The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: The Young Man's Fancy 08/18/1951

Summary

Summary of "The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: The Young Man's Fancy" (08/18/1951)

Podcast Title: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
Episode: The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: The Young Man's Fancy
Original Air Date: August 18, 1951
Release Date: April 13, 2025

Introduction

In this enthralling episode of "The Adventures of Philip Marlowe," listeners are immersed in the complex world of Raymond Chandler's iconic private detective. Titled "The Young Man's Fancy," the story delves into familial tensions, troubled youth, and the redemptive power of compassion. Gerald Moore voices Marlowe with the seasoned gravitas necessary to navigate the intricate plot, bringing to life the gritty ambiance of Los Angeles in the early 1950s.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Philip Marlowe navigating the bustling streets of Los Angeles during a sweltering summer day. Determined to concoct a refreshing Moscow Mule, Marlowe heads to Alex Lesnevich's fruit stall—a local favorite known not just for its quality limes but also for Alex's amiable demeanor.

Philip Marlowe [02:27]: "Pot one, Vodka. I had that, but no parts two and three. The limes and ginger beer. So before you could say Moscow Mule, I was heading for the shopping district."

Familial Conflict

At the fruit stall, Marlowe encounters Alex and his son, Dominic (Dom). Tensions surface as Dom arrives, visibly agitated and embroiled in an argument with his father over past grievances.

Alex Lesnevich [04:11]: "I will go to my chair and rock and sink. You find what you want?"

Marlowe inadvertently becomes a third party in their familial dispute, emphasizing his role as an outsider seeking to understand and mediate.

The Car Accident

The plot thickens when Marlowe's car is hit by Dom's vehicle, leading to a heated exchange at Nick’s service station. Dom's erratic behavior hints at deeper underlying issues, raising questions about his recent transformation from a reliable individual to someone more unpredictable.

Philip Marlowe [05:24]: "I was pretty much of a third wheel. I didn't get it. I didn't want to."

Nick, the service station owner, steps in to assist, showcasing the tight-knit community and the strained relationships within it.

Introduction of Helena

Ms. Gabrielle introduces Helena, a beautiful yet troubled woman connected to Alex and Dom. Her presence brings a new layer of complexity, revealing that Helena suffers from severe emotional distress, possibly exacerbated by her strained relationship with her father.

Ms. Gabrielle [06:37]: "When I got left, that is. Doctor says I'm anemic, you know."

Helena's fragile state becomes a central element, driving Marlowe and Dom to seek solutions to help her, thereby intertwining their fates further.

Unraveling the Mystery

As Marlowe investigates, he discovers Helena's deteriorating condition and Dom's involvement in her life. The detective learns that Helena communicates with Alex through Dom, suspecting manipulation and control that may be contributing to her distress.

Ms. Gabrielle [08:24]: "I think Alex has had his share of trouble. And now Dom acting for all the world like one of them delinquents you read about."

Marlowe's interactions with Nick reveal Dom's declining behavior since their school days, hinting at external influences that have led to his current predicament.

Confrontations and Resolutions

The climax occurs when Helena arrives at Alex's stall, visibly shaken and in need of help. Marlowe and Dom collaborate to secure Helena's admission to a sanitarium, seeking professional assistance for her condition.

Philip Marlowe [28:05]: "We will. We will."

This act of intervention not only aids Helena but also mends the strained relationships between Alex and Dom, showcasing the theme of redemption and the impact of supportive relationships.

Conclusion

As the episode concludes, peace is restored with Helena's departure to the sanitarium, and the community begins to heal. The final moments reflect on the lessons learned about responsibility, forgiveness, and the enduring human spirit.

Philip Marlowe [29:45]: "Footnote: You can buy fresh cut flowers again in front of Alex Lesnevich's fruit stall. They throw the smiles in for free."

Notable Quotes

• Philip Marlowe [05:24]: "I was pretty much of a third wheel. I didn't get it. I didn't want to."

• Ms. Gabrielle [08:24]: "I think Alex has had his share of trouble. And now Dom acting for all the world like one of them delinquents you read about."

