The Falcon: TCOT Running Waters 07/13/1952

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | The Falcon: The Case of the Running Waters (07/13/1952)
Release Date: December 25, 2025
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode revisits “The Case of the Running Waters” from the classic radio detective series, The Falcon. Set amidst Cold War intrigue in Rome, the story follows private detective Mike Waring (The Falcon) as he becomes entangled in an espionage web involving double agents, coded notebooks, murder, and a woman driven by desperation. The episode perfectly blends old-school detective banter, Continental noir atmosphere, and political intrigue, providing listeners the thrill of Golden Age radio drama.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. An Arrival in Rome and an Ominous Set-Up (00:29–03:00)

• Steve Waters arrives in Rome under mysterious circumstances, immediately shown to be a fast mover—arriving “without baggage and without friends. And already he’s got a gun and a girl.” (00:53)
• He quickly confronts Marie Antonescu, spinning a tale of seeing her father in prison in Bucharest and blackmailing her into cooperating—with her father’s life as leverage.

2. A Deadly Assignment and an Unwilling Co-Conspirator (03:00–05:05)

• Waters reveals that Marie’s boyfriend, Kirby Patterson, is a target—she is to drug him so Waters can impersonate Kirby for a secret meeting.
• Distressed, Marie reluctantly agrees to help, torn between fear for her father and her love for Kirby.

3. The Poisoned Drink and the First Victim (05:05–06:46)

• Marie and Kirby share a tense drink. When Kirby notes "It's got a peculiar taste" (05:59), Marie insists it's nothing—moments later, he collapses, drugged.
• Waters and his cohort prepare to take over Kirby’s assignment.

4. Complications and Cover Identities (06:46–12:07)

• On the Rome Express, Mike Waring encounters Roberto Stefani, who tries (and fails) to convincingly pose as an ally:
  • ”You pack a gun. Naturally. In our work.” (08:10)
  • Waring uncovers Stefani’s Communist Party ties, further complicating the web.
• The real Kirby Patterson meets with Waring, authenticating himself, and hands over a coded notebook for a sensitive assignment.

5. Murder on the Tiber: The Real vs. the Imposter (12:35–18:06)

• Waring is later summoned by Captain Emilio Balbo of the Carabinieri to identify a body fished from the Tiber; it's Kirby Patterson—dead, despite having recently given Waring the notebook.
• Waring is drawn into investigating the double—‘Kirby’ he met previously was an imposter.

6. Marie Under Pressure, and Fractures of Trust (18:06–21:23)

• Waring confronts Marie, revealing Kirby’s death and pressing her about her involvement. Marie breaks down, blaming Waters, insisting she was forced to comply under threats to her father.
• Waring reasons that Waters must still be in Rome—he cannot leave until the coded notebook is deciphered.

7. Closing in on the Culprit (21:23–25:41)

• Post research with the house detective, Giulio Farinacci, Waring tracks down Waters to Stefani’s apartment. He finds Waters dead—shot with a German Luger.
• Waring and Giulio are discovered above the corpse by Captain Balbo, who suspects Waring until Giulio vouches for him.
• New evidence (the murder weapon, found to be Marie’s gun with her fingerprints nearby) casts suspicion on Marie.

