The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: Nether Nether Land 09/01/1951

Summary

Summary of "The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: Nether Nether Land" | Choice Classic Radio Detectives

Episode Title: The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: Nether Nether Land
Air Date: September 1, 1951
Release Date: April 27, 2025
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
Narrator: Various

---

Introduction

"The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: Nether Nether Land" transports listeners into the gritty noir world of Raymond Chandler's iconic private detective, Philip Marlowe. Portrayed by Gerald Moore, Marlowe navigates the complexities of Los Angeles' underbelly, unraveling mysteries that blend personal turmoil with criminal intrigue.

---

Meeting Carolyn Shepherd

[04:09]
Philip Marlowe:
"There's times when life makes no sense at all, when confusion is the keynote and all we do is run in ever tightening circles."

Marlowe begins the episode weary from a recently closed case. His solitude is interrupted by Carolyn Shepherd (voiced by Loreen Tuttle), a distressed young woman seeking his help. Carolyn reveals she has been relentlessly followed by an unknown man, causing her immense fear and disrupting her peace.

[04:32]
Carolyn Shepherd:
"Someone's following me, Mr. Marlow. He's been following me for I don't know how long. I'm so frightened."

Marlowe, though initially dismissive, agrees to assist, setting the stage for a deeper investigation into Carolyn's predicament.

---

Initial Investigation and Suspicion

Upon attempting to locate Carolyn, Marlowe encounters Simon (voiced by Howard McNear), a neighboring police officer who seems dismissive yet intrigued by Carolyn's case. Marlowe discovers Carolyn has left behind a billfold, pointing to Apartment 3 on Yucca Street, but finds no immediate leads.

[09:48]
Philip Marlowe:
"Her name was Carolyn Shepherd. Someone was following her. She'd been here and she was gone. That's all I knew."

As Marlowe delves deeper, he uncovers that Carolyn had been making regular payments to Frank Laszlo, a seemingly benign family friend, raising questions about Laszlo's true intentions and his possible connection to the threats against Carolyn.

---

Confrontation and Revelation

[24:12]
Philip Marlowe:
"You know, Carolyn, you never described this guy who's been following you. I wouldn't even know what kind of a fellow to look for."

The tension escalates when Carolyn identifies her pursuer, leading Marlowe to apprehend Simon, who reveals a tumultuous past. The investigation takes a darker turn as clues point towards Carolyn's potential involvement in her husband's murder, hinting at motives rooted in personal trauma and financial stress.

[26:43]
Simon:
"You mustn't take it so seriously, young lady. Your companion here made a good race."

---

Climactic Resolution

Marlowe connects the dots between the missing criminal Frank Laszlo and Carolyn's mysterious behavior. As the narrative unfolds, it's revealed that Carolyn had killed her husband, Stephen Shepherd, leading to her current state of paranoia and the incessant following by Laszlo, who may be involved in blackmailing her.

[30:06]
Police Officer:
"You bringing the dame in? Yeah, I'll bring her in."

In a final confrontation, Marlowe brings Carolyn to the police, exposing the intertwined motives and the tragic consequences of her actions. The episode concludes with Marlowe reflecting on the facade of upstanding citizens hiding deep moral failings.

[30:37]
Philip Marlowe:
"Don't let anyone tell you that banks don't open till 10 o'clock. If you make like breaking down a glass door, they'll let you in."

---

Key Quotes

• Philip Marlowe:
  "Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison or the grave."
  [02:34]

• Carolyn Shepherd:
  "He must know we're following him. The way he's driving. We can't lose him. We can't."
  [25:00]

• Dee Dee Reynolds:
  "I have three chairs in my house. One for solitude, two for friendship, three for society."
  [20:46]

• Philip Marlowe:
  "Judge not little man. Some of them either at the more or less."
  [09:44]

---

Conclusion

"The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: Nether Nether Land" masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, psychological turmoil, and moral ambiguity. Through Marlowe's sharp investigative skills and introspective narration, listeners are drawn into a world where every character harbors secrets, and the line between right and wrong is perilously thin. The episode underscores the complexities of human nature and the relentless pursuit of truth in a city rife with deception.

