The Falcon: The Case of the Superfluous Murder 02/18/1951

Summary

Summary of "The Falcon: The Case of the Superfluous Murder"

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Falcon: The Case of the Superfluous Murder
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Original Air Date: February 18, 1951
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Introduction

In this enthralling episode of The Falcon, titled "The Case of the Superfluous Murder," listeners are transported back to 1950s New York City, where the suave detective Mike Waring, known as The Falcon, delves into a perplexing murder case that initially appears to be a straightforward suicide. As the layers of deception unfold, The Falcon must navigate through tangled relationships and conflicting testimonies to uncover the truth.

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The Crime Scene

The episode opens on a typical Sunday night in New York when Wesley Endicott, a businessman, is discovered dead in his apartment. Upon entering, Endicott's wife, Gail, finds him with a gun in his hand and a suicide note left behind. The scene is fraught with tension as Gail laments, "[03:08] Gail Endicott: You really want to know?" indicating underlying complexities beyond a mere act of despair.

Initial Investigation

Detective Sergeant Corbett arrives at the scene, and The Falcon begins his investigation. Initial impressions suggest suicide due to the location of the gun and the written note. However, discrepancies in the evidence prompt The Falcon to question the authenticity of the scene.

Key Characters and Suspects

• Wesley Endicott: The deceased, whose apparent suicide raises suspicions due to irregularities in the evidence.

• Gail Endicott: Wesley's wife, whose behavior and statements are inconsistent, making her a person of interest.

• Dennis Fulton: A friend of the Endicott family, whose sudden involvement adds confusion to the case.

• Reginald Mayo: A business associate entangled in financial disputes with Wesley, serving as a prime suspect.

Clues and Revelations

As The Falcon and Sergeant Corbett delve deeper, several critical clues emerge:

1. The Bounced Check: It is revealed that Wesley had a bounced check from the First National Bank, indicating possible financial troubles or deceit.

2. The Suicide Note: While initially attributed to Wesley, doubts arise when The Falcon notes, "[09:06] Mike Waring: I said he wrote the note. I said he had a gun in his hand. But Waring, the gun in his hand was never fired."

3. Conflicting Alibis: Jesse Mayo's erratic behavior and evasiveness about his whereabouts at the time of the murder cast further suspicion.

4. Relationship Strains: Gail's threats to leave Wesley over financial disputes hint at possible motives linked to personal discord.

Confrontations and Breaking Points

The investigation intensifies as The Falcon confronts Gail Endicott. Under pressure, Gail confesses dramatic statements:

• "[21:38] Gail Endicott: All right, all right. But he's not crawling out of this. We killed Wesley together."

• "[21:48] Gail Endicott: We killed Wesley together."

These admissions, however, are met with skepticism by Sergeant Corbett, leading to more questions about the true nature of relationships and motives involved.

Dennis Fulton enters the fray, presenting himself as an ally but revealing tangential information that muddles the case further. The Falcon remains undeterred, pressing on with his inquiries to disentangle the web of lies and uncover the real perpetrator.

Key Insights and Detective Work

Throughout the episode, The Falcon employs sharp detective skills, questioning the authenticity of the suicide note and the integrity of the evidence. Notably, he points out inconsistencies in the handwriting and the position of the gun, suggesting foul play:

• "[28:10] Sergeant Corbett: Waring Shepard overheard Endicott's phone call to me. Now, he said Endicott made it from home, not from the office."

This critical analysis leads The Falcon to hypothesize that the assistant, Shepard, may have had the opportunity to commit the murder without immediate suspicion.

Climactic Resolution

In the episode's climax, The Falcon confronts Dennis Fulton, uncovering that Shepard overheard a critical phone call, leading to the realization that Shepard inadvertently caused the chain of events leading to Wesley's death:

• "[27:50] Sergeant Corbett: That's it, Corbett. He overheard Endicott phoning me to get information. So as soon as Endicott hung up, Shepard stepped into the room and shot him as Endicott turned."

This revelation ties together the financial deceit, personal vendettas, and opportunistic motives that culminated in Wesley Endicott's untimely death.

