The Falcon: TCOT Strawberry Blonde 09/14/1952

Summary

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Podcast Episode Summary: "The Falcon: The Case of the Strawberry Blonde"

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Falcon: TCOT Strawberry Blonde (09/14/1952)
Air date: February 19, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this thrilling episode, Mike Waring—known as the Falcon—finds himself immersed in espionage, romance, and betrayal in post-war Paris. "The Case of the Strawberry Blonde" features international intrigue, with an American embassy worker tempted into treason, complex Soviet ties, and a web of double-crosses, all centering on the enigmatic Madeleine Buckman. The Falcon’s investigation uncovers a world where deception, loyalty, and the price of love collide.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage in Paris

• Mike Waring (the Falcon) is sent by American Intelligence to Paris to investigate possible leaks at the embassy.
• The story quickly introduces Madeleine Buckman, the titular "strawberry blonde," caught between her loveless marriage to Stephen, her loyalty to Communist cell leader Charles Brissot, and her own desires.
  [01:11–02:28]

2. Madeleine’s Dilemma

• Madeleine and Charles debate her unhappy marriage, which is a sham used to glean secrets.
• Charles pressures Madeleine for one last operation: persuade her husband Stephen Buckman, an aide at the American embassy, to steal a top-secret report.
  • Quote: Madeleine (exasperated): “The Party, the Party. That’s all I ever hear. What about me? Don’t I count for something?” [02:14]
  • Charles remains coldly pragmatic, reiterating the primacy of the Party over personal feeling.
    [02:08–03:41]

3. The 'Proposition' and Stephen's Shock

• At home, Madeleine asks Stephen for the report’s minutes. She stuns him with a double confession: she’s a Communist and her lover Charles is her cell leader.
  • Quote: Madeleine: “That’s why I need it. I am a communist.” [05:19]
  • The confrontation is tense, and Stephen refuses—at first.
    [03:41–06:13]

4. Double Crosses and Surveillance

• Pressured by his love for Madeleine and her absence, Stephen relents and decides to steal the report, believing it will win her back.
  • Quote: Stephen: “Madeleine, I’ll do it…” [07:17]
• Mike Waring surveils Stephen, catching him at the safe; Stephen, desperate, shoots at Waring and flees.
  • Quote: Mike: “Are you a communist?” [09:00]
  • Waring is wounded but survives.
    [08:15–12:18]

5. The Web Tightens

• Waring seeks detailed dossiers on Stephen and Madeleine; Madeleine lies to protect herself, denying knowledge of Brissot.
• Madeleine visits Brissot, and together they decide Stephen must be eliminated before he can alert the authorities. Brissot calls East Berlin for help from a hitman.
  • Quote: Charles: “You must not be blinded by bourgeois immorality, darling. Your husband represents a threat to our security.” [17:09] [13:33–19:00]

6. The Hitman's Double-Double Cross

• Brissot arranges a meeting with the presumed hired killer, Hank Lewis. Lewis, however, reveals himself as an undercover agent, not a Communist assassin, and kills Brissot.
  • Quote: Hank: “You made a couple of mistakes, Charlie. First of all, my name is Hank Lewis. And your friend Schnabel didn’t send me around.” [22:58] [21:04–23:30]

7. The Unraveling & Final Confrontation

• Waring and French police piece together the events. Madeleine tries to provide an alibi, but Waring exposes her as the real orchestrator behind Brissot’s murder, motivated by a mix of betrayal and jealousy.
  • *Quote: Mike: “When you’re a ladies’ man, as Brissot was, you’ve got to expect someday to run across a lady killer.” [28:19]_ [24:10–28:19]

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Notable Quotes and Moments

• On Loyalty vs. Love:
  Charles Brissot: “We Communists are fighting for our lives. In the battle, we must sacrifice our personal desires.” [02:21]

• On Deception:
  Madeleine Buckman: “I have been a member of the underground apparatus here for nine years.” [05:25]

• On Betrayal in Love:
  Mike Waring: “Well, I guess it just proves one thing. When you’re a ladies’ man, as Brissot was, you’ve got to expect someday to run across a lady killer.” [28:19]

• Comic Relief:
  Mike Waring, sarcastic: “Isn’t this the Trailways bus depot?” [08:19]

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Important Timestamps

• [01:11] – Introduction of Madeleine and her predicament.
• [02:08] – The Communist agenda revealed; Charles manipulates Madeleine.
• [05:19] – Madeleine drops the bombshell of her Communist allegiance.
• [06:42] – Stephen struggles with his decision, ultimately agreeing to betray his country.
• [08:18–10:35] – Waring confronts Stephen, who shoots him in desperation.
• [12:10] – Waring recovers and questions by the gendarme.
• [17:08] – Brissot orders Madeleine to go home; the plot to ‘liquidate’ Stephen.
• [22:58] – Hank Lewis turns the tables on Brissot, killing him.
• [28:08–28:19] – Waring sums up Brissot’s fate and Madeleine’s motivation.

