The Falcon: The Case of the Flaming Club 05/06/1951

Summary

The Falcon: The Case of the Flaming Club – Episode Summary

Introduction

The Falcon: The Case of the Flaming Club is a gripping episode from the classic old-time radio series Choice Classic Radio Detectives. Airing originally on May 6, 1951, and released by Choice Classic Radio on May 15, 2025, this episode delves into a suspense-filled mystery involving arson, deception, and murder within the bustling cityscape of New York. Featuring Les Damon as The Falcon and Ken Lynch as Sergeant Corbett, the story intricately weaves the lives of Eric Dean, Mark Larrabee, and Mike Waring, leading listeners through a labyrinth of clues and revelations.

Plot Overview

The episode opens with Eric Dean returning home late Sunday night, struggling to unlock his apartment door. Upon finally gaining entry, he is confronted by his wife, Georgia Dean, who is anxious about their financial troubles. Their dialogue reveals that Dean and his partner, Mark Larrabee, are grappling with significant financial strain, having recently fired their band to cut expenses (02:28–03:09).

Amidst their personal turmoil, the subplot introduces Mike Waring, a private detective hired by Eric Dean to monitor Mark Larrabee. Dean suspects Larrabee of embezzling funds and possibly gambling away the business's resources (07:10). Waring's investigation leads him into the Flaming Club, where tensions among the partners begin to surface.

A pivotal moment occurs when a fire breaks out at the Flaming Club (09:40–10:03). Initially, the incident appears suspicious, prompting Waring to suspect foul play. His determination to uncover the truth leads him to Sergeant Corbett, who assists in piecing together the timeline of Dean's movements on the night of the fire (12:55–14:22).

As the investigation unfolds, discrepancies in Dean's alibis emerge. Dean had stated he was taking a train to Chicago but possesses a plane ticket to Pittsburgh, raising suspicions about his true intentions (16:01–17:20). The plot thickens when Morgan, the bartender, becomes a key witness, revealing crucial information about the partners' conflicts (25:14–25:55).

Ultimately, the revelation that Morgan murdered Dean to prevent him from framing Larrabee for the arson brings the case to a close. The Falcon's keen investigative skills, combined with Sergeant Corbett's police expertise, unravel the complex web of deceit, leading to justice (25:37–26:56).

Character Analysis

• Eric Dean (Ed Hurley): A financially struggling club owner who resorts to drastic measures to save his business. His dual alibis indicate a deeper scheme to conceal his involvement in the arson.

• Mark Larrabee (Mark Larrabee): Dean's business partner, initially suspected of embezzlement. His antagonistic relationship with Dean hints at possible motives for his destructive actions.

• Mike Waring (Mike Waring): A persistent detective hired to surveil Larrabee. His unwavering pursuit of the truth drives the narrative forward, despite setbacks and skepticism from law enforcement.

• Sergeant Corbett (Sergeant Corbett): Represents the official investigation, collaborating with Waring to solve the case. His analytical approach complements Waring's detective work.

• Morgan (Morgan): The bartender whose loyalty is tested, ultimately revealing his role as the murderer to protect himself from Dean's manipulations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Eric Dean to Mark Larrabee (02:54):
  "Cut expenses? Cut expenses. What are we gonna do? We fired the band. Gotta keep a bartender and a piano player."

• Sergeant Corbett to Mike Waring (13:07):
  "Waring, I'll just run along."

• Mike Waring's realization (16:50):
  "You're catching on. But why should it make sense? Nothing else in this case does."

• Morgan's confession (25:37):
  "Yeah."

• Sergeant Corbett summarizing (25:43):
  "Morgan confessed. He caught Dean starting the fire, and Dean threatened to frame him."

Themes and Insights

1. Deception and Trust: The episode masterfully explores the fragile nature of trust within business partnerships. Eric Dean's deceitful alibis and Mark Larrabee's concealment of his true intentions highlight the ease with which trust can be manipulated.

2. Financial Desperation: Dean's financial woes serve as a catalyst for the unfolding drama, illustrating how economic strain can lead individuals to desperate and unethical actions.

3. Justice and Morality: Mike Waring's relentless pursuit of the truth underscores the theme of justice prevailing over corruption. The collaboration between a private detective and law enforcement emphasizes the collective effort required to uphold moral integrity.

4. Human Psychology: Morgan's transformation from a loyal bartender to a murderer exposes the complexities of human psychology when faced with fear and self-preservation.

Conclusion

The Falcon: The Case of the Flaming Club is a quintessential old-time radio detective story that combines suspense, intricate plotting, and dynamic character interactions to deliver a memorable listening experience. Through its compelling narrative and sharp dialogue, the episode not only entertains but also prompts listeners to ponder the ethical boundaries individuals cross in the face of adversity. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to classic radio dramas, this episode offers a captivating glimpse into the golden age of radio detective storytelling.

