Encore - Multiple Mr. Marlowes

Summary

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Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)

Encore – Multiple Mr. Marlowes

Episode Date: August 9, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Down These Mean Streets serves as a special gathering of the “Marlowe Club,” spotlighting the diversity of actors who voiced Philip Marlowe, Raymond Chandler’s iconic hard-boiled detective, throughout radio’s golden age. Host Mean Streets Podcasts invites listeners to enjoy four distinct performances of Marlowe in different adaptations: Van Heflin in "Red Wind," Robert Montgomery in "Lady in the Lake," Dick Powell in "Murder, My Sweet," and Gerald Moore in "The Uneasy Head." Each version showcases not only different stories but also unique interpretations of Chandler’s legendary private eye.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Podcast Host’s Introduction ([00:58]-[05:10])

• Theme of the Episode: A celebration of Philip Marlowe as interpreted by various radio actors.
• The "Marlowe Club" concept: “that collection of actors who lent their voices to Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe on radio.”
• Notable Marlowe portrayals on screen (Bogart, Garner, Mitchum, et al.) mentioned for context, but the episode focuses on radio.
• Each featured actor is introduced with context about their performance and what makes their Marlowe unique.

Notable Quotes:

• Host: "He plays Marlowe as cynical, but with a romantic streak that keeps him from completely giving up on people." ([01:35])
• On Gerald Moore: “As much as I love Powers Booth, I think my definitive Marlow has got to be Mr. Moore. When I read Chandler, it's his voice I hear in my head.” ([03:24])

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2. Van Heflin as Marlowe in “Red Wind” ([12:36]-[38:19])

Adaptation: Chandler’s "Red Wind" radio episode from June 17, 1947.

Plot Highlights:

• Set in a desert wind–blown Los Angeles, Marlowe encounters murder and intrigue starting with a killing in a bar.
• Marlowe meets Lola Barsley, whose pearls are at the center of the story.
• Themes of romantic loss, deception, and blackmail are explored.
• The reveal of the pearls as imitations underscores the story’s melancholy.

Signature Lines:

• Philip Marlowe: "Crime is a sucker's road and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison or the grave." ([00:00]; repeated as show signature)
• Lola: "I told him they were imitation. Then I bought them myself." ([24:14])
• Narration: "The phony pearls had fooled Waldo and Lola Barsley. But they couldn't fool a seagull." ([37:16])

Notable Moments:

• Marlowe’s compassionate, slightly weary narration sets a noir tone (“...anything can happen when the Santa Ana blows in from the desert.” [12:36])
• The plot unspools through tense confrontations, romantic tension, and Marlowe’s sharp repartee.
• A moving finale as Marlowe disposes of the fake pearls in the ocean, providing closure to the case and for Lola.

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3. Robert Montgomery in “Lady in the Lake” ([41:54]-[91:18])

Adaptation: Lux Radio Theater’s version from Montgomery’s own film, aired February 9, 1948.

Plot Highlights:

• Marlowe is hired under false pretenses by Adrian Fromsett, leading to a multi-layered mystery involving missing persons, murder, and betrayal.
• The story intertwines professional and romantic tensions between Marlowe and Adrian.
• Murky relationships and overlapping motives drive twists, culminating in a tense confrontation with the real murderer, Mildred Haviland.

Signature Lines:

• Montgomery (Marlowe): “My name is Marlowe. Philip Marlowe. Occupation? Private detective...and what do I get out of it? 10 bucks a day in expenses.” ([41:54])
• Adrian Fromsett: “You don't really want to buy my story, do you?... The real reason I'm here is because you want a smooth operator who keeps his mouth shut.” ([43:27])
• Marlowe: “Some things don't [make sense]. Petticoat fever, eh? We all get it, people. We all get it. I once had petticoat fever myself.” ([88:28])

Notable Moments:

• The radio version lacks the movie’s famous first-person camera, leading to more direct, witty dialogue.
• Marlowe’s banter with Adrian Fromsett is laced with both flirtation and suspicion.
• The climactic showdown sees love, jealousy, and guilt lead to tragedy.

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4. Dick Powell in “Murder, My Sweet” ([101:46]-[126:11])

Adaptation: Radio dramatization of the film “Murder, My Sweet,” originally aired on Hollywood Star Time, June 8, 1946.

Plot Highlights:

• Hired by the hulking ex-con Moose Malloy to find a girl named Velma, Marlowe stumbles into blackmail, murder, and betrayal.
• Hotel heiress Helen, aka Velma, orchestrates deaths to protect her identity and fortune.
• The story is packed with hard-boiled wit, double-crosses, and action, including a harrowing chase through an abandoned brewery.

Signature Lines:

• Moose Malloy: "You're a private eye, huh? I like you to look for somebody." ([102:20])
• Marlowe’s narration: "I'm supposed to be a pretty sharp cookie. A thinker, a brain boy. But if I was so smart, why couldn't I shake this Moose Malloy?" ([121:41])
• Anne Grail: “A gentleman always takes his gun from his shoulder holster before he kisses a girl.” ([126:10])

Notable Moments:

• Powell’s Marlowe is world-weary but quick with a comeback, highlighting his musical-comedy background.
• The climactic sequence in the brewery, using carbon dioxide as a murder weapon, is tense and atmospheric.
• The story closes on a poignant note of defeat and lost love.

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5. Gerald Moore in “The Uneasy Head” ([129:23]-[156:45])

Original Radio Episode: “The Uneasy Head,” June 6, 1950.

Plot Highlights:

• Marlowe gets entangled in a murder and the theft of a priceless tiara, leading him from seedy LA bars to Palm Springs society.
• The plot threads through dizzying twists: a poisoned drink, a murder framed on Marlowe, blackmail, and a revelation that a so-called fortune in jewels is fake.
• Moral ambiguity and cynicism bleed into the finale, befitting Chandler’s worldview.

Signature Lines:

• Marlowe (Moore): “Yeah, but you should have said to your... You was.” ([133:43])
• Anne Grail: "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Even a phony one." ([156:19])

Notable Moments:

• Moore’s Marlowe is brisk, gruff, and no-nonsense—often cited as the “definitive” radio Marlowe by fans.
• The final twist exposes how even the high-and-mighty can be undone by their own fraud and greed.
• Moral: Not just violence and dishonesty, "but crimes of intolerance, discrimination, and bad citizenship. Crimes against America." ([10:04])

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Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• "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 of the grave." — Philip Marlowe ([00:00], [129:23])
• Podcast Host on Van Heflin: "He plays Marlowe as cynical, but with a romantic streak that keeps him from completely giving up on people." ([01:35])
• Dick Powell as Marlowe: “Oh, yeah, I remember money. It used to be fun. All right, come on, show me this. Florian's place where Velma used to work.” ([103:00])
• Gerald Moore as Marlowe: "I also handpick my enemies." ([139:00])
• "The phony pearls had fooled Waldo and Lola Barsley. But they couldn't fool a seagull." — Van Heflin’s Marlowe ([37:16])
• "We all get it, people. We all get it. I once had petticoat fever myself." — Robert Montgomery’s Marlowe ([88:28])
• "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Even a phony one." — Anne Grail, “The Uneasy Head” ([156:19])

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Structure & Tone

• The host uses a conversational, nostalgic, and affectionate tone for the genre and the character.
• Each actor’s Marlowe is showcased with respect for their distinct take: Van Heflin’s romantic cynicism, Montgomery’s sardonic wit, Powell’s sharp banter, and Moore’s tough authenticity.
• The show is rich with post-war American idiom and noir sensibility.

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Suggested Listening by Segment

| Segment | Start | Notable Content | |--------------------------------------------|---------|-------------------------------------------------| | Host’s Introduction & Set-up | 00:58 | Overview of the Marlowe Club, episode theme | | Van Heflin in “Red Wind” | 12:36 | Santa Ana winds, pearls, romantic melancholy | | Robert Montgomery in “Lady in the Lake” | 41:54 | Deceptive clients, missing women, murder | | Dick Powell in “Murder, My Sweet” | 101:46 | Moose Malloy, Velma, blackmail, brewery showdown | | Gerald Moore in “The Uneasy Head” | 129:23 | Tiara theft, Palm Springs, truth and deception | | Host’s Farewell & Coda | 158:51 | Closing remarks, podcast info |

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Conclusion

This episode is a treat for fans of crime fiction and old-time radio alike. Through four distinctive interpretations, Philip Marlowe’s character is revealed as both a creation defined by Chandler’s words and by the unique qualities each actor brings. The stories echo with biting cynicism, bruised romance, and the hard-won wisdom of a private detective on the mean streets — a journey that always leads, as Marlowe himself says, to the “gut of the prison or the grave.”

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For newcomers: This episode is a compelling primer on how a legendary fictional detective transcended one actor or performance—a testament to both Chandler’s writing and radio noir's golden age.

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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 of the grave.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The story you are about to hear is true.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective the Adventures of the Saint starring Vincent Price.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.

[Podcast Host]

Hello and welcome to down these Mean Streets with more old time radio detectives and crime solvers. This week we're hosting a meeting of the Marlow Club, that collection of actors who lent their voices to Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe. On radio. Many great actors have played the private eye over the Humphrey Bogart, James Garner, Robert Mitchum, Elliott Gould, dav, Danny Glover, James Caan and Liam Neeson have all taken turns in Marlo's gumshoes. Personally, my favorite screen Marlowe is Powers Booth, who starred in a 1980s HBO series that adapted several of Chandler's stories. But that's the world of movies and TV and as always we're interested in the world of radio and today we'll hear four actors with their own unique takes on the character. First up is Van Heflin who starred as Marlow in a 1947 summer series on NBC. We'll hear the first episode of that run a very good radio adaptation of Chandler's short story Red Wind. It originally aired on NBC on June 17, 1947 and it features a great cast including Loreen Tuttle as Marlow's client William Conrad. We had a spotlight show about him just a few weeks ago as a trigger happy ex con and Bill Johnstone a one time voice of the Shadow as Lieutenant Ibarra of the Los Angeles Police Department. I like Heflin as Marlow a lot and I wish we had more of his episodes available today. He plays Marlow as cynical, but with a romantic streak that keeps him from completely giving up on people. I think it's a terrific performance. Then Robert Montgomery recreates his screen role of Marlo in a Lux Radio Theater adaptation of the lady in the lake from February 9, 1948. Montgomery not only played Marlo in the movie, he also directed it. Now this radio adaptation loses the main gimmick of the movie, which is that it was shot from Marlowe's pov putting you in the detective's shoes. Your mileage may vary on how effective it is. Personally I'm not the biggest fan, so it's interesting to hear the story play out without the distracting visuals. Up third is Dick Powell, who played Marlow in Murder My Sweet, a film adaptation of Chandler's Farewell My Lovely. Powell reprised the role in an adaptation of the film presented on Hollywood Star time on June June 8, 1946. He's joined by his screen co star Mike Misurki, as well as Mary Astor, who wasn't in Murder My Suite but has her private eye Bonafides from the Maltese Falcon. Now it's hard for me to separate Powell as Marlow from his radio work as Richard diamond or on Rogues Gallery. But it's important to remember that when he starred as Marlow in Murder My Sweet on screen, he was showing a new side of his acting chops. Up until that point, Powell had primarily been known for musicals. He completely reinvented himself when he made the switch to noir, but I feel like the Richard diamond character, which was written especially for him and blended his background of musicals and comedy, may have been a better fit. And finally, we'll hear Gerald Moore, who gave Radio one of its best detectives with his electrifying portrayal of Marlowe. As I said at the top of the show, many great actors have played the detective. And as much as I love Powers Booth, I think my definitive Marlow has got to be Mr. Moore. When I read Chandler, it's his voice I hear in my head. And we'll hear him today in the Uneasy Head, an episode of the Adventures of Philip Marlowe that originally aired on CBS on June 6, 1950. Our Marlo Club meeting gets underway with Van Heflin in Red Wind right after these messages.

[Commercial Voice (Ex Lax)]

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[Commercial Voice (Fitch's Shaving Cream)]

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[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Now let's take a quick musical trip to Blue Ribbon lands to places around

[Commercial Voice (Pabst Blue Ribbon)]

the world where folks enjoy internationally famous Pabst Blue Ribbon beer.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Ready now. See how many you can guess. Yes, Paris is right.

[Commercial Voice (Pabst Blue Ribbon)]

In gay Paris, folks just like yourself enjoy that smoother tasting Pabst Blue Ribbon finest beer served anywhere now. That's right.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

That's right.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Managua, Nicaragua, another wonderful place where internationally

[Commercial Voice (Pabst Blue Ribbon)]

famous Pabst Blue Ribbon is served and enjoyed. Next,

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Chicago is right.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

That's right.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Yes.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

All over America, all over the world,

[Commercial Voice (Pabst Blue Ribbon)]

folks enjoy that number one international favorite, Pabst Blue Ribbon. Finest beer served anywhere. It's the beer the whole world knows about. And remember, the quality that has carried the fame around the world is yours for the asking.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

So next time somebody says, what'll you have?