---

Production Notes

• Writer: Kathleen Height
• Producer and Transcriber: Cliff Howell
• Special Music: Pierre Garaganc, conducted by Wilbur Hatch
• Cast:
  • Philip Marlowe: Gerald Moore
  • Carolyn Shepherd: Loreen Tuttle
  • Dee Dee Reynolds: Shirley Mitchell
  • Simon: Howard McNear
  • Frank Laszlo: Cy Kendall

---

Looking Ahead

Listeners are teased with future episodes, including humorous escapades of Corliss Archer, ensuring a blend of mystery and family-friendly entertainment in upcoming broadcasts.

---

This summary captures the essence of the "Nether Nether Land" episode, highlighting key plot points, character developments, and memorable dialogues, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't experienced the episode firsthand.

Transcript

[Host 1]

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[Host 1]

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 you for [e-mail] Most Saturdays at this time.

[Narrator]

We spend an exciting half hour of adventure in action with America's public hero number one, Hopalong Cassidy. Well, even two fisted cowboys take summer vacations when they can, and Hoppy is no exception. But Hopalong and Topper will be back with us, riding the CBS air trails again, three weeks from tonight, September 22nd.

[Philip Marlowe]

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 of the grave. There's no other end, but they never learn.

[Narrator]

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 Marlowe. We bring you tonight's transcribed story Nether Netherland.

[Philip Marlowe]

There are times when life makes no sense at all, when confusion is the keynote and all we do is run in ever tightening circles. The 1 and 1 is 2. School is closed and nothing comes out. Even the 30 hours just passed. I'd wrapped up a case and considerable of my youthful zest along with it. I was bone tired when I reached my apartment, sank deep into my bed. It wasn't so much to sleep, but to die a little. And I was not long dead. Okay, where are those slippers? Okay. Who needs more than 15 minutes sleep? Yeah. Yeah.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Mr. Marlowe, I've got to see you. It's very important.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, better be.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

It's awfully late. I know you're nice to let me in.

[Philip Marlowe]

Did I let you in?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Yes, just now. You're not still asleep, are you?

[Philip Marlowe]

No. No, I don't think so. You see, I always sleep lying down. It's a habit.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

You must know I wouldn't bother you this way. But won't it. Well, someone's following me, Mr. Mallow. He's been following me for I don't know how long. I'm so frightened.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, come on. Come on. How about a cup of coffee, huh?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Oh, really, Mr. Mallow, I don't think you're listening to me. I could make it worth your while. I wish you'd wake up.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, that's what coffee's for. Come on.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Come on.

[Philip Marlowe]

You can talk to me while I make it. Now, you were saying someone's following you. A man, naturally. Who is it?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

I don't know.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sit down over there at the kitchen table. This won't take long.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Thank you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now, why would anybody be following you? That's the silliest question I've asked in days.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

But it isn't silly. I've tried to figure it out myself. I haven't done anything. I don't have anything.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, we'll let that go. Look, maybe I ought to know your name, huh?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Carolyn Shepherd.

[Philip Marlowe]

Don't be sorry. I'm glad you're Carolyn Shepherd.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Why?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, because it beats the heck out of being George Shepherd.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Dede said she thought you'd help me. That's why I came. DeeDee, my roommate, Dee Dee Reynolds.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

She doesn't know you or anything. She just said if she were troubled like I am, she'd get in touch with you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, that's nice of Deedee. Does she know somebody's been following you?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

No. No, I haven't told Anyone? I. I don't know her very well. We haven't lived together long. I don't know. I didn't want to frighten her too, so I just told her something that sounded all right and she said she'd heard about you. Oh, your water's boiling.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh. Oh. Oh, thanks. Does he ever call you?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

No, we. We don't have a phone. The landlady lives right next to us. The next apartment we use hers. But he never tries to call me, as far as I know.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, does he ever come to your door or approach you in any way?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Sometimes he gets very close. That is, almost before I know it, there he is. But then I run and he's never caught up with me yet.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, he could just be watching you then, huh?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Yes, I guess so. But why?

