Encore - Heflin for Hire (Adventures of Philip Marlowe)

Summary

Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives) Episode Summary: "Encore - Heflin for Hire (Adventures of Philip Marlowe)" Release Date: May 4, 2025

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Encore - Heflin for Hire," hosted by Mean Streets Podcasts, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, where the iconic private detective Philip Marlowe, brought to life by Van Heflin, navigates the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. This summary delves into the intricate plot, highlighting key moments, character interactions, and the astute investigative prowess of Marlowe.

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Plot Overview

The story unfolds on a sweltering Los Angeles evening, plagued by a strong Santa Ana wind that sets the city on edge. Philip Marlowe finds himself embroiled in a complex case involving murder, deceit, and lost treasures. The narrative is rich with suspense as Marlowe uncovers layers of deceit surrounding Harriet Huntress, a distressed woman seeking his help.

Initial Encounter and Investigation

Marlowe's day begins with a walk to unwind, where he encounters a bartender named Waldo who abruptly takes a fatal turn. As Marlowe steps into his apartment shortly after, he meets Harriet Huntress, who is visibly distressed and armed. The interaction is tense, marked by Huntress's frantic disbelief and Marlowe's calm resolve.

Philip Marlowe [13:53]: "He did. How much is he paying me? And where is this husband of yours?"

Harriet Huntress [14:11]: "But it wasn't the value. It meant something to me. The man I love gave it to me, and now he's dead."

Marlowe deduces that Waldo has been involved in illicit activities, tying him to a missing chauffeur and significant sums of money. His keen observation skills lead him to suspect a deeper conspiracy involving Harriet's husband and the stolen pearls.

Unraveling the Mystery

As Marlowe delves deeper, he uncovers that Harriet's pearls, valuable due to their sentimental worth, were never physically present in Waldo's possession, suggesting fakes were involved. His investigation reveals connections to other characters, including detective Lieutenant Ibera and the enigmatic figure Robin and the Hood.

Philip Marlowe [25:02]: "Leon, the man in Waldo's room came in that car. But according to the key containers he carried, that isn't his car."

Harriet Huntress [21:07]: "I told him they were imitation, and I bought them myself."

Marlowe's persistence leads him to confront more suspects, including Seward Spencer and his supposed twin brother Caxton, both deeply entwined in the deception surrounding the murders and the missing pearls.

Climactic Showdown

The tension culminates in a dramatic showdown at a circus during a trapeze act, where secrets are exposed, and true motives come to light. Marlowe skillfully navigates the dangers, ultimately revealing the mastermind behind the murders and the theft.

Philip Marlowe [33:24]: "That's it. That's the one."

Harriet Huntress [84:14]: "Though your reputation does. And I care about what people think of me."

The resolution ties up the intricate web of deceit, with Marlowe ensuring justice is served while reflecting on the complexities of human motivations and the impact of past actions.

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Key Characters

• Philip Marlowe (Van Heflin): The quintessential private detective, Marlowe embodies wit, determination, and a moral compass that guides him through morally ambiguous situations.

• Harriet Huntress (Loreen Tuttle): A woman in distress, Huntress seeks Marlowe's help regarding stolen pearls and the mysterious death of her husband, revealing layers of vulnerability and desperation.

• Waldo (William Conrad/Bill Johnstone): Initially a bartender, Waldo's sudden violence and involvement in criminal activities make him a pivotal figure in the unfolding mystery.

• Detective Lieutenant Ibera: Represents the official law enforcement perspective, contrasting with Marlowe's more personal approach to solving the case.

• Caxton Spencer (Jeff Chandler): A complex character with hidden motives and a deep-seated grudge, Spencer's actions drive much of the plot's suspense.

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Notable Quotes

The episode is peppered with memorable lines that capture the noir essence of the story and the sharp intellect of Philip Marlowe.

• Philip Marlowe [00:00]: "Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison or the grave."

• Harriet Huntress [14:07]: "But it wasn't the value. It meant something to me. The man I love gave it to me, and now he's dead."

• Philip Marlowe [13:29]: "A man just got shot in a bar down the street. [...] I told the cops what I knew, including about Waldo's tall, brown-haired pretty girl in the bolero jacket."

• Harriet Huntress [21:07]: "I told him they were imitation, and I bought them myself."

• Philip Marlowe [84:14]: "I have to tell you about Becker. We started out as friends."

• Harriet Huntress [84:18]: "Well, you don't die from the latter."

These quotes not only highlight critical plot points but also delve into the characters' psyches, reflecting their motivations and conflicts.

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Insights and Themes

"Encore - Heflin for Hire" masterfully intertwines classic detective tropes with complex character development, exploring themes such as:

• Deception and Truth: The intricate lies spun by characters like Waldo and Caxton illustrate the thin veil between truth and deceit in the pursuit of personal gain.

• Moral Ambiguity: Marlowe's interactions often blur the lines between right and wrong, showcasing his struggle to maintain integrity in a corrupt environment.

• Isolation and Trust: The solitary nature of Marlowe's work highlights the difficulty in finding trustworthy allies amidst widespread deceit.

• The Impact of the Past: Characters are often driven by past traumas and relationships, influencing their present actions and decisions.

Marlowe's journey is not just a hunt for truth but also an exploration of human nature, resilience, and the quest for justice in a world rife with complexity.

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Conclusion

"Encore - Heflin for Hire (Adventures of Philip Marlowe)" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic detective narratives. Through Van Heflin's compelling portrayal of Philip Marlowe, listeners are drawn into a labyrinth of mystery, emotion, and intricate storytelling. This episode not only entertains but also invites reflection on the deeper human elements that drive us, making it a standout installment in the "Down These Mean Streets" series.

For those new to the series, this episode offers a gripping introduction to Marlowe's world, blending suspense with rich character dynamics. Returning listeners will appreciate the nuanced storytelling and the faithful adaptation of Raymond Chandler's beloved detective.

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Notable Advertisement Segments Skipped: Throughout the transcript, numerous advertisement breaks for Pepsodent toothpaste are interspersed, featuring Vincent Price and Harriet Huntress promoting the product's benefits. These segments, while integral to the period's radio format, were omitted from the summary to maintain focus on the narrative content.

Transcript

[Philip Marlowe]

Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison or the grave. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective the.

[Vincent Price]

Adventures of the Saint Starring Vincent Price.

[Philip Marlowe]

Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of.

[Vincent Price]

The man with the action packed expense.

[Philip Marlowe]

Account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Narrator]

Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets and more Old Time Radio Detectives and crime fight 75 years ago this month, Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe, one of fiction's all time great private eyes, came to radio in his own weekly series. The Adventures of Philip Marlowe premiered on NBC as a summer replacement for the Bob Hope show and for 13 weeks, big screen actor Van Heflin starred as the detective. Now, normally when we listen to Philip Marlowe on this podcast, the episodes come from the second and longer running Marlowe series starring Gerald Moore. That show went on the air in 1948 and was a big hit for CBS. It also led director Norman MacDonald to create Gunsmoke after CBS president William Paley asked McDonnell for a Philip Marlowe in the Old West. The Gerald Moore Philip Marlowe is one of my favorite old time radio shows, but when I think of the Marlowe from Raymond Chandler's novels and short stories, including some that were adapted for the Van Heflin series, I think the Heflin shows get closer to the source material. Milton Giger wrote the scripts for the series and he knew exactly what passages to lift in full for his adaptations and how to capture Chandler's style in his original stories. The shows move at a slower pace compared to the rat a tat tat rush of the Gerald Moore shows, but it's a pace that's closer to that of Chandler's novels. Those usually found Marlow slowly following leads through Los Angeles, encountering colorful characters along the way. Action wasn't the order of the day in the Raymond Chandler Marlowe stories. The focus was on characterization and dialogue, and the Van Heflin shows have both in spades. Today, in honor of the anniversary of the show's debut, we'll hear all five surviving episodes from that first series of the Adventures of Philip Marlowe. And we'll start with the show's very first episode, red Wind, originally aired on NBC on June 17, 1947. It's an adaptation of Chandler's short story of the same name. It's one of my favorite old time radio episodes of all time. One that I've featured on the podcast before, and one that I never get tired of hearing. By the way, if you want to hear a great discussion of both the story Red Wind and the radio adaptation featuring yours truly, I invite you to click over to the Mutual Audio Network podcast and their February 7, 2021 episode back to Red Wind. Everything works in this episode, from the sound effects of the Santa Ana wind that blow through the story to the music by Lynn Murray, to the supporting performances from the likes of Loreen Tuttle, William Conrad and Bill Johnstone. And then there's Van Heflin as Marlowe. Very different from Gerald Moore's portrayal, but a great performance in its own right. Heflin's Marlow is more cyn. More world weary. He's got a short fuse, but he can also be tender to his clients when they need him to be. The good news is we have five of his shows that we can still enjoy. But the bad news is, after you hear these episodes, you'll probably be disappointed that we're missing the other eight. We'll follow Red Wind with the daring young dame on the flying trapeze, a story of jealousy and professional rivalry set at the circus. This original mystery originally aired on NBC on July 1, 1947. Then we'll hear two more Chandler stories adapted for the King in Yellow, originally aired on July 8, 1947, and Trouble Is My Business from August 5. The King in Yellow features future Marlowe Gerald Moore in a prominent supporting role as jazz trumpeter King Leopardi, and we'll close today's show with Robin and the Hood, the last surviving episode of the season Originally aired on August 19, 1947. Marlow heads to Sherwood Forest by way of a movie studio backlot. A new film of Robin Hood is being made, but production is threatened by the unstable twin brother of the movie's star. It ends in a tense showdown in the forest between Marlo's gun and and an archer's deadly bow. This episode features Jeff Chandler, who of course would go on to play another private eye, Michael Shane. Get ready for a trip back to the summer of 1947, when radio audiences welcomed Philip Marlowe into their homes for the first time in a weekly series. We'll kick things off when the Red Wind blows into town right after these messages.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hi, you beautiful get lost, bristlepuss.

[Harriet Huntress]

You need a shave.

[Philip Marlowe]

But I have shaved.

[Vincent Price]

What else do you want me to do?

[Philip Marlowe]

Silly boy. She wants you to go stag. Go stag? But why? Because stag is Rexall's exclusive line of men's good grooming aids like stag brushless shave cream. No fuss, no massage. Just smooth it on and presto. You get a clean, close shave. Your face stays smooth and whiskerless all day long. I'll do it. I'll do it. I'll go stag. That's it. Join the stag line now at Rexall drugstores everywhere.

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, to make girls care. Go stag.

[Philip Marlowe]

I dedicate this program to the fight against crime. Not merely crimes of violence and crimes of dishonesty, but crimes of intolerance, discrimination and bad citizenship. Crimes against America.

[Vincent Price]

For the safety of your smile, use Pepsodent twice a day. See your dentist twice a year. Lever Brothers company presents the pepsident program. The adventures of Philip Arlo starring Van Heflen. Capsidan presents Philip Marlowe, Hollywood's famous private detective, created by Raymond Chandler. Philip Marlowe, tough, cynical, private eye of murder, my sweet. The sardonic case hardened detective of the brasher doubloon, the lady in the lake and the big sleep. You've seen him in action in all of those top flight mystery pictures. Now, in order that you may continue to enjoy this exciting mystery series, pepsident brings you the adventures of Philip Marlowe on the air with a cast of noted radio players and starring MGM's brilliant and dynamic young actor, Van Heflin. Now, families all over America have named their favorite toothpaste new Pepsodent with irium, New fresh tasting pepsodent with a new cool minty flavor. It's the 3 to 1 favorite over all other toothpastes.

[Harriet Huntress]

It's true with families all over America, new Pepsodent is the favorite 3 to 1.

[Vincent Price]

Families from coast to coast recently compared new Pepsodent with other toothpastes at home. They preferred new pepsodent by an overwhelming average of 3 to 1 over all other brands they tried. These families 3 to 1 said new Pepsodent tastes better, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter.

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, families three to one say new Pepsodent tastes better, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter.

[Vincent Price]

Get new Pepsodent toothpaste for your family right away.

[Philip Marlowe]

There was a rough desert wind blowing into Los Angeles that evening. It was one of those hot, dry Santa Anas that come down through the mountain passes and curl your hair, make your nerves jump and your skin itch. On nights like that, every booze party ends up in a fight and meek little housewives feel the edge of a carving knife and study their husband's necks. Anything can happen when the Santa Anna blows in from the the desert. I Closed up my office early. I got tired of reading Philip Marlow Private Investigator backwards on the ground glass of my office door. So I opened the door and closed it from the outside and locked it and went out to get a beer before I went up to my apartment. Filler up again, mister.

[Vincent Price]

Marlin.

[Philip Marlowe]

Marlow. Marlow. Marlin is a fish. Yeah, I know. Hey, hey. Yo, bartender come in on the ride. That drunk again. What'd you expect in this business, autograph hounds make it snapper, you hear? Be right with you, sport. I gotta draw this man a beer. Crying out loud, these stumble bums have come in here. You got another customer, Backus. Hey, bud, you seen a lady in here lately? A lady? Tall, good looking, brown hair, a print bolero jacket and a blue silk dress? No, sir. No, sir. Nobody like that's been in. All right. Straight scotch fast. I left my engine running out there. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. This slick looking sarcastic guy stepped up to the bar and drank his scotch hole. Then he turned to go out and he stopped. The drunk was grinning at him. And then without changing his grin, the drunk swept a gun from somewhere so fast it was just a blur coming out. Made a couple of hard snaps and a little smoke curled. Very little. All right, you other guys, don't move. So long, Waldo. All right, don't move, you two. Poor Waldo. But I made his nose bleed. So long, boys. Drink up. All right, get on that phone, kid. I'll get his license number. Holy smoke. Holy smoke. Not too late. Drove away with this dead guy's car. Maybe he ain't dead. He's dead all right. Where's your phone? This is for the police. The prowl car boys were there in about five minutes. Waldo was out of business all right. And nothing in his pockets. Told who he was. But he had about $700 on him. I told the cops what I knew, including about Waldo's tall, brown haired pretty girl in the bolero jacket. It was about 9 o'clock when I stepped out of the elevator in my apartment house and almost walked right into a tall brown haired pretty girl in a bolero jacket waiting for the elevator on my floor. Oh, excuse me just a minute, lady.

[Harriet Huntress]

I said excuse me. I'm in a hurry. Now if you'll be good enough.

[Philip Marlowe]

Look, you better not go outside in those clothes.

[Harriet Huntress]

Just what do you mean by telling.

[Philip Marlowe]

Me this isn't a make. You're in trouble.

[Harriet Huntress]

Trouble?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. The cops are looking for you in those clothes.

[Harriet Huntress]

But I haven't done anything that I'm.

[Philip Marlowe]

In room 41, across the hall. Now, I never collected an etching in my life.

[Harriet Huntress]

All right, I'll go with you. I'll go.

[Philip Marlowe]

I got to my room and rustled up some scotch and soda. And brought the girl her glass. She had a small automatic in her hand. It jumped up at me, and her eyes were full of panic. I put down both glasses on the table slowly, so that I wouldn't be misunderstood. Look, sister, maybe this wind has got you crazy too.

[Harriet Huntress]

Don't move. Be careful. Don't move.

[Philip Marlowe]

A man just got shot in a bar down the street. Before he got it, he'd been asking about a tall, pretty girl with a bolero jacket like yours.

[Harriet Huntress]

What did he look like, this man?

[Philip Marlowe]

Tall, five eleven, slim, Dark. Dark brown eyes with a lot of glitter. Dark suit, white handkerchief in the breast pocket. And he must have seen you earlier tonight to know how you were dressed. Am I getting anywhere?

[Harriet Huntress]

He used to be my chauffeur.

[Philip Marlowe]

You had an appointment with him, didn't you?

[Harriet Huntress]

Why?

[Philip Marlowe]

Listen, he asked for you, didn't he?

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, I had an appointment with him. He'd stolen something from me. When he left three days ago. I was going to buy it back from him.