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Tone & Style

The episode blends suspenseful espionage (shadowy meetings, coded orders) with emotionally charged exchanges between lovers on opposite sides of an ideological divide. Mike Waring delivers wry and sardonic commentary, maintaining the classic hard-boiled detective feel. The supporting cast shifts believably between cold calculation and melodramatic anguish, true to the era and the genre.

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Conclusion

In "The Case of the Strawberry Blonde," high stakes and tangled relationships drive a gripping narrative of betrayal and justice. The Falcon uncovers not only a spy network but the personal tragedies behind the cloak-and-dagger. The final twist—that Madeleine orchestrated Brissot’s murder out of spite and bitterness—delivers on the genre’s promise: in the world of noir, emotional wounds are as deadly as bullets.

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Transcript

[Stephen Buckman]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we

[Madeleine Buckman]

bring to you the greatest old time

[Narrator]

radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe

[Madeleine Buckman]

to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Mike Waring]

Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Donna, I'm glad you called.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Angel.

[Mike Waring]

I'm leaving tonight for Paris.

[Hank Lewis]

Yeah.

[Mike Waring]

American Intelligence is sending me to France. They want me to prove that 50 million Frenchmen can be wrong when it comes to murder.

[Narrator]

Once again, the National Broadcasting Company brings you the Adventures of the Falcon starring Les Damon. The transcribed 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 strawberry blonde.

[Mike Waring]

The boy who wrote April in Paris knew whereof he sung. And let me tell you, September in Paris isn't bad either. Maybe the chestnuts aren't in blossom, but Mother Nature still puts on a heck of a show. As Exhibit A, I give you Madeleine Buckman. Madelaine is a strawberry blonde sitting at the corner table at the Perigordine, the sidewalk cafe on the Left Bank. And judging by that pile of sauces in front of her, she's been sitting there for quite a spell. Suddenly her eyes light up and you might think either the brandy is responsible or the man approaching her is her husband. And you'd be wrong on both counts.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Charles, Darling.

[Charles Brissot]

It's so good of you to meet me. Have you been waiting long?

[Madeleine Buckman]

Since when?

[Charles Brissot]

I shall never forgive myself. I'm a beast.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I would have been glad to wait for you for the rest of my life. I was so happy when you called this morning.

[Charles Brissot]

Your husband did not suspect anything?

[Madeleine Buckman]

Stephen? No.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Good.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I can't stand him. Charles, when will you permit me to divorce him?

[Charles Brissot]

You know, Madeleine, if I had my way, it would be different. But for the best interests of the Communist Party.

[Madeleine Buckman]

The Party, the Party. That's all I ever hear. What about me? Don't I count for something?

[Charles Brissot]

Of course you do, darling.

[Madeleine Buckman]

But the Party always comes first.

[Charles Brissot]

Naturally. We Communists are fighting for our lives. In the battle, we must sacrifice our personal desires.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Well, I have done my share of sacrificing. I only married Stephen because he could be useful to you.

[Charles Brissot]

And he has been, as an employee of the American Embassy has been extremely valuable.

[Madeleine Buckman]

How much longer must we continue? This far?

[Charles Brissot]

You must be patient, Sherry.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I have been patient for a year.

[Charles Brissot]

I promise you, Madeleine, this is the last thing the Party will request of you. Yesterday, General Harris held a very important meeting with Sir Peter Heyward of the British Foreign Office. They arrived at a definite decision what they would do in the event the Soviet again blockaded West Berlin. I want Stephen to get us the minutes of that meeting.

[Madeleine Buckman]

But you are being absurd. You won't do it.

[Charles Brissot]

But why not? He's helped us before.

[Madeleine Buckman]

That was different. I only reported to you what he told me in confidence as his wife. Now you are asking him to play the role of a traitor.

[Charles Brissot]

No. You will ask him.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Haven't I done enough?

[Charles Brissot]

Darling, you must remember I too have made sacrifices. Every time I think of Stephen holding and kissing you, I die. But for the good of the cause, I have been willing to forget my feelings.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Charles, I love you so much.

[Charles Brissot]

And I love you, Madeleine.

[Madeleine Buckman]

If I can get Stephen to do

[Charles Brissot]

this, the party will require nothing further of you.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Promise?

[Charles Brissot]

I promise. Now finish your drink. Sherry. Your husband is probably concerned about you. And under no circumstances do we want Stephen to worry doing.

[Stephen Buckman]

That's you, Madeleine.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Oh, Stylian. You startled me.

[Stephen Buckman]

Oh, I'm sorry, honey. I didn't mean to. Here, let me help you with those packages.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Mercy. Oh, I have such a beastly headache.

[Stephen Buckman]

Oh, sit down, baby.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I must have my eyes attended to.

[Stephen Buckman]

Would you like me to rub your forehead?

[Madeleine Buckman]

No.

[Stephen Buckman]

Well, how about a couple of assets?

[Hank Lewis]

No.

