The Falcon: TCOT Careless Corpse 08/31/1952

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Falcon - "The Case of the Careless Corpse" (08/31/1952)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Falcon: TCOT Careless Corpse
Original Airdate: August 31, 1952
Summary Prepared for: February 5, 2026

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Main Theme

Set amidst Cold War tension in post-war Berlin, this episode showcases the master detective Mike Waring ("The Falcon") as he’s called by Army Intelligence to unravel a tangled web of espionage, betrayal, and murder. What begins as a simple assignment to meet a German rocket scientist explodes into a deadly chase involving Communist agents, kidnapping, and ultimately, a double murder—forcing The Falcon to not only catch the killers, but also to confront the complex moral ambiguities of his profession.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Falcon’s Mission Begins

• [00:17-01:06] Mike Waring is dispatched to Berlin on Army Intelligence business. His task: to meet with Professor Heinrich Schiller, a prominent German rocket scientist.
  • Quote (Falcon/Mike Waring): "Army Intelligence is flying me to Berlin. Yeah, seems some boy there set up a murder that’s as pretty as a picture. And they figure I’ll look good in the frame." (00:17)

2. Communist Conspiracy & The Setup

• [01:06-03:45] In Berlin, Communist agents Maxwell Oppenheimer and Vincent Christopher plot to kidnap Professor Schiller to smuggle him to East Berlin. Maxwell poses as American intelligence, using forged credentials.
  • Memorable moment: Christopher orders Maxwell to abduct Schiller but warns not to harm him, hinting at Schiller's value to the Party. Maxwell, however, is chillingly noncommittal.
  • Quote (Maxwell): "I wouldn't touch a hair on his head. Unless, of course, it was absolutely necessary." (03:11)

3. The Kidnapping and Murder of Professor Schiller

• [03:45-07:58] Maxwell manipulates his way into the Schiller home, convincing the wary Margot Schiller that he’s from American Intelligence. Despite Margot’s pleas, Schiller leaves with Maxwell—and ultimately is murdered.
  • Quote (Margot): "They're all trying to use you. They just want to pick your brains..." (04:48)
  • Creepy moment: Maxwell says, "Remember your wife said if you left with me, you’d never see her again. Well, she was absolutely right." (07:27)

4. Margot Seeks Help – The Falcon Uncovers the Ruse

• [08:07-09:19] Margot, distressed, seeks Mike Waring (The Falcon), assuming he was involved. Mike quickly deduces Schiller has been kidnapped by imposters and reassures Margot.
  • Quote (Margot): "You hid him somewhere."
    Waring: "You know better." (08:56-09:00)

5. The Unraveling: Schiller's Death & Political Fallout

• [10:01-13:09] Maxwell’s cover is blown as Christopher discovers Schiller’s corpse. Internal betrayal and paranoia rise among the Communists. Meanwhile, Mike is summoned by the police—Schiller’s body has been found. Waring poignantly reflects on his broken promise to Margot.
  • Quote (Waring): "If I couldn't return her husband sound of wind and limb, the least I could do was show myself." (11:51)

6. Margot Confronts Waring – Bitterness and Accusation

• [11:51-13:09] An emotional Margot blames Waring and the politics that ensnared her husband. He vows justice, but faces Margot’s cold determination to avenge herself.
  • Quote (Margot): "He was a scientist. You had no right to involve him in cheap politics." (12:18)

7. Anonymous Tips and Web of Betrayal

• [13:09-15:07] Margot is contacted by an unknown informant who implicates Maxwell and Christopher. Meanwhile, both Maxwell and Christopher spiral into suspicion and panic.
  • Quote (Anonymous Caller): "Your husband was kidnapped by a little man named Maxel Oppenheimer. The murder was ordered by an American named Vincent Christopher." (13:46, 13:56)

8. The Second Murder: Christopher Killed

• [16:39-18:36] As the tables turn, Maxwell blackmails Christopher's widow, Gabrielle, suggesting she helped unmask her own husband. Hints mount that Gabrielle played a role in facilitating Christopher’s murder.

