The Falcon: TCOT King of Clubs 07/20/1952

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives – The Falcon: The Case of the King of Clubs (07/20/1952)

Episode Overview

In this atmospheric 1952 episode of "The Falcon," private detective Mike Waring is summoned to Berlin by Army Intelligence to untangle a web of blackmail, infidelity, and murder. Featuring intrigue, femme fatales, and hard-boiled dialogue, "The Case of the King of Clubs" takes listeners through the shadowy post-war streets of Berlin as the Falcon unpicks the complicated personal and financial dramas surrounding Army Major James Dodge, his wife Grace, the seductive Lily Thiessen, and a sinister photographer named Fritz Keller. The story is rife with betrayal, danger, old-world cynicism, and the classic banter that defines Golden Age detective radio.

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Key Discussion Points & Detailed Timeline

1. Opening Assignment in Berlin

• [00:16-01:42]
  • Mike Waring ("The Falcon") is called to Berlin by Army Intelligence for a dangerous troubleshooting assignment. He sets a sardonic, world-weary tone, referencing famous historical femmes fatales before introducing the central players in Berlin, notably Lily Thiessen.
  • Quote: "Never underestimate the power of a woman. Believe me, Shakespeare never poured more truth into fewer words." – Mike Waring [01:12]

2. The Triangle: Major Dodge, Grace, and Lily

• [01:45–04:42]
  • Major James Dodge is caught in an affair with Lily Thiessen, who pressures him to leave his wife, Grace. Their illicit meeting quickly sours with jealousy and Lily’s discovery that Dodge is married.
  • Lily hints at ending things unless he divorces his wife and gives him a deadline.
  • Quote: “And you won’t give up your wife. You do have a problem, darling.” – Lily [03:20]

3. Blackmail Unfolds

• [04:06–06:12]
  • Fritz Keller, a slick German, approaches Dodge at home with incriminating photographs of him and Lily, demanding 45,000 marks for their silence—a thinly veiled blackmail.
  • An altercation ensues, Keller threatens Dodge, hinting at further trouble if not appeased.
  • Quote: "All I asked was a loan. Of course, there is the chance you will never be repaid." – Fritz Keller [05:29]

4. Cover-ups and Growing Paranoia

• [06:12–08:54]
  • Dodge informs Lily about Keller’s blackmail; she denies involvement and urges him to pay, foreshadowing further entanglements. Meanwhile, Army colleagues start suspecting each other as $10,000 goes missing from army accounts.
  • Mike Waring, as the Falcon, is introduced at the office, revealing he’s been sent to uncover who stole the funds, with suspicion falling on Dodge.
  • Quote: “Someone around here has sticky fingers.” – Waring [08:15]

5. Fritz’s Manipulations and Major Dodge’s Murder

• [10:00–12:41]
  • Keller encounters Grace Dodge, surreptitiously hands her the incriminating photos of her husband and Lily, framing it as a benign souvenir.
  • Adolf Beimler (alias Fritz) visits Major Dodge, and after tense exchanges, shoots and kills him.

6. Aftermath & Investigation

• [13:28–15:40]
  • The investigation heats up. Mike Waring visits Grace in custody, suggesting that the evidence points to her, especially with the photos found in her purse.
  • Grace fiercely denies knowledge of the affair and claims the woman is an old family friend, "Gretchen Schumann," but Waring is unconvinced.

7. The Blackmail Racket Against the Americans

• [16:07–22:25]
  • Waring follows leads to the King of Clubs nightclub (Kreutzkoenig), confronts Lily, and then is targeted for the same blackmail racket—Keller tries to photograph and extort him.
  • Waring outsmarts them with a ruse involving a fake wife and children, turning the tables on Fritz in a memorable comedic exchange.
  • Quote: “You never should have said that, Fritz. I’m the kind of kid who can’t resist a tear.” – Waring [22:25]

8. Police and the Web of Guilt

• [22:46–26:30]
  • Back at police headquarters, Waring tries to convince Inspector Schiller of Keller’s guilt, but Keller demonstrates he was paid and had no motive to kill Dodge.
  • The plot thickens as it’s revealed Grace helped her husband liquidate their joint stock to pay off the blackmailer, further implicating her.
  • Quote:
    • Schiller: “What it requires in your country—evidence.” [23:06]
    • Waring: “If you think by denying everything, you can escape the rope, you’re wrong.” [25:31]

9. Final Twist and The Falcon’s Trap

• [26:30–27:39]
  • Waring theorizes there were two $10,000 sums: the one for the blackmail and the one stolen from Army funds, and the person who killed Dodge did so to conceal the latter theft.
  • With Bruce's (Dodge’s colleague) help, they bait a trap for the real murderer.