[Madeleine Buckman]

No?

[Charles Brissot]

Are you sure?

[Stephen Buckman]

You know they always will.

[Madeleine Buckman]

You stop treating me as a child. I know my own mind.

[Stephen Buckman]

I'm sorry, sweetie, I. I only.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Who cares what you mean? Mad rubbish. Madeleine. Madeleine, if you don't stop. Forgive me, Stephen. I am an evil tempered female. I don't know why you put up with me.

[Stephen Buckman]

Put up with you? I couldn't live without you. You know I'd do anything in the

[Lieutenant Brian]

world to make you happy.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Anything.

[Mike Waring]

Just name it.

[Madeleine Buckman]

All right. General Harris had a conference yesterday with Sir Peter Heywood. No.

[Stephen Buckman]

How did you know that?

[Madeleine Buckman]

It doesn't matter. I want the minutes of that meeting.

[Stephen Buckman]

What?

[Madeleine Buckman]

I want to know to the last comma. Everything that transpired.

[Stephen Buckman]

If you're not the limit. For a second there you had me going. I thought you were serious.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I am.

[Stephen Buckman]

But that's classified material.

[Madeleine Buckman]

That's why I need it. I am a communist.

[Stephen Buckman]

You're a what?

[Madeleine Buckman]

I have been a member of the underground apparatus here for nine years.

[Stephen Buckman]

I don't believe it.

[Lieutenant Brian]

You couldn't be otherwise.

[Madeleine Buckman]

You never would have fallen in love with me.

[Stephen Buckman]

I would have fallen in love with you no matter what you were. But I can't accept.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Don't be a fool.

[Stephen Buckman]

What about Charles Brissot?

[Madeleine Buckman]

What about him?

[Stephen Buckman]

Well, he introduces. Did he know about your political affiliations?

[Madeleine Buckman]

He should, darling. He is the leader of our cell.

[Stephen Buckman]

Oh, if I'm not the world's prize chump. I always wanted what you saw in me.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I take it then, you will not do as I ask?

[Stephen Buckman]

No.

[Madeleine Buckman]

All right.

[Stephen Buckman]

Stephen, where are you going?

[Madeleine Buckman]

Where do you think?

[Stephen Buckman]

No, I won't let you. I don't care what you are.

[Lieutenant Brian]

I love you.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Prove it. Get me the report. No.

[Stephen Buckman]

No, I can't do that.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I refuse to argue with you, Stephen. If you change your mind, you can reach me at the Hotel Savoy.

[Stephen Buckman]

I won't change it. I don't care if. Madeleine, come back here. Madeleine.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Well, I guess you overestimated your hand, Charles.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Did I?

[Madeleine Buckman]

You felt certain that Steve would do as I requested.

[Charles Brissot]

He will yet, darling. Give him time.

[Madeleine Buckman]

In almost a week.

[Charles Brissot]

I'm not at all worried. Another day or two and Stephen will come crawling.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Listen, Charles, if he doesn't, can I secure a divorce?

[Charles Brissot]

We will discuss that later.

[Madeleine Buckman]

That's what you always say when I've done everything you requested.

[Charles Brissot]

It was not my request, it was the party.

[Madeleine Buckman]

But I have a right to expect something.

[Charles Brissot]

Darling, I believe that's your turn.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I don't care.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I do.

[Charles Brissot]

Be a good girl and answer it.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Hello? Hello, Madeleine. Yes.

[Stephen Buckman]

How are you? Honey, you don't know how I've missed you. I've been going out of my mind.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Look, Stephen, we have been all through this. If you have nothing further to say,

[Stephen Buckman]

Madeleine, I'll do it.

[Madeleine Buckman]

What?

[Stephen Buckman]

If you want that report, I'll get it for you.

[Madeleine Buckman]

You will?

[Stephen Buckman]

Yes. When can I see you?

[Madeleine Buckman]

When you secure the report.

[Stephen Buckman]

I'll do it tonight. Can I just see you for a couple of minutes this afternoon? I thought I dropped my.

[Madeleine Buckman]

No, there will be time for that later. Au revoir. Steven.

[Stephen Buckman]

Madeline.

[Mike Waring]

Steven.

[Madeleine Buckman]

You know, it was.

[Charles Brissot]

Forgive me if I say I told you so.

[Madeleine Buckman]

You know everything, don't you, Charles?

[Lieutenant Brian]

Not quite, darling.

[Charles Brissot]

But what I don't know, Stephen's report will supply. Suppose we drink to the success of his venture.

[Stephen Buckman]

41 left 13 right, 69.

[Lieutenant Brian]

What the.

[Mike Waring]

Thought we might as well have a little light on the subject.

[Stephen Buckman]

What are you doing here?

[Mike Waring]

Well, isn't this the Trailways bus depot?

[Stephen Buckman]

That's not funny.

[Mike Waring]

No, but it's the best I could think up of on the spur of the moment. What's your excuse?