Conclusion

"The Case of the Superfluous Murder" showcases The Falcon at his investigative best, unraveling a complex case through keen observation and relentless pursuit of the truth. The episode highlights themes of trust, betrayal, and the intricate dynamics of personal relationships intertwined with financial crises. As The Falcon pieces together the puzzle, listeners are treated to a masterclass in detective storytelling, maintaining suspense until the very end.

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Notable Quotes:

• Gail Endicott at [03:09]: "Then look in the mirror. Take a good look."

• Mike Waring at [21:48]: "We killed Wesley together."

• Sergeant Corbett at [28:10]: "Shepard overheard Endicott phoning me to get information."

These poignant moments underscore the pivotal turning points in the investigation, providing critical insights into character motivations and plot developments.

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The Falcon: The Case of the Superfluous Murder stands as a testament to the enduring allure of old-time radio detective dramas, blending intricate plots with compelling character interactions to create an engaging listening experience for enthusiasts and new listeners alike.

Transcript

[Mike Waring]

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[Sergeant Corbett]

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[Sergeant Corbett]

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[Mike Waring]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail] hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Jimmy, I'm glad you called, but we'll have to try another time. Angel. Uh huh. Tonight I'm involved with a case in which a gun has one bullet too many in it and a man has the same trouble.

[Jack Costello]

This is Jack Costello, friends, inviting you on behalf of the Kraft Foods company to listen to the Adventures of the Falcon, 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 Falcon solves the case of the superfluous murder. Friends, in just a moment or two, we'll join the Falcon for his latest adventure. But first, let me tell you about nine ways you can save time in the kitchen. Just discover the nine handy Kraft cheese spreads and enjoy snacks and sandwiches, salad toppings and appetizers that are really easy and quick to fix. There are sharp tasting Kraft cheese spreads and mild tasting ones too. You can depend on them all to be delicious. And of course, you can depend on them to be the finest quality because they're made by Kraft. Try some of these handy helpers tomorrow. Take home several of the nine famous Kraft cheese spreads. Now the case of the superfluous murder. It's Sunday night in New York when pudgy Wesley Endiquett opens the door to his apartment and reaches for the light switch, but stops when he hears a noise in the darkened living room. For a second, Endicott pauses, then clicks the switch to see Dennis Fulton jumping back from the sofa on which Endicott's startled wife Gail is sitting.

[Gail Endicott]

Wesley, I. I didn't expect you so early.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, that's pretty obvious.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I know how it looks, Endicott, but.

[Jack Costello]

To you, don't get the wrong idea.

[Mike Waring]

No, Dennis, what idea do you expect me to get?

[Sergeant Corbett]

We were just talking in the dark.

[Jack Costello]

What can I say?

[Mike Waring]

You don't have to say anything. I should have known. The way Gail's been acting lately. Gail. Gail, how could you do this to me?

[Gail Endicott]

You really want to know?

[Mike Waring]

Yes.

[Gail Endicott]

Then look in the mirror. Take a good look.

[Mike Waring]

You're not going to get away with this, either of you.

[Gail Endicott]

What are you going to do about it?

[Mike Waring]

I'm going to kill that cheap double crossing.

[Gail Endicott]

No, Wesley, don't.

[Mike Waring]

Get out of my way. And now, Dennis, here's yours.

[Jack Costello]

If you're going to fight for the.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Honor of your home, Endicott. You'd better start taking boxing lessons.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What can I do for you?

[Mike Waring]

I want to see Endicott. Who shall I say is calling? You don't need to say anybody's calling. I'll announce myself.

[Sergeant Corbett]

But you can't.

[Mike Waring]

I said I can. Out of the way, Junior. Now, Mr. Endicott won't like that. Hello, Endicott.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, Mr. Mayo tried to stop him, Mr. Endicott.

[Mike Waring]

And he wouldn't tell me what he wanted. It's all right, Shepherd. It's all right. I know him.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, well, you said you didn't want to be disturbed.

[Jack Costello]

And I didn't know he wouldn't give his name.

[Mike Waring]

All right, Shepard, get back to your desk.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yes, sir.

[Mike Waring]

And shut the door.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yes, sir.

