The Adventures of Sam Spade: Edith Hamilton 04/17/1949

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: The Adventures of Sam Spade: Edith Hamilton

Release Date: January 25, 2025
Original Air Date: April 17, 1949
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio

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1. Episode Introduction

The episode opens with Choice Classic Radio’s standard introduction, welcoming listeners to the world of old-time radio’s greatest detectives. The host encourages fans to engage via Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, and support the show through donations.

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2. Presenting the Case: A Mysterious Past

[00:41]
Sam Spade:
“Spade Detective Dr. Ludwig Zoya, 124111 San Francisco. From Samuel Spade, license number 137596. Subject Edith Hamilton.”

Sam Spade, the iconic private detective, is introduced as he receives a visit from Dr. Ludwig Zoya. Dr. Zoya presents a complex case involving Edith Hamilton, bringing to light the intertwining of psychoanalysis and detective work.

[01:04]
Dr. Sawyer (Dr. Zoya):
“No caper.”

Dr. Zoya explains that while their professions share similarities in probing and uncovering hidden truths, his current case transcends typical boundaries, necessitating Spade’s expertise.

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3. Delving into the Hamilton Case

Dr. Zoya details the mysterious death of Carter Hamilton, Edith’s husband, three years prior. The case was initially suspected to be a murder orchestrated by Edith, but lack of concrete evidence led to its dismissal.

[02:42]
Sam Spade:
“What makes me think I need a detective?”

[02:55]
Dr. Sawyer:
“...perhaps you remember it. Carter Hamilton.”

Sam recalls the Denoff case and expresses his familiarity with the Hamilton case, indicating its significance and unresolved nature.

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4. Investigating Edith Hamilton’s Connection

Dr. Zoya introduces Mrs. Hamilton, Carter’s mother, who reveals her suspicions and emotional turmoil over her son’s death.

[04:06]
Mrs. Hamilton:
“Yes, you do. You look like the other one.”

The interaction between Mrs. Hamilton and Sam is tense, highlighting Edith’s troubled past and the family’s deep-seated issues.

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5. Entering Edith Hamilton’s World

Sam Spade moves to Edith Hamilton’s residence to deliver legal papers, posing as a lawyer. His meticulous investigation uncovers discrepancies in Edith’s behavior and past, particularly her relationships and potential motives.

[07:31]
Edith Hamilton:
“Yes. You must be from the attorney's. They wired me you were coming. Come in.”

Their conversation reveals Edith’s guarded nature and hints at underlying secrets.

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6. Unveiling Deception and Emotional Turmoil

As Sam delves deeper, he observes Edith’s complex emotions and interactions, particularly her affection towards him, which complicates the investigation.

[09:05]
Edith Hamilton:
“You remind me of someone.”

Sam begins to sense a manipulation of emotions, questioning the authenticity of Edith’s feelings and the validity of her confession.

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7. The Climactic Revelation

Conflict escalates when Mrs. Hamilton confronts Edith, leading to a dramatic scene where Edith attempts to eliminate perceived threats.

[17:05]
Mrs. Hamilton:
“Yes, now I can rest. I've killed her.”

Sam intervenes, saving Edith but uncovering critical evidence that shifts the case’s direction.

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8. Confrontation and Confession

Sam pieces together the fragmented confession Edith provided, realizing the depth of her guilt and the distorted reality crafted by those around her.

[18:25]
Sam Spade:
“I rode in the ambulance with her. She was still unconscious when they carried her into surgery... It took me nearly an hour to put the jigsaw together.”

This revelation underscores the complexities of human psychology intertwined with criminal investigation.

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9. The Final Showdown

In a tense exchange, Sam confronts Edith about her true feelings and the orchestrated nature of the confession, leading to a poignant resolution.

[21:31]
Edith Hamilton:
“I remember now.”

[22:50]
Sam Spade:
“And that, Dr. Zoya, is why I never heard her confession. It turned into a lover's quarrel.”

Their interaction highlights the blurred lines between professional duty and personal emotions.

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10. Conclusion and Reflection

Sam reflects on the case’s complexities and Dr. Zoya’s role, emphasizing the thin line between delusion and reality in unraveling truths.