[Philip Marlowe]

I don't know. Maybe we can find out. Did you see him tonight?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Yes. He was out in front of the apartment house for a while. I. I don't think he followed me over here, but he may have. Can you see the street from those windows?

[Philip Marlowe]

Mm. See anything?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

No, nothing. Oh, Mr. Marlowe, what will I do?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, right now, honey, you'll have a cup of coffee. I'll take a quick shower and a shave and then we'll.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

He might come.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, the door is a locked. If you hear anything, just bang on the bathroom door.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

You won't be long?

[Philip Marlowe]

No. Sure, Nan. Be back before you know. Was now 2:30 in the morning. Although I was still gray and half dead inside, my eyes found a new reason for being wide open. Carolyn shepherd was not just an attractive girl. She was slightly sensational. Statuesque would be the term. She was almost shoulder height with ash blonde long hair. Her smoky blue eyes were half wild with fear and searching, but there were promises in them. And her figure was the kind that you didn't mention in polite society. How's the coffee coming? Carolyn? Carolyn? Hey, where'd you go? Oh, come on, the coffee couldn't be that bad. Carolyn, that's the craziest thing I ever heard of. Do was locked all right. That's funny. She's gone. Carolyn.

[Simon]

Hello?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, hi, Simon.

[Simon]

You lose something, Stratham? Something named Carol?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, it looks like him. You didn't see her out in the hall by any chance?

[Simon]

I don't believe I did, Mrs. Scott. I've noticed her.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm not so sure you all ran out on you. Oh yeah, I'm sure.

[Simon]

The way did you go? Oh, there you go. What's out the window?

[Philip Marlowe]

Thought she might still be down in the street. Who? Carolyn.

[Simon]

Oh, ran out of.

[Philip Marlowe]

You said that?

[Simon]

What did you do?

[Philip Marlowe]

You never believed.

[Simon]

Oh, come on, That's. Yeah, we know. What'd you do?

[Philip Marlowe]

I took a shower.

[Simon]

You took a shower? Oh, ran out on you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Simon was listening badly but enjoying a good laugh when I left him. Back inside the apartment, I reached for a cigarette and a few conclusions. Her name was Carolyn Shepherd. Someone was following her. She'd been here and she was gone. That's all I knew. I looked at the clock a quarter to three. I remember the coffee I'd made. Started to the kitchen to get a cup when my foote and I caught something at the same time. It was a billfold. The driver's license said Carolyn Sheppard and it gave a yucca address, apartment 3. Physical description didn't do her justice, but it heightened my memory and I was there in no time.

[Simon]

Yes? Yes, what is it?

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm looking for Carolyn Shepard.

[Police Officer]

Oh, you were?

[Simon]

Well, she isn't here. I don't know her. But I'd like to meet that young woman sometime.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's a pleasure, believe me. Now, look, I'm sorry.

[Simon]

They're always sorry. Between the freeway by day and the traffic at this door by night. On account of Caroline shepherd body can't get any rest to sleep.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm really sorry. I know it's late, but.

[Simon]

See, I can't imagine what kind of a person she is. That men can knock on her door or any door they think is hers at all hours. I'm not going to stand for it. I'm going to move and someday I'll meet this young shepherd person and I'll. I'll give her a good thrashing.

[Philip Marlowe]

You do that. But just tell me one thing.

[Simon]

I'll tell you nothing.

[Philip Marlowe]

How long have you lived here?

[Simon]

Six weeks. Six of the most miserable weeks of my life.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thanks very much.

[Hester Hutchison]

My goodness. What's going on out here?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, I guess I have the wrong address. I didn't mean to wake everybody up.

[Hester Hutchison]

Why, you didn't wake me up. Just Mr. Norton. I guess I. Well, I guess it's insomnia. I just practically never sleep night.

