The Falcon: TCOT Broken Key 07/27/1952

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Falcon – "The Case of the Broken Key" (07/27/1952)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Falcon: The Case of the Broken Key
Air Date: January 8, 2026 (Rebroadcast; Original: July 27, 1952)
Summary Prepared By: Choice Classic Radio Summarizer

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Falcon transports listeners to Casablanca, a city filled with "romance and intrigue" (01:17), where American private detective Mike Waring, a.k.a. "The Falcon," becomes embroiled in the secrets of Communist Party operatives, hidden motives, and a deadly crime spurred by jealousy and betrayal. The case uncovers political tensions, personal disillusionment, and the devastating consequences of a misunderstanding in a foreign land.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

Setting the Stage: Espionage in Casablanca

• Mike Waring is recruited for an intelligence mission and travels to Casablanca, the famous North African seaport, under Army Intelligence orders (00:18).
• The episode quickly paints Casablanca as a web of personal and political intrigue, filled with agents, double-crosses, and cross-cultural tension.

Character Introductions and Motivations

• Mulai Hafid meets with Helene Grant, revealing both as Communist (Comintern) operatives on a mission to locate and "reason with" Robert Foch, a disaffected Party member wishing to escape the movement (02:18).

  • Mulai Hafid: “I would like to disaffiliate myself from the Party.” (03:15)
  • Helene’s dismissive response highlights ideological rigidity and personal conflicts within the Party.

• Robert Foch is introduced as a former valued Party member “gone native” after fleeing France, now traveling with Moroccan woman Yasmin Marin (02:58).

The Emotional Fuse: Betrayal, Jealousy, and Suspicion

• Mulai Hafid, after expressing disillusionment, sows suspicion by contacting Yasmin, telling her that Robert is abandoning her for Helene Grant and that she may not know the truth about his loyalties (07:01).
• The confrontation between Yasmin and Robert becomes heated upon discovery of his packed suitcases, which confirms her suspicions (08:24).
  • Robert: “You are planning to leave me.”
  • Yasmin: “I’ll kill you. I’ll kill you both.” (08:57–09:02)
• Yasmin’s impulsive reaction foreshadows the violence to come, setting the emotional context for the central crime.

The Murder and the Web of Alibis

• Helene Grant is murdered in her hotel room—a pivotal, offscreen event that shifts the story from a tale of espionage to a murder mystery.

• Inspector Henri Boulanger confronts Mike Waring at the scene, quickly making him a suspect due to circumstantial evidence (13:49–15:07).

  • Mike: "If you think I had anything to do with her murder—"
  • Boulanger: "Why, monsieur, it would never occur to me. I'm a most unsuspicious type." (14:37)

• Multiple character alibis are explored:

  • Robert Foch claims he was with Yasmin during the murder; Yasmin confirms this, but suspicion remains about the veracity of their story (16:12–19:25).
  • Mulai Hafid is proven to have an alibi as well: “9 o’clock last night, he was stationed in the lobby of the Hotel Splendid, accompanied by one of my men.” (23:53)

The Twist: Unraveling the True Killer

• Mike Waring’s detective work uncovers that both Foch and Hafid's alibis check out, redirecting focus onto Yasmin. Mike deduces that Robert and Yasmin coordinated their stories but couldn’t have been together, as witnesses would have seen Robert.*
  • Mike: “That alibi was strictly a phony... She couldn’t have been with him.”
  • Yasmin: “Then where was I?”
  • Mike: “Over at the Bonaparte, killing the woman you thought was your rival.” (27:22–27:55)
• Yasmin’s breakdown and desperate denial culminate in her being restrained by the Inspector, confirming her as the killer, driven by jealousy and emotional turmoil.

Resolution and Reflection

• Inspector Boulanger muses, “Well, it merely goes to prove, Waring, the poets knew what they were talking about: ‘Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.’” (28:23)
• Mike Waring wryly closes on a humorous note, requesting help tracking down a postcard peddler rather than seeking vengeance, underscoring the show's light noir tone even amidst tragedy.
  • Mike: “I promised to mail these to Grandma... and better get a set for Grandpa, too.” (29:07)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Mike Waring’s witty narration:

  • “Well, that's Casablanca for you. Not a bad place if you want to live it up, but a horrible spot if you've got to die. But then what place isn’t?” (13:14)

• Mulai Hafid’s idealism:

  • “I joined the Party hoping it would improve the lot of my countrymen.” (03:35)

• Helene Grant’s blunt party loyalty:

  • “A Comintern agent takes nothing for granted.” (02:18)

• Inspector Boulanger’s dry approach:

