The Adventures of Sam Spade: Civic Pride Caper 04/13/1951

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Adventures of Sam Spade: Civic Pride Caper (Originally aired 04/13/1951)
Release Date: August 23, 2025
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Choice Classic Radio resurrects the gripping Sam Spade mystery "The Civic Pride Caper," set in the bustling yet troubled city of Westover, California. Private detective Sam Spade is hired by a tormented architect, Garrett Welsh, after a horrific civic building collapse leads to death and scandal. As Spade digs into the threads of conspiracy, bribery, and murder tied to Westover's pride and politics, the episode weaves classic noir wit and suspense—embodying the spirit of radio’s golden age.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Sam Spade’s New Case: The Collapsed Auditorium

• Setup: Sam Spade is summoned by architect Garrett Welsh, implicated in the collapse of a Westover municipal auditorium, which resulted in five deaths. Welsh is beleaguered by guilt, public scorn, and threats.
  • “The notorious private detective is vacationing at Westover as a guest of a promising young architect, Garrett Welch.” (02:07)
• Welsh’s Dilemma: He alleges that although he designed the auditorium, cut corners and inferior materials—not his plans—caused its collapse. He suspects foul play in the building process.
  • “Somebody cheated in a building up. Somebody didn’t follow my plans… I don’t know who it is.” (05:12)

2. Initial Suspects & Shadowy Dealings

• Howard Kessler, the Contractor: Wealthy and dismissive, Kessler built the auditorium and pushes suspicion back onto Welsh. He hands over the building specs, but Spade notes they’ve been signed off by city building inspector Albert Mitchell.
  • “You can go back and tell Garrett Welsh that the best thing he can do is get out of town before somebody tries to knock him off—and succeed.” (07:54)
• Investigation into Albert Mitchell: Sam tries to track Mitchell. Instead, he meets Mitchell’s wife Kitty and uncovers that Mitchell has fled town after being cleared in a city council hearing.

3. Murder and the Scandal Deepen

• Mitchell’s Death: Mitchell is gunned down before Spade can question him, confirming that the cover-up is turning deadly.
  • “His face was a gargoyle of pain... He slipped back to the sidewalk, dead. Four bullets had gone through his back.” (12:54)
• Police Pressure: Sam becomes a suspect due to his outsider status and proximity to the murder scene but is released after intense questioning.

4. Probing the Civic Cover-Up

• Mayor Sullivan’s Stonewalling: The mayor is reluctant to accept malfeasance in his city, but Sam presses on evidence that Mitchell was on the take, having received suspicious sums.
  • “No one is directly responsible. No one? Oh, come, come, your honor, are you questioning our civic procedure?” (16:59)
• Tracking the Money: Sam finds $20,000 in unexplained bank deposits made by Mitchell—supposedly from an inheritance, a claim that raises Sam’s suspicions further.
  • “That inheritance gag was right out of the Caforber investigation. An inheritance is paid in a lump sum practically, never in four payments of 5,000 each.” (18:51)
• Kitty’s Confession: Kitty, Mitchell’s wife, admits to Sam that the money came from Central Cement Company, in exchange for approving substandard materials, orchestrated by Howard Kessler’s brother, Ralph.
  • Notable quote: “He got that money from the Central Cement Company for, quote, an advisory capacity, unquote.” (21:19)