[Philip Marlowe]

You ought to get together with Mr. Norton. He tells me he has the same kind of trouble.

[Hester Hutchison]

He isn't a very pleasant old gentleman, is he?

[Philip Marlowe]

No.

[Hester Hutchison]

Oh, my. I guess I should introduce myself. I'm Hester Hutchison. I'm the manager of the building.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, well, maybe you can help me then. I'm trying to locate Carolyn Shepherd. This is the only address I've got for her.

[Hester Hutchison]

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Philip Marlowe]

You're sorry?

[Hester Hutchison]

Carolyn did live here, but she moved about six weeks ago for some reason or other. I never understood, really. She didn't want to leave any forwarding address.

[Philip Marlowe]

I see. Well, thanks, Ms. Hutchins.

[Hester Hutchison]

Oh, not at all, not at all.

[Philip Marlowe]

I hope I didn't disturb you.

[Hester Hutchison]

Oh, my goodness, no. As I said, I'm sort of given to this insomnia or whatever it is I. Well, as a matter of fact, I just baked a coffee cake. Sounds silly, I know, but I get some of my best ideas at night. And tonight it was coffee cake.

[Philip Marlowe]

Coffee cake, huh?

[Hester Hutchison]

If you dad here for some, I'd be. Well, you'd just be more than welcome.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, that's nice, Ms. Hutchinson. But you see, I get some of my best ideas at night, too. And I got one right now about going home to bed. I could sleep. I knew I could. I could have been sleeping at least an hour if Carol and Shepherd hadn't decided to come into my life and go out again. Well, I didn't know where else to look for her. So I decided to give my little trundle bed another whirl. I'd gotten about 10 out of the usual 40 winks. Well. Oh, no. Yeah?

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Mr. Marlo?

[Philip Marlowe]

I think so.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

I'm D.D. reynolds, Mr. Marlo.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, that's.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Well, I guess she isn't. But is Carolyn shepherd still.

[Philip Marlowe]

No, no, she is. Who'd you say? This one.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

I'm her roommate, Dee Dee Reynolds. She hasn't come home. Mr. Marlow, I'm so worried. I came next door to phone. Has she been gone long?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes, yes, she has. Now, look, Dee Dee. Oh, I was.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

I was afraid of that. Oh, Mr. Marlow, something's happened.

[Philip Marlowe]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. What's happened?

[Simon]

She.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Well, I just know she's been killed.

[Philip Marlowe]

Easy, easy. Listen to me, will you?

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Poor Carol.

[Philip Marlowe]

Dee Dee. Listen, Deedee, where do you live? Dee. Oh, fine.

[Narrator]

In just a moment, we'll return to the second act of Philip Marlowe. But first, James Fassett brings you the second part of his two program series of Holland Music Festival selections, along with a few colorful words about the music customs and people of Holland as he observed them. That's on your invitation to music tomorrow afternoon on most of these same CBS radio stations. Listen to tomorrow for your string Serenade, featuring Jerry Windsor with his singing strings in music All America Loves. Now with our star, Gerald Moore, the second act of Philip Marlowe and tonight's story, Nether Netherland.

[Philip Marlowe]

I was wide awake again and furious because somewhere in Los Angeles There was another telephone recently put on its cradle. I didn't know where it was or how to make it ring. Somewhere in Los Angeles. Tour a couple of near hysterical females, neither of whom had any regard for my sleeping habits. DeeDee had jumped to a conclusion about Carolyn that I wasn't buying. Probably because I didn't want to. Well, it was beginning to turn gray outside, and the jarring thump of the paper grazing my door told me a new dawn was with us.

[Simon]

You still looking for that girl, Mr. Barnum?

[Philip Marlowe]

Morning, Simon. You still bouncing off walls?

[Simon]

I am confronted with something of a problem, Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

So am I.

[Simon]

Someone in the night, mind you, has moved my apartment.

[Philip Marlowe]

No.