  • “Why, monsieur, it would never occur to me. I'm a most unsuspicious type.” (14:38)
  • “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” (28:23)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:18: Falcon receives his assignment; Casablanca mission begins.
• 01:17–04:21: Helene and Mulai Hafid discuss Robert Foch’s defection.
• 06:41–09:40: Yasmin confronts Robert, intense emotional escalation.
• 13:14–15:36: Mike Waring discovers Helene Grant’s body; Inspector Boulanger interrogates.
• 19:07–19:25: Yasmin and Mike discuss their movements for the alibi.
• 23:53–24:09: Inspector confirms Hafid’s alibi; suspects dwindle.
• 27:22–27:56: Mike uncovers Yasmin as the killer.
• 28:23–28:46: Boulanger and Waring reflect on the crime’s motive.
• 29:06: Mike ends on a light-hearted note, postcard subplot.

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Tone and Style

The script’s dialogue balances noir-style seriousness with tongue-in-cheek humor, especially through Mike Waring's internal monologue and repartee with Inspector Boulanger. The mannered style and political intrigue are classic of mid-century detective radio, with sharp, emotionally charged exchanges and brooding atmosphere punctuated by light, self-aware commentary.

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Conclusion

“The Case of the Broken Key” is a quintessential detective drama, blending Cold War-era espionage with a heated, jealousy-fueled murder. Michael Waring, The Falcon, unravels a web of lies anchored by ideological disillusionment and personal relationships gone awry. The final twist centers on Yasmin, whose lethal act is propelled not by politics, but by love and misunderstanding—illustrating, as the Inspector notes, the universal theme that "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."

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For fans of classic radio and detective fiction, this episode showcases all the genre’s best—snappy dialogue, international intrigue, flawed heroes, and a tragic crime of passion.

Transcript

[Mulai Hafid]

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].

[Mike Waring]

Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking, Omata. Now you'll have to include me out tonight, Angel. Army Intelligence is flying me to Casablanca. Yeah, that's the place in North Africa they made that movie about. No, they don't plan to star me.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

In the picture, but if I behave.

[Mike Waring]

Myself, they may use me in a frame.

[Narrator]

Once again, the National Broadcasting Company brings you the transcribed Adventures of the Falcon starring Les Duke. The Adventures of the Falcon dedicated to private investigators everywhere. Those hard hitting detectives who like Mike Waring, risk their lives to aid law enforcement agencies. So join him now when the Falcon solves the case of the Broken Key.

[Mike Waring]

According to the Encyclopedia, Casablanca is a seaport on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, situated 33 degrees, 27 minutes north, 7 degrees 46 minutes west. Which shows you how little the Encyclopedia knows. What does that tell you about Casablanca? Does it conjure up the romance and intrigue? Does it say if you peek behind the beaded curtain in the Cafe Tangier, you'd find both there personified by Helene Grant? And though Helene may not be Ingrid Bergman, it works out even. Because the boy who just parted those curtains isn't Humphrey Bogart either.

[Mulai Hafid]

Mamcel Grant?

[Helene Grant]

Yes.

[Mulai Hafid]

I am Mulai Hafid. I was told to meet you here.

[Helene Grant]

Of course, you can identify yourself.

[Mulai Hafid]

My credentials, comrade.

[Helene Grant]

Well, they seem to be in order.

[Mulai Hafid]

You are disappointed, Barry.

[Helene Grant]

These papers show you're Mulai Hafid. But how do you know I'm Helene Grant?

[Mulai Hafid]

I naturally assumed you had no right to.

[Helene Grant]

A Comintern agent takes nothing for granted.

[Mulai Hafid]

Forgive me.

[Helene Grant]

Sit down. Would you care for a drink?

[Mulai Hafid]

I am a Muslim, comrade.

[Helene Grant]

Oh, yes, I forgot.

[Mulai Hafid]

You find it strange a follower of Mohammed can be a member of the Communist Party?

[Helene Grant]

I don't care who you follow, as long as it doesn't interfere with your work. You cabled Paris that Robert Fush is in Casablanca?

[Mike Waring]

He is.

[Helene Grant]

You're sure you've got the right man?

[Mulai Hafid]

Yes, I. I took this photograph of him last week.

[Yasmin Marin]

Mm.

[Helene Grant]

It's Robert, all right. Who's the girl?

[Mulai Hafid]

She arrived with him from Marrakech. Her name is Yasmin Marin.

[Helene Grant]

So Robert has gone native.

[Mulai Hafid]

Pardon?

[Helene Grant]

I meant no offense, Moulin.

[Mulai Hafid]

It was a natural reaction.

