marnie Carr]

You blast for me, Liz. Oh, yes, 36.

[Philip Marlowe]

Peg, this gentleman over here, Peggy, it's about Marnie.

[Marnie Carr]

What about Marnie?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I don't have a home phone or her Address?

[Marnie Carr]

She wouldn't give it to you, huh?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, no, she.

[Marnie Carr]

She wouldn't. You look all right to me. What's wrong with you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Nothing. I'm a nice, clean cut fella.

[Marnie Carr]

Yeah, looks like.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Marnie Carr]

What do you want with Marnie?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I just want to see her. Good enough reason?

[Marnie Carr]

Best in the world. She don't feel too well today. She called me first thing this morning. Your fault?

[Philip Marlowe]

No, no, I don't think so. No. Tell me, what did she say when she called?

[Marnie Carr]

That she didn't feel too well.

[Philip Marlowe]

Ah, well, now, look, Peg. Does Marnie go out to Mrs. Edwards often?

[Marnie Carr]

Just when she's called to do her hair. Good enough reason.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, best in the world. Do I get that phone number?

[Marnie Carr]

Ridgely 00400040. Yeah. And that's 1637 North Vermont, apartment B. Ridgely, 0040.

[Philip Marlowe]

1637 North Vermont, apartment B. Huh.

[Marnie Carr]

And walk softly by A. That's the landlady.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Well, I'll remember. Thanks, Peggy.

[Marnie Carr]

And if you don't find her, come back. I'll give you mine.

[Philip Marlowe]

Peg was something of a prophet, among other things. Well, there was no answer to my knock at my 1637 North Vermont, apartment B. And no answer to the phone call I placed in the lobby. So I quit walking softly by apartment A, knocked there, and the doorway was suddenly filled with a solid block of granite.

[Marnie Carr]

Yes, I'm a landlady, but if she don't answer the door, it makes sense to me. She ain't in.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, have you seen her this morning?

[Marnie Carr]

Ain't seen her since she went to work yesterday morning. Ain't seen him either.

[Philip Marlowe]

Her husband.

[Marnie Carr]

Husband. Young man. Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you.

[Philip Marlowe]

You know, I was getting proud of my head. It could dodge anything from flying darts to door slams near the eyebrow. But that was about all I was proud of at the moment. I wasn't exactly closing in on Marnie. The landlady's snort didn't give me much of a line on Paul, if that's who she was exhaling about. And there was the manner of Ann Harkness, who flew into Los Angeles the night before just in time to be murdered. Well, I drove to a nearby drive in and mulled it over a sandwich. Coffee was grim, too. I was starting in on the routine that begins with, if I were Marnie.

[Podbean Announcer]

Where would I go?

[Philip Marlowe]

And I got a flash of an idea. Ten minutes later, I was banging on another door. Belle?

[Podbean Announcer]

Belle?

[Philip Marlowe]

Anybody home? Belle?

[Marnie Carr]

Oh, Marlo, come in. I'll arrange for Swinging doors. First thing tomorrow.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm sorry, Bill, but I got an idea.

[Marnie Carr]

I told you lately, we're not open for lunch.

[Philip Marlowe]

I said I'm sorry, didn't I? It's just.

[Marnie Carr]

Oh, I'm sorry, too, Marlo. Guess I'm kinda off my feet today. I declare. You ought to see what that butcher sent me in the name of prime rib. And Charlotte hall said she'd floundered like a beached whale all night. Bad tooth.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, will you run down and when.

[Marnie Carr]

I got here, this was here for you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh. Oh, let's see.

[Marnie Carr]

Someone shoved it under the door, I guess. At least that's where I found it.

[Philip Marlowe]

Mm.

[Marnie Carr]

Well, Landa Goshen. Come in. Get enough people, we'll put on a floor show.

[Podbean Announcer]

You have been a busy boy, Phil.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hi.

[Podbean Announcer]

About.

[Marnie Carr]

Make yourself at home, Lieutenant. I got work to do.

[Philip Marlowe]

If you know that, you also know I'm getting nowhere.

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah, maybe.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hey, listen, you've been tailing me, Matthews.

[Podbean Announcer]

Tailing you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, that's what I said.

[Podbean Announcer]

No, just the boy's been going the same place as you have a little bit later, all the way around. And along about the second stop, the description began to fit you.

[Philip Marlowe]

It did. Now, look, tell me, how did your phone call to Chicago come out?

[Podbean Announcer]

Oh, we found out where your Marnie Carr fits in.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh?

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah. That Harkness dame was a friend from New York who came to call in the Edwardses, and they tried to intercept her when they got the call about that family death in Chicago, only they couldn't reach her. Your Marnie told Mrs. Edwards she'd stick around the house and wait for the Harkness dame.

[Philip Marlowe]

Is that all?

[Podbean Announcer]

Well, they described some of the stuff that might be missing. We checked, and it is.