[Simon]

Yes. I've looked all over the neighborhood and it is gone.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, you just hang on. It'll be back.

[Simon]

No, it has to be. It just has to come home to me.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Oh.

[Simon]

Did you ever find her?

[Philip Marlowe]

No, I never did.

[Simon]

You were taking a shower there.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes. Oh, Myla, you dog. Fine. You like coffee cake?

[Simon]

Oh, my dear Marlow, I not only like it, I respect it. And I'd be proud to join you in summer, but I'd just be proud.

[Philip Marlowe]

No, no, no. Not me, Simon. About three blocks from here, over on Yucca, ask for Hester.

[Simon]

I thank you, Marlow. From my heart of hearts, I thank you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hail and farewell, Simon. Well, let's see what's in the paper. International situation. Inflation. Holy smoke. Police late last night found an unidentified woman beaten and unconscious in the Beechwood area near the Hollywood Hills. The young woman, tall and blonde, was taken immediately to the police receiving hospital in Hollywood, where her condition is reported as serious.

[Police Officer]

She fits a description of that shepherd girl's driver's license. All right, Mr. Barlow. She's pretty banged up, though. Might be tough to identify her.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. What time did they find her?

[Police Officer]

About 3:00 this morning, I think. We were figuring robbery, since her wallet and most of the stuff in her purse is missing. Oh.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, here we are.

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[Police Officer]

And she's still out. Pretty doped up, I guess, huh?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Police Officer]

She the one?

[Philip Marlowe]

No. No, she isn't.

[Police Officer]

You sure?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Hair is too blonde.

[Police Officer]

Well, maybe she's had a quick dye job since you saw her last, huh?

[Philip Marlowe]

Very funny.

[Police Officer]

Well, we'd like to wrap this thing up. You know, if you could identify her, we'd be part out of the woods.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'd like to help you out, but she's not Carolyn Shepherd. How about her? Will she live?

[Police Officer]

There's one.

[Philip Marlowe]

This one?

[Police Officer]

No. Hasn't got a chance.

[Philip Marlowe]

You get that way, I guess. Watching the inhuman parade of human stretcher cases into a police hospital, I would never his job. The sunlight was fresh and warm outside. The coffee I got at the three stool joint next door was neither. But now you're sleeping. Now you're not. Routine of the night before, I hadn't exactly met Razor Sharp, but by now I was alert enough to study Carolyn's wallet a little more intently. There was 12 bucks in it and stashed in with the bills, a book of check stubs on a Hollywood bank. Don't let anyone tell you that banks don't open till 10 o'clock. If you make like breaking down a glass door, they'll let you in. And if you cause them that much trouble, they'll give you the address you ask for and send you on your way in a hurry. I felt better about this address for Carolyn Dee Dee Reynolds was listed on the card in the mailbox, too.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Yes.

[Philip Marlowe]

You must be Dee Dee. And I must be Philip marlowe.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Oh, yes, Mr. Marlow. Come in.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thanks. I. I'm just supposing that Carolyn made it home all right. You seem to have a better grip on things than you did a few hours ago.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Oh, I have. I don't usually go to pieces that way, but I was terrified. Really terrified. She came home shortly after I called you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sleeping now?

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

No, no, as a matter of fact, she just stepped next door to use Mrs. Landsberg's phone. She'll be right back. I know. Sit down, won't you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, thanks, I will.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

I had three chairs in my house. One for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.

[Philip Marlowe]

Is that so? Which one am I sitting on now?

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

You don't know the quote? It's Thoreau.

[Police Officer]

Oh.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I'm impressed.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

I shouldn't flaunt my knowledge that way. It's just that I. I've been nervous lately. I always read Thoreau when I'm nervous.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, aside from Thoreau, how much do you know about Carolyn?

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Not. Not very much. She doesn't let anyone know very much. I know she's worried. She watches at the window and she jumps when there's a knock at the door. She acts like. Like someone's after her all the time. I told her to see you.

