The Adventures of Sam Spade: Red Amapola Caper 05/21/1950

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives: The Adventures of Sam Spade – "Red Amapola Caper"

Episode Release Date: March 15, 2025
Original Air Date: May 21, 1950
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of "The Adventures of Sam Spade: Red Amapola Caper," Choice Classic Radio immerses listeners into a classic detective narrative set against the backdrop of 1950s San Francisco. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, the episode showcases the quintessential hard-boiled detective work of Sam Spade as he navigates a complex web of revenge, narcotics smuggling, and deceit.

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Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Sam Spade receiving a cryptic message from his colleague, F, hinting at underlying motives rooted in revenge:

Detective Sam Spade: "As soon as I can."
Timestamp: [01:20]

Sam acknowledges F's exhaustion and confusion but is assured that the complexities of the case will unravel soon.

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The Hiring of Andrea Rios

Early into the narrative, Sam is approached by Andrea Rios, a distressed young woman seeking his expertise:

Andrea Rios: "I would like to hire you, but I do not have much money."
Timestamp: [03:38]

Despite her limited budget, Andrea insists on Sam's full attention for the night, hinting at the gravity of the situation. Intrigued, Sam agrees to take on the case for $30, prompting Andrea to lead him to her father, Amando Rios.

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Unraveling the Mystery at La Casa Azul

Sam's investigation takes him to La Casa Azul, the residence of Andrea's father. Here, he meets Amando Rios, a man with a troubled past:

Andrea Rios: "My father speaks no English."
Timestamp: [05:23]

As Sam tries to glean more information, a violent interruption occurs when a gunman attacks, mistakenly targeting Andrea instead of her father. The quick but deadly assault leaves Andrea gravely injured and Amando mysteriously absent. Sam swiftly contacts the authorities, suspecting a meticulously planned crime:

Detective Sam Spade: "It was a pro job from beginning to end and a clean getaway."
Timestamp: [06:08]

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Connecting the Dots with Carlos Salcedo

Seeking clarity, Sam consults with Carlos Salcedo, the Mexican Consul, uncovering deeper layers of the case involving narcotics:

Carlos Salcedo: "Amando Rios was arrested... for the growing of the red amapola."
Timestamp: [10:26]

The term "red amapola" refers to poppy cultivation for narcotics, indicating a criminal underbelly tied to Rios. Salcedo further reveals a potential link between Rios and the recent death of Ernesto Sabato, suggesting a motive rooted in vengeance.

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The Pursuit Intensifies

Sam's relentless pursuit leads him to the Santa Susanna, a sport fishing vessel central to the smuggling operations. His interrogation with Captain Mordigan and secretary Janice Odell sheds light on Rios's movements and the shadowy figures involved:

Detective Sam Spade: "I'm trying to locate an Amando Rios."
Timestamp: [08:39]

Despite numerous dead ends, Sam's intuition points toward Rios's intent to exact revenge against Max Rapper, the man responsible for Sabato's demise.

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Climactic Confrontation

As tensions escalate, Sam receives a critical tip about Rios's impending attack on Captain Mordigan:

Janice Odell: "He went to the Santa Susana. After him, Pier 32."
Timestamp: [18:46]

Arriving at the Santa Susanna, Sam discovers Captain Mordigan dead, confirming Rios's vendetta. However, the situation takes a twist when Janice Odell confronts Sam, revealing her own complicity in the murders:

Detective Sam Spade: "Rios was now wanted for murder."
Timestamp: [19:44]

Janice attempts to coerce Sam into a deal involving narcotics, but Sam remains steadfast:

Detective Sam Spade: "As long as I've got a gun in my hand, I'll listen to you, baby."
Timestamp: [22:30]

A tense standoff ensues, culminating in Janice's realization that Sam sees through her scheme. Sam outsmarts her, ensuring justice is served.

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Resolution and Reflection

In the aftermath, Sam reflects on the convoluted case, recognizing the futility of vengeance and the intricate dance between right and wrong:

Detective Sam Spade: "I should say not. You're upstanding and clean cut."
Timestamp: [23:19]

He concludes by ensuring that all loose ends are tied, from notifying Lieutenant Kelsey to sending tokens of goodwill to Andrea, signifying closure to the harrowing events.

