The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: The Pelican's Roost 6/28/1950

Summary

The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: "The Pelican's Roost" – Detailed Summary

Introduction

"The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: The Pelican's Roost" is a classic episode from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring Raymond Chandler's iconic private detective, Philip Marlowe. Presented by Choice Classic Radio and released on December 8, 2024, this episode delves into a complex web of deceit, love, and vengeance set against the backdrop of 1950s Los Angeles.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Philip Marlowe returning home, only to be urgently contacted by his acquaintance, Lynn Russell. Lynn, described as a "glossy brunette" with the poise of a top model, desperately seeks Marlowe’s assistance to escape from a dangerous man named Ward Erling.

Key Characters Introduced

• Philip Marlowe (Gerald Moore): The quintessential hard-boiled detective navigating the treacherous streets of Los Angeles.
• Lynn Russell: A sophisticated woman in distress, entangled in a perilous relationship with Ward Erling.
• Ward Erling: An unstable ex-lover of Lynn, recently released from the hospital under suspicious circumstances.
• Palmer Sloan (Podbean Representative): An associate connected to Lynn and the unfolding mystery.
• Maxine Majesta: A bitter yet pivotal character who holds crucial information about the case.

Plot Development

Initial Confrontation and Investigation (00:57 – 05:01)

The episode kicks off with Lynn Russell contacting Marlowe from a beauty salon, pleading for his help as Ward Erling threatens her life. Marlowe heads to the Wilshire Boulevard Miracle Mile area but finds no sign of Lynn. Instead, he encounters Ward, who is furious and vowing vengeance:

Philip Marlowe (00:57): “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.”
Ward Erling (04:43, 04:44): "I'm gonna get even with her. Do you understand?"

Despite his initial hesitation, Marlowe decides to help Lynn, leading him into a tangled investigation that reveals Ward's sinister motives and connections to other characters like Palmer Sloan and Bob Freeman.

Encounter at the Four Bell Jump (05:01 – 11:03)

Marlowe's search takes him to the Four Bell Jump, a waterfront joint where he hopes to find clues about Ward Erling’s whereabouts. Here, he meets Bob Freeman and Manny Leger, who provide conflicting accounts of Ward's accident and his current status. A pivotal moment occurs when Bob Freeman is found murdered, pushing Marlowe deeper into the mystery.

Palmer Sloan (07:10): “Erling put Ward Early in splints to keep him from wrecking the band.”

Marlowe’s Interactions and Clues (11:54 – 17:19)

As Marlowe digs deeper, he interacts with Maxine Majesta, who hints at deeper layers of betrayal and deceit. He uncovers a link between Lynn Russell, Palmer Sloan, and the deceased Bob Freeman, suggesting a motive rooted in jealousy and professional rivalry.

Marlowe (16:28): “That Palmer Sloan’s just moved us closer to finding Lynn.” Palmer Sloan (17:13): “He didn’t want his girlfriend mixed up with anything as degrading as a musician.”

Marlowe Confronts Maxine Majesta (17:19 – 23:30)

The investigation leads Marlowe to the Santa Monica Pier, specifically to the dilapidated Pelican's Roost. Here, he meets Maxine Majesta, who becomes a central figure in unveiling the truth. Through a series of confrontations and revelations, Marlowe pieces together the motives behind Ward Erling's quest for revenge.

Maxine Majesta (26:08): “I got here before you did. I've been watching them. He had all the chance in the world to shoot.”

Climax

The tension culminates at the Pelican's Roost, where Marlowe confronts both Ward Erling and Maxine Majesta. In a dramatic revelation, Maxine admits to orchestrating the murders to protect her own interests and ends of Lynn Russell, thereby intertwining their fates in a deadly alliance.

Maxine Majesta (26:27): “You killed Bob... He was afraid you'd find out everything.”

Resolution

With the truth laid bare, Marlowe contacts the Santa Monica police to report the crimes. The episode concludes with Marlowe and Lynn Russell reflecting on the tumultuous events, emphasizing the transient nature of safety and the ever-present threat of danger in their lives.

