The Adventures of Sam Spade: Dog Bed Caper 12/01/1950

Summary

The Adventures of Sam Spade: Dog Bed Caper
Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Release Date: April 19, 2025
Original Air Date: December 1, 1950

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Introduction

In this gripping installment of The Adventures of Sam Spade, titled "Dog Bed Caper," listeners are taken on a thrilling journey through deception, betrayal, and murder. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, this episode showcases the quintessential private detective, Sam Spade, navigating the murky waters of corporate intrigue and personal vendettas in the Golden Age of Radio’s signature noir style.

Case Assignment

The episode opens with Sam Spade in the Georgian Elite Bar and Grill, engaging in a playful yet revealing conversation with his secretary, Effie Perrine. Effie teases Sam about his rumored drinking habits, to which Sam responds wittily:

Sam Spade [00:47]: "Oh, just a little of the hair of the dog that bit me, Effie. But don't worry about me."

This banter sets the tone for their professional and personal relationship. Shortly after, Sam receives a mysterious phone call from Ms. Adela Cameron of Cameron Incorporated, an investment counseling firm. Major Briggs, the firm’s chief accountant, briefs Sam on the task at hand:

Major Briggs [06:46]: "I want you to find out everything about him, especially anything unsavory."

Adela assigns Sam the job of investigating I.J. Barco, a wealthy manufacturer of dog beds, suspecting him of illicit activities. She offers Sam a $50 daily expense allowance with a one-week guarantee, which Sam promptly accepts:

Sam Spade [08:22]: "I have considered and taken the job."

Investigation Begins

Sam’s investigation leads him to Barco’s factory on South Dolores, a striking building shaped like a large dog house. Upon entering, Sam adopts the guise of Don Jose Martinez Salamorales to gain Barco’s trust. Their conversation is laced with sharp dialogue and subtle tension:

Sam Spade [10:57]: "Mr. Barco, I'm afraid I don't see anything here I like."

I.J. Barco [11:06]: "What's this? Do I understand you, sir? You are refusing this small speck of comfort to the one unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world."

Despite Sam’s probing, Barco maintains his innocence, leading Sam to suspect deeper layers of corruption within Cameron Incorporated.

Unveiling Hidden Truths

Sam's persistence reveals Barco’s suspicious activities, including his involvement with racketeers. He meticulously tracks Barco’s movements, noting his visits to the License Bureau and a grocery store, where Barco purchases seemingly innocuous items like olives, vermouth, and gin:

Sam Spade [12:31]: "He has laid in provision. Uh huh."

Upon reporting his findings, Sam is abruptly ordered to halt his investigation:

Celeste Roberts [12:52]: "Ms. Cameron just told me to call you off the case."

Confused and undeterred, Sam continues his pursuit, leading to a fateful encounter with Barco. When Sam returns to Cameron’s residence, he discovers a vital clue—a photograph of Barco with Celeste Roberts, Cameron’s secretary, taken outside a Las Vegas marriage chapel. This revelation deepens the mystery, intertwining personal relationships with corporate malfeasance.

Confrontations and Confessions

As the plot thickens, Sam confronts Gregory Cameron, Adela’s brother, uncovering his involvement in misappropriating funds and orchestrating Barco’s demise to cover up financial discrepancies. The tension culminates in a dramatic confrontation:

Major Briggs [26:23]: "After all, I did kill the unfortunate Mr. Barco."

Sam Spade [27:00]: "Thank you, Major, but no."

Major Briggs admits to the murder, revealing his remorse and the tragic consequences of his actions. Gregory Cameron, caught between loyalty and guilt, faces the fallout of his deceit:

Gregory Cameron [25:18]: "Spade, I didn't kill Bar."

Character Dynamics

Throughout the episode, the interplay between Sam and Effie adds depth to the narrative. Effie's unspoken affection for Sam becomes evident in their interactions:

Effie Perrine [29:18]: "Well, here it is, Sam."

Effie Perrine [29:43]: "You see, Sam, you can have her if you want to. But in the end, I know you'll come back to me."

Sam, however, remains steadfast in his professional demeanor, prioritizing justice over personal entanglements:

Sam Spade [29:56]: "Good night, sweetheart."

Conclusion

"Dog Bed Caper" masterfully blends mystery with character development, showcasing Sam Spade’s razor-sharp intellect and moral compass. The resolution sees Major Briggs accepting his fate, while Gregory Cameron faces legal repercussions for his actions. Effie Perrine's unwavering support underscores the enduring partnership that defines Sam Spade's success as a detective.

The episode concludes with Sam reflecting on the case, highlighting the intricate web of deceit he dismantled:

Sam Spade [29:56]: "Good night, sweetheart."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sam Spade on Taking the Case [08:22]: "I have considered and taken the job."