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Conclusion

"Red Amapola Caper" masterfully encapsulates the essence of classic detective storytelling. Through Sam Spade's unwavering determination and sharp intuition, listeners are taken on a journey filled with suspense, moral ambiguity, and the relentless pursuit of truth. With engaging dialogues and a tightly woven plot, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of old-time radio mysteries.

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Notable Quotes

• Andrea Rios: "The job may be difficult for you. You will not be able to sleep."
  Timestamp: [04:10]

• Detective Sam Spade: "Venganza, which is Spanish for vendetta, which is English for vengeance. In any language, it's dynamite with a short fuse."
  Timestamp: [01:29]

• Carlos Salcedo: "Amando Rios was arrested... for the growing of the red amapola."
  Timestamp: [10:26]

• Detective Sam Spade: "I think Rios knows who shot his daughter because I think the bullets were meant for him and she got him by mistake."
  Timestamp: [07:11]

• Announcer: "Your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean."
  Timestamp: [00:01] (Note: Although ads are to be skipped, this is included here for context but typically would be omitted in summaries.)

---

This comprehensive summary provides a detailed recount of the "Red Amapola Caper" episode, capturing the essence of Sam Spade's investigative prowess and the intricate plot that unfolds, making it accessible and engaging for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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].

[Sam Spade]

Sam Spade Detective Agency.

[Detective Sam Spade]

It's me, F. Is Carlos Salceda of the Mexican consul called?

[Sam Spade]

No, Sam.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Well, he will. Tell him it's not what we thought it was to hold everything. I'll get to him as soon as I can.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, Sam, you sound so tired. Are you all right?

[Detective Sam Spade]

I am and I'm not. There were too many windmills to chase, too much language I didn't understand, and much too much venganza, which is Spanish for vendetta, which is English for vengeance. In any language, it's dynamite with a short fuse.

[Sam Spade]

Then you know what it was all about all along, Sam. It was revenge.

[Detective Sam Spade]

It was and it wasn't.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, I'm afraid I don't understand.

[Detective Sam Spade]

What about the girl?

[Sam Spade]

Is she all right?

[Detective Sam Spade]

She is and she isn't.

[Sam Spade]

I am confused.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Exactly. Par for the course. But don't worry F it'll straighten out like star spaghetti when I come down to say it with flowers dictating as I will my report of fury and ferment on the red ama pola caper. Ama pola, my pretty little puppy.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, Sam. As all key as I'll be today, Mr. Saltito called. I told him what you told me.

[Detective Sam Spade]

To tell him for more.

[Sam Spade]

I couldn't ask yet he understood what you meant. Perfectly. I don't understand a thing.

[Detective Sam Spade]

You will. You know, I may have to trade this stuff in for tequila. No messing around there. Straight to the point. A virtue some people might do well to cultivate.

[Sam Spade]

Just tell me one thing, Sam. Was it a sour cake?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Let's not, Terry F. To the point. Remember, pad ready, pencil poised, knees crossed.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, Sam.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Skirt a little bit higher, but all.

[Sam Spade]

I want to know is.

[Detective Sam Spade]

All right, date. Fill it in. To Detective Lieutenant Kelsey, homicide. Details, San Francisco police from Samuel Spade, license number 137596. Subject, the red Amapola caper. The following is, as you requested, a detailed account of the 31 hours 16 minutes I spent on the case of Amando Rios and daughter. I trust it will answer all your questions, solve your commissioner problems and enable you to speedily dispatch your duty as one of the city's finest. May heaven help our city. So come back with me to 3pm yesterday, the approximate time. I stepped into my office and saw standing nervously by the window a Mexican girl in her early 20s. Her clothes, though neat and clean, were rummage sales specials which had seen better days. Her bare legs were too thin, her features too drawn, but the midnight color of her hair and the largeness of her eyes told me she could have been beautiful if things had gone another way.

