The Falcon: The Case of the Murdering Missus 03/23/1952

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | The Falcon: The Case of the Murdering Missus (03/23/1952)

Main Theme

This episode of "The Falcon" plunges listeners into an intricate web of crime, revenge, and mistaken identity in 1950s New York. Mike Waring, known as the Falcon, sets out to solve a jewelry heist and murder, only to find the case quickly grows deadly as the quest for justice becomes personal. What follows is a suspenseful puzzle involving a frame job, a vengeful spouse, and a fatal misunderstanding, with the story unfolding amidst the gritty atmosphere of classic radio noir.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Jewelry Heist Setup (Begins ~01:48)

• Laura McKenna and her husband, Mac, struggle in poverty. Laura is tempted back into crime with a scheme to rob a jewelry shop on 84th Street.
  • Quote (Laura): "Paul saw a good thing on 84th Street. A jewelry shop run by a fellow named Vance." (02:21)
• Mac is reluctant, fearing for Laura's safety and recalling a past incident that sent her to prison. Laura is adamant—she wants the finer things in life.

2. The Robbery and Murder (03:21 - 04:40)

• Laura, determined, attempts the heist herself posing as a customer, but the plan goes awry. The jeweler, Vance, is shot dead during the stickup.
• Police and insurance investigator Mike Waring (the Falcon) arrive on the scene to investigate.
  • Quote (Sgt. Pulaski to Waring): "Well fellas, we can all go home now. The Falcon is on the case." (04:39)
• They have a description of the killer: blonde, blue eyes, with a distinct scar—traits matching Mac McKenna, recently released from prison.

3. The Frame-Up & Mac’s Arrest (07:00 - 08:00)

• Police confront Mac, whose fingerprints are found at the scene. A .38 revolver, recently fired, is discovered in his coat.
• Mac’s wife Laura visits him in jail and vows revenge against Mike Waring whom she blames for the arrest.

4. A Sudden Twist: Cop Murdered (09:17 – 13:49)

• As Sgt. Pulaski arrives at Waring’s apartment, he is ambushed and killed by an unknown assailant hiding in the closet.
• The scene is chaotic; Waring feels responsible and must break the tragic news to the newlywed Mrs. Pulaski in an emotional, poignant exchange.
  • Quote (Mike Waring): "Look, Mrs. Pulaski, he's been hurt." (14:40)
  • Quote (Mrs. Pulaski): "He can't be. It was my fault. Indirectly. You see, the killer was trying to get me." (16:04)

5. Revenge Motive Suspected; Laura McKenna Targeted (17:07 – 20:37)

• Waring posits that Laura McKenna, out of loyalty to her husband, attempted to kill him for revenge, but accidentally murdered Sgt. Pulaski instead.
  • Quote (Waring): "We keep referring to the killer as a him. Couldn't it be a woman?" (17:17)
• Laura is confronted and, though defiant at first, ultimately confesses she attempted the murder ("You were going to kill Waring. — That's right. Now can I see Mac?"), but on further questioning her story does not add up.

6. The Trap and the True Killer Revealed (22:34 – 28:00)

• Waring and the police stage a reenactment of the crime, almost resulting in Waring’s own death. He realizes inconsistencies in Laura's confession.
  • Notable moment: Waring is shot in the shoulder, survives, and grows more suspicious of the circumstances.
• Waring deduces that the true killer had to be someone with access to Sgt. Pulaski’s skeleton keys—someone close to him.
• Devastatingly, the killer is revealed to be Mrs. Pulaski herself, who murdered her husband for financial gain (insurance money). Her subsequent attempt on Waring's life was a ruse to make the original murder look accidental.
  • Quote (Waring): "You were real clever, angel. But you made one mistake, and in this game, that's enough to put you away." (27:22)
  • Quote (Corbett): "It's a funny world. Here we had two wives, one married to a crook and the other to a cop. And the crook's wife would have given her life for her husband, and the cop's wife took his." (28:22)

