The Falcon: The Case of the Rich Racketeer 11/05/1950

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio Episode Summary: The Falcon: The Case of the Rich Racketeer Release Date: November 28, 2024

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Introduction

In this enthralling episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, titled The Falcon: The Case of the Rich Racketeer, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, the episode showcases the quintessential detective narrative featuring Mike Waring, known as the Falcon, navigating through deceit, threats, and murder to uncover the truth behind a wealthy racketeer's demise.

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Setting the Stage

The story unfolds in New York City, specifically around Central Park West and the secluded Tallow Lake. The narrative begins with Larry Sullivan, a shrewd businessman with dubious dealings, and his business manager, Carl Garland. Their interaction sets the tone for the ensuing conflict.

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The Confrontation

Timestamp [00:54] – [07:18]

Larry Sullivan and Carl Garland engage in a tense confrontation in Sullivan's Central Park West apartment. Garland demands his rightful share of Sullivan's earnings, leading to a heated exchange:

• Larry Sullivan: "You're going to get a check." ([03:17])
• Carl Garland: "I got a date with one [a murderer] in exactly half an hour." ([00:54])

The situation escalates when Garland brandishes a gun, threatening Sullivan for $30,000 in cash. The dialogue captures the desperation and danger of their relationship:

• Carl Garland: "I know you've got more than 300 grand salted away. I want my share now and I want it in cash." ([04:11]-[04:27])
• Larry Sullivan: "Put that gun away." ([04:50])

Just as Garland is about to pull the trigger, Flo Sullivan, Larry's wife, intervenes, showcasing her protective instincts:

• Flo Sullivan: "You are." ([07:05])

This interruption not only saves Sullivan but also adds layers to the characters' relationships and motives.

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The Detective Arrives

Timestamp [08:29] – [16:00]

The plot thickens with the introduction of Mike Waring, the Falcon, persuaded by Larry Sullivan to investigate who has been following him. Sullivan's desperation is evident when he calls Mike:

• Larry Sullivan: "I want to hire you. This job is important to me and I'm willing to pay plenty if you'll come out here right away." ([10:37]-[10:43])

Mike arrives at the secluded cottage at Tallow Lake only to find Larry murdered with a bullet hole in his head. Enter Bonnie Shaw, Sullivan's young girlfriend, who is visibly distressed:

• Bonnie Shaw: "I don't understand. I just got here a few minutes ago. I found him in there. I was frightened." ([15:22]-[15:36])

As Mike begins his investigation, suspicion naturally falls on multiple characters, including Bonnie and her brother, Tom Shaw.

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Investigation and Clues

Timestamp [17:00] – [26:00]

Mike Waring meticulously interviews the suspects:

1. Tom Shaw: Bonnie's protective brother, who arrives to confront Sullivan about Bonnie.

   • Tom Shaw: "I'm telling you, Sullivan. You can't keep passing your business around like that." ([09:08]-[09:10])

2. Flo Sullivan: Demonstrates no outward grief, leading Mike to probe deeper into her motives.

   • Mike Waring: "You seem to be taking your husband's death pretty calmly." ([19:07])

3. Carl Garland: Initially appears remorseful but exhibits inconsistencies in his story.

   • Carl Garland: "I swear I didn't shoot Larry. I couldn't have done it." ([20:25]-[20:28])

Key evidence surfaces when Mike discovers an envelope hidden behind a smashed wall mirror, filled with thousands of dollar bills—Larry's concealed money:

• Bonnie Shaw: "Larry's money." ([26:35]-[26:36])
• Mike Waring: "The murderer couldn't find it, but his bullet did." ([26:41]-[26:43])

These clues begin to unravel the mystery, pointing towards the true culprit.

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The Revelation

Timestamp [26:00] – [28:17]

Through sharp deduction, Mike connects the dots. Carl Garland's evasive remarks about knowing the details of Larry's murder reveal his culpability:

• Mike Waring: "Garland made one little slip. A slip that I didn't recognize until you mentioned the word shot." ([27:13]-[27:22])

Garland's inability to convincingly deny knowledge of the murder, despite claiming ignorance, exposes his guilt. Additionally, his demand for payment and his confrontation with Sullivan provide the perfect motive.

Bonnie Shaw, initially portrayed as a grieving girlfriend, shifts the dynamic by offering to hire Mike to find the real murderer, further complicating the relationships but ultimately leading to the resolution.

• Bonnie Shaw: "Please, Mike. Please let me hire you to clear Tom." ([22:17]-[22:32])

In the climax, Mike confronts Garland, who eventually admits his role in the murder, unable to maintain his facade under scrutiny.

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Conclusion

The Falcon: The Case of the Rich Racketeer masterfully weaves a narrative of greed, deception, and justice. Through Mike Waring's relentless pursuit of the truth, listeners witness the unraveling of a complex web spun by Carl Garland. The episode not only entertains but also highlights the timeless allure of detective stories where wit and determination triumph over malice.