[Helene Grant]

You're annoyed.

[Mulai Hafid]

Disturbed is perhaps a better word. I have a problem, comrade. I would like to disaffiliate myself from the Party.

[Helene Grant]

Oh, Ridiculous. Just because I hurt your feelings.

[Mulai Hafid]

My feelings count for nothing. I made this decision many months ago. I joined the Party hoping it would improve the lot of my countrymen.

[Helene Grant]

You're an idealist, Mulai.

[Mulai Hafid]

You are amused. Oh, I realize such people exist even among ignorant natives.

[Helene Grant]

I apologize for my remark. Now, about Robert Fosh and this woman.

[Mulai Hafid]

Mamzel has not answered my question.

[Helene Grant]

Mamzel has the same answer for you. She has for Robert Fosh. Why do you think we're looking for him?

[Mulai Hafid]

I have no idea, comrade.

[Helene Grant]

Foch was a member of the party in France. A valued member. Ten months ago, he asked to resign. Naturally, the Party couldn't release him, so he disappeared. Now he turns up in Casablanca with a native girl. Yes, and I've been sent here to reason with him.

[Mulai Hafid]

Mansell had better work quickly. He leaves tonight from Kazes Airport.

[Yasmin Marin]

What?

[Mulai Hafid]

He purchased a ticket this afternoon for Cairo.

[Helene Grant]

Well, maybe I can talk him into cancelling out. Get a car, comrade. We'll try. Robert P. Now. Imagine finding me here. Well, it certainly is a small world.

[Robert Foch]

Too small.

[Helene Grant]

You going somewhere?

[Narrator]

Why?

[Helene Grant]

Well, if you are, I'd avoid Cairo. I don't think you'd like it this time of year.

[Robert Foch]

Well, if I knew you were in.

[Helene Grant]

Casablanca, you'd have arranged to stay?

[Robert Foch]

Naturally.

[Helene Grant]

Oh, that would have been lovely. Still, it might have posed a problem. What about Yasmine?

[Robert Foch]

Yasmine?

[Yasmin Marin]

Isn't that her name?

[Helene Grant]

She's beautiful, Robert. Moulay showed me her picture.

[Robert Foch]

Suppose we leave her out of this discussion. She knows nothing of my activities.

[Helene Grant]

Why, comrade, you haven't gone middle class and fallen in love.

[Robert Foch]

I said we will leave her out of this.

[Helene Grant]

Now, here are your orders.

[Robert Foch]

I refuse to accept him.

[Helene Grant]

I wouldn't get on that plane. Robert. I don't think you'd like the welcoming committee in Cairo. Do you remember Emile Rousseau?

[Robert Foch]

Emile?

[Helene Grant]

Mm. He's waiting for you at the airport.

[Robert Foch]

There.

[Helene Grant]

Now, personally, I never believed those stories. That he learned his trade working for the Nazis at Dachau. Still, one never knows, does one?

[Robert Foch]

You win.

[Helene Grant]

Oh, I'm so glad you decided to stay. And won't Yasmin be pleased? Suppose I drop you at the hotel and you can break the news?

[Yasmin Marin]

Yes?

[Mulai Hafid]

Have I the privilege of speaking with Yasmin Marin?

[Yasmin Marin]

Who is this?

[Mulai Hafid]

I am called Mulai Hafi.

[Yasmin Marin]

What is it you wish for?

[Mulai Hafid]

Myself, nothing. I merely desire to be of service to Mamzel. You are acquainted with Robert Foch?

[Yasmin Marin]

Are you a friend of Robert?

[Mulai Hafid]

I am a better friend of yours. Did you know Monsieur Foch plans To desert you.

[Yasmin Marin]

You lie. Robert would never leave me.

[Mulai Hafid]

Did he ever mention a European lady named Helene Graham?

[Yasmin Marin]

Why are you torturing me? Why are you telling me all this?

[Mulai Hafid]

Because we have a great deal in common, Jasmin. We both have been betrayed by foreigners.

[Yasmin Marin]

I do not believe you.

[Mulai Hafid]

But you are not as certain as you were before.

[Yasmin Marin]

No. You are lying.

[Mulai Hafid]

If it pleases you to believe that, so be it. But I suggest at least an investigation might be in order. May Allah be good to you.

[Yasmin Marin]

Robert. Robert, open up. Robert.

[Robert Foch]

I told you a thousand times, Yasmin Sherly.

[Yasmin Marin]

I should have known he was lying.

[Mulai Hafid]

What?

[Yasmin Marin]

Imagine. I almost believe him.

[Robert Foch]

What are you talking about?

