The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Hot Hundred Grand Caper 09/19/1948

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Hot Hundred Grand Caper"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio
• Episode: The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Hot Hundred Grand Caper
• Release Date: November 30, 2024

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1. Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with Sam Spade, portrayed by Howard Duff, receiving a cryptic case that sets the stage for the intricate mystery surrounding a missing $100,000. Effie Perrine, Sam’s trustworthy secretary, introduces the predicament when she brings Lorraine Kilcourse into Sam’s office.

Notable Quote:

Effie Perrine [02:52]: "The hot hundred grand."

2. Character Introductions and Initial Clues

Lorraine Kilcourse seeks Sam Spade’s expertise to uncover the truth behind her husband, Leonard Kilcourse’s suspicious activities. She reveals that Leonard has been making large, unexplained withdrawals from their joint account, culminating in the removal of $100,000. Sam’s skepticism arises as he deduces possible motives and connections involving blackmail.

Notable Quotes:

Sam Spade [05:06]: "You mean her act is a little too good?"

Lorraine Kilcourse [06:27]: "Each time he withdraws these cash sums, he leaves the house without a word to me and sometimes doesn't return until dawn."

3. The Investigation Begins

Sam Spade takes the case, driven by his intuition and analytical skills. He decides to follow Leonard, leading him to the Ernie Nogales Racket Club, a notorious gambling establishment. Here, Sam observes Leonard engaging in high-stakes roulette, consistently losing large sums of money.

Notable Quotes:

Sam Spade [07:33]: "I parked Lorraine's Plymouth across the street from the Kilcourse mansion and waited at 9 in the p.m."

Tommy Lane [08:47]: "Mr. Kilcore, surprised to see you. Since when do you go out after dark?"

4. Uncovering the Racket

At the Racket Club, Sam witnesses Leonard’s gambling pattern, which appears to be a façade for a deeper, more nefarious scheme. He deduces that Ernie Nogales may be involved in illegal activities, possibly linked to blackmail, which aligns with Lorraine’s suspicions about Leonard’s behavior.

Notable Quotes:

Sam Spade [09:02]: "Well, Mr. Kilcourse wanted to pay Tommy 100 grand. You rigged the wheel so Kilcourse would lose it one night and Tommy would win it back the next night."

Lorraine Kilcourse [14:57]: "No, but I know Ernie Nogales. I knew him and Reno before I met Leonard."

5. The Confrontation

Sam Spade confronts Tommy Lane, Ernie’s associate, revealing the intricacies of the financial deception. He uncovers that Leonard was involved in bribing public officials, using the Racket Club as a conduit for his illicit activities. This revelation ties back to Lorraine’s initial concerns and her possible connection to the case.

Notable Quotes:

Sam Spade [22:15]: "Where'd you get this money?"

Tommy Lane [22:35]: "He was signed up for bribing a public official."

6. The Twist and Resolution

As tensions escalate, Lorraine admits her deeper involvement, confessing that her actions were driven by desperation to protect her brother, Tommy, who was wrongfully implicated. The truth unfolds as Sam realizes the complex web of deceit, leading to a climactic confrontation with Leonard Kilcourse.

In a strategic move, Sam returns the $100,000 to Leonard, exposing the corruption and ensuring justice is served. Leonard’s threats are neutralized, and the truth about the crooked dealings at the Racket Club comes to light.

Notable Quotes:

Lorraine Kilcourse [16:35]: "I persuaded Nogales to give my brother a job in his place in Reno."

Sam Spade [25:06]: "Here's your hundred grand, sir."

7. Conclusion and Aftermath

The episode concludes with the resolution of the case, as Sam Spade successfully navigates the perilous situation, safeguarding his clients and dismantling the corrupt operations of Leonard Kilcourse. Effie Perrine reflects on the events, highlighting Sam’s prowess and the intricate nature of the case.

Notable Quotes:

Effie Perrine [26:44]: "What's that got to do with the truth?"

Sam Spade [26:43]: "Period. End of report."