Philip Marlowe (28:17): “Numb? Anesthetize. Insulate our hearts, our sensibilities. That way nothing can get to you.”

Notable Quotes

• Philip Marlowe (00:57): “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.”
• Ward Erling (04:43): “I'm gonna get even with her. Do you understand?”
• Maxine Majesta (26:08): “I got here before you did. I've been watching them. He had all the chance in the world to shoot.”
• Philip Marlowe (28:17): “Numb? Anesthetize. Insulate our hearts, our sensibilities. That way nothing can get to you.”

Conclusion

"The Pelican's Roost" is a quintessential Philip Marlowe adventure, blending suspense, intricate character dynamics, and a tightly woven plot. Through Marlowe's sharp wit and relentless pursuit of truth, listeners are treated to a masterful depiction of noir storytelling. The episode not only entertains but also offers a glimpse into the complex moral landscape navigated by one of literature's greatest detectives.

Production Credits

• Star: Gerald Moore as Philip Marlowe
• Supporting Cast: Lillian Byeff, Larry Dobkin, Georgia Ellis, John Dana, David Ellis, Paul Dubove, Jack Crucian
• Music: Composed and conducted by Richard Arant
• Produced and Directed by: Norman MacDonald
• Written for Radio by: Robert Mitchell and Gene Levitt

Final Thoughts

This episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of old-time radio dramas, capturing the essence of detective fiction with rich dialogue, compelling characters, and a gripping narrative. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to Philip Marlowe's world, "The Pelican's Roost" promises an engaging and memorable listening experience.

Transcript

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[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.

[Podbean Representative]

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[Philip Marlowe]

Hello, Marlow speaking.

[Lynn Russell]

Oh, thank heaven you're home tonight.

[Philip Marlowe]

Lynn?

[Podbean Representative]

Yes, Lynn Russell?

[Lynn Russell]

Uh huh.

[Podbean Representative]

Oh baby.

[Philip Marlowe]

When did you get back to town?

[Lynn Russell]

Yesterday. Phil, listen, I'm at Eugene's. It's a beauty salon. Wilshire, just west of La Cienega. Yeah, Come over here right away, will you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Me? To a beauty shop?

[Lynn Russell]

You've got to help me get out of here.

[Philip Marlowe]

What's the matter, kid? Get your head caught in a dryer?

[Lynn Russell]

Phil, please, I'm serious. I'm scared. There's a guy waiting for me outside and where I live here, I'm afraid he's going to try to kill me.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now look, this isn't just for laughs, huh, baby?

[Lynn Russell]

Phil, this time I'm not fooling. This man's crazy. His name's Ward Erling. I had a few dates with him once. He was in an accident three months ago, just before I left on my cruise. He's supposed to be in the hospital right now, but he isn't. He's here just waiting for me to leave.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, but, Lynn, I. I'm not asking a favor, Phil.

[Lynn Russell]

I'm hiring you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay, baby. It'll take me 15 minutes to get there. Oh, thanks.

[Lynn Russell]

I'll wait till I see you walk by.

[Philip Marlowe]

I drove out to Wilshire Boulevard and kept telling myself that I could trust Lynn Russell. Why? Because I like her. She was a glossy brunette, born with all the natural equipment of a top model and a covey of oil wells in her. She rushed at life, but she'd always been smart enough to stop short of real trouble. Well, it was 9:30 when I got to the section of Wilshire's Miracle Mile that housed Eugene's beauty shop. I drove by, saw no one outside, so I pulled into an alleyway, parked and walked back slowly. As I passed in front of the show window, I winked at a guilt mannequin with purple hair. And when I heard the door open behind me, I stopped and let a cigarette. Then Russell hurried by without a word, ran to a cab at the corner and drove away. Well, that was all there was to it. I turned around, headed back to my own car and got as far as the handle on the door.

[Podbean Representative]

Oh.

[Philip Marlowe]

I fell against the car as the blow came again. Oh. Made syrup of my legs. I oozed down under the pavement and stayed there.

[Ward Erling]

I know you. You're Marlow, the private detective.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay, so I'm Marlowe.