[Yasmin Marin]

That man who called, the one who gave his name as mullah. He said the most awful things, Robert. That you were running away with some woman. And I was jealous enough too.

[Robert Foch]

What are you staring at?

[Yasmin Marin]

Those suitcases. Well, he was telling the truth. You are planning to leave me.

[Robert Foch]

Don't be a fool, Yasmine.

[Yasmin Marin]

Then why are the bags packed?

[Robert Foch]

Well, this is none of your concern.

[Yasmin Marin]

I suppose Alain Grant is none of my concern either. What is she to you?

[Robert Foch]

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

[Yasmin Marin]

Yet you were going away with her.

[Robert Foch]

Look, Yasmin, there are certain things you will never understand.

[Yasmin Marin]

Because I am an ignorant native.

[Robert Foch]

That has nothing to do with it. It's true. I was running away.

[Yasmin Marin]

So you admit it. I'll kill you. I'll kill you both.

[Robert Foch]

Oh, you little fool. Put that down.

[Yasmin Marin]

I'll show you.

[Robert Foch]

You are insane.

[Narrator]

Put it down.

[Mike Waring]

Put it down, you idiot.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Now get out.

[Yasmin Marin]

Oh, no, Robert, please.

[Robert Foch]

I never want to see you again.

[Yasmin Marin]

I did not mean it, Sherry. I would never do anything to hurt you.

[Mulai Hafid]

Will you get out, or must I.

[Yasmin Marin]

Make you put me down? Put me down.

[Robert Foch]

Not till you are outside.

[Yasmin Marin]

I dare you.

[Robert Foch]

You will never have another opportunity, Robert. Me.

[Yasmin Marin]

Let me in. I did not mean it, Thierry.

[Robert Foch]

Go away.

[Yasmin Marin]

Not unless you say you forgive me.

[Robert Foch]

There's nothing to forgive.

[Yasmin Marin]

Promise you will call me. Otherwise I will not go.

[Mike Waring]

All right.

[Yasmin Marin]

You promise? I promise you won't be sorry. Darling.

[Mike Waring]

Women can be difficult, can't they? What?

[Robert Foch]

Where did you come from?

[Mike Waring]

Your bedroom. I suppose I should apologize, but I didn't want to be spotted coming up here. Who are you? Take a card.

[Robert Foch]

Michael Waring, Private Investigations, New York.

[Mike Waring]

No, it's the wrong one.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Here.

[Mike Waring]

Try another.

[Robert Foch]

You are with American Intelligence.

[Mike Waring]

I can understand the reason for my dramatic entrance.

[Robert Foch]

What do you want?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I thought you might be interested to know there are several Comintern agents looking for you.

[Robert Foch]

Oh, that's absurd.

[Mike Waring]

I suppose Helene Grant is in Casablanca for her health.

[Robert Foch]

What has this to do with you?

[Mike Waring]

We want you to come over to our side.

[Robert Foch]

Well, you think I would betray my friends?

[Mike Waring]

I think the shoes on the other foot. They betrayed you.

[Robert Foch]

What?

[Mike Waring]

They sold you a bill of goods about what the party stood for and you discovered they were all lies. Isn't that why you left? Well, isn't it?

[Robert Foch]

Yes. All right.

[Mike Waring]

We'd like you on our team. You're in a position to tell the free world what communism really means.

[Robert Foch]

You do not realize what you are asking. They would kill me.

[Mike Waring]

No, they won't. We'll get you out of Casablanca.

[Mulai Hafid]

And how?

[Robert Foch]

They're watching my every move.

[Mike Waring]

We'll manage somehow. I don't suppose Trailways runs out this far, huh? Wait a minute. I got it. Isn't there a railroad that runs between Fez and Tangier?

[Robert Foch]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

All right, I'll rent a car and drive you to Fez. You use my name. When you get there, look up a man named Abd? Ilkrim. He'll know what to do.

[Robert Foch]

And what about Yasmin?

[Mike Waring]

A little bundle of trouble was just in here.

[Robert Foch]

Yes. Can she go with me?

[Mike Waring]

No, she'll have to wait. You can meet her later in Algiers.

[Robert Foch]

Well, she would never understand you, sir.

[Mike Waring]

Let me take care of her.

[Robert Foch]

And Elaine Grant.

[Mike Waring]

Well, this seems to be my day for girls. I'll take care of her, too. Now, you hurry up and pack. We leave first thing in the morning.

[Helene Grant]

This is helene grand in 412. I don't want to make a noise like a tourist, but one hour ago I called room service. I haven't heard from them yet.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

A thousand apologies, mademoiselle.