• Major Briggs' Confession [26:24]: "After all, I did kill the unfortunate Mr. Barco."

• Effie Perrine on Her Feelings [29:43]: "You see, Sam, you can have her if you want to. But in the end, I know you'll come back to me."

• Sam Spade’s Professionalism [29:56]: "Good night, sweetheart."

Insights and Themes

"Dog Bed Caper" delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the moral complexities of justice. Sam Spade’s unwavering pursuit of the truth, even when faced with personal and professional obstacles, serves as a testament to his character’s integrity. The episode also explores the impact of corporate corruption and familial loyalty, painting a nuanced picture of human motivations and ethical dilemmas.

Conclusion

This episode of The Adventures of Sam Spade stands as a quintessential example of old-time radio detective storytelling. With its intricate plot, compelling characters, and sharp dialogue, "Dog Bed Caper" captivates listeners, delivering suspense and satisfaction in equal measure. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, this episode offers a timeless exploration of detective work and the enduring quest for justice.

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Attributions:

• Sam Spade: Played by Stephen Dunn
• Effie Perrine: Loreen Tuttle
• Adela Cameron: [Voice Actor Unknown]
• Major Briggs: [Voice Actor Unknown]
• Gregory Cameron: [Voice Actor Unknown]
• Celeste Roberts: [Voice Actor Unknown]
• Script: John Michael Hayes and Dick Powell
• Music: Lud Gluskin, conducted by Robert Armbruster
• Produced, Edited, Directed by: William Spear

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Join us next week for another enthralling adventure with Sam Spade, where mystery and intrigue await around every corner.

Transcript

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[Sam Spade]

My school uses Podbean.

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[Sam Spade]

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.

[Narrator]

Presents the Adventures of Sam Spade Detective.

[Effie Perrine]

Sam Spade Detective Agency.

[Sam Spade]

Me sweetheart.

[Effie Perrine]

Sam, would you mind telling me where you are?

[Sam Spade]

Not at all, Effie, not at all. Let's see, I'm at the ill rigged da na rab e tile sea grog.

[Effie Perrine]

I don't understand that, Sam, but I think I caught the word grog.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, you're shrewd, Effie. You see, I'm on the inside and the lettering is printed on the outside. Now, if you'll wait, I'll go outside and read it the right way and then come inside and.

[Narrator]

Never mind.

[Effie Perrine]

I've already guessed. You're at Georgia's Elite Bar and Grill.

[Sam Spade]

Pratt.

[Effie Perrine]

Sam. After me. You promised me you wouldn't.

[Sam Spade]

I am me. I promised me.

[Effie Perrine]

You did, Sam. You promised faithfully to stay away from bars. You know how hard television is on your eyes. Have you got your glasses?

[Sam Spade]

One in each hand. Fill em up, George.

[Effie Perrine]

Oh, Sam, I heard that. What will people think?

[Sam Spade]

They'll never know, Effie. I always drink here under another name. Oh, just a little of the hair of the dog that bit me, Effie. But don't worry about me. Although it's true I have been dogging it and have been hounded from tree to tree. I am frisky as ever and will be in to unleash my canine chronicle, namely the Dog Bed Caper or He who Lies down with Dogs Gets up with Murder or condensed for easy reading.

[Narrator]

For NBC. William Speer, Radio's outstanding producer, Director of mystery and crime drama, brings you the greatest private detective of them all in the Adventures of Sam Spade.

[Sam Spade]

Effie.

[Effie Perrine]

Here I am, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Here I am, Sam. Effie, did you ever write poetry in school?

[Effie Perrine]

Well, well, I was known as the Emily Dickinson of Central High.

[Sam Spade]

I thought you had a touch of internal rhyme scheme there.

[Effie Perrine]

I doodled a little poem about you.

[Sam Spade]

Really? Well, redoodle.

[Effie Perrine]

There was a detective named Spade with oodles of brains in his ha.

[Sam Spade]

Clever, clever but when he took up.

[Effie Perrine]

Drinking, he forgot about thinking.

[Sam Spade]

Now give me the punchline.

[Effie Perrine]

And Effie has stayed quite unpaid.

[Sam Spade]

Well, a little rough, but cute.

[Effie Perrine]

Did you get the idea, Sam?

[Sam Spade]

Never could make any sense out of poetry. Ready?

[Effie Perrine]

It's getting close to Christmas, Sam and I pencil porn. I used my last pencil and I don't really have enough money to buy.

[Sam Spade]

Please, Zephy, I have no head for figures.

[Effie Perrine]

All right, I give up.

[Sam Spade]

From Samuel Spade, license number 137596. Subject, the dog bed caper.

[Effie Perrine]

Oh, Sam, I hope this is going to be all about dogs. I belong to the tail waggers, you know. Yeah, and I've read all the books by Jack. I just think.