[Commercial Voice (Pabst Blue Ribbon)]

Give them the world's best answer. That's smoother. Smoother, smoother past Blue Ribbon Beer. Far to the south of us is our good neighbor country, Ecuador. Let's imagine ourselves there now, dining on the roof terrace cafe of the exclusive Hotel Metropolitano in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Near us, an American has just complimented his hosts on the magnificent dinner. To which his host quickly responds, ah, yes, it is true, their foods are famous, but from your land comes a rare delicacy Also, it is the superb wine so excellent that we in Ecuador import it from your United States. My friend, I drink to you in your own delicious Roma wine. Our Ecuadorian friend is right for Roma wine's superb quality has won such favor in many far places that they import it, enjoy it as a rare luxury. But not so here in America. Here millions know and enjoy Roma wines as an inexpensive everyday delight at meal times and when entertaining. So many in fact, that Roma is America's largest selling wine. With no high import duties to pay nor expensive shipping costs, you enjoy these distinguished wines for only pennies a glass. Ask for Roma wines which bring you old World winemaking skill plus Roma's own modern controls and testing. That's R O M a Roma wines, America's largest selling wine made in California for enjoyment throughout the world. I dedicate this program to the fight against crime.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Not merely crimes of violence and crimes

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

of dishonesty, but crimes of intolerance, discrimination and bad citizenship.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Crimes against America.

[Announcer (Pepsodent)]

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 Heflent 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, pepsidant 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.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Announcer (Pepsodent)]

Three to one families from coast to coast recently compared new Pepsodent to 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.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Yes, families three to one say new

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Pepsodent tastes better, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter.

[Announcer (Pepsodent)]

Get new Pepsodent toothpaste for your family right away.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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 Ana blows in from the desert. I closed up my office early. I got tired of reading Philip Marlo 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, Mr. Marlon Marlo.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Marlo.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Marlon is a fish.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah, I know. Hey, hey, bartender. Come in on the ride.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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 bumps have come in here. You got another customer, Backus. Hey, bud, you seen a lady in here lately?

[Narrator/Announcer]

A lady?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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 whole. 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.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

All right, show other guys. Don't move.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

So long, Waldo.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

All right, don't move, you two.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Oh, Waldo.

[Narrator/Announcer]

But I made his nose bleed.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

So long, boys. Drink up.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

All right, get on that phone, kid. I'll get his license number. Holy smoke. Holy smoke. Ah, too late. Drove away with this dead guy's car.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Maybe he ain't dead.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Look, you better not go outside in those clothes.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Just what do you mean by telling

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Trouble?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

But I haven't done anything that.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I got to my room and rustled up some scotch and soda and 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.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

What did he look like, this man?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

He used to be my chauffeur.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Why?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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 (storytelling voice)]

Why didn't you tell the police?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I couldn't tell them.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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 (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

He's at a meeting.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

This late at night?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

You mean he's dead? Waldo is dead?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I'M not going to scream.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Who?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Who would that be?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Bartender/Minor Character]

Do it.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

All right,

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Then. 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 backed into the room and Baldy kicked the door shut.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You alone?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Look for yourself. I'm asking, not looking. 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 Pen.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

How is he?

[Police Captain/Detective]

Dead.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I'm still good, drunk or sober. Tell me why I came here, Paul. You heard the bar keeper and me talking. I told him my name, where I lived, that's how. Pal, I said, why, I skip it. The hangman won't ask you to guess why he's there. Oh, you're pretty tough at that, ain't you? But you're slamming off, pal. All right. But you could get that gun out of my neck and try somewhere else. Oh, yeah, sure. Is this better, this search?

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

All right.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Just so it isn't my neck. Say when palace 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 her. Dead sorry. She'd try to make the door a scream. Either way, it'd be curtains for both of us. You're 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, kid, how's it feel?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You ready yet?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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. I suppose I yell.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Go ahead, yell.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Go ahead.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Put out your hand.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

Hey, look.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Oh, thanks, sister. Thanks.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

That.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

That buys me. Everything I have is yours. Now and forever.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Is he dead?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Yes. Good night. Good night.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Hey, wait, wait. Leave that bolero jacket here. And mocks you for the cops.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Oh, yes. Here.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Okay. See you again.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Why?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Yes, please.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Oh, you again, huh?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Sit in. I must talk to you.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

You want to know what happened at headquarters, huh?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Yes.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Oh, thank you.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I guess so.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Well, there it is.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

And why did you really come back?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I wanted my pearls.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Could they be hidden in his apartment?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

It's possible.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

It's getting rather late.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

What about your husband? This hot, mysterious night?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

He's still at his meeting.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

While what?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Well, I didn't have any answers. They wouldn't sound cheap or just ridiculous or from the sophomore class in repartee. Had an unleashed 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.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I meant you to do that. I wasn't always that way. Only since Johnny Dalmas 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 (storytelling voice)]

Hmm? What's your Name?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Lola.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I told him they were imitation. Then I bought them myself.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

How did Waldo latch onto a What they stood for?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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 (storytelling voice)]

But you confided Waldo about this pearl?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I was a fool.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Philip Marlowe]

Huh?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

That was a fool.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I suppose it's a lot to ask.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

No.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Well, no.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

No pearls?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

No pearls.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Oh.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

There was a man in Waldo's room.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

A man who?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

You know. A man named Leon Valos.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Not by name, I don't know.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Yeah.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

What does he have to say?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Announcer (Pepsodent)]

You are listening to the Adventures of Philip Marlo 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 Pepsodent with a new cool, minty flavor. It's the 3 to 1 favorite over all other toothpastes.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

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

[Announcer (Pepsodent)]

The Farrell family of Evergreen Park, Illinois, preferred new Pepsodent on every single count. The ferals 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.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

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

[Announcer (Pepsodent)]

Remember, this is not just our opinion. It's the honest conviction of the ferals and and other families who compared new Pepsodent with other toothpastes 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 (storytelling voice)]

I sat with Lola Bosley 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 dark, 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.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Someone? Waldo.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Whose car is it? Does it matter?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

A lady.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Never heard of it.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Oh, all right. Well, you go home now, huh?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

What are you going to do?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Drive that flossy convertible around? Wave at my friends, Impress people? You run along now.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Me?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I've got another date.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Yes, what is it, please?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Ms. Eugenie Kolchenko.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Yes, what is it?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Did you lose or misplace a pigeon? Gray convertible.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

What are you saying?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

we say, snap out of a dragon, lady? Who was he?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Who was who?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, no, no.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Eugenie, darling.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Darling, come here, please.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

That's putting it more bluntly, of course. Dead, huh? Completely.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Who are you?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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, Marlo? 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 20. Is there a basis there for negotiations yet?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Very well.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I'm a married man with certain unpaid bills for some stuff Ms. Kolchenko here had charged to my account.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

But you told me I might charge to your account.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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 Marlow. Remember, my name is Frank Barcelona Barsley. Oh, what does that mean? The big hydroelectric engineer?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

How did you know? My voices. Tell me who.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Darling, this man is manifestly insane.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

It's the heat, Ms. Kochenka. 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 Overt 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 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.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Pearls, eh?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Well, I thought Waldo might have them up there.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Whose pearls were they?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

A lady's.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Go on.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Or they might have been in Waldo's car that Waldo's killer drove away in.

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

What? Yeah, they might have also a batch of unpaid bills charged to the account of a certain Frank Barsalay.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah,

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

well, now, the police aren't interested in domestic scandal.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

They.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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.

[Philip Marlowe]

Quit.

[Commercial Voice (Fitch's Shaving Cream)]

You kidding?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

No, no, it's. It's a valuable necklace.

[Commercial Voice (Fitch's Shaving Cream)]

Yes,

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

There's your necklace.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

That's it. 41 pearls. Perfectly matched diamond propeller clasp. That's it. That's the one.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Take it away, Marlo.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

On the level.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Just tell me straight what it's all about.

[Philip Marlowe]

All I ask.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Sure, sure. Well, this Waldo was blackmailing a wife with the pearls and her husband with the bills. Guy by the name of Barsali. 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 Barsly's name stays out of the paper, I get $500 and that goes to the police fund.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

We'll keep him out.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Well, now, I'm not in this case for money. I just want to get back the bills and the pearls.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

And as you say, Maro, the police sound in business to sling mud.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Well, you can deliver the pearls to the lady yourself if you like. She lives at night.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

No, no, Marlo. You better take them to her. You see, except for the diamond propeller clasp on them, they're. They're phony.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Phony?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

But all with the clasp, Marlo. All but the clasp.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Well, I stared at Hebera. 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.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Go ahead, go ahead, talk.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I mustn't now, Mr. Marlowe. Now more than ever I must. I must have those pearls.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Why? Money trouble?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Oh, I'm sorry, Lola.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Maybe I do, though.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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 (storytelling voice)]

Look, will you meet me here again around 4 o'?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Clock?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I'll be here.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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 four o' clock date with Lola. The beach combined.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Well, Mr. Marlow, anything new?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

They found my pearls?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

No, no, not. Not exactly.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Not exactly.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

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

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Oh, how.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Oh, these are the imitations here.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Is that all right?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Yes, it's the clasp that Johnny Dalmas gave me.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Of course.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Of course it's all right.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

That's.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Well, thank you so much, Mr. Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Forget it.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Yeah, I think so. You'll never get over Johnny Dalmaslo. 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 Lt. Ibarra 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 Ana had blown itself out. The red wind was done. It was over.

[Announcer (Pepsodent)]

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 Pepsodent tastes better, makes breath cleaner and makes teeth brighter. Remember, new Pepsodent gives you more invigorating. Irium foam. It sweeps dulling film away. No Wonder it's the 3 to 1 favorite with families all over America. Get new Pepsodent with Irium for your family right away. Tonight's story on the adventure of Philip Barlow was 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 distinguished cast.

[Commercial Voice (Fitch's Shaving Cream)]

This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Lux presents Hollywood. Lever Brothers Company. The makers of Lux Flakes bring you the Lux Radio Theater. Starring Robert Montgomery and Austin in lady in the Lake. Ladies and gentlemen, your producer, Mr. William Keeley.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

Greetings from Hollywood, ladies and gentlemen. Almost all of us at one time or another have a secret hankering to play detective. Tonight we give you that opportunity to join in solving the one of the screen's most baffling murder mysteries. You'll meet the possible suspects and you'll find the clues in Metro Golden Mare's thrilling screen hit, lady in the Lake, based on Raymond Chandler's novel and currently playing in theaters throughout America. And you'll have the help of Robert Montgomery in the starring role of ace detective Philip Marlowe. Co starred with Bob is that exciting new performer, Audrey Totter, who adds romantic interest to our story at the same time that she stirs up plenty of action on her own. For women are often as persistent as men in tracking down the answer to a problem. And when it comes to the problem of caring safely for fine fabrics, they found a ready answer in luxe flakes. Now, I won't say it takes any detective work to discover the merits of luxe flakes. But their ever increasing popularity does reflect on the smartness of our modern housewives. We invite them now to exercise that smartness in solving the mystery of the lady in the Lake. Starring Robert Montgomery as Philip Marlowe and Audrey Totter as Adrienne Fromset.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

My name is Marlow. Philip Marlow. Occupation? Private detective. You know, somebody says, follow that guy. So I follow him. Or find that female. So I find her. And what do I get out of it? 10 bucks a day in expenses. Right now, you're hearing a lot about a murder. They call it the Case of the lady in the Lake. That's a good title. It fits. But what you've heard about is one thing. And the real thing is something else again. There's only one guy who knows that. I know it. I started finding out about it a few days before Christmas. I was tired of being pushed around for nickels and dimes. So I decided I'd write about murder. I pounded out a story and sent it to the Kingsby Publications, Incorporated. Specialists in literary gore.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, come in, Mr. Marlowe. You hear about the story you wrote?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah. Yeah, I got a letter from a guy named A. Fromsett.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I'm Fromsett. Adrian Frost, to be precise. Tell me something, Mr. Marlowe. Have you done much writing?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

No.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You do very well for a beginner.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Well, it's based on an authentic case. You run this publishing business all by yourself, Ms.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Prompt?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, no. Mr. Kingsby runs it. Tell me, are there really detectives like the one in your story. Who never lie, cheat or double cross a client?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah, there are a couple of dopes like that.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Good. Then you were writing about yourself.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Look, you don't really want to buy my story, do you?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I was about to offer you $200.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, no, you weren't. Why don't you quit being cute? The real reason I'm here is because you want a smooth operator who keeps his mouth shut. When you read my story, you said, that's my boy. He's dumb, he's brave and he's cheap. Am I right?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Partly.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Then why all this Mickey Mouse about my story?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I want you to find Mr. Kingsley's wife without his knowing you're looking for her. She's a vicious woman. A liar.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I don't want to be nosy, Miss. From what makes that any of your

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

business, I handle all of Mr. Kingsby's affairs. He wants to divorce her. And I don't like your manners.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'm not selling my manners. I'm not selling my story either. I don't like getting mixed up with a tricky female, even one as good looking as you, who wants to dispose of the boss's wife. And just so she can marry him herself.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

People don't talk to me like that, Mr. Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Maybe somebody should talk to you like that more often.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

I beg your pardon.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Hogan Minderry, this is Philip Marlowe. He submitted a story. Mr. Marlowe, Mr. Kingsby.