5. The Final Confrontation

• Welsh’s Resolve: Spade persuades Welsh to sober up and fight to clear his name.
• The Mayor’s Guilt Revealed: During a climactic showdown in Welsh’s office, Kessler arrives to negotiate. The mayor interrupts, shooting Kessler dead to prevent revelations. The motive is revealed: financial kickbacks and political pressure drove the mayor’s actions.
  • “We saved a hundred thousand dollars on the cheap supplies we used in that building… Yes, yes, I killed Mitchell. He… he wanted more money.” (28:15)
• Kitty’s Retribution: Kitty, having overheard the confession, shoots and kills the mayor in revenge for her husband’s murder, finally breaking down into honest tears.
  • “Then you know what? She cried. Real tears. Period. End of report, Sam.” (28:41)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Sam Spade’s Signature Dry Wit:
  • “Eff, what’s your language?” (02:25)
  • On his vacation: “Just talked over old times, Eff. Did a little hunting, little shooting… Did you bag anything?” (02:19)
• Kitty’s Emotional Vulnerability:
  • “I did use camphor on my eyes because I wanted to cry. I wanted to cry for all the good days and the good years Al and I had.” (20:07)
• Sam on Corruption:
  • “Where there’s graft, there might be murder.” (16:03)
• Effie’s Closing Reflection:
  • “What an awful tragedy.” (28:44)

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Important Timestamps

• [01:36] – Call from Effie, news reports of Sam’s case
• [03:31] – The case begins: Sam’s diary to Welch
• [05:35] – Welch’s explanation of the collapse, hints at corruption
• [07:54] – Kessler: “Get out of town… before somebody tries to knock him off”
• [09:01] – Meeting Kitty Mitchell, building inspector’s wife
• [12:54] – Discovery of Albert Mitchell’s murder
• [18:51] – Sam finds Mitchell’s suspicious bank deposits
• [21:19] – Kitty’s confession about the bribes
• [24:00] – Spade rallies Welsh to pursue justice
• [25:56] – Threat to Kitty, conspiracy tightens
• [27:30] – The final confrontation: Mayor shoots Kessler, confesses, is shot by Kitty
• [28:44] – Effie and Sam reflect on the aftermath

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Closing Notes

• The episode ends with a blend of resignation and bittersweet humor, keeping with the classic Sam Spade tone.
  • Effie: “What do you think’s going to happen to us, Sam?” (28:50)
  • Sam: “I’d rather not think about that, Effie… Now, how about typing it up?” (28:52)
• An in-universe meta-moment closes the episode: Sam’s radio actor, Steve Dunn, receives an award, sparking banter about love and radio stardom (29:56–30:54).

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Summary

“Civic Pride Caper” offers a tightly plotted detective tale steeped in issues of civic corruption, moral failings, and personal redemption. Sam Spade’s relentless probing unearths greed and negligence at the heart of an American small town—ultimately revealing that, for all appearances, pride often papers over rot. The story’s engaging banter, emotional complexity, and sharp social commentary make it a standout classic from the golden age of radio.

Transcript

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I love it.

[A]

I really do. It's been so long. How have you been? Hello. I'm doing well, Dave. Why are you talking that way? Please say one for a compliment or two for a question. Yeah, this is weird. I think I'm gonna go.

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Find a plan@pacificsource members first.com 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] the National Broadcasting Company presents the Adventures of Sam Spade Detective.

[B]

Sam Spade Detective Agency.

[A]

Me sweetheart.

[B]

Oh, you.

[A]

What's the matter now?

[B]

Oh, nothing. You just up and leave and don't say where you're going. And I'm only your secretary and I'm the last one to know about it. And everybody else in town knows more than I do.

[A]

And I wasn't enough, enough, enough. Wait a minute. How did everybody in town know about it?

[B]

It was in the newspapers, that's all. In the society column. No laugh.

[A]

Really? Well, imagine that.

[B]

Flora Bell Frolic's column.

[A]

Flora Bell.

[B]

Mr. Spade, the notorious private detective, is vacationing at Westover as a guest of a promising young architect, Garrett Welch.

[A]

Notorious yet? Well, at least they spell my name right.

[B]

I suppose you had a great time.

[A]

Well, it was exciting.

[B]

What did you do?

[A]

Just talked over old times, eph. Did a little hunting, little shooting.

[B]

Did you bag anything?

[A]

F. What's your language?

[B]

Damn.

[A]

I see you're shocked. Well, so was I. However, if you have nothing to do, hang around the office. And I will be down with several pages from my diary telling about the whole affair. I've titled them the Civic Pride Caper for NBC William Spear, radio's outstanding producer, Director of mystery and crime drama, brings you the greatest private detective of them all, starring Stephen Dunn in the Adventures of Sam Spade. Effie.