10. Wrap-Up and Wry Farewell

• [27:39–28:38]
  • As the episode closes, Waring learns he’s being reassigned—from Berlin to North Africa—much to his comic dismay.
  • Quote: “You are to leave the continent immediately… They are sending you to North Africa.” – Inspector Schiller [28:14]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Femme Fatale Wisdom:
  “Never underestimate the power of a woman. Believe me, Shakespeare never poured more truth into fewer words.”
  — Mike Waring [01:12]

• Ultimatum from Lily:
  “And you won’t give up your wife. You do have a problem, darling.”
  — Lily Thiessen [03:20]

• The Price of Silence:
  "All I asked was a loan. Of course, there is the chance you will never be repaid."
  — Fritz Keller [05:29]

• Falcon’s Cynicism:
  “Someone around here has sticky fingers.”
  — Waring [08:15]

• Waring Outfoxes Fritz:
  “You never should have said that, Fritz. I’m the kind of kid who can’t resist a tear.”
  — Waring [22:25]

• The Detective’s Frustration:
  “What it requires in your country—evidence.”
  — Inspector Schiller [23:06]

• Vexed by Victory:
  “You are to leave the continent immediately… They are sending you to North Africa.”
  — Inspector Schiller [28:14]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:16 – Mike Waring receives his Berlin assignment
• 01:45 – Major Dodge and Lily’s clandestine meeting
• 04:06 – Fritz Keller’s blackmail attempt
• 06:12 – Dodge tells Lily about the blackmail; Keller's threats
• 08:01 – Waring investigates missing funds at office
• 10:00 – Keller hands photos to Grace, implicating Dodge
• 12:03 – Major Dodge confronts Beimler/Fritz, and is killed
• 13:28 – Grace questioned after her husband’s murder
• 16:15 – Mike Waring learns Lily’s real name and occupation
• 17:28 – The Falcon is nearly blackmailed himself
• 22:25 – Waring tricks Keller and escapes blackmail
• 23:06 – Waring tries (and fails) to get Keller arrested for murder
• 25:31 – Final confrontation with Grace; revelation of falsified alibi
• 26:30 – The Falcon lays out his theory; sets his trap with Bruce
• 28:14 – Waring is reassigned to North Africa; episode closes

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Tone and Style

The episode is rich in classic noir atmosphere, full of dry wit, clipped repartee, and a skeptical attitude towards romance, justice, and international intrigue. Waring’s wisecracks, Lily’s sultry evasions, and Fritz’s oily threats encapsulate the period’s melodramatic but engaging detective storytelling.

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For fans of vintage radio drama, this episode is a perfect cocktail of 1950s transatlantic intrigue, soaking up the smoky Berlin nightlife with just enough shadows and double-crosses to keep you guessing until the last line.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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. Oh, Martha, I'm glad you called. You'd like to include me out tonight? Angel, I'm on my way to Berlin. That's right, Berlin. Seems army intelligence needs a troubleshooter in Germany. I know. I don't like it either. That's the sort of assignment that kills me.

[Narrator]

Once again, the National Broadcasting Company brings you the transcribed Adventures of the Falcon starring Les Damon. 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 King of Clubs.

[Mike Waring]

I don't know how you feel about advertisements. Personally, I love them. Especially the one that goes. Never underestimate the power of a woman. Believe me, Shakespeare never poured more truth into fewer words. Just go through the pages of history. Eve, Delilah, Cleopatra. Lily Thiessen. And if you've never met Lily, this is your chance. She's the luscious looking female making with the lipstick in her apartment off the Tiergarten in Berlin. Though our armed forces may occupy West Germany, it works both ways, Lily. Keeps our armed forces occupied.

[Lily Thiessen]

Who is it?

[Mike Waring]

It's me, Lily.

[Jimmy Dodge]

Open up.

[Lily Thiessen]

Just a moment. Jimmy, darling. What a wonderful surprise. I thought you'd be busy at the office.

[Major James Dodge]

I had to see you, Lily. I've been going out of my mind since last night.

[Lily Thiessen]

You're sweet.

[Major James Dodge]

Every time I think of you.

[Lily Thiessen]

Jimmy. Behave yourself now. You bad boy. Look what you've done to my hair.

[Major James Dodge]

Oh, I ran into some character on your landing. Who was he?

[Lily Thiessen]

How should I know?

[Major James Dodge]

Well, he must have been up here. Tall, thin boy, blond hair.

[Lily Thiessen]

You don't trust me, you're done, right?

[Major James Dodge]

You're not kidding me, Lily. I know all about you.

[Lily Thiessen]

And I know all about you. Major Dodge. Why didn't you tell me you were married? Well, what.

[Major James Dodge]

What makes you think I am?

[Lily Thiessen]

I met your wife yesterday on the Dean Linden. No.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Lily Thiessen]

She's a very lovely woman, Jimmy. A little sin perhaps, but most charming.

[Mike Waring]

Lily.

[Major James Dodge]

You didn't say anything to her?

[Lily Thiessen]

Of course not. Leapster. Would I do anything to hurt you? I just know now what I have to do.

[Major James Dodge]

What do you mean?

[Lily Thiessen]

Well, naturally I can't continue seeing you. It wouldn't be fair.

[Major James Dodge]

Lily, I won't give you up.

[Lily Thiessen]

That's very simple. Divorce your wife.

[Major James Dodge]

No, no, no. I can't do that to Grace.

[Lily Thiessen]

But you have no objections doing it to me?

[Major James Dodge]

Lily, you don't understand. Grace is a wonderful girl.