Notable closing lines encapsulate the triumph of truth:

• Mike Waring: "Well, you're not a detective, Angel." ([27:22]-[27:28])
• Bonnie Shaw: "I'll have that drink now." ([28:04]-[28:07])

This episode stands as a testament to the enduring charm of old-time radio dramas, bringing to life characters and stories that resonate through the ages.

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Notable Quotes

• Mike Waring: "Why you stupid little. Say, hey, that. That's the way you want to play it, huh?" ([04:36]-[04:42])
• Carl Garland: "I saved your fat neck this afternoon. An income tax evasion charge is the only way they catch guys like you." ([03:56]-[04:10])
• Flo Sullivan: "A blue-eyed, baby-faced, little blonde named Bonnie Shore." ([06:10]-[06:13])
• Mike Waring: "He knew." ([27:35]-[27:38])
• Bonnie Shaw: "I know, we weren't going to wait for his divorce. We were going to South America together." ([23:06]-[23:11])

These quotes capture pivotal moments and character dynamics that drive the narrative forward.

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Final Thoughts

The Falcon: The Case of the Rich Racketeer is a quintessential old-time radio detective story, blending suspense, character complexity, and sharp dialogue. Choice Classic Radio delivers an engaging episode that not only honors the legacy of classic radio dramas but also provides a captivating listening experience for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Ed Hurley]

The Kraft Foods Company brings you the Adventures of the Falcon, starring Les Damon.

[Mike Waring]

Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, June, I was just thinking about you. Angela. The theater tonight? No, I'm sorry, I'm working on a case. Of course. I know those tickets were hard to get, but so was a murderer, and I've got a date with one in exactly half an hour.

[Ed Hurley]

This is Ed Hurley. He friends inviting you on behalf of the Kraft Foods company to listen to the Adventures of the Falcon. 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 Falcon solves the case of the rich racketeer. Before we join the Falcon in his latest adventure, I'd like to tell you folks about Kraft's golden cheese food. Velveeta. Velveeta is such good eating. Just taste that grand rich yet mild cheddar cheese flavor. And Velveeta is so good for you. It's rich in important food values. From milk itself for swell tasting snacks, for good hearty sandwiches for thrifty easy hot dishes. It's smart to keep stocked with Velveeta. Get it tomorrow in the handy quarter pound package or in the economical two pound loaf. The cheese food of top quality Velveeta is made only by Kraft. And now, the case of the rich Racketeer. It's Sunday afternoon in New York City. A cab pulls up in front of a large Central park west apartment building and two men get out. One of the men is big, beefy and florid, while the other is slim and quick. Moving. The two men hurriedly enter the building and ride the elevator up to the 10th floor where Florid Face leads the way to one of the apartments and opens the door. Flo.

[Larry Sullivan]

Hey, Flo. Guess my wife's not home yet. Come on, Garland. Come on in. Let's get this over.

[Carl Garland]

Excellent idea, Sullivan. Excellent.

[Larry Sullivan]

Wait there and leave your hat and coat on. Won't take me but a second to write a check.

[Carl Garland]

Check?

[Larry Sullivan]

Yeah, check.

[Carl Garland]

I think I'd rather have cash, Sullivan. I was much too good in court this afternoon to warrant a check.

[Larry Sullivan]

Okay, so you were good. You were swell. You were better than usual. And you're still the best business finagler in New York. But you're going to get a check.

[Carl Garland]

Finagler is a nasty word. Almost as nasty as racketeer.

[Larry Sullivan]

Yeah, but racketeers better, Garland. You see, in my business, you don't have to pretend to be something you're not.

[Carl Garland]

But you do have to be smart.

[Larry Sullivan]

Yeah, that's right. You have to be smart. Now then, here's your check. Take it and blow. I got a date in a little while.

[Carl Garland]

Only $1,000?

[Larry Sullivan]

You're lucky to get that much.

[Ed Hurley]

Hey, hey.

[Larry Sullivan]

Don't tear that up.

[Carl Garland]

Why, you cheap, chiseling punk. I saved your fat neck this afternoon. An income tax evasion charge is the only way they catch guys like you. And I cleared you. I got you off scot free because there wasn't any evidence of the money you made. They could have ruined you.

[Larry Sullivan]

Yeah, but they didn't.

[Carl Garland]

No, they didn't. And I'll tell you why they didn't. Because I advised you not to keep any records or books. I told you to keep your profits on hand in cash and not to keep it in any banks. So what? So I want my share now and I want it in cash. I know you've got more than 300 grand salted away.

[Larry Sullivan]

You're crazy, Carl.