9. The Falcon’s Investigation: Following the Clues

• [19:09-22:59] The Falcon pieces together the links between the deaths, anonymous calls, and shifting loyalties. He accuses Gabrielle Christopher of tipping off Margot, hoping to orchestrate her husband’s death by proxy. She rebuffs the accusation, presenting an alibi.
  • Quote (Waring, to Gabrielle): "Suppose someone who hated your husband figured Professor Schiller’s death was a heaven-sent opportunity... all this party would have to do was inform Margot Schiller that your husband was responsible." (22:15-22:30)

10. The Truth Revealed – Margot the Avenger

• [24:49-25:40] Confronting Margot, Waring concludes she herself murdered Christopher after learning (misguidedly) he was behind her husband’s death—making her both a victim and an avenger.
  • Quote (Waring): "Are you suggesting...?"
    "Yes, I am. Why didn't you let her do her own dirty work, Margot? That way it would have been easier... on all of us." (25:33-25:40)

11. Aftermath & Moral Reflection

• [26:12-26:39] In the denouement, Waring, burdened by the turn of events, laments the tragedy of the case—how the one decent actor became the tragic culprit.
  • Quote (Waring): "Every once in a while, the only decent actor in the cast has to be it. Believe me, I'm as sorry as you are that this was one of them." (26:32)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I wouldn't touch a hair on his head. Unless, of course, it was absolutely necessary." – Maxwell Oppenheimer (03:11)
• "Remember your wife said if you left with me, you'd never see her again. Well, she was absolutely right." – Maxwell Oppenheimer (07:27)
• "He was a scientist. You had no right to involve him in cheap politics." – Margot Schiller to Waring (12:18)
• "Can you think of a better way to get rid of an unwanted husband?" – Maxwell (20:29)
• "Every once in a while, the only decent actor in the cast has to be it..." – Mike Waring (26:32)

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Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Summary | |------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:17 | Mike Waring receives his Berlin assignment | | 01:06-03:45| Communist plot to kidnap Professor Schiller launched | | 04:48 | Margot pleads for her husband not to leave | | 07:27 | Maxwell ominously hints at Schiller's fate | | 08:07 | Margot appeals to The Falcon for help | | 11:51 | Waring reflects, promises Margot to find Schiller | | 13:46 | Anonymous call points to Maxwell and Christopher as murderers | | 16:39 | Maxwell blackmails Gabrielle Christopher | | 19:09 | Falcon connects the dots, begins to suspect Gabrielle | | 22:15 | Falcon presents his theory to Gabrielle, is rebuffed | | 24:49 | Confrontation with Margot—she is revealed as Christopher’s killer | | 26:32 | Waring's moral reflection as the episode concludes |

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Tone and Style

The dialogue is sharp, laced with Cold War cynicism, anti-communist undertones, and noir sensibility. Waring’s narration alternates between dry humor and a sorrowful sense of justice denied, while the supporting cast portrays the era’s paranoia and personal tragedy.

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Conclusion

"The Case of the Careless Corpse" is a gripping noir tale of espionage, betrayal, and tragic vengeance, pitting The Falcon not only against Communist schemers, but also against the corrosive effects of suspicion and retribution itself. As the episode closes, justice is served, but at a personal and moral cost.

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Transcript

[A]

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].

[B]

Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Virginia, I'm glad you called. Now you'll have to cancel me out tonight, Angel. Army Intelligence is flying me to Berlin. Yeah, seems some boy there set up a murder that's as pretty as a picture. And they figure I'll look good in the frame.

[C]

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 careless corpse.

[B]

There's one nice thing you can say about working for Army Intelligence. You certainly get around. How else would a guy like me get to see such wonderful places like Berlin and meet such interesting people like Maxwell Oppenheimer? And just in case you're curious, Maxwell is a cute looking character in the tight fitting green suit and the gray gloves, surveying the crowd at the Europa, a sidewalk cafe near the Willemstrasse. To look at him, you'd think he didn't have a care in the world. And you'd be right. Max' L lets the next man do the worrying.

[D]

Christopher. Imagine finding you here.

[E]

You're late, Max'.

[D]

L. I could not help myself. I received your message at 5 o'. Clock.

[E]

No lying. Schnabel told me he spoke to you at noon.

[D]

I never can hide things from you, can I, Christopher?

[E]

Sit down. Schnabel tell you about your assignment?

[D]

He started to, but I prefer to get my instructions firsthand. This way there's no chance of a misunderstanding.

[E]

An American intelligence officer named Michael Waring arrives from Madrid this evening. He has an appointment tomorrow morning with Professor Heinrich Schiller.

[D]

Is he expert on Rockies?

