The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Shot in the Dark Caper 02/23/1951

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | "The Shot in the Dark Caper" Summary

Introduction

"The Adventures of Sam Spade: The Shot in the Dark Caper" is a gripping episode from the Golden Age of Radio, brought to listeners by Choice Classic Radio. Released on July 5, 2025, and originally aired on February 23, 1951, this episode delves into a complex mystery involving deceit, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth by the iconic detective, Sam Spade.

Main Characters

• Sam Spade: The renowned private detective, known for his sharp wit and unwavering dedication to solving complex cases.
• Effie: Sam Spade's diligent and spirited secretary, often providing both support and a touch of humor.
• Woodrow Wilson: The new managing editor of the San Francisco Evening Gazette, introducing an intriguing angle to the investigation.
• Ed Baring: The manager of the Graystone Apartment Hotel, whose actions raise suspicion.
• Sigmund Polkas: A pivotal suspect involved in the central mystery of the episode.
• Honey Kane/Sandra Lynn: A resident of the apartment building, whose interactions with Sam add layers to the plot.

Plot Synopsis

A Mysterious Report

The episode opens with Effie expressing frustration over Sam missing an appointment at the Geary Theater. At [03:20], Effie presents Sam with a report titled "The Shot in the Dark Caper," highlighting her grievances about Sam's journalistic endeavors that intertwine with his detective work. This report sets the stage for the central mystery involving a suspicious gunshot captured in a photograph.

An Intriguing Lead

Woodrow Wilson contacts Sam, seeking his expertise to investigate a seemingly routine accident photo that harbors a deeper story. At [05:09], Wilson points out a hand holding a smoking gun in the background of the image, suggesting a potential crime scene with no reported homicides. Intrigued, Sam and Effie delve into the investigation, focusing on apartment 608 in the Graystone Apartment Hotel.

Suspicious Interactions at Graystone

Effie's interactions with Ed Baring, the apartment manager, reveal inconsistencies regarding tenant information and rental procedures. Notably, Effie's inquiry about Max Barstow, a former heavyweight boxer, leads to evasive responses from Ed at [06:34]. These exchanges heighten the suspense, indicating that Ed might be concealing crucial information.

Unexpected Encounters

While surveying the building, Effie crosses paths with Sam Spade masquerading as "Honey Kane." At [09:11], their interaction is flirtatious yet cryptic, hinting at underlying tensions and undisclosed motives. This encounter becomes pivotal as Effie continues her investigation, uncovering connections between the characters.

Unveiling the Truth

Effie's meticulous search uncovers a series of clues, including phony detective badges, a policeman's uniform, and a dossier on Sigmund Polkas. These findings suggest Max Barstow's involvement in fraudulent activities, shifting the investigation's focus towards potential criminal networks.

Confrontation and Revelation

The tension escalates when Sigmund Polkas confronts Effie with a gun in [21:07], revealing his desperation and ties to the orchestrated murder of Max Barstow. Through a tense dialogue, Effie deduces that the gun used was a real deadlier weapon, debunking earlier assumptions of blanks. This confrontation leads to the unraveling of the plot, exposing Ed Baring's role in the deceit.

Key Interactions and Discoveries

• Effie and Woodrow Wilson: Their collaborative discussions reveal procedural details and heighten the investigative momentum. Notable quote:

  "If you find out what I want, you can almost name your own price." ([05:09])

• Effie and Ed Baring: Suspicious behavior and evasive answers from Ed raise red flags about his involvement.

  "I'm just renting an apartment, not taking out life insurance." ([07:47])

• Effie and Sigmund Polkas: The intense confrontation where Polkas admits to killing Barstow under duress showcases the psychological layers of the characters.

  "I killed Max Barstow. I'll give you a choice. Will you take money or will I? Will I shoot you right here?" ([22:04])

• Sam Spade's Deception: His guise as Honey Kane adds complexity, leading to pivotal moments where his true identity aids in breaking the case.

  "I didn't know who you were at first until Sandra told me. Now you tell me. What are you doing in Max's room?" ([20:07])

Climactic Confrontation

The climax occurs when Effie corners Ed Baring and Sam Spade, leading to a revealing showdown. Effie's strategic questioning and Sam's involvement culminate in the exposure of the fraudulent scheme orchestrated by Ed. The dynamic between Effie and Sam showcases their combined prowess in unraveling intricate plots.