[Ward Erling]

Let me tell you something, Marlowe. I've spent three months flat on my back because of an accident that wasn't an accident. I'm gonna get even with her. Do you understand? I don't care what it costs. Palmer Sloan or anybody else can hire a dozen like you and it won't stop me. So stay out of my way.

[Philip Marlowe]

I climbed up my front fender, hand over hand. Got back on my feet. Time to clutch a glimpse of a new convertible, emerald green with what must have been Ward erling at the wheel. Well, there was no use trying to follow in the condition I was in. So I headed for Lynn's place with all my windows open. The cool air helped. I pulled up in front of a wrought iron arch labeled Garden Court Bungalows and followed a flagstone trail back to number four, which was Lynn's. I felt almost normal again until I saw her. Front door was standing half open, framing a man against the dark interior who was trying his Best to see inside. This time the advantage was mine and I took it.

[Ward Erling]

Hands off me.

[Philip Marlowe]

Get inside.

[Podbean Representative]

Just a minute.

[Philip Marlowe]

Turn on the lights.

[Podbean Representative]

When I doubt she's home. Ms. Russell is not in the habit of sitting around in the dark.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, you know her habits, huh?

[Podbean Representative]

I do. And you?

[Philip Marlowe]

I know she has bad taste in men.

[Podbean Representative]

I wonder if I should resent that.

[Philip Marlowe]

You don't qualify. What are you to Lynn?

[Podbean Representative]

When she wants someone to help her lift a martini glass, she calls on me. He's been going on like that for years.

[Philip Marlowe]

Just tell me your name, junior. And he's off on a small town.

[Podbean Representative]

My name is Sloan. Palmer Sloan. Now it's your turn, Mr. Muscles.

[Philip Marlowe]

Never mind.

[Podbean Representative]

Lynn. Lynn, by what right are you snooping around like this? Just who are you, anyway?

[Philip Marlowe]

Here. Here's my card. Lynn hired me tonight.

[Podbean Representative]

Oh, so you're Marlow, the detective.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, yeah, Marlowe, the detective. Any idea where she is? It's important.

[Podbean Representative]

None whatever. I had a date to meet her here, which never means very much to her. Why did she think she would need you tonight?

[Philip Marlowe]

Because she was afraid of a guy. One who gave me a crack on the skull. And incidentally, doesn't think much of you either. Ward Erling, ever hear of him?

[Podbean Representative]

Erling?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Podbean Representative]

Why, yes, but Erling's still in the hospital. He met with an accident, you know, something about brakes slipping on a car and he was. He was crushed.

[Philip Marlowe]

Accident's not what he calls it. And he's got a gun. Just for emphasis. What's his connection with Lynn?

[Podbean Representative]

Oh, help yourself, Marlowe. It won't mind.

[Philip Marlowe]

Get your snoot out of that class and answer me.

[Podbean Representative]

She discovered him, like all the others that sculpted two years ago. And a cowboy takes Harrison early last year with the fellow with the racing.

[Philip Marlowe]

Boats and so on.

[Podbean Representative]

They are hobbies, fun and games to Lynn. He's got too much energy, Far too much.

[Philip Marlowe]

What's the difference with Ward Erling?

[Podbean Representative]

Well, he fell in love with her. It was charming. And then he wouldn't be brushed off, told off or bought off. She tried them all. So she left, ran out, took a cruise. He wanted to marry her. Simply wouldn't take no for an answer. Imagine that. Those two belong together like scotch and kerosene.

[Philip Marlowe]

You know, you sound a little like you're in love with her yourself.

[Podbean Representative]

Maybe I am, but I know my quaint little position in her life. I'm her errand boy, Marlowe, nothing else.

[Philip Marlowe]

You don't care how dirty your hands get?

[Podbean Representative]

What do you mean, skipper?

[Philip Marlowe]

Now look, errand boy her life's in danger right now. I've got to find Ward early in a hurry. Any good ideas?

[Podbean Representative]

You might try the Four Bell Jump in Santa Monica.

[Philip Marlowe]

What's that?

[Podbean Representative]

It's a giant joint on the waterfront at Surf and Wilshire. That's where Lynn dug that character up originally.