• Philip Marlowe [28:05]: "We will. We will."

Characters

• Philip Marlowe (Gerald Moore): The astute and compassionate private detective at the center of the story.

• Alex Lesnevich (Tony Barrett): A friendly fruit stall owner struggling with familial tensions.

• Dominic "Dom" (Larry Dobkin): Alex's son whose recent behavioral changes suggest deeper personal conflicts.

• Helena (Georgia Ellis): A beautiful woman battling emotional distress, seeking help through Alex and Dom.

• Nick (Paul Dubov): Owner of a local service station, caught between aiding Marlowe and dealing with Dom's turmoil.

Themes and Insights

"The Young Man's Fancy" explores themes of familial discord, the struggles of troubled youth, and the redemptive power of understanding and intervention. Marlowe's unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth and aiding those in distress underscores the moral fabric of the narrative, highlighting the importance of community and personal responsibility.

Production Notes

Produced by Norman MacDonald and written for radio by Kathleen Heights, this episode features a talented cast including Tony Barrett, Larry Dobkin, Georgia Ellis, and Paul Dubov. The special music composed by Pierre Garaganc and conducted by Wilbur Hatch enhances the atmospheric tension, immersing listeners in the noir ambiance that defines the Golden Age of Radio Detective Stories.

Conclusion

"The Young Man's Fancy" stands as a testament to Raymond Chandler's enduring legacy, skillfully adapted for radio by Choice Classic Radio Detectives. Through intricate character dynamics and a compelling plot, the episode offers both entertainment and poignant reflections on human relationships and resilience.

Transcript

[Podbean Announcer]

Your message amplified.

[Philip Marlowe]

Ready to share your message with the world?

[Nick]

Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Podbean Announcer]

Podbean Podbean Podbean Podbean the AI powered all in one podcast platform. Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts. Launch your podcast on podbean today. My school uses Podbean.

[Philip Marlowe]

My church too.

[Podbean Announcer]

I love it. I really do. You know, when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You, you'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code SPACE80 when you go to talkspace.com, match with a licensed therapist. Today at talkspace.com, save $80 with code SPACE.

[Nick]

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. Those who travel it wind up in the gutter, the prison of the grave. There's no other end. But they never learn.

[Gerald Moore]

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 Marlow. We bring you tonight's transcribe story, the young Man's Fancy.

[Philip Marlowe]

It was another scorcher with smog. Yet the angels that flapped their wings over the sleepy little pueblo of Los Angeles were taking a summer hiatus. I thought about the blue Pacific some 15 miles to the west, where the friendly waves will snap if you happen to hit the undertow just right. So I decided on some three part harmony instead. Pot one, Vodka. I had that, but no parts two and three. The limes and ginger beer. So before you could say Moscow Mule. I was heading for the shopping district. That's about a five minute walk from the apartment. I made it quicker. I drove. Alex's fruit stall gets all my lime business. Partly because the limes are good, but mostly because of Alex. All that's kind and gentle is housed in the square frame of Alex Lesnevich. His tanned old face is creased around the mouth and eyes from smiling deep set dark eyes that look out at you from under bushy gray brows and laugh. Yeah, that's Alex all the time. Except this particular morning.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Who is Mr. Marlowe? Well, hello. Hot day is.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hot day is. Heat. Got you, Alec.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Oh, no, no, not the heat. I think I go to my chair, look a bit. You find what you want.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. You're not sick, are you?

[Alex Lesnevich]

Sick? Some, yes. Alex is sick fellow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Have you seen a doctor?

[Alex Lesnevich]

No doctor. Alex is sick in the heart. Here no doctor can fix, Mr. Marlowe. Someone else could fix, but no doctor.

[Philip Marlowe]

You want to tell me about it, Ali?

[Alex Lesnevich]

I will go to my chair and rock and sink. You find what you want?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Hey, the limes look good.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Yeah, yeah.

[Philip Marlowe]

How much time says you know? Yeah, I guess it does. Hey, does it get this hot in Yugoslavia?

[Alex Lesnevich]

Oh, maybe. It's long time since I was there. Yeah, 30 years more maybe. It's lots changed there now. Weather too, maybe.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, maybe.