[23:34]
Dr. Ludwig Zoya:
“Oh, Sam. Sacrificing yourself so self. Sacrificingly rather than shatter a mother's delusion.”

Sam acknowledges the emotional toll of the case, hinting at future challenges and unresolved tensions.

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Notable Quotes

• Sam Spade at [01:03]:
  “Dear Doctor, if I owe you an apology for not keeping you informed on the progress of the assignment...”

• Dr. Sawyer at [01:40]:
  “We probe, we question, we follow up clues in order to find out what is the dark secret which has nervously disturbed a human mind.”

• Mrs. Hamilton at [04:39]:
  “I had a dream last night. I dreamed that Edith was dead. Stabbed with the same bone handled hunting knife she used to kill my son.”

• Sam Spade at [12:56]:
  “I'm supposed to pose as a lawyer. While I'm there, I'm supposed to shake a confession out of her.”

• Edith Hamilton at [09:10]:
  “And sadly, too, your husband."

• Sam Spade at [15:37]:
  “Well, then, let's don't go on with it.”

• Edith Hamilton at [21:29]:
  “I remember now.”

• Sam Spade at [22:31]:
  “How can you be so smug and so self satisfied? And so whatever made me think I was in love with you?”

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Insights and Themes

• Psychological Manipulation: The episode delves into how emotions and psychological states can be manipulated to obscure the truth.

• Moral Ambiguity: Sam Spade grapples with personal feelings interfering with professional obligations, highlighting the complex nature of justice.

• Truth vs. Perception: The narrative explores how perceptions can distort reality, emphasizing the detective’s role in uncovering the genuine truth.

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Conclusion

"The Adventures of Sam Spade: Edith Hamilton" masterfully intertwines psychological depth with classic detective narrative, showcasing Sam Spade’s relentless pursuit of truth amidst emotional and moral complexities. The episode underscores the enduring appeal of old-time radio detectives in unraveling intricate human dramas.

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Produced and Directed by William Spear
Sam Spade is played by Howard Dove
Lorraine Tuttle is Edith Hamilton

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Transcript

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[Choice Classic Radio Host]

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 Adventures of Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Spade Detective Dr. Ludwig Zoya, 124111 San Francisco. From Samuel Spade, license number 137596. Subject Edith Hamilton.

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

No caper.

[Sam Spade]

No caper. Dear Doctor, if I owe you an apology for not keeping you informed on the progress of the assignment and for letting it drag on as long as it has, and I'll have to go on owing you, which makes us even, because you don't owe me anything. The start of it was a month ago. 32 days, 8 hours, 3 minutes and 45 seconds to be exact.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Ah, Mr. Spade.

[Sam Spade]

Dr. Sawyer.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Good to see you. Let me think. How long is it?

[Sam Spade]

Three years since I visited your office. That was when you were my leading suspect in the Denoff case.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Ah, yes, Poor Denoff. It was he who pointed out that we psychoanalysts are not unlike you detectives. We probe, we question, we follow up clues in order to find out what is the dark secret which has nervously disturbed a human mind. But we are limited. We have only our patient's words and our interpretations. Sometimes that is not enough. And that is why I need your help in this particular case.

[Sam Spade]

What case is I, Dr. Sy, please.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Do not interrupt the free flow of my thoughts.

[Sam Spade]

Pardon me.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Naturally, my ego feels a certain resentment against my ID for asking you for your help. What makes me think I need a detective?

[Sam Spade]

Well, my I.D. was just asking my ego the very same question.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Ah, you too feel resentment. We must analyze that later. Bring me your dream material. Now to the key.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, yes. Okay.

[Dr. Sawyer]

This woman was referred to me by her physician. She has suffered a complete nervous collapse because she thought she recognized a certain person crossing a street. A person she had not seen for years.

[Sam Spade]

Who was that?

[Dr. Sawyer]

My patient's son died under mysterious circumstances three years ago. And the woman she thought she saw was her daughter in law. It was widely reported in the newspapers at the time. Perhaps you remember it. Carter Hamilton.

[Sam Spade]

Carter Hamilton.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Oh.