[Stephen Buckman]

I don't think I have to answer to you.

[Mike Waring]

I think you do. My name is Mike Waring.

[Stephen Buckman]

Mike Waring?

[Mike Waring]

Yes. Maybe you better take a look at my credentials.

[Stephen Buckman]

Oh, you're you're with Army Intelligence.

[Mike Waring]

Now that we have me identified, who are you?

[Stephen Buckman]

Steve Buckman.

[Mike Waring]

Buckman?

[Stephen Buckman]

I'm the aide to the military attache.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, yeah. What are you doing here at this hour?

[Stephen Buckman]

Well, I wanted to finish up some

[Mike Waring]

work I had left over. You always work like this?

[Lieutenant Brian]

Huh?

[Mike Waring]

At the safe with a flashlight?

[Stephen Buckman]

Well, I, I, I know it seems funny.

[Mike Waring]

Funny is hardly the word. Are you a communist?

[Stephen Buckman]

Are you crazy?

[Mike Waring]

I asked you first. There's been a leak out of this office for almost a year.

[Stephen Buckman]

Well, I, I, I don't know anything about it.

[Mike Waring]

What's in that safe?

[Stephen Buckman]

I have no idea.

[Mike Waring]

And why were you so anxious to get in there?

[Stephen Buckman]

You don't understand.

[Mike Waring]

No, I don't. Would you like to try briefing me?

[Stephen Buckman]

I swear I've never done anything like this before. If it wasn't for Charles Brisseau.

[Mike Waring]

Whoa, whoa, wait a minute. Who's Charles Briseau? He your contact?

[Stephen Buckman]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Then who was what? Who do you pass on your information to?

[Stephen Buckman]

I don't pass it on to anyone.

[Mike Waring]

You were after the minutes of the meeting between General Harris and the British.

[Stephen Buckman]

How did you know that?

[Mike Waring]

We cooked it up just to flush you out. We figured the comrades would go for the report.

[Stephen Buckman]

I told you, I'm not a Communist.

[Mike Waring]

And why did you do it?

[Stephen Buckman]

They, they, they offered me money.

[Mike Waring]

Who's this they you keep referring to, huh? You claim it isn't this Charles Brissot?

[Stephen Buckman]

Well, I, I was lying.

[Mike Waring]

You got your tenses mixed. You still are.

[Stephen Buckman]

Listen, where are you?

[Mike Waring]

Only if you start telling the truth. Now who are you protecting?

[Stephen Buckman]

No, I, no one.

[Charles Brissot]

I swear.

[Mike Waring]

You married?

[Lieutenant Brian]

Yes.

[Stephen Buckman]

But Madeleine knows nothing about this. I give you my word.

[Mike Waring]

You better come along with me.

[Charles Brissot]

What for?

[Mike Waring]

Because something smells around here and I think it's your story.

[Stephen Buckman]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Come on, Steve. Let's not make this any tougher than we have to.

[Stephen Buckman]

Stay away from me.

[Mike Waring]

Now don't be a fool, fella. Put away the gun.

[Stephen Buckman]

I said stay away. Sir, help me. I'll use it if I have to.

[Mike Waring]

No, you won't.

[Stephen Buckman]

I'm warning you, Waring. I've got everything to gain and nothing to lose. You're the only one who knows about this.

[Mike Waring]

I'll tell you what I'll do.

[Charles Brissot]

Steve.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Get back.

[Mike Waring]

I just wanted to show you.

[Stephen Buckman]

I said get back. I warned you. I told you I'd shoot.

[Mike Waring]

Wearing.

[Stephen Buckman]

Wearing.

[Narrator]

Some drivers like to travel at night because the highways are less crowded than in the daytime.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Do you?

[Narrator]

If so, you're courting danger and should be extra careful. Although far Fewer cars travel on the roads at night. The death rate per vehicle is four times greater at night than in the daytime. You may have the vision of an owl after dark, but your number may be up if you drive too fast or become involved in an accident with one of those drivers with extremely bad night vision. Avoid driving at night whenever possible. And at all times, drive as though your own life depends on it.

[Lieutenant Brian]

It does.

[Narrator]

Now, back to the Adventures of the Falcon.

[Mike Waring]

Well, like the man says, you pays your money and you take your choice. Either it was the luck of the Irish that said, or Steve Buckman didn't have his mind on his work. At any rate, that slug only creased my skull. The next thing I knew, I was on my hands and knees. And when I swiveled my head around, I found myself looking at two flat feet neatly encased in black leather boots. When I raised my sights a little higher, I saw the blue pants and blue coat that completed the outfit. Yep, it was a gendarme. And like all Frenchmen, he was real polite.

[Lieutenant Brian]

May I assist you, monsieur?

[Mike Waring]

You may indeed.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Permit me. Shall we try for thee so far?

[Mike Waring]

Why not? Oh, nothing like living dangerously.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Well, I think you will be comfortable here.

[Mike Waring]

Thanks.