[Philip Marlowe]

Hi. Always nice to see one of our writers, Mr. Marlowe.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

But he isn't one of our writers. He just turned down an offer of $200. Rather indignantly too. But maybe he's right, Derry. This story has part of Mr. Marlowe's soul in it. I would say it's worth $500 as souls go these days.

[Philip Marlowe]

Congratulations, Mr. Marlowe. A businessman as well as a writer, eh?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

And a private detective.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Detective.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

That's what makes the story so authentic. It's so full of. What would you say it's full of, Mr. Marlowe?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Short sentences.

[Philip Marlowe]

Adrian, if there's anything you want before I leave.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I don't believe so, Derry.

[Philip Marlowe]

Good night, darling.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Good night.

[Philip Marlowe]

Glad to have met you, Mr. Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah. $500, eh?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

200 for your story, 300 for your services and finding Mrs. Kingsby.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You don't need any help there, darling. Not you.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Please don't be too difficult.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I do need help like I need four thumbs.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I wonder how it would be to discuss this over a couple of ice cubes. Would you care to try?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Imagine you needing ice cubes. Sure, Ms. Promptset. Let's try. She had a very cozy apartment, Ms. Promsett did. She left me alone while she fixed a drink. I couldn't help spotting the telegram. It lay there staring at me on top of the piano. It was addressed to Darris Kingsby, going to Juarez, it said. To get a divorce and marrying Chris Lavery in Mexico. Your loving ex wife to be Crystal.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

If you're going to take this case, Mr. Marlowe, the first person you should see is Chris Laverick.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Who's he?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Mr. Kingsby ran away with him a month ago. Or so we thought.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

A month ago, eh? Take him that long to get to El Paso.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Who said anything about El Paso?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

A telegram on the piano. Why didn't you tie it on my ear? I might have found it quicker. Oh, what's the mystery if Kingsby's wife is in Mexico?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

The mystery is that Chris Lavery's here in town and she isn't. She's vanished.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

And the telegram's a phony, huh?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Must be.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Maybe you had it sent.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, very funny.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

If she's missing, why isn't Kings be looking for it?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I don't know.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Maybe.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Think she's off on a toot. But a Mexican divorce with no property settlement? Oh, no, that's not Crystal. Besides, she'd never marry Chris Lavery.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Why not?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You don't marry the Chris Laveries of this world. You just lend them all the money they need and forget to ask for it back.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You seem to know all about him.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I see I'm Wasting your time, Mr. Marlowe. Why don't you just run along now and play with your fingerprint collection?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah. Lavery, eh? Where does he Live?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Bay City. 676 Altair St. The edge of the canyon.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

And you hope he throws me into it, huh? One more question, miss. From what would happen if I kissed you?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Why don't you try and see?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Do you always close your eyes when you think somebody's gonna kiss you?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

What stopped you?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Did you close your eyes when Lavery kissed you?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Get out.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You want to marry Kingsby because Lavery jilted you, huh?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Get out.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Sure, and I'll see Lavery. But don't try to be cute anymore. Just edit my manuscript.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Yes, I plan to smash the emotion right out of it.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

That's the manuscript. This is me. Good night, sweetheart. Yes? Arm Lavery, Mr. Marlow. Come right on in, sir. Well, I declare. Business must be bad if you have to go from door to door soliciting clients. Look, Uncle Tom, I don't need a job. I've got one. And if you tell me where Mrs. Kingsby is, I'll stop bothering you. I haven't seen Crystal in two months.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

And I've never been to El Paso,

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

if that's what you're about to ask. Oh, you know about the telegram, huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Why, yes.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Ms. Adrian told me. Miss Adrian did, did she? Well, I guess there's nothing to do then but go to the cops. For some reason, Mr. Marlowe, I don't think Mr. Kingsby would allow that, sir. He might have to, to protect himself in case anything's happened to his wife. Happens? Crystal Kingsby has money. Once in a while, boys like you have to make it the hard way. You offend me, Mr. Marlow. Loosen up, Lavery. You'll save yourself a lot of trouble.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

I never speak disrespectfully of a lady.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Not even one as. As fascinating as Mrs. Kingsby was. Was, sir? Oh, just a slip of the tongue, Mr. Marlowe. No, no.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

I don't hanker for any part of Mrs. Kingsby. The little lady must have sent that

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

telegram just to embrangle me. Embrangle you? Oh, yes. You're a Yankee. You wouldn't understand. But. Pardon me, sir, do you have the time? What's the matter? Your clock. And brangle too.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Pardon me, sir, do you have the time?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Do you have the time? Shortening bread had let me have it when I looked at my watch. Bread, brass knuckles, Southern fried. When things came back in focus, I was in the Bay City jail. A detective opened the cell and walked me down the corridor. Like our jail, Mr. Marlow. Fine. What's the matter? Your eye hurt? Oh, no, it's fine. When you came out of your blackout, you started Slugging? I had to put you asleep again. Oh, fine. All right, wise guy. In here. Captain King wants to see you.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Come here. Na Gama.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

This is Marlow, Captain. He likes our jail. Everything is fine. What's the charge, Captain?

[Police Captain/Detective]

Drunk in your car, ran up over the curb. When found you were out cold. This empty bottle was in your hand.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, fine.

[Police Captain/Detective]

We don't think it's fine at all. The only reason I'm talking to you instead of the judge is that your papers say you're a private detective.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You're on some kind of a case, aren't you? Sure. And my client slugged me, dumped me in my car, ran it up over a curb and poured whiskey on me. Then he phoned for you boys.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Maybe it wasn't a client.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You're right. It was a Southern gentleman named Chris Lavery.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Who is your client?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I don't reveal my client's name.

[Police Captain/Detective]

You're talking to the police.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

The names of my clients are confidential. If they weren't, I wouldn't have any clients.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Okay, but that private license doesn't give you the right to start trouble in Bay City without letting me in on what you're after.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I don't like private dicks, Captain. I never met one yet that wasn't a crook. I've heard of people that don't like cops. And that seems impossible, doesn't it?

[Police Captain/Detective]

Your car's in back of the jail. Get in it, Marlo, and get out of this town.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Good morning, Ms. Promsett.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

How did you get in here without being announced?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I told the receptionist it was an emergency.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You looked like an emergency.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Well, it's an old sickness. Reoccurring black eyes.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Mr. Lavery impressed you?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

His brass knuckles did well? Well, nothing. I woke up in the Bay City Jail.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

We're right back where we started.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah. Maybe this is a good place for me to get off. What do you want for $300? A funeral?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You were hired to find Crystal Kingsby. It'll be asking too much to start working as a detective. Crystal Kingsby was last seen at Little Fawn Lake. That's a place in the mountains beyond Arrowhead. A few cabins and a private leg owned by Mr. Kingsby. Drive up there and talk to the caretaker. Excuse me, Ms. Bronson? Yes? There's a man here to see Mr. Kingsby and Mr. Floyd Greer. Greer? He's a newspaper man. He says it's about something that's happened at the lake. Ms. Bronson, I'll find Mr. Kingsby. Show Mr. Greer in. You'd better sit down too, Mr. Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe]

You're a reporter, Mr. Greer. What can I do for you?

[Police Captain/Detective]

We just got word about tragedy at

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

A little far and luck, Mr. Kingsley.

[Philip Marlowe]

Tragedy?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Do you have a caretaker named William Chess?

[Philip Marlowe]

Why, yes, I do.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

He's suspected of murder. His wife was found drowned in the lake.

[Philip Marlowe]

Muriel?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

That's right. Muriel Chess. How long since you've been up there, Mr. Kingsley?

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, not since last month.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

How about your wife? Would she know anything about Muriel Chess?

[Philip Marlowe]

Of course not. Nothing more than I would.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Mr. Marlowe. Would you mind stepping out in the hall with me? Excuses, please. You'd better get right up to the lake.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You think Crystal Kingsby shoved this lady in the lake, eh?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

It's quite possible. She hated Mrs. Jess and you.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You like the idea, don't you?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Yes, I do. Find out what happened. Report to no one about it but me.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Little Fawn Lake. It reminded me of Adrian from so Beautiful and so Cold. First she wants me to find Mrs. Kingsby. Then she wants me to prove she's a murderer. She's a sweetheart, Adrian is. Well, I'm back in town at four in the morning and I go straight to Adrian's apartment. If I can tramp through the mountains, she can get waked up to come

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

here, go to phoned.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You know I didn't have a nickel. You know something, Ms. Promson? You look good in this life.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

What did you find at the lake?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Snow.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Who's being cute now?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You are. There'll be an item on your bill for the bribes I spent finding out that Muriel Chess had another name.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

What name?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Mildred Haviland. Ever hear of her? She married your boss's caretaker because she wanted a place to hide. It seems that a cop was after her.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

What's this got to do with Crystal Kingsby?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Crystal Kingsby and Muriel, or shall I call her Mildred? Had a fight over a man.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

What man?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

The guy I was slipping the $20 bills to. Kept claiming he didn't know.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

But I suppose you do.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah. Look. Look what I found. An ankle bracelet engraved to Mildred from Chris. It was hidden in Kingsby's cabin.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

There could be any number of Chris.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, come on now, Ms. Fromsett. Lavery's our boy. That ties him up with two women. Crystal Kingsby and Muriel.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You think he drowned Muriel Chess?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

He would have drowned me if there'd been any water handy.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, no. Crystal did it. Maybe you could find something else. A gun, maybe.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, look, just give me the dough I put out for expenses and I'll

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

go on home without finding Mrs. Kingsley.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Why don't you concentrate on just looking beautiful and quit worrying about guns and dead females and missing ones and that million bucks you want to marry, huh?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Crystal drank a Lache. She had a violent temper.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Start being a woman. Quiet down long enough to hear your heartbeat. You might wake up and find it's a different world.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I'm paying you to wake up and find Crystal Kingsby.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Okay. I'll go back and see Labry.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

No, no. You stay away from Labry. Go back to the lake. You did fine there.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

All right. But only because you're so full of persuasion. So full of. What would you say you were full of, Ms. Fromset?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Ma, you're being backward for a detective.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

No, it's just that I'm tired playing around. As far as the next woman in my life is concerned, it's everything or nothing.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Then it better be nothing. You'd be crazy to fall in love with me. Phone me from the lake.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Let me see now. I'm not to fall in love with you, and I'm not to see Lavery.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

That's it exactly. Good night, miss. Mr. Mallow.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I got a little sleep, and then I went straight to Lavery's house. I rang the bell. No answer, so I just walked in. He'd forgotten to lock his front door. A woman was coming down the stairs. She had a gun in her hand. And for some reason didn't seem at all concerned about my presence there.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

It's a disgrace. Just a disgrace. I rent this house to him and look at the way he abuses it. Well, just look.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'd be glad to if you wouldn't keep pointing that thing at me.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Look at this.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, if you're one of Mr. Lavery's wild friends, you can get right out of here.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'm not even one of Mr. Lavery's tame friends.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

The bread burns on the furniture. Carpets all stained.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Look, lady.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Look, all I want is my rent. I own this house. I'm Mrs. Hallbrook.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Well, I'm a truly enchanted Mrs. Hallberg.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

And who are you, may I ask?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Finance company about his car.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Behind in his car payments, too. I don't like that. I don't like that at all.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Well, we don't like it either.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

If he was going away, you think he'd leave a check under the door or something. But, oh, no. All I found was this gun. I found it on the stairs. Here, you take it. I wonder why he'd leave it on the stairs.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

He probably had a hole in his pocket. So you've been looking for him? Upstairs, huh? You're a naughty girl.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Why, I only wanted my money. I think I should call the police.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

On the other hand, maybe we should stop and consider finding a gun. Doesn't mean anything. Everybody keeps guns.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Oh.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, do they really?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

And I'm sure the Bay City Police would frown upon us disturbing them over such a trifle.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, you think so?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Just let the Ajax Finance Company take care of this. We'll see that you get your money.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, if you think that you can.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, I'm sure I can, Mrs. Holbrook. You be a good girl now and run along.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Silly man. You know, you're sweet.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Thank you, Mrs. Hallbrook.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, goodbye now.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, brother. As soon as she left, I went upstairs. It looked at first as if if Lavery had packed a bag and blown town. On his dresser was a woman's handkerchief. I thought of Mrs. Holbrook, but the initials on the handkerchief were A.F. then I became aware of a muffled sound and I knew that I'd heard it vaguely ever since I'd come up the stairs. It was the trickle of water running in the bathroom shower. But I didn't bother to turn it off. Not when I saw the five bullet holes neatly drilled through the glass shower door. And behind the door, crumpled on the tiles, the body of that fine Southern gentleman, Chris Lavery.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Before our stars return in Act 2 of lady in the Lake, here's Libby Collins, our Hollywood fashion reporter, reporting on

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

one of the loveliest trousseaus I've ever seen.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Who's the lucky bride?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, someone you'll never see on the screen. She was a stand in for Celeste Holm and Darrel F. Zanuck's Gentleman's Agreement.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Any part in that picture would be a great experience. It's a remarkable document of present day

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

intolerance made outstanding by the fine performances of Dorothy Maguire, Gregory Peck and Celeste Holm.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

No wonder it was voted the best picture of the year by the New York Motion Picture critics.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

While Gentlemen's Agreement was in production, Celeste showed me the wedding present she'd bought for her. Stand in, what was it, the laciest, filmiest negligee and matching nightie she could find.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

I hope she added a box of Lux for luck.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, I suggested that. Of course, Lux and Celeste are old friends.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Well, then she'll be especially interested in the wonderful news about Lux. It's the result of wartime research, but the new Lux couldn't be produced until new machinery was designed and built. Now it's ready.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

There's nothing in the world just like these new tiny diamonds. Of luxury. So shimmering white, so sheer, so tiny.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

They not only look different, they act different. They are different.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

They're so much faster, right?