Conclusion

In the resolution, the truth behind the "Shot in the Dark Caper" is unveiled. Sigmund Polkas's confession and Sam Spade's strategic maneuvers dismantle the deceptive layers surrounding Max Barstow's alleged murder. Effie's determination and Sam's detective skills restore order, closing the case with clarity and justice.

Notable Quotes

• Effie to Sam Spade:

  "What's your big fat story?" ([02:26])

• Sam Spade's Insight on Relationships:

  "A big handsome guy like you wouldn't have any trouble getting a girl. Please, not if I was the girl." ([09:30])

• Tense Confrontation:

  "I can't stay mad at you." ([03:23])

• Effie's Analytical Mind:

  "What happened to nice old Mr. Polkas? Why wasn't he in his apartment waiting for Sandy?" ([29:04])

• Final Revelation by Sam Spade:

  "I couldn't kill anybody." ([27:03])

Insights and Themes

"The Shot in the Dark Caper" masterfully intertwines themes of deception, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of truth. Effie's role as both secretary and investigator highlights the multifaceted nature of support systems in detective work. Sam Spade's interactions emphasize the complexity of human relationships and moral dilemmas faced by those in the shadows of society.

Conclusion

This episode stands as a testament to the enthralling narratives of old-time radio detectives. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and suspenseful dialogues, "The Shot in the Dark Caper" remains a captivating story that engages listeners, inviting them to unravel the mysteries alongside Sam Spade and Effie.

Transcript

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Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook. Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] the National Broadcasting Company presents the Adventures of Sam Spade Detective.

[Sam Spade]

Sam Spade Detective Agency.

[Effie]

Me sweetheart.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, it's you.

[Effie]

What kind of a greeting is that? Oh, it's you.

[Sam Spade]

Well, Sam, I may be only your secretary and all that, but I do have feelings, you know.

[Effie]

What have I done now?

[Sam Spade]

If you recall, yes, you were supposed to take me to the Geary Theater last night.

[Effie]

Yeah.

[Sam Spade]

And you never showed up.

[Effie]

Well, F, E, I, E. Oh, I know.

[Sam Spade]

You'll make up some big story like you always do. Always an excuse.

[Effie]

No, I'll try to tell you the truth and then.

[Sam Spade]

The truth. It'll probably be a story about at least two or three people being killed. Yeah, how you had to be there to straighten the whole thing out.

[Woodrow Wilson]

Well, as a matter of fact.

[Sam Spade]

And then there'll be beautiful women with hair like card smoke and crimson slashes for mouths. You would leave that out.

[Effie]

Now that you mention it, Effie.

[Sam Spade]

And you'll throw in shooting and getting knocked out and glass keying your way into houses and anything else you can think of.

[Effie]

Effie.

[Sam Spade]

Well, if you think that I'll fall for that.

[Effie]

Effie, will you please?

[Sam Spade]

What's your big fat story?

[Effie]

You've already told everything about it but the title. I might as well add that my big fat story is called the Shot in the Dark Caper.

[Advertiser]

Transcribed for NBC. William Speer, Radio's outstanding producer, director of Mystery and crime drama, brings you the greatest private detective of them all in the Adventures of Sam Spade.

[Effie]

Effie.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, Mr. Spade?

[Effie]

Now, Effie, don't be like this. I promise you, tonight, right after this report, we'll go to the theater and we'll have dinner, too. Any place you want. Sound good?

[Sam Spade]

You're the employer.

[Effie]

The faster we do the report, the faster we get out. And I won't even take time out for a drink. So come on, let's go, shall we?

[Sam Spade]

I can't stay mad at you.

[Effie]

Date. Fill it in Two. Managing editor, San Francisco Evening Gazette. City from Samuel Spade, license number 137596. Subject, the shot in the Dark caper or Stop the presses. Spade has his pants caught in him.

[Sam Spade]

Caught?

[Effie]

Dear News Hawk, the next time you have a bright idea about a story, count me out. There's too much work for the money it pays. And the glory just doesn't exist. I don't mind being knocked on the head, shot at, lied to, double crossed, and otherwise treated cruelly by circumstance. But to do it all in one night just so you can have a scoop and then be referred to in your columns as a Gazette staff member. Well, my professional pride was severely injured. I am a detective, sir, and nobody staff member. Now that that's off my chest, here in journalistic prose is what happened starting yesterday afternoo.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, he is. It's for you, Sam.

[Effie]

I'll take it in here.

[Woodrow Wilson]

Spade, this is Woodrow Wilson.

[Effie]

Really? Well, I'm sorry. I have Teddy Roosevelt on the other phone. It might take some time. You better try me later. Bye.