Transcript

[Ed Hurley]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[Mike Waring]

Hello? Yes, this is the fourth and speaking. Oh, Linda. Thanks for calling angel, but I can't make it tonight.

[Mark Larrabee]

The fellow was caught playing with matches.

[Mike Waring]

And it made him so mad. I have to get to him before he gets all burned up.

[Mark Larrabee]

This is Ed Hurley. He friends inviting you on behalf of the Kraft Foods company to listen to the adventures of the Balkan transcribed today starring Les Damon. You met the Falcon first in his bestselling novels. Then you saw him in his thrilling motion picture series. Now join him on the air when the Vulcan solves the case of of the Flaming Club. Before we join the Falcon for his latest adventure, here's exciting news from Kraft. It's more news about a new salad oil. Craft salad oil. The first salad oil ever offered for your home use by the makers of all those wonderful craft prepared dressings. Wait till you use this new oil in one of your salad dressings or baking recipes. For craft salad oil is more than just a new oil. It's a lighter bodied salad oil that blends perfectly with other ingredients, adds new magic to every recipe it's used in. That's because it's not just refined, it's super fine by Kraft. Tomorrow when you shop, be sure to get a bottle of lighter bodied super fined Kraft salad oil. Look for the bottle with the beautiful label. And now, the case of the Flaming Club. It's late Sunday night in New York when Eric Dean walks slowly to the door of his apartment. He looks through the keys on his key ring for the one which fits the lock. He tries one after a couple of tries, gets it in the lock, but finds it won't turn. He's fumbling for another key when he hears someone on the other side of the door.

[Georgia Dean]

Eric?

[Mark Larrabee]

Eh?

[Georgia Dean]

Is that you?

[Ed Hurley]

Yeah, yeah, it's me, Georgia. Who are you expecting?

[Mike Waring]

Just a minute.

[Georgia Dean]

Come on in.

[Ed Hurley]

Yes, ma' am.

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Georgia Dean]

You've been drinking.

[Ed Hurley]

Is that a fact? Well, who wouldn't be? Went over the books with Larrabee tonight. We keep getting further in the reds. In fact, we're broke now.

[Georgia Dean]

Isn't there any way to cut expenses?

[Ed Hurley]

Cut expenses? Cut expenses. What are we gonna do? We fired the band. Gotta keep a bartender and a piano player.

[Georgia Dean]

There must be something we can stop.

[Ed Hurley]

Eating, cut expenses at home, cancel my life insurance. Sure, we can cut expenses.

[Georgia Dean]

Well, no use talking about it now. I can see that. But tomorrow.

[Ed Hurley]

I don't want to talk about it Tomorrow. Just want to sing and dance. Come on, Georgie, let's dance.

[Georgia Dean]

Stop it.

[Ed Hurley]

Hey, what's the matter? Don't you want to dance? Nobody wants to dance. Nobody wants to have fun. I want to have fun. Lots of fun.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Laughs.

[Ed Hurley]

I want to blow my brains out. 10:30 and we got six couples.

[Mark Larrabee]

Well, Dean, it was your idea to chuck the band.

[Ed Hurley]

My idea? They wanted to be paid.

[Mark Larrabee]

There's only one out.

[Ed Hurley]

You mean there still is an out?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Larravy.

[Mark Larrabee]

One.

[Ed Hurley]

What?

[Mark Larrabee]

Come on in the office.

[Ed Hurley]

Okay. Don't tell me you found a sucker we can unload on.

[Mark Larrabee]

No, nothing like that.

[Ed Hurley]

Larvy.

[Mark Larrabee]

We could have a fire.

[Ed Hurley]

What?

[Mark Larrabee]

You heard me. A fire.

[Mike Waring]

We have insurance.

[Ed Hurley]

Are you crazy?

[Mike Waring]

It's been done.

[Ed Hurley]

Yeah, people are going to jail for it too.

[Mark Larrabee]

Their only chance to get out from under. Can't you see that?

[Ed Hurley]

Dean, I don't like it. Where's the bottom?

[Mark Larrabee]

Now, wait a minute, pal. Nothing to drink until we get this settled.

[Ed Hurley]

It is settled. No fire.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Why not?

[Mark Larrabee]

A can of gasoline, a match, and we collect.

[Ed Hurley]

I said no, Larrabee. You talk too much. You'd be sure to shoot your mouth off.

[Mark Larrabee]

You think I'm crazy?