[Sam Spade]

Strangely enough, you will not meet a single dog in this story. Actually, this narrative has little indeed to do with our four footed friends or their beds. And I'd change the title now, except that it's already gone out for publicity. Dear Dundee, it all started with a phone call to my secretary, Ms. Effie Perrine, a doll requesting my inimitable services at the investment counseling firm of Cameron Incorporated. Clearing everything off my desk. Two shoes with feet in them. My own. I went over. The firm of Cameron Incorporated was obviously not for the push cart set. It was plush, ankle deep rugs, imported drapes. And the receptionist, she had a plushness all of her own. I said hello in my plushiest voice. She liked it. She said so.

[Celeste Roberts]

Oh, I like the way you said that. Say it again.

[Sam Spade]

Life is too short to go back even for a moment. The past is a dead thing. The present dying. Only the future alive and vibrant, however. Hello.

[Celeste Roberts]

Is there something?

[Sam Spade]

There is. Could I ask a question?

[Celeste Roberts]

Why not?

[Sam Spade]

I will rephrase the question. What time do you stop working this evening?

[Celeste Roberts]

Around six.

[Sam Spade]

Care to head?

[Celeste Roberts]

Why not?

[Sam Spade]

There's a little bar around the corner. Okay.

[Celeste Roberts]

Why not?

[Sam Spade]

Why not indeed. Bring your own money. Well, come anyway. Your name?

[Celeste Roberts]

Celeste.

[Sam Spade]

Mine? Sam Spade. Who's Mr. Briggs?

[Celeste Roberts]

He called Major Briggs. Why? He's our chief accountant.

[Major Briggs]

I just happened to have my door open. Did I hear someone inquiring about me?

[Celeste Roberts]

This is Mr. Spade. Major Briggs.

[Sam Spade]

How do you do, Major?

[Major Briggs]

It's a pleasure to meet you in person, Mr. Spade. I'm the man who called you, you know.

[Sam Spade]

I'm grateful, sir. Now, what is it I can do for you and Mr. Cameron?

[Major Briggs]

Oh, it's not for me that I called. I haven't a worry in the world. And it's Ms. Cameron. Oh, old Cameron's been dead for many years now.

[Sam Spade]

I see.

[Major Briggs]

Whatever she wants, Mr. Spade. Do a good job. We are all counting on you. Will you please announce Mr. Spade, Ms. Roberts?

[Celeste Roberts]

Certainly, Ma.

[Major Briggs]

If you'd excuse me.

[Sam Spade]

Nice to have met you, Major.

[Celeste Roberts]

Ms. Cameron.

[Adela Cameron]

Yes?

[Celeste Roberts]

Ms. Spade's here.

[Adela Cameron]

Send him in, please.

[Celeste Roberts]

You're on, Sam. Have fun.

[Sam Spade]

Think I might.

[Celeste Roberts]

Why not?

[Sam Spade]

That girl had the most beautiful double entendre in town. Well, to get on. Adela Cameron was a career woman around 29. Although the tailored suit made fine detective work difficult. No makeup, severe hairdo, and in spite of all this, chic. In fact, as we shook hands in a most businesslike manner, I had the feeling that something warm might well spring up between us. Something like a warm mutual dislike maybe.

[Adela Cameron]

But something most men simply cannot be told anything in confidence. They gossip.

[Sam Spade]

That's a switch.

[Adela Cameron]

I don't appreciate your humor, Mr. Spade.

[Sam Spade]

I accept your apology.

[Adela Cameron]

I will tolerate you because of your reputation.

[Sam Spade]

All right.

[Adela Cameron]

I'm going to give you a very difficult job to do, Ms. Cameron. What is it, Major?

[Major Briggs]

I'm sorry to interrupt you, but Courtney Pierce is on the phone.

[Adela Cameron]

Mr. Spade, this is Major Briggs, our chief account.

[Sam Spade]

We've already met, Mr. Spade.

[Major Briggs]

Now, Adela Pierce wants us to unload his short term governments and buy American cattle. He's dividend crazy. Amcat's declaring one in January and he wants it.

[Adela Cameron]

Well, let him do it.

[Major Briggs]

Well, I just want to protect your interests. You know what'll happen to AMCAT after February? They'll drop 10 points and he'll blame us. I went through this with your father when you and Greg were.

[Adela Cameron]

That's right, Major. Well, tell him we advise against it, but if he persists asking for a release in writing.

[Major Briggs]

That's what I thought. You do? That's the way your father would have handled it. I just want to protect your interests, my dear, that's all.

[Adela Cameron]

I know, Major. I know.

[Major Briggs]

Just want to protect your interests.

[Adela Cameron]

Don't worry about us. You know we're not children anymore.