7. Finale & Moral Reflection (28:00 – End)

• The episode closes with the case solved, but with a darkly ironic twist about marriage and trust.
  • Closing line (Mike Waring): "Marriage may be a great institution, but in some cases, it can be murder." (28:47)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mac’s Reluctance:
  "If anything happened to you..." — Mac’s deep concern for Laura sets the stage for the desperate choices to follow. (02:31)
• Laura’s Outburst:
  "I tell you, I'll get him." — Laura’s emotional vow for vengeance marks her as a key suspect. (08:53)
• The Emotional Confrontation with Mrs. Pulaski:
  "He can't be. It was my fault. Indirectly. You see, the killer was trying to get me." (16:04)
• Waring’s Eureka Moment:
  "Doesn't it strike you that there was something missing? What happened to his skeleton keys?... The killer used him to get into my apartment." (27:04)
• The Irony of Love and Betrayal:
  "Here we had two wives, one married to a crook and the other to a cop. And the crook's wife would have given her life for her husband, and the cop's wife took his." (28:22)

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Timestamp Highlights

• 01:48: Opening drama in the McKenna kitchen; jewelry heist plans set
• 03:21: Laura executes the heist; Vance killed
• 04:39: Enter Mike Waring, establishes lead on the case
• 07:00: Mac confronted and arrested by police
• 09:17: Sgt. Pulaski ambushed and murdered at Waring’s apartment
• 13:49: Waring delivers tragic news to Mrs. Pulaski
• 17:07: Waring hypothesizes killer’s true identity; focus shifts to Laura McKenna
• 22:34: Reenactment of the crime, failed sting operation
• 25:15: Waring, injured but undeterred, approaches widowed Mrs. Pulaski
• 27:04: Exposes Mrs. Pulaski as the mastermind and murderer
• 28:22: Concluding moral and the irony of the case

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Episode Tone & Style

This episode, with its brisk, sharp exchanges and hard-boiled repartee, exemplifies radio noir’s intense atmosphere. The characters navigate a world in which loyalty and betrayal are closely intertwined, and the unexpected solution reinforces the genre’s signature twist endings. With its tight pacing and emotionally charged dialogue, the episode keeps listeners guessing until the very last scene.

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Summary for New Listeners

"The Case of the Murdering Missus" is a quintessential Falcon mystery: fast-moving, full of misdirection, and ultimately a tale not just of crime, but of human frailty. At its heart are two marriages on opposite sides of the law, showing how devotion can lead some to sacrifice—and others to betrayal. Fans of classic detective drama will find much to savor in this Golden Age radio gem.

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Transcript

[Mike Waring]

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[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

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[Mike Waring]

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[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

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[Mike Waring]

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[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

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[Mike Waring]

I love it. I really do.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

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] hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Lois, I'm glad you called. You'll have to give me a rain check, angel. Some people are throwing a brawl and they insist I attend. Mm. If I'm not there to be the life of the party, they're going to be the death of me. Once again. Adventures of the Falcon. Dedicated to private investigators everywhere. Those hard hitting detectives who, like Mike Waring, risked their lives to aid law enforcement agencies. So join him now when the Falcon solves the case of the murdering Mrs. It's early evening in New York, and in a shabby kitchen at the Belmore, a blonde named Laura McKenna prepares dinner for her man, Bell. But this is one meal neither of the McKenna's are destined to eat.

[Mike Waring]

That you, Mac?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Yeah.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, wait a second, honey.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Hi, Adele.

[Mike Waring]

Take off your coat. Dinner will be ready in 20 minutes.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Paul Newcomb. Drop off a package for me?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, it's on the table.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Mac. Ain't it a beauty?

[Mike Waring]

Hey, where'd that gun come from?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Borrowed it from Paul. I'm going back in business.

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Yeah. Paul saw a good thing on 84th Street. A jewelry shop run by a fellow named Vance.

[Mike Waring]

And he talked you into heisting it.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

He could have gotten a hundred guys.

[Mike Waring]

I won't let you do it.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Don't talk like a J. I mean it, Mac.

[Mike Waring]

If anything happened to you.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Nothing's going to happen. A kid could handle this job.

[Mike Waring]

That's what you said in San Francisco before they sent you up.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, it was an accident. Couldn't happen again.

[Mike Waring]

Well, we're not going to find out.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

What do you suggest? There's eight bucks left in the kitty.