[Helene Grant]

What do I have to do to get. Oh, well, never mind. They finally made it. Just a second. I said, just a second. Well, what.

[Yasmin Marin]

Oh, no.

[Helene Grant]

No, you mustn't. You can't. You don't.

[Narrator]

Summer is just about hitting its peak, and we still have the Labor Day weekend to look forward to and plan for. That's fine for most of us, but we should always keep in mind that these long weekend holidays are often tragic times for some of us who start out gaily to enjoy them. More than 1,300American families will lose one or more of their loved ones in accidents on the highways at all times, and particularly on long holiday weekends. Drive as though your life depends on it.

[Robert Foch]

It does.

[Narrator]

And now back to the Adventures of the Falcon.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's Casablanca for you. Not a bad place if you want to live it up, but a horrible spot if you've got to die. But then what place isn't? I don't imagine it made much difference to Helene Grant and her condition. The first I knew of it was some four hours later when I remembered my promise to Robert Forsh and hustled over to Comrade Grant's hotel room to meet her. When nobody answered, I walked in. And that was my first mistake. She was lying on the floor under the big ceiling fan. And in the dim light, the blades made like a windmill above her head. The effect was almost hypnotic. And then the spell was broken.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Pardon me.

[Robert Foch]

What?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Forgive me, monsieur. I am afraid I startled you.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, I guess you did.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Permit me to introduce myself. I'm Henri Boulanger at the Prefecture.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I can't say this is exactly a pleasure, Inspector.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

I can understand that, Monsieur.

[Mike Waring]

Monsieur Waring. Mike Waring.

[Mulai Hafid]

Mike Waring.

[Mike Waring]

I don't think the name would mean anything to you.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

You are too modest. Correct me if I am in error, but you are with American Intelligence.

[Mike Waring]

How did you know that?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

We too have our intelligence. Cigarette?

[Mike Waring]

Thanks. You know who she was, Mademoiselle Grant?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

But of course. She was a Comintern agent. You were, as they say, on opposite sides of the fence.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, now wait a minute, Inspector. If you think I had anything to.

[Robert Foch]

Do with her murder.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Why, monsieur, it would never occur to me. I'm a most unsuspicious type. Still, as long as you mentioned it. What are you doing here?

[Mike Waring]

I wanted to talk to her.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

I should have guessed that for myself. And at the time of her death?

[Mike Waring]

I was in my hotel room reading.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

It's very strange. You are ready with an alibi when you have no idea when she was murdered?

[Mike Waring]

It's pretty obvious. She's been dead about 3 hours. Which had put it around 9 o'. Clock.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

How do you arrive at that conclusion?

[Mike Waring]

A state of rigor mortis.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Oblige me, monsieur. In addition to your other talent, you are also a doctor.

[Mike Waring]

I don't have to be, Inspector. Look at her arms.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Most interesting. I wonder if you would be kind enough to accompany me to the Place de France.

[Mike Waring]

And in the meantime, the killer gets away?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

I don't think there is much danger of that.

[Mike Waring]

Look, I tell you, you're making a mistake.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Then I shall have to pay for it.

[Mike Waring]

No, thanks.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Stay where you are, Monsieur. Another step and I shall be compelled to shoot. Well, I think you mean that I must assurely do.

[Mike Waring]

Well, in that case. Sorry, fella, but you left me no choice. You mind if I borrow your gun?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

You will regret this, Monsieur. Au, mon ami. I'M sure we will meet again.

[Robert Foch]

Who is it?

[Mike Waring]

Mike Wearing. Robert.

[Robert Foch]

Open up. Just a moment. Come in.

[Mike Waring]

Try and keep me out. Unlock it. But why? Just humor me.

[Robert Foch]

You secured the car, huh? You were to drive me to Fez.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, yeah. Well, the situation's changed somewhat. Elaine Grant has been murdered.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Yes. Do you mind if I borrow that drink? You don't seem to be using it.

[Robert Foch]

Well, how. How did it happen?

[Mike Waring]

Around 9 o' clock tonight, someone walked into a room at the Bonaparte and shot her three times.

[Robert Foch]

Oh, how awful. Have they any idea who was responsible?

[Mike Waring]

Well, if you ask Boulanger.

[Robert Foch]

Boulanger?

[Mike Waring]

He's head of the local prefecture. He suspects me.

[Robert Foch]

But why?

[Mike Waring]

Well, for one thing, he found me standing over a body. For another, he knows we work different sides of the streets.

[Robert Foch]

I see.

[Mike Waring]

Good for you. Then maybe you can explain it to me. Where were you at nine tonight?

[Robert Foch]

Oh, surely you don't think that.