[Philip Marlowe]

That's nice.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Society is commonly too cheap. We meet at very short intervals, not having had time to acquire any new value for each other.

[Philip Marlowe]

You quote a good deal, don't you?

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Thoreau reaches me.

[Philip Marlowe]

How about Frank Laszlo?

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Frank Laszlo?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

No, no, I don't think so. Is he a well known writer?

[Philip Marlowe]

I wouldn't know. I thought Carolyn might have mentioned him.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

No, not that I know of. Of course, we keep pretty much to ourselves.

[Philip Marlowe]

Which one of you smokes cigars?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

What?

[Philip Marlowe]

In the ashtray on the table there.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Why, for heaven's sakes, I never even noticed it. That's odd. Of course, I was gone early last evening. Went to the library.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Maybe someone was here to see Carol.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, that could be.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Hello, Mr. Marlowe. I'm so glad to see you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Are you?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

You don't know how glad. Deedee, would you.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

I promised Mrs. Landsberg I'd water the lawn for an act. Anyway, it's the nearest thing I can get to Thoreau's life in the woods. I love a broad margin to my life.

[Philip Marlowe]

The swiftest traveler is he. That goes afoot.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Mr. Marlowe, you do know Thoreau?

[Philip Marlowe]

See you later, Deedee.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Oh, it's Been a pleasure. A real pleasure.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

She's an amazing girl, isn't she?

[Philip Marlowe]

So are you. You did a great disappearing act last night.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

I know. I felt so strange there. I knew he was around somewhere and then I saw him down the street in front of your apartment. I had to run. I went out the back down the fire escape.

[Philip Marlowe]

But you didn't come home for quite a while.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Well, there's an all night diner over on Franklin. Stayed there a long time. I was so frightened. I still am. It's got to stop. Mr. Marlowe, whoever he is, he has to leave me alone.

[Philip Marlowe]

Who's Frank Laszlo, Carolyn?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Why do you ask?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I looked through the check stabs in your wallet. You made weekly payments of $50 to Frank Laszlo for several months up until two weeks ago.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Well, he's just a family friend, Mr. Marlowe. I. He loaned me some money and I've been paying him back.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, but 50 bucks a week is pretty much and pretty often.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Well, I wanted to clear up the debt as soon as I could.

[Philip Marlowe]

I thought you had no family.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

I haven't, but we've known Mr. Laszlo for years. You see, I inherited a small amount when my father died just last year. It was tied up for a while and Mr. Laszlo just helped me over the breach, that's all.

[Philip Marlowe]

Does he live in town?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

No. No, he doesn't. If you're thinking he has anything to do with my. My trouble, Mr. Marlowe, you're very wrong. I wouldn't want him to know about it at all.

[Philip Marlowe]

You know, Carolyn, you never described this guy who's been following you. I wouldn't even know what kind of a fellow to look for.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Well, he's short for a man, not quite as tall as I am. And he's muscular looking. I think he's dark too. Although he usually wears a hat and a gray suit.

[Philip Marlowe]

Does he smoke cigars?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

I've never noticed that he does, no.

[Philip Marlowe]

You don't work anywhere, do you?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

How can I hold a job in the state I'm in? Oh, no, I just look and wait.

[Philip Marlowe]

What is it?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

I knew it. He's out there, Mr. Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Where?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

He just got in that car. The big convertible at the curb.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay, honey, come on, let's go.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

He must know we're following him. The way he's driving.

[Philip Marlowe]

He can lose us with that job too. Those babies can really take off.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Look, he's moving over into the right lane.

[Philip Marlowe]

Probably going to turn now. We're going with him. Hang on, honey.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

We can't lose him. We can't.

[Philip Marlowe]

We won't. He's pulling into that parking lot.

[Simon]

Well, sir, we made quite a chase of it, didn't we?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, we did. Get out of that car.

[Simon]

I was just about to.

[Philip Marlowe]

You know, you really shouldn't try to keep up with a car like mine. I was just toying with you that time. Now, if you want to make a real. Wait a minute. How tall are you?