8. Notable Quotes Compilation

• Sam Spade [05:06]: "You mean her act is a little too good?"
• Lorraine Kilcourse [06:27]: "Each time he withdraws these cash sums, he leaves the house without a word to me and sometimes doesn't return until dawn."
• Sam Spade [07:33]: "I parked Lorraine's Plymouth across the street from the Kilcourse mansion and waited at 9 in the p.m."
• Sam Spade [09:02]: "Well, Mr. Kilcourse wanted to pay Tommy 100 grand. You rigged the wheel so Kilcourse would lose it one night and Tommy would win it back the next night."
• Lorraine Kilcourse [14:57]: "No, but I know Ernie Nogales. I knew him and Reno before I met Leonard."
• Sam Spade [22:15]: "Where'd you get this money?"
• Tommy Lane [22:35]: "He was signed up for bribing a public official."
• Lorraine Kilcourse [16:35]: "I persuaded Nogales to give my brother a job in his place in Reno."
• Sam Spade [25:06]: "Here's your hundred grand, sir."
• Effie Perrine [26:44]: "What's that got to do with the truth?"
• Sam Spade [26:43]: "Period. End of report."

9. Final Thoughts

"The Hot Hundred Grand Caper" encapsulates the quintessential Sam Spade adventure—filled with deceit, high stakes, and razor-sharp detective work. Through clever deductions and unwavering determination, Sam navigates the murky waters of corruption and betrayal, reaffirming his status as one of old-time radio’s greatest detectives.

Producer’s Note: This episode, produced and directed by William Speer, features masterful performances by Howard Duff (Sam Spade) and Sadie Thompson (Lorraine Kilcourse), complemented by a gripping score composed by Renée Geragh. The collaboration between author Dashiell Hammett and producer William Speer delivers another unforgettable adventure with Sam Spade.

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Transcript

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[Radio Announcer]

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[Effie Perrine]

Sam Spade Detective Agency.

[Sam Spade]

This is Sam Blackleg Spade, the third most dangerous gambler on the Barbary Coast.

[Effie Perrine]

Oh, Sam, not horses again.

[Sam Spade]

Horses, women and the gaming table Sevy the versions of the elite.

[Effie Perrine]

Well, divert yourself with this, Sam. The phone company has sent the pink notice.

[Ernie Nogales]

Aha.

[Sam Spade]

Pay it no mind, sweetheart. We are healed. We have hit the cashier's cage, annexed the pot, broken the bank, and we're standing on velvet.

[Effie Perrine]

Sam, are you sober?

[Sam Spade]

Definitely velvet. Hmm, warm too.

[Effie Perrine]

Sam, from where are you calling from?

[Sam Spade]

You're wrong, Effie. It's a drugstore. Stay where you are. I'll be right down to deal out my report on the hot hundred grand caper.

[Radio Announcer]

Dashiell Hammett, America's leading detective fiction writer and creator of Sam Spade, the Hard Boiled Private Eye and William Speer, radio's outstanding producer director of mystery and crime drama, join their talents to make your hair stand on end with the Adventures of Sam Spade presented by the makers of Wild Root Cream Oil for the hair. It's smart to buy things the whole family can use, isn't it? That's why I say it's smart to buy Wild Root Cream Oil hair tonic to mom, to dad, to the children. Wild Root Cream Oil is really a friend indeed. Non alcoholic Wild Root Cream oil with lanolin grooms the hair neatly and naturally relieves dryness, removes loose ugly dandruff. I hope you have a big family sized bottle of Wild Root Cream Oil in your home. Get Wild Root Cream Oil Hair Tonic again and again, the choice of men who put good grooming first. And now with Howard Duff starring as Spade, Wildroot brings to the air the greatest private detective of them all in the Adventures of Sam Spade.

[Sam Spade]

Date September 19, 1948 to robbery detail, San Francisco Police. Attention Sergeant Walch. From Samuel Spade license number 137596. Dear Joe, here's the rundown on that hot hundred grand. It started pleasantly enough when my secretary Ms. Effie Perrine. Cute little mouse. Eased into my private office, closed the door behind her and leaned back against it with that air of pained resignation. Which generally means there's a customer outside that she doesn't approve of, but that I'll see her anyway.

[Effie Perrine]

It's up to you, Sam. She's very well dressed, and I imagine she can afford you.

[Sam Spade]

How do you deduce that?

