The Falcon: TCOT Snappy Snapshots 05/31/1954

Summary

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Episode Summary

Overview

In this episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, listeners are treated to an installment of The Adventures of the Falcon titled "The Case of the Snappy Snapshots," originally aired May 31, 1954. The show follows private detective Mike Waring, aka The Falcon, as he unravels a web of blackmail, deception, and murder revolving around incriminating photographs and a faked crime scene. In classic hard-boiled style, Waring’s quick wit, skepticism, and clever deduction shine through as he exposes a layered plot and unmasks the culprit behind the blackmail.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Opening and Setup: The Kemp Brothers’ Scheme

• Walter and George Kemp are two shady detectives in search of a “stooge” for an illicit job. They try to recruit Paul Ziegler, a down-and-out man, for an easy but suspiciously well-paid gig.
• The job involves framing Phyllis Howard, a wealthy heiress, in an apparent affair to expedite a divorce for their client using staged photographs as evidence.
• Paul asks for $100, not $60, to go through with it—a sign of his reluctance or desperation.

Walter Kemp: “Suppose you were married to some dame you didn’t like—we furnish the evidence that she’s seeing some other guy.” (06:00)

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2. The Framing Goes Wrong

• Paul is sent into Phyllis Howard’s apartment; the plan is for compromising photos to be taken.
• The situation escalates: Phyllis resists Paul, a struggle ensues, and she faints after a gunshot is heard. Paul ends up dead—or so it seems.
• Phyllis, panicked, seeks Mike Waring's help, prompting the Falcon’s involvement in the case.

Phyllis Howard: “There’s a dead man in my apartment.” (10:22)
Mike Waring (quipping): “What’s bothering you that a million dollars can’t fix? Murder?” (10:13)

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3. Complications: Blackmail and Missing Evidence

• The supposed evidence (her purse, jewelry box) reappears in the apartment, while the “murder weapon” is a toy pistol.
• Incriminating photos of Phyllis slumped over Paul’s body are delivered to her, with clear intent to blackmail.
• A mysterious caller named Carlos Dario enters the scene, demanding a meeting.

Mike Waring: “These aren’t the kind of snaps you’d send out for publicity purposes.” (13:11)

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4. The Double Cross and Further Twists

• At the meeting, Dario demands the photos’ negatives in exchange for $20,000 and claims to be a victim himself, receiving similar blackmail threats.
• Mike quickly realizes Dario’s story doesn’t add up, suspecting the orchestrator is playing both Dario and Phyllis to maximize gain and minimize risk.

Mike Waring: “The killer is dividing the risk... less chance of being caught collecting from one than two.” (17:00)

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5. The Wax Dummy Revelation

• When police are called, the “body” in Phyllis’s closet turns out to be a wax dummy. The real Paul’s body has vanished, replaced during the commotion.
• Mike deduces that only Dario and Phyllis knew the plan to hide the body—narrowing his suspicions.

Walter Kemp: “That ain’t no stiff. It’s a wax dummy.” (19:59)

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6. The Falcon Outsmarts the Blackmailer

• A new blackmail demand arrives from the anonymous “Prince,” who asks for $40,000—half from Phyllis and half from Dario.
• Mike, knowing more than he lets on, refuses to hand over Dario’s money. Dario confronts Mike, dropping his accent during the heated conversation.
• With Dario’s slip, Mike exposes him as both the blackmailer “Prince” and the orchestrator of the crime—the entire scheme having been a setup to extort both targets.

Mike Waring: “Watch it, Dario. You dropped your accent.” (25:42)
Mike Waring: “Anyone as slick as you is bound to slip now and then.” (25:49)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike Waring’s Classic Wit:
  “Well, whenever I read figures containing more than three zeros, I get astigmatism.” (10:13)

• Phyllis’s Desperation:
  “What am I going to do?” (22:28)

• Wax Dummy Reveal:
  “That ain’t no stiff. It’s a wax dummy.” (19:59)

• Exposure of Dario:
  “You know what you’re saying Mike?”
  “You’re crazy.”
  “Watch it, Dario. You dropped your accent.” (25:42)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |-----------|--------------| | 02:25 | Mike sets the detective scene; Kemp brothers’ recruitment | | 06:03 | Walter describes the frame-up operation | | 07:03 | Paul enters Phyllis’s apartment | | 09:50 | Phyllis arrives at Falcon’s apartment for help | | 13:02 | Blackmail photos are delivered | | 15:00 | Mike, Phyllis, and Dario meet; tension rises | | 19:59 | Sergeant discovers the wax dummy | | 22:03 | Mike reflects on the case and the unexpected twist | | 25:19 | Dario confronts Mike; his identity is revealed | | 26:32 | Mike explains how he solved the case |

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Tone & Style

The episode embodies the brisk, sardonic tone characteristic of Golden Age detective radio. Falcon (Mike Waring) delivers rapid-fire quips and observations, while the supporting cast employs classic noir dialogue, creating suspense and dry humor in equal measure.