[B]

Oh, here I am. Sam.

[A]

Well, I thought you'd gone chicken and run out on me. You're part of this organization. You're going to bear the bitter with the sweet along with the rest of us.

[B]

I know, but I always seem to get the bitter. Friday's when the sweet should be given out.

[A]

Don't quibble. Don't quibble. This is a nasty job we have here. We might just as well sit down and get it over with. Careful. Drink? You might need it.

[B]

No, thanks. I don't need false bravery.

[A]

Lucky you. Hell. Are you ready?

[B]

No, but we might as well start.

[A]

Well, you know, best date. Fill it in. To Garrett Welsh, Room 212, Fairchild Building, Westover, California. From Samuel Spade, license number 137596. Subject, the Civic pride caper. Dear Garrett, I'd never been in Westover before, and I found it, on the surface at least, an attractive, bustling little city. The streets were clean and the girls were sun kissed and friendly. Add to that the $150 you sent me by mail and you can imagine with what pleasant feelings I arrived. I found the Fairchild building easily enough. And room 212, well, I couldn't miss it. There were sounds of vigorous activity coming out through the transom, and when I opened the door, two men were engaged in a fight. One was big and one was little. I didn't know which one was my client, so I automatically reached for the big guy.

[B]

Go on. Me?

[A]

What do you think you're doing? What's it all about? Ask him. He'll tell you. All right, what's the story? I was being foully and unreasonably attacked by this misguided citizen. I ought to kill you. That's what I ought to do. That's what everybody ought to do. Hold still. Why? Oh, let him go. Let him go. Beat it, Carlson. Wait until you can catch me alone in some dark alley. Don't think I won't. Don't you think I won't? I'm sure you will. Going to catch you every place and every time I can. Well, I take it your name is Garrett Welsh. It is. It is. And I want to thank you, friend. Nothing. You rescued me from a rather unhappy breeding. Your mouth is kind of cut up. H. Oh, there's nothing.

[B]

Nothing I can't take care of. Drink?

[A]

I never touch you.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

You. You might have. Might have Noticed I've already had a few drinks today. Well, it helps me forget. And it also keeps me from thinking. There you are. No, thanks. My name is Spade. Why'd you send for me? Bodyguard? No, no, no. Let them have their fun. I don't mind. Maybe I even deserve it. Look, you're paying for my time. Why don't we get with it, huh?

[B]

Hmm?

[A]

Oh, sure, why not? Go ahead. Come over here to the window there. Look out there, the far corner. Oh, you mean that building? Pile of rubbish is a better description. Well, what happened? Fire? No, it just collapsed one night last week. There were more than 3,000 people in it at the time. Five of them were killed. I don't know how many injured. That's too bad. How did it happen? It just collapsed. Another drink? No, thanks. Pardon me. It was a municipal auditorium built to honor the war dead. It cost over a million dollars. I was the architect. Yeah, I was picked by the townspeople for the singular honor of designing the Fawn Memorial. Well, now they have something to remember. What'd you do wrong? Nothing. Nothing. Somebody cheated in a building up. Somebody didn't follow my plans. I don't know who it is. I don't know who it was or just where to place the blame. So you're a private investigator. What can you do? Get you some black coffee and ask you some questions. He gave me a list of everybody in town who had something to do with the building. First off, I called on a man named Howard Kessler, whose construction company had the contract for erecting the auditorium. Kessler lived in an elegant house on a well guarded estate. And after they took my gun away from me, they let me in. I waited in a room tastefully decorated with original oil paintings and oriental rugs. And eventually a football hero type man walked in. You from the insurance company? No, I'm a private detective. Sam Spade. Who you working for? Garrett Welch, huh? That's a laugh. Funny. Well, what do you want? Look, you built that auditorium. Have you any idea why it fell down? Maybe it just got tired. I don't know. Aren't you interested? We're looking into it now. Who's we? My company, engineers. That Garrett Welch, an architect. You should have had somebody who knew what he was doing. You have any copies of the building specifications that I might look at?