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

The little diamonds burst into suds at the touch of water.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Wait till women see those thick, abundant suds that last and last.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Ladies, just compare these new diamonds of lux with any other soap you've ever used. They give richer suds.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

And they keep undies lovely, three times as long. Many tests prove it. That's just like getting three pretty slips for the price of one. Smart girls avoid harsh washing methods. Always give undies gentle, luxe care.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

You can be sure anything safe in water is safe in this new luxe. We return you now to William Keeley,

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

Act 2 of lady in the Lake. Starring Robert Montgomery as Philip Marlowe and Audrey Totter as Adrian Fromsett.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I didn't waste any time getting out of Lavery's house. I went straight to Kingsby Publications. They were having a Christmas party. But I managed to convince Adrian Fromsett that I wanted to see her alone.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Are you trying to be funny, Mr. Marlowe? Where did you get that gun?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

At Lavery's house. Lavery's dead. This gun killed him. You hinted that sooner or later I'd find a gun. Were you afraid he'd talk, Miss Prompt?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You didn't go to the lake, then?

[Philip Marlowe]

No.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

And here's another little item for you. A handkerchief. Do you recognize it? The initials are A.F.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

i don't have to ask the obvious question, do I?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

No. And so far, nobody knows about it but me and whoever killed Lavery. Yeah, whoever killed him. Or was he the type of guy who kept the secret?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

If I say no, that makes me a murderer, a good suspect. If I say yes, what does that make me?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Human, maybe. What are you trying to do, Play the bright, hard lady? You're afraid of life, miss. From people. You don't give yourself a real chance. You never. Come in, Mr. Kingsby. Come in.

[Philip Marlowe]

What's going on?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Relax, Mr. Kingsby. You've seen guns before.

[Philip Marlowe]

Maybe I like a sense of humor better.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Slavery. Didn't think it was funny either. He's dead.

[Philip Marlowe]

Dead?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Did your wife own a gun, Mr. Kingsby?

[Philip Marlowe]

What does my wife have to do with this?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Break it to him gently.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Ms. From, I. I hired Mr. Marlowe to look for Crystal.

[Philip Marlowe]

I told you, Crystal's to be left alone.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Oh.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

No dairy. No, you didn't. What you said was you were tired to death of her.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Well, I did.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, then you're not well. Why didn't you say so?

[Philip Marlowe]

I won't have you prying into my private affairs?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

The police may be prying into your private affairs, Mr. Kingsby. Your wife was mixed up with labor. He's dead. The evidence points to a woman. Now, does she own a gun or doesn't she?

[Philip Marlowe]

I don't know. What do you propose to do, Mr. Marlow?

[Police Captain/Detective]

Call the police?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

What else can I do?

[Philip Marlowe]

A thousand dollars make you change your mind?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Ah, so your wife did have a gun, huh?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes, but $1,000?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Don't think I'm too proud to take it. I'm just too smart to get stuck with it.

[Philip Marlowe]

Very well. I'll tell the authorities anything they want to know. As for you, Adrian, if you think you're going to harm Crystal, you're very much mistaken. And understand this clearly. If I ever said anything endearing to you, it was because I was lonely. I don't intend to make the same mistake again.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You say that for my benefit or yours, Ms. Fromsett?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Mine. All mine. So you lost me my million dollars. Aren't you smart? You deliberately forced a showdown with him.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You thought you'd make me lose Kingsby and then I'd come flying straight to your arms. Tell me, Mr. Marlowe, do you always fall in love with your client?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Only the ones in skirts.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, there's more than one Kings beyond the Christmas tree, Mr. Marlowe. And I'll shake one loose yet, don't you worry. And as for you, you just haul yourself out of here and send me a bill for your failure.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Merry Christmas.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

What?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I said Merry Christmas. I'm glad to have met you and have a good cry tomorrow. Wait. Why?

[Philip Marlowe]

Please step into this other room. I want to talk to you. I. I don't know what your arrangement is with Adrian, but I.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

There isn't any anymore.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh. Well, then I'd like to make one with you. Now, I know my wife has made mistakes. But no matter how things look, Crystal couldn't have killed anyone. She must be found and kept out of this.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

That'll be tough.

[Philip Marlowe]

You can name your own price. I'm imploring you to help me.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

And if we keep your wife in the clear, who do we pin the murder on, huh? Well?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, what do either of us really know about Adrian?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Don't you know anything about her?

[Philip Marlowe]

Actually, very little. Oh, I was aware she knew Lavery. Just how well?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I don't know. Just when I was beginning to like you.

[Philip Marlowe]

You want the facts, don't you?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Sure.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Sure, I want the facts. She fires me, you hire me. Happy Phil Marlow, the boy detective. Where are you Going back to Lavery's house? Oh, a little yuletide celebration with the Bay City. You mean to say you've been handling this gun? How stupid are you, Marlo? I'm giving you the gun, Da Gamo. Maybe I should have tossed it down a sewer.

[Police Captain/Detective]

You got an alibi, Marlow?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I told you about Mrs. Hallbrook, Captain. She was here ahead of me. It could have been her, and it

[Police Captain/Detective]

could have been you. You said you'd come back and get labor.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Not in those words, but in that tone.

[Police Captain/Detective]

I told you not to start trouble in this town. Now, who's your client this time? You better tell me.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

His name is Darris Kingsby. He runs a string of magazines. Keep talking. His wife ran out on him about a month ago from a place he has up in the mountains. Little Fawn Lake. How did she run off with? Well, a good guess would be Lavery. I came here the day before yesterday to ask Lavery if he knew where she was. And for my pains, I landed in the can. In case you've forgotten, we remember people.

[Police Captain/Detective]

What was Lavery's story about Kingsby's wife?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

He said he hadn't seen her in two months. After you turned me loose, I went up to Little Fawn Lake. Why? Because something peculiar happened up there. They found a woman in the lake, a dame named Muriel Chess.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Just stick to what happened.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Here I am. This Muriel Chess had an ankle bracelet. It was given to her by somebody named Chris.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Oh, what?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

So she's dead, and upstairs is a corpse named Chris.

[Police Captain/Detective]

I see. So you go through this joint, take the gun, collect or steal anything you can and finally get around to calling us.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Well, I don't buy it.

[Police Captain/Detective]

What do I care about a drowned dame in a lake? Man's been murdered here, and that's enough for me. Who are you trying to cover, Marlow?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I told you all I know.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Okay, big shot. I'm going upstairs. DeGarmo. I'll see how the coroner's doing.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You. You ever been to Little Fawn Lake, Da Garmo? You look kind of interested. We ask the questions, people. And when I mention the lady in the lake, you look still more interested. You heard me. Ever hear of a girl named Mildred Haviland? There was a fellow up there a few weeks ago looking for Mildred Haviland. They tell me he acted like a cop. A tough cop with bad manners, like you. What's Mildred Haviland got to do with it? She and Muriel Chess were the same girl. She changed her name because she was trying to hide from this tough cop. Does it add up?

[Police Captain/Detective]

No.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I think it does. They gave me a pretty good description of that cop. They said she. I was about to say that this female had a shady past. And I think you know something about her. It sort of confirms it, doesn't it, degarmo? Now we're getting somewhere. You stick your nose in my business and you'll wake up in an alley with a catch looking at you. What did she do, this Mildred dame? Bump somebody off down here? Is that what you had on him?

[Police Captain/Detective]

All right, Marlowe, cut it out. What's going on here?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

DeGarmo? I. He got cute.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Put your gun away. You keep on acting smart, Marlowe, and you'll see what happens. Only reason I'm giving you another chance to talk is because of what the coroner says. He claims Lavery was killed last night. That doesn't let you out, though.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'll say it doesn't.

[Police Captain/Detective]

People.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Come on, talk up.

[Police Captain/Detective]

You better take a walk, DeGarmo.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

If you'd let me work him over

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

just a little while.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Come on, Take the night off. Yes, sir.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Now, if the coroner's right, how can you prove where you were last night?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I didn't leave Little Fawn Lake till after midnight. I stopped at red service station halfway down the mountain and got gas. Uh huh. In San Bernardino I got a cup of coffee at the day. The waitress with the big eyes will remember me because it was 2am and I was the only customer in the place.

[Police Captain/Detective]

What about Miss Hallbrook?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, you'll love Mrs. Hallbrook. She's charming. But I don't know where she is.

[Police Captain/Detective]

One of my boys upstairs just checked. She's going to Las Vegas. We'll have her back here tomorrow.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

That about winds up everything, doesn't it? Do you mind if I go now?

[Police Captain/Detective]

There's still a charge of striking an officer. You funny guys kill me.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Captain, before you toss me in a cell, did you ever hear of a dame named Mildred Haviland?

[Police Captain/Detective]

No.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

That's the real name of that woman drowned in the lake. Ask degamo about her.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Why should I?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Because degamo knew Lavery and he knew Mildred Haviland. Well, they're both dead.

[Police Captain/Detective]

That's a big statement, Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Why do you think degamo slapped me around? Look, you turn me loose and I'll do some finding out tonight. You can too, by talking to De Garmo.

[Police Captain/Detective]

You know what you're doing, don't you? You're practically forcing on me. The rottenest job a police official can have. Investigating one of his own men.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'll work with you in any way you want. All right, here's what you do.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Call the desk sergeant and get him to give you a nice quiet cell.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

For a minute, I thought you were on the level. But you want me out of the way, don't you? So you and Dagamo can fix this up any way that suits you.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Why, you. This wasn't Christmas Eve, and if my kids weren't waiting for me to. All right. You didn't murder Lavery. The charge of taking a swing at DeGarmo is dismissed. Just do me a great big favor and get out of here. Go on, Flo.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I made a phone call as soon as I left. I have a friend downtown on one of the newspapers. I asked him to dig up anything he could for me on Mildred Haviland. He said he'd call me at my hotel in an hour. Come in.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Good evening.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

And a Merry Christmas to you, Ms. Ramsey.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I had to see you.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Why?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I didn't leave that handkerchief in Labry's house.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You still worrying about that?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I read a story once about a killer who left clues around to point at somebody else.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

That was a story?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Oh, I wouldn't kill anyone.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I wouldn't.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, of course not. Just a nice, sweet campfire girl.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I'm all mixed up tonight.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

If it turns out that you're the little girl who held the hot and smoking pistol, you're gonna be really mixed up.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You think I could do a thing like that?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yes.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I thought you liked me.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

The girl I like won't be looking for a million dollar marriage or trying to hang a murder on another woman.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

What will this girl do?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Take care of me. Unglamorous, isn't it?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Would you consider buying me a drink?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Now? I'm expecting a call.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

But there's a time and place for everything. This is Christmas Eve.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

See? I wasn't kidding. Hello, Dugan. Go ahead, Dugan. Here's what we have on the Millwood Haviland. She was mixed up in a suicide about a year and a half ago. Just a minute, will you? Hey, Ms. Promsett, would you mind leaving?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I thought you were off the case. Who's your client now?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I never reveal a client's name.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

It's Kingsby, isn't it?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I have to eat, don't I? Blow me a kiss and close the door gently as you leave. I'll call you if I need you.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Drexel 33391.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'm sorry, Dugan. Well, this Mildred Haviland was a nurse for A doctor named Alma in Bay City. Almoy. So one night, Florence Elmore, that's the doctor's wife, was found dead. Cop named degamo investigated.

[Commercial Voice (Pabst Blue Ribbon)]

Verdict?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Suicide. What happened to Mildred Haviland?

[Police Captain/Detective]

She.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

She disappeared right after that. Anybody figure Florence Almore was murdered? Just the folks. Mr. And Mrs. Grayson raised a big fuss at first. Since then, they've clammed up. Somebody scared them silly. Somebody has, has he? Where do the Graysons live? Bay City. Eugene Grayson. Names in the phone book. I'm much obliged to you, Dugan. What name did you say? Marlow. I'm a private detective, Mr. Grayson. I want to talk to you about your daughter.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You leave us alone.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

We told the police everything. I only want to help you, Mrs. My daughter's dead.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Can you bring her back?