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Conclusion / Wrap-Up

Falcon’s deduction exposes Dario’s double identity and the multi-layered scam. The case is closed with Mike’s signature charm and a touch of romantic banter with Phyllis, rounding off another hard-boiled but witty detective adventure.

Mike Waring: “You can always tell your children about it some rainy day.” (27:23)
Phyllis Howard: “But to have children, I first have to be married.”
Mike Waring: “If you ever decide against it, promise me one thing—let me handle the adoption papers.” (27:30)

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End of summary.

Transcript

[Mike Waring]

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].

[Carlos Dario]

Hello?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Helen, I'm glad you called. I won't be able to make it tonight. Angel. Seems my client is having trouble with his competitors and he wants me to give him the business.

[Narrator]

The Mutual Broadcasting System takes pleasure in bringing you the new transcribed Adventures of the Falcon starring George Petrie as Mike Waring in just a moment. The Adventures of the Falcon. But first, now here a mutual minute. One man's mystery may be another's poison, but on Mutual you can find mystery throughout the week to please any taste. If factual police action drama is your pleasure, then you'll want to tune in every week for Under Arrest and Crime Fighters. On Under Arrest, police captain James T. Scott pursues a twisted path of criminal activity to its inevitable conclusion. A man under Arrest Crime Fighters is a program that emphasizes the equal importance of all who wage war against the enemies of society. For people whose taste in mystery fair is for the unusual, the strange and the eerie, there's nightmare here every week. You can hear the master of chills, Peter Laurie narrate a tale of taut suspense. And for the intrigue and delight of breathless excitement in high places across the world, Scott screen star George Sanders brings high adventure. Don't forget it's mutual for mystery. All kinds of mystery throughout the week over most of these stations. And now we invite you to listen to the adventures of the Falcon as Mike Waring solves the case of the snappy snapshots.

[Mike Waring]

There's one thing you learn working as a private detective. Persistence always pays off. As a case in point, I give you the two gentlemen driving along the Bowery. They are the Kemp brothers, Walter and George. They run a private detective agency in town. You'd never guess to look at them. They're a couple of philanthropists. But no relief organization ever looked harder to find a worthy object of their charity. And the camp boys.

[Walter Kemp]

Slow down, George.

[Mike Waring]

See something? Wallet.

[Walter Kemp]

Yeah. How about that bum standing near the pawn shop? Kind of old they need. What difference does it make? Stop the car. Hey, pop.

[Mike Waring]

Hey, Pop.

[Walter Kemp]

Come over here, will you?

[Mike Waring]

You want me, mister? Huh?

[Carlos Dario]

Yeah.

[Walter Kemp]

Would you like to make yourself five bucks?

[Mike Waring]

I ain't looking for one. Four, Ten.

[Walter Kemp]

What I'll do, pal? You come with us and I'll double it.

[Mike Waring]

What would I have to do?

[Walter Kemp]

Nothing hard. We'll explain it to you.

[Mike Waring]

No, I'M not interested. You better get somebody out. You all bump?

[Walter Kemp]

You hit me.

[Mike Waring]

Her crawl, cap.

[Walter Kemp]

All right, let him go, Waller. All right, beat it. Climb before I poke the one. All right, George. Now wait a minute, Wallace. How about that character over there? What character? Sleeping in the hallway. You see him?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah.

[Walter Kemp]

Better cut your motor. Okay, let's go. Keep your eyes peeled for a cop. Hey, buddy. Buddy. Let me go, will you? You might get up off that floor. I ain't doing nothing.

[Mike Waring]

Miss too.

[Walter Kemp]

I'm just trying to grab a little snooze. Have to find some other place. Okay, okay. Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. I'm just thinking maybe my brother and I could use you. How would you like a nice steady job with easy hours and all expenses on a house? Why picked on me? Because you look like the kind of a man we want. What's your name?

[Mike Waring]

Paul Ziegler.

[Walter Kemp]

Glad to meet you, Paul. My name is Walter Kemp. This is my brother George. Yeah, hi. Hurry up, Walter. Look, Paul, you got any family?