[E]

Yes. Would be in the best interests of the Communist Party if that appointment were never kept.

[D]

I think it can be arranged. Where does the Herr Professor Live?

[E]

At 14. Leopold Strasser, with his wife Margot.

[D]

Margot?

[E]

She's an American.

[D]

What an amazing coincidence. Here Professor Schiller, a German, is married to an American. And you, an American, are married to a German.

[E]

Suppose we leave my personal life out of this.

[D]

Yes, of course.

[E]

You are to introduce yourself to Schiller as an agent of American intelligence. You find all the necessary credentials in this wallet. Tellem Waring sent you around to pick him up.

[D]

Where would you like to have him delivered to?

[E]

The bakery and Leipzigstrasse. I'll try to make arrangements to smuggle him into East Berlin on Wednesday.

[D]

I'll be only too happy to look after him till then.

[E]

I don't want him hurt, Maxu.

[D]

Why, Christopher never once entered my mind.

[B]

I mean it.

[E]

Professor Schiller can be very useful to the Party.

[D]

I wouldn't touch a hair on his head. Unless, of course, it was absolutely necessary.

[B]

I'm warning you, Maxu, I only meant.

[D]

I would resort to violence purely as a last resort. You know I'm always ready to sacrifice my desires for the Party. I hope the Herr professor will be as cooperative.

[F]

Yes.

[D]

Excuse me, but I would like very much to see Herr Professor Heiner Schiller.

[G]

Well, of course I am Frau Schiller. Won't you come in?

[D]

Danke. You're very kind.

[G]

Whom shall I say is calling?

[D]

Permit me.

[G]

Maxwell Oppenheimer, United States Army Intelligence. What do you want with my husband?

[D]

Naturally, we are very interested in his experiments with rockets.

[F]

Naturally.

[G]

But when he was in a concentration camp, who cared?

[D]

You say that with a great deal of bitterness.

[G]

Why can't you leave us alone? Everybody wants to use him. First the Nazis, now you people and the Communists. Frau Schiele, hasn't he suffered enough? Why don't you stop bothering him?

[D]

I'm sure the Herr professor does not feel this way. If I could have a word with him.

[G]

He is not home.

[D]

That's very strange. I spoke to man, the tailor for.

[H]

Not more than Margot.

[F]

Yes?

[I]

Ah, is there someone to see me?

[G]

No.

[D]

Here. Professor Schiller, I believe.

[H]

Yes.

[D]

I'm Maxwell Oppenheimer. Your lovely wife told me you were out.

[I]

Why Margot?

[G]

Because they're all the same. They're all trying to use you. They just want to pick your brains and.

[I]

Oh, please, Liebeson. What will our guest think?

[G]

I don't care what he thinks.

[I]

I must apologize for my wife, Herr Oppenheimer. But ever since I was released from Dachau, she's most concerned for me.

[D]

It's very understandable. Well, Herr Waring is waiting for us. Shall we go?

[F]

Of course.

[G]

No, no, I won't let you. You're going to stay out of this, Heinrich. This is none of your concern.

[I]

Now, Liebsen, you are upsetting yourself.

[G]

I warn you, if you go with, expect to find me here when you come back.

[I]

You're talking like a child.

[G]

I mean it. You'll never see me again. Never.

[I]

All right, Herr Oppenheimer, if you are ready.

[D]

By your means.

[I]

Auf Wiedersehen.

[F]

Lie.

[B]

Heinrich.

[G]

Oh, Heinrich.

[B]

Heinrich.

[D]

I believe this is a yes. If you wait till I turn on the lights. Ah, there we are. Be so good as to enter. Thank you. I know it isn't much, but please try to make yourself comfortable.

[I]

I. I find this very strange, Herr Oppenheimer.

[D]

You don't like my room, Professor?

[I]

Well, it. It is hardly what I expected.

[D]

You mean the bakery in front? Yes, we think it's very dramatic. Who'd ever suspect such a proletarian establishment would.

[I]

Where is Herr Waring? Herr Wehring, the gentleman I was supposed to meet.

[D]

Oh, yes, he'll be here in a few minutes. In the meantime, perhaps a little schnapps?

[I]

No, thank you, Herr Oppenheimer.

[D]

My friends call me Maxwell.

[I]

May I see your credentials?

[D]

Isn't this rather late?

[I]

May I see them, please?

[D]

Suppose they do not meet with your approval? That would complicate matters.