[Mike Waring]

Get by.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

I don't want us to just get by. How do you think I feel when I see dames who don't have half your looks parading around with furs and diamonds?

[Mike Waring]

Do you hear me complaining? I'm satisfied.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, I'm not.

[Mike Waring]

You're not going to do it, Mac. Let Paul get himself another look.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

That's enough. The discussion's over.

[Mike Waring]

No, it's not. If you step out that door, sir. Help me. I'll call the cops.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

What did you say? I'm sorry, baby.

[Mike Waring]

No, you were right, Mac. I didn't mean what I said. You know if anything happened.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

I know, I know. Don't worry. I'll be back in an hour.

[Mike Waring]

Let me go with you. It'll be easier with the two of us.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

No. No.

[Mike Waring]

You're afraid.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

No, I'm not afraid. But you'd only be in the way. Give us a kiss for luck, baby. I'm off to. I'm terribly sorry, sir, but we're closed for the night. Oh, come on, mister. Give me a break, will you? It's my girl's birthday. But I've put all my stock away. Well, how long would it take you to open your safe? I saw an engagement ring in your window this afternoon that was just perfect. An engagement ring? Yeah, it was marked 850. Should be crazy about it. Well, in that case, Thanks a lot, Mr. Vance. If you'll just wait a minute. Sure. Do you happen to remember how much it weighed? 1 and a half carats. 1 and a half? Suppose I wanted something bigger, say about four? Oh, I'm sure we can accommodate you. Here we are. Now if you just look over this tray. Yeah, but why don't I do it at home? What? All right, Vance, keep your hands in the showcase. This is a high. But really, keep them where they are. You're making a grave mistake, young man. Now if you listen to me, you. What's that? I don't know. You don't know? You the cute when you stepped on the alarm. No, you couldn't leave well enough alone. All right you fellas, let's hurry it up and get out of here. Myers, be sure you get a shot of the showcase. Greetings, men. Oh no. Wouldn't you know it. Well, if it isn't Sergeant Pulaski. Where's Corbett? He's lucky he's got a day off. What are you doing here, Waring? I represent the insurance company. Well fellas, we can all go home now. The falcon is on the case. You better stick around, man. You might learn something. What have you got, Steve? Darn little. What about Vance? He died an hour ago. Tough. Did he talk before he went? Not much. Here's a description of his killer. Blond hair, blue eyes, 5 foot 9. Small mole on right cheek, V shaped scar on left wrist. V shaped scar? That's funny. What's so Funny about it. Sounds like a boy I used to know in San Francisco. Well? Well, couldn't be him. Last I heard, Mac was serving five to ten at San Quentin. Mac who? Mac McKenna. What made you think it's him? That scar. He got it in the knifing. But it couldn't be the same one. Couldn't it? Suppose I told you that Mr. McKenna is now guesting in our fair city. He's what? He got it from a stoolie last week. He's living with his wife at the Belmore. No, it sounds too easy. Well, I'm gonna pick him up just for luck. Come along and see how it's. That you, Paul? Yeah. All right. Wait a minute. Hello, Mac. Hey, what's been. No, I can't say I do. The name is Waring. We met on the coast some years back. So? So now that we've got me identified, I'd like you to meet Sergeant Steve Pulaski here. Looks like you were right, Steve. Looks like. What are you babbling about, Steve? Got a rumble. You were in town. I thought it was impossible. Last I heard, you were still in San Francisco. I didn't like the climate. I don't think you like New York's any better, particularly around 84th Street. Come again? A jewelry shop up there was heisted last night and the proprietor was killed. I don't know anything about it. How do you account for the fact that Steve found your fingerprints on the showcase? You're crazy. Why? You wore gloves. Oh, you're nuts. Wait a minute. I'll prove it to you. Watch him, Sergeant. Hold it, boy. Just wanted to get my coat. Don't strain yourself. Get it, Mike. You bet. Well, what have we got here? What is it, a.38? Yeah, and it's been fired recently. All right, Sergeant. Since Mac is so fond of jewelry, let him try your bracelets for size. Hey, McKenna. What do you want? You got company, Mac. Hiya, Laura. You're gonna have 10 minutes.