[Major Briggs]

All right, my dear, where were we?

[Sam Spade]

Oh, you were giving me a difficult job.

[Adela Cameron]

Oh, yes. Here is the business address of Mr. I.J.

[Celeste Roberts]

Barco.

[Adela Cameron]

He's a wealthy manufacturer, a client of ours. I want you to find out everything about him, Especially anything unsavory.

[Sam Spade]

Sorry, I don't do divorce or blackmail cases.

[Adela Cameron]

Mr. Spade. This is not a divorce investigation.

[Sam Spade]

All right, what is it then?

[Adela Cameron]

Why do we want to. Client shadowed, I believe is the expression.

[Sam Spade]

That's it.

[Adela Cameron]

Because we believe he is investing money through us for some racketeers. If that were true, we would of course have to drop him. But we don't want to lose his business just on suspicion.

[Sam Spade]

I see.

[Adela Cameron]

Find out anything you can about him. I'll give you $50 a day in expenses, one week guarantee. Will you consider the job?

[Sam Spade]

I have considered and taken the job. By the time I'd reached the door, she had already forgotten me and was hard at work on some paper outside. I planned to dally a few moments an idle chit chat with Celeste. But before I had the chance, I was accosted by a husky young chap whom I'm afraid was a Princeton man.

[Gregory Cameron]

What were you talking about in this baby?

[Sam Spade]

Oh, you had the advantage, sir. Who are you?

[Gregory Cameron]

Gregory Cameron. Now come on. What was Adela telling you?

[Sam Spade]

Well, if you step to one side, you can walk around me and ask her.

[Gregory Cameron]

Look, don't pull that cagey private detective routine on me. I pack a little weight myself.

[Sam Spade]

Well, pack it somewhere else, Sonny.

[Gregory Cameron]

I asked you a question. I expect an answer.

[Sam Spade]

There's your answer. Any more questions? He didn't feel much like talking then and I was so irritated I walked out without saying goodbye to Celeste. When I reached the street, the white haired old gentleman, Major Briggs, hurried out behind me.

[Major Briggs]

Mr. Spade, please don't think too badly of that boy. I've known him from the cradle. He's in a difficult emotional state.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, sure, sure, sure. As far as I'm concerned, Major, it never happened.

[Major Briggs]

You're a kind man, Mr. Spade. I could tell that when I first saw you. You're just the sort of man Ms. Cameron needs.

[Sam Spade]

Well, I hadn't looked at it that way.

[Major Briggs]

If you require anything, don't hesitate to ask me. I've been with this company 40 years before those two children in there were born. And I know how difficult life can be at times. I just want things to go well for them.

[Sam Spade]

I'll do my little part, Major.

[Major Briggs]

Bless you, son. Bless.

[Sam Spade]

I started to work. The card Adela Cameron had given me revealed that my quarry, Mr. I.J. barco, was, of all things, a manufacturer of dog beds. I sat down on a hydrant to think this over and then followed the scent of horse meat on over to his factory on South Dolores. It was built in the shape of a large dog house and outside stood a billboard with the message A Survey of Independent Dog Tracks, Kennels and Canine Corps Proves that Dogs Choose Barco Beds. Two to one. I had to get a look at Barco himself. And so, ruffling up the hair on the back of my neck, I trotted into the building, sniffing and wagging my tail in a very Friendly manner. It was very easy to see Mr. Barco after I lied a little about my connections.

[IJ Barco]

What was that name again, senor?

[Sam Spade]

Don Jose Martinez Salamorales. But you may call me Sam.

[IJ Barco]

And you represent a group of retail outlets in South America.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, I do indeed. We have our eye on your dog beds, Mr. Barker.

[IJ Barco]

Well, now, let's take a look at our catalog here. Now, say you had a great day and you'd want something regal like this Louis 14. Ever see a more beautiful bed?

[Sam Spade]

Well, not lately. But Mr. Barkle.

[IJ Barco]

Down, boy, down. Now, here's a number that's very big this season with English bulldogs. A Sheraton, natural wood finish.

[Narrator]

Lovely, huh?

[IJ Barco]

And of course, if it's an Irish terrier, here's a purely gag present for his sense of humor.

[Sam Spade]

A Murphy bed.

[IJ Barco]

Get it, Sam? Irish terrier.

[Sam Spade]

See? See?

[IJ Barco]

Well, of course we would. We wouldn't.

[Major Briggs]

A dog to sleep in. A Murphy.

[Sam Spade]

Mr. Barco, I'm afraid I don't see anything here I like.

[IJ Barco]

What's this? Do I understand you, sir? You are refusing this small speck of comfort to the one unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world.

[Sam Spade]

I'm not refusing anything. I just don't.