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Walter Kemp]

Where you from?

[Mike Waring]

Philadelphia.

[Walter Kemp]

Got any friends in town? No, that's. Well, I suppose you come along with us. Uh, what's the matter? I changed my mind. Come on, Walter. How much time you gonna waste with this schmol? You think you'd be right for the job? Yeah. And what are you schmilsons for? What are you waiting for? Walter, I dropped him. You pick him up. He's coming, too. Okay, George, you better beat it.

[Mike Waring]

What for?

[Walter Kemp]

You don't think he'll want to play ball if he sees you here? Especially after the way you socked him. All right, I'll meet you at the house. Don't wait up. I may be late.

[Mike Waring]

Oh,

[Walter Kemp]

hello, Paul. How do you feel?

[Mike Waring]

Who the devil are you?

[Walter Kemp]

Walter Kemp. You remember.

[Mike Waring]

You're the one who slugged me.

[Walter Kemp]

Nah, nah, that was my brother.

[Carlos Dario]

Where is he?

[Walter Kemp]

I. Take it easy. George is a little hot headed.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, well, nobody's pushing me around.

[Walter Kemp]

I didn't mean to. He just lost his temper. After all, he offered your job for 60 a week. 60 a week? That's right.

[Mike Waring]

For how long?

[Walter Kemp]

As long as you want it. Maybe after the first month, there might even be a little raise.

[Mike Waring]

What would I have to do?

[Walter Kemp]

Practically nothing. You see, my brother and I run a little detective agency. We specialize in divorce cases. What do you mean? Well, suppose you were married to some dame you didn't like. We furnish the evidence that she's seeing some other guy in the sight. What if she ain't? Then we manufacture it. I don't get you. Look, we got a case in the office right now. That's what we wanted you for. My client is married to a gal named Phyllis Howard.

[Mike Waring]

Phyllis Howard?

[Walter Kemp]

That's right. And just because my client's got a couple of bucks, she won't let him go. So we're gonna fix it so she's got no choice in the matter.

[Mike Waring]

How?

[Walter Kemp]

Well, tomorrow morning around 6 o', clock, we'll get you into her apartment through a window. Her husband will be waiting on a fire escape with a camera. Now, all you gotta do is put your arms around her while he takes a picture. And I get 60 bucks for the job? That's right. Ain't enough.

[Mike Waring]

I want a hundred.

[Walter Kemp]

Drive an awful tough boy.

[Mike Waring]

Now you heard me.

[Walter Kemp]

You ain't dealing with some chump, you know. I want a hundred bucks.

[Mike Waring]

So it's no deal.

[Walter Kemp]

Well, since it's all set up for tomorrow, okay. Now wait a minute.

[Mike Waring]

That ain't all.

[Walter Kemp]

I ain't going to this Phyllis's apartment in these clothes. Don't worry about it, Paul. As long as I know we can count on you, we'll have you dressed to kill. Now what could be fairer than that?

[Phyllis Howard]

Who's there? Who's there?

[Walter Kemp]

It's only me, baby.

[Phyllis Howard]

What are you doing in here?

[Walter Kemp]

Came up to see you. Wasn't that nice of me?

[Phyllis Howard]

Get out.

[Walter Kemp]

Ah, now you don't really mean that, Phyllis.

[Phyllis Howard]

Who told you my name?

[Walter Kemp]

One of your admirers? You know something? I can't see why you'd want to get rid of a good looking babe like you. Look, if you want money, just hold it, sweetheart. I'll get it. Little Paulie wouldn't think of troubling you. You just stay right where you are. What's in this box here?

[Phyllis Howard]

My jewelry.

[Walter Kemp]

Is it insured?

[Phyllis Howard]

Yes.

[Walter Kemp]

Oh, then you won't mind if I help myself, huh?

[Phyllis Howard]

Will you please get out?

[Walter Kemp]

Sure. Oh, I almost forgot. There was something else I came for.

[Mike Waring]

Come here, baby. All I want is one kiss.

[Walter Kemp]

Let go. Don't fight old Paul, honey. This ain't gonna hurt a bit. Come on, fellas, give. Who knows, you may even get to like you.

[Phyllis Howard]

Let go of me. No, no.