[I]

If Herr Wearing arrives, you just tell.

[D]

The professor you are not thinking of leaving.

[I]

Yes.

[D]

If I've offended you in any way.

[I]

Will you be good enough to open this door?

[D]

I wish you didn't feel like this. Because you leave me no choice.

[I]

Put away that gun.

[D]

Doesn't it frighten you?

[I]

No.

[D]

Not even a little bit.

[I]

Are you going to open this door?

[D]

You know, Professor, I admire men of spirit. They offer a challenge I can never resist. Never. How do you feel, Professor? I'm so sorry. I guess it proves there must be something to feminine intuition. Remember your wife said if you left with me, you'd never see her again. Well, she was absolutely right.

[G]

Oh.

[J]

Just a second.

[B]

Oh, hello.

[G]

I'm looking for Mike Waring.

[B]

Well, you picked the best possible place. Come in.

[G]

Thank you. Is. Is he angry with me?

[B]

Is who angry with you?

[G]

My husband. He should have known. I never meant what I said.

[B]

Do you mind if we take this from the top of the page? I'm a little confused.

[G]

Oh, I'm sorry. I should have introduced myself. I'm Margot Schiller.

[B]

Margot Schuller? Wait a minute. You're not Professor Heinrich Schiller's wife?

[G]

Yes.

[B]

Well, what do you know?

[D]

Sit down.

[G]

Oh, thank you.

[B]

I knew he was married, but I assumed it was to a German.

[F]

What?

[G]

Didn't your assistant tell you?

[B]

My assistant?

[G]

The little man you sent to pick up Heinrich. The one in the green suit.

[B]

When was this?

[G]

You did send someone.

[B]

Now look, Mrs. Schiller.

[G]

Well, didn't you?

[B]

No. I just got into Berlin an hour ago.

[G]

He used your name.

[B]

There must have been a leak.

[G]

You're lying. You've hidden him somewhere.

[B]

You know better.

[G]

Well, then what happened to him? He was supposed to meet you.

[B]

Not till tomorrow.

[G]

He Was kidnapped?

[B]

Yes, I'm afraid so. Now this man who came from.

[G]

They'll kill him.

[B]

No, they won't. They won't. Wouldn't dare.

[G]

Why are you going to stop them? Oh, why couldn't you leave us alone?

[B]

Look, Mrs. Schiller, I know you're upset.

[D]

Let me take you home.

[G]

No.

[B]

Please. And I promise you we'll get your husband back.

[G]

You promise me?

[B]

Now, I know how you feel. But give us a chance anyway. Now, let me drive you home. I'll get to work on it right away.

[D]

Who is it?

[B]

Maxwell.

[D]

Just a moment. Hello, Christopher.

[E]

Where is he?

[D]

Huh?

[E]

Professor Schiller.

[D]

Oh, in the bedroom.

[E]

Is he all right?

[D]

But of course. We spent a very enjoyable evening.

[E]

We've got to get him into the Soviet zone immediately.

[D]

I thought you said we'd move him Wednesday.

[B]

We can't wait.

[E]

American intelligence has ordered a house to help. What's the matter with him?

[D]

Nothing.

[E]

He's covered with blood.

[D]

Oh, I can explain that. Christopher. He. He had a little accident. He what? He tripped over that table. It was very dark. Schiller. I think he's asleep. You stupid, blundering fool. He's dead. You must be mistaken. Christopher. Herr Professor. You killed him. No. No. I gave you my word.

[B]

I told you not to touch him.

[D]

Shouldn't have done that, Christopher. But I forgive you.

[E]

You forgive me? What do you think Mosca will say about this?

[D]

You wouldn't report me?

[B]

Wouldn't I?

[D]

Please. Christopher. I know I've been a terrible disappointment to you. But if you give me another chance, I may surprise you yet.

[B]

So, like they say in Time magazine, death came for her. Professor Schiller at the ripe old age of 42. But the first I knew of it was some six hours later when I received from the West Berlin police. He had fished a body out of the Spree. And they thought I might be interested. I was. Then I remembered the promise I made to Margot Schiller. And I thought if I couldn't return her husband, sound of wind and limb, the least I could do was show myself. I figured to be a mighty poor substitute.

[G]

Oh, Mr. Waring.

[B]

May I come in?

[G]

Did you find him?

[B]

Yes.