[Sam Spade]

Ron Oakvitch, 1946. The mother accused his son's wife of murdering him. Daughter in law was hauled up before the grand jury but not indicted. Dropped right out of sight afterwards.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Good. You know that Case? Well, actually my patient is suffering from an agonizing sense of guilt. Unconsciously, she thinks that she herself murdered her son.

[Sam Spade]

Did she?

[Dr. Sawyer]

Well, there may be something tangible at the bottom of so profound a feeling of guilt.

[Sam Spade]

You mean you want me to help you convince her that she really is guilt?

[Dr. Sawyer]

No, no, no, no. That is for me. But first we must find out. What we must find out is somebody else whether they are guilty.

[Sam Spade]

What? Go all the way to Virginia, solve a crime that's been off the books for three years?

[Dr. Sawyer]

Oh, no, no, no. The daughter in law is actually here in San Francisco.

[Sam Spade]

Well, if I remember right, she wasn't the only suspect.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Whether she is innocent or guilty is of no importance. It is only important that we know. Excuse me. Yes, Ms. Case?

[Podbean Announcer]

Mrs. Hamilton is here.

[Sam Spade]

Dr. Zoe.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Good, Ms. Case. Send her in. This is my case, my patient. I want you to meet her. Oh, good afternoon, Mrs. Hamilton.

[Mrs. Hamilton]

Good afternoon, doctor.

[Sam Spade]

The woman who stood framed in the doorway was a tall commanding figure, impeccably dressed in black with an easy hundred grand worth of black pearls wound around her neck and a black veil covering her face. She walked in ahead of you, displaying not a sign of nervousness and stopped directly in front of me. Very deliberately she lifted the veil, revealing a youthfully old face, deeply tanned and set off by snow white hair. Only her enormous violet eyes showed any expression. She stared at me for what seemed like a full minute.

[Mrs. Hamilton]

Yes, you do. You look like the other one.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Perhaps you had better explain, Mrs. Hamilton.

[Mrs. Hamilton]

My daughter in law, Edith was very much in love with another man before she married my son Carter. He jolted her. Carter was second choice. It was I who talked her into marrying him. That's why I'll never rest until my son's death is avenged.

[Dr. Sawyer]

We must analyze this desire for vengeance.

[Mrs. Hamilton]

Yes, yes. I had a dream last night. I dreamed that Edith was dead. Stabbed with the same bone handled hunting knife she used to kill my son.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Yes, yes. Now you just lie down on the couch and relax, Mrs. Hamilton. I'll be with you in a moment. Come, Mr. Speaking. This is a most disturbing new development. Her dream. You must get to that girl as soon as possible. Her life may be in danger.

[Sam Spade]

You mean the old lady is mixed up enough to take a shot at her?

[Dr. Sawyer]

Yeah. Here is the address. And take this briefcase.

[Sam Spade]

Why the briefcase?

[Dr. Sawyer]

Well, there are legal papers in it regarding the Hamilton estate. They require her signature. I had Mrs. Hamilton arrange for you to take them to her. Instead of the attorney.

[Sam Spade]

I'm supposed to pose as a lawyer. While I'm there, I'm supposed to shake a confession out of her. And while I'm typing it up, I'm a bodyguard. You're getting a lot for your money, Dr. Zoya. I spent the next hour or so in a newspaper morgue briefing myself on the old Hamilton case. The victim, Carter Hamilton, was the 28 year old tail end of an old Virginia family whose blood was as rich as it was blue. The accounts of the killing were sketchy. At the old plantation, Carter Hamilton had been found one morning by his mother, dead in bed of a stab wound. The knife was never turned up. Somebody had wiped everything in the room clean of fingerprints, which sounded like robbery. Until it was established that nothing was missing. The state was Counting heavily on Mrs. Hamilton Senior's testimony in their case against the daughter in law. But an odd angle. I'd forgotten. The old lady had clammed up in front of the grand jury and the case was dropped for lack of evidence. Then there was a picture. She was the kind of a girl who looks her best in a riding outfit with her freckles showing. And then surprises you by looking even better in full makeup with her shoulders showing. Candid is the word that best describes her features. Large, widely spaced eyes, a generous mouth and an expression of unaffected sincerity. It was with a certain reluctant eagerness that I kicked myself. Up Stockton, straight to Pine, across pine to bush and up three flights of stairs.