[B]

Sure.

[A]

I got nothing to hide. You can go back and tell Garrett Welch that the best thing he can do is get out of town. But somebody tries to knock him off. And succeed. Here is a copy of the plans. Look at it all you Want you'll find I did what I was supposed to do. I got my gun back from the guards and left with the building specifications tucked under my arm. They didn't mean a thing to me, of course. I'd only asked for them to see whether he'd refuse to show them. But out of curiosity, I enrolled them just for a look before dumping them into the ash can. And I noticed something. The last page was signed and approved by the city building inspector, a man named Albert Mitchell.

[B]

Well? Well, I don't usually receive callers at this hour, but you're a little better looking than the ordinary caller. Come in.

[A]

She was slim and auburn haired and wore an insolent smile that was interesting. And a clinging silk thing that was interesting. She looked me up and down and she took so long at it.

[B]

Okay, okay. What is it? Magazines? The gas meter? Or did you just lose your way?

[A]

I'd like to talk Albert Mitchell.

[B]

Oh, he's a dull conversationalist. You wouldn't have any fun.

[A]

Well, I wasn't exactly Looking for laughs, Mrs. You are Mrs. Mitchell, more or less right now.

[B]

Less. Soda or water?

[A]

What?

[B]

In your drink.

[A]

Oh, thanks, but I took the pledge last Halloween.

[B]

What did you want to talk to Al about?

[A]

Well, what else? The auditorium that collapsed.

[B]

Well, he stepped out for a while. Why don't we just make ourselves comfortable?

[A]

You have a standard answer? When I'm on duty. Thanks anyway.

[B]

Duty? You a cop? I've never seen you around this town before.

[A]

Private type Investigator. Sam Spade.

[B]

My name's Kitty. You don't have to worry about Al busting in on us. I don't think he'll be back this week.

[A]

That's what I thought, you holding open house and all. What's the matter? The pressure got too heavy for him?

[B]

Look, Sam, they had a hearing a couple of days ago. It was all decided. Nobody was to blame. I think Al went fishing or something.

[A]

Where is he?

[B]

How should I know? I'm only his wife.

[A]

Well, you know what they say about a man who runs.

[B]

Yeah. So why don't you stick around? You don't look like a coward to me.

[A]

Well, when it comes to redheads, I really am. So long, Kitty. But, oh, by the way, if Al does ever show up, tell him I took a room at the Embassy Hotel. I'd like him to call me.

[B]

I won't tell him a thing. Come back here, you cowardly. Hey, Sam.

[A]

I went down to the wreckage of the auditorium. It was late and the streets were quiet and deserted. I walked through the twisted shell of the building, striking matches and looking around. I didn't know what I was looking for, but apparently I wasn't the only one visiting the scene of the crime. I was standing just inside the gutted remains of what was once the lobby when it happened. Gunfire cut at the back of the building. I ran toward the noise, and when I turned the back corner, I saw a cloud of plaster dust where the shots had apparently been fired. There were no people or cars in sight, but on the sidewalk, on hands and knees, was a man. Ever wonder what life is like with a phantom screen?

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[A]

It's been so long. How have you been? Hello. I'm doing well, Dave. Why are you talking that way? Please say one for a compliment or two for a question. Yeah, this is weird. I think I'm gonna go Talking with.

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Find a plan at Pacific Source Members first.com Rats. Rats. Double crossing dirty rats. Save me.

[B]

Don't let me die.