[G]

Where is he? You said the minute you did, you'd bring him home.

[B]

I know.

[G]

Well, then why? He isn't dead.

[B]

Yes, he is.

[G]

I knew it. I knew it had to end this way. Oh, why couldn't you leave us alone?

[B]

You don't understand.

[G]

I understand that my husband's dead. Isn't that enough?

[B]

And you feel, well, responsible.

[G]

Yes, I do. He was a scientist. You had no right to involve him in cheap politics.

[B]

This isn't cheap politics, Mrs. Schiller. We're fighting people to whom decency means nothing. Your husband's murder proves that he was killed by common form agents. Well, I promise you.

[G]

You promised me that you'd bring him back safe and sound.

[B]

I know, but he was dead when I said that. Now, this man who claimed to be my assistant, what name did he use?

[G]

I don't remember.

[B]

But what did he look like?

[G]

I can't remember that either.

[B]

I don't think you're trying.

[G]

You're absolutely right.

[B]

Don't you want to see your husband's murder avenged?

[G]

It will be, Mr. Waring. But I intend to take care of it myself. And now, if you'll forgive me, I think I would like to be alone for a while.

[F]

Yes, I would like very much to speak with Frau Margot Schiller.

[G]

Please. This is she.

[F]

Forgive me for disturbing you at a time like this, Frau Schiller, but I have just read of the unfortunate death of your husband. Permit me to extend my condolences.

[G]

But who is this?

[F]

You do not know me, but I feel I can be of some service. Would you be interested in knowing the man responsible for the Herr Professor's murder?

[G]

What?

[F]

Please do not think me a crank. I am really well informed. Your husband was kidnapped by a little man named Maxel Oppenheimer.

[G]

How do you know that?

[F]

Are you convinced I'm not a crank?

[G]

Yes.

[F]

Well, the murder was ordered by an American named Vincent Christopher.

[G]

Vincent Christopher?

[F]

Yes. And from what I've heard of your affection for your husband, I am sure you will put this information to excellent use. Good hunting, Frau Schiller.

[B]

Operator. Operator.

[F]

Your order, please.

[B]

I gave my order 20 minutes ago. This is Mr. Christopher. Suite 4A. Asked you to get me Grenadier 413. I wish to speak to Maxel Oppenheimer.

[F]

I'm sorry, Mr. Christopher, but that number does not answer.

[D]

That's impossible.

[B]

Try it again.

[F]

Shall I ring you back?

[B]

No, I'll hang on. Is that you, Gabrielle? Where have you been?

[D]

I told you. I told you.

[F]

Christopher. Is there something wrong here? Christopher?

[E]

Hello, Mr. Schiller.

[G]

You know, this is getting to be ridiculous, Mr. Wary.

[B]

I'm sorry, but it can't be helped. Can you spare me a couple of minutes?

[G]

What's the point? I've already told you everything I know.

[B]

Well, maybe this time I can tell you something.

[F]

All right.

[G]

Come in. Sit down.

[B]

Thank you. Did you ever hear of a man named Vincent Christopher?

[F]

Should I?

[B]

I hope not. He was shot to death an hour ago at the Kaiser Wilhelm. In going through his room, the police found these papers. Would you care to look at them?

[G]

Not particularly.

[B]

Well, they definitely established that Christopher was the number one man in the communist apparatus in West Berlin.

[G]

So?

[B]

So there's no doubt he was responsible for your husband's kidnapping, if not his death.

[G]

I see your point. And now with Mr. Christopher's murder, I become the most obvious suspect. Yes, but this all assumes that I knew who Christopher was.

[B]

Someone might have tipped you off.

[G]

Who, for example?

[B]

That's what I intend to find out.

[G]

Well, I wish you luck. But there's one thing that puzzles me. Just what side are you on? According to you, Christopher was a communist.

[B]

That doesn't justify his murder. That's one of the differences between the Reds and ourselves.

[G]

So you intend to find his killer?

[B]

Yes, I do.

[G]

Well, far be it for me to keep you from your self appointed task. Good day, Mr. Waring. I hope never to hear from you.

[F]

Who is it? Who is it?

[D]

Hello, Gabrielle.

[F]

What are you doing here, Max?

[D]

I just heard about poor Christopher. Naturally, I came immediately.

[F]

That was very foolish.

[D]

He was my friend. I wouldn't feel right if I failed to pay my respects to his widow. I'm sure he would have been happy to do as much for me. Would you happen to have a cigarette?