[Woodrow Wilson]

Spade, huh? Somehow I thought you were above that sort of carny repartee.

[Effie]

I am above nothing, sir, as long as it's ethical. Now, which Woodrow Wilson is this?

[Woodrow Wilson]

I'm the new managing editor of the Evening Gazette.

[Effie]

Well, welcome to town. What can I do for you?

[Woodrow Wilson]

I have a job you might like. An interesting job and interesting money.

[Effie]

How interesting?

[Woodrow Wilson]

If you find out what I want, you can almost name your own price. Can you get over here in three minutes?

[Effie]

With any sort of a tailwind, I'll make it in two. A new track record.

[Woodrow Wilson]

Take a seat, Spade.

[Effie]

Now, what is this interesting job?

[Woodrow Wilson]

First, let me say I don't know much about you personally, but you come well recommended.

[Effie]

I've tried.

[Woodrow Wilson]

Second, this is a confidential matter and I want it to remain that way. Of course I'm going to trust you as I would one of my own staff members. The police aren't to find out about it until it's all over. And if any other newspaper gets it, you might as well leave town.

[Effie]

Woody, old boy, the man doesn't live. Who can say I ever double crossed him for money or love or anything else.

[Woodrow Wilson]

I heard you say it so we'd understand each other. I'll take a look at this news photo. Yes, one of our boys snapped it. What do you see?

[Effie]

A street intersection. O'. Farrell. I'd say two automobiles hit head on. An ambulance, a couple of people injured, assorted crowd.

[Woodrow Wilson]

We took that picture three days ago. Tuesday night, routine accident picture. But this morning when we were filing it, I looked at it again and I noticed something startling. Look at it. It's a shot in the dark, but I smell a story.

[Effie]

Well, maybe I have a cold, but whatever it is escapes me.

[Woodrow Wilson]

On the right side of the picture is a department house. Now count up six floors and look at the fourth window across from the left.

[Effie]

Yes.

[Woodrow Wilson]

Use this magnifying glass.

[Effie]

What do you know? Somebody just fired off a gun.

[Woodrow Wilson]

That's it. All you can see is a hand and a smoking gun. You can't even tell whether the hand's male or female. But somebody shot at something, probably a person, just a second before that picture was taken.

[Effie]

You want me to find out why?

[Woodrow Wilson]

This calls for a detective, not a reporter. There hasn't been a single homicide, suicide or gunshot wound reported in the city since that happened. Now I want the sorry.

[Effie]

Get it. Okay, chief. Get ready to rip out page one. The apartment house was the Graystone. It was actually an apartment hotel and a little shabby. I entered an hour later with a suitcase and an out of town look. The nameplates on the mailboxes showed about five vacancies, including one on the sixth floor. I rang the manager's door button.

[Ed Baring]

Good afternoon.

[Effie]

I'd like to rent an apartment if I could.

[Ed Baring]

Come in. Come in. Just drop your suitcase any place. My name's Ed Barry.

[Effie]

How are you?

[Ed Baring]

Your suitcase is leaking.

[Effie]

Oh.

[Ed Baring]

We charge one price, 1,75 per night.

[Effie]

Well, I. I don't have that kind of cash with me or my checkbook. Could I pay you tomorrow?

[Ed Baring]

Oh, sure thing. Your name?

[Effie]

Mark Humboldt.

[Ed Baring]

Mark Humboldt.

[Effie]

B O L T. Yes, that's it.

[Ed Baring]

Where you from, Mr. Humboldt?

[Effie]

They're New York boy. New York. 48 East 51st Street.

[Ed Baring]

They're Broadway. Next to kin. Any family? Relatives?

[Effie]

No, no.

[Ed Baring]

You own a car?

[Effie]

Look, I'm just renting an apartment, not taking out life insurance.

[Ed Baring]

Well, you see, there's a state law here requires us to get this Sort of information. I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can do.

[Effie]

No car?

[Ed Baring]

Bank account?

[Effie]

Corn Exchange Bank.

[Ed Baring]

You own any property?

[Effie]

Yes. Yes, I do. Albany, New York.

[Ed Baring]

Just how much would you say?

[Effie]

6Ft in a cemetery? I expect to be buried there.

[Ed Baring]

Yeah, well, I guess that about takes care of him.

[Effie]

Anything on the sixth floor?

[Ed Baring]

Why the sixth, particularly?

[Effie]

My lucky number.