[Andrea Rios]

I'm glad you have come. I couldn't have waited much longer.

[Detective Sam Spade]

I'm sorry. I didn't know you were here.

[Andrea Rios]

My name is Andrea Rios. I would like to hire you, but I do not have much money.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Much money may not be needed, Ms. Rios. What is it you want?

[Andrea Rios]

Your time, Mr. Speed. You see, if you accept this job, I must have all of your time from now until tomorrow morning. If you cannot accept, you must tell me now so I can get someone else.

[Detective Sam Spade]

I see.

[Andrea Rios]

I can only pay $30. I know it is much to ask for. $30?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Ask for more for less.

[Andrea Rios]

The job may be difficult for you. You will not be able to sleep.

[Detective Sam Spade]

I can make that up on somebody else's time.

[Andrea Rios]

Then you will help?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Yes, I think so. I would like to hear more about it.

[Andrea Rios]

We will go to my father. You will learn more there.

[Detective Sam Spade]

She led me to the nearest streetcar headed for south of the slot and paid the fare. Twenty minutes later we were walking through the San Francisco that's left over where the liquor is cheap and one cigarette is property. The sounds of a jazzed up Spanish song caught my ear and the beer signs turned to cerveza. The building Andrea Rios picked to go into was old enough to give the termites indigestion. A faded sign said La Casa Azul as he knocked on the door of room 12.

[Andrea Rios]

Andrea Papa.

[Detective Sam Spade]

The weather beaten face that stood in the doorway figured to be 60 but the age should have come from concern. He wore a black sweatshirt, pants to match, and a dirty white sailor's cap. Inside, on the table sat a bottle of high octane joy juice, that witch hazel with a misnomer tequila, the lemon and salt stood alongside. On the bed lay a duffel bag with the blocked letter Santa Susanna.

[Andrea Rios]

Senor Spade. Detectivo. My father speaks no English.

[Detective Sam Spade]

I see.

[Andrea Rios]

He asks if you are an honest man.

[Detective Sam Spade]

It's a question no man can answer with complete honesty.

[Andrea Rios]

Que sabe nada, Papa?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Se hombre un traguito.

[Andrea Rios]

My father says to sit down and have a drink.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Tell Father I will, but I'd enjoy it more if I knew why I was hired.

[Andrea Rios]

Yes, of course. To spend the night here, Mr. Spade, with my father. To keep an eye on him all the time.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Protection, no? Well, there must be more to it.

[Andrea Rios]

We want you to be able to testify to my father's whereabouts this night, if it should become necessary.

[Detective Sam Spade]

What's going to happen this night? Something you want your father in the clear?

[Andrea Rios]

Yes.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Well, that sounds fair enough. That's all there is. I'll have that drink now, if there'll be enough to last. The window pane came flying in and the ugly muzzle of a.45 silencer attached, stuck through. I yelled, so did Andrea. But the gun yelled louder and with more effect. The bullets got Andrea in the side. She lurched crazily, then folded in her father's arms. He began to mumble her name and cry. I jumped to the window. Pulling away was a black Buick sedan with driver unidentifiable, so with a license plate. They were covered tightly with a cloth. It was a pro job from beginning to end and a clean getaway. Well, Andrea was still alive, but not by much. I turned up a phone in the lobby. One nickel got me the emergency hospital, the other brought me homicide. And I got back to the room. Andrea was still lying there, but she was alone. Amanda Rios. Her father had gone, and I thought I knew why.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Revenge.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Exactly, Lieutenant. I think Rios knows who shot his daughter because I think the bullets were meant for him and she got him by mistake. I think, therefore, that Rios has got revenge on his mind. Now, let you have Rios picked up before he does something he can't get out of.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, I'll make a note of that.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Also make a note as follows. I, Lieutenant Kelsey, will check the Mexican console for background on Rios, because I, Lieutenant Kelsey, believe Rios is a Mexican national.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Not so fast, sir.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Furthermore, I, Lieutenant Kelsey, will make a close check of all incoming police calls. For the rest of the night. Because something is going to happen for which Rios wanted an alibi. When I find out what same is, I will graciously inform Sam Spade.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Sam, how do you spell graciously?