[F]

You'll find some in that container.

[D]

Ah, Christopher's favorite brand. He was so fond of them.

[F]

You had better leave, Maxwell. The police were here all afternoon. They may return.

[D]

But I have nothing to hide. I wonder if you can say as much. Huh? I have a feeling you are not overly fond of your husband.

[F]

You are insane.

[D]

Please don't misunderstand me, Gabriel. I don't blame you in the least. Vincent was very difficult. I remember one night at the theater when he struck you for forgetting the tickets. My heart went out to you, Donker Shun. It's true. I'm very fond of you, Gabrielle. I feel I owe you a great deal. You might just as easily have told Frau Schiller I was responsible for her husband's death.

[F]

What are you talking about?

[D]

A very dear friend of mine operates the switchboard in the hotel here. I'm afraid she was guilty of eavesdropping. Yes, she. She heard you telephone for Schiller.

[F]

If that's all you have to say.

[D]

Oh, no, I have lots more.

[F]

Well, I'm not interested in hearing it.

[D]

I wish you wouldn't take that attitude, Gabriel. We should be kind to one another. As Christopher's widow. You have so much and I have so little.

[F]

Are you attempting to blackmail me?

[D]

It isn't as though I wanted a great deal. 50,000 marks would suit me fine.

[F]

Get out.

[D]

I think I'm being very reasonable.

[F]

I said get out.

[D]

I. You know, it's a funny thing, but your husband did that to me. Then the poor fellow was killed. I do hope you will have better luck. Avita San Liebchen.

[J]

Intelligence. Major Thornhill speaking.

[H]

Would it be possible for me to talk with Herr Michael Waring?

[J]

I don't see why not. Hey, Mike.

[B]

Yeah? For you. Who is it?

[J]

He didn't say.

[B]

Hello?

[H]

Herr Waring?

[B]

That's right. Who's this?

[H]

I don't believe my name would mean anything to you.

[B]

Try me.

[H]

I would rather not.

[B]

You wouldn't be Maxwell Oppenheimer?

[H]

Maxwell Oppenheimer? I never heard of the gentleman.

[B]

You don't know what you're missing. I've just been going through Vincent Christopher's diary.

[H]

Oh, yes.

[B]

He thought very highly of your talents.

[H]

He liked me.

[B]

I bet everybody does. Did you kill him?

[H]

Of course not.

[B]

According to Christopher, you did.

[H]

He was mistaken.

[B]

Yes, I'll bet me.

[D]

Jim?

[F]

Yeah?

[B]

I put Comrade Maxwell on the wire. Try to run it down.

[J]

Will do.

[H]

You're wearing?

[B]

Yeah.

[H]

I hope you're not being so childish as to attempt to trace this call.

[B]

Oh, never once entered my mind.

[J]

There's a call on extension.

[B]

All right. What can I do for you, Maxwell?

[F]

Nothing.

[H]

But I would like to do something.

[B]

Why?

[H]

It's my nature. Would you be interested in the name of the party who informed Margot Schiller that Christopher was responsible for her husband's death?

[B]

Definitely.

[H]

It was Christopher's wife. Gabrielle.

[B]

You're crazy. Why should she do that?

[H]

Can you think of a better way to get rid of an unwanted husband?

[B]

You might have a point there.

[H]

If I've been of any service, I'm delighted.

[B]

Hello? Max'. L. Max'. L. Did he hang up? Yeah. Were you able to run it down?

[F]

Nope.

[B]

That's tough. Well, if anyone else calls, tell him I've gone over to see Frau Christopher. I hate to stick my neck out, but I'll lay you six to five this is in the bag.

[F]

Yes? Frau Christopher, that is correct.

[B]

Glad to know you. I'm Mike Waring.

[F]

Mike Waring?

[B]

Yes. I'm investigating your husband's murder for the American authorities.

[D]

Oh.

[F]

Won't you come in?

[B]

Thank you.

[F]

Please make yourself comfortable.

[B]

I don't mind if I do.

[F]

Can I offer you a drink?

[B]

Well, being Irish, I'll take some Jamesons, if you have it.

[F]

I have it.

[B]

You feel up to answering a few questions?

[F]

Of course.

[B]

Thanks. Were you aware of Herr Christopher's political activities?

[G]

Political activities?

[F]

He was a writer.