[Effie Perrine]

Well, she dropped her purse. I didn't get time to count it all. But there was a hundred dollar bill on top.

[Sam Spade]

Well, sure. In Effie, Sam. Go ahead, say it.

[Effie Perrine]

Oh, I don't know, Sam. Sometimes. Well, there's just money.

[Sam Spade]

No, no, that's one of the reasons I hire you. What's the matter with her?

[Effie Perrine]

Nothing. That's just it, Sam. She's very good looking, cultivated and very kind and considerate. And she seems sincerely troubled.

[Sam Spade]

You mean her act is a little too good?

[Effie Perrine]

I felt that too, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Thanks, angel. I'll keep that in mind. Tell her to come in.

[Effie Perrine]

All right, Sam. Mr. Spade will see you, Mrs. Kilcourse.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Thank you. Thank you for seeing me, Mr. Spade.

[Sam Spade]

My pleasure. Won't you sit down?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, thank you. I'm Lorraine Kilcourse, Mr. Spade. It's about my husband, Leonard Kilcourse.

[Sam Spade]

Husband?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, we've only been married a short time. It was a quiet ceremony at the San Sidro mission. Leonard didn't want to subject me to any publicity. The difference in our ages, you know.

[Sam Spade]

You mean you want me to keep it a secret?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, no, no. Except for the newspapers, of course. Naturally, all of Leonard's friends know.

[Sam Spade]

Well, he doesn't have many, from what I've heard.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

I thought it strange, too, that such a prominent man should have such a small circle of acquaintances. I met him only a short time before I married him. He's been very kind and absolutely devoted to me. And I suppose I should feel ashamed of myself for coming to you, but there are so many things about him that are mysterious that I Sometimes I can't seem to find my handkerchief.

[Sam Spade]

Here. Kleenex.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you.

[Sam Spade]

I take it you're not a San Francisco girl.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

No, no. I met him at a dude ranch.

[Sam Spade]

Well, maybe I can clear up some of your mysteries for free. The reason your husband doesn't have many friends is because they keep dropping dead.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

I don't understand you.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, forget it. He's a big public servant. He's built a lot of sidewalks. The streets of this city are paid with his good intentions. His name is on a thousand manhole covers. If the names of his former business associates land on headstones, it's nothing to me. I got my own racket. Well, what?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

I think my husband is paying blackmail to someone.

[Sam Spade]

Uh huh. And upon what do you base your suspicions, Mrs. K?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

It started about a month ago. He began withdrawing large sums from our joint account. First it was 10,000, then, then 20,000. And last week, 50,000. And this morning he closed out the balance of the account, $100,000.

[Sam Spade]

Well, he's got it to spend, Mrs. Kiltor.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Well, I won't pretend the money doesn't interest me. But what's behind it, Mr. Spade? Each time he withdraws these cash sums, he leaves the house without a word to me and sometimes doesn't return until dawn. My husband is not fond of nightlife, Mr. Spade. Only a desperate situation could induce him to leave the house after dark.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, so I've heard. They say that's how he kept his health as long as he has. All right, you want me to trail him, Find out what he does with the money. Just one question. Why did you pick me for the job?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

I. Why? Your reputation.

[Sam Spade]

That's local. You say you're new in San Francisco?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Well, I do read the local papers. Your picture was in only two weeks ago.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, well, that caver didn't help my reputation.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

I like your looks. A nice honest face, a man I could trust.

[Sam Spade]

Well, don't buy that.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

And I'm sentimental too. Your picture reminded me of someone who was very dear to me. My brother. Of course, you're nothing like him really, but. But you do look alike. I suppose. That sounds like a silly woman's reason.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah. What's your address?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Well, I have a little place of my own out on Divisadero. The Balboa Apartments, near Normandy Terrace. You'd better keep in touch with me there. I don't want Leonard to know. The Kilcourse mansion is at 1316 Clarendon.

[Sam Spade]

1316.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

He returns from his office around 6 in the evening. Do you have a car?

[Sam Spade]

No. I need one.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

I don't know where he may go now. Here are the keys to my car. It's parked in front of the main entrance. A gray Plymouth. He won't recognize the car. My. It's my brother's. Now, about your fee.