[Edith Hamilton]

Yes?

[Sam Spade]

Mrs. Edith Hamill?

[Edith Hamilton]

Yes. You must be from the attorney's. They wired me you were coming. Come in.

[Sam Spade]

Thank you.

[Edith Hamilton]

Not that I'm in hiding, but I'm curious as to how they got my address. Would you like a drink?

[Sam Spade]

Not right now. Can I fix you one?

[Edith Hamilton]

In about 20 minutes, maybe. I'm still wondering how they located you.

[Sam Spade]

I think the elder Mrs. Hamilton saw you on the streets.

[Edith Hamilton]

Oh. Is she here in San Francisco?

[Sam Spade]

Yes. Is that so surprising?

[Edith Hamilton]

No. It's a large city. What is surprising is her staying on after learning that I was in town.

[Sam Spade]

She's not very well. In fact, I think she's had some kind of a nervous breakdown.

[Edith Hamilton]

I'm sorry to hear that. I'm very fond of her, you know. In spite of everything.

[Sam Spade]

No, I didn't know. Maybe I should explain. I'm a private detective. Local. I was hired here in San Francisco to bring these papers to you.

[Edith Hamilton]

Oh, you found me.

[Sam Spade]

I seem to be a little slow introducing myself. I'm sorry. Sam Spade.

[Edith Hamilton]

Well, if it had to be a detective. I'm glad it's you. But I can't help wondering why they didn't send a lawyer.

[Sam Spade]

Lawyers cost $50 an hour. I only cost 10.

[Edith Hamilton]

Oh, in the Private Eye stories, it's always 25 bucks a day and expenses.

[Sam Spade]

I wish those writers would get abreast of the times.

[Edith Hamilton]

I'm sure they'll catch up. But if you're being paid by the hour, perhaps I can keep you here a little longer.

[Sam Spade]

I'm glad you said that.

[Edith Hamilton]

You remind me of someone.

[Sam Spade]

Pleasantly, I hope.

[Edith Hamilton]

Yes. Oh, yes. And sadly, too, your husband. If you don't know about that, I hope you'll never find out.

[Sam Spade]

I'll leave that up to you.

[Edith Hamilton]

His hair was like yours. He was thinner and his eyes were blue. Maybe we shouldn't wait till 5 o'clock for that drink.

[Sam Spade]

It was a funny kind of a drink. I'd never been hit by one before. Black Velvet. After two of them, I even began to hate myself a little less. And after the third, I decided there was some mystical connection between the drink and the color of her eyes. Black Velvet. I don't know much about music, but the way she went at the piano, you knew she wasn't afraid of it and probably wasn't afraid of anything. The pieces she played were like her. Bold and at the same time delicate. Simple, but with a web of complexities in the background. Brilliant, but always colored with sadness. What's the matter?

[Edith Hamilton]

I want you to take me someplace.

[Sam Spade]

Where?

[Edith Hamilton]

Any place.

[Sam Spade]

Dinner.

[Edith Hamilton]

I don't. I don't care. I. I just want to go someplace. With you. With you.

[Sam Spade]

Hey.

[Edith Hamilton]

What is it, Sam?

[Sam Spade]

I thought we were going out. I never paid much attention to San Francisco before I met her. It's quite a place. There's a little park up on Russian Hill where you can stand and look out over the houses of the marina to the Golden Gate. There's an island in San Francisco even worse than Alcatraz. It's in the middle of the lake at Flyshacker Zoo. And instead of gorillas, the population is nothing but monkeys. There are only two laundries in Chinatown. And out at Golden Gate park they have a band concert every Sunday afternoon. Maybe it was just the bright weather, but everything looked clean and shiny, as if somebody had taken a scrubbing brush to all the buildings. We even fed seagulls. At first she never went any further into her past than the day before yesterday. I couldn't very well charge her for the progress I was not making on the Case. So when I learned that you'd sent old Mrs. H to a nursing home for a two week rest and Edith did not need bodyguarding for the time being, I took a job that took me down to Los Angeles for a few days. I was awful glad to get back. And not because I don't like LA Podbean.