[Mike Waring]

Let me look at you. How are you, honey?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Might change much.

[Mike Waring]

I'm gonna get you out.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

You got a file in your bag?

[Mike Waring]

I'll work it somehow. I'll get the best lawyer.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Ah, nah, save your money, baby.

[Mike Waring]

But if I hired.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Look, Laura, I never kidded you for a minute. I'm a gone gosling. No, we gotta face the facts, baby. They got me dead to rights. They got my gun.

[Mike Waring]

Someone ratted. No, it was Paul.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Nothing of the kind was a fluke.

[Mike Waring]

Remember Mike Waring, Private detective they called the Falcon?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Mm. Well, it seems that he Represents the insurance company. He got lucky. He saw the description Vance gave and he thought of me.

[Mike Waring]

It couldn't happen that way.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

No, but it didn't.

[Mike Waring]

I don't believe it. I got a feeling Paul.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Look, forget it. Paul had nothing to do with it. It was Mike Waring.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I'll pay him back for this. I'll get him for you, Mac, if it's the last thing I do.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Oh, don't talk like a chef.

[Mike Waring]

I tell you, I'll get him.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

How?

[Mike Waring]

Don't ask me, but I'll manage it some way that you can depend on.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

You're wasting your time, mister. Huh? Mr. Waring ain't in. Well, that's a nice. How do you do? I was supposed to meet him here. Are you Sergeant Pulaski? That's right. Well, he told me to give you this note. Yeah. Dear Steve, sorry I had to rush off, but the insurance company wanted to see me on the Vance heist. Eddie, the elevator boy will let you in. There's a bottle in my desk. Help yourself. You Eddie? Yeah, that's right. Got a pass key or do I use mine? Are you sure it'll be all right with Mr. Waring? Here, look for yourself, Eddie. I'll watch you. I guess it's okay. There you are. Thanks a lot, Eddie. You've been a great sergeant. Sergeant. Now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. Three hours have passed since Sergeant Steve Pulaski was killed while entering Mike Waring's apartment. And now at the scene of the crime. All right, doc, you can move the body anytime you want. Mind if I take a peek first, Sergeant? Oh, no. He ain't gonna tell you anything, Mike. Well, whoever did it wasn't taking any chances. They were probably standing right by the closet. Yeah, the minute the door opened, they fired. Now, that's what your elevator boy send. Did Eddie get a peek at the killer? I haven't talked to him yet. Well, what are we waiting for? Eddie? You want me, Mr. Waring? Yeah. Come over here. I don't feel so good. And I don't blame you. You should have seen it, Mr. Waring. It was awful. Every time I think about it, I don't. You better give him a drink. Yeah, you already. I don't want it. Come on. Come on. This is good for what ailed you. Now, tell me exactly what happened. Well, I just opened the door for him and he walked in. Then there was the shot. Go on. That's all I remember. Didn't you see anyone in here? No, I just ran down the hall and got Dr. Wilbur. All I could think of was getting help. Please, Mr. Wayne, can I go now? All right. I'll be downstairs if you want me. He was a great help. I did the best he could. Corbett, I can't tell you how sorry I am about this. If I had been here, you would have gotten it instead. Yeah, I guess so. Who do you know that loves you this much? Offhand, I can't think of a soul. Come on, Mike, use your head. You must have annoyed someone recently. I do that once a week. Well, one of them took it real personally. The only one who comes to my mind is Mac McKenna. McKenna? I was representing the insurance company in that Vance Jewelry stick up. And when Steve described the killer, I thought of McKenna as a suspect. What do you think, Mac? How? By mental telepathy, you got him tucked away safe and sound? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. You got any of that stuff there? Yeah, here it is. All right. Thank you. Boy, some collection. Look at this. A billfold with eight bucks, a badge, service revolver and a pair of bracelets. Ain't much. Wish some of those newspaper boys would keep yapping about crooked cops could see this. What'd Steve want to see about? If I know Corbett, he called me from headquarters this morning and set up the date. Any idea what it was? Nope. He didn't want to discuss it on the phone. I got a hunch it was personal. Reminds me. What? Somebody's gotta break the news to Mrs. Pulaski. What, you mean Steve was married? Yeah, just a month ago. Oh, fine. Well, who's gonna tell her? You? Oh, now, listen, Corbett. Come on, Mike. It's the least you can do. After all, that bullet was intended for you. Okay, Sergeant. I'd rather stop that slug than do this. I got a feeling this will be just as bad.