[Sam Spade]

100 bucks. Now, if I need more, I'll leave you now. I had an uneasy feeling I would need more. The last detective that tried to follow Leonard Kilcourse had hospital insurance. I don't. But I'm a gambler at heart, so I parked Lorraine's Plymouth across the street from the Kilcorse mansion and waited at 9 in the p.m. Mr. Kilcourse, much, much too old for her. Came out the front door and flagged on a taxi. I made an illegal U turn and followed. The trail ended across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. It was a country club type building on top of a hill overlooking the bay. It did business under the name of Ernie Nogales Racket Club. The racket had nothing to do with tennis. It came from two sources. The moans and groans of the customers losing money at the roulette wheels and craft tables and the glad hand the management threw at my quarry as I followed him in.

[Tommy Lane]

Mr. Kilcore, surprised to see you. Since when you go out after dark?

[Leonard Kilcourse]

Well, I thought a little nightlife might agree with me. Nogales.

[Tommy Lane]

That sounds like you, Mr. Kilcore. I didn't know you better. I think you was afraid to go out night.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

Well, now, I was thinking of buying this place to retire to, but I figured it'd be cheaper to win it at your roulette table. What's your limit here?

[Tommy Lane]

10,000.

[Sam Spade]

But for you, wide open the sky.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

A hot hundred grand for a starter.

[Tommy Lane]

Well, anytime they catch you with hot money, Mr. Kilkors, come over to the cashier. I sell you the chips myself.

[Sam Spade]

I didn't have to bother making myself inconspicuous. Everybody in the joint stopped playing to watch Kilcorse while he shoved his hundred grand roll through the cashier's window and scooped up four stacks of thousand buck chips.

[Ernie Nogales]

Make your bets, please.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

All right, you spin that wheel, huh?

[Ernie Nogales]

How much you got there?

[Leonard Kilcourse]

25 grand. Any objections?

[Ernie Nogales]

Is that okay, Mr. Nogales?

[Tommy Lane]

Spin it, Joe. I'm covering through the table personally.

[Ernie Nogales]

Okay, sir. Around and round. The little ball goes 15, page 15 and the red.

[Tommy Lane]

Maybe next time, Mr. Kim goes. Why don't you double up? Play the red and the black. It's safer.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

I'll stay with the numbers. 50,000 on 15.

[Tommy Lane]

There.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

Spin it.

[Tommy Lane]

It's okay, Joe. I'm still covering.

[Ernie Nogales]

Well, it's your money, Mr. Nogales. Number four, page number four. And the red again.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

25 grand more on 15.

[Tommy Lane]

Look, Mr. Kilcor. Go on, enjoy yourself. Take it off your income tax, but please spend those. Spread them out a little there, those chips, huh? It looks bad for the house.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

What kind of a joint is this? Can't you cover the bets?

[Tommy Lane]

Okay, Joe. He asked for it.

[Ernie Nogales]

Okay, chef.

[Sam Spade]

I didn't wait to see where the little ball went on the last spin of the wheel. I would have made a side bet with any taker that kilcourse wanted to lose that hundred grand. I would also have made book. He knew I was following him. As I left the table and walked out of the club, I braced myself for what usually comes next. There would either be a dead body in the car or somebody would crease my noggin with a SAP. But nothing happened. I switched on the headlights and stood in the glare of them for fully a minute. But nobody even shot at me. I flushed the shrubbery. No gunman, checked the ignition wires. No booby traps. Driving back to town, I racked my brain for some way to bring them out into the open. I felt like a man with his life savings all on one number waiting for the wheel to stop spinning. Which wasn't far from the truth. Not much of a cliffhanger, but the best we could do. This week.

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[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah?

[Sam Spade]

This Mrs. Kilcor's apartment?

[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah.

[Sam Spade]

She here?

[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah.

[Sam Spade]

Well, can I come in?

[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Tommy?

[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Who is that? Mr. Spade?

[Sam Spade]

Yeah.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, this is. This is the detective I was telling you about, Tommy, remember?

[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

The one who looked so much like you.

[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah.