[Carl Garland]

No, no, I'm not. I know you've got that money, Sullivan. I want my share. I want it right now and Fast. I want $30,000 and I want it in cash.

[Larry Sullivan]

Why you stupid little. Say, hey, that. That's the way you want to play it, huh?

[Carl Garland]

That's the way, Solomon. I'm not bluffing. Loaded and I'm not afraid to use it. So if you want to enjoy your freedom, hand over the 30 grand.

[Larry Sullivan]

Now look, Garland, be reasonable. Put that gun away.

[Carl Garland]

Not a chance.

[Larry Sullivan]

But you're wrong. I swear you are. I'm broke. That thousand dollar check I just wrote will practically wipe me out.

[Carl Garland]

You expect me to believe that?

[Larry Sullivan]

It's true. Now listen, I know you deserve a bigger fee, but I can't give it to you now. Later I'll try.

[Carl Garland]

Quit stalling, Sullivan. Where's the money? I know you got it.

[Larry Sullivan]

I dumped it in an oil deal out West, I thought I could really clean up, but something went wrong.

[Carl Garland]

You never took a chance in your life. And an oil well is a gamble. You're a sure thing, player. Come on, Sullivan. Getting tired of holding this gun. Where's my $30,000?

[Larry Sullivan]

I tell you.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Gun.

[Carl Garland]

Get it, Sullivan, or I'm gonna pull this trigger. What the.

[Flo Sullivan]

Larry, what in the world.

[Larry Sullivan]

Look out for this gun might.

[Carl Garland]

No, you don't.

[Larry Sullivan]

Oh, yes, I do.

[Tom Shaw]

Oh.

[Larry Sullivan]

That'S better. I'll just keep this gun as a souvenir. Now get out of here before I break it over your head.

[Flo Sullivan]

What's going on here anyway?

[Larry Sullivan]

Shut up. Okay, Garland, get going.

[Carl Garland]

You made a mistake, Mr. Sullivan. A big mistake. I want that 30 grand and I intend to get it.

[Larry Sullivan]

That little bum might have killed me with his gun if you hadn't opened the door and banged into him.

[Flo Sullivan]

That's too bad. If I'd known, I'd have waited outside in the hole.

[Larry Sullivan]

What?

[Flo Sullivan]

You heard me.

[Larry Sullivan]

What's eating you?

[Flo Sullivan]

You are.

[Larry Sullivan]

Come on, come on, spill it. What's on your mind?

[Flo Sullivan]

A blue eyed, baby faced, little blonde named Bonnie Shore.

[Mike Waring]

Bonnie?

[Larry Sullivan]

What are you talking about?

[Flo Sullivan]

Get wise to yourself, Larry. Did you really think you were kidding me? Don't you think I know where you've been spending your evenings?

[Larry Sullivan]

Now wait a minute, Flo. You don't know what you're talking about.

[Flo Sullivan]

I've been a SAP for a long time. But now you're gonna pay and pay plenty.

[Larry Sullivan]

How did you find out about Barney and me?

[Flo Sullivan]

A little bird told me.

[Larry Sullivan]

I said, how did you find out?

[Flo Sullivan]

And I said a little. You're gonna be sorry for that, Larry. Very sorry.

[Larry Sullivan]

Yeah, but not as sorry as you're gonna be. Your little bird didn't tell you quite enough. Sure. I've got a girl named Bonnie Shore and I'm nuts about her. I'm going to divorce you and marry Bonnie just as soon as possible.

[Flo Sullivan]

Really?

[Larry Sullivan]

And I got more news for you, too, baby. Just in case you think you're going to hook me. I'm broke. I've been wiped out completely. You can't get a dime out of me.

[Flo Sullivan]

That's too bad, isn't it?

[Larry Sullivan]

Yeah, it's a shame. I feel so bad about it. I'm have to bust out crying if I hang around here any longer. So get away from that door and let me out.

[Flo Sullivan]

Sure, Larry, I'll let you go. But not with Bonnie Shaw.

[Larry Sullivan]

Try and stop me.

[Flo Sullivan]

Wait, Larry. You're forgetting something, aren't you?

[Larry Sullivan]

Now look, Flo. Put that gun down, Larry.

[Flo Sullivan]

I only wanted to hand it to you. It belongs to your lawyer friend. Don't you want to give it back to him?

[Larry Sullivan]

Why, why yes, Maybe I'd better.

[Flo Sullivan]

No, on second thought, I don't think he needs it as badly as I do.

[Larry Sullivan]

You?

[Flo Sullivan]

Yes, darling, I've just thought of a wonderful use for it.

[Larry Sullivan]

Well, what are you going to do?

[Flo Sullivan]

Why, can't you guess, Larry? I'm the forgotten middle aged wife who's been dropped without a scent. I'm going in the bedroom and blow my brains out.