[Mike Waring]

Just a second.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Mrs. Pulaski?

[Mike Waring]

Yes?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

My name is Mike Waring.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, of course. Steve often speaks of you. Want to come in?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Thank you.

[Mike Waring]

Steve isn't home right now, but I expect him any minute. Oh, I suppose I should apologize for the looks of this place.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Oh, no.

[Mike Waring]

I guess I'm not much of a housewife, but I'll learn.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Sure you will.

[Mike Waring]

Now, look at me, yakking away like crazy. Here, let me take your coat.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

No, please don't bother. I can't stay long.

[Mike Waring]

Well, aren't you gonna wait for Steve? Well, he'll be awful disappointed if he missed you.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Look, Mrs. Pulaski, there's something I have to tell you.

[Mike Waring]

What?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Now, you've got to understand. Steve was a cop. And in his business.

[Mike Waring]

What do you mean? Steve was a cop.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Here, you better sit down.

[Mike Waring]

What happened to him?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Look, Mrs. Pulaski, he's been hurt.

[Mike Waring]

Well, is that it?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Well, where is he? I gotta go see him.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, you can't.

[Mike Waring]

What do you mean I can't? I'm his wife.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

I know that, but you see.

[Mike Waring]

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[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

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[Mike Waring]

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[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

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[Mike Waring]

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[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

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[Mike Waring]

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[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

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[Mike Waring]

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[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Psc.

[Mike Waring]

The warm welcome you deserve this season.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

He's dead.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, no. No. I don't believe it.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

I'm sorry.

[Mike Waring]

He can't be.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

It was my fault. Indirectly. You see, the killer was trying to get me.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, Steve. Steve, I.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

No, no, Mrs. Pulaski, you've got to be brave. Steve would want you to be brave.

[Mike Waring]

I never wanted him to be a cop if he'd listen to me.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, he couldn't have been anything else. He was cut out for the job. He liked it.

[Mike Waring]

Oh. Oh, please leave me alone.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, can I get you anything?

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Look, if it makes you feel any better, I promise you I'll get the responsible party.

[Mike Waring]

Will that bring Steve back?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, I just want you to know.

[Mike Waring]

I know that my husband's dead. That's enough for me. Now go away and leave me alone.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

More coffee, Mike? Now I've had enough. How'd it go? Bad. Say, do you know if Mrs. Pulaski has any relatives? Not as far as I know. Well, I wonder what she's going to do. She doesn't look like a girl who's used to working. Well, with Steve's insurance and the money from the police pension fund, she'll do all right. I hope so. So help me, Corbett, if it's the last thing I do, I'LL get him if I don't get him first. Say, wait a minute. Why do we keep saying him, huh? We keep referring to the killer as a him. Couldn't it be a woman? Well, you ought to know the her or him was after you. Look, can you think of any dame you loused up Recently? What about McKenna's wife, huh? As I recall, she was very devoted to Mac. So? So she might feel I was responsible for putting him away. This could be her way of balancing the books. You're nuts. Was one way to find out. I'm going up to see her. I'll let you know how I make out.

[Mike Waring]

Yes?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Mrs. McKenna?

[Mike Waring]

That's right.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

I'd like a word with you.

[Mike Waring]

I'm busy.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

You can't be that busy.

[Mike Waring]

Now, look, mister, I don't know who you are.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Why not ask me?

[Mike Waring]

Frankly, I don't care.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

My name is Mike Waring.

[Mike Waring]

Mike Waring? Why, you dirty.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Take it easy. Behave yourself. Behave.

[Mike Waring]

Let's go.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

I imagine you're pretty surprised to see me.

[Mike Waring]

Am I?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Yes. You killed the wrong boy. It was a police sergeant named Steve Pulaski.

[Mike Waring]

Crazy.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Doesn't the fact that I'm alive convince you?