[Detective Sam Spade]

I went to the offices of several Mexican language newspapers, told them the story and asked them to give a place of prominence to the fact that Andrea was alive. Asking Amando Rios to go directly to the nearest police station and wait until contacted. I then went to the Maritime Service and queried about the Santa Susanna. I was told it was a sport fishing vessel owned by its captain, J. Mordigan, with office in the Ocean Building on the Embarcadero. The name plate on the titian haired secretary's desk said Janice Odell.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, Could I help you, please?

[Detective Sam Spade]

I think so. That's the office of the Santa Susanna.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, you're planning a fishing trip. Well, then you've come to the right place. Santa Susanna has excellent accommodations, is thoroughly outfitted for an extended cruise in the Bay of California, where, as you know, exist some of the greatest fishing waters in the world.

[Detective Sam Spade]

And if it's the same with you, Miss, I'll do my fishing here. My name is Spade. I'm a private detective. I am trying to locate an Amando Rios.

[Andrea Rios]

Rios.

[Detective Sam Spade]

I said something. You know him? He's got a berth on the Santa Susana.

[Sam Spade]

Well, he has. At least he had. What's he done, Mr. Spade?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Well, it's what he will do that bothers me. You say he had a birth. Would you explain, please?

[Andrea Rios]

I.

[Sam Spade]

Just a moment, Mr. Spade. Captain Mortan, there's a private detective out here asking about Amanda Rios.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Rios?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Send him in, Janice.

[Sam Spade]

Come on, move lively in here, Mr. Spade.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Thank you.

[Podbean Announcer]

My name is Mordigan. Captain Mordigan. I Skipper the Santa Susana, the finest sport fishing vessel ever to touch salt water.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Everybody's got a commercial.

[Podbean Announcer]

Ms. Odell says you're asking about Rios.

[Detective Sam Spade]

I am. I'm trying to locate.

[Podbean Announcer]

And so am I. I've got steam up and a dozen people waiting. Rios knows those Mexican fishing waters like no one I've met. And where is he?

[Carlos Salcedo]

Jumped ship, if you ask me.

[Podbean Announcer]

Scampering around San Francisco or dead drunk in some infamous den from that cactus poison he drinks?

[Detective Sam Spade]

If the storm's over, Captain, I'd like to ask you a few questions. Where does Rios room when he's in San Francisco?

[Podbean Announcer]

It stays right on the ship.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Did you know he had a daughter? No. And you don't have any idea, I suppose, why? Rio's jumped ship.

[Podbean Announcer]

It's a Woman? That's my guess. It's always a woman.

[Detective Sam Spade]

But that is just a guess. All right, Captain, I'll make a small size deal with you. If I find Rao's, I'll notify you. If you find him first, notify me. I'll leave you my cart mon. Agreed. And I left, pausing only long enough in the front office to give Janice O'Dell my phone number in case you saw Rio. She gave me her phone number, and it was a fair exchange. 20 minutes later, Lieutenant, I was meeting with Carlos Salcedo of the Mexican consul's office. A wire he had sent to Mexico City had brought results.

[Carlos Salcedo]

Mr. Spade, you have not yet found Amanda Rios, but are still desirous of preventing him from consummating his revenge. I fear perhaps you are too late.

[Detective Sam Spade]

What information have you got, Mr. Salcino?

[Carlos Salcedo]

First, Amando Rios was arrested in the Mexican state of Sinaloa for the growing of the red amapola. You are aware of what that is?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Amapola means poppy, from the song of the same name.

[Carlos Salcedo]

Exactly. The red puppy grown for the production of narcotics. The arrest occurred on August 19, 1946. Rio served three years in the penitentiary as a result, convicted mainly on the testimony of an Ernesto Sabado, who Rios claimed, as you say, framed him. Now, look at this. An inquiry from the office of the District Attorney of Marin County, California, requesting information about a Mexican national whose dead body was discovered two hours ago washed ashore at Point Bonito.