[Nick]

Dad.

[Helena]

Dom.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Dominic, where have you been?

[Nick]

Hello, dad. Oh, hi, Mr. Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hi, Dom.

[Alex Lesnevich]

All night I wonder where you are.

[Nick]

Oh, look, dad, let's not start that all over again. Will of age, babe.

[Alex Lesnevich]

The only big fellow.

[Nick]

Don't give me that stuff. I'm sick of it. Just came back to get some things and some money. So you might as well get the.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Cash draw now that's enough. You do not come here just when suits you and tell your father what he will do and what he will not do.

[Nick]

Look, dad, I'm. I'm tired of fighting with you. Come on to the back of the store. We don't have to drag anyone else into this.

[Philip Marlowe]

I was pretty much of a third wheel. I didn't get it. I didn't want to. Alex and son Dominic box the next few rounds. Almost out of earshot, I heard old Alex mutter something finally go to the cash register and get down the money. Shortly after that, Dom shot past me and down the street. I stood there like a fool squeezing a half a dozen lines.

[Alex Lesnevich]

You did you find what you want?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, yeah. Alex, these will be fine.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Thank you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thank you very much, Alex. Yeah, well, if you need any Help. You know where to find me, huh?

[Alex Lesnevich]

Thank you very much, Mr. Marlow. But if Alex has troubles, Alex works him up.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sure, sure you will. I'll see.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

Well, that was quite a conversation you had, Mr. Marlowe. How are you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, fine. How are you, Ms. Gabrielle?

[Ms. Gabrielle]

I'm boiling over, that's how I am.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, it's hot.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

Well, that's not what I mean. My blood's boiling. When I got left, that is. Doctor says I'm anemic, you know.

[Philip Marlowe]

No, I didn't know. I just want to get some ginger beer.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

Last time I was in for a checkup, he thought I'd never was going to find any red corporals. White corporals I'm loaded with, he says. But red ones. Corpuscles, how's that?

[Philip Marlowe]

Corpuscles. That's the word. Not corporals.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

Oh, well, I don't see it makes much difference. I don't have any red ones, no matter what you call them or how you spell them.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, I thought maybe about six bottles of ginger beer, if you have it cold, please.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

I saw you next door at Alex's.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, I got limes there. Now, if I could just have the ginger beer.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

Suppose it's got into that, Dom?

[Philip Marlowe]

I don't know, really.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

Well, something has. I heard Alex say plain as day, Dom hadn't been home. And I'll tell you one thing, that's not the first time this has happened. Been going on all the live long.

[Philip Marlowe]

I wouldn't know about that. I just.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

And another thing, that flower stand of his. You know, the one who used to run right there in the front of Alex's stall, where's it gone?

[Philip Marlowe]

Six bottles of juice.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

I'll tell you where to rack and ruin. And first of the summer he's running like always. Doing a nice little trade, too. Then it gets so he's not coming home and the flowers are wilting and dying. Not smelling too refreshing either.

[Philip Marlowe]

Please.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

So one morning I see old Alec cart and the whole kitten caboodle out the incinerator at the alley. And that's the.

[Philip Marlowe]

You know, I knew it was going to be hot when I first woke up this morning. And I thought that about six bottles of ginger beer would help a lot.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

Oh, you want ginger beer, world? Why didn't you say so?

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm just shy. I'm shy.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

Oh, I bet you're going to make up a batch of those.

[Philip Marlowe]

What are they, Moscow Mules?

[Ms. Gabrielle]

Oh, well, that's 93. I'm giving you credit for the bottles I know you got. But you Never take the trouble to return.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thank you. I got to bring them back.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

Thanks. You know what I think, don't you?

[Philip Marlowe]

I have a pretty good idea.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

I think Alex has had his share of trouble. And now Dom acting for all the world like one of them delinquents you read about. Appears to me the nearest thing to a blessing that Alex can count is Helena.

