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Mike Waring
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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.
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.
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)
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)
Mike Waring: “These aren’t the kind of snaps you’d send out for publicity purposes.” (13:11)
Mike Waring: “The killer is dividing the risk... less chance of being caught collecting from one than two.” (17:00)
Walter Kemp: “That ain’t no stiff. It’s a wax dummy.” (19:59)
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)
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)
| 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 |
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.
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)
End of summary.