[Ed Baring]

Oh, well, I'm sorry. Maybe later. Right now we got Nothing on the 6th. Come on, I'll show you around.

[Effie]

In a few minutes, I was ensconced in room 51 2. As he stood in the doorway, Ed Bearing the manager, scanned my luggage, my clothes, my ring and wristwatch, as if he were trying to estimate what he could get for me from a fence. After he went back to his apartment, I took a stroll up to the sixth floor. Woody Wilson and I figured the gun incident took place in apartment 608. So I counted back from the end of the corridor and found we were right. 608 was silent. I knocked, but no one answered. I sprung the lock and went in. The place was absolutely empty. No furniture, no nothing. In fact, it was being completely remodeled.

[Sam Spade]

That looks well, when they finish, huh?

[Effie]

Huh?

[Sam Spade]

I say, it's gonna look swell.

[Effie]

Well, where did you come from?

[Sam Spade]

Gee, I guess maybe I startled you a little. I was just coming down the hall, you know, taking some of these groceries in, and I saw you standing there. You're new here, huh? Huh?

[Effie]

Yeah. Yeah. Here, let me carry some of those things.

[Sam Spade]

Well, say thanks. You know, you're the kind of man a girl should have her eyes.

[Effie]

Well, I've tried to convince several of that.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, who are you kidding? A big handsome guy like you wouldn't have any trouble getting a girl. Please, not if I was the girl.

[Effie]

Well, you know best.

[Sam Spade]

My place is down here. Shall we go?

[Effie]

Why not?

[Sam Spade]

My name's Honey Kane. What's yours?

[Effie]

Mark Humboldt.

[Sam Spade]

Gee, what a fascinating name.

[Effie]

Oh, not half as fascinating as yours, really.

[Sam Spade]

Isn't it wonderful how fate just throws two people together?

[Effie]

The bags of groceries we were carrying had a layer of dust on them and the bags looked as if they'd made 50 trips to the grocery store. No one had to hit me on the head. Sam Spade, Detective. She was small in peroxide, and if you like them stupid small and peroxide. She lived in apartment 620 with a roommate who was quite a bit different. Prettier, smarter and quieter.

[Sam Spade]

Sandra, want you to meet this very nice gentleman, Mr. Mark humberg.

[Effie]

Humboldt.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, sure, I remember the Mark part. But this is Sandra Lynn.

[Effie]

How do you do, Ms. Lynn? Hello. Yes. Nice day. Great.

[Sam Spade]

Well, just put the groceries down here, huh? Oh, there. Now, let's have some fun. Like fun, Mr. Humboldt?

[Effie]

Wouldn't be without it.

[Sam Spade]

You're priceless. But come on, let's start with a drink. How about you, Sandra? No, no. You kids have your fun. I'm going out for a walk, Ms. Jumbo. You're supposed to be looking at me.

[Effie]

An hour later, under the pretext of going out for some snuff, I shook her off and left. The next half hour went to giving the apartment house a thorough casing. I looked at all the names on the mailboxes and the only one that rang a bell was one Max Barstow, a former heavyweight who never got past club fighting. I inquired about him of charming Ed Baring, the manager.

[Ed Baring]

Max Barstow?

[Effie]

Yeah. I tried his apartment. He isn't home.

[Ed Baring]

Yeah, well, you see, he won't be home for some time. You see, he took a vacation, went to visit his family in Portland.

[Effie]

When did he leave?

[Ed Baring]

Last Tuesday night. I remember him saying, ed, I won't be back for a while. Look after things. William.

[Effie]

Well, you have a good memory. Yeah. Can you tell me something about those two girls in 620? Why one of them made a pass at me?

[Ed Baring]

Well, Mr. I feel this way. I rent apartments to responsible adults. What they do is their business. You won't get any trouble from me.

[Effie]

Now, that isn't what I asked. I always like to be sure. Now, are they honest, hard working girls?

[Ed Baring]

I don't know nothing about them. But let me tell you something confidential.

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[Effie]

To launch their podcasts. Use Podbean to record your podcast.

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[Sam Spade]

Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast.

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[Ed Baring]

Why look a gift horse in the mouth?

[Effie]

Well, I gum shoed around the apartment house some more. And one thing was sure, they were making a number of extensive alterations. For example, in the basement, there was a new cement floor. Said cement floor had been laid. I was told by the janitor Wednesday morning. The morning after a gun was fired in 608. The same morning on which Max Barstow suddenly left to visit his parents. And about here in the plot, it was dramatically correct to wonder if Max might be sleeping under the furnace with a new cement overcoat covering him. I went back to my apartment for a couple of long ones, and some thought it was getting along. About suppertime when there was a feminine knock. I guessed it to be Ms. Room Service herself. Honey Cane. But no. Better. Much better.