[Narrator]

In a moment we'll return to the Adventures of the Falcon. But first, if you're a baseball fan, this is for you. The whole fascinating story of the sport. The first professional game ever played. The team that scored 106 runs in one game. Colorful facts about Babe Ruth, the player who was fined $50 for hitting a home run. All this and much, much more in the Mutual Baseball Almanac, a hardcover book in full library size that sells for $3 in the deluxe edition. Wherever books are sold, the special radio edition can be yours for just one dollar. All you have to do is send your dollar to baseball box 144, New York 46. Here is a 256 page book crammed full of all the facts and figures you need to win any baseball argument. And there are special articles by some of the biggest stars in baseball. Campanella Pearsall, Dobby Rizzuto Musial and many others. Send for your copy of the Mutual Baseball almanac. Now, just $1 to baseball box 144, New York 46. Your money back at this book is not all I say. That's baseball box 144, New York 46. Now back to the Adventures of the Falcon.

[Mike Waring]

Three hours later, I was awakened. A beautiful dream by the doorbell. It was a pity to break it up. I was having such a wonderful time. I tried to find my place again. But whoever was leaning on the bell refused to get discouraged. So I tossed on a robe and staggered to the door.

[Phyllis Howard]

Mr. Waring?

[Carlos Dario]

Well.

[Phyllis Howard]

Are you Mike Waring?

[Mike Waring]

I'm never quite sure in the middle of the night.

[Phyllis Howard]

My name is Phyllis Howard.

[Mike Waring]

I don't care if. Did you say Phyllis Howard?

[Phyllis Howard]

That's right.

[Walter Kemp]

Now, come in.

[Mike Waring]

How come they let you wander around loose?

[Phyllis Howard]

What do you mean?

[Mike Waring]

Aren't you the gal whose uncle was T.J. howard?

[Phyllis Howard]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

And didn't I read in the papers that when his will was probated last month, he left you a cool 10 million?

[Phyllis Howard]

It was only one.

[Mike Waring]

Well, whenever I read figures containing more than three zeros, I get astigmatism. What's bothering you that a million dollars can't fix murder?

[Walter Kemp]

Murder? Yes.

[Phyllis Howard]

There's a dead man in my apartment.

[Mike Waring]

How'd he get there?

[Phyllis Howard]

I think he came off the fire escape.

[Mike Waring]

And he was alive when he walked in?

[Phyllis Howard]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Who is he?

[Phyllis Howard]

He called himself Paul.

[Mike Waring]

Paul, huh? What about his last name?

[Phyllis Howard]

I don't know.

[Mike Waring]

Did he try to walk off with any of your property?

[Phyllis Howard]

My purse in my jewel box.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, then we'll claim self defense.

[Phyllis Howard]

Self defense?

[Mike Waring]

Yes. What'd you do with the gun?

[Phyllis Howard]

Well, I didn't kill him.

[Mike Waring]

And who did? I don't know.

[Walter Kemp]

Now, look, Ms. Howard, I tell you, I didn't.

[Phyllis Howard]

He tried to kiss me. And while we were struggling, there was a shot.

[Mike Waring]

From his gun?

[Phyllis Howard]

I guess so.

[Mike Waring]

Anybody hear it?

[Phyllis Howard]

Apparently not.

[Mike Waring]

What happened after that?

[Phyllis Howard]

I must have fainted. When I came to, I decided I'd better call on you.

[Mike Waring]

What made you pick on me?

[Phyllis Howard]

I heard someone mention your name.

[Mike Waring]

Who?

[Phyllis Howard]

I'm not sure.

[Mike Waring]

You're not sure of anything, are you, Phyllis? You positive this Paul character is dead?

[Phyllis Howard]

He didn't move.

[Mike Waring]

That doesn't prove anything. Did you listen for his heartbeat?

[Phyllis Howard]

Well, no.

[Mike Waring]

Suppose we go over to your place and try it. I got a wonderful ear for that sort of thing.

[Phyllis Howard]

Must you move in like that?

[Mike Waring]

Must if I want to listen to his heartbeat. Well, you were right the first time, Phyllis. We could have saved ourselves a trip.

[Walter Kemp]

This is gun?

[Phyllis Howard]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Where's yours?

[Phyllis Howard]

Well, I told you, I don't have any.

[Mike Waring]

Well, friend, Paul certainly wasn't killed with this thing.

[Phyllis Howard]

He wasn't.

[Mike Waring]

Unless he was hit by a gumdrop. This is a kid's toy pistol.

[Phyllis Howard]

Well, I. I don't understand.

[Mike Waring]

Look, Phyllis, if you want me to work for you, you'll have to trust me. Now, what was this man to you?

[Phyllis Howard]

I told you, I never before saw him in my life. I thought he was a burglar.