[Lily Thiessen]

And I'm a mercenary female without a conscience.

[Fritz Keller]

Yes.

[Lily Thiessen]

Yet you love me.

[Major James Dodge]

I'm crazy about you, Lily. I can't give you up.

[Lily Thiessen]

And you won't give up your wife. You do have a problem, darling.

[Inspector Schiller]

All right.

[Lily Thiessen]

I'll give you till the end of the week to solve it.

[Grace Dodge]

All right, Jimmy, what is it?

[Major James Dodge]

What's what, Grace?

[Grace Dodge]

Well, there's something bothering you. You want to tell me about it?

[Major James Dodge]

There's nothing to tell.

[Grace Dodge]

If there's any way that I can.

[Major James Dodge]

I tell you, it's nothing. Now, for Pete's sake, lemme alone.

[Lily Thiessen]

Of course.

[Major James Dodge]

I'm sorry, Grace. I don't know what's come over me.

[Grace Dodge]

Oh, you've been working too hard.

[Lily Thiessen]

What you need is.

[Grace Dodge]

Oh, dear. I'll get it. Just a second.

[Fritz Keller]

Good. Noven.

[Lily Thiessen]

Gutenarwen.

[Fritz Keller]

Is Herr Meyer dodgy?

[Grace Dodge]

Yes.

[Fritz Keller]

I wonder if I might have a word with him.

[Mike Waring]

Who is it, Grace?

[Grace Dodge]

Well, it's someone to see you, Jim. Mr. Keller.

[Fritz Keller]

Fritz Keller. You probably don't remember me, Major.

[Mike Waring]

No, I don't.

[Fritz Keller]

We met for a few short minutes this afternoon on the landing at 41 Voltenstrasse. Oh, comes back to you now?

[Major James Dodge]

Yes. What do you want?

[Fritz Keller]

I would prefer to discuss this privately, Grace.

[Major James Dodge]

Do you mind?

[Grace Dodge]

Of course not, Jimmy. I'll run over and talk to Twyla. It's been nice meeting you, Mr. Keller.

[Fritz Keller]

The pleasure was all mine.

[Grace Dodge]

I'll be back in about 20 minutes.

[Major James Dodge]

Yes, that'll be fine.

[Fritz Keller]

Lovely woman, your wife.

[Major James Dodge]

All right, Keller, what's on your mind?

[Fritz Keller]

You might at least invite me to sit down.

[Major James Dodge]

I don't think you'll be staying long.

[Fritz Keller]

I trust you will appreciate my position, Major Dodge. We Germans are a poor people. Circumstances often compel us to do things we cannot help. In my case, I have a rare opportunity to go into business with one of my compatriots. Unfortunately, we lack capital. So. So I would be obliged if you would loan me 45,000 marks. That's 10,000American dollars.

[Major James Dodge]

Are you crazy?

[Fritz Keller]

It isn't as though I have no security to offer. In exchange, I am prepared to turn over this.

[Major James Dodge]

Where did you get these pictures?

[Fritz Keller]

Doesn't Lily photograph beautifully personally?

[Major James Dodge]

If you think I'm going to let you blackmail me.

[Fritz Keller]

Such an ugly word. All I asked was a loan. Of course, there is the chance you will never be repaid.

[Mike Waring]

Why, you dirty dog.

[Major James Dodge]

Oh, sure.

[Fritz Keller]

You?

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Major James Dodge]

Come on, get up.

[Mike Waring]

No one.

[Fritz Keller]

No one has ever struck a killer and not regretted it.

[Mike Waring]

What are you gonna do?

[Major James Dodge]

Have your seconds call on me.

[Fritz Keller]

I might even call on you myself.

[Lily Thiessen]

Good.

[Mike Waring]

Norman.

[Fritz Keller]

Major Dodge. I'm sure we shall meet.

[Lily Thiessen]

Hello?

[Major James Dodge]

Is that you, Lily?

[Lily Thiessen]

Darling, I've got to see you.

[Jimmy Dodge]

Suppose we met at the Kreuz Kerning.

[Lily Thiessen]

Have you told your wife about us?

[Jimmy Dodge]

No, no. Something's come up. Lily. Do you know a Fritz Keller?

[Lily Thiessen]

Hello?

[Jimmy Dodge]

No, no.

[Grace Dodge]

Keller with a K. Why do you ask?

[Jimmy Dodge]

He knows about us. He's even got a set of pictures. He wants 45,000 marks for them.

[Fritz Keller]

How dreadful.

[Jimmy Dodge]

Yes, he was the same boy I met on your landing the other day.

[Lily Thiessen]

You think I cooperated with him?

[Jimmy Dodge]

I didn't say that.

[Lily Thiessen]

But you intimated this man.

[Jimmy Dodge]

Now, wait a minute, Lily.

[Lily Thiessen]

He practically accused.

[Jimmy Dodge]

I didn't mean it, I swear.

[Lily Thiessen]

Well, what are you going to do?

[Jimmy Dodge]

What do you recommend?

[Lily Thiessen]

Let this Keller do his worst. I am not ashamed of our love.