[Sam Spade]

May I come in?

[Effie]

You may. Shall I leave the door open?

[Sam Spade]

I'd rather you closed it.

[Effie]

Anything to make you feel at home. Drinks?

[Sam Spade]

No talk.

[Effie]

Oh.

[Sam Spade]

What are you doing here, Sam?

[Effie]

The name's Humboldt. Mark Humboldt.

[Sam Spade]

All right, play it any way you want, but I've seen you around. I know who you are. You move in today, and half hour later you find our apartment.

[Effie]

Why, your apartment found me. At least half of it. Did the gift horse part.

[Sam Spade]

Maybe so, but I figure you helped a little somewhere.

[Effie]

Hmm.

[Sam Spade]

What are you trying to get on us?

[Effie]

Nothing, nothing. I just moved in here for a place to live.

[Sam Spade]

With one suitcase and a bottle.

[Effie]

Well, I'm an actor.

[Sam Spade]

Look, whatever it is, lay off, will you? I've had enough trouble in my life. Things are just starting to go right.

[Effie]

Sandra, I don't know what's on your mind, but as far as I'm concerned, you're clean.

[Sam Spade]

All right. Maybe I made a mistake. I'll try to make it up to you sometime.

[Effie]

Well, maybe you can start right now.

[Sam Spade]

I think I'll open the door again.

[Sigmund Polkas]

Just a question.

[Effie]

Seen anything of Max Barstow lately?

[Sam Spade]

I knew it was something. I knew it. No, I haven't seen Max Barstow lately. He went somewhere to visit his family, and I'm telling you, either leave me alone or something's going to happen to you you won't like.

[Effie]

He stormed out, looking lovely all the way, and I sat very quietly for a minute. It was the second time somebody said it. Max Barstow was visiting his family. That was very interesting, because you See, Max Barstow didn't have any family when he first started fighting. He was under the aegis of the St. John's Orphanage. So what was all this rehearsed account of his absence? I watched at the window to see if Sandra Lynn went anywhere and she appeared on the street. I was out of the room and down the stairs. Presto. Ten blocks later, she turned in at a brownstone on Polk Street. Went in the first apartment on the first floor. Fifteen minutes later she hurried out and I went up to the apartment and knocked. The door opened cautiously.

[Ed Baring]

Yes?

[Sigmund Polkas]

What is it you want?

[Effie]

Is Mr. Fairchild in?

[Sigmund Polkas]

Nobody here by that name you got Wrong address.

[Effie]

Now just a minute. He used to live here.

[Sigmund Polkas]

No more.

[Effie]

He. Well, could you tell me where I could find him, Mr. Sigmund Parkes?

[Sigmund Polkas]

I don't know. Try the miniature.

[Effie]

On the way out, I looked at the card on his door buzzer. It listed his apartment as belonging to a Mr. Rothschild. At the moment, there was nothing to be made out of it. So I went back to the Greystone. When I got to my room, it was very obvious that I had been visited during my absence.

[Ed Baring]

Yeah?

[Effie]

Oh.

[Ed Baring]

Oh, it's you.

[Effie]

What happened to my suitcase?

[Ed Baring]

I'm sorry, Mr. Humble, but I didn't realize it before. You see, that apartment was already rented. So I guess you'll have to find one someplace else.

[Effie]

Look, you have four other vacant ones in this apartment house. Give me one of those.

[Ed Baring]

Sorry, no vacancy.

[Effie]

Well, then give me my suitcase.

[Ed Baring]

Yeah, that's the one that leaks. Just a minute. I'll bring it out. Mr. Humble.

[Effie]

I'll go in and get it myself.

[Ed Baring]

Mr. Baron, I said stay out.

[Effie]

I said, I'll go in and get it right.

[Sam Spade]

You will?

[Effie]

He swung at me. I blocked and stepped into him. He gave way and I followed in. And then as I moved into the apartment, someone stepped out from behind the door. I turned, but it was too late. I was sandbagged. The face behind the arm that swung, it looked an awful lot like that of Max Barstow. I remember asking myself as I went down, if Max Barstow wasn't shot in room 608, who was?