[Philip Marlowe]

He's a musician?

[Podbean Representative]

If you want to call it that. Some do. He was the piano player and leader of a small and for some reason, successful combination. It's still there? So far as I know.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. And one more thing. Lynn left here in an awful hurry. She might be looking for you. And I might later, too. I go home, wherever that is, and wait. Why not?

[Podbean Representative]

Oh, it's 2:10 in the Beekman Plaza.

[Philip Marlowe]

210.

[Podbean Representative]

And if my apartment doesn't answer, try the bar.

[Philip Marlowe]

When I pulled out of the parking lot at the Four Bell Jump, the first thing I saw was the nose of the emerald green car Erling had been driving peeking out from the side of a building. I checked it and found out it was registered to one William Freeman. Now, that meant nothing, so my next stop had to be inside. The club was a low ceiling mixture of dusty fishnets, the smell of bad bar whiskey and noise. The band had just finished the set, climbed off the stand and drifted out to join the customers. I saw the name Howdy, Bub Freeman stenciled on the bass drum. It was a flyweight who carried most of it on. An oversized head equipped with a pair of protruding yellow eyes stuck out even further when I followed him out into a back room.

[Podbean Representative]

Hey, bud. Yeah?

[Philip Marlowe]

That's your car around the side. The green one? Yeah. Brand new. Nice hunt, too. Nice to loan out. Better come again. Where's Ward Early? I thought he was the piano man here.

[Podbean Representative]

Ward. He used to leave in the hospital.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now had a bad accident a while back. Who says it was an accident? What? It was an accident. I say so. Of course it was.

[Podbean Representative]

I saw it. The brakes slipped in his car. It rolled down an incline, pinned him against a wall.

[Philip Marlowe]

That's so. Who says he's in the hospital? I do.

[Podbean Representative]

Hey, look, what's your.

[Philip Marlowe]

Griffin, you're a liar. Bob Erling borrowed your car tonight.

[Podbean Representative]

Man, you're dragging me.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'll see you around. Come back here.

[Podbean Representative]

Look, look, I got no beef with you, mister.

[Philip Marlowe]

Where can I find Ward Early?

[Podbean Representative]

Why don't you go off somewhere and drop dead?

[Philip Marlowe]

Where is he? Come on, little man, before I shake it out of here. You look like you shake awful easy. Where's Erling?

[Podbean Representative]

Wait a minute.

[Philip Marlowe]

I don't know. I swear I don't.

[Podbean Representative]

I don't care if he used my car. I didn't know it. He's a bring down, a spook.

[Philip Marlowe]

Keep going.

[Podbean Representative]

He blew his cork over some society dollar.

[Philip Marlowe]

Practically wrecked our combo.

[Podbean Representative]

We've been working five years to build up. Also, it broke the heart of one very sweet kid.

[Philip Marlowe]

Maxine's so gone she'd scrub floors for warden.

[Podbean Representative]

He couldn't see it. I'm disgusted with her.

[Philip Marlowe]

Maxine who? Where can I find her? Now look, little man. Do I shake some more?

[Podbean Representative]

Maxine the Jester.

[Philip Marlowe]

That's better.

[Podbean Representative]

She's inside the end of the bar.

[Philip Marlowe]

Blonde in a blue dress. Take it easy, will you? She's a good kid. So am I. We'll get along fine. I'll see you, bub.

[Podbean Representative]

And what will it be for you, miss?

[Philip Marlowe]

S Scotch.

[Podbean Representative]

Oh, that one's taken.

[Philip Marlowe]

Lady will be right back. Oh, I'm sorry.

[Podbean Representative]

Water or something?

[Philip Marlowe]

Water. Thanks.

[Maxine Majesta]

Hey, Larry, your phone's broken. I didn't get my nickel.

[Podbean Representative]

Oh, you want me to freshen up a drink, Maxi?

[Maxine Majesta]

No, thanks, Larry.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's fine. Maxine? Yeah? Maybe you can help me.

[Maxine Majesta]

Maybe.

[Philip Marlowe]

No, no. What I mean is I'm looking for Ward Erling.