[Lieutenant Brian]

I think we had better call a doctor.

[Mike Waring]

No, I think we had better not.

[Lieutenant Brian]

But your head.

[Mike Waring]

It's still on, isn't it?

[Lieutenant Brian]

May I inquire your name?

[Mike Waring]

As Michael Waring. I'm attached to American Intelligence. You'll find my credentials in my side pocket.

[Lieutenant Brian]

This one?

[Mike Waring]

Yep. While you're at it, Lieutenant, would you hand me a cigarette?

[Lieutenant Brian]

Gladly.

[Charles Brissot]

Merci.

[Mike Waring]

Tell me, how did you know I was here?

[Lieutenant Brian]

A passerby heard the shot. He was good enough to inform us. You will not think me forward if I inquire exactly what transpired here?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, nothing worth talking about.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Monsieur is too modest. Would you happen to know the name of your assailant? From the course of the bullet, one might think you were gazing directly at him.

[Mike Waring]

Look, Lieutenant, I don't want to be obnoxious, but this doesn't concern you.

[Lieutenant Brian]

I am delighted to have your assurance.

[Mike Waring]

Did you ever hear of a Charles Brisson?

[Lieutenant Brian]

Was Charles Brissot the one who attacked you? No. Then why are you so interested in him?

[Mike Waring]

Just curious. As he Communist?

[Lieutenant Brian]

What makes you ask that?

[Mike Waring]

Just a hunch.

[Lieutenant Brian]

I may be permitted my doubts. If, as you say, Charles Brissot was not the one who attacked you, then I must press you for the name of the man who was.

[Mike Waring]

No, I'm sorry, Lieutenant. I can't tell you.

[Lieutenant Brian]

You mean you will not.

[Mike Waring]

Never Join.

[Lieutenant Brian]

I must remind you, monsieur, I represent the authority of France.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, but we're in the United States.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Pardon?

[Mike Waring]

Well, our embassy here is considered American soil.

[Lieutenant Brian]

A mere technicality.

[Mike Waring]

Nevertheless, I'm going to have to stand on it.

[Lieutenant Brian]

I think you will regret that decision. I would not. Say goodbye, my friend. I have a feeling we will meet again. Au revoir, monsieur.

[Hank Lewis]

Intelligence, Major Harris speaking.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Dixie. Mike Waring.

[Hank Lewis]

Where the devil you been hiding yourself?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, I've been having a ball.

[Hank Lewis]

You find out anything at the embassy?

[Mike Waring]

Enough. Look, I want a complete dossier on Steve Buckman.

[Hank Lewis]

You are boy.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Yep.

[Mike Waring]

He took a shot at me.

[Hank Lewis]

Obviously he don't ain't too good.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I'll see you get some more practice. I want to know everything about Buckman and his wife. And I mean everything. What he eats for breakfast, what kind of a car he drives.

[Hank Lewis]

I can tell you that it's a nice same as you.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that ain't enough. I want to know the model and the color. How often he changes his mobile oil.

[Hank Lewis]

In short, you want the work.

[Mike Waring]

That's right. How soon can you have it for me?

[Hank Lewis]

Give me a couple hours.

[Mike Waring]

I'll give you one.

[Stephen Buckman]

Or.

[Hank Lewis]

Be reasonable, Mike.

[Mike Waring]

I can't. With all the airlines out of Paris, our pigeon can fly too far away. Let me hear from you real soon.

[Stephen Buckman]

Madeline. Madeleine, It's Stephen. Open up.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Just a moment. Did you get it?

[Stephen Buckman]

Lock the door.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Where's the report?

[Charles Brissot]

I didn't get it.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I told you not to come unless you.

[Stephen Buckman]

You don't understand. I killed a man.

[Hank Lewis]

What?

[Stephen Buckman]

He was an intelligence officer named Mike Waring. He caught me at the safe.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Well, you cannot stay here.

[Stephen Buckman]

I don't intend to. I'm gonna give myself up.

[Madeleine Buckman]

You are going to.

[Stephen Buckman]

I just wanted to say goodbye and tell you I love you more than anything else in the world.

[Madeleine Buckman]

But you have no hesitation about involving me.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, you don't think I'd do that?

[Madeleine Buckman]

How can you keep me out?

[Stephen Buckman]

I'll manage somehow.

[Madeleine Buckman]

And what about Charles?

[Stephen Buckman]

Leave Mr. Brousseau to me.

[Madeleine Buckman]

But we are equally involved.

[Stephen Buckman]

Just le that to me. Be good to yourself, honey.

[Madeleine Buckman]

No, no, no, wait. Stephen, you must not give yourself up. How do you know you killed this Michael Waring?

[Stephen Buckman]

Madeleine, he was lying on the floor.

[Madeleine Buckman]

That means nothing. And did you feel his pulse?

[Stephen Buckman]

No.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Well, there you are. For all you know, he may still be alive. I want you to stay here until I find out.

[Stephen Buckman]

You're not going over to see Charles?