[Larry Sullivan]

Oh, don't kid me, baby. You'd never do that.

[Flo Sullivan]

You're so right, darling. I'd never, never do that.

[Larry Sullivan]

Sorry I'm late, Bonnie, but.

[Tom Shaw]

Nice little hideaway you got here, Sullivan. Miles from the city, woods all around, lake out front. You couldn't have picked a sweeter love nest.

[Larry Sullivan]

Who are you?

[Tom Shaw]

My name's Shaw. I'm Tom Shaw.

[Larry Sullivan]

Shaw?

[Ed Hurley]

Yeah.

[Tom Shaw]

I got a sister named Bonnie. Mean anything to you?

[Larry Sullivan]

You're Bonnie's brother.

[Tom Shaw]

That's right.

[Larry Sullivan]

Where is she?

[Tom Shaw]

She'll probably be along in a few minutes.

[Larry Sullivan]

Say, I don't. Bonnie didn't tell me you'd be here.

[Tom Shaw]

She didn't know it.

[Larry Sullivan]

And what are you doing here?

[Tom Shaw]

I'm telling you to stay away from Bonnie.

[Larry Sullivan]

Maybe she'll have something to say about that.

[Tom Shaw]

Bonnie's just a kid. She doesn't know what she's doing.

[Larry Sullivan]

Now look, sure you got the wrong idea. I'm crazy about Bonnie. We're in love and we're going to get married.

[Tom Shaw]

No, you're wrong, Sullivan. And even if you meant it, I'd die before I'd let her throw herself away on a grafting racketeer like you guys. Old enough to be a father who's already married.

[Larry Sullivan]

You told my wife about Bonnie?

[Carl Garland]

Sure.

[Tom Shaw]

Right, soldier?

[Larry Sullivan]

Why you little.

[Flo Sullivan]

My jaw.

[Larry Sullivan]

Next time it won't be your jaw, it'll be your neck. Now get out of here and stay out.

[Tom Shaw]

Yeah, yeah, I'll get out, Sul. But I'm coming back with a gun.

[Larry Sullivan]

Operator, I want to call New York City.

[Flo Sullivan]

What number, please?

[Larry Sullivan]

You'll have to look it up. I want to make a person to person call to Mike Waring, the private detective who's known as the Falcon.

[Mike Waring]

You know, angel, you got the bluest eyes. Yeah, they go so well with. Hand me the phone, will you, Angel?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Don't answer it, Mike.

[Flo Sullivan]

Let it ring.

[Mike Waring]

I got some. Hand it to me.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Oh, all right.

[Mike Waring]

Hello?

[Larry Sullivan]

Yes, is this Mike wearing the Falcon?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, this is the Falcon speaking.

[Larry Sullivan]

Must be something wrong with this connection. For a second I thought.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, never mind what you thought. Just tell me what you want.

[Larry Sullivan]

I want to hire you.

[Mike Waring]

Right now?

[Larry Sullivan]

Yes. Why? Are you working on something else?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, I am.

[Larry Sullivan]

Well, then drop it. This job is important to me and I'm willing to pay plenty if you'll come out here right away.

[Mike Waring]

Where are you?

[Larry Sullivan]

My cut at your Tello lake.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, it's 10:30 now. I couldn't get there much before midnight.

[Larry Sullivan]

I know that.

[Mike Waring]

All right, what's the job?

[Larry Sullivan]

I'm working on a very important deal at the moment and it's absolutely necessary to keep my movements secret. I'm pretty sure that somebody's been fired. Following me this evening. I want you to find out who it is.

[Mike Waring]

You say money is no object, Sullivan?

[Larry Sullivan]

None at all.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, keep talking then. Just exactly where is this cottage of yours?

[Flo Sullivan]

Hello?

[Tom Shaw]

Sullivan?

[Flo Sullivan]

Yes? Who's this?

[Tom Shaw]

The same guy who called you this morning.

[Flo Sullivan]

You mean about my husband?

[Tom Shaw]

That's right.

[Flo Sullivan]

Who are you anyway?

[Tom Shaw]

Never mind who I am. I just found out where your husband is meeting Bonnie Shore.

[Flo Sullivan]

Where?

[Tom Shaw]

In the last cottage down the road on Tallow Lake. He's there now waiting for. If you're interested in keeping him, you better go out and bring him home right away.

[Flo Sullivan]

And if I'm not interested?

[Tom Shaw]

Well, in that case you might drop him a farewell note because I have a hunch he's going on a long, long trip.