[IJ Barco]

The unselfish friend who, if fortune drives you forth, an outcast into the world, homeless, will ask no higher privilege than to be at your side to guard against danger, faithful unto death. There by your graveside will be found the noble dog. His head between his pause, his eyes sad but watchful. Faithful.

[Sam Spade]

We shook paws and I felt his nose to be sure it was cold. It was, and I left. I rented a car and took up a station outside the Barco factory. About 4 o'clock he hurried out, jumped into a long low vehicle shaped like a dachshund and mushed off. I followed. An hour later I was phoning my first report to Adela Cameron's secretary. Celeste.

[Celeste Roberts]

He went to the city hall. Oh, What'd he do there, Mr. Spade?

[Sam Spade]

License Bureau. Marriage, not dog.

[Celeste Roberts]

Really? Where'd he go then?

[Sam Spade]

Grocery store, where he bought one bottle of olives, one bottle of vermouth and one bottle gin. I wonder what he's going to make. What recipe is that? Well, now he's in an apartment house on Post street, just across from the drugstore I'm in and judging from the groceries, intends to stay a while. He has laid in provision. Uh huh.

[Celeste Roberts]

Well, I guess that's all we wanted to know.

[Sam Spade]

What?

[Celeste Roberts]

Ms. Cameron just told me to call you off the case. You'll still get your Guarantee, though. Major Briggs will send you check.

[Sam Spade]

Well, that doesn't make sense.

[Celeste Roberts]

Sam. Orders. His orders.

[Sam Spade]

All right, all right. What about tonight?

[Celeste Roberts]

I'm afraid not. Some other time.

[Major Briggs]

You mean. You mean it's all over?

[Sam Spade]

The half daring, half shy kisses on the Oakland Ferry, the warm, passionate spring nights at Fisherman's Wharf, eating abalone, The Helen well, puzzled as who wouldn't be, I walked slowly back to my car. But before I had a chance to get in, I saw IJ Barco hurry out of his apartment house. But he didn't enter his car. He came right for me.

[IJ Barco]

Spade.

[Sam Spade]

Spade.

[IJ Barco]

Just a minute, Spade.

[Sam Spade]

So sorry. My name is Don Jose Martinez. Out of Morales yet?

[IJ Barco]

Don't kid me, Spade. I'm not as stupid as I acted today. Look, I know why Adela Cameron is following me and you don't. And you'll never find out any more than the other four detectives did.

[Sam Spade]

I was the fifth choice. I shall speak with my agent about this.

[IJ Barco]

I'm going to tell her in person that this foolishness has to stop. If it doesn't, she live to regret it. One more thing. I presume you're going to follow me. Well, I'm turning right on Market and heading out to 1217 Ridgewood Place. You shouldn't have any trouble.

[Sam Spade]

And with that, he spun on one heel and trotted to his car. He took off. But when I went to my car, it wouldn't turn over. And when I lifted the hood, I found out why all my spark plugs were gone. I picked up a new set at a service station, looked up Adela Cameron's address in the phone book. It was 1217 Ridgewood Place. And a good half hour later, I got there. Barco's car was out in front. No one answered the door, but it was open. Adela Cameron was a crumpled heap on the living room sofa.

[Adela Cameron]

Oh, help me, please.

[Sam Spade]

All right. All right, Ms. Cameron. Let me look at you. You hurt?

[Adela Cameron]

No, no, I'm all right. It's him.

[Sam Spade]

Where?

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[Effie Perrine]

The bar.

[Sam Spade]

I hurried into the bar and was met with a strong odor of scotch. A bottle of it had been broken. And holding the neck of the bottle in one hand was I, J. Barco. He was on the floor, his hands slowly opened, the glass rolled out and he died.

[Narrator]

You are listening to the weekly adventure of radio's most famous detective, Sam sp, Act two of tonight's Sam Spade, in just a moment. Meanwhile, here's news of other goings on on NBC. There's no doubt about it, it's the Big Show. Not just any big show, but the Big Show. Brought to you every Sunday night over most of these NBC stations. An hour and a half of the very best in comedy, music and drama. Your stars this Sunday on the Big show include Fred Allen, Margaret Truman, Douglas Fairbanks, Danny Thomas, Mindy Carson and many more, all presided over by the glamorous Tallulah. No wonder it's the Big Show. Saturday night on NBC means mystery with the Man Called X, a man without a name who travels the world over on missions of intrigue and peril. Herbert Marshall stars as the Man Called X tomorrow and every Saturday evening on NBC. And now back to the Dog Bed Caper. Tonight's adventure with Sam Spade.

[Sam Spade]

It took three bullets in the chest to finish off IJ Barco. He'd apparently been standing there pouring a drink. Barco broke the bottle as he fell. I couldn't find any other signs of violence or any guns. I went back to Adela Cameron. She was beginning to calm down.