[Philip Marlowe]

Why didn't you tell the police?

[Harriet Huntress]

I couldn't tell him.

[Philip Marlowe]

It was valuable, wasn't it? Valuable enough for waldo to steal $15,000? Oh, it's peanuts.

[Harriet Huntress]

But it wasn't the value. It meant something to me. The man I love gave it to me, and now he's dead. He was a flyer shot down over Germany. Now go back and tell my husband that he probably hired you.

[Philip Marlowe]

He did. How much is he paying me? And where is this husband of yours?

[Harriet Huntress]

He's at a meeting.

[Philip Marlowe]

This late at night?

[Harriet Huntress]

He's a very important man. He's a hydroelectric engineer. I'll have you know that my husband is one of.

[Philip Marlowe]

Skip it. I'll take him out to lunch sometime and have him tell me himself and about Waldo. Whatever he had on you is dead stock now. Like Waldo himself.

[Harriet Huntress]

You mean he's dead? Waldo is dead?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes, sister, he's dead. Dead? Dead. Dead. Lady, he is dead. I scream and I'll give you two black eyes.

[Harriet Huntress]

I'm not going to scream. Who would that be?

[Philip Marlowe]

There's a dressing room behind that door right there. Now, don't argue with me. Do it.

[Harriet Huntress]

All right.

[Philip Marlowe]

And I went to the door, making a loud yawning sound. The backs of my hands were wet. I opened the door. Without a gun? That was a mistake. I certainly knew the gun. I was looking into a.22 target automatic that had already killed one man that night. And I knew the bald head and the flat, shiny eyes and the face like a poisonous lizard. Baldy put the muzzle of his gun lightly against my throat. I. I backed into the room, and Baldy kicked the door shut. You alone? Look for yourself. I'm asking, not lookin'I'm. Alone. You and that dumb bartender saw me dust off Waldo. What did Waldo do to you? Who's asking? Just making conversation. He stooled on me on a bank job we did together. Got me four years in Michigan, Penn. How is he? Dead. I'm still good, drunk or sober. Tell me why I came here, pal. You heard the bar keeper and me talking. I told him my name, where I lived, that's how. Pal, I said. Why, skip it. The hangman won't ask you to guess why he's there. You're pretty tough at that, ain't you? But you're slamming off Palace. All right. But you could get that gun out of my neck and try somewhere else. Oh, yeah, sure. Is this better? Let's switch all around just so it isn't my neck. Say when, pal. It's your party. I leaned against the gun. The door of the dressing room showed a crack of darkness. The crack widened. I began to shake a little. The girl came quietly into the room, but there was white all around her. Irish. She was scared. She had her gun in her hand. But I was sorry for dead sorry. She'd try to make the door scream. Either way, it'd be curtains for both of us. You scared, mister? You worried about any little thing? I couldn't talk. The girl floated in the air somewhere behind Baldy. And her horrified face was drifting toward us. My mouth was as cold and dry as yesterday's toast. Well, Ken, how does it feel? You ready yet? Go on. Say the word. Well, don't take all night about it. If you're. If you're gonna do something about it. Why not, pal? I like this. Suppose I yell? Go ahead, yell. Go ahead. Put out your hand. Hey, look. Oh, thanks, sister. Thanks. That. That buys me. Everything I have is yours, now and forever.

[Harriet Huntress]

Is he dead?

[Philip Marlowe]

You flatter me no end, lady. I only punched him. Why not get out of here while I call the cops down on this killer?

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes. Good night.

[Philip Marlowe]

Good night. Hey, wait, wait. Leave that Valera jacket here. It mocks you for the cops.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, yes. Here.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay. See you again.

[Harriet Huntress]

Why?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, I don't know. No, I guess not. After all, who am I to be the rival of a dead Flyer. I'll see that the police get Jesse James here. Good night, lady. Yeah? You mean me?

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, please.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, you again, huh?

[Harriet Huntress]

Get in. I must talk to you.

[Philip Marlowe]

You want to know what happened at headquarters, huh?

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I went down there with the law and gave him the story. I left you out of it.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, thank you.

[Philip Marlowe]

You saved my life. So no one knows a thing about you. Well, incidentally, neither do I.

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, My name is Mrs. Frank Bossali. 212 Fremont Place, Olympia 24596. Is that what you want?

[Philip Marlowe]

I guess so.

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, there it is.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now, why did you really come back?

[Harriet Huntress]

I wanted my pearls.

[Philip Marlowe]

Pearls? Yes, pearls too. All right, tell me about the pearls. We've had a murder and a beautiful mystery woman. And a sadistic killer. And a heroic rescue. Now we will have pearls.

[Harriet Huntress]

I was to buy them back from the man called Waldo.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I saw everything that came out of his pockets, and there weren't any pearls.

[Harriet Huntress]

Could they be hidden in his apartment?

[Philip Marlowe]

It's possible.

[Harriet Huntress]

Waldo lived on the same floor you do in this apartment house.

[Philip Marlowe]

And why didn't I know him, at least by sight?

[Harriet Huntress]

He moved in last week. He managed to get a sublet.

[Philip Marlowe]

Great. A sort of an amateur magician on the side, huh?

[Harriet Huntress]

It's getting rather late.

[Philip Marlowe]

What about your husband, this hot, mysterious night?

[Harriet Huntress]

He's still at his meeting.

[Philip Marlowe]

You could have brought him along. You could have sat in the back seat working out a problem in hydroelectric swap.

[Harriet Huntress]

While what?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I didn't have any answers. They wouldn't sound cheap or just ridiculous or from the sophomore class in repartee. I had an unlit cigarette in my hand. I threw it out of the window. I took a hold of her and kissed her. She sat very still. I was shaking when I let go of her. Her voice trembled a little when she spoke.

[Harriet Huntress]

I meant you to do that. I wasn't always that way. Only since Johnny Dalmos was killed in the war. He gave me those pearls. 41 of them, perfectly matched with the diamond propeller clasp. I'd have loved them if they'd been wooden beads. Because he gave them to me. I love Johnny the way you love just one time. You understand that?

[Philip Marlowe]

Hmm? What's your name?

[Harriet Huntress]

Lola.

[Philip Marlowe]

Lola, how did you explain a $15,000 pearl necklace to your husband?

[Harriet Huntress]

I told him they were imitation, and I bought them myself.

[Philip Marlowe]

How did Waldo latch onto them and what they stood for?

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, my husband was in Argentina. Waldo and I'd go for long drives. I was restless and wretched because of Johnny. Sometimes Waldo and I had a little drink together. But that's all.

[Philip Marlowe]

But you confided Waldo about this pearl.

[Harriet Huntress]

I was a fool.

[Philip Marlowe]

And when your husband came back, Waldo stole the pearls and offered to sell them back to you or he'd tell Papa. Huh?

[Harriet Huntress]

That was a fool.

[Philip Marlowe]

And now you think the pearls are upstairs in Waldo's apartment.

[Harriet Huntress]

I suppose it's a lot to ask.

[Philip Marlowe]

No, sweetheart, I've been paid. I'll go look. Wait here. Was it gun long, Lola?

[Harriet Huntress]

No.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, no.

[Harriet Huntress]

No pearls?

[Philip Marlowe]

No pearls.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh.

[Philip Marlowe]

There was a man in Waldo's room.

[Harriet Huntress]

A man Who?

[Philip Marlowe]

You know a man named Leon Valsanos?

[Harriet Huntress]

Not by name, I don't know.

[Philip Marlowe]

Mexican, South American. About 45, small, iron gray hair, very neat. Fawn colored suit, wine colored tie.

[Harriet Huntress]

No, I don't think I know such a man. Is he the one in Waldo's room?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Harriet Huntress]

What does he have to say?

[Philip Marlowe]

Very little. In fact, nothing. He's dead.

[Vincent Price]

You are listening to the Adventures of Philip Marlow starring Van Heflin, with music composed and conducted by Lynn Murray. Yes. Families all over America have named their favorite toothpaste New Pepsodent with invigorating irum foam. New fresh tasting Pepsident with a new cool minty flavor. It's the 3 to 1 favorite over all other toothpastes.

[Harriet Huntress]

It's true. With families all over America, New Pepsodent is the favorite 3 to 1.

[Vincent Price]

The Ferrell family of Evergreen Park, Illinois, preferred new Pepsodent on every single count. The Farrells say new Pepsodent tastes best of all, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter. On all these counts by an overwhelming average of 3 to 1. Families prefer new Pepsodent over all other toothpaste they've tried.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's a fact.

[Harriet Huntress]

Families 3 to 1 say new Pepsodent tastes better, makes breath cleaner and makes teeth brighter.

[Vincent Price]

Remember, this is not just our opinion. It's the honest conviction of the ferals and other families who compared new Pepsodent with other toothpaste they had at home. Get new Pepsodent, the only toothpaste containing irum. Get it for your family without delay. We continue with the Adventures of Philip Marlowe, created by Raymond Chandler and starring Van Heflin, who appears by arrangement with Metro Golden Mayor, producers of the Technicolor musical Fiesta, starring Esther Williams.

[Philip Marlowe]

I sat with Lola Barsley in her car listening to that jittery, infuriating desert wind gallop around in the midnight streets. I just told her about the Latin looking man I'd found in Waldo's room in a very dead condition. I held her hands until they stopped trembling. Then I gave her the few remaining details. He had a gun and a shoulder holster, but someone had strangled him before he could use it.

[Harriet Huntress]

Someone?

[Philip Marlowe]

Waldo, Maybe. You see that convertible coupe two cars ahead of us?

[Harriet Huntress]

It's been there for hours. He was there before I parked here to wait for you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Leon, the man in Waldo's room came in that car. But according to the key containers he carried, that isn't his car.

[Harriet Huntress]

Whose car is it? Does it matter?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, it belongs to a lady, according to the tag on the keys.

[Harriet Huntress]

A lady.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, anyway, a woman if you're gonna split hairs. Eugenie Korchenko in West Los Angeles.

[Harriet Huntress]

Never heard of it.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right. Well, you go home now.

[Harriet Huntress]

What are you going to do?

[Philip Marlowe]

Drive that flossy convertible around? Wave at my friends, Impress people? You run along now. Me? I've got another date.

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, what is it, please?

[Philip Marlowe]

Ms. Eugenie Ko.

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, what is it?

[Philip Marlowe]

Did you lose or misplace a pigeon? Gray convertible coupe.

[Harriet Huntress]

What are you saying?

[Philip Marlowe]

Now, don't be alarmed. I found it and I brought it home to you.

[Harriet Huntress]

Come in, please. It is a reward you wish, shall we say?

[Philip Marlowe]

Snap out of it, dragon lady. Who was he?

[Harriet Huntress]

Who was who?

[Philip Marlowe]

The little guy, Leon, you loaned your car to. He's dead. Who was he?

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, no, no.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, yes, yes. Eugenie, darling.

[Harriet Huntress]

Darling, come here, please.

[Philip Marlowe]

What's the matter, honey? Who is this man? I came about Ms. Kolchenko's car. What about her car? The gentleman who borrowed it couldn't return it on account of he isn't alive.

[Harriet Huntress]

He's dead, darling. He's dead.

[Philip Marlowe]

That's putting it more bluntly, of course. Dead then. Completely. Who are you? Philip Marlow, private investigator. My card. Mm. You told the police yet? Never do at once what can be deferred pending negotiations. Aesop, I might negotiate. Oh, peachy. What do you know, Marlow? A man named Waldo was shot in a bar tonight. I happened to have the inside as to who he was. And when I visited his apartment tonight, I found this Leo Valsanos dead. He wouldn't have had $500 in 20s on him, would he? No, but this waldo had over $700 on him when he was killed at that cocktail bar. Mostly in 20s. Is there a basis there for negotiations yet? Very well, Marlow. I'm a married man. There were certain unpaid bills for some stuff Ms. Kolchenko here had charged to my account.

[Harriet Huntress]

But you told me I might charge to your account.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, so I wasn't very bright. That might be the understatement of the decade, but go On I had the unpaid bill safely in my briefcase. Somehow this Waldo had a chance to steal the briefcase. I hired Leon and gave him $500 to buy back those bills from Waldo. Instead, Waldo took Leon's dough and was forced to kill Leon in the process. Then he went out to keep another date and accidentally walked into an old pal hostile enough to blow him down. And someone still has those bills. And I'm in for a divorce suit. The man who shot Waldo got away in Waldo's car with your briefcase in it. Yeah, it could be the cops caught him. Oh, then the police have the briefcase. Maybe. But the police are interested in solving crime, not in tossing mud for the benefit of sensation eaters. Look, I've got a friend or two at headquarters. Let me see what I can do. It's worth $500 to me. Well, then that's what it'll cost you. Well, good luck and thank you, Mr. Marlow. Philip Marlowe. Remember, my name is Frank Barsalay. Bars. Barsley. Oh, what does that mean? The big hydroelectric engineer? Yeah. How did you know? My voices. Tell me who.

[Harriet Huntress]

Darling, this man is manifestly insane.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's the heat, Ms. Kilchenka. It's the Santa and it's the desert wind. May I use your telephone? Someday I must tell you about Ibera. Salt of the earth. Ibera. Detective Lieutenant over at Central Homicide. I phoned Ibera from Ms. Kolchenko's house and told him where he could find a well dressed cadaver named Leon and furnished a few small details. I gave Ibera time to check my tip and then I went down to see the good looking lieutenant and told him why I'd been up in Waldo's room only to find Leon instead of a certain lady's string of pearls. Pearls, eh? Well, I thought Waldo might have them up there. Whose pearls were they? A lady's. Go on. Or they might have been in Waldo's car that Waldo's killer drove away in. Yeah. What? Yeah, they might have. Also a batch of unpaid bills charged to the account of a certain Frank Baray. Yeah, well, now, the police aren't interested in domestic scandal. They. They want to prevent or to solve crime, right? So? So I've got $500 for the police fund if those pearls and those bills are returned to their rightful owners. Quit. You kidding? No, no, it's. It's a valuable necklace. Yeah. There's your nexus. That's it. 41 pearls. Perfectly matched diamond propeller clasp. That's it. That's the one. Take it away, Maro. On the level. Just tell me straight what it's all about or I am sure. Sure. Well, this Waldo was blackmailing a wife with the pearls and her husband with the bills. Guy by the name of Barsley. Well, Barsley sent Leon to get the bills from Waldo. Instead, Waldo killed Leon, then stepped out and happened to get shot by that guy at the bar. Now, if Barsley's name stays out of the paper, I get $500 and that goes to the police fund. We'll keep him out. Well, now, I'm not in this case for money. I just want to get back the bills and the pearls. As you say, Maro, the police sound in business to sling mud. Well, you can deliver the pearls to the lady yourself if you like. She lives at night. Oh, no, no, Marlo. You better take them to her. You see, except for the diamond propeller clasp on them, they're. They're phony. Phony? But all with the clasp, Marlowe. All but the clas. Well, I stared at Ibera. So the flyer Johnny Dalmas, the great lover, had given Lola a string of fake pearls. Well, I didn't know how to tell her, but I called her up and told her to meet me at the beachcombers at 2. I was gonna slip her the bad news slowly.

[Harriet Huntress]

I'm glad you asked me to meet you here, Mr. Marlowe. See, I. I had to have someone to talk to.

[Philip Marlowe]

Go ahead, go ahead, talk. I'm listening.

[Harriet Huntress]

Now, Mr. Marlow, now more than ever, I must. I must have those pearls.

[Philip Marlowe]

Why? Money trouble?

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, no, no. It's just that everything's gone wrong. This morning my husband told me where to separate.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, I'm sorry, Lola, but if I.

[Harriet Huntress]

Had Johnny's pearls, it would be a link with the past and with Johnny and all he meant to me. It's how a woman feels, Mr. Marlowe. I wouldn't blame you for not understanding.

[Philip Marlowe]

Maybe I do, though.