[A]

He grabbed my legs and tried to pull himself up. His face was a gargoyle of pain. I reached down to help him, but he slipped back to the sidewalk, dead. Four bullets had gone through his back. A billboard fell out of his pocket. It was loaded with identification and everything said Albert Mitchell. Age 40. Occupation, building inspector. You are listening to the weekly adventure of radio's most famous detective, Sam sp. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. This Sunday, Theater Guild on the Air presents an exciting one hour adaptation of the Broadway stage comedy Light up the Sky. Starring in this Theater Guild production are Joan Bennett, Sam Levine and Thelma Ritter. And on Sunday, you're invited to another hour and a half broadcast of the big show starring Eddie Arnold, Jack Carson, Eddie Cantor, Olivia De Havilland, Martha Ray, Meredith Wilson and many more. Your MC of course, is the glamorous and unpredictable Tallulah. And now back to the civic pride caper. Tonight's adventure with Sam Spade. A good many other people had heard the sound of Albert Mitchell's assassination and before long a crowd had gathered. Among them were several minions of the law. They took two people in tow. The dead Mitchell and the live Spade. The Westover police department had themselves a fine time over me, it seems I was hired out of town. Killer. And therefore eligible to be questioned. All night they worked hard at it, but in the morning they had to admit defeat and release me. I think they only did it because they didn't want to pay for my breakfast. By then I was pretty mad. And at 10 o' clock I walked into the mayor's office and demanded an interview. I got it. The whole thing, Mr. Spade, was regrettable, but after all, you are a stranger here. And when a man is killed and someone happens to be in on the scene, questions have to be asked. Your honor, I'll let it pass in the interests of law enforcement. Good. You. Our report on you from San Francisco gives you quite a reputation as an investigator. Do you have any theories that might help us in this murder of Mitchell? Well, I could hazard an expert guess that it's tied in with a building scandal. The auditorium collapsed. By the way, what's being done officially to fix the blame for that? The city council held its investigation of the unfortunate affair last week. And as far as we can determine, no one is directly responsible. No one? Oh, come, come, your honor, are you questioning our civic procedure? Oh, well, maybe you're right. Maybe we've been too easy going. We're all neighbors here. Yes, I'm conducting an investigation for a client who certainly has a right to know what's going on. Insofar as a good many citizens seem to feel he's to blame. Oh yes, Mr. Welch. Well, he's not to blame. No one is. You must pardon My abruptness, Mr. Spade, but the events of the past week have been a little. Yes, I know. Tell me. Albert Mitchell as building inspector must have approved the building of the auditorium. Now, was he a reliable man? Yes. Wait a minute. You don't think. I think he was killed by somebody who wanted him to keep his mouth shut. Now, what about the contractor, Howard Kessler? Kesley. Born here, brought up here. He's built about one third of the structures in Westover. Every one of them, except the auditorium, is standing today. No, I don't think you can build up a case. I'm just examining the possibilities, your honor. You have to begin with the people who had something to gain from this thing. Where there's graft, there might be murder. Where are the purchase orders for the materials used in this building? That was the first question I asked. I was told they were destroyed with all the other useless paperwork that accumulated from the construction job. Oh, great. Great. That certainly makes it convenient for somebody. Mr. Spade, I. I don't wish to. And I can't believe, as you apparently do, that this town's population is. Is crooked and rotten. So if I come across any information that will help clear the good name of Garrett Welsh, you can be sure that I'll be happy to bring it to your attention. Until then, I bid you good day, sir. I could understand Mayor Sullivan's desire to protect the fair name of his city, but I had to take a meaner view of at least one Westover citizen. I found out where Albert Mitchell did his banking and misrepresenting myself as a collection agent, pried into his holdings. Let me see now, Mr. Humboldt, I really shouldn't give out this kind of information, but in your case, when you have a claim against the estate, I. Oh, yes, yes, here it is. He has $300 in his account, that's all. What kind of deposits did he make? Oh, just paychecks mostly. He was a $7,500 a year man. Every Friday he deposited 150. Any deposits? Lodger at any time? Oh, yes. Four deposits of 5,000 each in the past year. Well, what do you know? As I recall Mr. Mitchell saying there were payments from an estate he inherited. Thank you, Mr. Carter. You'll hear from my company soon, I'm sure. Yes. Oh, what was the name of your company again? Of former records, Amalgamated Whistle. Oh, yes, Preferred. Oh, yes, of course. That inheritance gag was right out of the Caforber investigation. An inheritance is paid in a lump sum practically, never in four payments of 5,000 each. I didn't know whether Mrs. Mitchell was receiving, but I decided to find out. When I knocked at her door, all was quiet inside. But a second after my knock, there was a burst of sorrow. When she came to the door, there were two rather impossible sized tears flowing down her face. For widow's weed she wore a black dress, tight satin and low cut.