[Mike Waring]

And now, Mr. Mayo. What's the idea of upsetting Shepard like that? You could have let him announce you. You mean I could have let him tell me you weren't in. I didn't feel like a runaround. I don't understand. You don't understand. I see somebody close one of your eyes for you. Would you like me to make it unanimous? As a matter of fact, I don't much care. I learned last night that my wife. There's another man. Nothing much matters anymore. Your personal life is one thing. This is business. And it matters. Especially this check of yours. What? What about it? You tell me, Endicott. Well, is something wrong with it? Wrong with it? Of course not. It's perfect. Absolutely. Finest quality. Genuine. A number one rubber. Oh, no. That's impossible. Would you argue with the First National Bank? Well, there must be some mistake. The mistake is you thinking I'm going to sit still for this. It's a stall, Endicott. You didn't have cash to cover, and you knew it. You figured to put me off till you can swing a deal. No, no, Mr. Mayo, you're wrong. Believe me. Believe you? That's rich. Oh, no, Endicott. You're scaring up the cash, and you're scaring it up fast. You've got until tomorrow noon. But if you don't. Tomorrow noon. If you don't come across with payment by then, I turn this check over to the DA for collection. I do what I can, but it's all a mistake. Well, you better correct it before it turns out to be a fatal one. I'll be seeing you, Wendy. I know. Tomorrow. Noon.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Hello? Hello.

[Mike Waring]

Michael Waring?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yeah.

[Mike Waring]

Aren't you the detective known as the Falcon?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yes, this is the Falcon speaking.

[Mike Waring]

Well, this is Wesley Endicott. I'm sorry to call you at home, Mr. Waring, but I couldn't find your office listed.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Maybe that's because I don't have one.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, you work out of your home?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Mm.

[Mike Waring]

Well, isn't that rather inconvenient?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Is it causing you any trouble?

[Mike Waring]

Well, no.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, then?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I didn't call to talk about you, Mr. Waring.

[Sergeant Corbett]

All right, change the subject.

[Mike Waring]

Can you come over here right away?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Where's here?

[Mike Waring]

My apartment. Sheldon Hall.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What's it about?

[Mike Waring]

I'll tell you when I see you.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, there'll be a charge for the visit.

[Mike Waring]

It doesn't matter. How soon can you get here?

[Gail Endicott]

Yes?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Mrs. Endicott?

[Mike Waring]

Yes.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I'm Michael Waring.

[Gail Endicott]

Is that supposed to mean something to me?

[Sergeant Corbett]

If you listen to the radio, I.

[Gail Endicott]

Must hear the wrong programs. What do you want? Didn't your husband tell you he and I aren't speaking?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, well, he and I are. That's what he asked me over for. Where is he?

[Gail Endicott]

He's in the study. Last door on the right end of the hall.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Thank you, angel.

[Gail Endicott]

You might tell him for me to quit sulking. I'm leaving as soon as I finish packing.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I'll give him your message.

[Gail Endicott]

Just walk in. He won't answer. He thinks it's me.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Thanks. Hello, Endicott. Hey, Mrs. Endicott.

[Gail Endicott]

What is it?

[Sergeant Corbett]

You don't need to leave him. Looks like he's left you permanently.

[Gail Endicott]

What are you talking about?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, he's not sulking. He's dead.

[Gail Endicott]

Dead?

[Sergeant Corbett]

And if this is his handwriting, it looks like he did it himself.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Waring.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, Sergeant Corbett. Well, this is indeed a coincidence. Sit down. Join me in the knock Wars.

[Mike Waring]

Coincidence? I've been looking for you, Waring. As if you didn't know.

[Sergeant Corbett]

As if I didn't.

[Mike Waring]

You reported the Endicott body.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Hmm. So I did.

[Mike Waring]

Why didn't you hang around till I got there?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Of Corbett, I didn't know you cared.

[Mike Waring]

I've got questions.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, it's all in the note. He says he was betrayed, so he killed himself.

[Mike Waring]

But who betrayed him?

[Sergeant Corbett]

I wouldn't know.

[Mike Waring]

The note says he hired you to get proof for him.

[Sergeant Corbett]

It also says he changed his mind after calling me. He had all the proof he needed for his own satisfaction. That's why he decided to kill himself.

[Mike Waring]

I still want to know who betrayed him.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Now, don't tell me you're the inquisitive type, Corbett.

[Mike Waring]

It's my job.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Uh huh. Homicide's your job. This is suicide.