[Ed Hurley]

I think if we got away with it, which we probably wouldn't, but if we did, you'd have to start bragging about how sharp we were.

[Mark Larrabee]

Gene, I give you my word.

[Ed Hurley]

I know you, Larrabee. I know you'd start.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What's the matter?

[Ed Hurley]

Just a minute.

[Morgan]

I thought.

[Ed Hurley]

All right, Morgan, what's the idea? Let go, Mr. D. You were listening at the door.

[Mark Larrabee]

Go on, then.

[Ed Hurley]

What were you doing?

[Mark Larrabee]

You're supposed to be at the bar.

[Morgan]

I just wanted to ask you something.

[Mark Larrabee]

There's a phone at the bar.

[Ed Hurley]

There's a phone here.

[Mark Larrabee]

Dean's right, Morgan. What are you doing here?

[Morgan]

Mr. Larraby, believe me, I, I.

[Ed Hurley]

You've been snooping.

[Morgan]

No, Mr. Dean.

[Ed Hurley]

A snooper and a liar too. Well, that's all for you, mister. You're through as of now.

[Mark Larrabee]

Not so fast, Dean.

[Morgan]

What about my back pay? You owe me three weeks. Sue us now. You can't do this.

[Ed Hurley]

Don't tell me what I can do. You're fired.

[Mark Larrabee]

Don't be a fool, Dean. Get back to the bio. Morgan, I'll straighten this out with Dean.

[Morgan]

I'm not sure I want that.

[Mark Larrabee]

Now, be reasonable. Dean's upset, that's all. He doesn't realize what he's saying. Oh, don't I?

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Mark Larrabee]

Well, Morgan.

[Morgan]

All right, Mr. Larrabee. If you say so.

[Mark Larrabee]

That's it. Morgan, I'm sorry about Dean, but we've been having a lot of trouble.

[Morgan]

I'm not surprised with him asking for it. And believe me, if he keeps on like that. You haven't seen anything yet. What'll it be, mister?

[Mike Waring]

I'd like to see Mr. Dean.

[Morgan]

No, you wouldn't.

[Mike Waring]

Well, why do you say that?

[Morgan]

Nobody likes to see him.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, then let's say he'd like to see me. He phoned me.

[Morgan]

Oh, well, try that door back there. I think he's in the office.

[Mike Waring]

Thanks.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Who is it?

[Mike Waring]

Mike Waring.

[Ed Hurley]

Oh, yes, Waring. Come in. Well, good of you to come, Waring. Sit down.

[Mike Waring]

Thanks. What do you want with a detective?

[Ed Hurley]

Tell me. How good are you at shadowing?

[Mike Waring]

Good enough that I don't waste my time at it. That's all you want? Why pay my fee?

[Ed Hurley]

This is something special. I got a partner, Mark Larrabee. I want a record of all his movements. Why does it matter? I want him followed. I'm willing to pay.

[Mike Waring]

You're willing to pay too much.

[Ed Hurley]

I want to be sure nothing goes wrong. That's why I want to. Falcon.

[Mike Waring]

Funny thing about me, Dean. When I'm on a case, I like to know what I'm doing.

[Ed Hurley]

You'll be following Larrabee.

[Mike Waring]

That's what I call a lot of information.

[Ed Hurley]

I didn't know you were going to be so curious.

[Mike Waring]

My business.

[Ed Hurley]

Well, I'm going away for a few days. Perhaps I want to be sure Larrabee stays away from my wife.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, perhaps you do. There are a lot of other detectives in town who'll keep tab for you. I'm not interested in that kind of business.

[Ed Hurley]

Why not?

[Mike Waring]

I never cared for gossip.

[Ed Hurley]

You wouldn't have to gossip, just report.

[Mike Waring]

See what I mean?

[Ed Hurley]

Well, as a matter of fact, I'm not afraid of Larrabee calling on Georgia.

[Mike Waring]

Then we're right back where we started.

[Ed Hurley]

All right, Waring, if you must know, here it is. Larrabee's been drawing a lot of money out of the business. I can't find out what he does with it. I think he's been gambling. I have to know so I can straighten him out. If he is. Now, will you take the case?

[Mike Waring]

You know something, Dean? I still think you're lying. But if you're so anxious to dump cash in my lap, I don't see why I should deprive you of the pleasure. Yeah. All right. It's a deal.

[Mark Larrabee]

Here I am, mister, in this doorway. You looking for me?

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Mark Larrabee]

How Come. You've been following me ever since I left the club.

[Mike Waring]

Have I?

[Mark Larrabee]

Oh, that's brilliant conversation.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I'm not an old coward.

[Mark Larrabee]

I never would have known. Who are you?

[Mike Waring]

Does it matter?