[Mike Waring]

Why not? Your motive is every bit as good as mine. Helene Grant was a threat to you.

[Robert Foch]

But you promised to end that.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you might not have had much confidence in me. Now, where were you?

[Robert Foch]

At the Rouge et Noir.

[Mike Waring]

Rouge et Noir?

[Robert Foch]

It is a cafe near the Place de France.

[Mike Waring]

I thought I told you not to go out.

[Robert Foch]

Then it is most fortunate I ignored your instructions. Otherwise I would not have an alibi. I went there to say goodbye to Yasmine.

[Mike Waring]

You agreed to let me handle her.

[Robert Foch]

The situation was much too delicate.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, but you felt sure I could handle Helene.

[Robert Foch]

Apparently I was right. Thanks.

[Mike Waring]

So you're with Yasmin from 8 till 10. All right. Nice long goodbye. You mind if I check that?

[Robert Foch]

Yes, I do. You are not to disturb her.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I wouldn't advise you to try to stop me, Robert, if I dumped a police inspector who tried it. It figures a mere civilian wouldn't stand a chance. I'll be seeing you, feller.

[Yasmin Marin]

No trace.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Yasmin.

[Yasmin Marin]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Well, nice dressing room you've got here. You must sing well to rate it.

[Yasmin Marin]

What is the meaning of this?

[Mike Waring]

I hope you'll forgive the intrusion, but it's important I talk to you.

[Yasmin Marin]

I'm sorry, I'm very busy.

[Mike Waring]

Well, this won't take long. My name is Mike Waring.

[Yasmin Marin]

Mike Waring?

[Mike Waring]

Yes. I'm a friend of Robert Fauch.

[Yasmin Marin]

Robert never introduced us.

[Mike Waring]

Well, naturally there was no need to.

[Yasmin Marin]

I do not believe you.

[Mike Waring]

Okay. And how would I know? You two pitched a battle royal in the Hotel Splendid over Helene Grant.

[Yasmin Marin]

Robert told you that?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, Robert Bear tells me everything. Incidentally, you don't have to Worry about Helene anymore? She's dead.

[Yasmin Marin]

Not really.

[Mike Waring]

You don't seem very upset.

[Yasmin Marin]

Why should I wish she was my enemy?

[Mike Waring]

You don't realize what you're saying.

[Yasmin Marin]

But you knew this. You say Robert told you everything?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. He also said you came back to the hotel again between 8 and 10.

[Yasmin Marin]

Robert said that?

[Mike Waring]

Why? Isn't it true? No, I knew it. It's all right, angel.

[Yasmin Marin]

But why should Robert say I was at his hotel when he was visiting here with me in my dressing room?

[Mike Waring]

He what?

[Yasmin Marin]

I said something wrong?

[Mike Waring]

Well, that depends on where you're standing. In my spot. It couldn't have been worse. You sure Robert Was here between 8 and 10?

[Yasmin Marin]

Positive.

[Mike Waring]

Well, then he was telling the truth.

[Yasmin Marin]

Pardon?

[Mike Waring]

Nothing. How did you find out about Hellane Grant in the first place?

[Yasmin Marin]

A man told me.

[Mike Waring]

This man got a name?

[Yasmin Marin]

Yes. He called himself Mulai Hafid.

[Mike Waring]

Mulai Hafid. Mulai Hafid. Where did I hear that? Sure he was Helene's contact in Casablanca.

[Yasmin Marin]

I do not understand.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's just as well.

[Yasmin Marin]

That's my cue. I'm sorry, I must go.

[Mike Waring]

That's okay. So do I knock em dead, angel. That's just what I hope to do for my customer.

[Postcard Vendor]

Cigarettes, candy, all American kinds. Monsieur. You like to buy, monsieur?

[Mike Waring]

No, thanks.

[Postcard Vendor]

Maybe some postcards? Very lovely, lady.

[Mike Waring]

I'm sorry. I stocked up in Paris. Where can I find a coppersmith? Mulai Hafid, you are sure you would.

[Postcard Vendor]

Not like to buy the postcards?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, well, come to think of it, I guess I would. I forgot. My grandmother collects them.

[Postcard Vendor]

She will like these, Monsieur. That will be 500 francs.

[Mike Waring]

There you are. Now, where can I find Mulaihafen?

[Postcard Vendor]

That is his shop over there, by the sign of the iron jug.

[Narrator]

Thanks a lot.

[Postcard Vendor]

If your grandmother would like more postcards.

[Mulai Hafid]

I'll keep you in mind. Salaam alaykim.

[Mike Waring]

I like him. Salaam.