[Jimmy Dodge]

No, no, Lily. I don't want Grace to find out about us this way.

[Lily Thiessen]

Then you have no choice but to pay him. Where will you raise the money?

[Jimmy Dodge]

Well, I'll manage somehow. You do love me, don't you, Lily?

[Lily Thiessen]

You silly boy. Of course I do.

[Jimmy Dodge]

Can I see you tonight? I'll tell Grace.

[Lily Thiessen]

I don't think you better, Jimmy. I want you to be able to give her Keller, your undivided attention. He needs it au feels, darling.

[Mike Waring]

And the major is of the opinion.

[Lily Thiessen]

Yes?

[Mike Waring]

I'm looking for Major Dodge. Oh, he isn't in. I'm Major Dodge's civilian aide. Can I help you? Maybe you can at that. I'm Mike Waring. Mike Waring?

[Major James Dodge]

Now, wait a second.

[Mike Waring]

Haven't I heard that name before? I don't know. Have you?

[Major James Dodge]

Why, sure.

[Mike Waring]

You're the private detective they call the Falcon.

[Lily Thiessen]

Shh.

[Mike Waring]

Not so loud. I'm trying to live it down. What are you doing? I haven't recalled a temporary duty with Army Intelligence.

[Major James Dodge]

Well, sit down.

[Fritz Keller]

Thanks.

[Major James Dodge]

I'm Alan.

[Narrator]

Bruce.

[Mike Waring]

You just get into Berlin? No, I've been here for a week doing groundwork. You don't think that we've got a couple of spies on the payroll? You might be. From the looks of your accounts, the Pentagon cables me a $10,000 short.

[Fritz Keller]

What?

[Narrator]

Oh, they're crazy.

[Mike Waring]

It's been double checked. Bruce, someone around here has sticky fingers. How long have you known Major Dodge?

[Major James Dodge]

Don't tell me you think that Jimmy.

[Mike Waring]

He's a possibility. Oh, well, you're out of your mind.

[Major James Dodge]

You might Just as well suspect me.

[Mike Waring]

I do.

[Major James Dodge]

Well, that makes a lot more sense. Jimmy's as honest as they come.

[Mike Waring]

No, I'm sure. You know where I can reach him? Why, no. He and Grace just moved. What's his phone number? I don't think they've got a phone. That's right.

[Major James Dodge]

He told me he was having trouble getting it transferred.

[Mike Waring]

Well, when he gets in, ask him to call me, huh? I'm staying at the Hindenburg.

[Fritz Keller]

I'll do that.

[Mike Waring]

Seeing you, Bruce.

[Inspector Schiller]

You bet.

[Mike Waring]

Operator, get me grounded here. 1341. Oh, come on. Come on.

[Jimmy Dodge]

Hello?

[Mike Waring]

Is that you, Jimmy?

[Inspector Schiller]

Yeah.

[Major James Dodge]

Bruce here.

[Lily Thiessen]

Can you talk?

[Jimmy Dodge]

Why, what's up?

[Major James Dodge]

I don't know, but you better get.

[Mike Waring]

Down to the office.

[Major James Dodge]

Prado Washington sent an investigator named Mike Waring to see you.

[Jimmy Dodge]

Mike Waring? I thought he was in Rome.

[Mike Waring]

Not anymore.

[Major James Dodge]

He claims we're $10,000 short.

[Jimmy Dodge]

What?

[Major James Dodge]

Yes, he's been sent here to find the guilty critter. Bruce, you don't think I. Oh, of course not.

[Mike Waring]

What do you take me for anyway?

[Jimmy Dodge]

Well, is Waring there now?

[Major James Dodge]

No, no, he left a minute ago. He wants you to get in touch.

[Mike Waring]

With him at the Hindenburg.

[Major James Dodge]

You better do it real fast.

[Jimmy Dodge]

What's my hurry?

[Major James Dodge]

Now, listen, relax, Bruce.

[Jimmy Dodge]

I'll get to wearing in due time. Thanks for the tip anyway.

[Grace Dodge]

Taxi.

[Fritz Keller]

Flau. Dodge, is it not?

[Grace Dodge]

I beg your pardon?

[Fritz Keller]

You do not remember me?

[Grace Dodge]

No, I'm afraid not.

[Fritz Keller]

Fritz Keller. I was to see your husband a week ago.

[Grace Dodge]

Oh, of course. How are you?

[Fritz Keller]

I wonder, would you care to join me in a glass of wine?

[Grace Dodge]

Well, I'm sorry I'm late for an appointment Now.

[Fritz Keller]

I think this might be to your advantage. Grace.

[Lily Thiessen]

Grace.

[Fritz Keller]

Forgive the informality, but I do hope we can be friends. Perhaps you will accept this portfolio here as a token of my esteem.

[Grace Dodge]

What is it?

[Fritz Keller]

Various snapshots of Berlin. For example, here is one of our zoom.

[Lily Thiessen]

Oh.

[Grace Dodge]

Isn'T that Jimmy in the foreground?

[Fritz Keller]

Well, I believe it is. And I'm sure you must know the woman.

[Lily Thiessen]

Yes.