[Mike Waring]

Where's your purse and jewel box?

[Phyllis Howard]

He put them under his coat.

[Mike Waring]

No, they're not here now. Where did you generally keep them?

[Phyllis Howard]

In my night table.

[Walter Kemp]

That one? Yes,

[Phyllis Howard]

but how did they get back in there?

[Mike Waring]

That's what a jury will want to know if we claim he tried to rob you.

[Phyllis Howard]

You've got to believe me, Mr. Waring. I've told you the truth.

[Mike Waring]

Who's that?

[Phyllis Howard]

I have no idea.

[Mike Waring]

Open that closet.

[Phyllis Howard]

What are you going to do?

[Narrator]

Get him out of sight.

[Phyllis Howard]

Can I help

[Mike Waring]

you?

[Walter Kemp]

Better answer that.

[Phyllis Howard]

Just a second. I'm coming. Who is this? Well, please slip it under the door, will you?

[Mike Waring]

What is it, Phyllis?

[Phyllis Howard]

The drawman said someone left this envelope at the desk for me.

[Mike Waring]

Let's see it.

[Phyllis Howard]

Why, they're pictures.

[Mike Waring]

And what pictures? They're all of you, angel. Not very flattering, are they?

[Walter Kemp]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Well, don't feel too badly. You couldn't expect to look your best slumped over Paul's body.

[Phyllis Howard]

What does it mean?

[Walter Kemp]

Blackmail.

[Phyllis Howard]

Blackmail?

[Mike Waring]

Well, these aren't the kind of snaps you'd send out for publicity purposes.

[Phyllis Howard]

Well, shouldn't there be a note with them?

[Mike Waring]

Not necessarily. Whoever is running this racket could always get in touch with us. That's one way to do it. You better let me.

[Carlos Dario]

Hello? I'd like to speak to Ms. Phyllis Howard, please.

[Mike Waring]

Who's calling?

[Carlos Dario]

Carlos Dario.

[Mike Waring]

Just a second. You know anyone named Carlos Dario? No, she can't come to the phone. Dario. You want me to leave a Message? Who are you? A very close friend of the family. You know about the pictures? Yeah.

[Carlos Dario]

Well, I'm staying at Hotel Wainwright. Tell her to come up and see me.

[Mike Waring]

What's in it for her?

[Carlos Dario]

Don't worry, mister. I see Miss Howard don't make trip for nothing. You know what I mean.

[Walter Kemp]

That Joe George.

[Carlos Dario]

It ain't Sergeant Fry.

[Walter Kemp]

Get out of my way.

[Narrator]

What's up?

[Mike Waring]

I gotta call our client.

[Walter Kemp]

Do you mind? Well, you know he left strict instructions. You were the shadow of the holiday. Well, she just left for Dario's apartment. So what? So she wasn't alone. She had an escort. A fellow named Mike Waring. What'd you kid. Oh, don't be a jerk. You think she hired Waring? Now what does it sound like to you? She wasn't supposed to. You told me a girl in her position would pay right off. Told me there wouldn't be any trouble. Now what did you want?

[Mike Waring]

Guarantees? You gotta do something, George.

[Walter Kemp]

If you let go of my code, I will. Now let me at that phone. No, I don't mean calling a client. We gotta get out of here. Now. Will you shut up? I told you I didn't like the idea in the first place. Remember? I said shut up.

[Mike Waring]

Now hand me that phone.

[Walter Kemp]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

You Carlos Dario?

[Walter Kemp]

That is right.

[Mike Waring]

I'm Mike Waring. This is Ms. Howard Waring. Why she bring you along?

[Phyllis Howard]

Will you stay?

[Mike Waring]

Don't blame her, Dario. It was all my idea. Oh, it was, huh? Yes. Now, suppose we get down to business.

[Narrator]

That suits me fine.

[Mike Waring]

Then suppose we swap the negatives for cash. I believe that's the customary arrangement. Yes, but first I got a little bonus for you. You know, good company. Stop it.

[Phyllis Howard]

My thing.

[Mike Waring]

Let go. Me, Andre, Let go. Will you behave? Let go.

[Walter Kemp]

You care?

[Mike Waring]

You can't. But you want to watch that temper. Now, where were we? I got what you want in this envelope. Mind if I open it? I'd like to see what I'm buying.

[Phyllis Howard]

It's full of $1,000 bills.

[Mike Waring]

The surprise, huh? Quite a bit. What's the idea, Dario? That's your price, isn't it? My price?