[Harriet Huntress]

So please, Mr. Marlowe, please. You'll try to find my pearls, Lola. Look, even if it isn't all of them, any part of them, any. Any single, smallest one of them, it'll be Johnny's.

[Philip Marlowe]

Look, will you meet me here again around 4:00?

[Harriet Huntress]

I'll be here.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay. I'll see what I can do. There was only one earthly, decent thing I could do. I took Lola's glass pearls to a jeweler and I had him take off the diamond clasp and put it on one of those strings of so called simulated pearls that they sell you for three bucks, tax included, and went back to keep my 4:00 date with Lola at the beach. Combination.

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, Mr. Marlow, anything new?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes, the police found some pearls in Waldo's car.

[Harriet Huntress]

They found my pearls?

[Philip Marlowe]

No, no, not. Not exactly.

[Harriet Huntress]

Not exactly.

[Philip Marlowe]

O. Waldo was getting set to gyp you, Lola. He had the diamond clasp of your necklace attached to a string of cheap imitations. And then he sold the real pearls.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, how.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, these are the imitations here.

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, but it is my clasp. The clasp is real.

[Philip Marlowe]

Is that all right?

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, it's the clasp that Johnny Dalmas gave me. Of course. Of course it's all right.

[Philip Marlowe]

That's.

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, thank you so much, Mr. Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe]

Forget it.

[Harriet Huntress]

I won't. Not ever. Well, listen, is this goodbye?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, I think so. You'll never get over Johnny Dalmaslovin. If anybody ever bothers you again, though, well, let me know. Name's Philip Marlow. I drove almost to Malibu, and then I parked and walked out on a rock cliff jutting into the Pacific Ocean. Then I reached in my pocket and dug out the string of Bohemian glass pearls that Lieutenant E Barrel I found in Waldo's car. I cut the knot at one end and slipped the pearls off one by one. One by one, I flipped them into the water. The gull swooped down on him and then flapped up again, screaming indignantly. The phony pearls had fooled Waldo and Lola Barsley. But they couldn't fool a seagull. I said to myself, to the memory of Johnny Dalmas, just another four flusher. I listened a while to the wheeling seagulls. All at once I realized that the wind had died. The Santa Anna had blown itself out. The red wind was done. It was over.

[Vincent Price]

You have just heard Van Heflin starring in the first of a new mystery series, Raymond Chandler's the Adventures of Philip Marlowe, brought to you by the Lever Brothers Company, makers of Pepsodent. Have you tried. Have you tasted the new Pepsodent toothpaste? Its lingering, minty flavor is so fresh and inviting, families prefer it by an overwhelming average of 3 to 1 over all other toothpastes. In a recent nationwide test, they said new Pepsidin tastes better, makes breath cleaner and makes teeth brighter. Remember, new Pepsodent gives you more invigorating Irum foam. It sweeps dulling film away. No Wonder it's the 3 to 1 favorite with families all over America. Get new Pepsodent with Irum for your family right away. Tonight's story on the adventure of Philip Barlow is based on Red Wind, written by Raymond Chandler, creator of Philip Marlowe. The screen's most famous private detective was adapted for radio by Milton Geiger. Heard with Van Heflin was Lorene Tuttle as Lola Barsley. And this is Wendell Niles inviting you to listen again next week at this same time to another exciting story on the Adventures of Philip Arlo, starring Van Heflin with a distinguished.

[Philip Marlowe]

This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Vincent Price]

For the safety of your smile, use Pepsodent twice a day. See your dentist twice a year. Lever Brothers Company presents the PepsiDent program. The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, starring Van Heflin. Pepsidant presents Philip Marlowe, Raymond Chandler's famous private detective. You've seen him on the screen in lady in the Lake, Murder My Sweet, the Brasher Doubloon and the Big Sleep. Now Pepsodent brings you the adventures of Philip Marlowe on the air and starring MGM's brilliant and dynamic young actor, Van Heflen. Now, families all over America have named their favorite toothpaste New Pepsodent with Irium. New Fresh tasting Pepsodent with the new cool, minty flavor. It's the 3 to 1 favorite over all other toothpastes. Yes. In a recent test, families from coast to coast compared new Pepsodent with other toothpastes at home. And by an overwhelming vote, by an average of three to one, these families preferred new Pepsodent over all other toothpastes. On all these counts, they said new Pepsodent tastes better, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter. Yes. On all these points, families 3 to 1 declared new Pepsodent better than the average of all other toothpastes. They tried. Get it for your family right away.

[Philip Marlowe]

There comes a certain time in the year when I don't want to see midget auto races. I just want to see midgets. When I prefer sawdust to stardust and popcorn to all other kinds of corn available in Hollywood. The circus was moving in on the grounds at Washington Boulevard and Hill street. And I was turning in my usual fine job as sidewalk supervisor. It was exciting. It brought back all the sounds and sensations and convictions of childhood. And then someone had me firmly by the wrist and I turned to look into a pair of steady, smoky dark eyes that could be dangerous. Excuse me, sir, but you are a private detective. I'm a detective, but I don't get much privacy. Yeah. My name is Ralph Cassanari. Who told you I was a detective? My feet aren't that flat. Do you know a gentleman named Al Siconolfi? Well, I know an Al Siconolfi. He pointed you out. He asked me what was the big idea. What was my angle? Hiring a private detective. He gave me an idea. When is Al Sigonalfi had any ideas to spare? Mr. Marlow, besides owning one third of this very fine little circus, I am Tassanari of Tatsanari, the Swede and Glorian Trapezo, the most brilliant aerial acts in the business. I own this circus with Gorian and the Swede. But where does Al, Sik and Alfie fit in? Here? Now the Swede gets drunk and gambles fantastic sums of money. This circus is worth a quarter of a million dollars. Already the Swede has gambled away much more than his third of the circus. And a partner may sell out his other partners without even consulting them. You're afraid the Swede will sell you out to pay for his debts? Yeah, and if he did that, I should not hesitate to, uh. Oh, watch yourself. Alter Canofi has made it plain that the gamblers expect payment immediately. Now, would you consider giving us your protection during the three days we're gonna be here? $25 a day in expenses. That's the nut. Cheap enough, I know, but you see, I'm a sucker for circumstances. Yeah.

[Harriet Huntress]

Is this the office of Philip Marlow?

[Philip Marlowe]

Better still. This is Philip Marlow.

[Harriet Huntress]

Ralph Pass and Ari hide you this morning, didn't he?

[Philip Marlowe]

Go ahead.

[Harriet Huntress]

This is his partner, Glorian. I'm in a downtown bar with a Swede and he's terribly drunk. I know this isn't your job, but won't you come down and help me get him sobered up for the night? Please?

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, Mother Marlo. Be right down. I found the Main street bar where Glorianne said I'd find her in the Swede. The Swede was potted like Grandma's begonia. And with the help of the bartender and four professional loafers, we got him into my car. I told Glorian to drive. Yeah, leave me alone with you. I'm all right. Just take it easy.

[Harriet Huntress]

What shall I drive, Mr. Miller?

[Philip Marlowe]

Georgia Street Receiving Hospital. I'll stay back here and wrestle a suite for the championship.

[Harriet Huntress]

Just left him alone for an hour to do some shopping.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm telling you something, honey girl. That Tassanari makes any more passes at you, I'll beat him brainless.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, please don't pay any attention to him, Mr. Marlowe. He thinks everyone at the circus is.

[Philip Marlowe]

In love with him. Okay, now back in your seat. That flip doctor too?

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, be still.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm telling you something, honey girl. One of these days I'm gonna get absent minded on that trapeze And I'm not gonna catch your friend Tassanari. How's that, huh?

[Harriet Huntress]

Don't listen. Doing it tomorrow.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well then tell muscles to let go of my ear. Yeah. Perfect crime. Who know if it was an accident or not? Then I'd own half a circus instead of just a third.

[Harriet Huntress]

Mister, he's drunk.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, but drunk. Or so he's got. One doozy of an idea. They're drunk or sober. Hey, my wrist. What's that? I knew some entrance, Georgia Street Receiving Hospital, who obliged with some oxygen and a mask. A half hour of breathing that oxygen deeply in. The Swede was stone cold sober and back in my car again. He was making certain cagey explanations. Marlow, you don't want to take that stuff I was mumbling about seriously. You know, I. I was drunk. After all, Glorianne's my wife. Oh, naturally. I. I don't like other guys giving her the eye. But that. That screwy talk about me dropping Tassanari accidentally on purpose. Oh, but yet it's a perfect crime. I was only talking. Marlo, I wouldn't do that to Tassanari. Of course not. He'd be all broken up about it, wouldn't he? I sat in a field box that evening as the small, neat circus unwounds with a big ax. And the big moment arrived, with butterflies warming up in my stomach and a pulse thumping madly in my neck. Ladies and gentlemen, constrain the squeeze, who will attain to the dizzy of the limits of this top. And without a net, without a net, mind you, will execute the most daring manila ever witnessed on the high trape. Ladies and gentlemen, the daring and testifying functionary and Swede, passionary and the Swede came bounding into the arena and over to the two spidery ladders that zoomed up into the very peak of the big tent. Up there, where it was hot, high and dangerous. Two magnificently made men climbing that slim ladder, their brilliant capes flowing behind them, going up higher, smaller, higher. And then they were on their tiny platforms, removing their capes. Grandiose. They turned, faced each other across the board like divers. Not a voice, not a breath, not a sound. I began to perspire. The net was being gathered back. Then suddenly Cassaneri raised his right arm and smiled, dropped his arm and the Swede shot out into space like a comet. And the gay waltzing, somehow insane music began. It was all the announcer said, at least to me. Derry and terrifying. Whirl and spin and contact. Swing, swing swing and spin. Spinning and whirling. Contact and break. Hands locked to rosin. Hands contact and break. Spin, whirl, cartwheel and contact. Swing, swing, swing and leap. Split second timing in the split second, split again with crap bars flying into place where and when they were needed. I looked away, my head drumming and swimming. And I looked up again. I looked up and the thing that had been tying my stomach in cold, hard knots, the thing I was afraid of happened. The music played again. Gates, whom the crowns, poured into the arena, grinning happily. I saw the youngish, handsome doctor race across the sawdust, followed by Glorian across the arena. I saw Al Sicon Alfie get up and disappear into the crowd. I went out too. Outside, I managed to get a shaking match to a quaking cigarette. In my mind, I heard again and again the drunken voice of the Flying Swede. Come back to me. One of these days I'm gonna get absolute minded on that trapeze. And I'm not gonna catch your friend Tatinari. How's that, huh? Only it was all wrong. It didn't add up. Because the body that had plummeted to the ground hadn't been the body of Ralph Cassini, but of the man who had plotted the perfect crime. Gloriana's husband. A flying Swede.

[Harriet Huntress]

What?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh. Oh.

[Harriet Huntress]

You were in there.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes, I saw it, Loyan.

[Harriet Huntress]

I think I could kill Ralph with it.

[Philip Marlowe]

You think Tercenary dropped your husband purpose?

[Harriet Huntress]

What do you think?

[Philip Marlowe]

Look, Lorianne, I took this job. You know why. And, well, all this reminded me of myself when I was a kid reading Tom Sawyer and Huckpen and believing. Well, I still believe in them. I felt the same way about the circus. The last childish illusion the man holds onto so he doesn't get too hard.

[Harriet Huntress]

You're not tough at all, are you?

[Philip Marlowe]

I was gonna like this job. And he's happy. Do you know what I'm talking about?

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, sir. Sorry we failed you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Look, Glorian, the Swede is dead. And you think Tassenary killed him. But it's the perfect crime. You can't prove anything.

[Harriet Huntress]

Maybe I didn't love the Swede very much, but he was my husband, and on the square.

[Philip Marlowe]

Did you love Tassini?

[Harriet Huntress]

If I did, it's all over now. I'm going to prove to everybody in circus business at least that he killed my husband.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah? Well, how?

[Harriet Huntress]

You'll see, little boy. Good night.

[Philip Marlowe]

I watched her go back into the big tent. And then I drove home and dreamed all night of Al Siganalfi smiling his yellow smile and disappearing into the crowd. I got up late and went down for coffee in a newspaper. The story was there on page one also a silky, leggy picture of Glorianne. And beneath it, the caption reading show must go on Dare's high Trapeze in the Passionary After Mate falls to death, I looked at my watch. It was late, later than I thought. For the daring young dame on the flying trapeze, it was almost too late.

[Vincent Price]

You are listening to the adventures of Philip Marlow starring Van Heflin. Yes, Families all over America have named their favorite toothpaste. New Pepsodent with invigorating irum foam. New fresh tasting Pepsodent with a new cool, minty flavor. It's the 3 to 1 favorite over all other toothpaste in recent home tests. Like families from coast to coast, the James M. Sinclair family, East 2nd Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma, like new pepsodents better than any other toothpaste. In fact, Mrs. Sinclair says this new.

[Harriet Huntress]

Pepsodent made a big hit with our whole family, especially my son Jimmy. He's so crazy about that pessedent flavor, it's less of a problem getting him to brush his teeth. Now, my husband likes the way Petit leaves, his mouth feeling so much cleaner and his breath fresher. And as for me, I've never found any toothpaste better for brightening my teeth.

[Vincent Price]

Yes, families from coast to coast by an overwhelming average of 3 to 1, say new peptidant is better than any other toothpaste they tried. Better for taste, better for cleaning the breath, better for brightening teeth. Remember, this is not just our opinion. It's the honest conviction of the Sinclairs and other families who compared new pepsidants with brands they had at home. So why not have your family try new Pepsidants, the only toothpaste containing irum get it without delay. We continue with the Adventures of Philip Marlow, created by Raymond Chandler and starring Van Heflin, who appears by arrangement with Metro Golden Mayor, producers of the Hucksters starring Clark Gable.

[Philip Marlowe]

The lion act was going on when I arrived at the circus grounds and practically ran to Glorian's tent. She was in her tights and cloak, ready to go on. Look, Glorian, you're. You're kidding. This is a gag. You're not going up there.

[Harriet Huntress]

One minute, little boy.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, you're out of your mind.

[Harriet Huntress]

I'm going up this past denari to prove you to kill the seed.

[Philip Marlowe]

You add that up, My arms are full of bundles.

[Harriet Huntress]

Half an I agree to go up with me. Why? Why aren't his nerves shattered after yesterday? Because he Knows he didn't make a mistake yesterday. He knows he dropped my husband perfectly and not because his timing or reactions were wrong. Do I make sense?

[Philip Marlowe]

Up to a point.

[Harriet Huntress]

You're thinking he may drop me perfectly.

[Philip Marlowe]

And I wouldn't like that.

[Harriet Huntress]

He won't drop me.

[Philip Marlowe]

What makes you so sure?

[Harriet Huntress]

Because Tatsinari loves me. He wants me. Does that make sense?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense. Well, go to it, little girl. I watched Glorian, so small and slim and fragile as she went up that thin ladder. My throat swelled tight and the butterflies took off in my stomach again. She was on the platform, removing her silk cape, folding it carefully over the rail. They were facing each other, smiling. Smiling. Dead, sultry silence. Then for minutes I sat there, petrified, watching her cold sweat channeling down my back. For 10 minutes I stopped breathing. I died once. Only once. I had to close my eyes. And in that second I heard the crowd roar. Everyone was standing up, screaming and goggle eyed. I groped to my feet and there she was, bowing and laughing and throwing kisses into the crowd and at Tassenarian, at me. Then she pirouetted and ran up the ramp to her dressing tent. I got there with Tassaneri. Her eyes warmed for me and then froze again for Tassinri.

[Harriet Huntress]

Come in, little boy. And you? Tassanari.

[Philip Marlowe]

Tassanari Ralph also is the name I bear.

[Harriet Huntress]

Today I talked to Tassanari. Now want Mr. Mala to hear what I have to say to you. Which is? First, that I'm through with you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Corian. Look, not because of the accident.

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, because it was not an accident.

[Philip Marlowe]

You don't believe that. May I suggest that maybe Al Siconolfi has a meaty part in this picture?