8. Resolution and The Real Villain Revealed (26:52–end)

• Confronted, Marie swears innocence: “I tell you, you are wrong, Capitano. I did not kill Steve Waters. I was in my hotel all evening.” (26:52)
• Waring interrogates the evidence and points out a missing hole in the logic: someone else tipped off Marie and stole her gun.
• Piecing together who had the opportunity and knowledge to orchestrate events, Waring deduces the real killer: Giulio Farinacci, the house detective.
  • “Who knew I was looking for Steve Waters? Who was in a position to remove Kirby’s body from Marie’s room? Who alone had the opportunity to steal her gun? Obviously, someone employed by the Hotel Nazionale. Obviously. You.” (28:10)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike Waring (The Falcon):
  • “When it comes to murder, there’s no place like Rome.” (00:40)
  • “If you ever wondered why Rome wasn’t built in a day, maybe I can explain. They didn’t use American labor.” (00:54)
• Marie Antonescu:
  • “I would die if anything happened to you.” (05:17)
  • “Sometimes we cannot help ourselves.” (05:31)
• Kirby Patterson:
  • “I got a mickey. Did you hear that, Roberto? He thinks he was drugged.” (12:38)
• Captain Balbo:
  • “You will be good enough to observe, Signor Waring. I would be most interested in your deductions.” (13:30)
• Giulio Farinacci (house detective, unmasked as the traitor):
  • “No one knows the criminal mind like Giulio Farinacci." (09:38)
• Mike Waring (on the murderer's identity):
  • “Maybe when you join Steve Waters, you can start a new Communist cell. You’ll find a lot of hot prospects down there.” (28:30)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:29: Waters approaches Marie, begins his manipulation.
• 03:00: The blackmail & poisoning scheme is revealed.
• 05:48: The drink is poisoned; Kirby is drugged.
• 08:10: Waring exposes Roberto Stefani’s Communist ties.
• 12:35: Waters, impersonating Kirby, confronts the real Kirby, who realizes he’s been drugged.
• 13:30: Captain Balbo brings Waring to see Kirby’s corpse.
• 18:06: Waring confronts Marie about her involvement.
• 21:23: The net begins to close around Waters.
• 25:41: Waters’ corpse is discovered; Waring is a suspect.
• 26:52: Marie’s final interrogation, breakdown of the evidence.
• 28:10: Waring reveals Giulio as the real enemy agent and murderer.

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Episode Tone & Style

Transitions are brisk, dialogue is clipped and witty, embodying the classic American noir/detective style. The characters engage in a tense mix of banter, suspicion, and dramatic confessions, set against a backdrop of Cold War tension and Continental intrigue.

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Conclusion

This episode is a textbook example of Golden Age detective drama: mistaken identities, double-crosses, and a whodunnit with all the classic radio tropes. The Falcon’s dry wit, political backdrop, and the unmasking of the seemingly helpful house detective as the true villain keep listeners engaged up to the clever denouement.

Listeners will love:

• The period feel and dialogue (“He didn’t use American labor.”)
• The intricate, layered plot
• The ultimate twist—nailing the villain hiding in plain sight

Recommended for old-time radio mystery lovers and fans of classic spy stories.

Transcript

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[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

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]. Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Kathy, I'm glad you called. Now I'll have to have a rain check. Angel, I'm leaving tonight for Italy. Yeah, I just heard. When it comes to murder, there's no place like Rome. 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 Running Waters. If you ever wondered why Rome wasn't built in the day, maybe I can explain. They didn't use American labor. Take a craftsman like Steve Waters. Mr. Waters is the rugged looking citizen sauntering down the 8th floor corridor of the Hotel National. He just arrived in Rome an hour ago without baggage and without friends. And already he's got a gun and a girl. Now that's what I call a fast worker.

[Marie Antonescu]

Yes.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

You Marie Antonescu?

[Marie Antonescu]

That is right.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Well, I must say this is a pleasure. I'm Steve Waters.

[Marie Antonescu]

I beg your pardon?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

You never heard of me?

[Marie Antonescu]

No.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Well, that's funny. I'm an old friend of your family. Matter of fact, I just saw your father yesterday.

[Marie Antonescu]

You saw my father?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Yeah, and he senses love.

[Marie Antonescu]

Oh, but that is impossible. My father is in Bucharest. I do not understand. Romania is behind the Iron Curtain.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Yeah. Yet apparently I can get in or out anytime I want. I guess I must be a magician, huh?

[Marie Antonescu]

You are a Comintern agent.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

That's a possibility.

[Marie Antonescu]

What have you done to my father?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It looks real fine. You'd think prison agreed with.

[Marie Antonescu]

He is in prison.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Oh, didn't you know? I'm sorry. But you don't have to worry. He won't be there long either way. Cigarette?

[Marie Antonescu]

No.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

You sure?

[Marie Antonescu]

I want nothing from you.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Not even your father's life.

[Marie Antonescu]

What do you want, Mr. Waters?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

All right, I'll make it short and sweet. Now, you're kind of friendly with a boy named Kirby Patterson.

[Marie Antonescu]

How did you learn that?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

I probably know more about Kirby than you do. For instance, did you know he's with American intelligence?

[Marie Antonescu]

No.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Yeah. Yeah, he's a spy, just like I am. Only he's working the other side of the street. His current assignment is to meet a man in Rome named Mike Waring. Only he's not gonna make it.