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

We've had just about enough, Mr. Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

He was here before.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

For one solid hour. We don't want to talk anymore. He was here, eh? That cop. He thinks she committed suicide, doesn't he? Well, I don't. I think your daughter was murdered. I think Mildred Haviland murdered her.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Get out.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

He covered up for her. That's why he wants to keep you quiet.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

My wife told you to get out. Haven't we had trouble enough?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Leaving Grayson's house, I saw this other car down the block. Two miles later, it was still on my tail. I stepped on the gas and cut across town, but I couldn't shake it. All right, then I'd stop. As I started to slow down, he pulled up alongside of me and turned a spotlight full in my eyes. At 40 miles an hour, you hit a ditch pretty hard. In the split second before I passed out, I saw who it was. Degamo.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

We pause now for station identification. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

Our stars will return in a moment with Act 3 of lady in the Lake. Our guest this evening is lovely blonde Dorothy Patrick, who won so many admirers as Mrs. Jerome Kern. On the screen, she's just completed her latest picture in brilliant company. Robert Taylor, Audrey Totter and Herbert Marshall. Do you think the fans will envy your playing Bob Taylor's wife in Metro Golden Mayor's new thriller, High Wall, Dorothy?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, perhaps until he's accused of murdering me.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

You know, Bob Taylor does a marvelous job with his spine tingling role. That picture packs plenty of mystery and high powered drama.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, and romance, too.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

Yes, you and Audrey Tarter, who, by the way, is in our radio play tonight, have won high praise from the critics for your performances. And from women for your smart costumes.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Audrey and I were both Ecstatic about some of the gorgeous blouses designed by MGM for to wear in the picture. John Kennedy may be interested in what happened one day when we were lunching at the studio.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

What was that, Dorothy?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, someone jiggled the waiter's arm and he spilled some bullion on Audrey's blouse. The one she was wearing for a scene in High Wall. She was almost sure it was ruined, but.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

But the wardrobe department came to the rescue with Lux.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, how did you know?

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Oh, it happens every day in Hollywood studios and in homes all over the country. That's not news. But there is big news about Lux. Lux has been improved. Yes, wonderful as Lux has always been. These new tiny diamonds of Lux are even better.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

That's certainly interesting news, John.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Women everywhere will be thrilled with these new tiny diamonds of luxe. They're so shimmering white and so sheer and so tiny. They look different from any other soap. And they act different. They are different. They're so much faster. Why, you can see the little diamonds burst into suds at the touch of water. And they make richer suds that last and last. And as Libby Collins can tell you, they do more for you too.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

That's right. The new diamonds of Lux actually remove soil. Other types of suds can't. They leave things cleaner, fresher colors stay lovely up to three times as long.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Many tests prove it, so it's wise to avoid harsh washing methods.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You can be sure anything safe in water is safe in this new Lux.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Here's Mr. Keeley at the microphone.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

Act three of lady in the Lake, starring Robert Montgomery as Philip Marlowe and Audrey Totter as Adrian Fromsett.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I don't really know if degamo had figured on killing me in that crash or not. I don't think it much mattered. In any event, I'd be taken care of. When I came to, there I was, soaked in whiskey in an empty bottle on the floorboards. But I got one break. I didn't sleep quite as long as degamo figured. I must have looked real cute crawling out of what was left of my car. I was dizzy and sick, my face all bloody and my legs so numb I couldn't. Across the highway was a gas station. It was closed for the night, but outside was a public telephone booth.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Number, please.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Los Angeles.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Number, please.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Drexel. Drexel, 33391.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Your number, please.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Bay City 187.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Thank you. Deposit 15 cents for five minutes, please. You deposited too much, sir. We finished your cook.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Shut up and get me my number. Hello, this. This is Marlow.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, so you've changed your mind.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'm in a phone booth in a gas station.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

The South Road.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You're where?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

The South Road. Two miles out. Supposed gas station.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Why are you talking like that?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Come and get me.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Come and get.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Hello? Hello?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Hello.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, so you're awake. How do you feel?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

The way I look?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You look a lot better than you did. In spite of the iodine. I've been working over you for an hour.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

How did I get here?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I brought you here in my car. From then on, the doorman helped me.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Doesn't the doorman think anything of dumping bruised, unconscious men on your living room sofa?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I told him you were drunk and had fallen down. Fredo called the police?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

No, no. I love policemen. Especially one named da gamo.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Who's DeGarmo?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Just a hard working cop who figured to frame me. The same way Lavery. He pulls this little stunt and calls headquarters saying he's a public spirited citizen reporting a drunk driver. Only you got to me first. I much obliged.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

What's Diego got to do with all this?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

That's what I keep asking myself. How did he know I was going to visit Florence? Al Moore's folks?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Who?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

A girl who committed suicide maybe about a year and a half ago.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, I wonder. Just get off the case. Why be a private detective at all?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Why eat? You only get hungry again.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You don't have to make a living that way. You can write, remember? And I can help you. Oh, we'd be fine together. In everything. We'd be fine together if only you'd.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

If only I'd what?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, you don't think you can trust me? I want you to know that you can. It's true, I. I've been a long time wanting things, thinking I wanted things.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

What do you want now?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I want to take care of you. Maybe it isn't glamorous, but I want to be your girl. That's what I want for Christmas. And don't you laugh at me.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'm not laughing. Come here.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You close your eyes too, don't you, darling? Why are you frowning? You're still not convinced I didn't kill Lavery?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

How can you think that?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I have to think of everything.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, don't just think of me. Quit being a detective. Please.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I can't till this is over.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You're in love with me. I might have killed someone. But it doesn't matter. It has nothing to do with it. Oh, I was going to be the bright girl with big league boots and a glass heart, stepping over People. It must have been somebody else. I'm gonna start out all over again.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Promise it. Crying.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I always do on Christmas Eve. Oh, I wish I could tell you how I feel.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You mean you've got that I'm scared. But it's wonderful feeling?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Yes, scared. But it.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah, scared.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, you're not scared of me.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I don't know.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I'm glad. It proves how you feel. You see, I'm glad about everything. I've never felt this way before. You go to sleep now. I'll see you in the morning. Good night.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Good night. We were eating breakfast the next morning in the kitchen. She was like a little girl. I don't know. Maybe it was because it was Christmas Day. Anyway, she had our future together all figured out.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

And the first thing we'll do is leave here and go to New York.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah, New York.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Sure.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

What'll we use for money?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, we can start with the story you wrote and go on from there. We'll make lots of money together. We'll own the world.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Sure. And if you're the guilty girl, where does that leave me? Besides, I got another worry this morning.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, what other worry, darling?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Degamo. By now he knows I'm on the loose. He'll start on the prowl for me with a cold, howling heart of hate and a gun full of bullets to stop me from talking about what I don't know.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, but you're safe here. At least for I won't answer it.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You better answer it.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

No.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Adrian, open the door.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Kingsby, let him in.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Just a minute. Darris.

[Philip Marlowe]

What's the idea? I've been phoning you for an hour.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I've had the receiver off.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I thought you might know where I could find Marlo.

[Police Captain/Detective]

He knows.

[Philip Marlowe]

Oh, Marlow. I've been searching everywhere for you. I even went to the police.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, fine.

[Philip Marlowe]

They're looking for you too.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

They happen to follow you here?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yes. Yes. Two detectives have been following me all morning.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Why didn't you invite them up?

[Philip Marlowe]

I don't know what your troubles are, but I have my own.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

All right, let's hear yours.

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, I've been trying to find you because. Well, my wife's in Bay City.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

How do you know?

[Philip Marlowe]

Well, Crystal, Phone me. She's in trouble. The police are after her. She needs money.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

She wants money. Take it to her.

[Philip Marlowe]

With two detectives following me? Oh, no. You're gonna take her the money?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, I am, am I?

[Philip Marlowe]

Look, that's $500 in this envelope. It's all I could raise on a holiday. It's worth anything to me to get it to her.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You've used that word anything a couple of times. How much is anything?

[Philip Marlowe]

You'll get $5,000, Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

That's a deal, Santa Claus.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

What's a deal? I don't want you near her. She's trouble. Two people have been killed already.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Maybe she has some answers. Well, what else can I do? Stay here and let the cops come after me?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, we'll figure out a way for both of us.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

And end up where? And I got it with my teeth kicked in, smelling of whiskey I never drank. Running down alleys. The only way out of this is to see Crystal to south.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, let someone else the money.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Five grand. Just in case my typewriter breaks down and I can't write stuff. It's enough to start on and more

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

than enough to bury you with. No, I won't let you go.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Still trying to make me duck the wind up, eh? Why? Any personal reason?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

No. Don't be ridiculous.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'm not. If I run away and never find the answers, I'll never know for sure about you, will I?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

All right, then go.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Where do I meet your wife, Mr. Kingsby?

[Philip Marlowe]

In front of a cocktail bar called the Peacock Cafe. It's on the Main Boulevard near 14th Street. Here. Take my scarf. Wear it. She'll recognize you.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You leave first. Kingsby, take those detectives on a tour of Chinatown. Keep them following you while I go down to Bay City.

[Philip Marlowe]

Good luck, Marlo.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Thanks.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You realize, of course, it may be a trap that Kingsby set for you himself.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, please don't go.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I told you once, it's everything or nothing. I'm gonna trust you. If you're not on the level, I'll get a head full of bullets if you are. I'll see you in Bay City. Get hold of Captain Kane and come after me.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, how will we know where to fight?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'll make Crystal take me to wherever she's hiding out.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

He'll phone me from there.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Maybe I won't be able to.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, then how will we?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

There's a box of rice in your kitchen. Quoting a girl named From. I read a story once how a detective carried rice around in his pocket. It left a very nice trail. Maybe it'll work again. Are the keys in your car?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Yes.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'll go down the back stairs to the garage. Goodbye, Ms. From. You've been charming company.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Wait.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

This is the payoff, isn't it?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Say that again about the I'm scared, but it's a wonderful feeling.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'm scared. But it's wonderful.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Goodbye.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I didn't have to wait long in front of the Peacock Cafe. The girl hardly glanced at me as she walked over to a shop window next door and stood there waiting. I tried being casual as I sewn it up.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Give me the money.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You get right to the point, don't you, Mrs. Kingsby?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Just hand it over.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Where are you staying?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

What makes it your business?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

An envelope in my pocket with 500 bucks.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

$500?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You want it? Or would you rather just crab about it?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Give it to me.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I will, but not here.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Come on.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

How far is it?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Not far.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I. I promised I'd phone your husband as soon as as I found him.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

He can wait another two minutes. You can phone from my room.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

After you, Mrs. Kingsby.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Close the door.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah. It's kind of hot in here, isn't it?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I wouldn't think of my guest being uncomfortable.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Well, what's out there beyond that window?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

The roof.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You must come again sometime. We'll take a sun bath. Now quit stalling.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

It's convenient having a pair of them, isn't it?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Pair of them?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

A pair of little guns. Little guns that kill just the same as big guns. Why don't you take it out of your coat pocket?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Yes, I will. It is nice, isn't it? Now, if you'll hand over that envelope.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

That was a good act you put on as Mrs. Holbrook, the landlady.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You weren't so bad yourself as the finance company.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

The cops say Labry was killed the night before we met. What I can't figure is what you came back for the next morning.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I was looking for money. And I still am.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'd be crazy to carry any money with me. Think of my trading position.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Where is it? If you haven't got that money, you'll what?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Shoot me?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Don't you think I will?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Sure I do, Mildred.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

What?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I said, sure I do, Mildred. You don't think I really believe your Crystal Kingsby, do you? Although Kingsby believed it when you talked to him on the phone, didn't he? No. You're Mildred Haviland. You murdered the Aloa woman.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I didn't. She was asphyxiated in a car. It was an accident.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

And the lady in the lake, instead of being you, is Crystal Kingsby. Was that an accident?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Yes. Yes, it was. Crystal and I, we. We traded clothes one night. And she had on my things and I had on hers. And we went across the lake to see if we could fool Bill. Bill Chess, my husband.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

And Crystal fell in the lake and sank to the bottom.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Yes. Yes, she did. I didn't know what to do.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

So you ran away to El Paso. You met Lavery there. His death was an accident too, I suppose. He took a gun into the shower, bathroom.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I don't know. I don't know.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Avery was the only man who knew the real identity of the lady in the lake, wasn't he, Mildred?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I'm through talking. And you'd better have that money on you.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You can't shoot, Mildred. Not with a safety catch on. Here, let me fix.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I'll kill you.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Come out of your head.