[Philip Marlowe]

Helena? Oh, yeah.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

I don't suppose you remember her, do you, Mr. Marlowe? Well, sir, as beautiful a girl as you'd ever care to see. Lovely. And I mean lovely in every way. She went to that secretarial school, you know. Took a nice job up in San Francisco. I understand she's just doing real well too. Writes to Alex just as regular and is just a lovely person I meet.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, I remembered Helena. No red blooded man who had all his corporals would ever forget her. Quiet little thing. Dark, radiant. With Alex's deep set black eyes. The kind that laugh. Yeah, I remembered her voice. Too soft. Just the right amount of huskiness. It had been about three years, I guess, since I'd seen her. That would make her somewhere in her early 20s now. And that would make her even lovelier. By the time I got to my car, I'd have forgotten about old Alex and Dominic. I pulled out of the parallel parking spot and before I reached the corner I was in the proper lane, minding my own business.

[Nick]

Hey, nice work.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hit and run, huh? All the idiots. That's all I need. More cracking the seatball.

[Nick]

Did you see that, Mr. Marlow? He didn't even stop.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, that much I noticed. Glad you keep your service station so handy, Nick.

[Nick]

Yeah, yeah. You know who it was, don't you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, yeah, I think so.

[Nick]

The darn fool cut right in front of you from the wrong lane. I'll sure be a witness for you, Mr. Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thanks, Nick. Tell me, was that Alex's car Dom was driving? Yeah. Now take a look at the heap here. You think you can fix it up?

[Nick]

Yeah, sure I can. Looks like he just scraped along the side. The fender's curled under there, but I think we can knock that out for you in no time.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, good.

[Nick]

Of course, if you want that paint touched up, that's gonna take some time.

[Philip Marlowe]

No, no, skip the paint for now, huh? Hey, Nick, you and Dom are pretty good friends, aren't you?

[Nick]

I used to think so. I don't see much of Dom anymore. He's. I don't know, he's screwy or something.

[Philip Marlowe]

What do you mean?

[Nick]

Well, like that trick he just pulled running in Here and driving on. He didn't used to be like that.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, what do you think's happened to him? Or do you know?

[Nick]

Well, whatever it is, it's happened since we got out of school last spring. All of a sudden, he doesn't come around anymore. Nobody in the gang sees him. And when we do, you know, we meet him on the street or something, he just sort of looks down, he says high, and it keeps on going. Okay if I park there, Nick, but too much. You can park there. I'll tell you when I get back. Are you dirty? There's Dom's friend, Mr. Marlow. Only guy sees anymore.

[Philip Marlowe]

That truck driver?

[Nick]

Yeah, making his daily delivery, I see. Delivering himself to Solly's bar. Half the time Dom goes there with him.

[Philip Marlowe]

He does, huh?

[Nick]

Yeah.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Well, you see what you can do with the car, Nick, just so I can drive it. Okay, huh?

[Nick]

Sure, sure, Mr. Marlowe. Bud's here today. Between us, we can fix it in a hurry.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay. I'll be back in a few minutes, see how you're doing. Swell. Oh, and Nick.

[Nick]

Yeah, yeah.

[Philip Marlowe]

Nick, come here. I'm gonna tell Alex it was my fault. Now, I don't want him worrying about it, so don't make a liar out of me, huh?

[Nick]

Nah, nah, sure not Mr. Marlowe. Only Dom doesn't deserve it.

[Philip Marlowe]

Maybe not, but Alex does.

[Alex Lesnevich]

But I don't care about the car.

[Nick]

The car.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Dom is all right? He's not hurt?

[Philip Marlowe]

No, no, damn's fine. Alex, he was. Well, he was in a hurry. Drove on to wherever he was going. Oh.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Oh, good. That dummy.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, I just thought I'd tell you it was my fault. And whatever damages there are, you let me know, huh?

[Alex Lesnevich]

Oh, well, if anything, I left. You know, you don't worry, Mr. Marlowe. You drive more carefully next time, no?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, yeah, I will. Alex.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Oh, look, please. Look, look, look. What is just coming. You know, the excitement. I almost forgot. Look, it's letter from Helena.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, swell. How is she?

[Alex Lesnevich]

Oh, it's fine. Just real fine. He's work very hard, she said. Feel very good and if someday, maybe soon come down to Seattle.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, that's fine. Is she still in San Francisco?