[Walter Kemp]

So help me, Waring, if you and

[Mike Waring]

this girl ever try to hold me

[Walter Kemp]

up again, I'll kill you.

[Mike Waring]

Now give me those niggers. Wait a minute, Dario.

[Walter Kemp]

Do I get them or do I have to take you apart?

[Mike Waring]

Please, sake, will you shut up and let me get this thing straight. How much money is in here? $20,000. And in exchange for it you expect us to turn over some negatives to you? That is right. By any chance, were those pictures of you near a body? Yes.

[Walter Kemp]

I don't know how you work it, Waring.

[Mike Waring]

But I never see that man before. And I didn't kill him. Yeah. Shake, sucker. We're on your side. My side? Yeah. Phyllis, where's your art collection?

[Phyllis Howard]

Here.

[Mike Waring]

Do those prints look familiar to you, Darion? Sure. They're pictures of me taken last week. Don't let those slacks fool you. It's Ms. Howard. You two are victims of the same racket.

[Walter Kemp]

Don't talk like a fool.

[Mike Waring]

It's the only way it makes sense. Then how come Ms. Howard called me yesterday. And said you had $20,000 ready?

[Phyllis Howard]

I didn't.

[Walter Kemp]

The lady on telephone give your name?

[Phyllis Howard]

She was lying.

[Mike Waring]

Don't you see, Daria? Whoever called you was working for the blackmailer. It don't add up so good to me. Look, it's not difficult. What the killer is doing here is dividing the risk. He wants money from you and Ms. Howard. All right. There's less chance of his being caught and collecting from one person than from two. Who's this he you talk about? Whoever is behind this little stunt. He'll probably get in touch with my client next. And ask her to match your 20 grand.

[Phyllis Howard]

In other words, I'm to be the collection he took.

[Mike Waring]

That's it. I don't know why wearing, but I believe you. Fine.

[Walter Kemp]

You keep my money and do what you think best.

[Mike Waring]

Fair enough. But remember, I can't afford nor misplace. These pictures can make plague trouble. No, they can't. What do you mean? Take a good look at this one of Ms. Howard slumped over the body. You can recognize Ms. Howard, all right. But you can't make out the face on the cork. So instead of a body, it could have been a wax dummy. But it was not. We know that, but we don't have to admit it. The only way the blackmailer can prove us liars is to produce the body.

[Walter Kemp]

I see what you mean.

[Mike Waring]

You going to get rid of him? That's right.

[Narrator]

But how?

[Mike Waring]

Leave it to me, Phyllis. I think I know the boy to handle it. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Careful. Have a drink, Sergeant? No, thanks, Phyllis?

[Phyllis Howard]

No, thanks.

[Walter Kemp]

All right, now what do you want?

[Mike Waring]

A slight favor.

[Walter Kemp]

And what do you call slight?

[Mike Waring]

Now remember, Sergeant, this is off the record.

[Narrator]

Go on.

[Mike Waring]

There's a body in Ms. Howard's apartment.

[Walter Kemp]

There's a what?

[Mike Waring]

You heard me.

[Walter Kemp]

Now, look, Mike, I don't like these kind of jokes.

[Phyllis Howard]

It's the truth.

[Mike Waring]

How did it get there? I haven't time to go into that now.

[Walter Kemp]

Oh, I Beg your pardon, Mr. Waring. I wouldn't want to do anything to interfere with your schedule.

[Mike Waring]

Never mind the sarcasm. Could you have the body removed and kept out of sight for a little while?

[Narrator]

Yeah, and maybe I could do the same for Ms. Howard.

[Mike Waring]

Listen, idiot, if she killed him, would I call you? Well, how do I know what a

[Walter Kemp]

screwball like you might do?

[Mike Waring]

I can see this is a big mistake and you're not kidding.

[Walter Kemp]

Now, let's see that body.

[Phyllis Howard]

You've got to believe, Mr. Hutchin. I didn't kill him.

[Walter Kemp]

We'll let the BA decide that.

[Mike Waring]

Come on, now, open up that door.

[Walter Kemp]

Well, where is he?

[Mike Waring]

In the bedroom closet.

[Walter Kemp]

All right, Ms. Howard, lead the way.

[Mike Waring]

Now, for the last time I'm asking you. Sergeant Witter is still.

[Walter Kemp]

No, he's in there. Oh, Mike.

[Mike Waring]

Steady, baby. You want some help, Corder? No.

[Walter Kemp]

You've done more than your sheriff. Okay, Mike, what's the idea?