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[Effie]

I was not for long. But it was long enough to have been carried out of the apartment manager's place and dumped in an alley. I sat up and rubbed the back of my head and discovered the boys had a sense of humor. Pinned on my chest was a note that said, beat it. This time when I went back, I had my gun handy to hand. Nobody was home at Mr. Bearing's apartment, so for something to do, I looked in on max Barstow's diggings. 413. I glance, keyed in and turned on the lights. And a search revealed items. A rent receipt showing Max was paid up for two months and intended to stay put. But more interesting were two phony detective badges, a policeman's uniform and a flash camera. Couple these with a dossier on a man named Sigmund Pocus and I knew just what Max had been doing since the fight game stopped paying his bills. It read, Sigmund Polkis, 60 years old. Minneapolis. Just sold two restaurants for $175,000. Intends to retire and settle down in San Francisco. That's as far as I got when Honey poured herself on me again.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, Mr. Humboldt. What are you doing in Mr. Barstow's apartment?

[Effie]

Come in. Come in.

[Sam Spade]

Thanks. You shouldn't be here. Mr. Barstow ever found out.

[Effie]

Honey, honey, you can drop the act. You know who I am and I know who you are. You're part of the bait for one of the oldest rackets in the world, the badger game.

[Sam Spade]

Who, me?

[Effie]

You?

[Sam Spade]

All right, Sam. I didn't know who you were at first until Sandra told me. Now you tell me. What are you doing in Max's room?

[Effie]

A number of things. First of all, getting enough evidence on him to give him a free vacation on the state. Second, I wanted to see who would show up and why. Now, what's your story?

[Sam Spade]

I just dropped in to see if Max was here.

[Effie]

Try again.

[Sam Spade]

Sam, if I tell you anything, will you leave me alone?

[Effie]

If I can bear it.

[Sam Spade]

I came over to get some things for Max, you know.

[Effie]

Where's he staying?

[Sam Spade]

Right across the street in the Arlington. 3 14. Ed Baring manages both apartment houses.

[Effie]

Why doesn't Max stay here?

[Sam Spade]

Who are you working for? Sam? I'm just asking a client. Not the police? No, Sam, I don't have a thing to do with the mark. Max is Working on now.

[Effie]

Sigmund Pocus.

[Sam Spade]

Some old man.

[Effie]

Did you hear any shooting here last Tuesday night in apartment 608?

[Sam Spade]

Oh, Sam, I didn't hear a thing. Not a single thing.

[Effie]

All right. Get whatever you came for. But remember this. You tell Max I was here. And I'll tie you into something that'll get you to hatchapy if it's the last thing I do.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, sure.

[Effie]

I knew she'd be impressed with that type of threat. Because her kind of girl lives by playing tag with the law. They want to be it as seldom as possible. I finished the dossier on Polkas and thought a more businesslike visit to the old man was in order.

[Sigmund Polkas]

What is it? Oh, you.

[Effie]

I want to talk with you, Mr. Polkas.

[Sigmund Polkas]

Come in. I want to talk to you now.

[Effie]

Now.

[Sigmund Polkas]

Stand right where you are.

[Effie]

He was pointing a gun in one shaking hand, right at my chest. And as close as I could tell, it looked very much like the gun I'd seen in your picture. Wilson. And the hand that held it was the very same hand. I tried to think of something clever to say.

[Sigmund Polkas]

At this stage of my life, it would be very easy to shoot you, mister.

[Effie]

Look, I came here maybe to help save you a lot of trouble. Now, if you listen to me, I.

[Sigmund Polkas]

I know why you came here. Because I killed Max Barstow. I'll give you a choice. Will you take money or will I? Will I shoot you right here?

[Effie]

I'd take the money. But you didn't kill Max Barstow.

[Sigmund Polkas]

Don't tell me what I did when I know what I did. Sandra told me one of his gang members was looking for me. But she doesn't understand the power of money. How much will you take to leave us alone to our happiness? What is Max Pastor to you now that he's dead?

[Effie]

Look, I don't want any money. I just want it. I felt like a ghost. The gun was ponied directly at me, but nothing hit me. I was surprised, albeit gratified. The little man must have thought I was wearing a bulletproof vest. He didn't look surprised, though. He just folded. I disarmed him and pushed him down into a chair.

[Sigmund Polkas]

I had to do it. I had to. I couldn't let you spoil the only bit of happiness I had left in my life.

[Effie]

Mr. Polkas, you tried to shoot me, and I'm grateful. Had told both of us something to begin with. You can't kill anybody with blanks in your gun.

[Sigmund Polkas]

Blanks? I don't know blanks.

[Effie]

Where did you get the Gun?