[Harriet Huntress]

No. Hassan Ari here killed the Swedes.

[Philip Marlowe]

Dorian, that's not true.

[Harriet Huntress]

Dr. Stow seems to think as I do.

[Philip Marlowe]

Ah, yes, Dr. Stow. I did pass your tent last night after the accident.

[Harriet Huntress]

Accident?

[Philip Marlowe]

I heard you and the Caphite, unsuccessful doctor, speaking together. Oh so intimately.

[Harriet Huntress]

Bear your insult.

[Philip Marlowe]

Tatinai speaking together. Deciding conveniently perhaps, that I kill the Swede.

[Harriet Huntress]

Richard never accused you.

[Philip Marlowe]

He only said, oh, he's the one, eh? Richard, get out. If I wanted to murder a man, it would be easier to take my gun from my trunk and shoot him. Yeah, but that wouldn't be the perfect crime. Why should I want to kill the Swede? Because he might have sold you out to pay his debts. Because you'd get half of his share of the circus. Because you were in love with his wife. I see. You think you have a case, huh? I hope not. Florian knows what I mean.

[Harriet Huntress]

Only perhaps Cassandra better go now.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, yeah. I'm very sorry, Glorian. For all of us. Good day. Good day, Mr. Marlowe. He padded out softly, like a panther, resentment and hatred smoldering in his eyes.

[Harriet Huntress]

That was horrible of a boy. I better lie down now.

[Philip Marlowe]

I left wondering if there'd be a show that night, tradition or no tradition. I walked for a half an hour, and then a police squad car came screaming down Washington Boulevard toward the circus grounds. Mad dogs. An Englishman go out in the noonday sun, but Marlo runs in it. I found a small colony of cops in one of the dressing tents. The man on the cot had taken a lot of pulses in his time, but he didn't have a single one to show for it, not even his own. Good looking, youngish Dr. Richard W. Stowe was dead. Detective Lieutenant Bear held out a small automatic to me. Hello, Marlow. I hear you've been masterminding things around here lately. Ever see this gun before? I may have heard of it. A man named Ralph Tessenari, connected with his show, has disappeared. Know something about that? He was fresh from a lovers corps last I saw him. Or maybe just out walking it off. Possibly. But the dead doctor and Tasanari both went for a pretty little trapeze queen named Gloria Ann. Was anything stolen here? No. The circus hand over. The muffled shot came running before anything could have been taken for the gala. Glorian. How does she feel about this? She's in her tent, heavily committed to a case of hysterics. Marlowe divvies on any information you get out of her. Look, Dorian, you can't go on like this. Now, let me get something for you.

[Harriet Huntress]

I'll be all right.

[Philip Marlowe]

Just a sedative to settle your nerves. Oh.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, no. We never take that thing. It's bad for going up on the track. No, no, I'll sleep. That's the best thing, sleep.

[Philip Marlowe]

You can't go up there tonight anyway. Tassinheri's missing. I'll go see what I can find for you. I rummaged through Dr. Stowe's medical bag while Ibera watched from across the tent. I found a small black book. I leafed through it with my hand still hidden in the bag. It was a small case history book with sketchy data about his cases, the treatment given the medication prescribed, I very quietly tore out the last page, pounded, and slipped in my pocket as I creaked to an approximate upright position. Find anything to quiet the Little woman Marlow. No, not a thing, Lieutenant. Thing. I'll try a drugstore. Tap of cyclodom grains. One and a half. One tablet with warm water for nerves or sleep. What is it? It's a common sedative. But I can't sell you any without a prescription. What can you tell me anything about those drugs? Some. But you will find a lot more in Dr. Toral Solman textbook on Pharmacology. Textbook of Pharmacology? It's only in the main library, I think, but it's complete. That'll tell you all you want to know. I'm sure the druggist was right. The Textbook of Pharmacology told me all I wanted to know. Also, this was a very limited edition. It was probably the only one of its kind that had on the page devoted to cyclodrome a smudge of lipstick in the shape of a woman's finger. It was all and more than I wanted to know. And all at once, I was old. Very old. From now on, I was going to leave illusions to high school grand girls and magicians.

[Harriet Huntress]

Hello, little boy. Back again.

[Philip Marlowe]

I see you're dressed for work.

[Harriet Huntress]

Gloriana Cather returned.

[Philip Marlowe]

I wouldn't know. But I think I do know who killed the Swede.

[Harriet Huntress]

Kanari.

[Philip Marlowe]

I gravely doubt that.

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, then who? Not Eloran.

[Philip Marlowe]

You're a dainty little thing. And that's a particular reason why you should break yourself of little unsightly habits. Like touching your fingers to your mouth to turn back pages in books.

[Harriet Huntress]

Are you all right, little boy?

[Philip Marlowe]

Was the Swede all right when he went up with Tessa and Area last night? Or was he just slightly under the influence of a sedative drug that calms the nerves, yes, but slows up their reaction time.

[Harriet Huntress]

I don't understand such matters.

[Philip Marlowe]

You admitted to me today that it isn't wise to take such sedatives before your act. But you did get a prescription for such tablets from Dr. Stowe and you said nothing about them.

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, I was upset after the sweep was killed. I needed some.

[Philip Marlowe]

But according to Dr. Stowe's case, we got the tablets before the Swede was killed. And you left him at the bar for an hour yesterday while you did a little medical research at the main library. And that night the Swede split. Second timing didn't quite split, did it? Of course, you weren't afraid to go up with that scenario today. He didn't miss the Swede. The Swede missed him.

[Harriet Huntress]

I hated him.

[Philip Marlowe]

She didn't want him. You just wanted the Circus, all of it. So you killed the Swede with his own perfect crime. Only it was too perfect. You couldn't pin the murder on Tasha. Nary you had to think of something more down to earth.

[Harriet Huntress]

Go on, little boy, make glory and proud of you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Dr. Stowe knew that you hated your husband. He knew that you had those tablets. He knew that the Swede didn't make mistakes. Last night when Tassenary heard you and Stowe whispering together, Stowe was telling you what he suspected, wasn't he? He was a doctor. And he is furious at the thought of being used in a murder.

[Harriet Huntress]

Raising your voice.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, if you didn't shut up the doctor, he'd talk. So you shot him with Tessa and Aries gun. After staging a very nice row with Cassini in front of me that would pin it on Tessa. Nary you let Stow take you in his arms to muffle a shot that was particularly pretty.

[Harriet Huntress]

No.

[Philip Marlowe]

It was not.

[Harriet Huntress]

Little boy, you've had a bitter day.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, it's time that I grew up. Anyway. That's for my act.

[Harriet Huntress]

And Glorienne.

[Philip Marlowe]

I've sent for the police. Glory Anne. They'll be here pretty soon.

[Harriet Huntress]

Little boy, Asanai is there. He's waiting in the Runway across the arena. He came back.

[Philip Marlowe]

He doesn't even know he's wanted. Probably.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, little boy, I have let you down. Let me make it up a little. Let me go out there.

[Philip Marlowe]

Will you come down again?

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, of course.

[Philip Marlowe]

By the ladder, I mean.

[Harriet Huntress]

I won't let you down again, little boy. I promise it. We circus people won't disappoint you again. Please, they're waiting.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, the show must go on, mustn't it? All right. Go ahead, lady. They're waiting. She ran out laughing, throwing kisses. And I walked out after. Stood in the Runway watching. I watched the small, delicate figure going up the ladder. Then she was at the platform, rosin on shoes, rosin on the hands and wrists and sultry silence. Not a voice, not a breath. She was raising her hand in a gesture of exquisite grace and sureness and smiling at Passionari. Smiling. And there it was. This was it there. Ghostly packs of small fry from my school days gaped up with me and shivered with kid delight. I was a kid again, gawking up at the circus guy and the circus lady. The daring young dame on the flying trapeze, Tassenary and Glorian. Or positively the last performance anywhere on earth.

[Vincent Price]

You have just heard Van Heflin starring in the new mystery series Raymond Chandler's the Adventures of Philip Marlowe, brought to you by the Lever Brothers Company, makers of Pepsodent. Van Heflin will return in just a moment. Have you tried. Have you tasted the new Pepsidin toothpaste? Its lingering, minty flavor is so fresh and inviting families prefer it by an overwhelming average of 3 to 1 over all other toothpastes. In a recent nationwide test, they said new Pepsidin tastes better, makes breath cleaner and makes teeth brighter. Remember, new Pepsidin gives you more invigorating Irum foam. It sweeps dulling film away. No Wonder it's the 3 to 1 favorite with families all over America. Get new Pepsidin with Irium for your family right away. Now here is Van Heflin, star of the Adventures of Philip Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe]

King Leopardi had the hottest trumpet and the coldest eye in show business. And he loved yellow silk, so they called him the King in yellow. We consider his short, eventful life. Next week, when is Philip Marlowe? I have some business with the King in yellow.

[Vincent Price]

Tonight's story was written by Milton Geiger, based on the character of Philip Marlow, the screen's most famous private detective. Created by Raymond Chandler. Heard with Van Heflin tonight as Glorianne was Loreen Tuttle. The original music was composed and conducted by Lynn Murray. This is Wendell Niles inviting you to listen again next week at this same time to another exciting mystery on the Adventures of Philip Marlow starring Van Heflin with a distinguished cat.

[Philip Marlowe]

This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Vincent Price]

For the safety of your smile, use Pepsodent twice a day. See your dentist twice a year. Lever Brothers Company presents the Pepsident program the Adventures of Philip Marlow, starring Van Heflin. Philip Marlowe, the famous private detective of Murder My Sweet and the lady in the Lake, created by Raymond Chandler, brought to you on the air by pepsident and starring MGM's dynamic young actor, Van Heflin. Now families all over America have named their favorite toothpaste New Pepsodent with Irum. New fresh tasting Pepsodent with a new cool, minty flavor. It's preferred three to one over any other toothpaste.

[Harriet Huntress]

It's true. With families all over America, New Pepsodent is a favorite 3 to 1.

[Vincent Price]

Families from coast to coast recently compared new Pepsodent with the toothpaste they were using at home. They preferred new Pepsodent by an overwhelming average of three to one over any other brand they tried. These families three to one said new Pepsidin tastes better, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter.

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, families three to one say New Pepsidin tastes better, makes Breath cleaner makes teeth brighter.

[Vincent Price]

Get new Pepsid and toothpaste for your family right away. Now Van Heflin in the Adventures of Philip Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hollywood after midnight is like any other city after midnight. Night moves in and the city becomes hushed and stealthy. The nightclubs close up one by one. But now and then the police whistle and the prowl car sirens serenade the sleeper. If you've got any cop in you at all, you get on edge and you have to get dressed and go out and walk it off to re. Relax. While I was relaxing past the swank Carlton Hotel on the sunset Strip about 1am when all of a sudden recess was over. Hey, Marlow. H. That you, Marlow? It was George Millar, the quiet spoken night clerk of the Carlton, hailing me from the doorway. Probably to mucha Melrino. No, I was wrong. Hey, look, Marlow, you're very busy right now. Why, Millar, if I may be as cagey as all that, we've got some. Some trouble on the eighth floor. Where's Curly, your fearless house dick? Tonight he has to have a hangover. What's the beef on floor eight? King Leopardi. You know him? King Leopardi? Oh, that's the sweetest trumpet this side of Gabriel. Is he tenting here tonight? He's in the Corridor on the 8th floor dressed in yellow pajamas and his trumpet. There's a girl with him and they're putting on a jam session. I suppose the King rejects my diplomatic notes. Well, get rough, but only if you have to. Okay, thanks. But a guy with such an ear for music ought to listen to reason. All right, I'll be down five minutes. Milan.

[Harriet Huntress]

Do.

[Philip Marlowe]

Come on and hey.

[Vincent Price]

Hey, King.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hey, King. That's all, boy.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, stop.

[Philip Marlowe]

Out. Mellow, mellow, King.

[Harriet Huntress]

And yellow mozzareno.

[Philip Marlowe]

More, more. All right, King, the party's over. Hey, were you addressing me, peasant? I said wrap it up. Can it. Put it on ice. The show is over, Con King.

[Harriet Huntress]

King Kong, that's what he is. King Kong.

[Philip Marlowe]

Let him have it, King fan. Fair to a nosy house dick as follows. All right, now look, yellow pants, wrap up your bugle and buzz off. Now hit the grit. Oh, you're tougher than a 40 cent steak, aren't you? Well, this'll make you soft and tender. Here. Atta boy, King.

[Harriet Huntress]

Hit him again for me.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right. Hit me with that trumpet, will you? Okay, King. Ooh. Now come on, get up, get dressed and get out.

[Harriet Huntress]

How can he? He's out cold.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'll be glad to pack for him and you get back to your room.

[Harriet Huntress]

Listen, copper, I don't have to do anything.

[Philip Marlowe]

Get going, sister. Come on, jump. The door to room 815 was a jar. I went in, began tossing a lot of that yellow silk that the King liked so well into his suitcases. Something at the small desk stopped me. Tucked under the corner of the desk blotter was a note. It was assembled from words and letters cut out of newspapers and pasted on a telegraph blank. It said, 10 grand by Thursday night. Leo party or else her brother. I slipped the note in my pocket and went out in the corridor just as the King staggered past me into his room. I could get an infection from the dirty look he gave me as he slammed the door after him. The door, two sweets away opened a crack and then shut again. Very quickly I went over and knocked.

[Harriet Huntress]

Beat it, copper.

[Philip Marlowe]

I want to talk to you.

[Harriet Huntress]

I want to hear from you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay, Here I come, sister, ready or not.

[Harriet Huntress]

I'll blow you down, so help me.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'll let you have it. Lay that pistol down, babe. Come on. Come on. Pick up.

[Harriet Huntress]

Weight you didn't count on.

[Philip Marlowe]

And what would the little girl be doing with a.25 automatic, I wonder?

[Harriet Huntress]

A girl needs protection with insects like you around.

[Philip Marlowe]

Look, what's your name?

[Harriet Huntress]

Little Bo Peep.

[Philip Marlowe]

Okay, but what does Little Boy Blue with a horn mean to you?

[Harriet Huntress]

I admire his work.

[Philip Marlowe]

Do you know King Leopardi? What are you doing in a place like this? I can tell you can't afford it. What's your angle?

[Harriet Huntress]

I want a soap contest.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, baby. You want it that way. What are you gonna do? I'm gonna make a phone call. You won't touch your nickel. Hello, desk Millar? Ms. Marlow. I'm calling for the lady in room 811. She's checking out. I had a little trouble up there. Malaria. Your two noisy guests will be checking out any minute. Okay. Well, I hate for things to happen on my shift. Well, the King bopped me with his bugle and the girl had a gun. Gee, nice people. Yeah. How come you put a floozy like that girl so close to the King? Well, I didn't. Another thing, Quillin, the day man did. Look, there was a receipt for rent to Miss Marilyn delorme on the telephone table in her room. Well, that wasn't the name she gave. Quillen. Apartment 211, Ridgeland Apartments, Cord Street, La. She lives right in town in a cheap neighborhood. But she checks in here at a price she can't afford and gives a phony name. Now, why? Why Cord street, where Marilyn Delarmey lived was Old Town, Artytown, Crooktown. It was afternoon when I got off the cogwheel car that climbs the steep hill to where the ridgeline. An apartment sat on the top of Bunker Hill and went up dim dusty stairs to apartment 211 and I tapped on the door. There was no answer, so I tried the door. It was unlocked. The room inside was dim with stagnant gloom. Marilyn Delarme was in. I didn't talk to her, though I didn't think she'd want to make much conversation with those blue bruises about her throat where she'd been strangled. I got out of there fast, wiping off doorknobs like Uriah. He polishing apples for his boss. I found King Leopardi at his job at the Club Belvedere. He was relaxing in his table in the bar with a kind of a girl commonly referred to as a knockout. She looked tall and her hair was the color of a brush fire seen through clouds of dust. I pulled in my chin and then walked over to the table. Hello, Leopardio. Maestro. You remember me? I'm sorry, I can't say that. Why, you dirty keyhole snoopy.