[Madeleine Buckman]

Of course not. You can depend on me. Just be patient, darling. I shall return as quickly As I can. Hello, waiter. I am looking for Monsieur Charles Briss. I know he generally. Oh, never mind. I see him.

[Stephen Buckman]

Charles Mele.

[Charles Brissot]

What a pleasant surprise. Do sit down.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Merci.

[Charles Brissot]

This was not very clever of you, darling.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I could not help myself.

[Charles Brissot]

Stephen get a report?

[Madeleine Buckman]

No. He was apprehended at the safe.

[Charles Brissot]

How do you know?

[Madeleine Buckman]

He is in my hotel room now. He killed an American intelligence officer named Michael Waring.

[Charles Brissot]

It would have been in the papers.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Perhaps they have a reason for suppressing it.

[Charles Brissot]

Did Stephen leave anything behind that might incriminate him?

[Madeleine Buckman]

I have no idea.

[Charles Brissot]

Find out.

[Madeleine Buckman]

But it does not make any difference. He intends to give himself up.

[Charles Brissot]

He is insane.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I have tried to argue him out of it, but he insists.

[Hank Lewis]

The fool.

[Charles Brissot]

Doesn't he care about involving you?

[Madeleine Buckman]

He claims he can protect me.

[Charles Brissot]

What about me?

[Madeleine Buckman]

He's not quite so gallant.

[Charles Brissot]

He must be stopped. Madeleine? I shall have to call her. Schnabel in East Berlin.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Charles, you would not do that.

[Charles Brissot]

You must not be blinded by bourgeois immorality, darling. Your husband represents a threat to our security. Naturally, this situation cannot be tolerated.

[Madeleine Buckman]

But Schnabel will send someone to kill him.

[Charles Brissot]

I prefer the word liquidated.

[Madeleine Buckman]

You cannot do this, Charles. Stephen's only crime was to fall in love with me.

[Charles Brissot]

Are you permitting sentiment to interfere with duty?

[Madeleine Buckman]

You never do, do you?

[Charles Brissot]

Never. I don't want you to go back to the hotel. I want you to go directly to your apartment.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I will not do it.

[Charles Brissot]

Yes, you will. On your way, darling. I must make my telephone call. Hello? I would like very much to speak with Eric Schnabel, please.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Who is this?

[Charles Brissot]

Charles Brissot.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Oh, how are you, comrade?

[Charles Brissot]

Excellent.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Any new conquests?

[Charles Brissot]

Eh? My dear Schnabel, my prowess with women has been greatly exaggerated.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Brissol, you sly one. How are things in Paris at the moment?

[Charles Brissot]

Not too well. You've had a little unpleasantness.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Something serious?

[Charles Brissot]

Nothing your department cannot take care of adequately.

[Lieutenant Brian]

How many men will you need?

[Charles Brissot]

One should be sufficient.

[Lieutenant Brian]

What are his instructions?

[Charles Brissot]

I prefer to give them to him personally. Will you be kind enough to have him report directly to me at my apartment?

[Mike Waring]

You have the address?

[Lieutenant Brian]

Not dearly. I will look over my files and send the best available man to you on the first flight to Paris.

[Charles Brissot]

Junkershean. I know. Whoever you choose will be more than satisfactory. Now, Feeders and comrades.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Just a moment.

[Mike Waring]

I'm looking for Madeleine Buckman.

[Madeleine Buckman]

What can I do for you, Monsieur?

[Mike Waring]

My name is Mike Waring.

[Madeleine Buckman]

But I thought you.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Yes?

[Madeleine Buckman]

Oh, nothing. I had confused you with someone else.

[Mike Waring]

Well, May I come in?

[Madeleine Buckman]

For what purpose?

[Charles Brissot]

Suppose you take a look at this.

[Madeleine Buckman]

You are with American Intelligence?

[Mike Waring]

That's right.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Then you will wish to see my

[Mike Waring]

husband, and he isn't home.

[Madeleine Buckman]

How did you know that?

[Mike Waring]

Well, haven't you heard? We don't miss a trick. Well. Nice place you've got here.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Yes, we find it agreeable. Sit down, please.

[Charles Brissot]

Thank you.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Forgive me for asking, but what happened to your head?

[Lieutenant Brian]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, you mean this bandage? Well, that's a very dull story. I was shot.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Shot?

[Lieutenant Brian]

Yeah.

[Mike Waring]

Lucky for me, my assailant was kind of jittery. I don't think he was cut out for that kind of work.

[Madeleine Buckman]

This happened in Paris?

[Mike Waring]

Well, yes. No, actually, it was in Paris, but it was still the United States.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I don't understand.

[Mike Waring]

It happened at the American Embassy.

[Madeleine Buckman]

But it seems incredible.

[Mike Waring]

Well, then you'll never believe the payoff. Guess who was the man behind the gun?

[Madeleine Buckman]

Who?

[Mike Waring]

Your husband.

[Madeleine Buckman]

What?