[Marie Antonescu]

He isn't?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

No. No. You're gonna see to that.

[Marie Antonescu]

Get out.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Okay. Oh, anything you want me to tell your father? Wait, Ma.

[Marie Antonescu]

What is it you wish?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

When do you expect to see Kirby again?

[Marie Antonescu]

Tonight at 7.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Well, now, suppose the two of you have a drink up here before you go out. Only when your poor Kirbys add the contents of this bottle.

[Marie Antonescu]

You expect me to poison him?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Oh, now, let's not jump to conclusions. Now, this won't kill him. It'll only put him out long enough for me to keep his appointment. Mike Waring.

[Marie Antonescu]

You are going to pretend to be Kirby. I will not do it.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Look, Marie, let's not argue. We both know you will. Just take care of that bottle.

[Marie Antonescu]

Where are you going?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Isn't this your bedroom?

[Marie Antonescu]

Oh, you cannot sleep in there.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Oh, I don't intend to. Now, you see, I figure you and Kirby need a chaperone, what with this drinking and such. So I just keep an eye open to see that you don't get into trou. Marie, I don't like the way you look. You sure you feel all right?

[Marie Antonescu]

I feel fine. Kirby. What makes you say such a thing?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Your hands are like ice. I'm gonna get your coat. Where is it? In the bedroom.

[Marie Antonescu]

Don't go in there.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

What's the matter?

[Marie Antonescu]

I. I hate to be treated like an infant, that's all. Someone would think I was helpless.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Yes, but you've got a chill.

[Marie Antonescu]

I tell you, I'm all right. I just need a drink.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

All right. Where do you keep the.

[Marie Antonescu]

Never mind. I'll fix it myself.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

You're not gonna let me do anything tonight.

[Marie Antonescu]

What will you have?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Scotch on the rocks.

[Marie Antonescu]

Kirby, you know I love you.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Well, I certainly hope you do.

[Marie Antonescu]

I would die if anything happened to you.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Now, what brought that on?

[Marie Antonescu]

I just hope you understand. Sometimes we cannot help ourselves.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Okay, Marie, let's have it. What are you trying to tell me?

[Marie Antonescu]

Nothing, darling. Here's your drink.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Thanks.

[Marie Antonescu]

Well, salute.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Salute. Hey, where'd you get this stuff?

[Marie Antonescu]

Is something wrong?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

It's got a peculiar taste.

[Marie Antonescu]

It's your imagination.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

How do you know? You haven't even tasted yours. Oh.

[Marie Antonescu]

No. It is fine.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

I still say it's got an off taste. Here, you try mine.

[Marie Antonescu]

You're trying to be ridiculous. They were both ports of the same bottle.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

What are you getting so steamed up about? All I said was. Marie.

[Marie Antonescu]

What? What is it?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

I. I don't know. I can't catch my breath.

[Marie Antonescu]

Maybe if you sat down.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Get me some water.

[Marie Antonescu]

Yes, darling.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Hurry, honey. I feel like I'm gonna. Wake the baby.

[Marie Antonescu]

What have you done to him? Water.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

What did I do? I'm just an innocent bystander.

[Marie Antonescu]