[Sigmund Polkas]

I always have guns.

[Effie]

Always. And you don't know the difference between real bullets and blanks. You got it from Sandra and she loaded it, right?

[Sigmund Polkas]

Maybe you should know, gangster.

[Effie]

Look, I'm a private detective. Name of Sam Spade. Now, if you'll help me, I'll help you. When did Sandra give you this gun? Last Tuesday?

[Sigmund Polkas]

Yes.

[Effie]

Did you use it to shoot Barstow?

[Sigmund Polkas]

Yes.

[Effie]

Then he couldn't be dead, could he? This gun wouldn't kill a fly. And besides, I met Max Barstow tonight. Alive.

[Sigmund Polkas]

I saw him fall to the floor and blood came out of his coat. With my own eyes.

[Effie]

Mr. Polkas, you just came from Minneapolis with $175,000. You walked into a shakedown gang. They're after your money. That girl Sandra's just bait.

[Sigmund Polkas]

Don't speak about Sandra that way. Sure, she tried to shake me up for money. But only because that meant that Barstow Maker. She was a slave. She couldn't get away from him.

[Effie]

Why did she stage a phony murder with you killing Barstow?

[Sigmund Polkas]

I don't know. I'm so confused.

[Effie]

Tell me how it happened.

[Sigmund Polkas]

Barstow posed as a policeman. He found me in Sandra's apartment. I was supposed to pay him $5,000. But Sandra told me she loved me and Barstow was a racketeer. We were to meet in apartment 6 or 8. For to pay him, she gave me a gun to frighten him. Whispered instead, I killed nuts.

[Effie]

5,000. They knew how much money you had and they wanted to get all of it away from you. On a phony murder scare?

[Sigmund Polkas]

Sandra doesn't want my money away from me. She loves me.

[Effie]

Mr. Polkas, I'm sorry disillusionment should come to you so late in life.

[Sigmund Polkas]

I say she love me, and I can prove it.

[Effie]

How?

[Sigmund Polkas]

This morning she became Mrs. Sigmund Parkus.

[Effie]

That made me sit down and think things through a little more carefully. She could have gotten his money, or most of it, without marrying him. Maybe she did love him. Or maybe they felt he was too dumb to pay off. Or maybe she married him so she could murder him. And maybe a dozen other things. His suitcases were packed and he said that he and Sandra planned to leave town tonight. He'd been waiting for her when I came in, but she was already two hours late. I could think of only one place she could be. So I left poor Mr. Polkis and went to the Arlington 31 4. The address Honey Cane had given me. And she was there.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, Sam, I'm glad you came. I was scared. I didn't Know what to do? I'm scared.

[Effie]

Now, now, honey, quiet down and tell me what you're scared about.

[Sam Spade]

In the bedroom. Max. He's dead.

[Effie]

A knife, John. When'd you find him?

[Sam Spade]

Five minutes ago. I was with him before and then I went out for some Chinese food. When I came back.

[Effie]

All right, all right. Who else was here tonight?

[Sam Spade]

I didn't see anybody, but.

[Effie]

But what?

[Sam Spade]

He was awful mad at Sandra. Said she was double crossing him and he wouldn't let her get away with it.

[Effie]

I went back to Polkas's place. He was gone. But his bags were still there so I figured he'd be back. I put out the lights and sat in a chair. Go ahead. Go ahead. Ask me what I'm doing here.

[Sam Spade]

Where's Polkas?

[Effie]

Well, if he's smart, he's on a train back to Minneapolis.

[Sam Spade]

I'm going to look for him.

[Effie]

You're not going anywhere.

[Woodrow Wilson]

Sit down.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, yes, I am.

[Effie]

I said you're not going anywhere unless it's the jail.

[Sam Spade]

What are you playing Mr. District Attorney for?

[Effie]

Because you killed Max Barstow. Now tell me why.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, don't be a joker. Max Barstow's as alive as you are.

[Effie]

I'm not talking about the phony murder staged for the benefit of polkas. Barstow was stabbed to death a half hour ago.

[Sam Spade]

He wasn't.

[Effie]

He was. I saw him.

[Sigmund Polkas]

Who?

[Effie]

You.

[Sam Spade]

Oh, Sam, I didn't. I didn't. I saw him earlier today, but he was all right.

[Effie]

You married polkas to double cross him, didn't you? You were gonna skip town with a mark.

[Sam Spade]

Sure I was. So why would I kill Max?

[Effie]

Because he knew what you were going to do. That's why I tell you, I didn't.