[Commercial Voice (Pabst Blue Ribbon)]

Come on.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Let me give you a tip, Mildred. Never try to shoot a man when he's looking at you. I'm frightened.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, I'm so frightened. Get me out of here, Please. Please take me with you.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'll bet that act went over big with Lavy.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Please.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

It went over big with Dagarmo, too, didn't it?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

DeGarmo.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

He covered up for you on the Al Moore case. Every time you look at a man, he falls over, doesn't he, Mildred?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I'm a nice girl. You don't understand me. I'm a nice girl.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah, you're a lovely girl. I'd like to play dolls with you. Who's that? The cops, Mildred. I invited them here to meet Crystal Kingsby. They're gonna be quite surprised to see you.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

No. Oh, no, you wouldn't.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Come in, Adrian. And bring the gallant Captain Kane with you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Get him up.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Marlon de Garmo. Honey. Hit him with that gun, honey. Kill him. Kill him.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Stay just where you are, Millie.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Don't talk to me like that, sweetheart.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Degamo doesn't like you anymore, Mildred.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Yes, he does. Don't you, honey? You weren't expecting Da Gamo, were you? He was expecting the other cops, honey, not you.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

It's been a long time since he's seen you, Mildred. Ever since you double crossed him. You ran away and changed your name from Mildred to Muriel and married that poor little guy named Chess. Da Gama's been looking for you.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Have you, honey?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Why don't you laugh, Mildred? Like he's laughing?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Take care of him, William. Let's get out of here.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

We're not going anyplace. I thought you were dead. I wish you were. Because you're a murderer. And this time, dead's the way I'm gonna leave you.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Oh, that's crazy. You're talking crazy.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I went crazy the night Florence Almond died. And you made a clown out of me. Even after you ran away, I still loved you. You made a bad cop out of me, Millie, but this is the end of it. Don't do it, degamo. She's the killer. Don't get yourself in any more trouble. Take her in if you're a good cop. Lay off, people. The Al Moore case won't come up. They'll convict her for Crystal Kingsby's murder or labories.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

You'll be cleared.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'll be clear.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Clear?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

This is her gun. If she dies by it and you die by it, I'll be clear. Because I'll be the officer who investigates. You're a fool, De Garo. I'm no fool. And I'll be a good cop. I'll be the best cop in the world. But she isn't gonna hurt anybody again.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

No.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

No, please don't. Honey, I love you.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

I'm your girl.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I would never.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

First you cover up a murder for her and then you kill her. It doesn't make any sense, does it, degamo? Some things don't. Petticoat fever, eh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

We all get it, people. We all get it. I once had petticoat fever myself. They took a chance and lost. When you walked in that door instead of Cain a lot of things suddenly ended for me. I'm scared. But it isn't wonderful anymore. I'll say you lost my drunk driving frame. Didn't stick, but this one will. How does it feel dying in the dirty middle of somebody else's love affair? I don't want to seem selfish, but I'm thinking of my own. I followed your ice here, Marlow. Thanks a lot. I followed it and I kicked it into the street so nobody else would follow it. So don't be expecting any friends or relations. How did you know about it? How do you suppose? Your girl, Adrian. That's a lie. How else do you think I know? That was a cheap gag, that rice. But that's the way all private dicks end up. A last cheap trick. A cheap double cross. You're in the same boat I am. But you're gonna be in it dead. Cain. I never thought you'd get here. Gags. Still thinking of Gags. You want me to turn around, huh? There's nobody out on that roof. How crazy do you think I am? Be careful, Kane. That gun of his is pointed right at me. Cut it out, Marlow. Get him with the first slug, Kane, or he'll get me. I'm getting you right now, Gags. Nothing but gags. Marlowe, you all right? Yeah, I'm all right. What about him? Take a look. For his sake, I hope he's dead.

[Police Captain/Detective]

I'd have been here a lot sooner, but he messed up your trailer. Rice, you got the story on all this?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah, I got the story.

[Police Captain/Detective]

All right, let's have it.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'll write it. I'll see that you get the first copy fresh out of the typewriter.

[Police Captain/Detective]

What about her?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

This dame? Mildred Havin. She murdered the Alo woman, Crystal Kingsby and Chris Lavery.

[Police Captain/Detective]

DeGarmo killed her?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah. He had a wonderful motive. He was in love with her. Well, I had promised Cain the first copy, and there it is. The grammar may not be so hot, but I'll let Adrian. Oh, yeah. You're wondering about her, aren't you? About Adrian? De Gamo had said she tipped him off. What had happened was that degamo had overheard Adrian's phone call to Cain. That's how degamo got to me first. Those things happen sometimes. But, Adrian, I.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Come in.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Come in. Have you got the tickets?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Yes. To New York? One way.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Are you scared?

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Mm.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

But it's wonderful.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

In just a moment, our stars will return for their curtain calls with a very important announcement for next week. Ladies, are you in? Leafer Brothers Sensational fur coat contestants. Remember, they're giving away $100,000 worth of furs and cash every week for four more weeks.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

First prize every week is a $3,000 mink coat.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Next, prizes are three fur coats worth $1,000 apiece. Fur jackets, fur scarves and 250 crisp ten dollar bills. 329 prizes every week.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You're just in time to get in on the second of five big weekly contests. 1645 prizes in all. So hurry.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Your entry for this week's contest must be received by midnight, February 16. Entries received after that date will be entered in next week's contest.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You still have a chance to win over 1300 prizes.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

It's easy to win. Here's all you do on entry. Blank available from your dealer or any piece of paper. Write 25 words or less telling why you like any of six famous lever products. Luxe Flakes, Lux Toilet Soap, Lifebuoy, Rinse O Swan or Spry. You can send in as many letters as you wish. Just be sure to enclose with each one a box top or wrapper from any one of these six products. Print your name and address on your letter together with the name and address of the dealer from whom you buy your lever products. Mail your letter together with box top or wrapper to Lever Leverage Lever fur contest. Box 1, New York 8th, New York.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Only residents of the continental United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, are eligible. These contests are subject to all federal, state and local regulations and to complete rules printed on official entry blanks which you can get from your dealer. Winners of the big prizes will be announced on this program.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Here's our producer, William Keeley.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

In this season of awards, I wish we had a special radio award for tonight's stars who gave such thrilling performances in lady in the Lake, Bob Montgomery and Audrey Totter. Bob, as one director to another, you deserve an orchid for your fine job of directing lady in the Lake for the screen as well as acting in it.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Well, thank you, Bill. It did give me a chance to use a camera technique that I'd always been interested in.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

You mean letting the audience see the action through the hero's eyes?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You might call it audience participation.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Whatever happens to me in the picture

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

happens to the audience, which is quite an experience for moviegoers.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Well, it was quite an experience for me kissing a man who wasn't there and talking to a camera, Lynn.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

But I'm sure, Audrey, that every man in the audience got quite a thrill from the illusion of playing opposite Audrey Totter on the screen. Tell me, Bob, are you going to use that same technique again sometime?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Well, it's a little early to say, Bill, but Audrey and I are currently making a picture together at Universal International called the Saxon Charm, which we look

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

forward to with great interest.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Bill, John Kennedy mentioned earlier a very important announcement about next week.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yes, something special coming up on Luxury,

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

one of the most exciting evenings of the year. In fact, one of the year's outstanding events in radio. Not because we say so, but because theater goers all over America have said so in selecting their favorite motion picture for 1947.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Now, what picture is it? Bill, don't keep us in suspense.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

I'm sorry, Audrey, but we're pledged to secrecy.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

You mean you can't tell us a thing about it?

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

No, you'll have to use your imagination. But I can assure you it's the motion picture that moviegoers of America voted most popular of all in 1947. Not only that, but we're presenting it with two of America's best loved stars who helped to make the picture so delightful.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

How was the picture selected, Bill?

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

Through a nationwide poll conducted by Dr. George Gallup's audience Research Incorporated for Photoplay magazine. The winner to receive Photoplay's coveted Gold Medal award. The name will be announced in Photoplay magazine's next issue, which reaches the stands this Wednesday, February 11, till then our lips are sealed. Except to say that it's the play that our audience themselves selected, the one above all others you'll most want to hear with two superlative and famous stars.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You've got me so curious now I've got to listen, Bill.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I certainly wouldn't miss it, Bill. Good night.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

Good night. And be sure to listen in. Next Monday, Lelever Brothers Company, the makers of Lux Flakes, join me in inviting you to be with us again next Monday evening when the Lux Radio Theater presents with two great stars, the screenplay America voted as its favorite during 1947. This is William Keeley saying good night to you from Hollywood.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

If you're a Young man From 17 to 31, the United States Navy offers you perhaps the greatest opportunity of your life to continue your education, enjoy high pay, clean living, travel and adventure in a service that has won the admiration

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

of the the world.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Get in touch with your nearest Navy recruiting office for full information on life in America's great peacetime Navy. Audrey Totter appeared by arrangement with Metro Goldwyn Mayor, producers of Sinclair Lewis cast Timberlane, starring Spencer Tracy and Lana Turner. Heard in our cast tonight were Tom Tully as Captain Kane, Gerald Moore as Kingsby, Bill Johnstone as DeGarmo, Francis Robinson as Mildred and George Neece, Eddie Marr, Robert Griffin, Janet Scott, Herbert Butterfield and Marie Windsor. Our music was directed by Louis Silvers. This program is rebroadcast to our men and women overseas through the worldwide facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. And this is your announcer, John Milton Kennedy, reminding you to join us again next Monday night to hear America's favorite screenplay of 1947. Pepsident one by three to one.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Yes.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

In a recent survey, families throughout America compared new Pepsodent toothpaste with the brands they'd been using at home by an overwhelming average of 3 to 1. They preferred new Pepsodent with Erium over any other brand they tried. They said new Pepsidin toothpaste.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Tastes better, makes breath cleaner, makes teeth brighter.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Yes.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

With families who made comparison tests, Pepsodent won by 3 to 1. Be sure to listen next Monday night to the Lux Radio Theater presentation of America's most popular screenplay of 1947. Stay tuned for my friend Irma, which follows immediately over most of these stations. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

You're twice as sure with two great names, Frigidaire and General Motors. Frigidaire brings you Hollywood star time at this new hour. Today we present Murder My Sweet, starring Dick Powell and Mary Aster with Mike Mi. Each week at this new hour Frigidaire brings you you direct from Hollywood. Radio versions of the finest motion pictures with Hollywood's greatest stars. Today, Hollywood Star Time brings you a radio production based on the exciting RKO picture Murder, My Sweet, starring Dick Powell and Mary Aster. With Mike Misurki. RKO also are producers of the current picture release, Batman's Territory. Now, in just a moment, Murder My

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Sweet,

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

You're twice as sure with two great names, Frigidaire and General Motors. Frigidaire, the greatest name in refrigeration is made only by General Motors. And it is this association of experience with experience, of skill with skill that makes Frigidaire America's favorite reflection refrigerator. Today, the 7 million Frigidaires built and sold are the best proof of Frigidaire's outstanding record of dependability, of lasting satisfaction. For back of every great refrigeration principle pioneered by Frigidaire. Back of every exciting new Frigidaire feature. Back of every exclusive Frigidaire advantage is one all important purpose to keep food good to eat. Remember this when you choose your new refrigerator. Remember the record of millions of Frigidaires in millions of American kitchens. And remember, you're twice as sure with two great names for Frigidaire is made only by General Motors. Now, murder My Sweet, starring Dick Powell and Mary Aster. With Mike Mazurki. The colorful news grand scores conducted by Lionel Newman.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Now, let's see. Even a nightmare's got to make some sense. Yes, I see. Well, there was that first night at the office. I was getting ready to close up shop for the night when all of a sudden he was standing there.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

It's the thing.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

About 7ft tall and broad in proportion and dressed to kill. His eyes were flat and dull. His body was all brute power. This was brute, almost brainless power. This was danger.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

You. Hey, you.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

What brings you here, big one?

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

You're a private eye, huh? You're a private detective, huh?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I looked at his hands. Hands that could crush a man's skull with a blow. I nodded.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I seen your name on a blackboard downstairs. I come up to see you.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Yeah? What's on your mind?

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I like you to look for somebody.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Well, I'm closed up, pal. Come around tomorrow. We'll talk about it.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I look for her where she used to work. But I've been out of touch.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

Okay, pal.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Tomorrow I like to show you where she worked.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Look, man, Martin, I just told you, I'm all.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I'd like you to look for her tonight.

[Philip Marlowe]

Look for Who?

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Dama. I'd like to show you where she worked at Florian's place eight years ago. You come on. I pay a good look.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

Money, see?

[Commercial Voice (Fitch's Shaving Cream)]

Money.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Oh, yeah, I remember money. It used to be fun. All right, come on, show me this. Florian's place where Velma used to work. Florian's place where Velma used to work eight years ago. A cheap beer joint run by a Mrs. Florian. Old mother witch in the flesh or some poor relation. I told her who we were and what we wanted.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Look, fella, I'm sorry about your girl. I know how you feel, but I

[Anne Grail (female character)]

told her she ain't here.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

She used to work here.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Ah, come on, pal. Eight years is a lot of gin. They don't know anything about Velma here.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Who asked you to stick your face in?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Well, you did. Remember me? I'm the guy that came in with you, Chunky. You hired me.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

What are you cup.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Phillip Marlo, private investigator. Don't be vulgar. My card.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Get out of here, Marlo.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Never heard of you. And get out.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Look, sister, what about this Velma Valento?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

I never knew no Velma Valento.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

And get out of here with that oversized gorilla.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

You don't call me names like that. You don't call Moose Manoir names like that, see?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Come on, get out of here before

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I call the cops.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

The cops?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Yeah, the cops. The real cops with buttons.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

No copsy, no cops.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Easy, easy, easy, Moose. Take it easy. Let's get out of here.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Dumb the work here. She liked me. She was going to marry me.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Come on, let's get out.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

And I don't want no tin horn private detectives nosing around this respectable joint establishment, see?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Look, Moose, what about this Velma?