[Mark Larrabee]

It matters that you're following me. What's the idea?

[Mike Waring]

Who told you I'd be following you? I got eyes, but I haven't been beating Tom Toms. How come you spotted me?

[Mark Larrabee]

You just aren't as sharp as you think.

[Mike Waring]

Or somebody tipped you. Now who?

[Mark Larrabee]

Look, just because you're clumsy.

[Mike Waring]

Not that clumsy.

[Mark Larrabee]

We won't discuss it. You've been following me and you're going to stop.

[Mike Waring]

What's stopping me?

[Mark Larrabee]

This, if it has to.

[Mike Waring]

It loaded. Hang around.

[Mark Larrabee]

You'll find out.

[Mike Waring]

I'll take your word. I don't like to set up anyway. Good night, Laraby. Hey, mister.

[Morgan]

I just noticed the time.

[Mike Waring]

You're out of luck. Not necessarily, driver.

[Morgan]

Yeah, but it's after two. The club will be closed.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I'm not going for entertainment. Just want to talk to the bartender. He may still be around.

[Mark Larrabee]

Okay.

[Morgan]

Just thought you might want to know.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, thanks.

[Morgan]

Some guys raise holy ned if you don't.

[Mike Waring]

Oh. What's the matter?

[Mark Larrabee]

Fire engines. Hey, look. They're stopping in the next block.

[Morgan]

Oh, yeah, I see the smoke coming.

[Mike Waring]

Out of that building.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Hey. Well.

[Mike Waring]

What?

[Mark Larrabee]

Look up there.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Isn't that the club where you wanted.

[Georgia Dean]

Me to take you?

[Mark Larrabee]

This is.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, you're right, it is.

[Mark Larrabee]

It's on fire. Yeah, so I see.

[Georgia Dean]

It's lighter bodied. It's super fine.

[Mark Larrabee]

It's craft salad oil. The first salad oil ever offered for home use by the makers of all those wonderful craft prepared salad dressings. Yes, you women who pride yourselves on your own special homemade salad dressings. Now you have something new and wonderful to work with. Now, you know in advance that any salad oil offered to you by Craft is bound to be good. But craft salad oil is more than just a good oil. It's a new kind of oil. A lighter bodied oil made to blend perfectly with other ingredients. That's because craft salad oil is not just refined, it's super refined by a special process created by Kraft. You'll find Kraft salad oil not only wonderful for your homemade salad dressings, but also for those grand chiffon cakes you baked. In fact, for every recipe you have that requires liquid shortening. So don't wait to try this new Kraft salad oil.

[Georgia Dean]

Remember, it's lighter bodied. It's super fine.

[Mark Larrabee]

Get Kraft salad oil tomorrow at your groceries. Look for the bottles with the beautiful lab. Now back to the adventures of the Falcon. It's a few minutes since Mike Waring discovered that his client's club could briefly boast of the hottest show in town. Now the falcon is pushed through the crowd and into the burning building. He makes his way through the smoke and flames to the basement steps, hurries down until he's stopped by a fireman at the bottom.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Hey.

[Morgan]

Hey.

[Ed Hurley]

Where do you think you're going?

[Mike Waring]

I wanted to see what started this.

[Ed Hurley]

Get out of here. You want to get killed?

[Mike Waring]

Think like I'm a fireman too, huh?

[Ed Hurley]

I got no time for games.

[Mike Waring]

Look, it's just that I've got a hunch there's something phony about this fire I want. Hey, this is a lot of smoke.

[Morgan]

What do you expect?

[Mike Waring]

I could just see a. Hey, hey. Look over there.

[Mark Larrabee]

Where?

[Mike Waring]

Behind that pile of boxes. Aren't those a man's legs sticking out from behind there?

[Ed Hurley]

I don't see any. Oh yeah, yeah, you're right. Come on. Yeah, Here he is.

[Mike Waring]

That's Dean.

[Mark Larrabee]

Who?

[Mike Waring]

Of the owners of this place.

[Ed Hurley]

Help me get him out of here. We can get him to the respirator.

[Mike Waring]

I'm afraid artificial respiration won't do him any good. Well, you never can tell in this case. You can't. Look at his chest. He's been stabbed to death. Oh, Corbett. Looks like we got the fire under control.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yeah, Wearing. Now come on over to the car. I want to get a few things. Strike. Let's.

[Mike Waring]

But isn't it a waste of time, Corbett? You know you'll never keep them straight.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yeah, that's right. Waring. Make with the gags. Us police don't know from nothing. Takes a bright private op like you to bungle a routine tale. So bad your man pulls a gun on you.

[Mike Waring]

I didn't bungle. He must have been tipped.