[Sam Spade]

I couldn't kill anybody.

[Effie]

Why did you? What did you have planned for polkas? A shove over the Grand Canyon?

[Sam Spade]

No, I. I love the old guy.

[Effie]

Come on, we'll drop in a police headquarters.

[Sam Spade]

No, Sam. No, Sam, nothing.

[Effie]

I wouldn't take you with a US Mint thrown in.

[Sam Spade]

Will you let me go if I tell you what happened? If I tell you who killed Barstow?

[Effie]

Well, if you didn't do it, nobody could hold you for murder anyway.

[Sam Spade]

Baring. Ed Baring did it. We. We planned the whole thing together. It was a freeze out on Barstow. Somehow he found out it had to.

[Effie]

Take care of him.

[Sam Spade]

I didn't have anything to do with it. I tried to tell him not to.

[Ed Baring]

Tried to tell him not to what?

[Effie]

I've got a gun in my hand, Baring. So have I.

[Ed Baring]

Which one of US is going to shoot first.

[Effie]

You wouldn't shoot, but he did. Period. End of report.

[Sam Spade]

Sam, is that all?

[Effie]

Well, what do you want, an echo?

[Sam Spade]

No, but he shot you and you're all right. Were they blanks like the other guns?

[Effie]

They were not. They were genuine steel jacketed bullets. You didn't listen carefully enough, Effie. I figured he'd shoot right away. He did once. Just as I jumped sideways and fired two shots back.

[Sam Spade]

Did you kill him?

[Effie]

No, no. But he's down with a little case of lead poisoning, though. Under police guard.

[Sam Spade]

You're wonderful.

[Effie]

It's true. All right, go type it up. Off with you.

[Advertiser]

Three chimes mean good times on NBC. Tomorrow you're invited to a one hour concert by the renowned NBC Symphony under the direction of Bruno Valter. Featured soloist for tomorrow's performance is celebrated violinist Joseph Zaghetti, who will be heard in Mozart's brilliant concerto for Violin and Orchestra. It's the very finest in musical listening. Every Saturday with the NBC Symphony.

[Sam Spade]

Here it is, Sam. But there's something I don't understand.

[Effie]

True wits.

[Sam Spade]

What happened to nice old Mr. Polkas? Why wasn't he in his apartment waiting for Sandy?

[Effie]

Well, he did just what I thought he should have done. He walked down to the railroad depot and got on the first train. Minneapolis.

[Sigmund Polkas]

Who knows?

[Effie]

Maybe he's opened a new restaurant.

[Sam Spade]

Yes, and what happened to Sandra?

[Effie]

Well, she's being held as an accessory to murder, among other things.

[Sam Spade]

Well, if they were married.

[Effie]

That's enough, Effie. That's enough. Do you want me to make everything so simple that everybody will be able to figure it out?

[Sam Spade]

No, but you.

[Sigmund Polkas]

What?

[Sam Spade]

I get so confused sometimes.

[Effie]

That's most of your charm, Effie. You know, if you were brisk and efficient and cold, we'd never have any fun, would we?

[Sam Spade]

I guess not, Sam. We do have a good time at times, don't we?

[Effie]

Yes, we do indeed. Like right now. Coming. Fire in a man's veins.

[Woodrow Wilson]

Maddening, that's what.

[Sam Spade]

Don't say any more, Sam. I don't know what I might do.

[Effie]

I'd love it, whatever it was.

[Sam Spade]

I better say good night, Sam. Good night, Sam.

[Effie]

Good night, sweethear.

[Advertiser]

Tonight's transcribed Adventure of Sam Spade was produced, edited and directed by William Spear. Sam Spade was played by Stephen Dunn. Loreen Tuttle is Effie. Script for tonight's adventure by John Michael Hayes. Musical scoring by Lud Gluskin conducted by Robert Armbruster. Join us again next week, same time for another adventure with Sam Spade. Sam Spade lives a life of peril. Well, in these days, we all live in a time of peril. Each of us is contributing something to help meet the emergencies that we face as a nation. There is one definite thing that every one of us can do to help. February 28th is being celebrated as Red Cross Day. Supported by the people and schooled by years of experience in war and peace, in times of disaster, the Red Cross has now been assigned unprecedented tasks. In the interest of national security and world peace. You can help mobilize the forces of mercy for the protection and defense of your family, your community and the nation through generous Support of the 1951 Red Cross Fund campaign. Join the magnificent Montague. Then it's Duffy's Tavern on NBC.