[Maxine Majesta]

Try under a rock.

[Philip Marlowe]

You know, you sound a little bitter.

[Maxine Majesta]

I'm as bitter as a slot machine these days.

[Lynn Russell]

What's it to you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I'm an acquaintance of Lynn Russell's. Name's Molly. You know what, Maxine?

[Maxine Majesta]

I've seen her at the jam sessions we used to go to. She used to show ward off to her little groups like a pride pup.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sure, you got a peg, right. You know, she tried hard to shake things.

[Maxine Majesta]

She's the got rock type. Would sink a yacht just to wash the bubbles and that's only.

[Philip Marlowe]

Only what, Maxie?

[Maxine Majesta]

Never mind, skipper. Good night, Mr. Mar.

[Philip Marlowe]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Don't I get to buy you a drink?

[Maxine Majesta]

Some other Tuesday. Good night.

[Philip Marlowe]

I watched her as far as the door. Decided to go after her. And then I caught the bartender giving me a very cold eye. Didn't thaw any as I downed my drink and saw him high sign the bouncer. Looked like my welcome was wearing thin. So I went outside, sat down in my car and tried to figure out who was covering up what. They only got as far down the list as Palmer Sloan. It had come from the back room in the club. I was a poor third in getting to him. A waiter in a white apron and a flat sax man both beat me. Over here, Manny. Here.

[Podbean Representative]

Hey, it's Bob. Bob Freeman. That's what's wrong with him.

[Philip Marlowe]

He's been stabbed.

[Podbean Representative]

Yeah, in his neck.

[Philip Marlowe]

An ice pick. Bob. Bob. Who did it? No use, fella. He was gone before he hit the floor. Whoever did that to him got him dead. Cent.

[Podbean Representative]

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[Philip Marlowe]

Audi Bob Freeman was face down and dead. The ice pick that had killed imported straight up, rigid like an accusing finger. To the right of the dead drummer's tall legs was the pat saxophone player, his face shiny with a fine sweat of fear. And to the left, a waiter who had found Freeman's body. For a backdrop, there was the doorway, crammed with astonished faces and the funny kind of cracked voices people always have at a time like that. I closed them off. The waiter objected.

[Podbean Representative]

Now, now, wait a minute, mister.

[Philip Marlowe]

What are you doing that for?

[Podbean Representative]

We gotta call the cops.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hey, you ain't the cops, are you? No, I'm a private detective. Name's Marlow.

[Podbean Representative]

That ain't good enough.

[Philip Marlowe]

We gotta get the law up. Dave. What? Mr. Marlow will tell you anything you want to know. My name's Lager.

[Podbean Representative]

Manny Leger. Freeman was a good friend of mine.

[Philip Marlowe]

Even if he's the reason Ward Erling went to the hospital.

[Podbean Representative]

What'd you say?

[Philip Marlowe]

That from my corner. Freeman dead only adds one way. He put Ward early in splints to keep him from wrecking the band. By running off with Lynn Russell on a 90 day cruise.

[Podbean Representative]

Oh yeah, sure. To get even, Erling put an ice pick his neck. Tossed it right from his hospital window.

[Philip Marlowe]

You. You don't keep up with the news, do you, Lager? Erling left the hospital this afternoon. Probably by way of the fire escape. Water's out. Out. And so that the accident was the kind that's planned well in advance. I know, because we've already had a chat. Then you.

[Podbean Representative]

You mean that Erling did this to get square?

[Philip Marlowe]

He killed Freeman? It could be, but there's another angle.

[Podbean Representative]

Yeah, an angle named Palmer Sloan.

[Philip Marlowe]

That society loss.

[Podbean Representative]

He didn't want his girlfriend mixed up with anything as degrading as a musician. That's it, ain't it?

[Philip Marlowe]

Maybe Earling was after Palmer Sloan. Or in Russell. He never mentioned Freeman. Yeah, but where's the tie? Howdy.

[Podbean Representative]

Bubb didn't fall on that ice pick.

[Philip Marlowe]

How does it figure? Playing his sheet music.