[Flo Sullivan]

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

[Ed Hurley]

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, there is something new under the sun at your grocer's right now. A new salad oil. Craft salad oil. The first salad oil ever offered for home use by the makers of all those wonderful craft prepared dressings. Wait until you try it in those wonderful salad dressings you make yourself. Those light as air chiffon cakes you're so proud of in all your special recipes that call for liquid shortening. For craft salad oil is more than just a new oil. It's a new kind of oil. Super fine for better blending by a special new craft process. Because it's lighter bodied, it mixes perfectly with all ingredients. Puts new magic into dressings, cooking and baking. Don't wait. Put this new salad oil on your shopping list right now.

[Flo Sullivan]

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

[Ed Hurley]

Get Kraft salad oil tomorrow at your grocer's. Look for the bottles with the beautiful lab. Now back to the adventures of the falcon.

[Mike Waring]

It's an hour and a half later.

[Ed Hurley]

Mike Waring has just stopped his car outside Larry Sullivan's secluded cottage at Tallow Lake. The light is on in the living room, but the house and countryside are strangely quiet. Mike walks up to the front door and knocks. There's no answer. No sound from inside. He opens the door and stops suddenly. Across the room, with her back pressed tensely against the closed bedroom door, stands a beautiful, young, very frightened blonde.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. When I knocked and nobody answered.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Not scared?

[Mike Waring]

You better try again, angel. It's not that cold in here.

[Bonnie Shaw]

I don't understand.

[Mike Waring]

You're trembling. Why?

[Bonnie Shaw]

I don't know.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, have it your way. Where's Sullivan, Larry? I don't know his first name. He called himself Sullivan. He hired me to come out here.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Why?

[Mike Waring]

Said he needed a detective.

[Bonnie Shaw]

You're a policeman?

[Mike Waring]

No, I'm a private detective. Say, what's the matter with you, anyway? Where's Sullivan?

[Bonnie Shaw]

He. He's not here. He's gone. He won't be back. Please, you'd better go.

[Mike Waring]

Now, wait a minute, angel. Not so fast. What's behind that closed door?

[Bonnie Shaw]

It's. It's just the bedroom.

[Mike Waring]

Who's in there?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Nobody. Nobody at all. Please.

[Mike Waring]

Now, don't try to kid me, Angel. If Sullivan's changed his mind about needing a detective, he's not going to brush me without getting out his checkbook.

[Bonnie Shaw]

No, no. Please don't open.

[Mike Waring]

No wonder you got the shakes. Blood gives me the jitters, too. The Sullivan?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

With a bullet hole in the back of his head.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Larry.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, you can cut out the act. I'm not impressed. Yes. Where's the gun?

[Bonnie Shaw]

The gun?

[Mike Waring]

The gun you killed him with. It's not here. Where is it?

[Bonnie Shaw]

You think I killed Larry?

[Mike Waring]

You just tried to get rid of me. You're scared silly and you knew he was in there.

[Bonnie Shaw]

No, no, you're wrong. I didn't shoot Larry. I just got here a few minutes ago. I found him in there. I was frightened. I didn't know what to do.

[Mike Waring]

Why were you tailing him tonight?

[Bonnie Shaw]

I don't understand.

[Mike Waring]

He told me on the phone that somebody was following him. That's why he hired me. He wanted me to find out who it was.

[Bonnie Shaw]

I wasn't following Larry. I came here to meet him tonight. I loved him. We were going to be married just as soon as his wife divorced him.

[Mike Waring]

He already had a wife?

[Ed Hurley]

Yes.

[Bonnie Shaw]

She killed him. She must have found out about us and come here tonight.

[Mike Waring]

It's possible she might have been the person who was following him, of course.

[Bonnie Shaw]

It must have been his wife. Don't you see?

[Mike Waring]

Well, not yet. But a little outside help might clear it up. Where's the phone?

[Bonnie Shaw]

What are you going to do?

[Mike Waring]

Call the police?

[Bonnie Shaw]

No, no, wait. I mean, you've got to understand about us, about Larry and me.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, sure, sure, I know. You can tell me all about it after I put in this call.

[Bonnie Shaw]

No, please, don't call them until.

[Mike Waring]

Look, angel, you can't pump bullets at a ball spot without letting the police in on the fun. Somehow I don't think they'd like it at all. Bunny shaw? Hmm?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Yes, Mr. Waring, I've told you the truth. Larry and I love each. Loved each other. I had no reason to kill him.

[Mike Waring]

Sullivan told me he was working on some sort of big deal. You know anything about it?

[Bonnie Shaw]

No, he never told me about his business.

[Mike Waring]

What about Sullivan's wife? Did you know?

[Bonnie Shaw]

What's the matter?

[Mike Waring]

Just heard somebody out on the porch. Keep talking, Angel.

[Bonnie Shaw]

I'm sure she must have found out about us.

[Mike Waring]

You're looking for somebody?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Tom, what are you doing here?

[Mike Waring]

You know this fellow?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Yeah, of course I know him. He's my brother.

[Tom Shaw]

Bonnie, you've got to listen to reason.

[Narrator]

Come home with me.