[Mike Waring]

What's the matter?

[Walter Kemp]

Well, you're a great little clown, aren't you? How would you like a punch in the nose?

[Mike Waring]

What are you talking about?

[Walter Kemp]

That ain't no stiff. It's a wax dummy.

[Narrator]

What?

[Walter Kemp]

All right, kiddo, I give up. What's the joke?

[Narrator]

In a moment, we'll return to the Adventures of the Falcon.

[Mike Waring]

But first, you remember the old nursery

[Walter Kemp]

rhyme, 30 days have September, April, June and November. Well, 30 days have something else too. They have the answer to the question, why are Camels America's most popular cigarette? It's easy to find out for yourself why Camels lead by a record fifty and eight tenths percent. Smoke only Camels for thirty days. Make this pleasant test and then judge them carefully. For mildness, for flavor, for more pure pleasure. Then you'll know why camels lead the second place brand by 50 and 8, 10%. These latest figures, published in 1954 by Harry M. Wooten, leading tobacco industry authority, show Camel's lead is bigger than ever before. There must be a reason for such popularity. And there is. The reason is Camel's blend of costly tobaccos unmatched in any other cigarette. That gives smokers real mildness, richer flavor, more pure pleasure. Try Camel. See for yourself.

[Mike Waring]

Why?

[Walter Kemp]

For mildness. For flavor.

[Mike Waring]

For more pure pleasure.

[Walter Kemp]

Camels agree with more smokers than any other cigarette.

[Narrator]

Now back to the Adventures of the Falcon.

[Mike Waring]

A young fellow named Israeli once wrote, what we anticipate seldom occurs. What we least expect generally happens. And that best describes my feeling on seeing Sergeant Corbett haul a wax dummy out of Phyllis Howard's closet. And then it took me 25 minutes of fast ad living to get the sergeant out of the apartment.

[Phyllis Howard]

Did he go, Mike?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, but his feelings were awfully hurt. I don't think he likes me anymore.

[Phyllis Howard]

What am I going to do?

[Mike Waring]

Not a thing. I'm perfectly happy the way things are. The next move is up to the killer. He's got to get in touch with you if he wants to collect.

[Phyllis Howard]

But it may be days before.

[Mike Waring]

Mike, you better let me. Hello?

[Carlos Dario]

Hello. This Mr. Waring?

[Mike Waring]

Who wants to know?

[Carlos Dario]

The name is unimportant, sir. I'll answer to anything you choose.

[Walter Kemp]

Okay.

[Mike Waring]

Suppose we call you Prince. I once had a dog by that name.

[Carlos Dario]

I think you're annoyed with me.

[Mike Waring]

You blame me. What was the idea of switching a dummy for the stiff?

[Carlos Dario]

You didn't approve of my little joke.

[Mike Waring]

I don't see the point.

[Carlos Dario]

I was just anticipating your move on behalf of Ms. Howard. I put myself in her place.

[Walter Kemp]

Did you like it?

[Carlos Dario]

Not particularly. She's in a pretty awkward spot.

[Mike Waring]

How much will it cost her to get off?

[Carlos Dario]

I'm asking 20,000 for the negatives.

[Mike Waring]

What'll you take?

[Carlos Dario]

I don't believe in haggling, sir. You heard my price.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, Prince, it's a deal.

[Carlos Dario]

Look, I sent a boy around for the money. Oh, I. I wouldn't have him followed, Mr. Waring. The consequences would be unpleasant. You'll have the 40,000 ready.

[Mike Waring]

40,000?

[Carlos Dario]

The other 20 I refer to as Mr. Dario's contribution.

[Mike Waring]

Who?

[Carlos Dario]

Carlos Dario?

[Mike Waring]

Never heard of him.

[Carlos Dario]

There must be some mistake. I was informed that Mr. Dario gave the money to you.

[Mike Waring]

Well, your informant gave you a bun steer, Mr. Waring.

[Carlos Dario]

I always insist on what's coming to

[Mike Waring]

me and I'd like to see you get it.

[Carlos Dario]

I warn you, sir, if this is a childish attempt at fraud, you'll regret it.

[Mike Waring]

Well, Phyllis, that was Prince.

[Phyllis Howard]

But you told him you didn't receive any money from Dario.

[Mike Waring]

Uh huh.

[Walter Kemp]

What are you up to?

[Mike Waring]

It's perfectly simple, Angel. Any dollar I give that man is money thrown down the street. Sure. Well, 20 grand is an awful big hunk of change to toss away like that.