[Podbean Representative]

Was Bub and Palmer Sloan working together? Palmer knew that early was on the loose. He was afraid Bumpus spills. He quieted him with that.

[Philip Marlowe]

Right, Marlowe? No, no, I think you're wrong. Both of you. Look here. Here.

[Podbean Representative]

I found this on the floor near the window. This wouldn't belong to a man, Mr. Marlowe. Not even the Palmer Sloan.

[Philip Marlowe]

Let me see that mascara case. Yeah. Could be the very personal property of Lynn Russell.

[Podbean Representative]

Yeah, her and a couple of million other dolls. You can't hang around that. Every gal carries mascara.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, what do you like, eh? The trade name on this case. Eugene Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills. So what's that? Proof may prove you wrong. Lager. I'll see you boys.

[Podbean Representative]

Hello, Marlo.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sloan. Have you heard from Lynn?

[Podbean Representative]

No, Marlow, I haven't. And I probably won't. So please, let's not call here.

[Philip Marlowe]

Save it for the country club. Palmer. A good grip on this. The drummer at the four bell jump's been murdered. Looks like I'm not so sweet friend did it, Lynn?

[Podbean Representative]

Oh, you're out of your mind.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, I'm out of my mind. Now tell me, if she did this, have you any idea where she would head?

[Podbean Representative]

No, Marlow, no, I. I don't. Her boat is tied up. Her car is in the garage for repairs.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay, suppose she didn't take a car or a boat. Would it be by. Hey, wait a minute, Sloan. What was that about a boat? Is it a yacht maybe?

[Podbean Representative]

Not exactly, Marlow. It's a cabin cruiser I anchored off the Santa Monica pier at the moment.

[Philip Marlowe]

Santa Monica Sloan. That fits. What's the name of it?

[Podbean Representative]

Crest of the way. Why? What makes you think she'd go out there?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, among other things, a cracker lady made early at night. A lady named Maxine Majesto who loves Ward early and hates Lynn Russell. Bye bye, Palmer. I made it to the Fog Vale Santa Monica Pier in less than 10 minutes. Then was another five getting out to the breakwater to join the end at right angles to form a protecting l for the 50 yard boats moored within. Boats that ran from the kind of sleek yachts that good girls stay away from to a leaky rowboat with a rusted outboard labeled Faithless. And all were moored in a series of slips connected up front by a narrow, wet catwalk that did not have a guardrail. Except for a quiet old man with his pipe and pass, the end of the pier was deserted. No light showed on any of the boats. When I'd gone along the catwalk as far as the crest of the wave, a neat, chrome finished slippery footer, I had a clammy, uncomfortable feeling that said I was too late. But that disappeared in the next minute when I spotted Maxine Majesta standing alone on deck. A blonde hair damp and flat to a drawn, glistening face. A face that didn't brighten at the sight of me.

[Maxine Majesta]

Marlow. What do you want here?

[Philip Marlowe]

Lynn Russell. Have you seen her? Maxine?

[Maxine Majesta]

Lynn? No, no, I haven't.

[Philip Marlowe]

But you are waiting for her.

[Maxine Majesta]

No, no. Why would I?

[Philip Marlowe]

You always come out here nights. It's good for a girl's hair. Is that it, baby?

[Maxine Majesta]

Marlow, stay out of this, please.

[Philip Marlowe]

So you can get to her alone. No, Marlo.

[Ward Erling]

So I can get to her alone. I mean that.

[Philip Marlowe]

Marlo.

[Ward Erling]

This thing goes up real easy now. Where is she, Maxine?

[Maxine Majesta]

I don't know. Oh, Ward, I knew you'd come here after her.

[Philip Marlowe]

Nevermind that.

[Ward Erling]

I want Lynn Russell. Maxine.

[Maxine Majesta]

Why? Why, darling? Oh, Ward. Aren't you through with her yet? Didn't you do enough to you, she and that.

[Philip Marlowe]

Call me.

[Ward Erling]

Just tell me where she is. Keep those hands up. Marlo.

[Philip Marlowe]

I had an itch. I'll ask permission next time.