[Harriet Huntress]

King, please don't start anything again.

[Philip Marlowe]

You left a certain little note in your hotel room last night. Get out of time. A dozen. That wasn't all. That dame with you. I said beat it, King.

[Harriet Huntress]

Sit down.

[Philip Marlowe]

Beat it. And take this with you. There's not much snap in that punch, King. Would you like to try it again? I have had some drinks. I'll see you later when I'm. Okay, See you later too, Dolores. After the floor show. I'm. I'm sorry, miss.

[Harriet Huntress]

Sit down. You've made us conspicuous enough as it is.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now, wait a minute.

[Harriet Huntress]

Sit down. Sit down.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right. Thanks. That's what I get for being a little gentleman and letting him pepper me without a comeback.

[Harriet Huntress]

No, he's always spoiling for a fight.

[Philip Marlowe]

The King just can't control his dukes, can he?

[Harriet Huntress]

He better have a drink.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right. Coke with betters.

[Harriet Huntress]

That's what I love about Hollywood. You meet so many eccentrics.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, but you see, I'm the kind of a guy who starts with a short beer and wakes up in Shanghai with a full beard. Is this on me or is it on you?

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, that depends.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, how? Champagne, Mum's. Cordon Rouge. Shall we say?

[Harriet Huntress]

It's on you.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's on me. Coke with betters.

[Harriet Huntress]

How did you get to know King Leopardi?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, I just happened to throw him out of his hotel. Last night?

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, house detective, huh?

[Philip Marlowe]

No, no. Filling in for a friend. Philip Marlow, Private investigators. The general tag.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh.

[Philip Marlowe]

How did you happen to get to know the King?

[Harriet Huntress]

I once sang in his band, but not for long.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, then, look, tell me, would it be hard for a woman to get to him?

[Harriet Huntress]

Only if he was surrounded by a wall of fire.

[Philip Marlowe]

If the woman had a gun.

[Harriet Huntress]

Why?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I found this threat note on his desk last night. It asked for $10,000 or else. And is signed her brother.

[Harriet Huntress]

Well. Well, yes. A woman with a gun could get to him and everybody would give her a great big hand.

[Philip Marlowe]

Mm. Well, I'll skip that Coke and bitters and say good day and thank you, Christabel.

[Harriet Huntress]

The name is Dolores.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, good afternoon, Ms. Drury.

[Harriet Huntress]

Chiozza. Dolores Chiozza.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, Chiozza, fare thee well, Ms. Chiozza.

[Harriet Huntress]

Formal, aren't you?

[Philip Marlowe]

So long, Dolores.

[Harriet Huntress]

So long, Philip. If I hear of anything, I'll toss it your way.

[Philip Marlowe]

The evening papers carried a squib about Marilyn Delorme found strangled in her Court street apartment. That was all dead end until about 1:00 in the morning when the telephone started having hysterics on my night table. Hello, Philip?

[Harriet Huntress]

This is Dolores.

[Philip Marlowe]

Dolores? Dolores. Oh. Oh, yeah, sure.

[Harriet Huntress]

Will you come over to my place right away? 2412 Renfrew street, below Fountain.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hey, wait a minute.

[Harriet Huntress]

I saw the bungalow court. Mine is the last one in line.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, sure, but wait a minute. What's the matter? Dolores, look. Where? What's the matter?

[Harriet Huntress]

King Leopardi is here too.

[Philip Marlowe]

King Leopardi?

[Harriet Huntress]

He passed out in my den. It's absurd, isn't it?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, it's absurd. And it'll cost you 20 bucks.

[Harriet Huntress]

All right, but hurry, please hurry.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, I'll be right over. Phone calls in the dead of night. I should have been a midwife.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, come in, Philip. I'm sorry I awoke you at this hour.

[Philip Marlowe]

That's okay. I always get up around this time anyhow to take my bidders and answer phone calls. Where is he?

[Harriet Huntress]

May I have a cigarette?

[Philip Marlowe]

Sure.

[Harriet Huntress]

Thanks.

[Philip Marlowe]

Right. Where did you say he was now?

[Harriet Huntress]

In my den. Oh, Philip, Philippe isn't drunk at all. Did you really think he was drunk? He's dead.

[Philip Marlowe]

What?

[Harriet Huntress]

The king is dead. Long live the with my gun.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, good for you. Lady wins the large cutie dog. Hey, come on, let's go and look at him.

[Vincent Price]

You are listening to the adventures of Philip Marlowe starring Van Heflin.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes.

[Vincent Price]

Families all over America have named their favorite toothpaste New Pepsodent with invigorating irum foam New fresh tasting Pepsodent with a new cool, minty flavor. It's preferred three to one over any other toothpaste.

[Harriet Huntress]

It's true. Families all over America say new Pepsodent is their favorite. 3 to 1.

[Vincent Price]

The Paul A. Thompson family, Summer Street, Stanford, Connecticut preferred new Pepsodent on every single count. The Thompsons say new Pepsodent tastes best of all, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter on all these counts by an overwhelming average of 3 to 1. Families prefer new Pepsodent over any other toothpaste they tried.

[Harriet Huntress]

It's a fact. Families 3 to 1 say new Pepsodent tastes better, makes breath cleaner and makes teeth brighter.

[Vincent Price]

Remember, this is not just our opinion. It's the honest conviction of the Thompsons and other families who compared new Pepsodent with a toothpaste they were using at home. Get new Pepsodent, the only toothpaste containing irum. Get it for your family without delay. We continue with the Adventures of Philip Marlow, starring Van Heflin, who appears by arrangement with Metro Golden Mayor, producers of the Hucksters, Starring Clark Gable.

[Philip Marlowe]

DE showed me to the den in the back of the house. Trumpet man King Leopardi was lying on the studio couch. Large, smooth and artificial looking even in depth. A small Mouser automatic hung loosely in his right hand. There was a bullet hole in his golden yellow sport coat right over his heart. Dolores, is this your gun?

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes. Someone gave it to me once. I. I don't even know how to use it.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, no.

[Harriet Huntress]

I don't expect you or anyone to believe me.

[Philip Marlowe]

Don't expect anything. Just tell it.

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, I. I was out late. I sing at KFQC on a late 15 minute program. Agatha and I got home about 11:30. Who's Agatha? The cat, my maid. I came into the den for some liquor and fizz water and found him like that. I sent Agatha home so she wouldn't find him. Finally, I thought of calling you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, he got in here. How?

[Harriet Huntress]

I don't know.

[Philip Marlowe]

Were you ever in love with him?

[Harriet Huntress]

The King never loved anyone.

[Philip Marlowe]

I asked if you loved him.

[Harriet Huntress]

I hated everything about him.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's even better to tell the cuffs, that is. But Copacetti.

[Harriet Huntress]

But I can't help it. Is the Drew.

[Philip Marlowe]

Dolores, look. Go on out in the other room and buy yourself a drink. I want to be alone here with tall, dead and handsome. Going now, huh? After Dolores had taken her white face out of that room. I could work better. I went through the King's pocket and. And found his key ring. One key Fit very nicely in the lock of the back door. I went to the living room where Dolores was huddled against the arm of the davenport, trying to become a part of the pattern. Dolores, how long has Agatha been with you?

[Harriet Huntress]

Two years.

[Philip Marlowe]

Did you ever steal anything from you?

[Harriet Huntress]

Small things, that's all. Pair of nylons now and then. I didn't mind. Why?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, she sold a key to somebody. A key to this apartment.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, what's the difference? Philip? We're wasting time. I'm done for as a nice person. They'll think it was a lover's quarrel and I shot him. Or that he shot himself over me.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, you don't die from the latter.

[Harriet Huntress]

Though your reputation does. And I care about what people think of me.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, well, that's what makes me for you again, lady.

[Harriet Huntress]

Thanks, Philip.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now look, suppose you give me a description of Agatha and tell me where she lives. I want to talk to her tonight. I drove down Brighton Avenue looking for the house Dolores had described to me. All at once I slammed on my brakes. In the driveway of a vacant house stood a small coupe. Dolores described Agatha's and that was it. An Agatha did not live in an empty house. I got out and walked up the gravel driveway and looked into the car. And then I got back in my own car and drove until I found an all night drugstore. I phoned Detective Lieutenant Ibera. Hello, Ibera. Write this down. Brighton Avenue Avenue, 3200 block, west side. Driveway of empty house. Car parked with dead woman in it. When alive, answered to the name of Agatha. Strangled. I went back to the Carlton Hotel where it all started the night before. Quillen, the head day clerk was on night duty. That surprised me a little bit. It was 2am and very empty, very quiet in the lobby. I was fine. Well, if it isn't Marlow, the old clues man. A good good morning and tripe like that. Hello, Quillen. Look, how come you're on duty? Millar went on vacation this a.m. his brother has a Cabinet Crest line on the Arrowhead Road. I didn't even know he had a brother. Now you know Quill. And look, how come an old hotel man like you registers floozies like that? Marilyn Delorme on the same floor with people like King Leopardi? What? You heard me. Mine host. I didn't register the girl or Leopardi. Millar did. What? You heard me. Well, why was the room between their rooms empty last night? In times like these, Millar had it marked on change plumbing out of whack or something. Why? Well, here's why? A lad with a pass key could have gone into that room. And then unlock the two connecting doors. And then you get to run a bus service between the girls room and Leopardi's. What are you driving at? That girl in 811 had a gun. And Leopardi had a threat letter last night. Now here's what I want you to do. Call the hotel where Leopardi's staying now and ask if he's there. Why? Because. Good enough? Best reason in the world. Wife always uses it. Wait here. In about three minutes Krillin came back and leaned on the counter again. Leopardi isn't there. I talked to a guy in his suite who was almost sober. He said Leopardi got a call about 11 from some girl. What girl? He didn't know, but Leopardi went out preening himself. Okay, thanks, Colin. Anything to do with that brawl you had with Leopardi here last night? No. All in the spirit of boyish mayhem. Ah, that. That 815 has a jinx on it, you know. Girl shot herself there two years ago. What, a girl shot herself? Yeah, yeah, you said that. But what girl? I don't know what her real name was. Look here, Quillen. I want to see your hotel files of that day two years ago and all the newspaper clippings about it. Come on. All right, all right. Let go of my arm. Physical culture. I'll get the keys to the Record. I read the hotel files of that day two years ago. And I read the newspaper clippings of that suicide in 8:15. Then I asked Quillen just where George Millar's brother had his cabin in the mountains. It was just getting light when I pulled up at the cabin. High against a growth of dagger pine and cedar smoke. Smoke was curling from the chimney. Someone was awake. George Millar himself opened the door. Marlowe. Gee, it's good to see you. How'd you ever find us up here? How about some bacon and egg? The answer in my brief Marlow morning manner is yes. Oh, that's. Well, I'll wake up my brother and we'll all eat together, huh? You don't have to wake me up. I'm up. Oh. Oh, hello, Gareth. Who's your friend? George Gaff, this is Philip Marlow. You've heard me talk of him. How are you, Marlow? Gaff. Tally. That the name? Yeah, my brother. That's his fighting name. He used to be a heavyweight boxer. Fighter. Boxers dance. Fighters fight. Let's get coffee started. Marla's hungry. Say, I'm. I've had A busy night. King Leah party's been bumped off. Low brow for killed, vernacular for murder. The King is dead. Where? How? In a girl's apartment. Nice girl, too. The old suicide gag. But it could ruin the girl. That's lousy. Yeah. Yeah, but it won't work. It was murder. What makes you think it was murder? Well, Gaff, the way I cased the job, the kill was supposed to have been pulled in his room. 815 at the Carlton Hotel, night before last. Is that a fact now? Yeah. I spoil it by giving the King the merry heave ho before the girl in 811 could get to him. Didn't I, George? I guess you did, Marlow. Yeah. Of course, it would have been poetic justice if King Leopardi had been killed in the same room where a girl committed suicide two years ago. Registered as Mary Smith. Usual name, Eve Talley. Did you hear that, Gaff? Tally Eve Talley. I heard it, Marlo. So we had a sister named Eve. Shot herself in 815 at the COB. And so what? So George here told me that Quillen registered that professional gun girl in 8:15 night before last. Oh, no. George registered her. So? So George kept the room between the girl and Leopardi vacant. When everything was quiet, he had opened the communicating doors and Marilyn Delorme would walk into the King's room, muffle her.25 and a pillow and shoot the King in his sleep. How am I doing, boys? Fine, Marlow. How am I doing? Gaff? Put away that gun. I bet you even checked on 118 Cord Street. I found Marilyn Delorme strangled. She knew too much for a few bucks. You boys got Agatha to call Leah. Party last night from the radio station. Pretend she was Dolores with an interesting invitation. The King always had a yen for Dolores and he came running. You shot the King before Dolores came home and left him in her den. Then Gaff got rid of Agatha. She knew too much too, Will. Your party was the worst kind of a rat, Marlowe. We loved our sister. She fell for him and he threw her out. She killed herself. Now, what would you do, Marlow? Take his gun, George. Don't get between us or behind him. His.45 goes right on through. I'll have to take your gun, Ma. Well, always treat it like your own, won't you, George? Got it, George. I've got it. Stand out of the way. Does it have to be this way, Gaff? Yeah, it has to be this way. You're George and Gaff, the avengers of innocent girlhood in their righteous indignation Shut up, Model. Lynch mobs. Tar and feather merchants and other laws unto themselves. Take notice, George and Gaff. They wrote the book. Say your prayers, big mouth. Daft. There's been enough killing. Get out of here. No, Gaff, I won't. I swear. I'll let you have no d. I'm warning you. Goodbye, Gaff. I'm sorry. I had to do it, George. He's dead. I had to do it, Gav. I just had to. You understand, don't you, Model? Yeah. Yeah, I understand. He was a killer. He killed three people. He wasn't gonna kill a fourth. I wanted to finish Leopardo out in the open and take what came. But Gav tried to do it and killed him. I didn't know Leopardo was dead until you told me, Marlo. I. I believe you, George. Yeah. Here's your gun back, Marlow. It shoots fine. I put in a big pitch for George at headquarters. After all, he hadn't killed anybody except Gaff. And that was in self defense. And in defense of an unofficial copper named Marlo. He won't go get off scot free, but he won't inhale cyanide either. At the taxpayer's expense. After I talked to Ibera at headquarters, I telephoned Dolores Chiosa. I didn't give her the sordid details, but just told her not to worry, that she was in the clear.

[Harriet Huntress]

Philip. Oh, thank you, Philip. I'm so relieved. I'm so grateful.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm so thirsty.

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, come on over then.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Now. Is this fiesta on you or is it on me?

[Harriet Huntress]

Why?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I mean, do I drink coke and bitters or cordon rouge?

[Harriet Huntress]

It's on me.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right then. Champagne it is, baby. But look, let me bring the glasses, huh?

[Vincent Price]

You have just heard Van Heflin starring in the new mystery series Raymond Chandler's the Adventures of Philip Marlowe, brought to you by the Lever Brothers Company, makers of Pepsodent. Van Heflin will return in just a moment.

[Philip Marlowe]

Men, here's an important announcement.

[Vincent Price]

News about a sensational hair tonic discovery.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's Trim Hair Tonic made by Pepsodent. For the first time, science has created a hair tonic with pure virgin olive oil. There's no finer hair and scalp conditioner. Yes, because it contains pure virgin olive oil. Trim Hair tonic conditions your scalp as it grooms your hair. Get new Trim Hair Tonic during the big 1 cent introductory sale at toilet goods counters.

[Vincent Price]

Now two 60 cent bottles, $20 value only 61 cents.

[Philip Marlowe]

Ask for Trim Hair Tonic with olive oil.

[Vincent Price]

Now, concerning next week's show, here's our star, Van Heflin.

[Philip Marlowe]

Philip Marlow crouched in the darkness of Beverly Glen and waited for those footsteps to come closer. And then all at once, the sandman hit him without bothering to remove the sand from the sandbag. And when Marla woke up in the morning, his wallet and his gun were gone and he was wanted for murder.