[Mulai Hafid]

What can I do for you, Monsieur?

[Mike Waring]

Well, it all depends. Are you Mulai Hafid?

[Mulai Hafid]

Your servant, sir.

[Mike Waring]

I'm Mike Waring.

[Mulai Hafid]

Mike Waring.

[Mike Waring]

I'm a comrade from America. Oh, where can we talk?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Here?

[Mike Waring]

A little public, isn't it?

[Mulai Hafid]

I shall lower the shade.

[Mike Waring]

That's a nice place you got here. You do all your own metalwork?

[Mulai Hafid]

As my father and his father did before him. So, now we may talk.

[Mike Waring]

I guess you know why I'm here. The party is awfully disappointed in your work, comrade.

[Mulai Hafid]

And I am disappointed in the party.

[Mike Waring]

Why did you tell Yasmin Marin about Helene Grant?

[Mulai Hafid]

You know this?

[Mike Waring]

We know everything.

[Mulai Hafid]

Then you are aware I informed Mamzel Grant of my desire to leave the Party.

[Mike Waring]

It's getting to be an epidemic. First Robert Fauch and now you. What's your reason?

[Mulai Hafid]

I explained that to Comrade Grant.

[Mike Waring]

She found it unsatisfactory.

[Mulai Hafid]

It was her privilege.

[Mike Waring]

So you killed her.

[Mulai Hafid]

Monsieur is pleased to jest.

[Mike Waring]

You knew she was murdered.

[Mulai Hafid]

All Casablanca is aware of this.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, I know. But I think you had inside information. How would you like to take a little ride with me?

[Mulai Hafid]

I do not think I would care for it.

[Mike Waring]

I'm afraid I'll have to insist, Mulan.

[Mulai Hafid]

First, allow me to show you something. This copper flask was fashioned by my father.

[Mike Waring]

Well, what's that got to do?

[Mulai Hafid]

Permit me to finish. If you met a friend, you might offer him a drink by removing the stopper.

[Mike Waring]

So?

[Robert Foch]

Well.

[Mulai Hafid]

But if you met an enemy, you again removed the stopper. Only this time you pressed this plunger.

[Mike Waring]

To reveal a knife.

[Mulai Hafid]

Oui, monsieur, a knife. And I have met a.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Monsieur. Permit me. I think a little brandy would not harm you.

[Mike Waring]

Inspector Boulanger.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

I told you we would meet again. You are in pain.

[Mike Waring]

I'll live. How did you know where to find me?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

A friend of our department advised us.

[Mike Waring]

His name isn't Moolah Hafed.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

It is indeed. Would you like to tell me what happened?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, I'd like to very much.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

He tried to kill me. It is understandable, n' est CE pas?

[Mike Waring]

Not to me.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

You posed as a Comintern agent, so naturally Moulay thought you had come to his shop to avenge the murder of Mademoiselle Grant.

[Mike Waring]

Then that proves he killed her.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Why? Because he desired to protect himself from one he considered an assassin.

[Mike Waring]

I tell you he murdered her, Inspector. He wanted to leave the party and she wouldn't let him.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

That is true of Robert Fauch too.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I grant you that. But Foch has an alibi.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

So has moolah.

[Robert Foch]

What?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

9 o' clock last night, he was stationed in the lobby of the Hotel Splendid, accompanied by one of my men.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that doesn't make sense.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

He doesn't?

[Mike Waring]

No. If Moolah, Robert and the Osman of alibis for the time of Helene Grant's murder, who does that leave you, Monsieur.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

As I maintained all along. I am so glad we are finally in accordance.

[Narrator]

Are you looking forward to a vacation or to holiday weekends filled with carefree relaxation? Unfortunately, a lot of us will never have those pleasant plans come true. Yes, for thousands of those dreams will turn into tragic nightmares because of a traffic accident. Highways are more crowded than ever and make no mistake about it. That means greater danger whenever you drive. You can't prevent all of the traffic accidents that are taking place all over the country, but you can prevent that one accident that may happen to you. Follow the simple rules of driving safety all the time. The life you save may be your own. And now back to the Adventures of the Falcon.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I guess Mama was right. He always said if I didn't watch that big tongue of mine, someday I'd trip over it. Who knew it was going to be in the shop of Moolah hafed while I lay there on the floor, Inspector Boulanger made like Florence Nightingale. I figured there was no percentage in getting up. After all, I was only due to fall flat on my face again.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

And voila. I think this will prove satisfactory. Now, if you will take my arm, monsieur, I shall be only too happy to assist you.