[Mike Waring]

You did that very well. Do you know Charles Brisso?

[Madeleine Buckman]

No.

[Mike Waring]

You don't know what you're missing. He's the original Lanolin plus kid. A real smoothie.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Obviously, he's a friend of yours.

[Mike Waring]

No, I've never had the pleasure that.

[Charles Brissot]

You have.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Haven't you?

[Madeleine Buckman]

Are you suggesting.

[Mike Waring]

Suggesting? You've known Charles Brisso since 1946 when you joined an underground Communist cell here in Paris.

[Madeleine Buckman]

You are insane.

[Mike Waring]

Further suggesting you and Brisso put Steve up to stealing a report of a joint meeting between the British and the Americans.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Get out.

[Mike Waring]

All right, Angel. That. If you hear from Comrade Brisso, tell him I'm on my way over. I'd appreciate it if he could hang around for me. After that, he can hang around on his own. Just a moment.

[Charles Brissot]

Yes?

[Hank Lewis]

Hi, Charlie.

[Mike Waring]

You busy?

[Charles Brissot]

Who are you?

[Hank Lewis]

I'm not fussy. I'll answer anything.

[Charles Brissot]

Oh, of course. You're one of Schnabel's boys.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Who?

[Charles Brissot]

Eric Schnabel.

[Hank Lewis]

Never heard of the man.

[Charles Brissot]

I admire your discretion, comrade. Come in.

[Hank Lewis]

Thanks.

[Charles Brissot]

And I did not expect an American.

[Hank Lewis]

Well, it takes all kinds to make a world.

[Charles Brissot]

How tall? Careful. Drink?

[Hank Lewis]

No, I never touch a stove.

[Charles Brissot]

Perhaps a cigarette, then.

[Hank Lewis]

Now you've got yourself a customer.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah.

[Charles Brissot]

Try one of these. I have them specially blended.

[Hank Lewis]

No kidding. It's not bad. Not bad at all.

[Charles Brissot]

I assume you would prefer to conclude this transaction immediately.

[Mike Waring]

You in a hurry?

[Charles Brissot]

Unfortunately. There's a man named Stephen Buckman in Sweet Foy of the Savoy. I should like you to pick him up.

[Hank Lewis]

Steve Buckman, eh?

[Charles Brissot]

Yes, but I do not wish him killed there in Fact, I prefer that his death appear an accident.

[Mike Waring]

Aha.

[Hank Lewis]

Well, how would you handle it?

[Charles Brissot]

Well, you are the expert.

[Hank Lewis]

Oh, no, that's okay. I don't mind listening to amateurs. Every once in a while you pick up a pretty good idea.

[Charles Brissot]

Well, if you could arrange for it to look as though he jumped off one of the bridges into the Seine.

[Hank Lewis]

That's too tricky. You never know who's going to be watching.

[Charles Brissot]

Then perhaps an automobile accident. Suppose he was struck by a car?

[Hank Lewis]

Oh, you disappoint me, Charlie. You start getting fancy, you're gonna lounge yourself up but good. Personally, I like to keep it simple. You know what I mean?

[Stephen Buckman]

No.

[Hank Lewis]

Well, let me demonstrate. Now, make believe you're my pigeon.

[Charles Brissot]

What are you doing with that gun?

[Hank Lewis]

You made a couple of mistakes, Charlie. First of all, my name is Hank Lewis. And your friend Schnabel didn't send me around.

[Lieutenant Brian]

What?

[Hank Lewis]

And your ideas how a torpedo should operate are ridiculous.

[Mike Waring]

Put away that gun.

[Hank Lewis]

I just want to prove my point.

[Stephen Buckman]

Are you going to?

[Hank Lewis]

You see what I mean? Why go to all the trouble when a couple of these will take care of everything? Like I always say, you gotta keep it simple.

[Narrator]

If you're an average American on a Saturday or Sunday, you enjoy your car. You take a short drive or a long trip. And if you use your automobile a lot on weekends, you have a good idea how many millions of cars pour out onto the highways on Saturdays and Sundays. That's one reason why the traffic death toll is so high. And and why the utmost caution is needed in weekend driving more than at any other time. So on weekends particularly, remember to drive as though your life depends on it.

[Lieutenant Brian]

It does.

[Narrator]

And now back to the Adventures of the Falcon.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's life for you. And it took Hank Lewis exactly three and a half seconds to end it for Charles Brisso. But the first I knew of it was an hour later when I walked into Brisso's apartment and found him lying on the floor. I had a sneaking suspicion something was wrong. But obviously Brisso wasn't going to tell me what. So I did the next best thing. I started going through his desk. I don't know what I expected to run across, but when I hit the fifth drawer, I found everything I was looking for, including trouble.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Perhaps I can assist you.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, no.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Monsieur Waring, I presume.

[Mike Waring]

Well, it ain't Doc Livingston you're pleased to jest. Look, Lieutenant, I know what you're thinking.