[Philip Marlowe]

It is, huh? Yeah. Tell me, how do you figure Marnie by now?

[Podbean Announcer]

How can I figure a. Phil, she's missing.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Podbean Announcer]

Yeah, she is missing, isn't she, Phil?

[Philip Marlowe]

I said if I found her, I'd tell you. You remember?

[Podbean Announcer]

Oh, yes, I remember, Phil. I just want to make sure you do.

[Philip Marlowe]

I had a reason for not telling Matthews about the note Belle gave me. It was signed Marnie, all right, but it wasn't the same handwriting I'd seen in the note she left for Mrs. Edwards. It said, Phil, meet me at 8:30 tonight in the park above the bluffs at Santa Monica. That was all. Except 8:30 was like six hours away. And it's just dark here at 8:30. And a fella can get killed keeping that kind of an appointment. You ever wait six hours for something to happen. Oh, it's not. Neither is the thought that maybe something final has happened to a pretty nice person. I was almost sure now that Paul was my boy. But almost wasn't close enough. And I had to find Marnie. If she could be found. I got to the park above the Santa Monica Bluffs about 15 minutes early. Left my car a block or so away, and all the way to the park I watched for a gray Chevy coupe, 49 or 50. When you look for them, they're hard to see. And then I saw it. Parking half a block down. A guy got out and headed into the park. I let him go. Got to his car about the time he reached the bluffs. I don't know what I thought I'd find. But not in my wildest dreams did I expect what I found. Three minutes later, I was foot to floor boarding it up the coast highway toward Malibu. The Seaway Motel. 2120-245 Malibu Road. That's the way. The parking ticket I lifted from under the windshield wiper on the Chevy Red. And that was good enough for me. I hit two wrong doors before I found the one I wanted, and I had a spring to lock. Marnie. He plays rough, doesn't he? Here, Alan, tie your wrists.

[Marnie Carr]

He knows he can get away with it. Phil, I've been such an idiot.

[Philip Marlowe]

You love him a lot, huh? Who.

[Marnie Carr]

Who doesn't love their own kid brother?

[Philip Marlowe]

Paul is your kid brother?

[Marnie Carr]

Yeah, all mine. Write it down somewhere, Phil. Big sisters don't make good mothers.

[Philip Marlowe]

Take it easy, honey. You're okay.

[Marnie Carr]

Sure, I'm fine. First I catch Paul stealing from the Edwards. Then I stand there like a zombie and watch him shoot down a woman he'd never seen. Seen before.

[Philip Marlowe]

Take it easy, honey.

[Marnie Carr]

Phil, I'm sorry. I didn't want to drag you into this. He asked me who you were when you brought me to the Edwards last night. I'd never heard of you, but Paul had and.

[Philip Marlowe]

Wait a minute, wait a minute. That's probably him now.

[Marnie Carr]

Be careful, Phil. He's crazy.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now, be ready for him. Right behind the door.

[Podbean Announcer]

Your bright boyfriend stood me up. We gotta get out of here. Hey, hey, what is this? You big.

[Marnie Carr]

Oh, Phil, he's just a kid.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, just a kid. I called Matthews and wounded up. Everything checked, everything balanced. Paul cried like the baby he was and blabbed his head off. When he came to, Marnie just cried. Funny how many people dispose of anything from mayhem to murder. With the phrase, he's just a kid. I bet someone said that about Capone. Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd. Now take Marnie. She's what a kid.

[Podbean Announcer]

The adventures of Philip Marlowe, bringing you Raymond Chandler's most famous character. Star Gerald Moore are produced and directed by Norman McDonnell and written for radio by Kathleen Hite. Featured in the cast were Virginia Gregg and Joan Banks with Paul Dubov, Jim Nusser, June Whitley, Shirley Mitchell and Marjorie Bennett. Detective Lieutenant Matthews was played by Larry Dobkin. Gerald Moore may soon be seen in the Santana production Sirocco. The special music is composed by Pierre Garaganc and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Be sure to listen again next week at the same time when Philip Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe]

Says this time a pair of cross telephone wires put the good neighbor policy into effect to the murderous accompaniment of an off key xylophone. One good neighbor almost kills another good neighbor fella named Marlo.

[Podbean Announcer]

Foreign glamorous song stylist visits Guy Lombardo time tomorrow night on cbs. Lena Romai sings Chihu Chiu and I get ideas and that should give folks ideas too. Not to miss lovely Lena Romai on Guy Lombardo time tomorrow night. Say also on tap over most of these same CBS stations, another 30 minutes of Mario Lanza words and music featuring magnificent Mario, who sings just as well hot as he does long hair. Remember Mario Lanza tomorrow night on cbs. Now stay tuned for gangbusters which follows immediately on most of these same CBS stations. This is Roy Rowan speaking. This is CBS here. Horace Height every Sunday night on the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Philip Marlowe]

RA.