[Adela Cameron]

I don't know who did it. I just don't know.

[Sam Spade]

It couldn't have happened more than a minute ago. And you were in the house, weren't you?

[Celeste Roberts]

No.

[Adela Cameron]

No. After I left my office, I stopped in the store for some things, then came home. When I was driving down Ridgewood, I heard some sounds.

[Sam Spade]

And you thought they were a car backfiring?

[Adela Cameron]

How did you know?

[Sam Spade]

I've heard this script before.

[Adela Cameron]

Don't you dare accuse me of killing that man.

[Sam Spade]

It's not what I think that counts, but what the police accuse you of.

[Adela Cameron]

Sam, I heard those sounds. I came in the house. When I went into the bar, you.

[Sam Spade]

Didn'T notice Barco's car out in front?

[Adela Cameron]

Oh, I suppose I did. I don't know. I don't remember.

[Sam Spade]

Uh huh.

[Adela Cameron]

Who are you calling?

[Sam Spade]

Homicide.

[Adela Cameron]

Wait a minute. Just a minute, please.

[Sam Spade]

Wait for what?

[Adela Cameron]

I want to tell you some things.

[Sam Spade]

All right, go on. I kind of get the feeling I was hired to put the finger on the dog's best friend.

[Adela Cameron]

That's not the way it was. The last thing in the world I wanted was for him to be killed. Murdered, I mean.

[Sam Spade]

All right, what did you want?

[Adela Cameron]

I'll tell you the truth. Why I really had you watching Barco.

[Sam Spade]

I'd be curious.

[Adela Cameron]

We handled his investment account. My brother, Gregory.

[Sam Spade]

We ran into each other.

[Adela Cameron]

I heard. Well, Greg took $150,000 of Barco's money and invested it without my knowledge in the television company.

[Sam Spade]

I hear that Medium's making money.

[Adela Cameron]

But it turned out this company was just a front for some men who wanted to build a gambling syndicate up north.

[Sam Spade]

You mean your brother didn't know that?

[Adela Cameron]

He knew. But there was supposed to be big money in it. He was going to give Barco a good profit and take the rest for himself.

[Sam Spade]

And Barco found out and threatened suit or something.

[Adela Cameron]

He never would have known. But the deal fell through and the gambler said the money was gone. Then he asked about the investment. What could Gregory and I tell him?

[Sam Spade]

What did you.

[Adela Cameron]

Unfortunately, the truth. We said we'd make up the money with interest, but he only gave us 90 days. We couldn't get it by then.

[Sam Spade]

So you didn't shoot him. Your brother did, eh?

[Adela Cameron]

No, Sam, no. He couldn't have. I know Greg. He'd have more sense.

[Sam Spade]

In my brief meeting with him, I didn't think he had any sense. Just one more thing before I call the police.

[Adela Cameron]

Sam, don't call them. Help me get him out of here some way.

[Sam Spade]

No dice.

[Adela Cameron]

Don't let my whole life.

[Sam Spade]

Stop it. Stop it. You set me on Barco to find some blackmailing material. Yes?

[Effie Perrine]

Yes.

[Sam Spade]

And then why did you suddenly call me off the job tonight?

[Adela Cameron]

I didn't.

[Sam Spade]

Your secretary said you did.

[Adela Cameron]

I didn't. I didn't tell her anything of the sort.

[Sam Spade]

Can I have that phone now? So I called you, Dundee, before you arrived. I looked through Barco's pockets for something to do and came up with a picture of him and a girl taken outside a marriage chapel in Las Vegas. The girl was Celeste Cameron Incorporated's plushie secretary, several years younger and two shades less voluptuous. Her address, 627 Finley, was supplied by a now hysterical Adela Cameron. No one answered Celeste's door, but I heard a shower going inside, so I took the liberty of entering Persona non grata.

[Celeste Roberts]

Is there somebody out there?

[Sam Spade]

There is.

[Adela Cameron]

Who is it?

[Sam Spade]

Come out and see.

[Celeste Roberts]

Oh.

[Sam Spade]

No false moves now. Keep that towel right where it is. Am I doing here? Detective work. And I must say, I've already found out a great deal.

[Celeste Roberts]

I'll admit I did express some interest in you, but if you recall, I Told you, not tonight.

[Sam Spade]

It's my only night off.

[Celeste Roberts]

Please leave. I don't want any difficult scene.

[Sam Spade]

All right. We knock off the cute touches and get down to business. You were married to IJ Barco. Right or wrong?

[Adela Cameron]

Wrong.

[Sam Spade]

Wrong. It's right. You were married in Las Vegas at the chapel of the Flamingo Hotel. The towel.