[Sam Spade]

No.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, excuse me. This is my brother, Tommy Lane.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah, I mean Tommy.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Won't you run down to the corner and buy me some cigarettes for about 20 minutes. I have something to talk over with Mr. Spade.

[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah?

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[Sam Spade]

Nice boy, your brother. Small vocabulary, but big feet.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Well, he's shy. Now, what did you find out about my husband, Mr. Spade?

[Sam Spade]

He dropped 100 grand in a gambling joint. Ernie Nogales Racquet Club. You know it?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

No, but I know Ernie Nogales. I knew him and Reno before I met Leonard. He lost his license there for running a crooked wheel.

[Sam Spade]

The way Kilcoss was playing tonight, that wheel didn't have to be crooked. He was trying to lose that hundred grand.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

But why? Why would he do a thing like that?

[Sam Spade]

One of two reasons. Either he's paying off to Nogales or he's paying off to somebody else. And Nogales is the go between.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Well, I don't believe it. Ernie is a crooked gambler, but he doesn't touch blackmail.

[Sam Spade]

And your husband isn't stupid enough to drop a hundred grand in three turns of a wheel. Anyway, I'm not tangled with him and or the Ernie Nogalis mob for a hundred bucks. Or your money or anybody else's. Here, take it. Here are your car keys.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

No, no, wait, please. You can't desert me now.

[Sam Spade]

Why not?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Well, I haven't told you everything. I'd hoped I wouldn't have to.

[Sam Spade]

How about your brother?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

How did you know?

[Sam Spade]

The only place you get a green suntan is in a pokey. Besides, he acts kind of stir crazy. Spent a little time in solitary, didn't he?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

He won't talk about it. But that's it, Sam. That's why Leonard is paying that blackmail money to Nogales.

[Sam Spade]

You just said Nogales wouldn't touch blackmail. Any other corrections you'd like to make in your copy before we proceed?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Yes. Well, I might as well tell you everything.

[Sam Spade]

Why not?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

I knew when I came to you this morning that my husband was paying this money to Nogales. I knew because I asked him to.

[Sam Spade]

You and Ernie Nogales are working together.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

I'm not that rotten.

[Sam Spade]

I didn't say you were. But you're a rotten liar. There's that much in your favor.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

But I'm telling the truth. Now, Sam, you must believe me. Everything that has happened is my fault. I persuaded Nogales to give my brother a job in his place in Reno. They quarreled, and when he got closed down, he blamed Tommy. He swore he'd kill him when he got out of prison. That's why I begged my husband to pay him to save Tommy's life.

[Sam Spade]

Who did write on the gallows about that crooked wheel at Reno?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

I did. That's why I feel responsible. Leonard is so fine, so generous. But I can't let him go on paying for my mistake.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah. Like you said, he's gonna run out of money.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Look at me, Sam. Do I look like the kind of a woman to whom money means everything in the world?

[Sam Spade]

No, but you're looking at me, not at Kelcor's.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

You're laughing at me. Oh, I know what you think. Perhaps I did make a mistake in marrying Leonard. But he was so kind, so considerate, like my father.

[Sam Spade]

Everybody reminds you of your relatives.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

You don't believe my story.

[Sam Spade]

Well, since you were well.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

All right, then here's the truth. I'm really Jack the Ripper's granddaughter. My parents were terribly wealthy. I harpooned my mother in her Beverly Hills swimming pool, set fire to my father with a $50,000 negotiable bond and eloped with John Wilkes Booth. That brings us up to 1865. Shall I go on?

[Sam Spade]

Don't stop. It's great.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, get out of here. Get out of here and leave me alone.

[Sam Spade]

After you've told me all your secrets. I'm not that rotten.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

You won't help me. You never intended to. Why go on torturing me?

[Sam Spade]

Oh, now, stop that, please. Please. I believe you. I believe all your stories. Now, what is my next smart move?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Sam, the only way to stop Ernie Nogales is to prove that he's running a crooked wheel. Then he'd pay back all that blackmail money and he wouldn't dare lay a hand on Tommy.

[Sam Spade]

It's going to be hard to prove. And expensive. I'll have to lose a little on that wheel before I can figure the way it's rigged. How much can you invest?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Well, I have about $1,000 of my own.