[Simon]

Oh, I'm quite tall, really. Six feet seven.

[Philip Marlowe]

My stocking feet. How tall are you? It doesn't matter.

[Police Officer]

Why, what's the matter?

[Philip Marlowe]

She'll be all right. She's just a little disappointed. Come on.

[Simon]

No, no, no.

[Police Officer]

You mustn't take it so seriously, young lady. Your companion here made a good race.

[Philip Marlowe]

Of it, considering he was up against great odds. Yeah, thanks. Thanks, Mr. Pious.

[Simon]

O thee.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, thanks.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

I don't know how I could have made such a mistake. But he did look like you, Mr. Mallow. Until he stood up, I really thought.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, honey, forget it. You're pretty tired and upset, and you're almost home now, huh?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

I don't want to be alone. He'll come.

[Philip Marlowe]

Don't worry. I'll stick around. Nobody. A body.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

He must. He must. I'm so tired, so afraid.

[Philip Marlowe]

Take it easy, honey. We can't strike out all the time. Hey. Hey. Looks like Dee's made a friend watering the yard.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Oh, no, Mr. Marlowe. This time I'm sure of it. It's him. I know it is.

[Philip Marlowe]

Cigar and all, huh? Okay, baby, we'll see. Come on.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

No, no, I can't.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, Carolyn, you gotta get with it, girl. DeeDee, give me a hand, will you? What's.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Carolyn, what's wrong?

[Philip Marlowe]

She's pretty upset. Take her in the apartment, will you?

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Oh, sure. Sure I will.

[Philip Marlowe]

Who's the guy with the cigar?

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Well, he didn't say. He asked the carol.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay. Hey.

[Simon]

Hey, you.

[Narrator]

Hold it.

[Philip Marlowe]

I don't think so, buddy. I said hold it, or I'll ram that cigar down your throat.

[Simon]

You don't look so tough.

[Police Officer]

That's how I fool him.

[Philip Marlowe]

You.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Mr. Marlow. Are you hurt?

[Philip Marlowe]

No. Go back to Carolyn.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Get her in the apartment in Mrs. Lionsbury's. She's not making much sense either. Just crying and mumbling things. Oh, he's really out cold.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Now, look. Take a look in there. His auto registration. Read it to me.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Oh, let's see.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Frank Laszlo. Something, something. Cling Street. Barstow, California.

[Philip Marlowe]

I thought so.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Did you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Never mind. Go back with Carolyn now and stay with her. If she says anything, memorize it like you do with Thoreau.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

But where are you taking.

[Philip Marlowe]

Where I hope he belongs. I'll be right back.

[Police Officer]

Hey, you keep dropping in like this and we'll be old friends. Mr. Morrow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Never mind that. What shape's he in?

[Police Officer]

Looks like a minor concussion. He'll be around in a little while. Who hit him?

[Philip Marlowe]

A very dear friend of mine. Look, keep him here, will you? And keep an eye on him. I'll be back, maybe with another customer for you.

[Police Officer]

Hey, we'll make you a rate.

[Philip Marlowe]

And you can save us both some time if you get one of the boys at the station to call Bostow. Find out anything they can about Frank Laszlo and a girl named Carolyn Shepard. You can reach me at the Landsberg phone number I looked up on Cherokee.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Oh, Mr. Marlow. Gee, I'm glad you're back.

[Philip Marlowe]

How's Caroline?

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Come in and listen to her. I'm scared to death.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Mail that checked at the bar stove. Must remember at the mail check. Got so much to forget, too. Forget and remember.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

It's been going on like that ever since you left. What does it mean?

[Philip Marlowe]

I don't know for sure yet.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Steve. Steve, you can't be everywhere. Everywhere I look, you can't be anywhere. You're dead, Steve. Don't you know you're dead?

[Philip Marlowe]

Take it easy, Carolyn. Easy.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Easy.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Oh, that's Mrs. Landsberg's phone. I told her I'd answer it while she was out.