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[Edith Hamilton]

Oh, Sam. Oh, darling, you were gone so long.

[Sam Spade]

Hey, hey. The posies.

[Edith Hamilton]

I'll give them to me.

[Sam Spade]

Well, I like that. This is the last time I make a fool out of myself buying flowers.

[Edith Hamilton]

I'll love them later.

[Sam Spade]

Hey, you're trembling. What happened while I was gone?

[Edith Hamilton]

What happened to me happened before you went away. You know that, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

While you were gone.

[Edith Hamilton]

I had a lot of time and I did a lot of thinking and I came to a very important decision. There was something I knew I had to tell you and I wasn't so sure I could get through it.

[Sam Spade]

Now, look, angel, it sounds serious. I don't think this is the time.

[Edith Hamilton]

Oh, but it is. Yes, it is. Here, take it before I change my mind.

[Sam Spade]

What is it?

[Edith Hamilton]

I wrote it all down. Sit here facing away from the piano, and don't say anything until you've read it through.

[Sam Spade]

Well, okay. The opening sentence hit me straight between the eyes. It said, I, Edith Hamilton, of my own free will, make the following confession. It was addressed to the District Attorney of Roanoke, Virginia. Why.

[Edith Hamilton]

Sam.

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

Sam.

[Sam Spade]

And that, Dr. Zoya, was when I headed back to your office not to have my head examined, it was too late for that. But to tell you that I was resigning this caper. On the way, I placed two ads in the classified sections of three papers. One under Office space for rent and one under Situations Wanted. Ex private detective desires position as night watchman, prison guard, asylum attendant, or any more pleasant line of work. And I really meant it. The United States Armed Forces Radio Service is presenting the weekly adventure of Dashiell Hammett's famous private detective, Sam Spade.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Mr. Spade, what is it? You're disturbed.

[Sam Spade]

Disturbed is not the word, Mr. Zoya.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Is it because you've been with her A week and a half and as yet, no progress. Let us analyze the situation.

[Sam Spade]

The whole setup has been rotten from the beginning. You send me to that girl into false pretenses. You tell me to worm my way into her confidence.

[Dr. Sawyer]

One moment. Did I tell you this?

[Sam Spade]

How else did you expect me to get a confession out of her? Should have got to play. When that old lady said I looked like a man Edith was once in love with, you thought she'd fall for me, didn't you? You thought I'd take advantage of it, didn't you? Well, you could hire somebody else to make love to her. I'm a detective, not a gigolo.

[Dr. Sawyer]

So she did make a confession to you.

[Sam Spade]

Why do you say that?

[Dr. Sawyer]

When a patient comes to a psychoanalyst for help, a situation develops which we call transference. Now, this means that the doctor represents to the patient someone in whom he can confide, to whom he can unburden himself, such as a parent or a loved one.

[Sam Spade]

Well, then, let's don't go on with it.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Well, at the moment. At the moment, that is what you feel toward me. At the moment is what we call a negative transference. You wish to continue to make love to her, but you feel guilty about it, so you blame me.

[Sam Spade]

Well, what then? What are you driving at in this.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Love affair of yours? We have a similar situation. But what she feels for you only resembles love. It is transference. You resemble a former lover. And that is why it only took a week and a half for her to reveal everything. Sometimes I think I am too ethical or too old. Come now, why don't you tell me? You feel better?

[Sam Spade]

There's nothing to tell. She had it written down. I didn't read past the word confession.

[Dr. Sawyer]

What did you do with it?

[Sam Spade]

I destroyed it.

[Dr. Sawyer]

I see. Well. Ms. Case. Ms. Case. Ms. Case. What is it?

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

Mrs. Hamilton, she's.

[Sam Spade]

It was Mrs. Hamilton, all right. But she didn't look much like the dignified old lady I had met in your office 10 days before. Her high piled white hair was hanging in two ratty pigtails. She was wearing a nurse's cape over a flannel hospital nightgown. And in her hand was a.32 caliber gun.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Mrs. Hamilton, why did you leave the nursing home?