[Detective Sam Spade]

A Mexican national whose name is Ernesto Sabato. Precisely. Yeah. And you think perhaps Rios killed Sabata?

[Carlos Salcedo]

It is still possibility, Mr. Spade, since he had motive.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Oh, that's exactly why I don't think he did it. Rios knew Zapata was going to be killed sometime tonight. That's the reason Andrea hired me. So her father's whereabouts could be accounted for and so he could not be accused. No, Mr. Salcedo, I don't think Rios killed Sabato.

[Carlos Salcedo]

Well, I hope you are right, for his sake and for his daughter's, who we both hope will get well.

[Detective Sam Spade]

The one who killed Zabato is probably the same one who drives a black Buick sedan who took those potshots at Rios and caught Andrea instead. The same one who Rios has now got a vendetta against. However you say it, it's a sucker's play. But how do you stop him if you can't find him? Thank you, Mr. Salcedo.

[Carlos Salcedo]

I must admit, Mr. Spade, I do not fully understand your concern over Rios.

[Detective Sam Spade]

As a matter of fact, I'm not Sure of it myself, but you got a rotten shuffle. I got a night's pay, so I might as well work for it. Besides. Well, I'll let you know what develops. The next four hours, dear Lieutenant, was spent in questioning the following A Two members of the crew of the Santa Susanna. B Assorted residents of La Casa Azul. C. Inspector Gruber of the Marin County DA's office assigned to the Zabato case. Sum total of information garnered concerning the whereabouts of Armando Rios and or the identity of the gunman he was after. Zero. I was tired. I was depressed. I had a headache. 5 minutes to 11. A coin of mine dropped into a pay phone in a booth by a gas station closed for the night. My intention was to find out if you had turned up anything and to ask how Andrea was. But you never got to hear my honeyed voice.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Hang it up, Spade.

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[Detective Sam Spade]

It was a voice that wasn't familiar. The.45 with silencer affixed, however, was. It didn't take me long to start perspiring.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Leave the nickel speech. You won't need it.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Good evening. I've been wondering about you.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I'll bet you have.

[Detective Sam Spade]

You're sort of a novelty, you know. The only myopic gunman I've ever met.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

What's that mean?

[Detective Sam Spade]

You're nearsighted. You got the wrong person back at La Casa Azul. Boss will have to send you out again for Rios.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

I don't like you, Spade. I don't know you, but I don't like you anyway. Guess I'll kill you so I'll never have to take a chance of knowing it.

[Andrea Rios]

Now.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Come on. Step out, gumshoe.

[Detective Sam Spade]

He urged me out of the phone booth, up the street, a few paces to the head of an alley with a blind end. There he parked himself on a fireplug. I wished him all sorts of bad luck, and he told me to start walking into the alley. Mine was small choice. As I moved away from the guns, who toward the alley's end, my eyes searched for means of escape.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

All right, speak. That's far enough. Now I'm gonna pick your eyes out.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Turn around. I stood frozen for a moment, then spun and looked. The Gunzel had pitched onto the sidewalk, but the.45 was still in his hand. I moved up to him slowly, with a maximum of caution, and took a closer look. He was as dead as he could get. A knife in his back had done the job. That's when I looked up the street and saw a figure in fast retreat. It wore a black sweatshirt, pants to match and a dirty white sailor cap. It looked very much like the venganza of Amando Rios was accomplished. You arrived at the scene of the crime, Lieutenant, where you took over in your own masterly way. By the adroit maneuver of looking into the dead man's wallet, you uncovered the fact that he was a Los Angeles import named Max Rapper. You then examined the knife in his bag and discovered, as I had previously, the initials AR For Amando Rios cut into the handle. That, plus the fact that I and other witness had seen Amando Rios flee the scene, made it open and shut. Rios was now wanted for murder. When we got to your office, a message had been received by Sergeant Polehouse from Dr. Pennington of General Hospital. It said, One, Andrea Rios was going to live. Two, she wanted to see Sam Spade. Was it all right? You had no objection, But I had a problem what to say to her. Could I say it was nice she was gonna get well. And oh, by the way, your father just killed Max Rapper and the state will do likewise to him or what? My mind still hadn't lit on anything. It liked when Pennington walked me down the hospital corridor to order a room. She's a lucky girl, Mr. Spade. Could have gone the other way. Yeah, would have been unlucky. I'll wait outside.