[Sergeant Corbett]

By who?

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's one thing I'm going to find out.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Really hurts, don't it? And now, Larry, tell me something about this fellow Dean.

[Mike Waring]

I told you he was going out of town. He wanted me to keep an eye on his partner, Mark Larrabee.

[Mark Larrabee]

I did.

[Mike Waring]

With the results. That please you so much?

[Sergeant Corbett]

What did Dean expect you to catch Larrabee doing?

[Mike Waring]

Well, he said he was afraid Larrabee was tossing his bankroll down a roulette rat hole and he wanted me to check.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Is Dean his partner's keeper?

[Mike Waring]

He claimed he was working at it.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Did you swallow Dean Jarn?

[Mike Waring]

Would you?

[Sergeant Corbett]

You kidding? But I'm not smart like you, Waring.

[Mike Waring]

Well, Dean's story smelled, but I Played along to see how things lined up. And the fire coming right at this time seemed too much of a coincidence.

[Sergeant Corbett]

You think Larrabee started it after he shook you?

[Mike Waring]

Well, it's something to check along with how come Dean winds up in the basement of his club? When he claimed he'd be out of.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Town, he planned to leave. He hadn't gotten around to it.

[Mike Waring]

How do you know?

[Sergeant Corbett]

You're not the only one who can make brilliant deductions, Waring. I found an airplane ticket in his pocket to Pittsburgh on the 4am plane out of LaGuardia. From which I deduced he was planning to fly to Pittsburgh this morning.

[Mike Waring]

Corbett, you're a genius. Now, if you're through with me, I'll be running along. There's some angles I still want to look into.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Why bother, Waring? Your client's dead.

[Mike Waring]

Look, I'm going to prove somebody tipped Larrabee about me tailing him.

[Sergeant Corbett]

You don't have to prove it, Waring. Somebody did tip him. Yeah, sure, wearing you did.

[Morgan]

Wait a minute, will you? I'm coming. Oh, it's you.

[Mark Larrabee]

Wary.

[Morgan]

Don't you know it's the middle of the night?

[Mike Waring]

No. No, I didn't. My watch stopped.

[Morgan]

I'm laughing.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I wanted to get to you before anyone else did.

[Mark Larrabee]

Why?

[Mike Waring]

Because you worked for Dean and Larrabee. I thought you might be able to tell me something about them.

[Morgan]

Like what, for instance?

[Mike Waring]

Like why you tipped Larrabee that I was hired to tail him.

[Morgan]

What are you talking about? How would I know?

[Mike Waring]

You could have listened to my conversation with Dean.

[Morgan]

Listen, then me.

[Mike Waring]

You know my name. You called me by it just now.

[Mark Larrabee]

Well, you.

[Morgan]

You told me at. At the club.

[Mike Waring]

Think again, chum. I just went into the club and stopped at the bar to ask for Dean. I never mentioned my name to you.

[Morgan]

Well, I, I. What's the difference if I do know your name?

[Mike Waring]

Because maybe that's not all. You know, Maybe you know Dean hired me.

[Mark Larrabee]

And if I do, then maybe you tip Larrabee.

[Morgan]

And if I did?

[Mike Waring]

Now that'll break Corbett's heart.

[Morgan]

Who's Corbett?

[Mike Waring]

Sergeant Corbett, Homicide squad.

[Morgan]

What's he. What's he got to do with this?

[Mike Waring]

He likes to rip me.

[Morgan]

You wake me up in the middle of the night on any kind of a rib?

[Mike Waring]

No, not entirely.

[Mark Larrabee]

There's been a fire.

[Mike Waring]

Did you know anything about that?

[Morgan]

Fire?

[Mike Waring]

Yes. The club burned down.

[Morgan]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Kind of a coincidence, wouldn't you say?

[Mark Larrabee]

Why?

[Mike Waring]

Coming right when one of the owners is suspicious enough of the other to hire a detective to tail him, you think?

[Morgan]

Larrabee or Dean the fire?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, Larrabee or Dean the fire. It didn't start itself.

[Morgan]

But they couldn't have done it.

[Mike Waring]

Why not?

[Morgan]

Well, you were following Larrabee, you say? And Dean was on a train to Chicago.

[Mike Waring]

Train to Chicago? Where'd you get that idea?

[Morgan]

Well, he told me.

[Mark Larrabee]

Dean?

[Mike Waring]

When?

[Morgan]

When he left the club last night around 6.

[Mike Waring]

Dean said he was taking a train to Chicago.

[Morgan]

I told you.

[Mike Waring]

I know. So you did. But that's not what the plane ticket says.

[Morgan]

What plane ticket?