[B]

Oh, Mr. Spade, I'm in no mood for talking now.

[A]

Oh, just for a moment. May I come in?

[B]

I guess so. I'm really kind of alone and lost. What is it you want?

[A]

I must apologize for intruding on your bereavement, Mrs. Mitchell. I'm not usually as callous.

[B]

Oh, that's all right. But I'm not sure I can help you anyhow. I'm so broken up.

[A]

What is it, camper?

[B]

What?

[A]

Whatever you use to make those tears.

[B]

All right, so I can't really cry. I never have, but it's expected of me.

[A]

Yeah, all right. In that case, I sympathize with him.

[B]

What do you want, Kitty?

[A]

Your dear departed husband made 7,500 a year and deposited 20,000 in eight months. I want to buy it.

[B]

I don't know anything about his money. All I know is that the bank told me he had only 300 left.

[A]

What'd he do with it?

[B]

He spent it on other women. No.

[A]

I see. So the artificial tears do make sense, I guess.

[B]

No, no, you don't understand. It's not that simple. It's funny, Sam, because I really mean it. Oh, I know how stupid I look in these clothes. And I did use camphor on my eyes because I wanted to cry. I wanted to cry for all the good days and the good years Al and I had. But the bad years kept getting in between, and I couldn't do it.

[A]

I like you better all the time, Kitty. I knew you were real pretty. Now it turns out you're pretty real.

[B]

I really loved him, and he loved me. But we kicked it away because we both wanted more excitement than this town or his salary could give us. There was no place to go. We just didn't get along. He was out spending his money on other women, being a big shot. I can't blame him, though. I helped make him do it.

[A]

What about the money? He got it for falsifying the auditorium inspection papers, didn't he?

[B]

Well, he didn't get it for inventing television.

[A]

Who paid him, Sam?

[B]

Don't ask me anymore.

[A]

Well, you do know where the 20,000 came from, don't you, kiddie?

[B]

Don't, Sam. I'm scared.

[A]

You know what you ought to do? You ought to come back to San Francisco with me. Let me help you get a job there. You can make a fresh start.

[B]

You're not kidding.

[A]

I give you my word.

[B]

I ought to have my head examined for trusting you, but I'm going to do it. Al got that money from the Central Cement Company for, quote, an advisory capacity, unquote. You know who owns the Central Cement Company? Howard Kessler Warren, but not quite his brother. Last night when Al showed up in town, he was gunning for Trouble?

[A]

Why?

[B]

He said they were going to make a fall guy out of him and that he wasn't going to take the blame for anybody. That's what he said, but I think he ran out of money and wanted to make a touch in exchange for disappearing again for good.

[A]

And you think Kesley shot him or his brother?

[B]

I can't think. And I don't know anything else, now, do I? Get to San Francisco, I'll be back for you. All right, but make it fast. And don't leave me here. Because if anything happens to me, Sam, it'll be on your conscience.

[A]

She walked to the door with me and kissed me on the cheek. And it was nice. No, more than that. It was nice. Next stop, the Central Cement Company office. A statement of Howard Kessler's brother, Ralph. I'll explain it to you in simple terms. We supplied cement for a lot of buildings in this part of the country. When you want to build something, you submit a bid. When you want to know what kind of a bid to submit, you ask an expert. Mitchell was our expert, and we didn't expect him to work for nothing. You mean Mitchell tipped you off as to what other firms were bidding? Well, call it anything you want. It's done all the time. I found Garrett Welch, my architect client, slumped over his desk, much the worse for drink. And it took a good half hour with coffee and wet cloths to bring him around to something resembling normal.

[B]

I was.