[Fritz Keller]

I just happen to know that she's in all these pictures. Your husband's sister, perhaps? Yes. Very lovely. And she looks at him so adoringly. Obviously, they are very fond of each other.

[Grace Dodge]

Obviously.

[Fritz Keller]

Yes. Well, I hope you will keep these. It's a little souvenir of your stay in Berlin.

[Grace Dodge]

You're very kind. Now, if you'll forgive me, Herr Keller, I. Run along and I have work to do.

[Major James Dodge]

Let's come here.

[Inspector Schiller]

My odds.

[Fritz Keller]

That's right. I. I trust you will forgive this intrusion. My name is Adolf Beimler.

[Mike Waring]

Adolf Bimler.

[Fritz Keller]

Yes.

[Inspector Schiller]

I'm sure it means nothing to you.

[Fritz Keller]

But we do have a mutual friend. Oh?

[Mike Waring]

Who?

[Inspector Schiller]

Would you care to venture again?

[Major James Dodge]

Look, Beimler, I happen to be busy, so if you don't mind.

[Fritz Keller]

The typical American spirit, Mishma.

[Mike Waring]

You must make every moment count.

[Fritz Keller]

But then, who can blame you? We are on earth for such a short time.

[Mike Waring]

You're quite a philosopher.

[Fritz Keller]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

In my work, one must be all right.

[Jimmy Dodge]

What are you getting at?

[Fritz Keller]

Perhaps this will clear up matters.

[Major James Dodge]

And I'll put away that gun.

[Fritz Keller]

Well, you showed an interest in my profession.

[Major James Dodge]

Why are you doing this?

[Lily Thiessen]

For money.

[Inspector Schiller]

I know I should be ashamed of.

[Mike Waring]

Myself, but when one is.

[Major James Dodge]

Well, if it's money you want.

[Mike Waring]

Get away from that desk.

[Major James Dodge]

I just want to show you.

[Fritz Keller]

I said get away.

[Mike Waring]

That's the trouble with you Americans.

[Inspector Schiller]

You are so used to giving orders, you never learn to take them.

[Major James Dodge]

This will teach you.

[Narrator]

Can you stop in time? Ask yourself that question the next time you drive your car. If the car in front of you should jam on his brakes to avoid a stray dog. If a child should dash across an intersection in. If a tire should blow out, could you stop in time to save a life? Slippery roads, fogged windshields, poor visibility. All of these factors mean that you must be more alert in following simple safety rules at all times. Remember, accidents don't always happen to the other fellow. And now back to the adventures of the falcon.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I guess it only proves that a little.38 can make some men a big shot. And three hours after Adolf Baimler pumped those slugs into Major James Dodge, I did a tour of the West Berlin police headquarters. Her general, Inspector Schiller, who was in charge, was quite proud of their facilities. The cells were complete in every detail. This one even came equipped with a brunette.

[Fritz Keller]

Dodge.

[Grace Dodge]

Yes?

[Inspector Schiller]

You have a visitor.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Mrs. Dodge.

[Grace Dodge]

Who are you?

[Mike Waring]

Mike Waring.

[Inspector Schiller]

You will call me when you are through?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. Thanks a lot. Her Inspector General Cigarette?

[Grace Dodge]

Oh, yes, please. Did the embassy send you?

[Mike Waring]

No, I'm here on my own. I'm working for army intelligence. I wonder if you'd mind answering a few questions.

[Grace Dodge]

If it's about my husband's murder, yes, it is. I can only tell you what I told the others. I don't know anything about it.

[Mike Waring]

They think you killed him.

[Grace Dodge]

That's ridiculous.

[Mike Waring]

You know an Adolf Beimler?

[Grace Dodge]

No.

[Mike Waring]

He's the boy who pulled the trigger.

[Grace Dodge]

Does he claim? I hired him for the occasion.

[Mike Waring]

So far they haven't been able to ask him. He escaped to the Russian zone. And the comrades show a strange reluctance to turn him over.

[Grace Dodge]

Well, when they do, you'll find that I didn't hire him. Where's my motive?

[Mike Waring]

Well, you know your husband was playing around with some fraulein.

[Grace Dodge]

That is a lie.

[Mike Waring]

Then how do you explain those snapshots of Jimmy and the blonde Venus they found in your purse?

[Grace Dodge]

They didn't mean a thing. She was an old friend of the family.

[Mike Waring]

What's her name?

[Grace Dodge]

Gretchen. Gretchen Schumann.

[Mike Waring]

Where can I find her?

[Grace Dodge]

You can't. She moved to East Germany a couple of months ago.

[Mike Waring]

Now, look, Mrs. Dodge, I'd like to help you, but I've got to know the truth. Who is this girl?

[Grace Dodge]

I told you. Her name is Gretchen Schumann.

[Mike Waring]

That's what you told me.

[Grace Dodge]

You don't believe me.

[Fritz Keller]

Nope.

[Grace Dodge]

I'm sorry.

[Mike Waring]

So am I. Because I'm going to find her. And if you won't help me, maybe I know the party who will. Hey, Schiller. I want out. I wish I could give you lead.