[Mike Waring]

The one that's not for a train to Chicago.

[Morgan]

That don't make sense, pal.

[Mike Waring]

You're catching on. But why should it make sense? Nothing else in this case does.

[Morgan]

Oh no. Now what? All right, all right. Oh, Mr. Larry.

[Mark Larrabee]

Hello, Morgan. I'm coming in.

[Morgan]

Sure, sure. After all, why should you be an exception?

[Mark Larrabee]

Has someone been here already this morning?

[Mike Waring]

Hey, hey.

[Morgan]

Let go.

[Mark Larrabee]

Answer me.

[Morgan]

Waring was here.

[Mark Larrabee]

Waring? Did you talk? No. You didn't say anything about what you heard the other day? Me and Dean talking about a fire?

[Morgan]

No, I didn't tell you.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Are you sure?

[Morgan]

Yeah, I'm sure. Hey, what's the idea?

[Mark Larrabee]

I asked your question.

[Morgan]

I answered.

[Mark Larrabee]

You want to be sure you're telling the truth.

[Morgan]

I am. I am.

[Mark Larrabee]

You better be, cuz that was just a warning. Morgan. If I find out you've been shooting your mouth off, maybe that's not all that'll get shot. Think it over.

[Georgia Dean]

Hello, Mr. Waring. You mind if I join you?

[Mike Waring]

I want a question, angel. Sit down.

[Georgia Dean]

Thank you. You wonder how I know your name.

[Mike Waring]

Do I?

[Georgia Dean]

Sergeant Corbett told me about you. He told me you eat in this restaurant quite often.

[Mike Waring]

Bless his little heart.

[Georgia Dean]

I'm Mrs. Dean.

[Mike Waring]

Oh.

[Georgia Dean]

The Sergeant tells me you're suspicious about last night's fire. So I understand. There's going to be trouble getting the insurance company to pay off.

[Mike Waring]

Yes. I wouldn't be surprised.

[Georgia Dean]

You were following Larrabee, so you know he didn't start the fire.

[Mike Waring]

How do you know about that?

[Mark Larrabee]

Corbett?

[Georgia Dean]

No, I talked to Morgan, the bartender.

[Mike Waring]

You're a busy little chicken for someone who just lost a husband.

[Georgia Dean]

I'm on my own now. I have to look out for myself.

[Mike Waring]

But didn't your husband have life insurance?

[Georgia Dean]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Then you're looked after. The fire won't affect us.

[Georgia Dean]

I know, but I have a right to collect on the fire insurance too. My husband wouldn't have started the fire. He wanted to prevent it. That's why he hired you.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, that's what I figured. But how do you Know about it?

[Georgia Dean]

He told me he and Larrabee had an argument about it. Larrabee wanted to burn their place and Eric was against it.

[Mike Waring]

You realize you're admitting that Larrabee had arson on his mind?

[Georgia Dean]

Yes. But you were following him. So you know that he didn't do it.

[Mike Waring]

How do you know I didn't see him start the fire?

[Georgia Dean]

Because then there wouldn't be speculation. You'd have had him arrested.

[Mike Waring]

All right, I didn't see him. But here's something Morgan didn't tell you. Marraby shook me before the fire. So he could have done it after he left me.

[Georgia Dean]

I don't believe it.

[Mike Waring]

Don't believe? It's the truth.

[Georgia Dean]

I didn't know that. That changes things.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, it certainly does. So I'm afraid I can't help you. But maybe you can help me. How? Your husband told me he was going out of town. Do you know where he was going?

[Mark Larrabee]

Of course.

[Mike Waring]

And do you know how he was going? Train or plane?

[Georgia Dean]

Train. He doesn't like planes. He gets sick.

[Mike Waring]

I see.

[Georgia Dean]

So I guess he missed the train.

[Mike Waring]

So it was him.

[Georgia Dean]

He had plenty of time. He left the apartment at 8 and said the train didn't leave until 9.

[Mike Waring]

Then he did intend to take the 9 o' clock train to Chicago.

[Georgia Dean]

Chicago?

[Mike Waring]

Well, yes. What's the matter?

[Georgia Dean]

Well, he wasn't going to Chicago. He was going to Palm Beach.

[Mark Larrabee]

When you shop tomorrow, be sure to pick up a pint or quart bottle of craft salad oil. It's the wonderful new oil for your homemade salad dressings, your cooking, your baking. The first salad oil ever offered for your home use by craft. Remember, it's lighter bodied because it's super fine. Lighter bodied to blend perfectly with other ingredients. Don't wait to try craft salad oil. It's lighter bodied. It's super fine. Look for the bottles with the beautiful labels. Now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. Half an hour has passed since Mike Waring learned that his client apparently had tried to dash off in all directions, only to wind up where he started with a knife in his chest. Now the falcon is at headquarters, has tossed the confusion to Sergeant Corbett.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Wait a minute, Waring. Wait a minute.