[Tom Shaw]

You can't throw yourself away on a no good racketeer like Sullivan.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Tom, you hurt? What happened to your jaw?

[Tom Shaw]

I came here earlier tonight to talk to Sullivan, but he couldn't see things my way. We had a fight and he hit me.

[Mike Waring]

Is that why you shot him?

[Flo Sullivan]

Why?

[Carl Garland]

Wait a minute.

[Tom Shaw]

What's going on here?

[Larry Sullivan]

Who are you?

[Mike Waring]

A lot of people call me the Falcon. The Father.

[Tom Shaw]

Bonnie, what's happened? Where's Sullivan?

[Mike Waring]

He's lying in there on the bedroom floor with a bullet hole in the back of his head.

[Tom Shaw]

He's dead?

[Mike Waring]

Definitely.

[Tom Shaw]

Let go on me. What's the idea?

[Mike Waring]

I just wanted to see if you had a gun.

[Bonnie Shaw]

What?

[Tom Shaw]

Are you satisfied?

[Mike Waring]

No. You could have thrown it away out there in the woods.

[Tom Shaw]

You think I killed Sullivan?

[Mike Waring]

You said you had a fight with him tonight.

[Tom Shaw]

Yes, we had a fight, but I didn't kill him. I was plenty sore when he threw me out, but I cooled off after I called his wife.

[Mike Waring]

You called Sullivan's wife tonight? Yes.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Why you contemptible little.

[Mike Waring]

Take it easy, Angel.

[Tom Shaw]

I did it for your own good. Bonnie.

[Mike Waring]

And Sullivan's wife did know about him and Bonnie?

[Tom Shaw]

Of course she knew. Wait a minute. Maybe she did.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Of course she did it.

[Mike Waring]

Why did you come back here, Shaw?

[Tom Shaw]

Well, after I called Sullivan's wife, I got to thinking. I thought that if she came out here maybe the two of us could break this up.

[Mike Waring]

Oh sure, the police are going to love that story.

[Tom Shaw]

Did you call the cops?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, of course. They'll be here any minute.

[Tom Shaw]

I'm getting out. They're not going to find me here.

[Mike Waring]

Get out of my way.

[Bonnie Shaw]

You knocked him out?

[Mike Waring]

Yes. Well he'll get over it. And it might jar him into telling the truth when the police wake him up for a chat.

[Flo Sullivan]

And then my husband took the gun away from Mr. Garland and told him to get out.

[Mike Waring]

Did you tell the police about that?

[Flo Sullivan]

Certainly I told them. But they seemed to think that Tom Shaw was the killer. Of course. They said they'd question Mr. Garland this morning.

[Mike Waring]

Did you leave this apartment last night after your husband went out?

[Flo Sullivan]

Why no.

[Mike Waring]

Could you prove that?

[Flo Sullivan]

I don't think so. Why? What are you driving at?

[Mike Waring]

Mr. Waring, your husband was running around with another woman and you had just found it out.

[Flo Sullivan]

Do you think I killed Larry?

[Mike Waring]

Your motive is even better than the others.

[Flo Sullivan]

That's ridiculous. I couldn't kill anybody.

[Mike Waring]

You seem to be taking your husband's death pretty calmly. No tear stained handkerchiefs or swollen eyes.

[Flo Sullivan]

Why should I pretend he meant nothing to me anymore? I didn't even mind the fact that he had this girl, Bonnie Shore.

[Mike Waring]

You weren't jealous?

[Flo Sullivan]

Certainly not. I knew he was going to leave me, but I didn't care at all. I'll be honest with you, Mr. Waring. If I could have gotten money from Larry, I might have tried to hang on to him or at least make him pay plenty to get rid of me. But he was wiped out. He didn't have a dime.

[Mike Waring]

Your husband was broke?

[Flo Sullivan]

Yes, he told me so last night just before he went out. So you see, he was of no more use to me. I actually was glad he was going to leave me, but I certainly had no reason to kill him.

[Mike Waring]

I see.

[Flo Sullivan]

Oh, excuse me.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, of course.

[Flo Sullivan]

Mr. Garland.

[Carl Garland]

Oh, forgive me for calling so early in the morning, Mrs. Sullivan. I wanted to see Larry before he went out. I'm sorry about that trouble we had last night and I want to apologize.

[Flo Sullivan]

You don't know about it.

[Mike Waring]

Is this the business manager you were telling me about?

[Flo Sullivan]

Yes, this is Mr. Garland.

[Carl Garland]

Well, what's wrong, Mr. Sullivan? Where's Larry?

[Mike Waring]

He was murdered last night.

[Carl Garland]

Larry's dead?

[Flo Sullivan]

Yes.

[Carl Garland]

Why? Well that's terrible. I had no idea.