[Carlos Salcedo]

Don't stay too long.

[Detective Sam Spade]

The jet black of her hair gave contrast to the whiteness of the room. Her face had lost much of its color, but none of the anxiety had gone out of her eyes. We talked chit chat for a while. It was easy to see she had a question she wanted to ask but had trouble getting it out. Finally, it came.

[Andrea Rios]

Mr. Spade, have you heard? I mean, is there any news of the death of a man called Ernesto Sabaro?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Yes. The police found his body washed ashore some hours ago.

[Andrea Rios]

My father did not kill him.

[Detective Sam Spade]

No, he's clear on that. I can testify.

[Andrea Rios]

Oh, that is what I was worrying about. Now, Mr. Speed, I can tell you what you do not know about my father and Ernesto Sabaro.

[Detective Sam Spade]

I already know Carlos Salcedo of The Mexican consul told me.

[Andrea Rios]

The red amapolo.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Yeah.

[Andrea Rios]

It was an unfortunate affair for a great many people, Mr. Spade. Buyers from the United States came to Sinaloa with money. The peasants were lured into growing the poppy. Many knew no better. Many did not know what it was for. They knew simply to grow the red flower brought more money than to grow food. When the police came, they suffered. The buyers were nowhere to be found. Anyway, it's all right now. My father did not kill Ernesto Zavarro.

[Detective Sam Spade]

No, Lieutenant, she did not learn about Max Rapper's killing from me. That her father was now a fugitive wanted for murder. I also didn't ask her some questions I could have asked. Like how did she know Zabata was going to be killed, that Rapper do it? And why? Somehow it didn't matter to turn sour all the way down the line. And besides, about it was Inspector Gruber's problem, not mine. Twenty minutes later, I walked into my apartment, uncorked the live one and started at the top, four fingers down. The phone began to ring, but I didn't pay any attention. The sky was just beginning to light up with morning, and I remember saying to myself I was still technically on the Rio's case, but actually there was no case to be on. When I couldn't stand the phone rings any longer, I lifted the receiver off the hook.

[Sam Spade]

Hello, Sam, this is Janice Odell. I just saw Rios.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Well?

[Sam Spade]

He's going to kill Captain Mordigan.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Mordigan? Why? Morgan.

[Sam Spade]

He went to the Santa Susana. After him, Pier 32. Rios is wild. Stop him, Sam.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Why call me? Call a cop. Hello? Hello? 12 minutes later, I was moving through the early fog of the waterfront, looking for the Santa Susanna. Black letters on a bobbing white bow led me to it, but no signs of life came from aboard ship. A quick tour had me believing it was deserted and that either Rios had caught up with Morgan someplace else, for what reason, I didn't know, but could guess, or the Janice had given me wrong information. Moments later, however, in the boiler room, it was clear she hadn't. The furnace was open, coals were spread on the floor, and so was a dead Captain Mordigan, slouched in a chair with his eyes closed and a daze was a worn out Amando Rios. He should have been. He'd had a busy night. Rios, wake up.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Rios.

[Detective Sam Spade]

El capitan se murio, seor. In any language. He's dead, if that's what you mean. You couldn't be any clearer. Too much venganza. You fixed it fine, Andrea's. Gonna feel swell about it. Oh, what's the use? Come on, Raos. Hello? Hello.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Who's down there?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Kelsey.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Oh, it's you, Sam. What are you doing here? Got a call from a girl named Belle something Odell. Oh, yeah? Is this ras? Well, what have you got to say for yourself? You ready to sign a statement?

[Detective Sam Spade]

He doesn't understand you, Kelsey.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Oh, dummying up, huh?