[Mike Waring]

No, no, wait a minute, Inspector.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

If you're thinking of making another escape, I beg you not to attempt it. I have three men stationed outside, all of whom are fleet of foot and excellent shots.

[Mike Waring]

No, no, no, no. You don't understand. You say you had one of your detectives with Moolah Harford in the lobby of the Splendide last night?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

I did.

[Mike Waring]

Why?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

We were keeping Robert Foch under surveillance. We anticipated a little difficulty with the gentleman.

[Mike Waring]

Obviously, it never developed.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Obviously.

[Mike Waring]

And Moolah was never out of your man's sight?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Never once. They were together till midnight.

[Mike Waring]

They couldn't have been. Or could they?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Pardon him? What?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, brother, am I a chump. Listen, Inspector, I think I see it all now. Just give me 10 minutes with Robert Fauch, that's all I ask.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

It is not unreasonable. After all, why shouldn't you have Foch for 10 minutes when I expect to have you for life?

[Mulai Hafid]

Hello, Bonifort.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Yasmin.

[Yasmin Marin]

Monsieur Waring?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Yasmin Marin]

What happened to you?

[Mike Waring]

Ask me better.

[Robert Foch]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Didn't we like to see Robert?

[Yasmin Marin]

You cannot.

[Mike Waring]

Maybe I cannot, but this gentleman can. He's Inspector Boulanger of the Prefecture.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Bonjour, Maimersien.

[Mike Waring]

Where's your boyfriend?

[Yasmin Marin]

I tell you, he is not here.

[Mike Waring]

Then you won't mind if we search the place.

[Yasmin Marin]

You are wasting your time.

[Mike Waring]

Let's try the bedroom.

[Yasmin Marin]

You're right ahead. It will avail you nothing.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

I hear she's telling the truth. Regard. He's closer. Gone. I'm afraid you will not have your 10 minutes with him.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I'll settle for a couple with her. All right. Where did he go? Yasmin?

[Yasmin Marin]

I do not know.

[Mike Waring]

You're lying. You must have Planned to meet him.

[Yasmin Marin]

Somewhere you will never find out.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, I wouldn't bet on that, Angel. Why did you lie to me about meeting Robert in your dressing room last night?

[Yasmin Marin]

I did not lie. He was there.

[Mike Waring]

No, he wasn't. That alibi was strictly a phony. No, Boulanger had a couple of men downstairs. They would have seen him go out.

[Yasmin Marin]

He did not kill that woman.

[Mike Waring]

No one said he did.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

But you claim his alibi was fabricated.

[Mike Waring]

The one he volunteered was. He said he spent the evening with Yasmin.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

But if he was lying, it follows.

[Mike Waring]

She couldn't have been with him.

[Yasmin Marin]

Then where was I?

[Mike Waring]

Over at the Bonaparte, killing the woman you thought was your rival.

[Yasmin Marin]

You are insane.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, no, you're the one who's insane. And it was that old green eyed monster that did the trick.

[Yasmin Marin]

I'll kill you. I'll kill you.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

No, you don't.

[Yasmin Marin]

Let me go.

[Mike Waring]

I'm sorry it had to work out like this, angel, but it was either you or me. I guess when you come right down to it, I'm no gentleman.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Well, it merely goes to prove waring the poets knew what they were talking about. What is that line again? Oh, yes. Hail hath no fury like a woman scorned.

[Mike Waring]

Or like a woman who thinks she's scorned. Actually, Helene wasn't Yasmin's rival.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Perhaps she was. A man who embraces the Communist party can afford no other love.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you got a point there, sir.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

I was not completely wrong when I said this was a political murder.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, not completely.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

Let me assure you, wearing we of Casablanca, forever in your debt. If there is any way we can ever repay.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, I'm glad you mentioned that, Inspector. Cause there is. While I was looking for Mulai Hafid, I ran into a peddler who made me buy some postcards before he'd give out with any information.

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

I see.

[Mike Waring]

You think you could locate them for me?

[Inspector Henri Boulanger]

You wish to have him arrested?

[Mike Waring]

No, no. I promised to mail these to Grandma. And it just occurred to me I better get a set for Grandpa too. Good night. Insp.

[Narrator]

The Case OF the Lonely Hunter the Case of the Lonely Hunter. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon. When Mike Waring takes a trip down the Nile and learns some crows can be murdered. The Adventures of the Falcon are based on the famous character created by Drexel Drake. Produced and transcribed by Bernard L. Shubert written by Eugene Wang and directed by Richard Lewis. Les Damon was starred as the Falcon, with Ann Sheppard as Yasmin. This program came from New York, Fred Collins speaking.

[Yasmin Marin]

It.