He did.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

No, no, no. He's gonna be fine. Now, why don't you just sit down and relax till Mike Waring's train pulls into Rome, huh? Oh, I sure hope it's on time. We'll have to give Kirby another treatment if it's late. All right, pal. What do you think you're doing? Oh, scusa, senora. I look for my friend. They tell me he's in this compartment. Did you think he was hiding in my luggage? No. Capisco. In case you hadn't noticed, that's my bag you're handling. Oh. I want to see if this is his suitcase. What does that tag say? Michael Waring. Now that we've got me identified, who are you? Roberto Stefani. Roberto Stefani? Si. What were you doing with my grip? Oh, you making a mistake? No. You did. You should have closed the straps. All right. I tell you the truth. I have to make sure you really are Michael Waring. Why? You work for American intelligence? No. How did you find that out? Did they not tell you in London a man would meet you on the Rome Express to give you your next assignment? No. Maybe they. How you say? Double check. You are to go to the Hotel Nacional and meet Kirby Patterson there. Am I right? Keep talking. You are supposed to deliver some information to him. Which can be used by our friends in Romania. How come you know so much? I work for American Intelligenza, too. That's pretty good. You do not to believe me. What a question. Senor Waring. Please stand still. Oh, you pack a gun. Naturally. In our work. Yeah. Tell me more about your work, Roberto. I see your dues are paid up through August, huh? Well, isn't this a membership card in the Italian Communist Party? Oh. Oh, well, I can explain this, senora. Yes, I'll bet you can. Tell the comrades I enjoyed my entrance to Rome. Only next time, let me choose my own welcoming committee. Let me get this straight, Waring. You mean this Roberto Stefani actually had the nerve to pose as one of our boys? Yeah. He even knew I was supposed to meet a Kirby Patterson in Rome. Sure gonna hand it to the bums. They don't miss a trick. Oh, lucky I'm suspicious by nature. They used to say I wouldn't trust my own mother. So, naturally, you want to see my credentials. I was wondering when you'd get around to that. Yeah. Kirby Patterson. Five nine, 172 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes, birthmark and left temple. Well, you certainly fit the description. I ought to. I wrote it myself. When are you leaving for the States? Just as soon as I finish this assignment. Well, there's no time like the present. Where's the dope? Right here in this notebook. It's in code. What did you expect? How soon do you think you can get it till you contact Romania? Well, we'll have it by Thursday. Maybe Wednesday. Expecting someone? No. Put the notebook away. Right. All right. Come in. Senior wedding. That's right. My card. Giulio Farinacci, Hotel National. I'm gonna run along, Mike. Okay, Kirby. Lots of luck. Yeah, same to you. Oh, lift one for me when you get back to Times Square. I'll do that. Now, what can I do for you, Julian? I am what you call the house detective here. Oh, well, I'm glad to meet you. The honor is all mine, senor. It is a great pleasure to greet my opposite number from the great democracy across the Atlantic. How's that again? Well, are you not the private detective they called the Falcon? Only when they can't think of anything worse. You are here on business? No, I've retired, Giulio. Ah, what a pity. I had hoped to be allowed to cooperate. No one knows the criminal mind like Giulio Farinacci. I trust you will forgive me for mentioning it, but as one in the profession, you will understand what the senior who was just here, you called him Kirby. What about it? It is an unusual American name. No, not two. Why? In the lobby yesterday, I heard a foreign lady call a gentleman Kirby. He did not look like your friend. You sure? Yes. He was a tall blond man. Or was Kirby his first or last name? I would have no way of knowing. Look, Julio, this is very important. Now, if you run across this other Kirby again, let me know. I'd certainly like to meet him. Senor Waters. What's the matter with you, Roberto? Can't you see I'm busy? But the Senor Patterson. Here he is opening his eyes. Oh, it's about time too. Get him some water. Here, senor. Drink. Hiya, Kirby.