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

You find her, huh? But no cop, see?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Was Velma in some mess with you eight years ago?

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I've been away eight years, see?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Oh, oh, sure, I get it now. How do I get in touch with you?

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I get in touch with you.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Okay, okay. I'll work on it, big boy. I'll work on it. But in the morning. I forgot about that king size eight man at Old Mother Witch. Mrs. Florian. I had a different kind of a client. His name was Lindsay Marriott and he was prettier than a summer sunrise. But he looked like money, so I listened to him.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Your job is quite simple, Mr. Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I'm meeting a man in a canyon

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

near Malibu shortly after midnight.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I'm paying him some money.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Blackmail?

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Not at all.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Some jewels were stolen from a lady friend of mine and a hold up.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I'm meeting the thieves and buying the jewels back.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's that simple.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

It's that illegal too. Marriott, but for a hundred dollar fee to be your bodyguard. Sure, I'll tag along.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Just for the ride.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

And that's how Marriott and I came to be in the darkest Fog Canyon in California that night. That's how I happened to catch a blackjack. Right behind the ear.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Oh.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

What's the matter?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Are you all right?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

What's the matter?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Are you all right?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

What's the matter?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Are you all right?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Huh? Who are you?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Oh, I thought.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Oh.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Hey. Hey, you, whoever you are, come back. I got up, staggered to Marriott's car. I looked in. Marriott was dead. No one but an amateur would have slugged a man with a blackjack. As often as Marriott had been hit, I felt like a doctor who'd lost his patient. I went to the police, told them what little I knew and went back to my office the next morning. But I hadn't heard the last of Mr. Lindsay Marriott. The late lamented Philip Marlowe investigations. Marlow talking.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Mr. Marlow, I'd like very much to speak to you sometime today.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Who's this talking?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Mrs. Helen Longstreet. It was my jade necklace that Lindsay Marriott was trying to buy back when he was murdered.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Oh, I'll be right over.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

You don't know the address.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Let me find out myself. It's more fun that way. I'll be seeing you, Mrs. Longstreet. Offhand, Mrs. Longstreet, how much would you say the jade necklace was worth at the prevailing market?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Oh, $100,000.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Do you suppose we should bother with it?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

You know, you're quite different for a detective. Nice.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Tell me about the hold up.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

I'd been out dancing with Marriott. He was bringing me home when a car on Santa Monica Boulevard forced us to the curb. Some men pointed guns and took the necklace.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Then they got in touch with you and offered to sell it back to you, is that right?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Yes. I asked Marriott to represent me. He hired you as his bodyguard, that's all.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I'm sorry I didn't do better by your boyfriend.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Lindsay Marriott was not my. He was a heel. Such a nice heel.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I didn't know there were varieties.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

I called to ask you if you will continue in your efforts to help me get my jade back.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Is this for love or is it for money?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Well, you might buy me a drink somewhere and we talk things over. Philip, isn't it?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Yeah, yeah, that's right. Of the Hoboken Marlows. Okay. When do you want to See me, shall we?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Make it soon.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Look me up anytime. I'm in the book. Don't think it hasn't been captivated, Mrs. Longstreet.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Oh, are you going? Well, thank you so much for coming over.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Philip and I had a nice time at your party.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

You're hired, of course. At whatever price.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Thanks. I hope you get value for your money.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

I will.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Marriott didn't.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Hey, hey.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Hey, you. Stop running.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

All right. Don't let her hear you in there.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Who are you?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Oh, your voice, please.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Who are you and why were you listening outside this door? Here.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Let go. My wrist.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

What's your name?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Anne Grail. I'm. I'm confidential secretary to Mr. And Mrs. Longstreet.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Why were you just eavesdropping on us?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I can't talk to you here. Can you meet me at the Five Ravens Club at nine tonight?

[Philip Marlowe]

All right?

[Commercial Voice (Pabst Blue Ribbon)]

All right.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

All right, Annie, It's a date. Meanwhile, don't get caught looking through any strange keyholes.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Yes, sir.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

How many, please?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Two.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I'm waiting for a lady. Two in a far corner.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

Yes, sir.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Thank you, sir. I'll call you when your table is ready.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

Yeah.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Hey, you. Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Moose, what are you doing here?

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

You come with me, huh?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Listen, let go of my arm. I got a date.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Ditched up, babe.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Look, I'm a big boy now. I blow my own nose and everything. Now, stop following me or I'll get mad.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Ditched up, babe. I'd like you to come with me.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Take it easy on that arm bone crusher. Another 10 seconds and gang green will set in.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I like you to come with me, see?

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

Okay.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Okay.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Come on.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, just wait.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Like it to be your size. You'll be sorry. Listen, Moose, this is a nice fancy auto you got. Runs just like new. But I'd like to get out now.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Okay. Where's Velma?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I told you, I don't know. No, haven't been working on it.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Someone calls me up on a telephone.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

Yeah?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Who called you up on the telephone?

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Someone says you got Velma.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Yeah?

[Police Captain/Detective]

Who?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Oh, well, I'm getting out here anyway. But I'm just curious to know who tipped you off.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

You tell me now, Moose.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Lego my neck.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

You tell me where to find Velma now, Moose.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Lay off and stop dancing with me.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Moose.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Bring me Velma.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I don't know where she is.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I'll kill you, Moose.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'll kill you.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Tomorrow.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Didn't you expect to see me alive again?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Where were you tonight?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I waited for you in a ditch. Where A gent named Moose Malloy Left me for dead. Know anything about it?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

What are you talking about?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

How about inviting me into your cozy little apartment?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

It's 4 o' clock in the morning.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

No. Listen, sister, you're a hot rock. I ought to toss you to the cops, but I'm going to give you a chance. Are you going to let me in now or not?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Come in.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

What's the matter? Are you all right?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Yeah, I'm all. Hey. Say that again.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

What?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

What's the matter? Are you all right?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Now I remember you. You were out in the canyon the night Lindsay Marriott was murdered, weren't you?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I didn't kill Marriott.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Just answer my question.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Yes, I was out there.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Why?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Well, I. I'd overheard Mr. And Mrs. Longstreet talking about something going on out there involving Marriott. I went there too because I didn't want anything to happen.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Like the old boy killing Marriott for playing around with his beautiful young wife, the fair Helen.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Yes. I wasn't going to let Lindsay Marriott ruin that nice old man's life as he ruined my father.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Oh, so Marriott hurt your father?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Marriott killed my father.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Oh, so you killed Marriott.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

No, no, I know.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Then tell me you haven't got a motive. Then just tell it to me any way you like.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

All right, all right. My father. Father was a very sweet, a very gentle soul. Not very wise sometimes. One night I was in finishing school. Then one night, Father was driving one of his customers home. She'd been visiting his brewery. She was a dreadful woman who ran a beer joint, but a customer.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Beer joint, Woman. Oh, just for the fun of it. Annie. Does the name Mrs. Florian mean anything to you?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

No.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Oh, go on.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Well, to make it short, Father ran over a little girl that night. He wanted to report her to the police. But this horrible woman played on his fears what it would mean to my future and he lost his head.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Hit and run, huh?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Yes, you can guess the rest. Blackmail to the very end, the very death.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

How does Marriott get into it?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Well, Marriott used to be a small time talent agent. Booking acts into fifth rate joints like that woman's. She told Marriott they entered into a blackmail plot against Mary. Had a girlfriend, a dancer who was costing him a lot of money.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

How did he kill your father?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Do you know anything about beer?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Oh, only what I get in a tall glass.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Well, they let the mash ferment in great wooden vats. When they draw off the liquid, the gas of fermentation is left in the bottom of a tank.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Yeah, I know, I know. Carbon dioxide, CO2. It's heavy and stays in those vats a long time if it isn't let out.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Well, when I was a little girl, Father always warned me never to climb down in of those great tanks. The suffocation death in the bottom of those tanks. Found father in one of the empty fermentation tanks. Dead.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

It could have been an accident.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Could have been. But it wasn't. Marriott had finally ruined his father. Committed suicide that way. The next Tillotson Brewery closed. Proudly passed. It's near here. It's on Lombardy Street.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Max Tillotson, your father. But your name is Grail.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I changed it to Grail when I came to work for Mr. Longstreet.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Why?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Because I wanted to be near Marriott. To see what I could see. To bide my time.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Well, I was working for Longstreet. Going to bring you close to Marriott.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Mr. Longstreet had married a beautiful blonde ex dancer.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Marriott's old girlfriend, Helen. Oh, oh, the Greeks. And I have another name for her. Velma. Velma Valento.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Velma Valento.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Helen Longstreet sicced that gorilla Moose Malloy on me. Did you tell her you were going to meet me at the Five Ravens?

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

No, no.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

But I always tell Mr. Longstreet where I'll be.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Oh, sure, sure. I'm beginning to get it now. Helen used to work at a place called Mrs. Florian's. Mrs. Florian was the hag that tipped off Marriott to the blackmail scheme. And your father? Helen used to call herself Velma. She got in a jam with Moose Malloy and she's got probably wanted by the police. Mrs. Florian and Marriott have been blackmailing her.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

Sure, why not?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

She's married to a rich man. When I went to Mrs. Florian's with Moose looking for Velma, the old hag called Helen to warn her that someone was on a trail.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Why?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Why, Helen is their meal ticket. Helen told Marriott to take me out to the canyon to murder me. Helen double crossed him and killed him. One blackmailer out of the way. See, it all ties together.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Yes, darling, doesn't it?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Helen, put down that gun.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Moose reported that he'd killed you, Philip.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Oh, well then Moose can't work on my newspaper.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Put down that gun.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

It was thoughtful of me to check here at Ann's apartment, wasn't it? Oh, I learned ever so much outside the door.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Well, Velma, what are you planning to do with that.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

32?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Anything substantial.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Why, Philip, darling, what's a gun for under the circumstances? Circumstances? Except murder. Murder, my sweet,

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

In just a few moments, Princess Frigidaire will bring you the Second act of Murder My Sweet Starring Dick Powell and Mary Astor. With Mike Misurki. Frigidaire, one of America's great household names. Pioneered many of the great refrigeration developments that add so much to American living. Today, there is no more important example than the Meter Miser. Frigidaire's famous coal making mechanism. Consider its name, Meter Miser. Stingy with current. A miser on operating cost. Producing oceans of cold on a mere trickle of current. When Frigidaire engineers set out to design a mechanism. They wanted one that would do away with complicated parts and the trouble they cause. They set out to develop a mechanism that would do away with oiling and fans and belts and pulleys. And they succeeded. They made the Meter Miser so dependable that it can be sealed for life. Sealed in a bath of oil. So economical that it uses no more current than an ordinary light bulb. That's how the Meter Miser earned its name. That's why it is called the simplest refrigerator mechanism ever built. So when you choose your new refrigerator, remember, only Frigidaire has the Meter Miser. And remember, you're twice as sure with two great names. For Frigidaire is made only by General Motors. Hollywood star time continues with a radio production based on the rko picture murder, my sweet. Starring dick powell and mary astor. With mike misurki. Mike misurki's may be seen in the rko picture sinbad the sailor. Now act two. Murder, my sweets.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Helen Longstreet, alias Velma Valento, was holding a.32 gun on us. And I knew that a woman who could double cross Marriott and blackjack him to death wouldn't stop there. I also knew that eight years ago she'd been in some criminal jam. With her dim brained giant of a boyfriend, Moose Malloy. She stood there smiling, then gestured toward Anne and the telephone.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Anne, darling, be an angel and call a number for me. Greenbrier 3344.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

No calling Mus, are you?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Will you dial the number, Anne?