[Lieutenant Brian]

You believe I am by nature suspicious.

[Mike Waring]

But no.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Scarcely seven hours ago, I found you shot you would not identify your assailant.

[Mike Waring]

Well, it wasn't Charles Brissot you evinced and interested him. Yeah, but I can't explain why.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Correct me if I'm wrong, monsieur, but this apartment is on the Rue de la Paix.

[Mike Waring]

What's that got to do.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Bear with me, please. The Rue de la Paix is undeniably French soil. Yeah, and in France, murder comes under the jurisdiction of the prefecture.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I didn't kill him.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Then who did?

[Mike Waring]

I don't know. I just got here a few minutes ago myself.

[Lieutenant Brian]

I have only your word for that.

[Mike Waring]

Well, if you don't believe it, you can search me for the gun.

[Lieutenant Brian]

My congratulations. How in the name of heaven were you able to dispose of it?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, how many times do I have to tell? Look, how long would you say he was dead?

[Lieutenant Brian]

Judging by rigor mortis, approximately an hour.

[Mike Waring]

That would make it 8:30. All right, I've got an alibi for the time.

[Lieutenant Brian]

I would be most interested in hearing it.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, come along and you'll get your wish.

[Lieutenant Brian]

And what of M. Brisso?

[Mike Waring]

Well, you might ask if you care to join us, but frankly, I think you'll be wasting your time. All right, Lieutenant, let's go.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Yes?

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Madeleine.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I warned you before, monsieur.

[Mike Waring]

Be careful with those threats, angel. This gentleman is Lieutenant Brian of the Prefecture.

[Madeleine Buckman]

If you wish to see my husband.

[Mike Waring]

No, no. We wish to see you.

[Madeleine Buckman]

What is the meaning of this?

[Mike Waring]

You better brace yourself for a shock. We just came from Charles Brisseau's apartment. He was murdered.

[Madeleine Buckman]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Here, you better sit down.

[Madeleine Buckman]

Let me go. Who did it? Who did it?

[Lieutenant Brian]

Well, I had accorded Monsieur Waring the honor, but naturally he declined.

[Mike Waring]

Naturally. And we both know why, don't we, Madeleine?

[Madeleine Buckman]

Do we?

[Mike Waring]

Where were you at the time?

[Madeleine Buckman]

Are you insane? I was right here with you, remember? We were talking about Stephen.

[Mike Waring]

What do you say to that, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Brian]

Apparently, I owe you an apology.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I do not understand.

[Lieutenant Brian]

You have just substantiated Monsieur Waring's alibi.

[Mike Waring]

Not that I needed it. 5 will get you 10 brissot was killed by professional gunman.

[Lieutenant Brian]

What makes you say that?

[Mike Waring]

There were no powder burns on the body, which means the killer wasn't standing too close. Yet those two holes he drilled in Brissot could have been covered by a 25 franc piece.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Then the problem arises. Who hired this man?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. Where's your husband, Madeleine?

[Madeleine Buckman]

I will not tell you.

[Mike Waring]

You'll have to eventually.

[Lieutenant Brian]

You believe it was Buckman who hired the assassin?

[Mike Waring]

No, no, no. That was Madeleine's work.

[Madeleine Buckman]

What are you talking about?

[Mike Waring]

A child's murder was supposed to come as a great big shock to you, yet you were all set with an alibi when no one mentioned the time he died. Oh, I guess your boy reported back to you.

[Madeleine Buckman]

I could kill you for this.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, I wouldn't be at all surprised. And since I'm leaving for home tonight, I better not take chances. All right, Lieutenant, she's all yours.

[Lieutenant Brian]

I must confess, Waring, I really hate to see you go.

[Mike Waring]

I can't imagine why, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Brian]

For the most obvious reason. When I report to my superior in the morning, I would like to know a little more about this case.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you picked up that pro gunman, Hank Lewis, Most assuredly. Well, he should have been able to fill in all the gory details.

[Lieutenant Brian]

Yes, but what he cannot tell us was Madeleine Buckman's motive. I thought she was in love with Brissot.

[Mike Waring]

Well, sure. But she finally stopped eluding herself that she meant anything to him. There's the old, old story of the woman scorned.

[Lieutenant Brian]

It seems such a pity he was so successful with the weaker sex.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I guess it just proves one thing. When you're a ladies man, as Brissot was, you've got to expect someday to run across a lady killer. Revoir, Lieutenant. Ladies and gentlemen, with this broadcast, we conclude the present series of the Adventures of the Falcon. But we'll be back with you real soon. How soon depends a great deal on you. If you want us, all you've got to do is lift a pen and the Falcon will be flying your way again. Till then, this is Les Damon thanking you on behalf of our writer, Eugene Wang, our director, Richard Lewis, and our producer, Bernard Schubert, for all your wonderful letters and suggestions in the past. And till we meet again, good luck.

[Narrator]

This program came to you transcribed from New York.

[Madeleine Buckman]

It.