[Vincent Price]

Tonight's story was adapted by Milton Geiger from the King in Yellow by Raymond Chandler, creator of Philip Marlowe, the screen's most famous private detective. The original music was composed and conducted by Lynn Murray. This is Wendell Niles inviting you to listen again next week at the same time to another exciting mystery on the Adventures of Philip Marlowe starring Van Heflin with a distinguished cast.

[Philip Marlowe]

This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Vincent Price]

For the safety of your smile, use Pepsidin twice a day. See your dentist twice a year. Lieber Brothers Company presents the Pepsidin program. The Adventures of Philip Martin, starring Van Heflin. Philip Marlowe, the screen's most famous private detective. Created by Raymond Chandler, brought to you on the air by pepsidin and starring MGM's brilliant and dynamic young actor, Van Hefler. Now families all over America have named their favorite toothpaste. New Pestidant with Irium, New fresh tasting Pepsodent with a new cool minty flavor. Yes, in a recent test, new Pepsodent was preferred three to one over any other toothpaste.

[Harriet Huntress]

It's true. With families all over America, new Pepsodent is the favorite three to one.

[Vincent Price]

Families from coast to coast recently compared new pepsidant with the toothpaste they were using at home. They preferred new Pepsidin by an overwhelming average of 3 to 1 over any other brand they tried. These families 3 to 1 said new peptidin tastes better, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter.

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, in a recent survey, families 3 to 1 said new Pepcidant tastes better, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter.

[Vincent Price]

Get new pestilent toothpaste for your family right away. Now the Adventures of Philip Marlowe starring Van Heflin.

[Philip Marlowe]

The moment old man Peter came into my office, I made up my mind not to be vote for him if he ever ran for president. He was tall and thin, with straight compressed white lips. He wore a neat pinstripe flannel suit with a small rosebud in the lapel. He carried an ebony cane and he wore spats. He looked a smart 60 and unless he's ultras got nasty. I gave him another 15 years, which was pretty big of me. He sat down, speared me with A those barbed gray eyes and came right down to business. Mr. Philip Maro, I believe. That's right. My name is Wadsworth J. How do you do, Mr. Jada? You're a private detective? Well, why not?

[Vincent Price]

Frankly, sir, I'd expected the Hollywood detective's.

[Philip Marlowe]

Office to be somewhat more glamorous. Or rather more elegant, shall we say? No. Philo Vance has a branch office here on the fourth floor, if you're shopping around. No, no, no. You'll do, I'm sure. My rate is 25 bucks a day plus expenses. Money is no object. Except when you don't have much of it.

[Vincent Price]

That seems to be the motivating philosophy.

[Philip Marlowe]

Where Ms. Harriet Huntress is concerned. Who or whom is Ms. Harriet Huntress? A rather standard, rather obvious gold digger who wishes to marry Grover. You want to tell me who Grover is? Grover is my adopted stepson, my late wife's son, Roman. Next year he will inherit a million dollars left him by his mother. Which explains Ms. Huntress's interest in Grover. Precisely. Look, Mr. Jeter, am I being hired to smear Ms. Harriet Huntress? Not at all. Merely to disillusion Grover about her. Yeah, well, that's the same thing. I think you better find yourself another boy. Wait, there's more. Okay, let's hear it. Do you know a man named Marty Estelle? Sure. He's a big time gambler out on censorship. Why? Mr. Estelle claims my son Grover owes him $50,000. Well, then Grover better pay up. If I know Marty Estelle. But suppose my son doesn't really owe Estelle the money. Does he or doesn't he? Mr. Estelle supplied photostat copies of Grover's notes with Grover signatures. I thought they might be forged, so without Grover's knowledge, I took them to a handwriting expert named John Arbogast. A sort of detective. No, he's not sure he wants more time. I. I'd like you to take over the case. Harriet huntress and all. Ms. Huntress, as you may know, is associated with Mr. Estelle. Well, that's incidental. I'll handle the forgery case and not the slander job. Now, where does this Arbogast have his office? On Sunset, near Ivan. Okay, I'll look it up. Ms. Huntress, she lives at the El Milano on North Sycamore. I'll look her up, too. Arbogast and Huntress in the order named there was no snooty secretary to prevent me from walking right into John D. Arbogas extremely fat presence on Sunset near Ibar. He was an enormously fleshy gent with a thick neck that was in folds like a concertina. He wore a wrinkled dark suit that needed cleaning and some reweaving where it had some smooth small holes in it. Arbogast just sat and stared at me with the whites of his eyes. Because those three holes that needed reweaving were bullet holes. And John D. Arbogat was dead. Very recently dead. I left in a hurry, and as far as I could tell, nobody saw me come, nobody saw me go. My next stop was the swank El Milano Hotel on North Sycamore. Just a second. Mister. Something you want? Yeah, yeah. Who are you? I'm the house detective. Well, I'm looking for a Ms. Harriet Hunters. Ms. Hunters ain't seeing anyone. You can tell her it's Marty Estelle. Are you Marty Estelle? I'm from him. That's different, ain't it? That's none of your business, is it? Well, whatever you're up to, you're not playing it very smooth. Now, some days I feel like playing it smooth, and some days I feel like playing it like a waffle. If you must know, I'm one of the boys. Philip Marlow, private eye. Here, it's my card. Yeah, well, that's another story. I'll phone up to Ms. Hunter. Yeah? Say I'm from Marty Estelle. And that make it convincing, huh? How much convincing? Oh, well, how much do those cigars you're smoking cost you? 22.50. Box of 50. That much convincing? Well, that's cute. You and me are going to get along. I'll phone Ms. Huntress, but you go right on up. Room 814. I just know it'll be all right. Harriet Hunters was too tall to be cute, too beautiful to be really cheap. Her green eyes were wide set and there was plenty of thinking room between them. Her hair was a dusky red like fire seemed to a haze. The green eyes were that much green ice as she sized me up in the doorway.

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, what's the big message, sonny?

[Philip Marlowe]

I'd have to come in. I never could speak very well in public. Come in. Never could speak very well on a dry throat either.

[Harriet Huntress]

There's the scotch. Help yourself.

[Philip Marlowe]

Thank you.

[Harriet Huntress]

So you're from Marty Estelle?

[Philip Marlowe]

No, not strictly. Not even loosely, not at all, in fact.

[Harriet Huntress]

What's your racket?

[Philip Marlowe]

No racket.

[Harriet Huntress]

Marty will love to know you used his name.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'm shaking in my shoes.

[Harriet Huntress]

You're some kind of detective, aren't you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Philip Marlo. It's good to got you.

[Harriet Huntress]

I'm glad you like it. Now, what's your business?

[Philip Marlowe]

All right. How much will you take to give up Grover?

[Harriet Huntress]

You look smart, but you talk stupid.

[Philip Marlowe]

Old man Jeter's pretty tough. His idea is that you get nothing, you get smeared. I don't see it that way. How much?

[Harriet Huntress]

How about $50,000?

[Philip Marlowe]

How about $500?

[Harriet Huntress]

How about talking about the effect of.

[Philip Marlowe]

The rain on the rhubarb? Now, look, sister, suppose we skip the footwork. Considering the sobering fact that a man named John D. Obigast has already been murdered in this little case.

[Harriet Huntress]

Does that have anything to do with me?

[Philip Marlowe]

I don't know. He was hired to analyze some notes Grover gave Marty Estelle. He was killed just after I took over the case.

[Harriet Huntress]

Do you think Marty Estelle works that way?

[Philip Marlowe]

You know him better than I do. Does he?

[Harriet Huntress]

Have you told the police yet?

[Philip Marlowe]

No. I thought I'd see if I could make a deal with you. First.

[Harriet Huntress]

I'm going to tell you something. My people were nice people who never got involved in murders. Old Jeter ruined my father. My dad shot himself and my mother died of the shock. I'm going to fix Jeter for that someday, even if I have to marry his son to do it.

[Philip Marlowe]

Adopted stepson really has no relation at all.

[Harriet Huntress]

It'll hurt Jeter just as hard and the kid will have a million dollars next year. I could do worse, even if he does drink too much.

[Philip Marlowe]

You wouldn't want Grover to hear that, now, would you? No.

[Harriet Huntress]

Turn around and have a look, gumshoe.

[Philip Marlowe]

I turned fast. He stood about four feet from me. Big, blonde, powerful whiskey in his brain and blood in his eyes.

[Harriet Huntress]

I can say anything I want around Grover. It's all right with him, isn't it, Grover?

[Philip Marlowe]

That's right, Harry.

[Harriet Huntress]

He's trying to break us up. Grover who? What do you think of that?

[Philip Marlowe]

I think maybe I better break him up. That's what I think of that. She laughed and that made me mad. I turned a cow at her. It was a dirty look. It was the look of the month. That was a mistake. The big guy hit me. I went over sideways. It wasn't a hard punch, but my head hit a desk. Going down on the desk. Got the decision. It gets dark fast in Southern California, but seldom that fast. When I came out of the Grover, the lawn sucker puncher and Harriet Huntress were gone. But the bottle of Scotch was still there. So I took that for souvenir and stepped in my pocket and floated down the elevator into the street. It was dark by the time I got back to my apartment on Hobart Avenue Avenue in Hollywood. I turned on the light, and there stood a big guy. Another big guy. This was National Big Guy Week. This one had a big nose the dead color of wax. And he had a.22 caliber Colt Woodsman pointed straight at me. Close the door and reach. Come on. I turned a little to close the door. I got my hand under my coat. Then I turned back to wax nose fast. I had my Luger out. We stood there facing each other. Waxnose didn't seem at all impressed with my automatic. I just came to tell you to be smart. You're looking at a Luger, mister. I know men of distinction carry Lugers. Me, I pack this small bore because I can shoot. If you think you can take me, go to it. Look, what's the game? Maybe you can take a hint and maybe you can't. Maybe, maybe not. What is it? Lay off old cheaters. Boy, when I wouldn't think of contradicting anyone who uses a colt woodsman. 22 with the front sight filed off. Must think he's pretty good. I am good. Yeah, and that's why I say, okay, pal, we'll see. Speaking of.22s, do you know anybody named John Arbogast? I meet such a lot of people. Well, this one was fat and shot three times with a.22. I don't remember shooting no fat guys today. So long, chum. Remember what I told you. Play off, grover. So long, Ch. Yeah, swell. Ah, shut up. Yeah. Mr. Marlow. Oh, Mr. Jeter. Well, your son, or your adopted son or your stepson, or whatever he is, poked me in the jaw today. He is both my stepson and my adopted son. Both of them poked me in the jewel. My word. Where? In Ms. Huntress's apartment. You spoke to her? What did she say? She wants 50 grand and no dice. I offered her 500. Just as a gag. Just as a gag. Mr. Marlowe, perhaps you underestimate the importance of this matter tonight. Listen, Mr. Jeter, there are some very unusual angles to this case. For example, a gunman just stuck me up in my own apartment and told me to stay off of this case. What? I don't see why this case should get so tough. Good heavens. Listen, Mr. Marlock, my chauffeur, Waldo, will pick you up in my limousine. I want to talk to you. All right. Well, tell Waldo to park on ho by facing Franklin. He'll be around for you in 20 minutes. Good. Just give me time to drink my Dinner. Bye. Bye. I sat next to Walter the chauffeur as he tooled a big dealer limousine through Hollywood along the glitter of the Sunset Strip, out past Beverly Hills toward Bel Air. At Cavelo Drive, we swung left for a couple of hundred yards and left again, aiming for a driveway flanked by 12 foot wrought iron gates. Then something happened. Someone was standing in the glare of our headlights. Waldo swore and slammed on the brake shelf. You stupid. Go.

[Vincent Price]

Get out of the driveway.

[Philip Marlowe]

Man stepped toward us. The next minute there was that same colt.22 staring to my face again. All right, this is a heist. Get out of the car, both of you. Look. Wax notes. Haven't you had enough fun for one night? Buzz off, bum. Shut up and get out. I'd have to think some more on that, buster. I'm walking. Warning you, I'll let you have it. Don't be a ghoul.

[Vincent Price]

You go.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, you asked for it.

[Vincent Price]

Hey.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hold. You shot the guy. Yeah, I shot him. It was this all in fun. Yeah, some fun. It did the work. Gina's house is right ahead. You sound as if you just shot a nickel in a pinball machine instead of a man. Now listen. Turn off those lights and let's get out of here. But fat.

[Vincent Price]

You are listening to the Adventures of Philip Marlow starring Van Heflin.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes.

[Vincent Price]

Families all over America have named their favorite toothpaste. New Pepsodent with invigorating Irum foam. New fresh tasting Pepsidant with a new cool minty flavor. In a recent test, New Pepsident was preferred three to one over any other toothpaste.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's true.

[Harriet Huntress]

Families all over America say New Pepsidin is their favorite 3 to 1.

[Vincent Price]

The William Kilpatrick Family 212 South Missouri Claremore, Oklahoma. Preferred new Pepsidin on every single count. The Kilpatrick say new Pepsidin tastes best of all. Makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter on all these counts by an overwhelming average of 3 to 1. Families prefer new pepsidant over any other toothpaste they tried.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's a fact.

[Harriet Huntress]

Families 3 to 1 say new Pepsidint tastes better, makes breath cleaner and makes teeth brighter.

[Vincent Price]

Remember, this is not just our opinion. It's the honest conviction of the Kilpatricks and other families who are asked to compare new pepsidants with the toothpaste they were using at home. Get new Pepsodent, the only toothpaste containing urium. Get it for your family without delay. We continue with the Adventures of Philip Marlow starring Van Heflin who appears by arrangement with Metro Golden Mayor, producers of the Romance of Rosy Ridge, starring Van Johnson.

[Philip Marlowe]

Waldo and I drove back to my apartment again, leaving wax notice lying dead in the Jeter driveway. We went back to my place to start all over again, over what was left of my purloined scotch. This is good scotch you've got here, Marlow. Inch bottle, not this. Sure. Benched it from the apartment of Harriet Huntress. Well, bottoms up. Waldo, do you think that gunman was there to scare young Grover into realizing Marty Estelle means business? Could be. I always drove Grover home around that time. It just doesn't sound like Marty Estelle to pick that sort of a helper. For sure. Maybe that's why he picked him, because it didn't seem like Marty Estelle. Yeah, that's good thinking. Waldo Darkman, 37. Rah, rah, rah. That would be either the cops or Mr. Jeter. Hello, Mr. Marlo. Yes, Mr. Dieter. And the reason we're not in your study now is lying outside of your front gate. What's that you're saying? Somebody jumped us outside of your gate and wallow shot him dead. Good Lord. Listen, Marlow, come here at once, do you hear? At once. I'll send Waldo. Mr. Jeter, I want to see you. You, Waldo, will tell you all about it. Mr. Jeter. Marlow. Good night, Mr. Jeter. After Walter the chauffeur had left, I went back to the El Milano Hotel. Hawkins, the house stick, was all smiles and open palms. I placed no confidence in his smile and $20 bill in his pocket. Harriet Huntress again. What's the matter? Just take me up to her apartment, that's all, huh? Yeah, sure. Right this way, fella. Hawkins took me to the eighth floor, room 814, and opened the door. There was someone in the room waiting. Here's company for you, Mr. Estelle.