[Celeste Roberts]

I was only married one day. My parents had it annulled. I was underage.

[Sam Spade]

Well, you don't have to worry about him anymore.

[Narrator]

He's dead.

[Sam Spade]

Shot three times at close range in Adela Cameron's house. Not by you, of course. Although, on the other hand, as you would say, why not?

[Celeste Roberts]

I didn't do it.

[Sam Spade]

Suppose you spill.

[Celeste Roberts]

He wanted me to marry him again.

[Sam Spade]

Why? Well, I know all about the money that Cameron's misused.

[Celeste Roberts]

He found out Greg and I were in love.

[Sam Spade]

I should have known.

[Celeste Roberts]

He said he'd forget about the entire hundred and fifty thousand if I'd marry him for six years.

[Sam Spade]

25,000 a year. That's a good price.

[Celeste Roberts]

How can you talk like that?

[Sam Spade]

Practice, I guess. So Gregory had another good reason for killing.

[Celeste Roberts]

He didn't, Sam. I know he didn't.

[Sam Spade]

Anything that would stand up in court?

[Celeste Roberts]

I don't think so.

[Sam Spade]

Suppose we say you called me off Barco's tail so Gregory could get at it.

[Celeste Roberts]

I didn't. I called you off because I was supposed to meet I J's apartment tonight and give him his answer. I couldn't do it with you there.

[Sam Spade]

Flimsy. Flimsy. But it might hold the truth.

[Celeste Roberts]

I was going to see him, but I changed my mind.

[Sam Spade]

Any particular reason you saw him?

[Celeste Roberts]

Would he be the kind of man I'd marry?

[Sam Spade]

You did once. Well, it looks bad for Greg because someone at Cameron Incorporated knew Barco was going to be at Adela's house.

[Celeste Roberts]

Pam, will you do me a favor?

[Sam Spade]

Maybe.

[Celeste Roberts]

Give me an hour, then I'll go wherever you want. I'll tell you anything you want to know.

[Sam Spade]

Why an hour?

[Celeste Roberts]

Because if I'm going to live with myself, there's something I have to do. Well, please, Sam, if you do, I'll give you some information you might want. For example, there was someone at Cameron Incorporated who knew that Barker was going to Adela's house.

[Sam Spade]

She must have known I was going to wait outside and tailor. But she didn't. Because without once looking over her shoulder, she emerged from her apartment house, slithered into her car and led me directly down to the railroad station. She met a man in the waiting room, threw her arms around them, whispered something in his ear, and they hurried out to track seven. There was a transcontinental train getting up steam. She kissed him and he climbed quickly up into a Pullman named Aurora Falls. And almost as quickly, I climbed in the other end. We met in the middle.

[Gregory Cameron]

What are you doing here?

[Sam Spade]

I came to take you off the train, Greg, before you made a big mistake and left town.

[Gregory Cameron]

Now, look here, let's not go through.

[Sam Spade]

The intercollegiate tough talk again. Are you coming off or am I going to carry off?

[Gregory Cameron]

You're going to carry me off.

[Sam Spade]

And I did. Celeste was gone and he revived. When he hit the cool air, I let him out of the station as unable, obtrusively as possible. Then we went down a side street to where my car was parked. That's where he began to show signs of life.

[Gregory Cameron]

Spade. Look, you're all wrong. Guy's got a right to leave town when he wants to. I'm gonna sue you. From here to the City hall and back.

[Sam Spade]

Shut up and get in the car.

[Gregory Cameron]

Celeste just told me about Barco. You don't think I did that, do you?

[Sam Spade]

As I get it, you and Celeste were leaving town together, right?

[IJ Barco]

Yeah.

[Gregory Cameron]

She told me to go on and she'd come later.

[Sam Spade]

That was unwise of both of you. Come on, get in.

[Gregory Cameron]

Spade, I didn't kill Bar.

[Sam Spade]

Nobody said you did. Now, if you kindly get in the car and give me an address I want, and you know, we'll go see who did kill IJ Barco. He gave me the address I wanted and said I was crazy. I told him why I wasn't, and he began to see the reason of it. Never have I gone to pick up a murderer with more distaste. When we knocked at the door, I had a gun in my hand, but it wasn't necessary.

[Major Briggs]

Oh, come in, Mr. Spade. I knew you'd be along sooner or later.

[Sam Spade]

I don't like what I have to do. Major.

[Major Briggs]

Major.

[Sam Spade]

Can't be true.

[Gregory Cameron]

It just can't be.

[Major Briggs]

Come in, Gregory, my boy, come in. A little Madeira first before we start to talk. Dera.

[Gregory Cameron]

How can you talk about wine when a man's accusing you of murder?

[Major Briggs]

I don't think it's so unreasonable, Greg. After all, I did kill the unfortunate Mr. Barco. And this might be the last Madeira I shall ever have. Mr. Spade.