[Sam Spade]

With you?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Yes. Here, you take it.

[Sam Spade]

Smells nice, Sam. Yeah.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Sam, after all this is over and after I've put things to right with Leonard. I should have told him before this, but I owed him so much, I. Oh, Sam, I'm so glad it's you.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah. Me Too, Angel.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Go now, darling, before I beg you not to.

[Sam Spade]

What time does that joint close?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Well, it runs all night, I think.

[Sam Spade]

Good. Let's stay up late and raid the ice box. Around 2 in the a.m. when I low geared the Plymouth up the long steep driveway to Ernie Nogales Racquet club. Backed into the parking space nearest the road with the car, headed downhill for a quick getaway just in case. And I went in. The joint was still going full blast. I bought 500 bucks with a chip, swag it over to the table where Kilcorse had dropped his hundred grand and nonchalantly flipped the blue chip onto the red appellation.

[Ernie Nogales]

Ladies and gentlemen, make your game. Okay, that's all. Around and round the little ball goes.

[Sam Spade]

I didn't look to see where the little ball went. Most of the money was on red, so it was bound to turn up black.

[Ernie Nogales]

A red peas. What Number 15. Place your match clean. Make your game, ladies and gentlemen.

[Sam Spade]

The chips were spread around more the next turn, So I stacked 100 at the bottom of the 1 to 34 for the crooked wheel. My hundred made it the best bet to lose.

[Ernie Nogales]

And 19. And the red wins again.

[Sam Spade]

I plunked 500 down on number five and raked him 17,500. I left my original bet on the table. When the little ball fell into the pocket, I was 35,000 bucks to the good from my point of view, but not from my clients. I doubled my bet and looked apprehensively around. There were no surly characters edging up behind me. In fact, the only surly character in sight was Ernie Nogales, and he looked happy. That didn't make much sense. When my Bankroll got to 105,000, I played a hunch. I threw five grand of it back on the table and lost it. That made a kind of sense. I cashed in the rest of my chips and squeezed the hundred grand US currency into my inside pocket. If anybody aimed for my heart, it was thick enough to stop the slug, which was some comfort. But what I saw when I walked out to the parking lot was no comfort at all. I'd gotten just a glimpse of it through some trees. A sedan backed into a driveway halfway down the hill. It was blacked out except for five glowing cigar ends that showed through the windows. I could think of only one reason for five cigar smokers to be parked in that particular spot at that particular moment. The Plymouth was where I had parked it, pointing straight down the hill. I slammed the door but didn't get in. Then I Listened. The car down the hill was getting ready, too. I cracked the door of the Plymouth wide enough to get my arm inside and pressed the starter with the heel of my hand. I switched on the lights, pushed the clutch with my left hand, used my right to shift it in a low. Then I pulled the hand throttle out all the way and let it go.

[Tommy Lane]

What's the big idea busting into my office?

[Sam Spade]

We're going to have a talk.

[Tommy Lane]

Now, gallus, please don't wave that heater at me. Makes me nervous. I don't like guns.

[Sam Spade]

I don't either. That's why I'm here. Put your hands on top of the desk and keep them there.

[Tommy Lane]

All right, give me back that roll. I give you clean money for. It was a gamble, so I lost. Can you blame me?

[Sam Spade]

Where'd you get this money?

[Tommy Lane]

I buy it.50 cents on the dollar. I don't ask where it came from, but I read the papers. I figured it was that ship row, that shipyard payroll job a few days back. Like it just fell in my lap. I figured make 50 grand instead of kill cost 5. I guess that was dirty trick. You just out of stir, Tommy, huh?

[Sam Spade]

I got news for you Nogales. I didn't know this money was hot. And I am not to Lane.

[Tommy Lane]

No. Then what?

[Sam Spade]

Private dick. Tommy's sister hired me to take the fall for him. Look, I got most of the caper. Kilcourse wanted to pay Tommy 100 grand. You rigged the wheel so kilcourse would lose it one night and Tommy would win it back the next night. Now, what was Kilcorse paying him off for?

[Tommy Lane]

No caper. Legitimate. He was signed up for bribing a public official.

[Sam Spade]

You mean he was the payoff man for Kilcorse's contracting fund?