[A]

I was proud of that building, Mr. Spade. As proud once as I am ashamed of it now. I spent four years at a prominent American college and two years apprenticeship with a great architect to prepare myself to come back here and make this the most beautiful city in the West. Well, you must have watched them build it. What went wrong? That's the point. I wasn't here. They sent me to Chicago to study, and I bid for it. What they really wanted was for me to be out of the way. Who are they? The city council. Oh, why bother? Just tell me how much I owe you and we'll just forget it. Nobody's going to indict anybody for anything. Well, somebody's responsible for the building and for Mitchell's murder. And we'll find him. We? Yeah. If you'll lay off that bottle for a while and work with me, maybe we can do it. All right. All right, no more booze. I'll stop feeling sorry for myself and start getting mad. Hey, where you going? I'm going to start at the top. I'm going to try to get the mayor to help you say you've turned up something, Mr. Spade. A lot of something. Your Honor, I ferreted out copies of the purchase orders for the materials used in that building. They were generally inferior and below the quality required by sound engineering and the law. Oh, you can't mean it. I do. You can inform your district attorney that in a matter of two or three days, I will move for an indictment of several people in this community for gross criminal negligence. Now, I want to know whether or not I'll have your full cooperation. There's no question of that. I'll cooperate with you fully to prosecute. Thank you, your Honor, and good day. Just a minute. Yeah? About Howard Kessler. What about him? Do you still consider that he is subject to suspicion? The families of the five people who died in the ruins would think anybody who was concerned in the building project were subject to Suspicion, you, Honor. Mr. Spade, you know about politics. Certain people contributed campaign for campaign funds and got me votes. Kessler, I. I've been in a difficult position. I. I've been weak. Perhaps. Maybe I haven't wanted to look too closely at certain possibilities in this. This horrible affair. But I promise you, I won't stop now. It doesn't matter what happens. My first duty is to the citizens of this town. Well said, your Honor. Just tell the same thing to the other members of the city council. Tell them that if I kick the lid off this garbage can, it's going to make Westover smell pretty bad. You'll hear from me, Mr. Spade. I guarantee you. In the course of the next two hours, I told the same story to the newspaper, the police, a couple of soda jerks, a waitress, and almost anybody else who would listen. And before the day was out, the results started coming in. Garrett Welsh's office and my room at the Embassy Hotel were both ransacked. Somebody started shadowing me and I had a mysterious phone call offering me money to get out of town. I refused and hung up. During that day, I stayed mostly out in the open in conspicuous parts of town. But when night fell, I knew I'd need to watch my step. Garrett Welch and I holed up in his office with the door locked and my gun out on the desk. Around 11, we got a little action. Welsh speaking. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah, okay.

[A]

It's for you. Spain. Hello?

[B]

Sam, this is Kitty Mitchell. I'm in trouble.

[A]

What kind?

[B]

Three men were just here. They said I gave you some purchase orders. I don't know anything about them, but they said if I didn't get them back from you by midnight, they'd kill me.

[A]

Who were they?

[B]

I don't know. I don't. Just men. If you've got them, give them to me. Sam, I don't want to die.

[A]

Look, hang up. Call the police and ask them for protection.

[B]

Sam, I'm afraid. Why don't you give me the papers.

[A]

Get in a taxi cab and come up to Garrett Welsh's office. We'll talk it over.

[B]

I'm afraid to do that.

[A]

Well, you'll have to. I can't leave here. I'm waiting for somebody.

[B]

Who?