[Mike Waring]

Sure, Corbett. I'm not going anywhere.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Let's get this straight. Dean tells the bartender he's taking the train to Chicago. Then he tells the wife he's taking the train to Palm beach if they're telling the truth. And when we find him in New York, he has a plane ticket to Pittsburgh.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I think I finally figured it Out, Corbett.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yeah, I know. He really intended to go to Kennebunkport, Maine.

[Mike Waring]

I'm not kidding, Corbett. You see, I checked with the weather Bureau.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Weather bureau? Where do they fit?

[Mike Waring]

They told me there was a bad storm in Virginia.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Very interesting. There was also an earthquake in Peru. So what?

[Mike Waring]

So I checked with the railroad. Dean got on the train to Chicago last night.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Then I suppose he got on a train to Palm Beach.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I wouldn't know.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Gets clearer all the time.

[Mike Waring]

Well, if we can get that bartender to talk, it will.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yeah.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, he had a fight with Dean a few days ago and Dean tried to fire him.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, so you think this makes the bartender so sore he murders Dean and burns down the club?

[Mike Waring]

No, no, no. He'd hardly go that far. Just over the loss of a job.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Check.

[Mike Waring]

But he knows something and he's one up on me. Well, in that case, let's go catch up with him.

[Morgan]

Now what do you fellas want?

[Mike Waring]

Have you caught up on your sleep?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Morgan?

[Morgan]

Don't make me laugh.

[Sergeant Corbett]

That's who. Ann Waring. You can close the door, Morgan.

[Morgan]

What do you want?

[Mike Waring]

You said Dean left the club at 6 last night.

[Mark Larrabee]

Yeah.

[Mike Waring]

Did he go back? No. He was killed in the club.

[Morgan]

Well, I mean, I didn't see him.

[Mike Waring]

And he wasn't hanging around the club?

[Morgan]

No.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What are you trying to prove, Waring?

[Mike Waring]

I'm just trying to account for Dean's time. He left his home around 8. Turns out to be killed in the club at 2:30. What was he doing in the meantime?

[Sergeant Corbett]

You got any ideas?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, Corbett, I have. I think he went to Philadelphia.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, great. Now he goes to Philly.

[Mike Waring]

Why?

[Morgan]

People keep coming here. I'm going to Philly or someplace. Oh, Larraby.

[Mark Larrabee]

Hello, Morgan. I wanted to. Oh, company.

[Mike Waring]

I'll come back. No, no, don't mind us, Larry.

[Mark Larrabee]

Come in. I can come back later.

[Mike Waring]

Why are you so anxious to get away? Is it because you're afraid we found out about you?

[Mark Larrabee]

What about me?

[Mike Waring]

You and Dean had a row about the fire. You wanted a fire. He was against it.

[Mark Larrabee]

Morgan, I warned you.

[Morgan]

Cut it out.

[Mark Larrabee]

Cut it out, Larrabee.

[Morgan]

Stop it.

[Mike Waring]

You're a smart boy, Larrabee. That outburst proves Morgan knows about you.

[Mark Larrabee]

What do you mean?

[Mike Waring]

Morgan didn't tell us. Mrs. Dean did. But now that you've shown that Morgan knows too, he's going to have to talk.

[Morgan]

What else do you want to know if you know about the fight?

[Mike Waring]

Just this, Morgan. Why did Dean object to Larrabee's idea? Come on. Don't look At Larrabee, he can't hurt you.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, Waring asked your question, Morgan. That's from.

[Mike Waring]

Now, look, Morgan, we know Larrabee wanted to start a fire. We know Dean objected. Now, why did he object with me money in his pocket, too?

[Morgan]

He was afraid Larrabee might talk. He said Larrabee can never keep his mouth shut.

[Mike Waring]

I see. Well, that does it.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Does what? What are we trying to prove?

[Mike Waring]

Dean's motive.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Motive for what?

[Mike Waring]

For starting the fire.

[Sergeant Corbett]

You mean Dean started the fire?

[Mike Waring]

Yes. You see, Dean was afraid to let Larrabee know that's what he intended to do.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yeah, so he nixed Larrabee's plan.

[Mike Waring]

But then he hired me to tail Larrabee so that I'd be a witness when the fire started. That Larrabee had nothing to do with it. Yeah, and Dean hops a Chicago train, stays on it just long enough to establish his presence, then slips off the train, probably somewhere around Philly, and flies back to New York.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Ah, I get it. He figures to start the fire, then hop a plane to Pittsburgh and slip back on the train there.