[Vincent Price]

Beat it, Hawkins.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah, this is the guy I was telling you about. Mr. Estelle come in earlier today. Said he was from here. Oh, sure, sure. Come on in, Marlow. I came to see Ms. Hunters, not you, Estelle. First of all, Harriet's not home. I came to tell her what happened outside of Jeter's gate. So you keep informed. I can't wait for her any longer. Gotta get back to the casino now. Then what did you come back for, Marlow? I'm looking for the Jeter boy. After what happened to him tonight, he needs somebody to walk behind him. You think I play games like that? All I know is we were shot at. I asked you a question. I answered it to the best of my knowledge. What knowledge? For example? Well, for example, you hold $50,000 worth of Grover's notes for gambling debts. I've got $50,000 invested in the kid. Would I be likely to bump him off? Ah, that makes sense, Oren. I always make sense. I'm a bully for you. When I have 50 grand invested in a guy, I'm have to find out all about him. Like about old Jeter hiring a man named Arbogast to work for him. Arbogast was shot today. You know it. I know because I had you followed. You didn't tell the law, Marlow. That could be very hard on you. Well, could. Does that make you and me friends? Little blackmail, huh? Not much. We'll call it Tattletail Grail male from now on. Do you stop bothering Ms. Huntress? Yeah, you win, Marty. Well, that's all. I've got to go. Well, I'll just wait around for a bit. Okay. Well, Harriet, Scotch is in that cabinet there.

[Harriet Huntress]

Thanks.

[Philip Marlowe]

I'll roll up my pants and go waiting in it. You know, Marlowe, I like you. You're cute. So long, Shaman. Marty. Estelle was right. He wouldn't kill anybody who owed him money and was soon to come into a lot of it. Now I was in bed with a police for not reporting Abigast murder. Well, I looked around Harriet's apartment vaguely walked into the bedroom and stopped because mixed with the fragrance of good perfume and good cosmetics was the plain, ordinary homespun odor of gunpowder. I walked across the room and yanked open the closet door. Stepped back. They're just as big as life, but as dead as they ever come was young Grover Jeter. And at Grover's feet, among the graceful shoes in Harriet's closet was a tiny pearl handled automatic. I felt bad about that because I guessed that the dainty holes bullets from that dainty gun would fit the two dainty holes over Grover's heart. I put the neat little pistol in my pocket. I. I thought old man Jeter ought to know about his son. I thought. I didn't expect to find Waldo the chauffeur and Harriet Huntress with old Jeter and Jeter's big study. But there they were. Why, Mr. Marlow and about given up hoping to see you tonight. Well, I changed my mind about coming out again, Mr. Jeter. Wallow. Hi, Marlowe. Didn't expect to see you here, Miss Hunters.

[Harriet Huntress]

Didn't you?

[Philip Marlowe]

Did you expect to see me here? Never mind that, Marlowe. I want to know where my son is. What do you mean? Mr. Jaden, he's missing. That's what I mean. Oh, he's missing and no one knows where he is? I know.

[Harriet Huntress]

Eh, what's that?

[Philip Marlowe]

Where? Marlowe. Ms. Huntress, where did you and Grover go after Grover took that sucker punch at me in your apartment.

[Harriet Huntress]

We went out together in a taxi. During the ride, I had a change of heart.

[Philip Marlowe]

I didn't want Grover or Grover's money.

[Harriet Huntress]

I told Grover to find another playmate and I got out in Beverly Hills. Grover went on in a taxi.

[Philip Marlowe]

Where did you go?

[Harriet Huntress]

Back to my apartment. Later I got out my car to come down here and tell Mr. De Jeter. I decided to forget the whole thing for him to call off his dime novel.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sleuth, a dime will no longer buy a novel of any description. But that is beside the point. You said you knew where Grover is. That's not beside the point, is it, Mr. Mallow? He's back in Harriet's apartment.

[Harriet Huntress]

I didn't let him in. How on earth could he?

[Philip Marlowe]

Hawkins, your house detective, let him in. The last I saw of Grover. He's dead.

[Harriet Huntress]

What?

[Philip Marlowe]

What's that? Dead. Dead. Shot with a small caliber gun. I can't believe it.

[Vincent Price]

I. I can't.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's grover. It's dead. Ms. Huntress, this.25 caliber pistol was on the floor at Grover's feet. Here, take it. Take it over, will you? You murderous you. I'm not you. You cold blooded murder.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, stop that.

[Philip Marlowe]

Stop it, both of you. It could have been suicide. Suicide? Well, yes, that's a possibility, of course. I see you like that idea, Jeter. But it wasn't suicide. Then she did it. The murderous, the scheming, contemptible. It was murder. And it's fairly obvious who did it. Jeter, Eh, Marty? Estelle is my guess. Well, guess again, Wolf. Waldo, Estelle had $50,000 invested in Grover. He wouldn't kill a golden goose like that. And Waxnose didn't do it because he was dead, thanks to Waldo here. That leaves her. She did it. There had to be a motive and an opportunity. Well, it was her apartment, after all. Correct, Waldo? But Grover was Jeter's adopted stepson. Oh, like a real son. He was to me, a real son. Yeah, yeah, but did you lovely people know that in the state of California, a man can inherit from an adopted son who has money and who gets dead? Did you know that, Mr. Jeter? Why, what do you mean? You're inheriting Grover's million dollars would be a motive for killing him, wouldn't it, Mr. Mar? That was the motive, Jeter. And it was Waldo's job to find the opportunity to murder Grover for you. All right, Marlo, that'll be all for you. Well, Waldo the Darkness. Gun. Fanner.

[Harriet Huntress]

Drop that gun, Waldo.

[Philip Marlowe]

Shut up. I said drop it. Hey, that's nice shooting, Harriet. My hand. My hand. Well, Papu put a little band aid on for you. Waldo.

[Harriet Huntress]

Waldo, you could have gotten into my apartment wearing that chauffeur's uniform. You could have gone in through the garage entrance and up the back way.

[Philip Marlowe]

Sure, when Grover let him in, he backed Grover into the room with his gun. But he shot him with yours. How much was Jeter going to pay you for this job? Walter, don't talk wallow. He's bluffing. You're telling me he's bluffing? Nice kids, these college boys. Tell me, was it Dartmouth or Dannemora? Waldo. Shut up, copper. You killed John Arbogast to throw suspicion on Marty Estelle. Then you hired Waxnose to fake a hold up on Grover. Why again? To throw suspicion on Marty Estelle. To make it look as though Estelle was trying to scare Grover into paying his gambling debts. If I hired Wax knows, why would I have shot him tonight? Because you like to kill people, Waldo. When I was brought out here tonight, Waxnose thought I was Grover in the car. He began to fake his holdup. But you just couldn't resist taking one of your snappy snapshots at Waxnose, could you? Waldo, shut up. Could you? Next, Mr. Wadsworth. Jeter. Look here, Marlow, you. You can't accuse me of. Doctor, he's sick. Call a doctor. Call a. It's his heart. If Jeter dies, it's your fault, Marlow. Okay, Waldo. Tell you what I'll do. Waldo. If Jeter dies, he doesn't have to pay me my fee. We're either. Okay, Waldo. Harriet, angel, listen, go call the doctor. And while you're there, call the law. Jeter didn't die. His heart was as good as mine. If you want to make anything out of that. The law had Jeter and Waldo cold. And I mean cold. Me, well, I went out a couple of times with Harriet as I sat home with her. A couple of times drinking her scotch. It was nice, all right, but I didn't have the money or the clothes or the manners. Still, I was sorry. When she went to New York to live, she had absolutely the best scotch I ever tasted. Maybe because it was free. I don't know.

[Vincent Price]

You have just heard Van Heflin starring in the Mystery series Raymond Chandler's the Adventures of Philip Marlow brought to you by the Lever Brothers Company, makers of Pepsodent. Van Heflin will return in just a moment. Have you tried, have you tasted the new Pepsid and toothpaste? Its lingering, minty flavor is so fresh and inviting families prefer it by an overwhelming average of 3 to 1 over any other toothpaste they tried. In a recent nationwide test, these families said new Pepsidin tastes better, makes breath cleaner and makes teeth brighter. Remember, new Pepsodent gives you more invigorating irum foam. It sweeps dulling film away. No Wonder it's the 3 to 1 favorite with families all over America. Get new Pepsodent with aerium for your family right away. Now here is our star, Van Heflin.

[Philip Marlowe]

The need for food in Europe tonight is desperate. Starvation faces a multitude of our fellow men. There's a way you can help. For $10, a package containing 21 and a half pounds of food will be sent for you to a friend or a relative or any member of an organization you designate in Europe. Or simply say, to a little French girl or to a Belgian war widow. Your order will be strictly respected and you will receive a signed receipt from the person who received your gift. Send $10 now. Send all you can. Send your $10 to Care C A R E Care New York. Help keep America the hope of the world.

[Vincent Price]

Tonight's story was adapted by Milton Geiger from the story Trouble Is My Business by Raymond Chandler, creator of Philip Marlow, the screen's most famous private detective. The original music was composed and conducted by Lynn Murray. This is Wendell Niles inviting you to listen again next week at the same time to another exciting mystery on the Adventures of Philip Marlow starring Van Heflin.

[Philip Marlowe]

With a distinguished cat. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Vincent Price]

For the safety of your smile, use Pepsodent twice a day. See your dentist twice a year. Lever Brothers Company presents the PepsiDent program the Adventures of Philip Marlowe starring Van Heflin. Philip Marlowe, the screen most famous private detective. Created by Raymond Chandler and brought to you on the air by pepsident and starring MGM's brilliant and dynamic young actor Van Heflin. Now, families all over America have named their favorite toothpaste New Pepsodent with Iria New fresh tasting Pepsodent with a new cool, minty flavor. Yes, in a recent test, New Pepsodent was preferred three to one over any other toothpaste.

[Harriet Huntress]

It's true. With families all over America, New Pepsodent is the favorite 3 to 1.

[Vincent Price]

Families from coast to coast recently compared new Pepsodent with a toothpaste they were using at home. They preferred new Pepsodent by an overwhelming average of three to one over any other brand they tried. These families three to one said new Pepsidant tastes better, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter.

[Harriet Huntress]

Yes, in a recent survey, families 3 to 1 said new Pepcidant tastes better, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter.

[Vincent Price]

Get new Pepsid and toothpaste for your family right away. Now we invite you to hear Van Heflin as the Hollywood private eye Phillip Marlo.

[Philip Marlowe]

Quiet. Quiet. You there, Marlo. Quiet. Quiet.

[Harriet Huntress]

You're on a bell.

[Philip Marlowe]

All right, roll him. Speed. Action.

[Harriet Huntress]

Oh, Robin, my dear, don't you remember me? For all that my hair is cut so short.

[Philip Marlowe]

Marriage. Maid Marian.

[Harriet Huntress]

Your very own Maid Marian.

[Philip Marlowe]

Robin dearest Prior Talk. Little John Free. Englishman. Archers all. It's Maid Marian. Curt, that's it. Print it. All right, that's a wrap up here. Move over to stage three. They were filming a new Technicolor version of Robin Hood over at the big studios on Santa Monica Boulevard. And I was there on salary at the request of the director of the picture. Robin Hood. And Maid Marian came off the set. Robin Hood was a magnificent sight in his Lincoln green and carrying that big English longbow and quiver of arrows. Maid Marian in her slinkily cut medieval white gown was something to make more than an arrow whistle. They spied me and walked over to me quickly. Mr. Philip Marlow? Yeah, that's right. My name is Seward Spencer. Yeah, I know. This is my leading lady, Ginny Kane. Yeah, I know.

[Harriet Huntress]

How do you do, Mr. Marlow?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah. Oh, how do you do, Ms. Kane? Let's go over to stage nine and talk, shall we, Marlow? Talk. Every time I open my mouth on one of these sets, somebody hollers, quiet. Quiet. You see? Whatever happened to free speech in America? In Hollywood?

[Harriet Huntress]

Anyway, Stage nine isn't a set. It's a little cafe across the street on Santa Monica.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, lot to talk about, Marlowe. Oh, I know. Let's go. You see, Marlow, Deor Martin, my director hired you for what is to me a very embarrassing reason. It seems I'm supposed to protect you. And I feel very well able to take care of myself.

[Harriet Huntress]

Well, it's not safe for that half mad brother of yours at large.

[Philip Marlowe]

Did. Did Mr. Sador tell you the whole story, Marlow? He said for me to get it from you. Well, it was my fault that we ever sent for Caxton. But he's my brother and he looks like me and he's an absolutely terrific archer.

[Harriet Huntress]

Suit his much better looking Seward is.

[Philip Marlowe]

The bow, but Caxton is the bowman, huh? Oh, they could have faked the scenes where I'm supposed to perform marvels of archery, but, well, we were all against that. Then I remembered my brother, a sporting goods salesman in Philadelphia, and the champion archer. And so you suggested that they send for Caxton to devil for you in the shooting scenes. Yes, in spite of the fact that Caxton hates the sight of them. Go on. I told Mr. Sador he could get the shots he needed. With Caxton doubling for me, I'd go to my lodge at Big Bear.

[Harriet Huntress]

During those three days, Caxton always resented Seward here because he made good and Caxton didn't.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now, let's see. There was something about Caxton leaving Hollywood, only not leaving Hollywood. What about that? Well, he never picked up the return ticket that the studio reserved for him at the airport. You figure that Caxton's still in town then, huh? Definitely. You think he'd pick a fight with you? He picked a fight with Freddie Cole. Who's Freddie Cole?

[Harriet Huntress]

Up. Perfectly harmless makeup man on the lot. And all Freddy asked was for Caxton to wear brown contact lenses over his eyes so he'd look like Seward here for the medium close ups.

[Philip Marlowe]

My brother has blue eyes, you see. And he wouldn't wear the brown contact lenses. He refused flatly. He said, let my big shot brother wear blue contact lenses.

[Harriet Huntress]

What an unreasonable creature.

[Philip Marlowe]

I don't know. It sounds reasonable to me. You said that he fought with the makeup man, huh? Yes, with. Not for long. Freddy's half Caxton size, but he knocked my brother kicking. Oh, I suppose your brother swore to get him for that. How did you know? I don't know. Instinct. Oh, here, Mr. Sailor. Here, Mr. Marlowe. This is terrible, simply terrible. They just found Fred Cole in Sherwood Forest. He's been shot. Shot? What?

[Vincent Price]

How?