[Mike Waring]

Is it?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Unless. That note wasn't in Endicott's handwriting.

[Mike Waring]

I showed it to three experts.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What did they say?

[Mike Waring]

Paul agreed. It's definitely Endicott's pen pushing.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well then what more do you want? He's found with a gun in his hand.

[Mike Waring]

That's right, Waring.

[Sergeant Corbett]

And a suicide note in his own handwriting.

[Mike Waring]

That's right, Waring.

[Sergeant Corbett]

So, Corbett, how come you're still asking questions?

[Mike Waring]

Because I don't happen to have the answer to this one. Who killed him?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Corbett, you just.

[Mike Waring]

I said he wrote the note. I said he had a gun in his hand. But Waring, the gun in his hand was never fired.

[Jack Costello]

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[Mike Waring]

So his wife was planning to leave him wearing.

[Sergeant Corbett]

So she said.

[Mike Waring]

Why didn't you tell me about it before I mentioned the gun?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, I didn't think it mattered before.

[Mike Waring]

Corbett, sometimes you don't think too much for your own good.

[Sergeant Corbett]

So I'll begin thinking. Tell me, does Mrs. E know her husband didn't kill himself?

[Mike Waring]

Not unless she did it. I left her thinking it was suicide.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Good boy. That puts us a step up on her.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. And we may need it. The note says he was betrayed. Her leaving him could be the betrayal.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Mm.

[Mike Waring]

Except if he didn't kill himself. Does the note mean what it says?

[Sergeant Corbett]

What else would it mean?

[Mike Waring]

I don't know. But it says he was gonna kill himself. And if he didn't, then he should.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Be ashamed of himself. After all, it's a sin to tell a lie. Podbean, your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean.

[Mike Waring]

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[Sergeant Corbett]

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[Gail Endicott]

Oh, Sergeant Corbett and Mr. Waring. What is it now?

[Mike Waring]

There are a few more questions I want to ask you.

[Gail Endicott]

I thought that was all finished.

[Mike Waring]

I've just been talking to Waring. He opened a new can of peas. Do we come in?

[Gail Endicott]

Well, I. All right. I guess so.

[Mike Waring]

Thanks.

[Gail Endicott]

Now, what is it?

[Mike Waring]

It's just that Waring tells me you are going to leave your husband.

[Gail Endicott]

Oh, no, that's not so.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, wait a minute.

[Jack Costello]

You told me.

[Gail Endicott]

Well, I was just talking. We had had a little spat. It didn't mean anything.

[Sergeant Corbett]

You said you were packing.

[Gail Endicott]

I often threatened to leave. I didn't mean it. Wesley knew it. This had happened often before. Had nothing to do with. With his death.

[Sergeant Corbett]

You don't think.

[Jack Costello]

Constant fights with you.

[Gail Endicott]

But we always made up. Believe me, it didn't mean anything.

[Mike Waring]

What was the little spat about?

[Gail Endicott]

Money. I wanted a new coat. Wesley said he couldn't afford it. He said business had been bad. I didn't see how it could have been that bad or he'd have said something about it before.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, he said his business was bad. Mrs. Endicott, when I was here before, I asked you if you knew any reason why your husband would want to kill himself. You said you couldn't think of any.

[Gail Endicott]

I couldn't.

[Mike Waring]

Don't you call bad business a possible reason?

[Gail Endicott]

But I just told you I didn't believe he was telling the truth.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, Corbett. There's one way to find out if he was. Let's look into Endicott's business, shall we? Maybe we'll find it's dead too. Here it is, Corbett. 705.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. Hmm.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Nobody in here. Mrs. Endicott said Endicott's assistant would be here.

[Mike Waring]

Maybe he's in the back office.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yeah, maybe. Hello? Hello.

[Mike Waring]

What's that?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Sounds like somebody moaning. Come on.

[Jack Costello]

There he is.

[Sergeant Corbett]

On the floor. What happened to you?

[Gail Endicott]

Huh?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, it was Mr. Mayo.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Mayo? Yeah.

[Mike Waring]

He came back and he started going through the files.

[Sergeant Corbett]

And I tried to stop him, but.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, he knocked me out. Looted the office. I'll say he did. Look at the inner office, Waring. Looks like a whirlwind in the paperworks.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yeah.