[Radio Announcer]

Sure.

[Tommy Lane]

Legitimate business. The grand jury went out after kill. Course Tommy took the rap. That's all for a price.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah. 100 grand. Thanks, Nogales. That's all I needed.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, Sam. I was afraid I might be too late.

[Sam Spade]

You are, sweetheart.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, I have so many things to explain. Where can you talk?

[Sam Spade]

Right in here.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

But who's this man?

[Sam Spade]

Why, that's your old sweetie from Reno. Ernie Nogalas, remember?

[Tommy Lane]

What's the matter with you two? You crazy?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, Sam, I should have told you the truth from the beginning.

[Sam Spade]

Check the Nogales. Jan, I can understand, but why did you tell me you were Kilcraws wife?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

I was desperate. I had to say something. It was the only explanation I could think of for my interest in this case without telling the truth.

[Sam Spade]

But you were making a pigeon out of me.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

I don't know about such things, Sam. All I know is I'm here in time to warn you. You mustn't walk out of here with that money. Listen, they may kill you to get it back.

[Sam Spade]

They already did. They're combing the wreckage of that car right now looking for my body.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Then Tommy was right. They did mean to kill him.

[Sam Spade]

How'd he get the rumble while he was in prison?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

From another man that killed Coarse Framed. He was in for life, so it was safe for him to talk.

[Tommy Lane]

Hey, Houston.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah? No, Gallas.

[Tommy Lane]

That car that just drove up, I think that's Mr. Kilcoss.

[Sam Spade]

What's your hurry?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Don't let me go.

[Sam Spade]

Come on. What's your hurry?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Tommy's out there in that cab. I've got to warn him.

[Sam Spade]

Or a tip off Kilcoss. Which is it?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

No, Sam, you've got to believe me.

[Sam Spade]

Sit down. Stop that.

[Tommy Lane]

You two have fun. I'm getting out of here.

[Sam Spade]

Go ahead. Now listen, sweet Lorraine, you may as well save your breath for those explanations. You're staying right here until the Cape is all wrapped up.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Here he comes. Have you ever got a gun, Sam?

[Sam Spade]

Yeah.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Well, you'd. You'd better have it ready. But Sam, there's no Gallus.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

I want to see him.

[Sam Spade]

He was called out of town, sir. I'm in charge. You must have, Kilcorse.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

That's right. I want to know why you people have been interfering with my business. It might interest you to know that this building site's on an old Spanish land grant. Titles very shaky. I'll run an eight lane highway straight through the middle of it and turn the rest of it into a game preserve. That's what I do to people who double cross me.

[Sam Spade]

I tried to tell Mr. Nogales that, sir. He wouldn't listen to me. He tipped Tommy off for a split of the hundred grand. But I knew sooner or later we'd have to answer to you, Mr. Kilcourse.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

What's that?

[Sam Spade]

Here's your hundred grand, sir.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Count it, Sam.

[Radio Announcer]

Well, well, well, well.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

What's your name, son?

[Sam Spade]

Sam Spade, sir.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

I'm glad to meet an honest lad. Come along. You too, young lady. We'll all walk out together.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Sam, what are you.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

Spade, huh?

[Sam Spade]

Yes, sir. I'm a private detective, but I'm ambitious.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

Hmm. Politic.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, sir.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

Well, we'll run you for assembly. In the meantime, I believe there's an opening in one of the public services. Garbage disposal, executive end, of course. Where the devil is that man with my car. Oh, there he is. You drop around to my office in the morning.

[Sam Spade]

Thank you and good night, Mr. Kilcore.

[Leonard Kilcourse]

Drive on, Horace, back to the city.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, Sam, how could you?

[Sam Spade]

Hmm?

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

All those lies and just handing over the money like that. It wasn't yours.

[Sam Spade]

It wasn't Tommy's either, sweetheart. Get in.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Well, Tommy, are you all right?

[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah.

[Sam Spade]

Drive us across the bridge, Tommy, will you?

[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Tommy.

[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Tommy, I'm afraid we'll have to do without the money. Yeah, Sam gave it to Mr. Kilcourse.