[Major James Dodge]

Worrying, but honestly, I don't see how I can.

[Mike Waring]

You never know unless you try. Bruce, you think Mrs. Dodge killed her husband? No.

[Major James Dodge]

Why should she?

[Mike Waring]

He was cheating.

[Major James Dodge]

I don't believe it.

[Mike Waring]

Why not? You were covering for him.

[Major James Dodge]

Who says so?

[Narrator]

I do.

[Mike Waring]

When I saw you at the office, you told me the major had moved and he didn't have a phone in his new place. You were lying. Now, look, weren't you?

[Fritz Keller]

Yes.

[Major James Dodge]

I called him right after you left.

[Fritz Keller]

Why?

[Major James Dodge]

He was my friend.

[Mike Waring]

Even though he had his hand in Uncle Sam's pocket.

[Major James Dodge]

He'll never get me to believe that.

[Mike Waring]

Do you believe he was involved with some female?

[Major James Dodge]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

How did you find out?

[Major James Dodge]

I ran into them together a couple of months ago.

[Mike Waring]

Is this the girl?

[Major James Dodge]

Yes, that's Lily, all right.

[Mike Waring]

Lily.

[Major James Dodge]

Lily Tyson.

[Mike Waring]

Not a Dodge meter.

[Major James Dodge]

Oh, what difference does it make?

[Mike Waring]

Well, maybe I'd like to make her acquaintance the same way.

[Major James Dodge]

There's a little nightclub on Kunstrasse. It's called Kreutzkoenig.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, that's the king of clubs.

[Major James Dodge]

Yes, she. She works there.

[Mike Waring]

Doing what?

[Major James Dodge]

I don't know exactly.

[Mike Waring]

Good. Then I'll have a chance to find out for myself. That ought to be fun.

[Fritz Keller]

Yeah. Must be Lindsey Halburn.

[Major James Dodge]

Yeah.

[Mike Waring]

Smirnoff martini. Real dry, five pounds. Parts vodka, one of vermouth. Yeah, make it two, Paul.

[Lily Thiessen]

Unless the gentleman object.

[Mike Waring]

Well, if I do, I'm no gentleman. Go ahead. Paul Goodman here.

[Lily Thiessen]

I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is Lily Till.

[Mike Waring]

Glad to know you, Lily. I'm Mike Waring.

[Lily Thiessen]

You probably Think I'm very forward.

[Mike Waring]

Well, wouldn't have it any other way. I hate retiring women.

[Lily Thiessen]

You intend to stay long in Verlin?

[Mike Waring]

Well, up to a minute ago I was ready to leave, but now I'm beginning to like it.

[Lily Thiessen]

You are very gallant.

[Fritz Keller]

Here are your drinks.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, yes, yes. Keep the change.

[Fritz Keller]

Donkey's here. Thank you very much.

[Mike Waring]

That's all right.

[Lily Thiessen]

It was most unwise displaying all that money. It may give people ideas.

[Mike Waring]

Well, if it gives you any, I'm all for it.

[Lily Thiessen]

You think your wife would approve?

[Mike Waring]

My wife?

[Lily Thiessen]

Well, I noticed that wedding ring.

[Fritz Keller]

Oh.

[Lily Thiessen]

Where is she?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, she's back in New York. She wouldn't leave the kid.

[Lily Thiessen]

You have children?

[Mike Waring]

Uh huh.

[Narrator]

6.

[Lily Thiessen]

You are kind of young to have so many.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I got an early start.

[Lily Thiessen]

Tell me about her.

[Fritz Keller]

Elsie.

[Mike Waring]

The greatest little girl in the world. Real wonderful mother. Imagine. Got eight servants in the house and she won't leave the kids.

[Lily Thiessen]

You have eight in hell?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I mean on the permanent staff, of course. When we throw a shindig, we bring in a dozen more.

[Lily Thiessen]

You must be very wealthy.

[Mike Waring]

You leave it to Waring. I do all right.

[Lily Thiessen]

But it is so noisy here. Why don't we go over to my place?

[Inspector Schiller]

What?

[Lily Thiessen]

I have a little flat near the Tiergarten. I think you might like it.

[Mike Waring]

Well, gee, would. Would we be alone?

[Lily Thiessen]

Surely you are not afraid.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, no, no. I was just thinking of the little woman. She might not understand.

[Lily Thiessen]

Don't you have a saying? What you do not know can never hurt you.

[Mike Waring]

Hey, that's right.

[Lily Thiessen]

Then your Elsie can never be hurt. Shall we go? Well, here we go. Are.

[Mike Waring]

Yep, here we are.

[Lily Thiessen]

Wait till I turn on the lights.

[Mike Waring]

Hey, this is all right.

[Lily Thiessen]

You like it?

[Fritz Keller]

Like it?

[Mike Waring]

I think this is the softest touch since Lanolin Plus. I just hope Elsie would understand.

[Lily Thiessen]

I'm sure she would. Sit down.

[Mike Waring]

What about you?

[Lily Thiessen]

I'm just going to slip into something a little more comfortable.

[Mike Waring]

Wait a minute.