[Mike Waring]

Oh. Are you Mr. Waring? Yes.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Do you know what Endicott wanted to see me about? Well, didn't he tell you? He didn't get around to it.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I suppose it has something to.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Do with Mr. Mayo. Who's Mayo?

[Mike Waring]

Reginald Mayo.

[Sergeant Corbett]

He's in building supplies. He was here earlier today. Had a fight with Mr. Endicott. And then Mr. Endicott went home. And then a little later, Mr. Mayo came back. What was the trouble between Endicott and Mayo? Oh, I don't know.

[Mike Waring]

Why not ask Mr. Endicott?

[Sergeant Corbett]

I'm afraid that wouldn't do much good. So we'll have to try Mayo instead.

[Mike Waring]

Mr. Mayo? I'm sorry, gentlemen. Mr. Mayo isn't in. He left word. He can be reached tomorrow morning at the Hillard Hotel in Boston. Boston? What's he doing in Boston? I'm sure I don't know.

[Sergeant Corbett]

When did he leave?

[Mike Waring]

About 20 minutes ago. I understand he's taking the 6:00 from LaGuardia Airport. You may still. Yeah, we hurry. Thanks, Waring. Come on. Well, this does it, Waring. Mayo's trying to get away. Clinches it.

[Sergeant Corbett]

It does?

[Mike Waring]

Sure.

[Sergeant Corbett]

How about the Boston address? Why would he leave that if this is a run out?

[Mike Waring]

Well.

[Sergeant Corbett]

And the plane he's taking? Would he point arrows for us?

[Mike Waring]

Well, maybe it's a bluff. Maybe that's not his plane.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Then what are we hurrying for?

[Mike Waring]

Because we can't take chances. Stop smirking.

[Jack Costello]

Who's smirking?

[Mike Waring]

All right, Waring. You don't like the way I do things. You got any bright ideas?

[Sergeant Corbett]

No, Corbett, I haven't.

[Mike Waring]

He admits it yet.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Not a single idea. Not even any wrong one.

[Mike Waring]

Sergeant, I'VE got important business. Hold on the plane, Mayo. Talk fast and make sense. Maybe I'll let you go. Maybe I'm telling. What's this important business anyway? Conference tomorrow morning, 10 o'clock. What's with you and Endicott?

[Jack Costello]

Why?

[Mike Waring]

I'll ask the questions. Well, at least you can miss the plane. All right, all right. I did business with Endicott. Got him some materials that are hard to get hold of. Had plenty of bids for it, but took his. Then his check bounces. You wonder why I'm sore. Oh, the check bounced. That's right. So you push him around. I didn't push him around. I just warned him he better make good on that check by tomorrow noon or there'd be trouble. Except tomorrow noon you plan to be in Boston. I didn't know that this morning. This Boston business came up sudden. Yeah. Didn't it, though? The murder wouldn't have anything to do with it, I suppose.

[Jack Costello]

Murder?

[Mike Waring]

What murder? And the cots. What? He actually looks surprise wearing.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Maybe he is.

[Mike Waring]

I don't know anything about the murder. Why don't you go back? I'm not answering anything more without a lawyer. You went back to Endicott's. Why?

[Jack Costello]

I didn't.

[Mike Waring]

His assistant. I'm not answering anything without a lawyer. What were you looking for? You're not gonna do so good in that Boston conference from a cell in New York. You can't hold me just because I had an argument. I called you for beating up Endicott's assistant. Well, you're crazy. I didn't. He says you did. Look, Sergeant, I've got to get to Boston. I don't know anything about the murder. If you want answers, ask Mrs. Endicott. She can tell you more than I can. What gives you that idea? She was seeing another man. Yeah? Who says so? Endicott. All right, we'll check on that. But now, Mayo, you have. I have nothing more to say. And you can sit in the cell until you think of something.

[Jack Costello]

Look, I gave you a leak.

[Mike Waring]

Thanks. Now get mo.

[Gail Endicott]

Dennis.

[Jack Costello]

Dennis.

[Gail Endicott]

Who can that be?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, don't ask me.

[Gail Endicott]

I shouldn't have had you come up here, but I was so upset.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, pull yourself together.