[Ernie Nogales]

Yeah.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Now, don't get excited, Tommy. I'm sure Sam had a reason. Didn't you, Sam?

[Sam Spade]

Yeah. I mean, that was Mark. Money from a payroll job.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh, then it won't do him any good.

[Sam Spade]

It'll send him up for a good long stretch if the eyewitness story that goes along with it is good enough. And you're just the girl to tell it, sweetheart. Am I right, Tommy?

[Tommy Lane]

Yeah.

[Sam Spade]

Period. End of report.

[Effie Perrine]

Already? But, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Yeah?

[Effie Perrine]

What happened? Who were the five men in the car? The ones who shot at that Plymouth in the mistaken belief that you were in it?

[Sam Spade]

Their names are of little account, Effie. Suffice it to say that Kilcor has pointed his pudgy finger at them in the hopes of keeping the charge of attempted murder out of his indictment. But I was too clever. I identified them.

[Effie Perrine]

But, Sam, you didn't see anything but their cigars glowing in the darkness.

[Sam Spade]

Have you never heard of Sherlock Holmes monograph and the 49 varieties of tobacco ass you fooled?

[Effie Perrine]

But, Sam, Sherlock Holmes is only the segment of someone's imagination. He's a fictitional detective.

[Sam Spade]

Well, you mean.

[Effie Perrine]

Oh, Sam, you're tired.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, I am.

[Effie Perrine]

It's affected your mind, winning all that money. Now, you just sit here and rest, all right? Think of the snowy mountaintops and blue skies. I'll just go and type this up.

[Sam Spade]

Snowy mountaintops, winter sports yet.

[Radio Announcer]

And now listen to this. If you haven't yet tried Wild Root Cream Oil, the famous hair tonic that grooms your hair neatly and naturally relieves dryness and removes loose dandruff, then here's a wonderful way to get acquainted. Buy Wild Root Cream Oil in the new 25 cent sized bottle at your drug or toilet goods counter. Also, ask your barber for a professional application of Wildroot Cream Oil hair tonic again and again. The choice of men who put good grooming first.

[Effie Perrine]

Well, here it is, Sam. And not that it made any difference, but how did you guess that she wasn't Mrs. Kilcoy's simple.

[Sam Spade]

Kilcorse didn't recognize it.

[Effie Perrine]

But, Sam, that was after you denounced her.

[Sam Spade]

I did no such thing.

[Effie Perrine]

From the report, Sam, in black and white, quote, why did you tell me you were Kilcourse's wife? Unquote. At that point you assumed that she was not Mrs. Leonard Kilcourse.

[Sam Spade]

I did not. I merely wondered why she had told me.

[Effie Perrine]

Well, with all the lies she told, you might have assumed anything she said was totally devoid of truth.

[Sam Spade]

And I did, sweetheart. I did.

[Lorraine Kilcourse]

Oh.

[Effie Perrine]

Oh, well, that's a belief. I was afraid for a while she'd taken you in.

[Sam Spade]

What's that got to do with the truth?

[Effie Perrine]

Goodnight, Sam.

[Sam Spade]

Good night, sweetheart.

[Radio Announcer]

The adventures of Sam Spade, Ashel Hammett's famous private detective, are produced and directed by William Speer. Sam Spade is played by Howard Duff. Lorraine Tuttle is Effie. Sadie Thompson appeared as Lorraine Kilcourse. The adventures of Sam Spade are written for radio by Bob Tolman and Gil Dowd. Musical direction by Lud Gluskin. Score composed by Renee Geragh. Join us again next Sunday when author Dashiell Hammett and producer William Spear join forces for another adventure with Sam Spade, brought to you by Wild Root Cream Oil. Again and again, the choice of men who put good grooming first. This is Dick Joy reminding you to get Wild Root Cream Oil, Charlie. It keeps your hair in trim, you see. It's non alcoholic, Charlie. It's made with sutherlandolin. You better get Wild Root Cream Oil, Charlie. Start using it today. You'll find it. You will have a tough time, Charlie.

[Sam Spade]

Keeping all the gals away.

[Radio Announcer]

Hiya, baldy.

[Sam Spade]

Get wild root right away.

[Radio Announcer]

This is cbs, the Columbia broadcasting System.