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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 donating@ChoiceClassicRadio.com.
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
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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.