[A]

I'm not sure yet. Somebody threatened Mitchell's wife. She's coming up here. I think we have enough to do. Taking care of ourselves. Come on. You answer it then. Step to one side. I'll keep it covered. Okay. Don't make one wrong move. I'm not going to, Spade. I came here to talk. Kessley? Yes. Who's with you, Kesley? Nobody. I'm alone and unarmed. Come in. I'm watching you from behind, Kessley. I know it. I just came to talk. All right, talk. Spade, you allegedly have information as to why the auditorium collapsed, killing five people. Suppose I do. Well, I came to make a deal with you. We're not making deals. I think you'll like this one. I'll give you all the positive information you want. For one thing. Namely a 48 hour head start out of town. Why should we give you that? Because nobody, least of all myself, thought the building would collapse. It's true I used inferior materials, but I had to. What does that mean? There's a man in this town. The door was suddenly kicked wide and a blaze of bullets flew across the room. Kessler's mouth opened in shock. His knees buckled and he pitched forward, bouncing off the desk to the floor. A tall, silver haired gentleman was behind the gun. I caught him shoulder high, spun him around. The gun fell out of his hand and Welsh and I were on him in a second. All right, all right. I've done all I'm going to do. I'm hurt. I'm wounded. Well, your honor, you're better off than Kessler. Kesley didn't want to do it, but I had something on his brother and told him I'd send him to jail. We saved a hundred thousand dollars on the cheap supplies we used in that building. Yeah. When I showed up, Kessley was afraid he was going to take a rap alone. He was afraid he'd end up like Albert Mitchell, right? Yes. Yes, I. I killed Mitchell. He. He wanted more money.

[B]

You killed him.

[A]

You kitty Kitty, don't put it down. She had come in while we were talking and picked up the gun Mayor Sullivan had dropped. Her one shot hit him in the chest. Then she let the gun slip through her fingers and just stood there. Then you know what? She cried. Real tears. Period. End of report, Sam.

[B]

What an awful tragedy.

[A]

It was indeed, Eff. Of course, in a few minutes, the place was full of police and we turned her over.

[B]

What do you think's going to happen to us, Sam?

[A]

I'd rather not think about that, Effie. Now, how about typing it up? Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's fun this Sunday with two of your favorite families, the Blandings and the Harrises. Mr. And Mrs. Blanding stars Cary Grant and Betsy Drake in the title roles as the owners of the famous Dream House. And the Phil Harris. Alice Fay show brings you Phil and Alice with more of their merry antics. Plus Frankie Remley, brother William and the entire cast. You're invited this Sunday.

[B]

Here it is, Sam. All types up.

[A]

I'll take your word for it. I'm not going to read it again.

[B]

Why did the mayor come in and shoot the building contractor in front of witnesses? Why you threw away everything you worked so hard to steal. Steal? Why?

[A]

That is a good question. If I. Saved by the knock.

[B]

Come in to Sam Spade's office.

[A]

It is.

[B]

I'm Lyle Rooks.

[A]

You expect me to believe that?

[B]

I'm Western editor of Radio Television Mirror magazine.

[A]

Well, you know best.

[B]

I just wanted to tell you that in our annual awards poll nationwide, the American listeners have chosen Steve Dunn as their favorite detective.

[A]

Steve Dunn. Not me.

[B]

Be quiet, Sam. So here, sir, is your citation. You may want to frame it. Put it up in your office. Why, thank you. Goodbye.

[A]

Well, Steve Dunn, who is the man.

[B]

That plays you on the radio? Sam? Oh, he's handsome.

[A]

Well, do you love him better than you love me when I'm burning up with passion for you?

[B]

Are you really burning? Burning up, Sam?

[A]

Well, I'm beginning to smolder a little. Come here and tell me about love.

[B]

Well, I don't know much about it, Sam. Not as much as I'd like to know.

[A]

Well, I'm sorry. Sorry I don't have a teacher's permit for the state of California.

[B]

Good night, Sam.

[A]

Good night, sweetheart. The Adventures of Sam Spade are produced, edited and directed by William Spear. Sam Spade is played by Stephen Dunn. Lorene Tuttle is Effie. Also in the cast were Shirley Mitchell, Jack Crucian, Sydney Miller, Paul Freeze, Herb Rawlinson and Lou Merrill. Script for tonight's adventure by John Michael Hayes, musical scoring by Lud Gluskin, conducted by Robert Armbru. Join us again next week, same time, for another adventure with Sam Spade. Tomorrow, enjoy the exciting man called X on NBC.