[B]

Well, I was just a blind. Actually, he was head man in the Communist cell in West Berlin.

[F]

Seems incredible.

[B]

He didn't confide much in you, did he?

[F]

No. Tell me something, Herring. If Vincent was, as you say, a communist.

[B]

He was.

[F]

Then he was your enemy. Why are you so determined to solve his murder?

[B]

I know it sounds ironic, but that's how we do things in a democracy. Anyway, I've got a peach of a theory I'd like to try on you for size.

[F]

Well?

[B]

Well, suppose someone who hated your husband figured Professor Schiller's death was a heaven sent opportunity.

[F]

I do not see how.

[B]

Well, all this party would have to do was inform Margot Schiller that your husband was responsible for her husband's death.

[F]

But who would do such a horrible thing?

[B]

What's your guess?

[F]

Max' L Oppenheimer?

[B]

It certainly is a small world.

[F]

You thought of him too?

[D]

No.

[B]

Max' l thought of you.

[G]

I do not understand.

[B]

Oh, sure you do, angel. You were the one who tipped off Margot Schiller. But you couldn't depend on her to do anything about it. So, as the saying goes, you took matters into your own hands.

[F]

You think I killed Vincent?

[D]

Mm.

[B]

Well, I didn't think it was that funny.

[F]

But it is. However, I would not tell it to the Berlin police.

[B]

No? Why not?

[F]

Well, at four o', clock, when Vincent was shot, I was at the Chancellery being interviewed by an officer named Hans Gerhardt. I wish to renew my driver's permit.

[B]

But if you were at the Chancellery.

[F]

Obviously I could not be here at the hotel murdering my husband. Still, it was a most ingenious theory, Herr Wearing. Drop by again if you ever think of another.

[B]

So, for the 999th time, I learned what it means to fall flat on your face. And after Gabrielle Christopher pulled the rug from under me, I picked myself up and took a stroll on Unter den Linden. When I didn't find inspiration there, I made for the nearest phone booth and dialed American Intelligence. Unlike Shakespeare, I hope there was something in a name.

[J]

Intelligence. Major Thornhill speaking.

[B]

Hello, Thorny. This is Mike Waring.

[J]

Where the devil have you been?

[B]

Out communing with nature.

[J]

Well, hustle back here as fast as you can. We just picked up Max Loppenheimer.

[B]

Wonderful.

[H]

Not so wonderful.

[J]

He refuses to talk.

[B]

Maybe he needs lessons, huh? Suppose we confront him with Margot Schiller. If she identifies him as the man who kidnapped her husband, that might do the trick.

[J]

Say, it might at that.

[B]

Well, keep your fingers crossed, soldier, and I'll make it as fast as I can.

[G]

Let's see if I understand you, Mr. Waring. You think if I identify this Maxwell Oppenheimer, it might induce him to confess?

[B]

It might.

[G]

Well, you don't seem too confident.

[B]

Well, I was originally, but now I'm beset by doubts. I can see Maxwell admitting to your husband's murder, but not to Christopher's.

[G]

Why not?

[B]

For the obvious reason. He didn't do it.

[G]

Well, then who did?

[B]

Well, that's the question of the hour. You know, we discovered who tipped you off that Christopher was the man responsible for your husband's kidnapping.

[G]

Who?

[B]

His wife, Gabrielle.

[G]

Well, that doesn't make sense.

[B]

Sure does. She wanted to get rid of him. And she figured if you knew his name, you'd take care of it for him.

[G]

But she must be insane.

[B]

No, as a matter of fact, she's pretty clever, because that's exactly what did happen.

[G]

Are you suggesting.

[B]

Yes, I am. Why didn't you let her do her own dirty work, Margo? That way it would have been easier.

[E]

On all of us.

[B]

All right, angel, let's go.

[J]

Well, they just called for Paris Express passengers, Mike.

[B]

I guess that means me, Major.

[J]

Yeah, I guess it does.

[B]

I'll bet you're happy to see.

[J]

Well, I would have been happier if you never stopped by in the first place. Did you have to nail Margo Schiller for Christopher's murder?

[B]

It was my job, Thorny.

[J]

Why couldn't it have been one of the others?

[B]

I wish it had been, too, but that's life for him. Every once in a while, the only decent actor in the cast has to be it. Believe me, I'm as sorry as you are that this was one of them. So long, Major.

[F]

It.