[Phyllis Howard]

But that money doesn't belong to you.

[Mike Waring]

You're looking at it the wrong way, Phyllis. It's bound to cost Dario 20 grand anyway. Now I'm sure he'd rather it wound up in my pocket than in Prince's.

[Phyllis Howard]

You don't realize what you're saying. If this Mr. Prince thinks that Dario is holding out on him, there's no telling what he might do. He might even kill Him?

[Mike Waring]

You know something, Phyllis? I never thought of that. What do you say we just put it out of our minds? Hello, Ms. Howard.

[Phyllis Howard]

Mr. Dario.

[Mike Waring]

Where is. Where? Oh, hi, Dario. Everything okay? No. Just. What you trying to pull? Now, calm down, Fell. There's nothing to get excited about. Where is my money? You mean that 20 grand?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, I'm sorry, friend. I haven't got it. I've already paid off the blackmailer. You're lying. How'd you know that? I got a call from Prince. He told me you denied getting any dough from me. You boys are pretty pally, aren't you? He calls you, you call him. Or maybe it's a lot simpler than that. What do you mean, your Prince.

[Phyllis Howard]

You know what you're saying, Mike?

[Mike Waring]

You're crazy. Watch it, Dario. You dropped your accent. The man is out of his mind. Give it off, pal. You look better without it. Listen, William. Sure, I listen. If you explain how you knew the name I hung on our caller was Prince. You made a mistake there, Dario. But then I can't blame you. Anyone who's as slick as you are is bound to slip now and then. I suppose we call the cops,

[Walter Kemp]

Mike, huh?

[Phyllis Howard]

I wish you'd explained something to me. When did you first suspect Dario?

[Mike Waring]

Well, when we found the body of Paul gone and that dummy in his place. He should never have moved it. The only ones who knew what I intended to do with the body were you and Dario. And I know you didn't laugh.

[Phyllis Howard]

Why did he give you the money then?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, that was a beautiful piece of work, Angel. You see, Dario doped out this blackmail stunt. And by pretending to be a victim inside, no one was supposed to suspect him. When he gave me that $20,000, he knew he was bound to get it back. Plus another 20 of yours and his.

[Phyllis Howard]

Paul, he said to my apartment, that

[Mike Waring]

was some snook that Dario's confederates lined up for the occasion.

[Phyllis Howard]

And Dario wasn't alone in the plot.

[Mike Waring]

No. This took an organization. He had a couple of boys working for him named Walter and George Kemp. They got Paul for him. When Paul climbed into your room last night, Dario was on the fire escape.

[Phyllis Howard]

And while the two of us were

[Mike Waring]

battling, he shot him. And then when you keeled over and

[Phyllis Howard]

effect, he went to work with the camera.

[Mike Waring]

Now you've got it.

[Phyllis Howard]

Now that I have. What am I supposed to do with it?

[Mike Waring]

Well, you can always tell your children about it some rainy day.

[Phyllis Howard]

But to have children, I first have to be married.

[Mike Waring]

It's customary. But if you decide against it, promise me one thing. Let me handle the adoption paper.

[Walter Kemp]

Good night, angel.

[Narrator]

In a moment, we'll tell you about next week's Adventure of the Fulton. But first, now here a Mutual minute. The advent of supersonic flight, atomic energy, or even the most recent discovery of

[Mike Waring]

a battery powered directly by the sun

[Narrator]

has not changed some aspects of our lives. At least evening hours are still leisure hours for most. And for most people, it means time to enjoy their favorite kind of entertainment. For millions, the programs they hear regularly on Mutual every evening provide just the kind of relaxing, informative or challenging listening they like best. There are top tales of mystery for the whodunit fans ranging from fantasy to documentary. And some of the most famous private eyes in the business stalk Mutual's airwaves regularly. News, too, is yours for the tuning. Whether you prefer a fast five minute news digest or thoughtful and penetrating commentary, Mutual's core of ace correspondence is at your service. You suit yourself when you hear Mutual's evening lineup of programs all heard over most of these stations. The Case of the Handy Help Mate. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon. And Mike Waring learns that what some wives will do for their husbands is murder. The Adventures of the Falcon was presented by the makers of mild, flavorful Camels, America's most popular cigarette, in cooperation with a Mutual network. The Adventures of the Falcon is based on the famous character created by Drexel Drake. Produced and transcribed by Bernard L. Shubert written by Eugene Wang. George Petrie was starred as the Falcon. Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett. This program is fictional, and a resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Russ Dunbar, SPE. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.