[Mike Waring]

Did you read the morning papers?

[Carl Garland]

No, no, you see, I was upset about that quarrel last night and I wanted to hurry over here as fast as possible.

[Mike Waring]

That quarrel last night gives you a pretty swell motive, darling.

[Carl Garland]

I didn't even know about the murder.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you could be lying about that.

[Carl Garland]

No, I'm not lying.

[Mike Waring]

But you did threaten him.

[Carl Garland]

Well, I was only bluffing. He owed me money and I wanted it. I swear I didn't shoot Larry. I couldn't have done it. They took my gun away from me. It's still here.

[Mike Waring]

There are other guns.

[Carl Garland]

Well, I tell you I didn't do it.

[Mike Waring]

Tell me about this money you say Sullivan owed you.

[Carl Garland]

Well, I did some financial work for him and I felt he owed me a much larger fee than he was willing to pay. Naturally that made me angry and I guess I lost my head. I had the gun in my pocket.

[Ed Hurley]

Why?

[Carl Garland]

Well, I always carry it. I have a license for it. There are certain people who have threatened me from time to time.

[Mike Waring]

Ok, ok. So you pulled the gun on Sullivan?

[Carl Garland]

Yes. Yes, I thought I might frighten him into paying me what I wanted. It did frighten him and he told me the truth.

[Ed Hurley]

The truth? Yes.

[Carl Garland]

He was broke. He literally couldn't pay me. At first I didn't believe him. But he finally convinced me that he was telling the truth when Mrs. Sullivan came in unexpectedly and gave him the chance to grab the gun.

[Mike Waring]

Did Bonnie Shaw know that Sullivan was broke?

[Carl Garland]

Who was she?

[Mike Waring]

Didn't you know Sullivan had a young girlfriend?

[Carl Garland]

No, I had no idea. I mean, I only knew him professionally. He never discussed his personal life with me.

[Flo Sullivan]

Mr. Waring, isn't it just possible that.

[Mike Waring]

Bonnie Shaw killed your husband?

[Flo Sullivan]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

That's why I wondered. If she knew Sullivan was broke, he might have been stringing her along, telling her he was rich. And last night she may have found out the truth.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Hello Mike.

[Mike Waring]

What. What are you doing in my apartment, Bunny?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Mike, I've been trying to find you all morning.

[Mike Waring]

You don't waste much time, do you angel? It was Mr. Waring last night.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Oh, I. I'm sorry. It just slipped out.

[Mike Waring]

Uh huh. Well, make it a habit, huh? I like the intimate touch.

[Bonnie Shaw]

You look tired.

[Mike Waring]

I know. Working for nothing always wears me out.

[Bonnie Shaw]

I don't understand.

[Mike Waring]

I've been using my talents out of pure curiosity. This morning. Sullivan hired me last night, but he didn't pay me any money.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Then maybe you let me hire you. You? Yes. Mike, you've got to help Tom.

[Mike Waring]

Have they arrested him?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Not yet, but they. They held him for questioning all night. He denies the murder, so they had to let him go this morning because of lack of evidence. But I want to hire you to find the real Murderer.

[Mike Waring]

Are you sure about that?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Of course. Please, Mike. Please let me hire you to Clare Tom.

[Mike Waring]

I cost money, you know.

[Bonnie Shaw]

I don't have very much, but I'll.

[Mike Waring]

That mink coat you're wearing doesn't exactly look like a ticket to the poor house.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Don't let this coat fool you. I didn't pay for it. Larry gave it to me as a present.

[Mike Waring]

Sullivan gave you that coat?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

When?

[Bonnie Shaw]

About a week ago.

[Flo Sullivan]

Why?

[Bonnie Shaw]

What's wrong?

[Mike Waring]

Sullivan claimed he was broke.

[Bonnie Shaw]

But that's ridiculous. He had lots of money. In fact, he told me he just made a tremendous killing in some sort of business deal. And that's why we.

[Mike Waring]

That's why you what?

[Bonnie Shaw]

No, not nothing.

[Mike Waring]

Now, come clean, Angel. If you want my help, you've got to tell me the truth.

[Bonnie Shaw]

All right, Mike, I'll tell you the truth. Larry wasn't broke. I know. We. You see, we weren't going to wait for his divorce. We were going to South America together. In fact, he already had the steamer.

[Mike Waring]

Tickets and a stack of money. And cash.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

You know where that money is?

[Bonnie Shaw]

No, Mike, I don't. I swear I don't.

[Mike Waring]

You wouldn't lie to me, would you, angel?

[Bonnie Shaw]

No, Mike, I wouldn't lie to you. I couldn't. You know that, darling.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's a nice try, but you'd have to do better than that. All right. Wrap that mink around your lovely shoulders by going treasure hunting.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Where to?

[Mike Waring]

Out to Sullivan's cottage on Tallow Lake.