[Mrs. Hamilton]

You lied to me, Dr. Sawyer.

[Edith Hamilton]

That place is nothing but an asylum.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Well, you know that isn't true. Come, give me the gun. You're tired. You must rest.

[Mrs. Hamilton]

Yes, now I can rest. I've killed her.

[Sam Spade]

What?

[Dr. Sawyer]

Ms. Casey's fainted. Get some water.

[Sam Spade]

Let me see that gun. I'M going to eat this place. Get an ambulance over there and don't stop to analyze anything. Edith was slumped forward over the piano keyboard. She was barely breathing. The old lady wasn't much of a hand with a gun. Four of the slugs had punctured the big studio window. One had torn a flesh wound on her shoulder. The other had penetrated the right side just below the rib cage. And there was not much bleeding at the wound of exit. Her face was pale and the skin cold of a touch. I gambled on a hunch she was suffering mainly from shock. Moved her over to a couch, threw a blanket over and poured hot coffee into her. After a bit her color started coming back. Then she opened her eyes.

[Edith Hamilton]

Oh, I thought you went away. I must have dreamed it.

[Sam Spade]

Why still? Angel, don't try to talk.

[Edith Hamilton]

Oh, well, that's the. Please, please don't let them know what happened.

[Sam Spade]

Take it easy. It's only the ambulance.

[Edith Hamilton]

I've got to save Mother Hamilton. You see here. I've got to get rid of that knife and the catlet. Hey.

[Sam Spade]

I rode in the ambulance with her. She was still unconscious when they carried her into surgery. They told me she was out of danger. When they threw me out that night, I went back to her apartment. What she'd said about saving old Mrs. Hamilton and getting rid of the knife gave me a new slant on that confession I hadn't read. The pieces were still on the floor where I'd thrown them. It took me nearly an hour to put the jigsaw together. And when I did, it was still a puzzle. In her story of that morning three years ago, she confessed to finding the body before the official discovery. To hiding the knife and wiping the doorknobs and surfaces in the death room to get rid of fingerprints. She couldn't remember anything that had happened in the eight hours between 1am when she had left her husband drinking in the library and gone upstairs to bed. And approximately nine in the a.m. when she found herself standing over his body with a knife in her hand. I stretched out on the sofa to think it over. And then I drew a blank. Spade.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Mr. Spades, wake up.

[Sam Spade]

What? How did you get in here?

[Dr. Sawyer]

Well, I've been reading that so called confession. Very interesting. We must analyze it.

[Sam Spade]

You analyze it. I'm going to call the hospital.

[Dr. Sawyer]

I've just come from there.

[Sam Spade]

How is she?

[Dr. Sawyer]

Physically nothing serious. Mentally she's not so good. She keeps asking for you. Yeah, she thinks you can help her. Yeah, it's definitely there. The delusion that she's in Love with you?

[Sam Spade]

What makes you so sure it's a delusion? Don't answer me. When can I see her?

[Dr. Sawyer]

Well, it's best that you wait until she comes home. That will be next Tuesday.

[Sam Spade]

Look, you're supposed to be a first class head doctor. Can't you cure this amnesia of Edith?

[Dr. Sawyer]

I thought I explained to you last night when we were discussing transference.

[Sam Spade]

Please, Dr. Zoya. Please. I know you mean well, but don't, I beg of you.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Well, it's not important. When she gets to know you better, she will realize that her love for you is irrational. And then she will remember everything.

[Sam Spade]

I kept myself busy like crazy until Edith checked out of the hospital. There wasn't much talk between us at first. Even her music was reticent. Little rambling improvisations that sounded like children's songs or lullabies. With something just a little acid mixed with their simplicity. Then, as the days went by and her strength and confidence started to return, her music became serene and graceful. It became like her as she sat there at the piano in front of the big window. With its afternoon sun streaming down on the San Francisco hilltops. While at the same time, the April fog bank started its nightly prowl in through the Golden Gate. And that was like her, too. And like her music, brilliant, but with a touch of melancholy. And then one day, it was all warmth and brilliance. And she was smiling.