[Gail Endicott]

But if anyone sees you.

[Jack Costello]

Just don't lose your head.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I can handle this.

[Gail Endicott]

Oh, dear. Oh, now. Now what are we going to do?

[Jack Costello]

Answer the door. Leave the rest of me, but you and I.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Stop making so much of it. Couldn't I have come to see Wesley?

[Gail Endicott]

I. I guess so.

[Sergeant Corbett]

All right, then.

[Jack Costello]

I didn't come up here. Because of you. I'm a friend of Wesley's.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Just remember that.

[Jack Costello]

Now, answer the door.

[Gail Endicott]

Yes, dear.

[Jack Costello]

And don't call me dear.

[Gail Endicott]

Oh, it's you two again. How often are you coming back?

[Mike Waring]

Until you tell us all you know.

[Gail Endicott]

I did.

[Mike Waring]

That's not the way we heard it. You meant Waring. Well, she has company.

[Sergeant Corbett]

So I see.

[Gail Endicott]

Sergeant Corbett. Mr. Waring, this is Dennis Fulton. He's a friend of my husband's.

[Mike Waring]

I sing. Hello, Fulton.

[Sergeant Corbett]

How do you do, Sergeant? I dropped in to see endicott. Gail or Mrs. Endicott just told me the awful news. I can't imagine why he did it.

[Mike Waring]

Do you think it could have been because his wife was seeing another man?

[Jack Costello]

What?

[Gail Endicott]

Sergeant, how dare you.

[Mike Waring]

We have it on good authority you admitted threatening to leave him.

[Gail Endicott]

I explained all that.

[Sergeant Corbett]

You say you dropped in to see Endicott, Fulton? That's right, Mr. Waring. And Mrs. Endicott had nothing to do with your visit? What do you mean? Are you trying to suggest that she and I.

[Gail Endicott]

Now, that's ridiculous. I hardly know Dennis.

[Sergeant Corbett]

You call him Dennis?

[Gail Endicott]

That doesn't mean anything.

[Sergeant Corbett]

How about your lipstick on his face? What? Does that mean anything? Well. Liar. Looks like you jumped the gun by locking up Mayo Corbett. But his lead is paying off.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, well, you two gonna come clean?

[Sergeant Corbett]

I don't know what this is all about. Even if there is something between us, Sergeant, I don't see that it's any of your business.

[Jack Costello]

I didn't know you keep prying like this.

[Sergeant Corbett]

When a man kills himself.

[Mike Waring]

We don't when we're sure he did kill himself.

[Gail Endicott]

What do you mean? Is there any doubt?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, plenty. We don't think your husband killed himself. We think he was murdered.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, no. Oh, yes, Dennis. Which makes your concealing your friendship with Mrs. Endicott very interesting, to say the least.

[Gail Endicott]

Look, you don't understand.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I'm willing to.

[Gail Endicott]

It's just that. Well, the scandal. We didn't want people saying we'd driven him to suicide.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, you don't have to worry about that. But they may say you killed him.

[Gail Endicott]

But the note. He said he was going to shoot himself.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yes, only somebody beat him to it.

[Gail Endicott]

Well, it wasn't us.

[Sergeant Corbett]

You were here in the apartment.

[Gail Endicott]

Well, I only got in a few minutes before you arrived. He must have been killed while I was out.

[Sergeant Corbett]

You mean you hadn't seen him from the time you arrived until I found him?

[Gail Endicott]

That's right.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Still, you told me he was in the study. How did you know it if you hadn't seen Him? The door was closed.

[Gail Endicott]

No. I mean, I hadn't seen him to speak to. I opened the door and called him, but he didn't answer. I didn't know he was dead. I thought he was just sulking. Don't. Don't you believe me?

[Mike Waring]

I think you'd better come with me to headquarters. Both of you.

[Gail Endicott]

Oh, no, Please. Dennis, call a lawyer. Do something.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Sergeant, this. This is a terrible shock to me. I didn't know, Honestly. If Gail killed him, it was without my knowledge.

[Gail Endicott]

Dennis, what are you saying?

[Sergeant Corbett]

She told me it was suicide. That's the first I'd heard of it.