[Alex Lesnevich]

Yeah, and dislikes her very much. But Mrs. Papa and Dom and Podbean, your message amplified.

[Philip Marlowe]

Ready to share your message with the world. Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Podbean Announcer]

Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform. Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts. Use Podbean to record your podcast.

[Nick]

Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast.

[Podbean Announcer]

Use PodBean AI to turn your blog.

[Gerald Moore]

Into a podcast, use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere.

[Podbean Announcer]

Launch your podcast on Podbean today. You know when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code SPACE. 80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist. Today at talkspace.com save $80 with code SPACE.

[Alex Lesnevich]

When Helene comes, everything again is all right. I get letter almost every other day, two, three times a week.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, well, let's swell. Well, I gotta see about my car, Alex. And remember, let me know what I did to yours.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Yes, if it's anything, I shall. And you remember. Now you try much more carefully, Mr. Marlow. He's got responsibility to our fellow. Is right.

[Philip Marlowe]

He's right. Alex was feeling better. Helena's letter had given him something else to think about for a while. On the way back to Nick's service station, I ignored Ms. Gabrielle's nose, which was pressed flush with the free ice cube sign in a window. You know, with very little effort, I could have no use for that type female. Well, Nick said the car would take about 10 minutes. I figured a beer would just about take as long. The sign said Salty's Bar. No dogs allowed.

[Nick]

What'll it be, mister?

[Philip Marlowe]

Bottle of beer. Any kind, just so it's cold.

[Nick]

Okay.

[Philip Marlowe]

Here you go. Thanks. I'll pay you as soon as I can. See you. Keep it. Pretty dark in here, huh?

[Nick]

Psychology tell.

[Philip Marlowe]

More booze that way. Don't ask me why. I won't. Ah. Anybody mention the jukebox is a little loud? Yeah, I have. They either can't hear or they like it that way. They? You'll see them when you eyes get used to the place. The guys play the record nine times now. She's still not sold. Yeah, well, some days you get nowhere.

[Nick]

Hey, can I have another Pierce?

[Philip Marlowe]

Holy. Yeah, sure. Carl. Called the truck driver. Nick pointed out to me. He was seated two stools down at the bar. I noticed him for the first time just before he ordered the beer. He was a big guy. Even sitting down, he had a placid looking face. The kind you could never tell anything about. He looked at me for a moment and then over to the couple in the booth by the jukebox. The expression on his face didn't change as he calmly slid off bar stool, went over to the jukebox, reached around to the back and turned down the volume.

[Nick]

Hey, what's the idea? It's too loud. Yeah, well, it's my nickel. It's your nickel. Sit down. Ah, well, I will.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

That's hell number spell B.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thanks, fella.

[Nick]

Yeah, okay. Carl. Oh, that's you, isn't it? Yeah. Dom, Come on, sit down. I wondered where you were. I had some trouble, but I got the money. What kind of trouble? Your dad? No, I just. Well, if it isn't old snooper himself. Look, Mr. Marlow, I don't need any assist from you.

[Philip Marlowe]

I wouldn't be too sure, Don.

[Nick]

Maybe you thought it was a bright idea blabbing that fancy story to my dad. Well, I don't go for it, you see.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay, you don't go for it.

[Nick]

You giving the kid here a bad time, mister?

[Philip Marlowe]

Get lost.

[Nick]

He's a professional snooper, this guy. You already shot his face off to my dad about me. You shouldn't have done that.

[Philip Marlowe]

M. Hey, you guys, take it easy. No brawling in here. Take your hands off me.

[Nick]

I'll let go. All right.

[Philip Marlowe]

That was your first mistake. Come on now, break it up.

[Nick]

Break it up. Stop. Put down that bottle. I'll break it up. Oh, you crazy little fool.

[Gerald Moore]

In just a moment, we will return to the second act of Philip Marlow. But first, the flood that swept the Midwest swept thousands from their homes, businesses and farms. The Red Cross asks your contribution now through your local Red Cross chapter. The relief and rehabilitation job will take months, perhaps years. Now with our star, Gerald Moore, the second act of Philip Marlowe. And tonight's story, the young man's Fancy.