[Philip Marlowe]

Go ahead.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

It could be for me.

[Philip Marlowe]

Carolyn. Carolyn, you're okay.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Who are you?

[Carolyn Shepherd]

No, Steve, it can't be you. Steve, you're dead.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm not. Steve. Carolyn.

[Carolyn Shepherd]

Steve. Steve, you're dead. Don't you remember, Steve? I killed you. But you won't go away. You won't go away.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

It's for you. Mr. Marlow, it's the police.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, I know. I'll get it.

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

She's. What's wrong with you, Mr. Marlow?

[Philip Marlowe]

She fainted. She'll be okay. Poor kid. Yeah. Did you leave Mrs. Lansbury's door open?

[Dee Dee Reynolds]

Oh. Oh, sure. Phone's right there in her living room.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thanks. Yeah. Hey.

[Police Officer]

Marlowe and Barstow call was a rural. That dame you mentioned, Shepard, she's wanted for murder.

[Philip Marlowe]

Who'd she killed?

[Police Officer]

Her husband, Stephen shepherd, last March.

[Philip Marlowe]

What about Laszlo?

[Police Officer]

Well, they're not sure out there. He was questioned at the time, but they couldn't get anything on him. The name apparently just vanished till now. Last time they had Lazlo in for questioning a couple of weeks back. He said he didn't know where she was.

[Philip Marlowe]

Must have a real Bad memory, huh? You bringing the dame in? Yeah, I'll bring her in.

[Police Officer]

She all beat up too. I can send the wagon.

[Philip Marlowe]

No, I'll bring her. Just keep a straight jacket handy. Like I said, there are times when confusion is the case. Keynote. Carolyn Sheppard was a kid. Kept seeing the man she murdered. Saw him so often she believed it. Frank Laszlo must have seen things too. Enough to keep Carolyn paying him. Blackmail. Ever since she killed her husband. Did you ever stop to think of all the so called nice, clean, upstanding citizens who carry a moral cesspool behind shining eyes and a sweet smile. Suddenly they make headlines like Carolyn. What's the line for murder, though it hath no tongue, will speak with most miraculous.

[Narrator]

The adventures of Philip Marlowe bringing you Raymond Chandler's most famous character starring Gerald Moore, was produced and transcribed tonight by Cliff Howell and written for radio by Kathleen Height. Featured in the cast were Loreen Tuttle, Verna Felton, Shirley Mitchell, Howard McNear, Ted Osborne, and Cy Kendall. Gerald Moore may currently be seen in the Santana production Sirocco. The special music for Philip Marlow is composed by Pierre Garaganc and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Be sure to listen next week at the same time when Philip Marlow says.

[Philip Marlowe]

This time my plans for a fishing trip got caught in the line of a beautiful girl who didn't know upstream from downstream. I was in deep water for a while, but I finally caught my limit by using a special kind of bait.

[Narrator]

There's a song that goes with this story. Friends, the story is starting tomorrow evening. You'll be able to laugh again at the adoration adorable antics of America's favorite teenager, Corliss Archer. Her boyfriend, Dexter returns from vacation too. So does her whole family. All of which means more Sunday night fun for your whole family when you meet Corliss Archer. Sunday nights on most of these same CBS radio stations. We said a song went with this story, didn't we?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, here it is.

[Police Officer]

C B, S B for the best. Yes, yes, yes.

[Philip Marlowe]

The stars. That dress is cbs.

[Narrator]

This is Clarence Cassell saying, remember, for the sweetest music this side of heaven, it's Guy Lombardo time Sunday evenings on the CBS Radio Network.

[Host 1]

When's the last time you read a great book? Maybe a book that changed your life or changed your perspective? Well, if you need a recommendation or two, I'd suggest you move over to the McConnell center podcast, where we're dropping weekly recommendations from academics and authors on books that just might be what you need. Search for the McConnell center podcast wherever it is you get your podcasts and give us a listen today.

[Podbean Voice]

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