[Philip Marlowe]

Who? I don't know who, but there's two feet of arrow sticking out of his back. You better show me where Fred is, Mr. Sato. Come on, let's go on the dough. Sherwood Forest is a wood where Doug Fairbanks Senior made the silent version of Robin Hood. And they've called it that ever since. Freddy Cole was lying across the steps of the trailer that served as a field makeup room in Sherwood Forest. Mr. Sater's information was not correct. There were not two feet of arrow sticking out of Freddy's back. It was less than 18 inches. A bow of terrific power had done that job. Another trailer stood across the clearing from Freddy's body, about 100 yards away. I walked through the clearing and knocked on the door. Yes, sir? My name's Philip Marlow. I'm a private detective. Oh, it's about poor Freddy. That's right. Come in, come in. Thank you. Well, I see this trailer's my workshop. Mr. Marlow, you have a regular arsenal of bows and arrows in here, haven't you? Yes, sir. I make and repair bows and arrows for the men in the picture. Say, it's about 100 yards from here to where Freddy was shot, isn't it? Just about. Did you ever service the bow of Caxton Spencer, the star's brother? I did. Powerful weapon. Very good shot. Very bad man. Yes, very. Okay, well, thanks, dad. I'll see you. What was that you said? I said I'll see you. You called me something. Oh. Oh, dad. Yes. So long, Mr. Marlow. So long, dad. So long, son. So long. A murder on this lot is bad enough, but an unsolved murder is worse. I. I am very worried about your star, Seward Spencer. Among other things. Mr. Morrow, why does Spencer. Why doesn't he leave town while this homicidal brother of his is still around? He wouldn't go even if I asked him. Besides, everyday loss now means money. And the bank wouldn't tolerate any more delays making this picture. And more delays had there been delays. I started making Robin Hood four years ago. I got the set spilled and then had to stop because I couldn't find the ideal man to play Robin Hood. What was the ideal man for the bonus save? Well, he had to be romantic, good looking, powerful, and it would have been helpful if he could shoot a longbow, huh? Yes. Yes, S. Spencer couldn't shoot a longbow 4 years ago Any better than he can today. Now, why didn't you hire him four years ago? He wasn't a big enough star then. Oh, he's big enough now to remain this. He's another Gable. So he doesn't have to know how to shoot a longbow now? No. Especially since his brother, who resembles him closely, could shoot a longbow. Tell me, where did Spencer stay while his brother was whooping it up here at the studio? Spencer had a lodge up with the Big Bear. Why? Any ideas? Maybe. Look, Spencer is known all over the world, right? That is correct. Now, his double would have a hard time hiding out unless he hid in places where people expected sewer to be, right? I hadn't thought about it. Where exactly is Spencer's lodge? Big Bear. You. You think his brother may Be up there posing as Spencer? I don't know. It's an idea. What did you say that lodge was now? It was a peachy hunch, and I was proud of it. Proud. Only no one answered my knock when I got up to Spencer's lodge at Big Bear. Getting in without a key was relatively small punkins. But it didn't pay off until I opened a closet door under a staircase. A body didn't fall out, but something else fell out, and I grabbed it before it hit the floor. It was a beautiful example of the bow maker's art. Curved and recurved and polished like glass. And under the thin layer of dust, I looked closely at the maker's name because I was beginning to get an idea. And then the grandfather of all hornets zinged past my ear. A fraction of an inch from my cheek quivered the shaft of a wicked looking arrow, its steel head almost buried in the solid oak paneling. Behind me, a man was standing in the open doorway. Now then, Mr. Marlow. Hey, what's. What's the idea? Make a move towards your gun, Marlow, and I'll pin your hand to the wall. Caxton? Yes, Caxton Spencer, right? Yeah. He's a little taller than his celebrated brother. His cheeks were a little more sunken, and his eyes, unlike his brother's, were an icy, glassy, deadly blue. He shot that second arrow as fast as I could think. Believe it or not, that second arrow split the first one right down to the head. There was another thing about this lad that was different from Seward Spencer. He could shoot a longbow. Brother, could he shoot a longbow? Well, aren't you going to reach for your gun? Well, Robin Hoodlum of Sherwood Forest. You know what might be fun? A contest. The old versus the new. Medieval archer versus 20th century gunman. You know, you're just as crazy as your brother. I see Seward's been talking too much again. Look, Caxton, tell me just one thing. You've got your archers mixed up. I'm Robin Hood, remember? Not William Tell. What was this dusty bow doing in the closet? That's mine. Well, how did it get in this closet? I was out here four years ago. Oh, you and your brother were a little friendlier then, huh? My brother wasn't such a big shot then. Beginning to get it. Your brother sent for you four years ago to teach him how to shoot. We're looking for someone to play Robin Hood. Your brother wasn't a big enough name then, but he figured if he learned to shoot a longbow, well, Enough. It might make up for other shortcomings. Not bad, genius. The Robin Hood picture was shelved before Seward could learn to shoot. So now he had to send for you again. But you had to quarrel with Freddie Cole and plant an arrow between his shoulder blades. Maybe somebody was celebrating Arbor Day and planting things. It's very amusing, Jackson, but let me say this. Don't say anything. Just get off this case. Understand? Else. What else? This. Only next time, 4 inches more to the left. Catch. I catch. All right. Don't forget it. Just don't you forget it. So long. So long. Keep your bows clean. Hello, operator? Operator, this is a police call. Connect me with the Santa Monica Boulevard Studios, Orion Gold Pictures. I want to talk to Mr. Seward Spencer. It's a matter of life and death. And that's no mere figure of speech.

[Vincent Price]

You are listening to the Adventures of Philip Marlowe starring Van Heflin. Yes. Families all over America have named their favorite toothpaste New Pepsodent with invigorating irum foam. New, fresh tasting Pepsodent with a new cool, minty flavor. In a recent test, new Pepsodent was preferred three to one over any other toothpaste.

[Harriet Huntress]

It's true. Families all over America say new Pepsodent is their favorite. It's a fact. Families 3 to 1 say new Pepsodent tastes better, makes breath cleaner and makes teeth brighter.

[Vincent Price]

Remember, this is not just our opinion. It's the honest conviction of the pains and other families who are asked to compare new Pepsodent with the toothpaste they were using at home. Get new Pepsodent, the only toothpaste containing irum. Get it for your family. Without delay. We continue with the Adventures of Philip Marlow, starring Van Heflin, who appears by arrangement with Metro Golden May, producers of the Romance of Rosy Ridge, starring Van Johnson.

[Philip Marlowe]

I couldn't reach Seward Spencer, the studio, to tell him that his brother was around and on the warpath. I hung up for a second and I tried something else just for fun. Just another hunch. Hello, operator? Give me Western Union, please. It was late afternoon and therefore too late to telephone Philadelphia on account of the time difference. I sent my telegram and gave my apartment address back in Hollywood for the answer that I expected in the morning. Then I drove back to Hollywood. It was dark when I gave up trying to locate Seward Spencer, but a bright moon was climbing the sky by the time I got to the archery. Trailer on location, Sherwood Forest. Yeah. Hello, dad. Oh, Mr. Marlow. Come in, Philip, come in. Thanks. Leave the door open. For a breath of air. You don't mind a late visitor? Mind? I'm crazy about it. It's mighty lonely, Philip. Yeah, it would out here in this wilderness. It does any place for old people. Can I offer you some hot coffee, son? Well, thanks, Zed, I'd appreciate. But I'd rather have some information. Information out of you. What is it, my boy? Tell me, is it possible for an expert archer to conceal the fact that he's death with a long bow? I think so. Well, can he conceal the fact that he can handle a bow at all? Oh, no, no. No matter how clumsy he was, he'd be too clumsy. Oh, I get it. Like a guilty man trying to look innocent, he overdoes it. Exactly. Yeah. Look, dad, I'm gonna pick up a bow and I'm gonna string it, put an arrow in it and draw it. I want you to stop me at any point where. Where you can tell that I can't shoot a bow. All right. All right. I pick up this bow here. You can stop now. Well, I didn't do anything. Yet you picked up the bow and you're holding it upside down. You mean there's an upside and a downside to these things? Does it matter? It matters very much. You might at least have played along with me a minute. After all, even a detective has his pride. You know, you asked me to stop you, and I did. Oh, sure. I. I was just kidding you. Dad. Dad, is anything wrong? No, nothing wrong. Excuse me. It's just that everybody else calls me Pop. Oh, well, look, now, if you'd rather I call you. No, no. I hate it. It's what smart, strong young people call old fellows like me Pop. Treating us like children. Old folks ain't idiots. Who says they are? Dad. Now, dad, that's different. It's got respect and love in it. That's what we keep on calling him. You see, I haven't any children. Not anymore. No. I had a daughter, but not anymore. I'm sorry. Oh, no, no, it's not what you think. She's alive. She just didn't want anybody to know she had me for her father. What, just like she didn't want anybody to know she was married to a plain makeup man at the studio? It might hurt her career. Her doggone old career. Dad, is your daughter in pictures? She's in this picture. She's playing Maid Marian. Jenny Kane is your daughter? Yes. And I'm telling you because you treat an old man respectful. How could Jenny be your daughter and be so different? Well, people Are like Beau's son. The same flesh and bone and blood, but entirely different. Now look at this graceful little Beau here. English yew wood. Pulls only 40 measly pounds, but it'll shoot a straight. And as far as that 85 pound bow made out of the same material. Why, workmanship and design. In people, it's called character. And your girl Jenny got too big for Freddie or her make up man husband, huh? Too big for him and too good for me. Dad, is Jenny in love with Seward Spencer? Son, the girl's vain and proud and foolish, but she didn't kill Freddy. She couldn't pull that size bow. But you just said that a 40 pound bow of good design will do the work of much heavier bows. She didn't do it, boy. All right, look, you've seen Seward shoot. After a fashion. Does he handle a bow like a man who could do better but is concealing his real skill? Dad. Yeah? I know what you're thinking. You're thinking of Seward Spencer loved my girl. But she already had a husband that had to be got rid of. I'm asking you if Seward is faking his clumsiness with a longbow. No, son. The lad just can't handle a bow. He's the world's greenest archer. Well, and that puts the wrap right back on his brother Caxton. I guess he had a motive. He threatened Fred Cole Marlow. I thought I told you something a few hours ago. I spun around. Caxton Spencer stood outside of the trailer. In the yellow light flowing out of the door. He stood there casually and casually balancing that powerful longbow in his left hand. I wondered how he had found me here of all places. Hours after he'd left me at his brother's mountain lodge, he took a step near the trailer door. I told you to get off the case, didn't I? It just slipped my mind. Now what do you want? I went back to the lodge after you left. Yeah, you sent a telegram to Philadelphia. Maybe not. Maybe you did. I got the reply. That reply wasn't going to come in until morning into my apartment. Slight error, genius. You wired the public directory of Philadelphia asking about Caxton Spencer. It so happens they have a department that's open all night. They wired back to the lodge. Funny thing, Marlow. They say that no one named Caxton Spencer lives in Philadelphia. How did you find me here? I called the big director, Mr. Sador. He said you might be out here. That's funny. I knew that Sator never would have told that voice My whereabouts he to call the police. I looked with new interest at Caxton standing just outside of the trailer doorway. My examination got down to his shoes. The shoes were almost new and his ankles were a full inch and a half above the tops of his oxfords. Caxton Spencer was wearing elevator shoes to make him look taller. Well, figured me out yet, Marlow? I put it all together. I put it together fast. Caxton moved. He whipped an arrow into his bow and my left leg shot out and kicked the door of the trainer shut. I jumped to the window and opened fire. Did you get him, son? No, I missed him. Missed him a mile. He's beat it now. Can't you see him anywhere? No. Yeah, I don't know. The moonlight out there in those bushes. Turn out the lights. Got us on the hook. Hang. Turn out the lights and get down on the floor. Got him? Got him. Get down. Get out. All right. All right. We're safe in here. He can't shoot through these walls. He's good, but he's not that good. Don't know, son. What do you mean, you don't know? Might. He could get to us even in here with a bow and arrow. He's smart and he's mean and he knows his way around this here for us. Can't shoot through this trailer. He can shoot through the windows. We don't have to stand at the windows. He don't have to hit us. I don't get it. We got some scenes a while back while Caxton was with us. Robin Hood's men shooting flaming arrows into some old castle. Flaming arrows? Arrows soaked in pitch and set on fire. Old medieval custom. Fine. There's plenty of that pitch still around here. Where? Out yonder. Barrels of it. What did I tell you? There it is. There's the first of your flaming arrow. Come on, let's put it out. He'll pick us off if we try that. Well, then let's get out of here. Yeah, let's just do that. Look, I'll go out first. You follow me and lose yourself someplace, you understand? Old folks ain't idiots. All right, follow me now. Keep low. Right after you, son. Keep low now. Yeah, all right. Run for it. We dashed into the moonlight. A hornet clipped my cheek and wanged into the wall of the trailer. Run, dad. Lose yourself. See you later, son. See you later. I dropped to the ground and didn't move. But my eye measured the angle of that last arrow in the side of the trailer in the direction it had come from. I raised myself on my Elbow and fired back. Ah, wise guy, huh? Oh, that dirty. Reload, Marlo. Come on, reload. Reload. Just furnishing you an extra thrill, Marlo. You? Or is that one getting stale, Marlow? Two shots left. Two shots. I've got two more arrows, Marlow. That means one more is for fun and the last one's for real. Huh? One shot left. One shot. One. Now, Marlo, any last words? Any brave quotable quotes? Any remarks for posterity? You cheap. 10, 20, 30 ham. I waited for the laughter. Taunting baked ham. Laughter. It didn't come. I waited with my empty gun clenched in my fist. He was coming toward me. He KNEW I'd fired 14 shots and that I was finished. He could hit me from any distance. Why was he moving in on me? What was new? What was dirty with Caxton? Now I jumped to my feet and drew back my arm to throw my gun at the first thing that walked out of those bushes ahead of me. Don't throw it. What? Hold it. Oh. Dad. You all right, son? Where's Caxton? Dead. I got him. Then with my last shot, I got him. Hate to disappoint a smart young lad like you, son. Oh, you. You said he's dead. I didn't say you killed him. What? He's got a 28 inch arrow in his chest. Looks good too. How. How did you. When I followed you out of the trailer, I grabbed some arrows in that 40 pound bow I've been hunting, son. And let me tell you for what. There never was a Caxton Spencer. Do tell. Caxton Spencer fought against wearing brown contact lenses over his eyes for a very good reason. He was already wearing blue contact lenses. Seward Spencer never had a brother. He had learned to shoot a longbow four years ago, but he kept it a secret. When they finally decided to film Robin Hood, he had a better use for his skill with a bow. He was already planning Fred Cole's murder and invented a non existent brother to pin the murder on. Clever. Very clever. I knew it all the time. What? That's what. Well, then why did you tell me that Seward Spencer couldn't shoot? Seward Spencer corrupted my girl and turned her against her rightful husband and her daddy. I wanted to get him myself. And you did. Fair and square. And in defense of an officer of law. That's right. Well, I see that flaming arrow trick fizzled. It went off. Oh. Oh, yeah, so it did. Like to step inside and have that coffee now, son? I sure would. Then come on. You know, like you said, dad, Watch your step. Just like you told me, old folks aren't fools. Not by a long shot. Dad.

[Vincent Price]

You have just heard Van Heflin starring in the mystery series Raymond Chandler's the Adventures of Philip Marlowe, brought to you by the Lever Brothers Company, makers of Pepsodent. Van Heflen will return in just a moment. Men, here's an important announcement. News about a sensational hair tonic discovery.

[Philip Marlowe]

It's Trim Hair Tonic made by Pepsodent. For the first time, science has created a hair tonic with pure virgin olive oil. There's no finer hair and scalp conditioner. Yes, because it contains pure virgin olive oil.

[Vincent Price]

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[Philip Marlowe]

It grooms your hair. Get new Trim Hair tonic during the big 1 cent introductory sale at toilet goods counters. Now two 60 cent bottles, $20 value only 61 cents. Ask for Trim hair tonic with olive oil.

[Vincent Price]

Now, concerning next week, here again is Van Heffler.

[Philip Marlowe]

Philip Marlow paused in the stealthy darkness of the deserted brewery. There was invisible death lying in wait for him down in the bottom of the unused fermentation vat. But a very visible dancing death was approaching behind him. Dancing and weaving and at the two risks, Philip Marlow, unarmed and stunned, preferred the invisible one at the bottom of the great wooden vat.

[Vincent Price]

Tonight's story was written by Milton Geiger, based on the famous character and modern detective fiction Philip Marlo, created by Raymond Chandler. The original music was composed and conducted by Lynn Murray. This is Wendell Niles inviting you to listen again next week at the same time to another exciting mystery on the Adventures of Philip Marlo, starring Van Heflin with the distinguished ca.

[Philip Marlowe]

This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Narrator]

We just heard Red Wind, the daring young dame on the flying trapeze, the King in Yellow, Trouble Is My Business, and Robin in the Hood. That will do it for this extra large Philip Marlow episode. Thanks so much for joining me today. I hope you'll be back next week for a trio of mysteries set at sea as we find some Old Time Radio detectives aboard cruise ships. But unfortunately, they aren't able to relax as murder has come. Come along for the ride. We'll hear adventures from Let George Do It, Rocky Fortune and the New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. But first, I hope you'll join me this Friday for another episode in our Superman summer series. In this week's bonus episode, we'll hear what happens when the man of steel tangles with the swindlers behind the North Star mine. In the meantime, you can check out Stars on Suspense, my other Old Time radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out every Thursday. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can Click over to buymeacoffee.com Meansts OTR Next time Superman, followed by some cruise ship capers. Until then, good night and happy listening.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now here is our star, Vincent Price, ladies and gentlemen. In a prejudice filled America, no one would be secure in his job, his business, his church or his home. Yet racing racial and religious antagonisms are exploited daily by quacks and adventurers whose followers make up the irresponsible lunatic fringe of American life. Refuse to listen to or spread rumors against any race or religion. Help to stamp out prejudice in our country. Let's judge our neighbors by the character of their lives alone and not on the basis of their religion or origin.