[Philip Marlowe]

It was a wild dream. My head was a punching bag and fighters with plate glass fists were taking turns cracking my skull. It hurt like fury. Ms. Gabrielle was pelting me with free ice cubes. The band played Come on to my house. And someone started mopping my face with a cool, damp cloth that smelled of beer and bourbon.

[Nick]

He's coming around.

[Philip Marlowe]

I don't know why, though. Dom really conked him.

[Nick]

How are you, Mr. Marlow?

[Philip Marlowe]

There's a stupid question. Oh, Nick. How'd you get here? Well, they came and got the truck.

[Nick]

Carlin, Dom. I saw him run out of here. I figured something happened. Hey, I'm sure sorry, Mr. Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, so am I. Hey, Nick, what's the name of that company Carl drives for?

[Nick]

The Inner City Produce Company. Alex buys stuff from him. I guess that's how Dom knows him. Are you gonna tell the police, Mr. Marlow?

[Philip Marlowe]

No, not yet, Nick.

[Nick]

That's two counts on Dom today. You're sure letting him get by with murder.

[Philip Marlowe]

No, Nicky boy. I draw the line there. Oh, here, have a drink. Oh, thanks.

[Ms. Gabrielle]

I thought you said this was a class.

[Nick]

Well, I thought it was, baby.

[Philip Marlowe]

We are taking our trade elsewhere, Max.

[Nick]

Now, you think of it.

[Philip Marlowe]

You have a real stylish clientele, Salty. Real stylish.

[Nick]

You're feeling good enough to crack wise. You're feeling good enough to get out of here. Hey, wait a minute.

[Philip Marlowe]

Take it easy, Nick. Salty's right. I just don't want no trouble. You got no trouble. Come on, Nick. I couldn't have walked better if I had the bend. I managed to get into my car at Nick's service station. He checked all 96 Los Angeles area phone directories for me. And Carl wasn't listening. Naked. Finally remembered Carl's last name. It was Medora. I took one last look at the limes and ginger beer not quite warm in the car seat beside me. Muttered something sensible and drove off. Was even hotter down in the produce district. And the knot on my head hurt even more as I told Carl's boss a big fat lie.

[Nick]

Well, sir, Mr. Marlow, I'm glad our Carl was a healthy out on the Ridge route.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Yeah, I'd like to thank him personally, if you don't mind.

[Nick]

Oh, don't mind at all. Thing is, he won't be in anymore today. Got in early this morning from San Francisco. Brought his load in. It won't be in here again till tomorrow morning.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, he's going back to San Francisco, huh?

[Nick]

Huh? Yeah, that's his run up to Frisco and back. Lays overnight, both places. Loads up, starts out again.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sounds like fun.

[Nick]

Say, tell you what I could do. I could give you his home address. Most likely, that's where he is now. Don't know. Of course, if you want to Go to that much trouble just to thank him?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, yeah. Yeah, I would. After all he's done for me, I'd really like to look him up. Al's apartment building needed paint and better ventilation. It was near downtown la, in an area that should have been cleared for the freeway, but it had been. There was no answer at apartment 3. There wasn't even any sound behind the door, but I had the feeling that somebody was there. At the corner drugstore, I called the phone number Carl's boss penciled under his address. I let it ring a long time. No answer. Now, my head wasn't the only thing that was giving me a rough time. When I got back to Hollywood, my car developed a regular list of the starboard side where Dom had rammed me. I limped into Nix, and he spotted the trouble right away.

[Nick]

Yep, that's it, all right. Your front wheel alignment is knocked silly.

[Philip Marlowe]

I know just how it feels.

[Nick]

We could fix it.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay.

[Nick]

If you can leave the car with.

[Philip Marlowe]

Us a while, you can have it a week. I want to take my head home and bury it. Yeah, Yeah.

[Nick]

I bet you got everything out of the car you want.