[Lily Thiessen]

Don't worry, Lips. I won't be long. Hello. An Overfield. Right.

[Mike Waring]

I say, Lily.

[Lily Thiessen]

I'll be right with you. Michael. Help yourself to a drink.

[Fritz Keller]

Hello, Kritz. Yeah. Lily.

[Jimmy Dodge]

Oh, you know, this is not very bright, Lily.

[Lily Thiessen]

There are extenuating circumstances. I just discovered Jimmy Dodge's successor.

[Fritz Keller]

What?

[Lily Thiessen]

Met another American.

[Fritz Keller]

What is his name?

[Lily Thiessen]

Mike Waring.

[Jimmy Dodge]

Is he rich?

[Lily Thiessen]

He also has a wife and six children.

[Fritz Keller]

He sounds most interesting.

[Lily Thiessen]

That's why I thought you should make his acquaintance. Oh, and bring along your camera, fritz. I think Mr. Waring will prove a most photogenic subject.

[Fritz Keller]

Go away.

[Mike Waring]

There's Nobody. Oh. Oh, yeah. Hold it. I'll be right there. Where the devil is my rope? All right, I'm coming. I'm coming.

[Grace Dodge]

Yeah.

[Fritz Keller]

Michael Waring? That's right. My card, sir. Fritz Keller, at your service.

[Mike Waring]

What can I do for you?

[Fritz Keller]

I prefer to discuss that insides man.

[Mike Waring]

Why not you sit down.

[Major James Dodge]

Thank you.

[Mike Waring]

What's on your mind, Fritz?

[Fritz Keller]

I am a photographer by trade, Herr Waring.

[Mike Waring]

How so?

[Fritz Keller]

So I thought perhaps you might like a set of pictures as a souvenir of your visit to Germany.

[Mike Waring]

No, I don't think I'll need them. I've seen the concentration camps and gas chambers at Buchenwald and Dachau. I remember that for quite a while.

[Fritz Keller]

You must understand, we Germans knew nothing of what was going on.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, sure. All you people thought they were rest homes for the aged.

[Fritz Keller]

I refused to be informed. Involved in a political discussion. I have more important business. Perhaps you would care to see a portfolio of my work.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, sure, love to. Ah, that's nice.

[Fritz Keller]

You recognize the lady?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, it's Lily Thiessen. She looks wonderful, but I don't think you did me justice.

[Fritz Keller]

But it is undoubtedly you.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, yeah, it's me all right.

[Fritz Keller]

I'm willing to sell them for 45,000 marks.

[Mike Waring]

Do I get a discount if I buy in gross lots?

[Fritz Keller]

If you think I'm joking.

[Mike Waring]

No, no, I think you're quite serious. You would not care to have your.

[Fritz Keller]

Wife receive a set with my compliments?

[Mike Waring]

My wife?

[Fritz Keller]

I believe her name is Elsie.

[Major James Dodge]

Oh, Elsie.

[Mike Waring]

Say, Fritz is a photographer. Maybe you'd like to see a picture. I think there was one in this magazine here. Yeah, she does a lot of modeling. Yeah.

[Fritz Keller]

Here we are.

[Mike Waring]

What do you think of Elsie?

[Fritz Keller]

But this is a cow.

[Mike Waring]

That's no way to speak of the woman I love. But you told Lily why She didn't take me seriously.

[Fritz Keller]

You tricked us.

[Mike Waring]

I guess I should be ashamed of myself.

[Fritz Keller]

I would not advise you to try that again.

[Mike Waring]

You never should have said that, Fritz. I'm the kind of a kid who can't resist a tear. You pulled the same stunt on me to dodge, didn't you? I say you did. Now, don't bother getting up, Fritz. Just stay right there till I get dressed. I'll call you as soon as I'm ready.

[Inspector Schiller]

I must admit that you build a very substantial case against the man hair wearing.

[Mike Waring]

But you don't believe he was responsible for Major Dodger's murder?

[Inspector Schiller]

Frankly, no.

[Fritz Keller]

Thank you, Hair Inspector Gernar.

[Mike Waring]

Shut up. You practically admitted to me I did nothing of the kind why, you dirty hair wearing.

[Narrator]

Please.

[Mike Waring]

I'm sorry, Schiller. But what does it take to convince you people anyway?

[Inspector Schiller]

What it requires in your country. Evidence.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you know he and Lily Thiessen were working this blackmail racket on Major Dodge.

[Fritz Keller]

Can you prove it?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Through his wife. You gave her a duplicate set of those pictures. Aha.

[Inspector Schiller]

Then she knew that her husband was untrue.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, she knew, all right. But she didn't have him killed. Fritz here did.

[Fritz Keller]

Why should I?

[Mike Waring]

Maybe he wouldn't pay off.

[Fritz Keller]

But he did. If you gentlemen will examine my bank book, you will find a deposit entry of 45,000 marks on the 7th of July.

[Mike Waring]

But if Dodge paid you, then there.

[Fritz Keller]

Was no reason for me to have him killed.

[Mike Waring]

And why did you give those pictures to his wife?

[Fritz Keller]

I thought she might be interested. Apparently, she was. If I can be of any further service to her during her trial, please feel free to call on me.