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[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Who are you? Well, generally I go under the name of Steve Waters. Steve Waters? Yeah. Though lately I've been using yours. I. I don't understand, Paul. Oh, your headache. Where's Marie? Marie? Marie Antonescu. Isn't this her room? Uh, yeah, yeah. Now that you mention it, I believe it is. Where is she? Well, one of my associates took her for a ride. I didn't think this was any place for a woman. Especially if we wanted to have a little man talk. Um, you recognize this? No. It's a notebook I got from Mike Waring. Mike Waring? Yeah, yeah. Only it's in code. Would you happen to have the key? Let's see now. Uh, Mustn't touch. I got a mickey. Did you hear that, Roberto? He thinks he was drugged. But who would do such a thing? Well, I wonder. Well, if I'm not the world's prized chump, Senior Waters. All right. Put down that phone, Kirby. Operator. Look for it. Don't make me do something you'll be sorry for, Operator. Senor Waters, hang up the phone. But he is dead. Well, then he certainly won't want to use it. Hang up, Roberto. We got work to do. 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. 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. If your schools don't have these courses, demand driver education for your children. If your own automobile is not in the good repair it should be, be sure to have it fixed. Remember to drive as though your life depends on it. It does. Now back to the adventures of the fal. Well, that's life for you. One minute you got it, the Next you haven't. Ms. Kirby Patterson learned the hard way. But I had no idea what was going on. The first I knew of it was some eight hours later. I just finished tangling with a mess of bragioli at Angelo's on the vehicle when I looked up and saw a gentleman dressed in blue standing over me. If his uniform wasn't A giveaway. His feet were. They were flat. He was a cop, all right. His name was Emilio Balbo and he was a captain in the carabinieri. It seemed the Capitano had heard of me and wanted to show me the local sights. It was a deluxe 50 cent tour. He started with the morgue and that was my finish. You will be good enough to observe senior wedding. I'm observing. I would be most interested in your deductions. Well, off hand, I'd say he was either English or American. Probably American, judging by his clothes. And he must have been pretty handy with his fists. And what do you base this? The broken knuckles on the right hand. How come his clothes are so wet? Perhaps you can guess. You fished him out of the Tiber? Exactly. Well, he wasn't in there long. Maybe four or five hours for me. Davide, would you care to venture a guess as to his identity? No, I'm afraid not. The desk clerk at the Hotel Nazionale said he visited you this afternoon. He's out of his mind. Perhaps I can refresh your recollection. His name is Kirby Patterson. What? That's impossible. Or is it? If he's Kirby Patterson, who's the other one? What other one? The boy who called on me yesterday and I gave him the listen. Capitano, you're positive this is the right Kirby Patterson? Absolutely. He was identified by a member of the American Embassy. Poor devil. You have no idea who killed him? Yes, I've got a big idea. Who? The fellow who called himself Kirby Patterson. What the. If you're confused, think of me. But maybe I know the man who can clear up this mess. Who? The house stick at the Hotel National. I'll let you know how I make out. Some more chianti, signor? Wearing? No, thanks, Giulian. Right now I have more pressing problems. My ears are at your command. Well, you told me you saw a woman with a man named Kirby in the lobby of the National. She. I did. Are you sure about that? The memory of Giulio Farinacci is not to be doubted, senor. It has been said. Okay, okay. Who was the gal? Let me think. She might have been a guest of the hotel. How do you arrive at that conclusion? Well, you said she wasn't Italian, so it's a good bet. If she met Kirby at the national, she must have been living there because he wasn't. Beautiful reason. Well, you know who she is. It escapes me at the moment. Okay, we'll start with the hotel register. That ought to give us a lead. Wait, wait. I believe I know the very woman. Yes. Suite 8 13. Marie Antonescu. Marie Antonescu? She's from Romania, I believe. Thanks a lot, Julio. Perhaps I can assist. No, no, you've done your share. From here on, it's up to me. Let's hope I do as. Hello, Marie.

[Marie Antonescu]

I beg your pardon.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Aren't you Marie Antonescu? Yes. Kirby Patterson sent me around.

[Marie Antonescu]

Kirby sent you here?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

In a manner of speaking.

[Marie Antonescu]

Oh, please come in.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Thank you.

[Marie Antonescu]

Sit down.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Thanks.

[Marie Antonescu]

I imagine Kirby's feeling very angry with me.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

No. As a matter of fact, he isn't feeling a thing.

[Marie Antonescu]

Oh, I am surprised.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

And he's dead.

[Marie Antonescu]

No.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Yes.

[Marie Antonescu]

I do not believe you. You are lying.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Where's my percentage?

[Marie Antonescu]

But they promised me.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Now we're getting to it. What do they promise you?

[Marie Antonescu]

Nothing.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Look, angel, you're in a jam. Stop talking.

[Marie Antonescu]

I know nothing, Mr. Waring.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

You know my name is Waring.

[Marie Antonescu]

You. You said so.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

No, I didn't. Kirby must have told you about his appointment with me. Kirby Patterson showed all right, but he wasn't the right boy.

[Marie Antonescu]

How do you know?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Because I saw the genuine article down at the morgue. They just dragged him out of the Tiber. He wasn't pretty, Marie. The fish.

[Marie Antonescu]

Stop it. Stop it.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

What's the matter? Getting sensitive all of a sudden? What did you do, take a walk while they killed him?

[Marie Antonescu]

He wasn't killed here?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

No. What's that rust colored spot on the rug near the phone? It ain't borscht, but he told me.

[Marie Antonescu]

We'D only put him to sleep.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Who told you?

[Marie Antonescu]

That's Steve Walters.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Stocky lad, brown hair. A little birthmark over his left temple.