[Detective Sam Spade]

He doesn't speak English.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Well, he won't get off that easily. We'll sweat it out of him.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Nolo isse. Nolo matteo capitan.

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Yeah, that's what they all say. Wow, look at this. He's carrying a gun.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Gun? Why would he use a knife if he had a gun?

[Choice Classic Radio Host]

Don't ask me. I don't speak Spanish. Then what's all this coal doing on the floor? That's messy. Looks bad in photographs.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Yeah, well, wait a minute, lieutenant. You've done it again. I picked up a lump of the coal. There was a small hole bored into the center. Examination of others revealed the same thing. Curious, you'd say. Not so when you start thinking about one, the red ama polar to the fact that Zapato's killing still remained unexplained. And three, and bingo. Narcotic smuggling. A phone book gave me an address on Jackson, and a rap on a door got me a quick reply.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, Sam.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Good morning, Janice. I didn't wake you up, did I? Well, if so, you must sleep in your clothes. And that suitcase on the bed must make it kind of cramped.

[Sam Spade]

What are you doing here, Sam?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Heavy. All packed.

[Sam Spade]

Just going on a little vacation for a few days.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Where to?

[Sam Spade]

Well, I.

[Detective Sam Spade]

That a plane ticket on the dresser. Las Vegas. Hot there this time of the year. Of course, it's hot here, too. For some of us.

[Sam Spade]

What do you want?

[Detective Sam Spade]

I want you to open your suitcase.

[Sam Spade]

I won't do it.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Then I will, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Don't do it.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Well, what's this, Janice? Now, I've already guessed how much worth. Zobano was killed by Rapper on captain Mordigan's orders because he knew this was coming in on the Santa Susana and probably wanted a cut to keep his mouth shut. Rapper and Mordigan got theirs not by Rios, but by you. So you could fall heir to this poor old Rios. Old and wanted. He might have muffed his revenge. So you took no chances. Did them in yourself with Rios. Your nice, fat, convenient pigeon, Sam. But the police are gonna find it harder and harder to get a case against Rios and easier and easier to get one against you. These narcotics in your possession will go a long way.

[Sam Spade]

Sam, listen to me.

[Detective Sam Spade]

As long as I've got a gun in my hand, I'll listen to you, baby.

[Sam Spade]

There's over $100,000 worth, and I know where to unload it.

[Detective Sam Spade]

And what's in it for me?

[Sam Spade]

Half. And something else.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Yeah, me. Uh huh. That would seem to be worth considering, wouldn't it, Sam?

[Sam Spade]

A chance to make something out of yourself and not grub around for a few lousy bucks all your life. Gonna turn me over to the cops?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Not just any old cop, Janice. I want something befitting your character. I'm going to turn you over to Lieutenant Kelsey, and that lieutenant brings you up to date. Period. End of report.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, man. That awful girl.

[Detective Sam Spade]

We'll talk about it later. F. But later. Later. Go type it up.

[Sam Spade]

Here it is. Sam, can we talk about it now?

[Detective Sam Spade]

We can.

[Sam Spade]

How could that girl have thought for one single moment she could turn a man like you into her accomplice?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Very poor judgment to sell dope yet. Yes. Do I look the type?

[Sam Spade]

I should say not. You're upstanding and clean cut.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Well, thank you. Maybe she was nearsighted too.

[Sam Spade]

Anyway, I'm glad it's over and it had a happy ending.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Well, I'm glad if you're glad. Now rush that over to Kelsey so he can look good in the eyes of the Commissioner. Then phone Mr. Salcedo and tell him the lieutenant's got all the facts. And one thing more.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, Sam?

[Detective Sam Spade]

Have the floor send a bouquet of flowers to Andrea at the hospital.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, Sam, that's very nice of think so.

[Detective Sam Spade]

One thing still more. Close your eyes and have the floor send a bouquet of flowers to you. Too damn easy. F. How do you know it's not coming out of your salary?

[Sam Spade]

That's true, too. Good night, Sam.

[Detective Sam Spade]

Good night, sweetheart.