[Mike Waring]

That's right. That way, both partners have an alibi for the fire.

[Sergeant Corbett]

But Larrabee catches Dean at the fire and kills him.

[Morgan]

That's a lie.

[Mark Larrabee]

Why would I kill him if he's doing what I wanted?

[Mike Waring]

Well, he's got a point, Corbett.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Maybe he wanted all the insurance for himself. I don't know.

[Mike Waring]

Well, if you really want to know, don't ask Larrabee. Ask Morgan.

[Morgan]

Me? Why me?

[Mike Waring]

Because, Morgan, you're the one who killed Dean, aren't you?

[Morgan]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Corbett]

You were right, Waring.

[Mike Waring]

Well, wipe your eyes, Corbett. Maybe I'll pull a boner next week.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Morgan confessed. He caught Dean starting the fire, and Dean threatened to frame him. He was going to use that row they had when he tried to fire Morgan as a motive and claim Morgan started the fire for revenge.

[Mike Waring]

Larrabee and Dean would have alibis. And that would leave Morgan holding the match.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Right. It panicked Morgan, and he killed Dean. Oh, there it is. Waring. I'll just run along.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, no, wait, wait. Wait a minute, Corbett. What kind of a straight man are you, huh? You haven't asked me how I knew Morgan was the murderer.

[Sergeant Corbett]

All right, go ahead.

[Mike Waring]

Well, Dean told his wife he was going to Palm Beach.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Say, that's right. I forgot about Palm Beach.

[Mike Waring]

So did Dean when he heard about the storm in Virginia. His original plan, apparently, was to work his alibi in a Palm beach train. But bad weather made it risky. Counting on a plane to get him back to the train.

[Sergeant Corbett]

So he switches to a Chicago train.

[Mike Waring]

That's right. And Morgan said Dean told him he was going to Chicago. Dean left the club at 6, and Morgan claimed he hadn't seen him again. Still, when Dean left home at 8, he told his wife he was going to Palm Beach. So he hadn't switched plans by eight. Which means Morgan was lying. He must have seen Dean again after eight.

[Sergeant Corbett]

All right, Waring, do you feel better now that you got that off your chest?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, yes, much better, Corbett, thanks.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, that's good, Waring. You need something to cheer you up.

[Mike Waring]

Do I?

[Sergeant Corbett]

You will when I tell you Morgan has confessed to the murder, but he still denies tipping off Larrabee about you tailing him. So it looks like it was just your own bungling. Good night, Ware.

[Mark Larrabee]

Spring is in the air, folks. There's fair weather, sunny skies, trees and flowers in bloom. Everything, it seems to make living enjoyable. One sure way to add pleasure to living these balmy days is to enjoy the wonderfully good taste of delicious craft Dairy Fresh caramels. Their smooth and chewy soft candy goodness through and through, with a caramel flavor developed by Craft from a special process, the result of years of fine candy making. Yes, craft caramels are good, and they're good for you, too. Dairy Fresh, they're called. And that means plenty of wholesome, nourishing milk is in craft caramels. Get the big 50 pound bag at the grocery store or ask for the nickel bar of six delicious pieces of craft caramels at the candy store. When you taste them, I'm sure you'll say, these are the best caramels I've ever tasted. Craft Dairy Fresh Caramel. The Case of the Dutch Doll. The Case of the Dutch Doll. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon, when Mike Waring learns that little boys who play with the wrong kind of dolls never lived to grow up. So be sure to listen at this.

[Morgan]

Same time next week to another exciting.

[Mark Larrabee]

Adventure of the Falcon, brought to you by the Craft Foods Company. The Adventures of the Falcon transcribed today are based on the famous character created by Drexel Drake, produced by Bernadel Schubert, written today by Jerome Epstein and directed by Richard Lewis. Music was by Arlo Glass. Damon was starred as the Falcon with Ken lynch as Sergeant Corbett. Be sure to hear the great Gilder sleeve next Wednesday evening over most of these stations and next Wednesday's broadcast. Gilder comes face to face with an hilarious problem and solves it in a way that will keep you laughing for days. Remember the show, the time and the place. The great gilder sleeve next Wednesday evening over most of these stations. Check your local newspaper for time of broadcast. Ed Herman. He's speaking for the Craft Foods Company one hour from now. Cary Grant and Betsy Drake star in another adventure as Mr. And Mrs. Blanding, the owners of the famous troublesome dream house. It's top Sunday listening. Mr. And Mrs. Blanding hear Groucho Marx and Ginger Rogers on the big show. Later on NBC.