[Maxine Majesta]

Ward. Ward, listen to me. What difference does it make where Ellen is? She doesn't love you. She never did. You were a five minute intermission.

[Lynn Russell]

But us, we were different.

[Maxine Majesta]

We were in love. Boy, we had every child.

[Ward Erling]

I'm only after one thing. That scene. Where is she?

[Philip Marlowe]

Lord, please forget her.

[Podbean Representative]

Come here.

[Philip Marlowe]

Get my arm.

[Ward Erling]

I'm breaking unless you tell me What? I want to know the guy who runs the hamburger joint the other side of the pier.

[Podbean Representative]

Sorry.

[Ward Erling]

Here, Maxine, for the last time, we're in shape.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, Stop it. She doesn't click in truth. Nice calling, Adonis. You got your answer, didn't you?

[Ward Erling]

Yeah, just like I'm gonna get Lynn Russell.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hooray. State will be overjoyed.

[Ward Erling]

What's that supposed to mean, Detective?

[Philip Marlowe]

Something like Lynn Russell just killed. Howdy, Bubb Freeman, you're a liar.

[Ward Erling]

Really, it doesn't matter. It's true. I'll just be a little harder on the fine lady.

[Philip Marlowe]

How hard can you get, Jim?

[Ward Erling]

Hard enough.

[Philip Marlowe]

Bloody, bloody.

[Podbean Representative]

Come now.

[Philip Marlowe]

Here we go. Up to the sitting position.

[Podbean Representative]

Too much blood to the head is bad. Now come bloody. Up we go.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, there we are.

[Podbean Representative]

I'll be fine in a minute.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, there's quite the blow there. Yes. Hey, take that light out of my eyes, will you? Oh. Who are you? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. I noticed you out on a pier early.

[Podbean Representative]

The name is Spoon. Elvin Spoon. But they call me Scotty.

[Philip Marlowe]

That figures. Oh, Scotty, tell me, where's the Pelicans Roost? Was it nightclub or what?

[Podbean Representative]

Nightclub? Oh, no, no, it's far from that.

[Philip Marlowe]

How far? What is it?

[Podbean Representative]

The Pelicans Roost is the old fishing.

[Philip Marlowe]

Pier in Santa Monica. A collection of rotting wood at the foot of Second Street.

[Podbean Representative]

Ay, but what business could a man have there?

[Philip Marlowe]

Lobby. The dirtiest. Thanks for your help, Scotty. I. Wait a minute.

[Podbean Representative]

What did it. Something you dropped?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, something I dropped while being dropped. A mascara case I never really looked at before.

[Podbean Representative]

Luddy, you seem so puzzled.

[Philip Marlowe]

Not puzzled, Scotty, just dumb. Lottie here has been jumping to the wrong conclusions. And all because he didn't take a good look at this and. And what? And the color of a girl's hair. Come on, Scotty. Thanks again for your help. May get me to the Pelican's Roost on time. The nickname for the cockeyed assortment of barnacle pilings that complained with every surge of the sea and complained again with the undertow that always followed was no misnomer. At least a thousand sleeping pelicans called it home. Now as I moved out along these splintered lopsided boards. But here and there gave way. I tried to be careful not to wait so many of the birds and stir them to flight because that would give me away the heavy clinging fog and the waves crashing over the jagged jutting rocks below or on my side. I made it out to within 20 yards at the end of the pier without being seen there. I slipped my.38 out of my shoulder holster and went forward, a slow foot at a time, until I saw Lynn Russell, alive and alone, huddled near a slick, oily piling her face and her hands, a body trembling with her seals. What I didn't see was the man who would come up beside me and take an aim. Oh, Lily, how dumb can one man get?

[Ward Erling]

Marlow beating on the sidewalk, a beating on a boat, and now this.

[Philip Marlowe]

Third time's a charm, Adonis. Haven't you heard? Oh, Phil, Philip, it must hurt terribly.

[Ward Erling]

Don't waste your sympathy, Lynn. The gentleman here thinks you're a killer. He thinks you knocked off Howdy Bub Freeman. Because you and Bub planned my accident. And you were worried about Bub talking.