[Mike Waring]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Look, you're crazy about Mac. When you felt I was instrumental in nailing him, you wanted to get even.

[Mike Waring]

And I will.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Oh, no, you won't. Lara, in this league, you get one chance. You muffed yours. Now get your coat. We're going places. Well, what do you have to say for yourself, Laura?

[Mike Waring]

Nothing.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Oh, then you admit you killed Sergeant.

[Mike Waring]

I admit nothing of the kind.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

You tried to gun me. And when Steve walked in, you didn't ask for credentials. You just blazed away.

[Mike Waring]

I'm not doing any more talking.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Now, would you change your mind? How would you like to see your husband?

[Mike Waring]

Huh?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

I asked if you'd like to see Mac.

[Mike Waring]

Could I?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

If you cooperate.

[Mike Waring]

All right. I'll tell you anything you want to know.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

You were going to kill Waring.

[Mike Waring]

That's right. Now can I see Mac?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

So you got into his apartment, huh? You got into his apartment.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. Yeah, I did.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

How? My door was locked.

[Mike Waring]

I used the fire escape.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

I put you in my bedroom.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. Now can I see Mac?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you promised me.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

I promised you you'd see him if you'd cooperate. But you're not. How did you get into my apartment?

[Mike Waring]

I told you. Through the fire escape.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

At least to the kitchen.

[Mike Waring]

You got me mixed up. I meant the kitchen.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

What about the window there?

[Mike Waring]

It was open.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

No it wasn't. I distinctly remember shutting it before I left.

[Mike Waring]

I want to see Mac.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, what do you say, Mike? Okay, Lois, take Mrs. McKenna down to see her husband, then lock her up.

[Mike Waring]

Thanks a lot, Sergeant. You won't regret this.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, can you beat that? She means it. Yeah, she's really mad for the guy. Yeah, she must be to pull that silly stunt. Listen, Corbett, I want you to do me a favor. Release her. You nuts? You don't have to worry. She won't skip. McKenna will hold her like a magnet. What's the idea? Because I got a hunch I want to Test, and without Mrs. McKenna on the loose, I can't. Oh, you and your hunches. Well, I don't think she's telling the truth. She admitted trying to get you. I know that. But there's something about this that bothers me. Well, you won't be satisfied till she does kill you. All right, then you can say I told you so. Now, what do you say, Corbett? Well, okay. But if it doesn't pay off, I'll have your heart. With a little A1 sauce. It ought to be real tasty.

[Mike Waring]

Yes?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Mrs. Pulaski? Yes, this is Mike Waring. How do you feel?

[Mike Waring]

How do you think I feel?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, I'm sorry. I only called to tell you that we finally got a line on Steve's murderer. So? So, wouldn't you like to know who it was?

[Mike Waring]

Will that bring Steve back?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, I suppose you're right. Still, I thought you'd be interested. You see, this party was trying to kill me, and I figure she'll try again.

[Mike Waring]

What do you mean?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, I believe this woman is motivated by revenge. If I'm right, Steve's death doesn't satisfy her. Only mine will. That's how we plan to nab her. What do you think?

[Mike Waring]

It doesn't matter what I think. All I know is that Steve is gone. Now leave me alone.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Now show me exactly what happened when Sergeant Pulaski came here this afternoon. Well, the first I saw him, he was banging on your door. He looked kind of upset because you weren't in. That's when you gave him my note. Yeah. Then he told me you said it was all right for him to wait inside. Where were you standing at the time? Right about here. All right, go on. So I pulled out my pass key and. Open the door. Show me how. You mean you want me to go through the whole thing again? Mm. I guess Steve was here. Uh huh. All right, now open the door like you did. That's how it was Then, just as he stepped into the room. Mr. Waring. Mr. Waring. Now, back to the Adventures of the Falcon. 20 minutes have passed since Mike and Eddie attempted to reenact the murder of Sergeant Steve Pulaski. Unfortunately, the effect was almost as dramatic. All right, all right, Mike. Now take a swig of this. What? What happened? You tell me. You were here. Well, I guess. Hey, that shoulder's gonna be stiff for a week. Never mind. Let me. No, no, no, no, no, no. You just stay there till the dock comes. I'm all right. Well, who was it? You asked me. Well, didn't Eddie. Eddie did exactly what he did the first time. He ran off to get help. Then he didn't see who fired the shot. No. Yeah, I guess it's true about people repeating their mistakes. So I get myself plugged for nothing. Well, it's your own fault. I told you Mrs. McKenna was her baby. Yeah, looks like you were right. Well, I'm gonna put out a call for her. Wait a minute, Sergeant. I just thought of something. What's the matter? You want to give her another chance? No. I tell you, I've got it all figured out. I know we can nail the killer for sure. How? Look, I'm gonna need a little help. Where's my coat? Now, don't be silly. You're in no condition to travel. I'll survive, which is a lot more than I can say for Steve's killer. Now get my coat.