[Marie Antonescu]

Yes.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

How much did he pay you?

[Marie Antonescu]

Oh, you do not understand. This Mr. Waters came here yesterday. He told me they had arrested my father in Bucharest. And if I.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

If you didn't cooperate, you'd never see him again?

[Marie Antonescu]

Yes.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Oh, come on, angel. You can dream up a better story than that.

[Marie Antonescu]

I swear it is the truth. You must believe me.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

That was the first time you saw this Steve Waters?

[Marie Antonescu]

Yes. He had just flown in from Romania.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Then he might be out of Italy. But no, no, he wouldn't. That material is worthless unless it's decoded.

[Marie Antonescu]

What?

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Nothing. I was just talking out loud. He's got to stay in Rome till he solves it. We're all behind the eight ball. If Mr. Waters is gone. Two equals a 17 is I. Then 23 would have to be okay. There ought to be. So that you, Roberto? Si, Senor Waters. Wait a second. I bring you something to eat. Well, put it down on the table. What do you got there? Pasta, lasagna, vino. That looks good. My wife make. My compliments to the little woman. Senor Steve, you know they are looking for you. Do tell. They ask questions everywhere. My wife, she's very nervous. We have a little one on the way. What's your excuse, huh? You're nervous, too. Maybe you should be. Because when the chief hears about Mike Waring nabbing you on the Rome Express with a party card in your pocket, you would not dial him. It would kill me. Senor, I beg of you, for the sake of my wife and my children. Yeah, we've got to consider them. Yes, well, my youngest is only 2 years old. Yeah, and you've got another bambuino on the way. Si, si. Well, that does raise a problem. I got it. Roberto, why don't you quit the party? You think the chief would let me? Well, of course. What? Didn't you know? The party's like a social club. You can resign whenever you please.

[Marie Antonescu]

Sure.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Yeah. Just let me talk to the chief. I can guarantee your troubles are over. Yeah? Senor Waring? That's right. Julio Farinacci, at your service. Where'd you find out, Julian? Your friend Stephen Waters came to Rome by way of Berlin. Berlin? There is no airplane service direct to Bucharest. He had a return ticket. What's the next flight out? Tomorrow morning at 11. Well, then there's a good chance that Waters might still be in Rome. Yes, he is. According to my information, he is living with a despicable type named Roberto Stefani. Roberto Stiff. That's the comrade I ran into on the Rome Express. What's the address? Corso Vittorio, number 23. I got it. Thanks a lot, Giulio. You're the greatest house dick this side of 42nd Street. Anytime you want a job at the Waldorf, let me know. Apparently, there is no one here. Apparently. Julian, could it be my informant misled me? Let's find out. Signor Waring, what do you call that? Well, in English they call skeleton keys. Anyone coming up the landing. I do not like this. It is against the law. So is murder. You think they take an oath not to use soap and water when they join the Communist Party? Those things they consider unimportant. What's behind that curtain? Oh, that is where they sleep, senor. Yeah, that. That is Stephen Waters. That was Stephen Waters. He's dead. Well, I didn't think that extra hole in his head was for ventilation. We should not be here. All right, take it easy, Julio. I want to look around. He had some Papers that belonged to me. Help me turn him over. If the senior will excuse me. What do you know? Here's a little item that did the trick. It is a German Luger. Yeah, that's what it is. Got a handkerchief? I do not think the carabinieri will approve of this. No, I do not think they will. Well, you're. Well, we'll meet again. I know this sounds antisocial, Capitano, but you're the last man I wanted to see. My entrance was a trifle premature. A trifle? What a pity. I could have timed it to give you an opportunity to wipe your fingerprints of the weapon. Hey, now, wait a minute. You don't think I'd do that? Oh, I know appearances can be deceiving. Would you like to convince me here or wait till we get to my office. Every day. Last year on the highways, an average of 103Americans like yourself or those in your family were killed in automobile accidents. But a lot of highway deaths don't seem to bother us much unless someone in our own family is killed. You can do your part in helping to fight disaster on the highways by being a safer driver. And by working in your community and state for strict law enforcement. That means safer traveling for all of us at all times. You must remember to drive as though your life depends on it. It does. Now, back to the adventures of the Falcon. If you know anything worse than being discovered standing over a cold corpse with a hot gun in your hand, I'd like to hear it. Just drop me a line and carry. The Italian police in Rome, they'll know where to reach me. They don't have far to travel. Let me congratulate you, Senor Waring. You relate a very interesting story. So help me, it's the truth. Ask Giulio here. Si, Capitano. I take an oath he does not lie. I was with him every minute of the time from the moment. Excuse me, please. See. See? Molto gradito gratio you're wearing. My apologies. Huh? You too, Giulio. I do not understand. That makes two of us. You will be pleased to learn we have solved the case. You have. You are interested? Vitally. The murder of your colleague, Kirby Patterson is no mystery. He was killed by the Communist agent Steve Waters. Agreed? Agreed. But who killed Waters? You care to venture again? Yeah. Roberto Stefani. It was his apartment. But Roberto had no reason. The death of Waters was motivated by revenge. I don't see it. You are forgetting the woman in the case. Maria Antonescu Mariascu. She was in love with Kirby. And you Think she killed Steve Waters? Yes. Never. Then how do you account for the fact that the murder gun belongs to her? What? And her fingerprints were found on the bed near the body. There must be some mistake. I hope not for your sake, senor. If there is, we shall have to return to you. But let us see what the lady has to say for herself.