[Podbean Representative]

Too much, Bill, how could you believe that?

[Philip Marlowe]

It was real easy, Wynn. You had the motive. And that plus a box of mascara that came from your beauty shop just about sold me. I don't understand. What about the mascara? Well, it was found near Freeman's body. It wasn't until a few minutes ago that I found something else. The mascara is brown. And that fits a blonde, not a brunette.

[Ward Erling]

What are you trying to say, Mallow?

[Philip Marlowe]

My guess is that Maxine Majesta's that blonde. She happens to use the same brand as you, Lynn.

[Maxine Majesta]

It's a good chance model, Maxine. Swell. Guess I did kill Bub. We both planned your accident ward, bud. Because he didn't want to. You two worked so hard for him. Aye, because I have you in the hospital.

[Philip Marlowe]

And with her pay back. Maxini has a gun.

[Maxine Majesta]

So do I. But I'm still a hit. You see, Marlow, I got here before you did. I've been watching them. He had all the chance in the world to shoot. But he didn't. And that's why you only got shot in the hand. He's not a killer. He only has a killer's temper. He just learned that revenge is hollow. Unless you honor a killer.

[Philip Marlowe]

Bingo.

[Maxine Majesta]

Shut up, both of you.

[Philip Marlowe]

You killed Bob.

[Maxine Majesta]

Yes, I did. He was afraid you'd find out everything. He thought his only chance was to tell you what we did and put the blame heavy on me.

[Philip Marlowe]

Scum.

[Ward Erling]

You put me in the hospital, nearly killed me just to keep me from yourself.

[Maxine Majesta]

Yeah, well, look, stupid, wasn't I, Ward? Selfish. And I lost. But if I can't have you, nobody.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, shame. She hit those rocks. I got to get her. Not a chance. Wouldn't do any good if we did. Give me that gun early, Marlow. I Never mind this speech. 1. Back to the hospital. Get out of here.

[Ward Erling]

Yes.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right. Motto. It was midnight when I called the Santa Monica police. And when all the paperwork was done, it was three in the Amazon. Lynn and I drove by the old pier and sat looking at the rotten timbers. Tried not to talk about the poor kids somewhere underneath them. Lynn? Yes, Phil? How do you feel about everything? I don't just numb. Maybe that's the best way. Numb? Anesthetize. Insulate our hearts, our sensibilities. That way nothing can get to you.

[Lynn Russell]

Yeah.

[Philip Marlowe]

Then just as we think we're all snug and cotton wool, life explodes. The insulation, the heart ends, the anesthesia. And we're back grabbing at brass rings. Bill, I want to go home. Okay, King. But remember, there may not always be a way home.

[Podbean Representative]

Remember, friends, to make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to refreshing, delicious Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum. There's lots of cooling, real mint flavor in every stick. And chewing Wrigley Spearmint helps keep you feeling fresh and alert. You feel better, work better, get more fun out of doing things. So indoors, outdoors, wherever you go, keep some healthful, refreshing Wrigley Spearmint Chewing Gum. Handy to make every day more enjoyable, treat yourself often to delicious Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. The Adventures of Philip Marlow, presented by Wrigley Spearmint Gum bring you Raymond Chandler's most famous character and star, Gerald Moore. Philip Marlowe is produced and directed by Norman MacDonald and written for radio by Robert Mitchell and Gene Levitt. Featured in the cast were Lillian Byeff, Larry Dobkin, Georgia Ellis, John Dana, David Ellis, Paul Dubove and Jack Crucian. The special music is composed and conducted by Richard Arant, the makers of Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Hope you enjoyed tonight's adventure of Philip Marlow and that you're enjoying Wrigley's Spearmint Gum every day. We invite you to be with us next week when Philip Marlowe says, this.

[Philip Marlowe]

Time it was a big city dirty from a trigger fisted thug in yellow suede shoes. A lady's heart dropped in the gutter in a corpse in a Hollywood duplex. But in the middle of it all, in setting the pace, was a sweet little girl from Pumpkin Center, Kansas.

[Podbean Representative]

This is Bob Stevenson speaking. And this is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.