[Edith Hamilton]

Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, Angel.

[Edith Hamilton]

I remember now.

[Sam Spade]

So that's it.

[Edith Hamilton]

I woke up this morning feeling so happy. And then I knew I was on the verge of it. Because I knew that however bad the truth might be, it was worth not remembering it. Even if I was a murderer. You'd rather know, wouldn't you?

[Sam Spade]

No. No, I wouldn't.

[Edith Hamilton]

Why? I thought I knew you so well. Darling, are you angry?

[Sam Spade]

Yeah.

[Edith Hamilton]

But at me?

[Sam Spade]

Yes, you. The first time I came here, I tried to give you fair warning. You should have figured the score when I told you I was a private detective. You'd even read the stories where in the end, the detective doesn't have any choice but to turn in the beautiful dame. No matter what his personal feelings are. Maybe you didn't think they were true to life. Or maybe you thought I was an exception to the rule. Because you are. Well, I'm not. Truth is, I was hired to get a confession out of you any way I could. And I think in the back of your mind, you've known it all along. You want to have your confession and eat it, too. You probably learned as a child that it's smarter to tell all and be patted on the back than to be found out and get spanked.

[Edith Hamilton]

How can you be so smug and so self satisfied? And so whatever made me think I was in love with you? Just because you looked a little like.

[Sam Spade]

Someone who I. Zoya was right. Only he thought you were kidding yourself too. Zoya called a transference. I call it baloney. Goodbye.

[Edith Hamilton]

You come back here. You can't just leave like.

[Sam Spade]

And that, Dr. Zoya, is why I never heard her confession. It turned into a lover's quarrel. But I understand she paid $25 an hour to rattle it off to you. I have before me your telephonic message. I haven't had time to analyze it, but at first glance, I take it to mean that Edith was innocent of everything except destroying evidence, motive to spare her mother in law the anguish of knowing that her son was a suicide. I'm sorry. Now that I know what her story was, that I didn't stay to hear her tell it. But that, as you would say, is not important. At least I cured her of that love delusion you were so worried about. Even though it took a month to do it, period. And a report.

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

Oh, Sam. Sacrificing yourself so self. Sacrificingly rather than shatter a mother's delusion.

[Sam Spade]

F. Some other time, huh?

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

I'm sorry, Sam. I'll go tight this up. Well, here it is. Sam. Chip. Sam. Where did he go? Sam's Bay Detective Agency.

[Sam Spade]

It's me, sweetheart.

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

Sam, where did you go?

[Sam Spade]

I'm downstairs in the bar.

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

Sam, there's so much noise on the line. I can't.

[Sam Spade]

I'm drowning my sorrows.

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

Well, you don't need to shout. Oh, hold the line a minute. Yes, may I help you?

[Edith Hamilton]

Oh, no, I'm sorry. I was hoping I might find Mr. Spade in.

[Dr. Sawyer]

Hello?

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

Would you like to leave a messy.

[Edith Hamilton]

Oh, tell him Edith Hamilton called. Oh.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, f. Are you still on the phone?

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

Oh. Oh, pardon me. Yes, dear?

[Sam Spade]

What happened? Are you taking a bath?

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

Nothing. Nothing at all. One moment, please, Ms. Hamilton. I have him on the line. He's downstairs in the bar. And if you'll hurry, you can just catch him, I'm sure.

[Edith Hamilton]

Oh, downstairs. Well, I will hurry. Thank you.

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

You're welcome. Sam, are you still on the line?

[Sam Spade]

What's the matter with you?

[Dr. Ludwig Zoya]

Nothing, nothing. Just go ahead and drown your sorrows, but don't get loaded.

[Edith Hamilton]

Good night, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Well, good night, sweetheart.

[Edith Hamilton]

I'm going to take piano lessons.

[Sam Spade]

The adventures of Sam Spade, Dashiell Hammett's famous private detective, are produced and directed by William Spear. Sam Spade is played by Howard Dove. Lorraine Tuttle is effing. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio Service, the voice of information and education.