[Gail Endicott]

Sneak. I dare your healthy eyes out.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Go.

[Mike Waring]

Get. All right, that's enough. Cut it out. I said, cut it out.

[Gail Endicott]

Let me go. Let me get out here.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Calm down. I'll stop you here.

[Gail Endicott]

All right, all right. But he's not crawling out of this. We killed Wesley together.

[Jack Costello]

No, Gail.

[Gail Endicott]

Oh, yes, together. And it was Dennis's idea. He made me help. He called Wesley at the office and asked him to come home early. He waited in the study.

[Jack Costello]

She's out of her mind.

[Gail Endicott]

You want a confession, Sergeant? I'll give you one.

[Sergeant Corbett]

No.

[Jack Costello]

Go get him.

[Sergeant Corbett]

He's going for the window.

[Mike Waring]

Hey, you. Wait.

[Jack Costello]

This is Jack Costello again. Friends. Right now I'd like to tell you about nine kinds of wonderful eating. That's right. I said nine. Because I'm talking about the delicious Kraft Cheese spreads that come in nine grand varieties. There are delightfully mild tasting ones like Kraft Pineapple Cheese Spread, Kraft Relish and Kraft Olive Pimento. And there are sharp tasting kinds, too, such as Kraft Cheese and Bacon Spread Roca and Kraft Limburger. They're all delicious, all wholesome dairy products. And all so handy for making quick, easy snacks and sandwiches. Always keep your refrigerator stocked with several of the nine delicious Kraft Cheese spreads. Now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. A few hours have passed since Dennis Fulton beat a hasty retreat from Gail Endicott's accusations. Gail assigned her confession and is being held. Mayo has been released. There's an alarm out for Fulton. There's nothing much more for Mike to do on the case. Or so he thinks. So he's returned home. He's settling down with the pipe and slippers when he goes to the door, opens it and finds himself looking at Dennis Fulton and a gun.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Get back inside, Waring. I am. Inside, away from the door, and no quick moves. All right, that's better. Just keep your hands where I can see them and we'll get along fine. I don't know That I want to get along. You're not exactly my type. I didn't come for chit chat, Wearing. I have a proposition. Yeah? I didn't kill Endicott. I didn't know anything about it.

[Jack Costello]

Gail's lying.

[Sergeant Corbett]

So you said.

[Jack Costello]

I want you to prove it. All right.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Give yourself up and I'll work on it. I'm not giving myself up until it's proved. That's why the gun.

[Jack Costello]

I want to hire you to prove that Gale did it alone.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Why should I work for you? They say money talks.

[Jack Costello]

Here's a mouthful.

[Sergeant Corbett]

500. I'll double it if you clear me. Well, Wearing. I don't like you, Dennis, but I can't say the same for your money. So let's hear your story. You heard it all. There's nothing else. I didn't know anything about the murder until the sergeant told me. You didn't call Endicott and ask him to go home early?

[Jack Costello]

No.

[Sergeant Corbett]

That's just another of Gale's lies. All right, we'll start with that one. It can probably be checked. How? Endicott's assistant, Shepard, probably takes all calls and announces them to Endicott. I'll check with Shepard and see if he got a call from you. Yes, that's a good idea. Well, I can't get him now. The office will be closed, but I'll look him up in the morning. All right, Waring. In the meantime, if you want to stay here. Oh, no. No, thanks. Waring. I don't trust you and you don't trust me, so I'd have to keep my finger on the trigger. Under the circumstances, I don't think it would be comfortable for either of us. I see what you mean. So I'll call you tomorrow. So long, waring.

[Jack Costello]

Oh, Mr. Waring.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Hello, Sheppard. What are you doing here? Maybe saving your life. What? Don't let me in. I'll explain.

[Mike Waring]

All right. Come in.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I don't understand, Shepard. Since I saw you this afternoon, you've probably seen in the paper that Endicott was murdered today. Yes, it's awful. Mm. You may be able to clear one of the suspects or clinch the case against him. I. Yes, I told him you probably have the information now. If he's innocent, he won't do anything. If he's guilty, he may come gunning for you.

[Jack Costello]

Good heavens.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I. Take it easy. He won't be coming yet. I told him I'd check with you in the morning so he doesn't think he needs to hurry, and I came right over. Yes, but if he does. Now, before I get into stew, let's see if you really have anything to worry about. Now, tell me, didn't all calls to Endicott go through your desk?