[Mike Waring]

Yes?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Hello, Mrs. Pulaski. Remember me?

[Mike Waring]

Mr. Waring. What happened?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

My shoulder. Oh, it's nothing. Yeah. Yeah, this happens practically once a week. Oh, this is Sergeant Corbett.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, yes, I know.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

I. I can't tell you how sorry I am about Steve. Mrs. Pulaski, may we?

[Mike Waring]

Of course.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Thanks.

[Mike Waring]

I suppose I should apologize, Mr. Waring.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

What for?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I wasn't very courteous when you called.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, that's understandable. You were under a strain.

[Mike Waring]

Have you made any progress?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Yes, plenty. Why do you think I'm wearing my arm in a sling?

[Mike Waring]

I don't understand you.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, the killer took a shot at me, but I was luckier than Steve.

[Mike Waring]

Well, then you know who it was.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

I think so. We even got a confession. I'm glad you mentioned that, Sergeant. Because I told you there something about it that bothered me. Well, now I know what it was. Yeah? What? As a phony. Laura McKenna only made it so she could see her husband.

[Mike Waring]

I don't understand.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

You see, Mrs. Pulaski, originally we thought this was a plot to kill me that misfired. So we went around Looking for people who disliked me. That's how we came up with Mrs. McKenna.

[Mike Waring]

Well, what's wrong with that?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, let's consider the actual result in the case. Now, who was the victim?

[Mike Waring]

My husband.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, suppose it wasn't an accident at all. Suppose someone was really after Steve. You see the possibilities?

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, then we come up with a different group of suspects. You remember the personal effects they found on his body?

[Mike Waring]

Yes. There was a wallet with $8, a badge and a gun.

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Mm. Doesn't it strike you that there was something missing? No. What happened to his skeleton keys?

[Mike Waring]

What are you talking about?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

They weren't on his body. Shall I tell you why? Because the killer used him to get into my apartment. The killer knew that Steve was headed there to see me. Now, who would have had the best opportunity to know of that appointment and to lift the keys? Who? You.

[Mike Waring]

What?

[Narrator/Sergeant Pulaski]

Yes, you were real clever, angel. But you made one mistake, and in this game, that's enough to put you away. All right, Corbett, prove it to her. I can't get over it when I think it was Mrs. Pulaski. Now, that's who it was, Sergeant. But why Mike? Well, she had big financial ideas. Oh, you mean she knocked Steve off for his insurance? Was as simple as that. What complicated the deal was that we thought I was supposed to be the victim. That's why she made that second attempt. That was calculated to make us all the more certain that Steve was killed accidentally. You know, it's a funny world. Here we had two wives, one married to a crook and the other to a cop. And the crook's wife would have given her life for her husband, and the cop's wife took his. Yeah, well, fortunately, it very seldom happens that way. But it all goes to prove one thing, huh? What? Marriage may be a great institution, but in some cases, it can be murder. Good night, Sergeant. The Case of the Strong Sister. The Case of the Strong Sister. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon, when Mike Waring learns that if blood is thicker than water, murder is a relative condition. The Adventures of the Falcon are based on the famous character created by Drexel Drake. Produced and transcribed by Bernard L. Shubert, written today by Eugene Wang and directed by Richard Lewis. Les Damon starred as the Falcon, with Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett. This program came from New York. Fred Collins speaking.