[Philip Marlowe]

Wait a minute. Let me see. Limes, ginger beer. Everything with the down payment, I guess.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Marlo, what do you think? Oh, hello, Nick. What do you think, Ms. Marlowe?

[Philip Marlowe]

I don't know. You got me, Alex.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Joe got me.

[Nick]

Phone call.

[Philip Marlowe]

Is Helena from San Francisco?

[Nick]

No, no, no, no.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Right here. Local. Oh, he's come real soon to see Alex.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hey, that's great, Alex.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Oh, it's very fun, you nickname. You see, Dom. I have to find Dom for Helena when she come, you know.

[Nick]

No, Alex, I. I haven't seen him.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Oh, that's all right. If you see him, either one of you, tell him. Tell him please to come for Helena.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, we will, Alex. Sure, if we see him.

[Nick]

Poor old guy.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. I'm going home, Nick. You see D, let me know.

[Nick]

I sure will, Mr. Marlon. You're a long time getting home, Snooper.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, a bottle baby.

[Nick]

I've been waiting to tell you something. Something maybe you missed when I said it in Salty.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now, look, all of a sudden, I'm getting sick of you, Dom. You better quit while you're ahead. You better.

[Nick]

Listen, I told you to stay out of my business, and now I'm telling you the same thing for Carl. You're doing nobody any favors going to his boss, poking around where you're not wanted.

[Philip Marlowe]

Tell Carla. Come here and tell me that if.

[Nick]

He comes, he'll really flatten you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Get out of here, will you? And get rid of that gin smell before you go home.

[Nick]

That's something else. That's my business.

[Philip Marlowe]

Listen, you little punk. I ought to slap you silly, and I may.

[Nick]

You let go of me, you stupid.

[Philip Marlowe]

I get this. Helena's in town.

[Nick]

What?

[Philip Marlowe]

She just called Alex. She's coming to see him.

[Nick]

No.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now go home and get cleaned up. And behave yourself.

[Nick]

Elena. Oh, no.

[Philip Marlowe]

He ran down the hall like he'd been fired on. And like I said, I was sick of it. The whole thing.

[Nick]

Dom.

[Philip Marlowe]

Carl. Whatever they were up to, I'd had it inside the apartment. I left the limes and ginger beer on a chair, put the vodka straight. I don't know how long I was sprawled on the couch. Okay, okay, okay. That might be Carl. I'm waiting to see that boy.

[Helena]

Oh, Mr. Morrow. I didn't think you'd remember me, but Carl said you wanted to see me, Mr. Mar.

[Philip Marlowe]

Elena.

[Helena]

You do remember me. I didn't think you would.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sure. Sure, I remember you. Helena. It's been a long time.

[Helena]

Yeah, long time. Long, long time. But I haven't changed, have I, mister?

[Philip Marlowe]

No. No, Helena, you haven't.

[Helena]

Liars. The men always have to lie. No, Helena, you haven't changed. You make me sick, Mr. Marlowe. Men make me sick.

[Philip Marlowe]

You seen your father yet, Jallo?

[Helena]

No, I haven't seen him yet. Carl said to wait here. I'm sick of Carl telling me what to do. What's in the bottle, Jim?

[Philip Marlowe]

No, it's vodka.

[Helena]

Doesn't matter.

[Philip Marlowe]

Tell me about your job, Helen.

[Helena]

Give it to me, the bottle.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thank you.

[Helena]

That's my job, Mr. Marlowe. You can forget anything with a palm.

[Philip Marlowe]

Take it easy, kid, will you?

[Helena]

Sure.

[Philip Marlowe]

Helena hit Ellie. Oh, fine.

[Nick]

You got her here?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, she. She passed out. She's over on the couch.

[Nick]

Come on, Car. He's okay, Dom. Let her sleep it off. Yeah, what else? Well, Mr. Marlowe. Beginning to get the idea?

[Philip Marlowe]

I guess I am. How long has she been like this?

[Nick]

Oh, I don't know. Quite a while, I guess. I thought something was cockeyed when she was home last Christmas. And then all late this spring, her letters to dad got to reading. Kind of funny, though, she said to him. I hooked a ride with Carl here and went up to Frisco, found her.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, how could she hold a job like this?