[Marie Antonescu]

I tell you, you are wrong, Capitano. I did not kill Steve Waters. I was in my hotel all evening.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

And the gun you say was stolen from your room?

[Marie Antonescu]

Yes. Ask Giulio. I reported it to him this morning.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

She tells the truth, Capitano. Did her door show signs of forced entry? No. Then she was merely preparing an alibi.

[Marie Antonescu]

No, it is not true.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

How do you explain your fingerprints being found near Steve Water's body?

[Marie Antonescu]

I cannot.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Maybe I can. It would be most interesting, sir. Well? Well, it's simple. She was there. No. Look, Marie, you've got to stop lying. You're panicky and you're not thinking clearly. We can buy that stolen gun routine, but not the fingerprints. You had to be in that room. I tell you, don't bother unless it's the truth. Now, you went to Roberto's flat, didn't you?

[Marie Antonescu]

Yes, but when I got there, Waters was dead. But I did not kill him. I swear it.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

How did you learn where he was?

[Marie Antonescu]

Through a telephone call.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

Whose?

[Marie Antonescu]

He would not give his name.

[Mike Waring (The Falcon)]

This is most amusing. All right, give her a chance, Captain. Surely you don't believe her. Well, why not? What's so hard to believe about an anonymous phone call? You got one. Me? Well, you just didn't blunder into Roberto's place. Someone must have tipped you off. True. Well, there you are. But if she did not kill Waters, who did? Aren't you forgetting someone? Roberto Stefani. Well, he's a possibility, Giulio. Let's see if he meets the acid test. Now. This whole case is tied up with politics. Steve Waters was brought to Rome to do a job. But in accomplishing it, he killed Kirby. That made him a liability to the comrades. They had to get rid of him. Then the order to liquidate him must have come from a higher functionary here in Rome. That's right. But who could his superior be? Well, that's a good question, Capitano. Just ask yourself. Who knew I was looking for Steve Waters? Who was in a position to remove Kirby's body from Marie's room? Who alone had the opportunity to steal her gun? Obviously, someone employed by the Hotel Nazionale. Obviously. You. You are referring to me? Who else? Yeah, she did. A nice piece of work, Julio. I'm sure the party appreciates your efforts. Maybe when you join Steve Waters, you can start a new communist cell. You'll find a lot of hot prospects down there. Your attention, please. Flight 91. Well, I guess that means me. Before you go sign your wedding. On behalf of my colleagues, let me thank you again for your valuable assistance. Oh, my pleasure, Captain. I know it is undiplomatic of me to inquire, but that notebook of yours, did you ever find it in Julio is belonging? You know I couldn't answer that, but don't bother looking for it. I understand, but I'm just sorry you could not visit with us long. Oh, I'll be back, if only for one reason. They say when in Rome do is the Romans, but I never got a chance to find out just what it is the Romans do. This I got to learn. The Case of the King of Clubs. The Case of the King of Clubs. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon. When Mike Waring learns that when trumps are led, the game 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 Susan Douglas as Marie. This program came from New York. Fred Collins speaking.