[Jack Costello]

Yes.

[Sergeant Corbett]

So you'd know about any call he received? That's right. Well, did he receive a call today, a short time before he went home. From a man? Oh, he didn't receive a call from anybody. You're sure? Positive. After his fight with Mr. Mayo, he called you, and then he said he.

[Jack Costello]

Was leaving the office.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I see. Well, then Fulton is telling the truth. Fulton? Mm. Dennis Fulton. So you don't have anything to worry about from him after all.

[Jack Costello]

I'm glad to hear that.

[Sergeant Corbett]

But you may have to worry about Sergeant Corbett.

[Mike Waring]

What?

[Jack Costello]

Why?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, he'll probably want to lock you up when I tell him you killed Endicott. What are you talking about? About you, Shepard. Because you're the murder. Well, we've wrapped up another one, Corbett.

[Mike Waring]

Have we?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Shepard admitted the shooting, didn't he?

[Mike Waring]

So what? Endicott wrote a suicide note, but he didn't kill himself. Mrs. Endicott said she killed him, but she didn't kill him. Shepard said Mayo attacked him. Now he says Mayo didn't attack him. He was lying to throw suspicion on Mayo. What's one more confession worth?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, I think Shepherds will stand up. Mrs. Endicott only confessed because Fulton started crawling and left her holding the bag. So she wanted to get him no matter what it cost her.

[Mike Waring]

A woman scorned. Yeah.

[Sergeant Corbett]

And as for Endicott, he really intended to kill himself, but shepherd saved him the trouble.

[Mike Waring]

If we can believe Shepard.

[Sergeant Corbett]

No, it all ties up. He'd drawn out the company's money for his private use. So when Endicott's check bounced, Shepard knew Endicott would get him for embezzlement.

[Mike Waring]

So Shepard follows him home and shoots him, not knowing he's just about to shoot himself.

[Sergeant Corbett]

That's it, Corbett. He overheard Endicott phoning me to get information. So as soon as Endicott hung up, Shepard stepped into the room and shot him as Endicott turned. And then beat it without noticing the gun in Endicott's hand.

[Mike Waring]

If we can believe Shepard.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Still not convinced, Corbett?

[Mike Waring]

In this case, no.

[Sergeant Corbett]

All right, how about the clue that tipped me to Shepard?

[Mike Waring]

What clue?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Waring Shepard overheard Endicott's phone call to me. Now, he said Endicott made it from the office, but when Endicott talked to me, he said, can you come over here? And gave me his home address. That meant he was calling from home, not from the office.

[Mike Waring]

Huh.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, does that convince you, Corbett?

[Mike Waring]

If we can believe you.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, please. How cynical can you get? You know I cannot tell a lie.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, Waring, I know it.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well.

[Mike Waring]

Who's gonna believe me?

[Jack Costello]

Mmm. It tastes so good. And it tastes so good because it's always fresh. That's parquet margarine made by Kraft. Yes. Next time you shop, pick up a pound of this good tasting, fresh tasting margarine. In states where the law permits. Get yellow parquet already colored in quarters and ready to serve in its new flavor saver aluminum foil. Wrap elsewhere. Get the regular package or handy color quick bag. It's the margarine that tastes so good because it's always fresh. P A R K A Y parquet margarine made by Kraft. The Case of the Practical Choker. The case of the Practical Choker. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon when Mike Waring learns that when some gag men go to work, their clients can choke to death. So be sure to listen at this same time next week to another exciting Adventure of the Falcon, brought to you by the Kraft Foods Company. The Adventures of the Falcon are based on the famous character created by Drexel Drake, produced by Bernard L. Shuberty, written today by Jerome Epstein and directed by Richard Lewis. Music was by Arlo. Les Damon was starred as the Falcon, with Ken lynch as Sergeant Corbett. Be sure to hear the great gilders leave next Wednesday evening over most of these stations. In next Wednesday's broadcast, Gildy 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 newspaper for a time of broadcast. This is Jack Costello speaking for the Kraft Foods Company. Fred Allen, Edwin and B. Lilly join the big show today on NBC.