[Sam Spade]

Thank you, sir.

[Gregory Cameron]

Greg, I don't want any wine. Spadey's out of his mind and so are you.

[Sam Spade]

I'm afraid not, Gregory. Oh.

[Major Briggs]

That was a vintage 1900 Madeira you wasted, Greg. Twice as old as you.

[Gregory Cameron]

Stop It.

[Sam Spade]

Stop it.

[Major Briggs]

I'm sorry about what happened, Greg. I would have spared you and your sister this unhappiness if I could have, but destiny was against us all.

[Sam Spade]

You knew he was going to Miss Cameron's house, didn't you?

[Major Briggs]

Yes. Just before I left for the bank with the weekly deposit, he called for Ms. Cameron. And I took the call. I told him she was gone, and he said he was going to her house. It was to be an ultimatum. The money in 24 hours or exposure. But you didn't have to kill him. Certainly not. It was a crime of passion. I take the weekly deposit to the bank every Friday. And I always carry a gun. Silly me, carrying a gun. Never had to use it. But the bonding company requires I carry it. Well, I went directly from the bank to Ms. Cameron's house. I wanted to help her face Barco.

[Sam Spade]

Was she there?

[Major Briggs]

Oh, no, Mr. Spade. She'd apparently stopped downtown to do some shopping. So I faced Barco alone. I asked him point blank to give these young people more time, but he just laughed at me. He said the only time they'd get would be in jail.

[Narrator]

So it happened.

[Major Briggs]

Well, I hadn't intended to, but I became angry. Suddenly found the gun in my hand, and the thought crossed my mind. My life is just about over, and yours, Greg, is just beginning. It was easier to pull the trigger than I would have realized. Oh, lord. More maduro, Mr. Spade?

[Sam Spade]

Thank you, Major, but no.

[Major Briggs]

Well, allow me to present the bottle to you as a gift. I'll get my hat and coat. Greg, my boy, I'm sorry. You're sorry, Major?

[Gregory Cameron]

I wish I'd never been born.

[Sam Spade]

Period. End of report.

[Effie Perrine]

Oh, Sam, I wish I hadn't either.

[Sam Spade]

Hadn't what?

[Effie Perrine]

Been born. That poor, poor man.

[Sam Spade]

Yes. Our racket.

[Effie Perrine]

It is, it is. And poor Gregory. He'll have to go to jail for something, too.

[Sam Spade]

He will? S. He will. How about typing it up?

[Effie Perrine]

I hate to, but I guess it's my duty.

[Narrator]

Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's no cover charge at Duffy's Tavern. Just keep your dial on this NBC station this evening as Archie the manager, played by Ed Gardner and his remarkable friends, serve up another blue plate special of grilled English language, fresh laughs and whimsy a la mode. Another Friday fun favorite is the Delightful Life of Riley, starring William Bendix as the beleaguered Chester A. Riley.

[Effie Perrine]

Well, here it is, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Now, let me see, huh? Murder is all in place. Gunshots indicated. Dundee is grammar edited. My astuteness emphasized. Yeah, you've Learned your job well, Effie.

[Effie Perrine]

Oh, I'm glad you're pleased, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. What's this? P.S. dundee. Hands off Celeste Roberts. She's mine.

[Narrator]

Effie.

[Sam Spade]

What's the meaning of that?

[Effie Perrine]

Well. Well, you are going back to see her, aren't you? After the way she threw herself at you? No.

[Sam Spade]

Do you think she's my type of woman?

[Effie Perrine]

Oh, Sam, I think every woman's your type.

[Adela Cameron]

Every woman but me.

[Sam Spade]

Now, Refi. Come here. Would I have you working in this office if you weren't my type?

[Effie Perrine]

Yes. Not.

[Sam Spade]

Well, then let that thought be your comfort. The world can have all the Celeste Roberts it wants as far as. Oh, I can't go through with it.

[Effie Perrine]

You see, Sam, you can have her if you want to. But in the end, I know you'll come back to me.

[Sam Spade]

I never doubted it once.

[Effie Perrine]

Oh, you don't know how much you mean to me.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, I do, Effie. Three weeks back salary.

[Effie Perrine]

Oh, you. Good night.

[Sam Spade]

Good night, sweetheart.

[Narrator]

The adventures of Sam Spade are produced, edited and directed by William Spear. Sam Spade was played by Stephen Dunn. Loreen Tuttle is Effie. Script for tonight's adventure by John Michael Hayes and Dick Powell. Musical scoring by Lud Gluskin conducted by Robert Armbruster. Join us again next week, same time, for another adventure with Sam Spade. Hear the magnificent Montague, then visit Duffy's Tavern on NBC.