[Flo Sullivan]

Miracle Whip has a flavor so pleasing. Miracle Whip tastes so lively, so teasing Miracle Whip only one of its kind. Miracle Whip best salad dressing you will find.

[Ed Hurley]

Miracle Whip is the only one of its kind because it's a different type of salad dressing. Made from a secret craft recipe, Miracle Whip combines the best qualities of old fashioned boiled dressing and fine mayonnaise. So it's truly distinctive and delicious with a flavor millions of folks call just exactly right. Try it, won't you? One taste will tell you why. It's America's favorite salad dressing. The one and only Miracle Whip. Now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. An hour has passed since Mike set out for Tallow Lake with Bonnie Shaw. Now they've arrived.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Mike, look.

[Mike Waring]

Looks like a cyclone hit the place. Well, I'm not surprised.

[Bonnie Shaw]

The murderer was here searching for the money.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, of course.

[Bonnie Shaw]

And he's beaten us to it. He must have found it if Larry had it hidden here.

[Mike Waring]

Well, don't be too sure about that, Angel.

[Bonnie Shaw]

You don't think the money was here?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, yes, I'm sure it was here. And I think it still is.

[Bonnie Shaw]

But why?

[Mike Waring]

Look at this room. Everything is torn up. Drawers are emptied, pillows slashed, rugs thrown back. Nothing's been overlooked.

[Bonnie Shaw]

I don't understand.

[Mike Waring]

It's simple, Angel. If the place was only partly torn up, it might mean the killer had found the money. But everything in here has been gone over carefully and more than once. That means he hasn't found it yet.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Then Mikey may still be here. Maybe we interrupted him.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, maybe. But I've got another idea I like a lot better.

[Bonnie Shaw]

What?

[Mike Waring]

The murderer knew about the money, but didn't get a chance to search for it last night after killing Sullivan. So this morning, early, the killer came back out here, went over the cottage, but couldn't find the money. So the murderer got the bright idea of hiring me, a detective, to help find the missing cash.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Mike, you don't think that.

[Mike Waring]

After all, angel, you knew about the money and the others didn't.

[Bonnie Shaw]

No, Mike. The others could have known. Even Tom could have known about it.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, sure, but I don't.

[Ed Hurley]

Down on the floor, quick.

[Bonnie Shaw]

What happened?

[Mike Waring]

Well, guess I owe you an apology, Angel. We did interrupt the murderer and he just tried to kill me.

[Bonnie Shaw]

And he's out there in the woods. He may try to come up here.

[Mike Waring]

Hold it.

[Bonnie Shaw]

What is it?

[Mike Waring]

Listen.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Car.

[Mike Waring]

He must have hidden it in the woods. He missed once and decided not to try again. So what's the matter? Look over there on the floor.

[Bonnie Shaw]

The wall mirror. The bullet smashed it.

[Mike Waring]

Yes. And look what was hidden behind the glass.

[Bonnie Shaw]

An envelope.

[Mike Waring]

An envelope? And full of thousand dollar bills.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Larry's money.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, brother. That's irony for you. The murderer couldn't find it, but his bullet did.

[Bonnie Shaw]

He's not a very good shop.

[Mike Waring]

Wait a minute.

[Carl Garland]

Shot.

[Bonnie Shaw]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Thanks, Angel. You just told me something I should have known three hours ago.

[Bonnie Shaw]

What do you mean?

[Mike Waring]

The murderer. I know who it is now.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Who?

[Mike Waring]

Mike Sullivan's lawyer. Arthur Garland. Would you like a drink now?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Not until you tell me how you knew Garland was the killer.

[Mike Waring]

Well, now that the police have caught up with him, I guess I can. You see, Garland made one little slip. A slip that I didn't recognize until you mentioned the word shot. Then it clicked suddenly.

[Bonnie Shaw]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Well, you see, when I talked to Garland this morning, he claimed he didn't even know about the murder. Yes, well, neither Mrs. Sullivan nor I told him any of the details. Yet he knew Sullivan had been shot. He said. I swear I didn't shoot. Larry Sullivan might have been stabbed, poisoned or bashed over the headfall. He knew. So how else would Garland have known Sullivan had been shot unless he himself had done the shooting?

[Bonnie Shaw]

Mike, you're wonderful. I'd never have thought of that.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you're not a detective, Angel.

[Bonnie Shaw]

No, but I might like to be a detective's wife.

[Mike Waring]

All right, swell. I know a couple of boys in the force who'd love a wife like you.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Okay, Mike, you win. But you can't blame me for trying, can you?

[Mike Waring]

No, not me. I like persistent women.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Oh, good. I'll have that drink now.

[Mike Waring]

Okay.

[Bonnie Shaw]

Then I promise to try again.

[Ed Hurley]

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