[Nick]

Job? You gotta drink to hold some jobs, Mr. Marlowe. Oh, I see. Never mind about her job.

[Alex Lesnevich]

She's.

[Nick]

She's sick. We brought her down here. Carl did. Now we don't know what to do. She can't see dad. Like this.

[Philip Marlowe]

No, you're right, Dom. It'd kill him. And her too.

[Nick]

She's been staying in my apartment. I've been sleeping in my truck. When I was in town, Dom stayed with her a lot of the time.

[Philip Marlowe]

Dom's been writing the letters to Alex for her. And you've been mailing him from San Francisco, huh?

[Nick]

Yeah. That way Alex didn't know, you see. But now that she's called and said she was in town, I don't know, Dom's had a pretty tough time with it. She threw a glass of gin all over him today.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, I know.

[Nick]

It's not her fault she's sick, that's all. Well, we've gotta do something.

[Philip Marlowe]

We will. We will. Dom, I think maybe I can help you with. I called a friend of mine, an MD With a small sanitarium in the Glendale Hills. He specialized in Helena's kind of sickness. We made a deal, and a half hour later we took her there. It was gonna take some time, but it was good building time. Don and I had our story pretty well rehearsed when we got back to Alex's.

[Alex Lesnevich]

But I. I don't understand wh. Why she told you this. Why did she not call? Anything.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now, look, Dom told you she was pretty disappointed in herself that she had to go right back to San Francisco. She was afraid if she called you, she'd cry and get you all upset.

[Gerald Moore]

Sure.

[Nick]

That's right, dad. She thought it'd be easier for you this way.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Oh, I. I see. Nice of Helena to think of her papa. He's nice. Yeah. She come soon? I can.

[Nick]

As soon as she can.

[Philip Marlowe]

Alex, I don't think it'll be very many more weeks, do you?

[Nick]

D. Oh, no, no. She'll be back before we know it then.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Dominic. She looks good. It's. Well.

[Gerald Moore]

Oh, she.

[Nick]

Well, you just wait till you see her. She'll look great. Won't you, mister?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, just great. Alex, I've got a hunt. She'll be staying home quite a while after this.

[Alex Lesnevich]

Oh, my. Helena home Good. Oh, very good.

[Philip Marlowe]

Footnote. You can buy fresh cut flowers again in front of Alex Lesnevich's fruit stall. They throw the smiles in for free. Even Ms. Gabrielle's changed her mind about Dominic being one of those delinquents you read about. I learned something about him the other day myself. That kid can really paint a car. Well, so much for that cost one Moscow Mule.

[Gerald Moore]

The adventures of Philip Marlowe bringing you Raymond Chandler's most famous character star Gerald Moore are produced and Transcribed by Norman MacDonald and written for radio by Kathleen Heights. Featured in the cast were Tony Barrett as Alex, Larry Dobkin as Dom, Georgia Ellis as Helena, and Paul Dubov as Nick, with Ruth Perrott, Frank Richards, Luke Krugman and Jack Crucian. Gerald Moore may currently be seen in the Santana production Sirocco. The special music for Philip Marlowe is composed by Pierre Garaganc and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Be sure to listen again next week at the same time when Philip Marlo.

[Philip Marlowe]

Says this time the main theme was Main street and the counter melody was full of shops from a burlesque house and flats from Skid Row. It was wine, women and murder.

[Gerald Moore]

Tony Arden and tenor Frank Parker will be singing those brand new songs for sale introduced by Steve Allen tonight on most of these same CBS stations. Don't miss Ray Block's orchestra playing them, Steve Allen describing them, and more Tin Pan Alley notables judging them tonight when CBS Radio brings you a full hour of songs for Sale. Friends, just as systematic exercise builds a strong body, so does systematic saving build a strong future. Save systematically for your future and for your country's future with United States Defense Bonds. It's easy, it's automatic, and there's no safer investment in the world. Defense bonds are guaranteed by your government. So for the defense of your future, for the defense of your country's future, buy your full share of United States Defense Bonds. This is Roy Rowan speaking. This is the CBS Radio Network.