[Major James Dodge]

Couldn't talk my name.

[Narrator]

You and your children can expect to live long, thanks largely to better medicine and surgery. But you could expect to live even longer were it not for the danger of automobile accidents in the 15 to 25 age group alone. Traffic accidents wiped out 300,000 years of life last year. If driver education could be taught in all of our high schools instead of only a third of them, it might someday help to save the life of your own son or daughter in your own automobile. Remember to drive as though your life depends on it. It does. And now back to the adventures of the Falcon.

[Mike Waring]

Well, now I know how Hitler must have felt when they dropped a blockbuster on the Reich Chancellery. He must have been real upset. And after Fritz Keller bowed himself out of Schiller's office, the air Inspector general and I looked at each other. I don't know what he saw, but I was disappointed. Then I thought of Grace Dodge. That didn't cheer me up either.

[Grace Dodge]

Mr. Waring.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Mrs. Dodge.

[Grace Dodge]

You don't look too happy. He isn't my fault.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, I had a nomination for the party responsible for your husband's murder, but the convention turned me down.

[Grace Dodge]

Who was it?

[Mike Waring]

Fritz Keller. Wait.

[Grace Dodge]

I don't know the gentleman.

[Mike Waring]

Well, he knows you. He gave you that set of pictures of Jimmy and Lily Thiessen.

[Grace Dodge]

Is that what he claims?

[Mike Waring]

That's what he claims.

[Grace Dodge]

He's lying.

[Inspector Schiller]

We can't prove it, Frau Dodge.

[Grace Dodge]

Go right ahead.

[Mike Waring]

Now, look, angel, if you think by denying everything, you can escape the rope, you're wrong. Fritz was blackmailing your husband.

[Grace Dodge]

If he was, I had no knowledge of it.

[Inspector Schiller]

I hate to contradict the lady.

[Fritz Keller]

But you did.

[Inspector Schiller]

On the 5th of July, you were called by Meyer, Albrecht and company.

[Mike Waring]

Who are they?

[Inspector Schiller]

A brokerage firm here. They deal in American securities fraud. Dodge and her husband jointly held several shares of stock. To sell them both, their signatures were required. Well, Albrecht thought your signature was forged. He called you to verify.

[Grace Dodge]

And I told him it was genuine.

[Inspector Schiller]

Then obviously you knew your husband was being blackmailed.

[Mike Waring]

Wait a minute. Hold it, Sheila. I think I see it now.

[Inspector Schiller]

It was apparent to me long ago.

[Mike Waring]

No, I tell you, you're making a mistake. With a little luck, I can prove it. Keep your fingers crossed, angel. We're gonna need all the help we can get.

[Major James Dodge]

I don't get it, Waring.

[Mike Waring]

But if you feel I can help.

[Major James Dodge]

Grace, I'll do everything I can.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's what it's going to take, Bruce. Everything. I want you to help me bait a trap. A trap? Yeah. You believe Grace had her husband killed? Of course not. Well, that makes two of us. What do you think was the killer's motive? Money. That's what I think too. The $10,000 that Fritz Keller got. No, the 10,000 was lifted from the office. But you said Keller wound up with that. No, it wasn't the same money. Jimmy raised his by selling some personal stocks that he and his wife owned. I don't get it. Well, you see, there were two sums of $10,000 involved. The one Dodge paid off to Keller and the one you lifted from the office. What? You had Dodge killed to cover the theft.

[Major James Dodge]

Do you realize what you're saying?

[Narrator]

Of course.

[Mike Waring]

Why do you think I invited you to drive me down to Police Head? Now just keep going. Bruce. You're on the right road. You took the wrong one when you turned the murder. Now you're doing fine.

[Inspector Schiller]

You like it here, hair wearing?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, but it doesn't seem the same without Lily. I sure would like to have another couple of pictures taken with her. Well, just to show my friends in America. They have no idea what goes on here.

[Inspector Schiller]

You are leaving for the United States shortly.

[Mike Waring]

Tomorrow morning. And that's too far off. I'd leave tonight if there was a plane out.

[Fritz Keller]

As you can see here. Warring, there's a cablegram for you. It was forwarded from your hotel.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, no. You open it, Schiller.

[Inspector Schiller]

You are not curious?

[Mike Waring]

I know what it says. Going to leave me stuck here in Europe forever.

[Inspector Schiller]

No, you are wrong.

[Mike Waring]

What?

[Inspector Schiller]

You are to leave the continent immediately.

[Mike Waring]

I don't believe it. Let's see that.

[Inspector Schiller]

See? They are sending you to North Africa.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, no. Good night, Hair. Inspector General.

[Narrator]

The case of the broken key. The Case of the Broken Key. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon, when Mike Waring learns that although love may laugh at locksmiths, murder is no joke. The Adventures of the Falcon are based on the famous character created by Drexel Drake, produced and transcribed by Bernard L. Schubert, written by Eugene Wang and directed by Richard Lewis. Les Damon was starred as the Falcon, with Lily Valente as Lily. This program came from New York. Fred Collins speaking.

[Commercial Announcer]

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