[Police Captain/Detective]

Go ahead.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Do it, Ann. I want to see what happens. You sicked your big boyfriend on me earlier tonight, didn't you?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Oh, no, Mrs. Florian did. I called Mrs. Florian and she called Moose.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

You don't mean to say you're gonna let Moose hear your voice.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Now then, here's your number.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Thank you, dear. Hello, Moose? This is Velma. Velma? Yes. I can't speak louder, dear. I'm being held prisoner. Yes, by that cheap detective, Marlowe. No, you didn't kill him.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

He's here.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

1910 Shoreview Drive. The ground floor. Hurry, darling. I love you. Hurry. Moose will be here in 10 minutes. So?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Moose will be here in 10 minutes. He'll break me to pieces. But you'll go back to the old life with Moose. What's the percentage?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

We'll wait five minutes and make another telephone call.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Why?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

What's up?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

You'll see, Philip. Just relax for five minutes. The five minutes are up. Call the police, Anne.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

I won't. I don't know what deviltry you're up to now, but I won't help you with it anymore.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Call the police, Anne.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Go ahead, Ann. I. I like to watch Helen works.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Give me the police department, please.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Watch some real technique. Philip, my sweet.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Here's the phone.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Thank you.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Hello, police?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Quick.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Something terrible is happening here.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I think I catch on.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Two men are fighting here over some woman. They're killing each other.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

1910 Shore Drive.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Hurry. Hurry.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Uh huh.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I. I think I follow you.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Of course you do, darling. Moose comes in, breaks you in two. Then the police come in and arrest Moose for the murder of Philip Marlow. Neat.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Neat.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Now, Philip, if you'll put your hands up and clasp them behind your head, I'll relieve you of the gun in your shoulder holster. Thank you, dear.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Velma.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Moose.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Oh, I'm so glad you came, Velma.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

You look just like you used to look eight years ago. Only more fancy.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Gee, he was keeping me prisoner, Moose.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

He wouldn't let me get to you.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Him, huh?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I don't like that.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

See, Moose?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

It isn't true.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Now, look here, chum. Velma's playing you for a sucker.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Don't believe him, Moose. He's clever. He's smart.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I gave you money to find Velma.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

That's right.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

But all the time you cheated me.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Huh?

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Listen, Jumbo, get this. Velma is married.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

He's a liar.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

You're a liar, sir.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

See? Velma says you're a liar. You're a liar.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Get him, Moose.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Get him.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I'm gonna hurt you, Moose.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Keep away.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I'm gonna hurt you.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Stop.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Save yourself.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

It's the only way.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Run for it.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Run.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I'll see you later, Annie.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Stop him.

[Commercial Voice (Fitch's Shaving Cream)]

Moose.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

The window. The window.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

What?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Go get him, Moose.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Go get him.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Yeah, yeah, I'll get him.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

I'll hurt him.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I'm supposed to be a pretty sharp cookie. A thinker, a brain boy. But if I was so smart, why couldn't I shake this Moose Malloy?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Don't run away.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

I'll get you.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I'm big enough. I'm in pretty good shape. But that thing, out of a nightmare, wasn't human. That was the answer. He wasn't human. He was a wild animal. But without a gun in his hands, a civilized man is no match for a tiger. This was the city. This was Moose's jungle. And he was gonna trap me in its destination.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

Deserted Alice.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Trap me and break me to pieces.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Don't run away.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

It's no use. I'll get you.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I had one weapon. My brain. My memory.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Max Tillotson Brewery. Near here. It's on Lombardy Street.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

This was Lombardy Street.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Found father in one of those empty fermentation tanks.

[Commercial Voice (Pabst Blue Ribbon)]

Dead.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Lombardy street was a blind alley. Only a heavy iron bound door at the end.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

The breweries.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

If the door was locked, I was trapped.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Now.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Now I got you, huh? Now I get you.

[Philip Marlowe]

Now.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

I flung myself at the door. It held. Again. Again it moved. I. I found the big fermentation tanks. Upstairs on the second floor, past another heavy oak door. I flashed my light at one of the huge wooden vats, dusty with age and disuse. I heard the oak door slam in the distance. Moose was inside. He was coming toward me in the darkness. Then I let out a yell to let Moose know where I was.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Moose. Help.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I'm falling.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Then I climbed down the yarn ladder into the mat.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Hope.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Hope the best.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Hope.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Hope. Hope.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Down.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Down.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Down. Into the big tank. Down.

[Philip Marlowe]

Marlo.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Hold your breath.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Marlo.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Save it.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

You'll need it. All of it.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

That's death down there.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Suffocation.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

Down. Down. Down.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Hide on Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

On the bottom of the floor.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

Easy.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Save your friend. Save it.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Hey, you down there. I got you now, huh?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Ariel.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Here he comes.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

He's coming now. It's getting tough.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Tough.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Hold your breath.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Milo. Hold it.

[Commercial Voice (Pabst Blue Ribbon)]

Hold it.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Got you now, huh? Break in pieces, huh? Like to see you run away now, huh? Huh? You get up. Chief Detective. Get up. Get up.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I can't.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Joking. It's funny.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I can't breathe. I can't. I can't breathe. He's done for.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

The Cassie's got him now.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Get out of here, Mom.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Get up off that floor, boy.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

A ladder.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

A ladder.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Climb.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Climb up.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Step up. I can't.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I can't stand it anymore.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

Air.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, I can breathe.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Air.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Well, that's all, I guess. The cops had arrived just after I jumped through Anne's Wonder with Moose Malloy after me. They were just leaving when I got back. Helen hadn't expected me. Back. We don't expect Helen back from where she is. Not for a long, long time. What about that, Anne.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

What?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

About what? In just a minute, mister.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

What's the matter? I'm repulsive. Why am I?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Huh?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

A gentleman always takes his gun from his shoulder holster before he kisses a girl.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Yeah.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

Thank you, Dick Powell, Mary Astor and Mike Berzerki for your splendid performances on this Frigidaire program today. Dick Powell will be back in just a moment. Also, may we express our appreciation to the other members of the cast, Lorene Tuttle, Martha Wentworth and Jimmy Eagles. Due to conflicting commitments, Joan Bennett was unable to appear. As previously announced, this radio adaptation of Murder My Sweet came to you direct from Hollywood and was written by Milton Geiger with music supervised by Lionel Newman. The entire production was under the direction of Robert L. Redd. Mary Astor appeared through the courtesy of MGM producers of Two Sisters From Boston. Dick Powell appeared through the courtesy of his regular sponsor, FW Fitch, and currently may be seen in the RKO production Cornered. Hollywood Star Time is presented each week with the best wishes of your Frigidaire dealer. We invite you to come in and learn about the famous line of Frigidaire home appliances, electric refrigerators, electric ranges, electric water heaters, home freezers and a wide variety of refrigerating and air conditioning equipment for homes, farms, stores, offices and factories. Here again is Dick Powell. Well, Dick, you've certainly turned into a radio veteran these days. Your own regular broadcast each Thursday night. And then guest appearances on shows like Hollywood Star Time.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

That's right. When. And I've turned into a listening fan, too. A radio in every room in the house. Oh, which reminds me, when I go home this evening, I'll make a note on my listening schedule to tune in Hollywood Star Time next Saturday. I want to be sure to hear Olivia de Havilland when she does Morning Glory. So until later, Wendell. I'll say goodbye for now, okay?

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

Hey, Dick. And thanks again. This is Wendell Nile speaking for Frigidaire, made only by General Motors. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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 of the grave. There's no other end. But they never learn.

From the pen of Raymond Chandler, outstanding author of crime fiction, comes his most famous character in the Adventures of Philip Marlowe. Now with Gerald Moore starred as Philip Marlowe, we bring you tonight's exciting story, the Uneasy Head.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Hey, Slattery, you letting a body?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I should be neglecting a regular client.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Okay, okay, everybody relax. Remember them Also, sir will only stand around and wait. I'm calling them like I see him. Now you try again, chum. Another shot.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Say, Slattery, you happen to know a guy named Sammy Archer? I was supposed to meet him here at 6. That was an hour ago.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Hey, Archie, another shot. How's yours, friend?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Rye.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Wander on the side.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Rye and the little help.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Slattery, I asked you a question.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Listen, chum, I shall win. I sell gin, I sell beer. Pretzels I give away, but only pretzels. If you're busting with questions, try Louis.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Louis.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

And a punk in the corner there, the guy with the patent leather hair, Louie. Welcomes visitors. Now, you want to pay for this drink?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, wouldn't miss it for the world. Mind it for me, will you?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Hey, round boy. I'm gonna forget I'm a lady.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Your name Louis?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

That's me.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Slattery tells me you might have some information I want.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

Could be.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

What race?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Don't want any dope on ponies, Louie. I'm looking for a guy.

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

A guy?

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

Like who?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Archer. Sammy Archer.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

Do you know him?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

No.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

What's the matter?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

You welch on a bet?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

No.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, thanks anyway, Louie.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I got something good at Belmont.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

If you check your beer twice, bourbon once around. Coming up now. No luck, huh, chum? I thought maybe Louis could help you. He knows everyone in town.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, well, here's the Sammy Archer, A guy I never met.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

How.

[Narrator/Announcer]

So long, chum.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah, yeah.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Don't go away mad, huh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, not a chance, Slattery. After all, you. Hey, what kind of Scotch was that? Tastes. Tastes like boiled cabbage heads. Slattery, what did you drink? It was dope. Are you no good too?

[Police Captain/Detective]

Timing.

[Narrator/Announcer]

For a long time. A hundred years, maybe. I felt good. The temple was beautiful. Chinese beautiful everywhere. Lacquered woodwork that had the deep bottomless luster of a pigeon. Blood ruby. And a thousand shelves filled with 10,000 smiling ivory Buddhas. And a lovely streamlined dancing girl beaming in a white silk Mandarin robe, waiting my pleasure. But then suddenly, the hundred years ran out. The lacquered woodwork was a bar. The boaters lines of whiskey bottles. A white silk Mandarin gown and apron. The lovely dancing girl. Slattery.

[Police Captain/Detective]

No.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Easy.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Easy now.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Come on.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah.

[Police Captain/Detective]

Yeah.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Charm. Come on. Try this. It'll bring you around.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, yeah. Thanks a. Oh, it's you. How dumb do you think I am? Slattery?

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Hey, hey, easy. No. No way. You got it wrong, chum. I didn't sleep you that Mickey. Come on now. Lay back. You're gonna be okay.

[Narrator/Announcer]

How long have I been out?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, about an hour.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

You're in the storeroom behind the bar. Now just take it slow, Mr. Marlow.

[Narrator/Announcer]

How do you know my name?

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Well, I checked your wallet when you folded, chum. I saw you with a big shot private dick from Hollywood. Yeah, that gave you my vote.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Really?

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Oh, yeah, yeah, I heard all about you, Mr. Marlowe. The time you nailed that lousy Paul Miles who was hitting all the bars for some old time protection.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah, but you.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

You should have said to your. You was.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Hey, Slattery, got any idea who got to my drink?

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

No, it must have been the bird next to you. Rye and water on the side, you know.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Here, come on, help me out.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Yeah, sure.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

That is, you know.

[Narrator/Announcer]

There we are.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

No, no, never seen him before. He shoved off when you went to see Louie.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What he looked like, Slattery? Thank.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Oh, well, he smoked a cigar. Yeah, he had kind of a red face and was wearing a camel hair overcoat. Oh yeah? Yeah, he was nervous. He kept playing with a book of matches. He tore them out one at a time and then he bent them up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Bent him up, huh?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You don't know his name, where he hangs out?

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

No, zero, chum. Except that Louie heard him ask someone about how to get to palm springs. But Mr. Marlow, I do know about Sammy Archer.

[Commercial Voice (Ex Lax)]

You do?

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Yeah. I didn't want to Talk up before

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. Marlowe because I didn't know you, Slattery. Where can I find Archer?

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Well, you ain't putting him on the spot for someone, eh?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, no, nothing like that. He called my office today. Said he had some kind of a business deal with a guy he didn't trust. Wanted me to meet him here at the bar, get the details and play bodyguard. Now come on. Tell me, Slattery, who is Archer? Where can I find him?

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

He's a second story man, Mr. Marlow.

[Narrator/Announcer]

He's a. You mean that?

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Yeah, he knocks off fancy places. Beverly Hills. Most of the time he's strictly a prowler.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, fine.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Well, you could probably Tag him over. 31 West Grand. He's got a basement apartment there. But look, you, you ain't going to be careless about the dope I gave out, are you?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Don't worry, I'm not going to work for him, Slattery. I still handpick my clients.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Well, then why are you going there?

[Narrator/Announcer]

For a lead, Slattery. A lead on a nervous guy in a camel hair coat? You see, I also handpick my enemies. 31 West Grand Avenue was a dirty stone tenement propped up by a dirty stone stoop. A Cracked pavement led to the basement apartment which showed a fuzzy slice of yellow light where the door was cracked open inches. So when I knocked, I was ready for almost anything, just as long as it was on the seamy side. But I didn't expect it to come from overhead.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

You're wasting your time, big boy. When Sammy leaves his door open, you shouldn't bother knocking.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You mean he's out?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

No, I mean he's in. And he's got the blind staggers. I know I heard him falling over the furniture, but go ahead, see for yourself. If you'll pardon appearances, the big slob.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The lady was right. A tinny radio led me to the basement room where I found the two scarred wicker chairs and the single end table on hand, turned over, drawers open and overflowing, pieces of discarded clothing everywhere. And in the middle of all that, sprawled along the edge of a threadbare couch that was weak in the springs, Sammy Archer. He was facing me, eyes closed and wearing a faded blue bathrobe two sizes too big for him. And next to one hand that rested on the floor was an empty gin bottle sitting, sitting on a clipping torn out of a fashion magazine. On one side, an ad for a Bendix Automatic washer. On the other, a picture of a diamond tiara, a jeweled crown, which the caption said belonged to Mrs. Bessie Dunsmuir of Palm Springs, California's most celebrated hostess. Now it was a good time to awaken mine host by shaking. Well, hey, Sammy Archer. Come on, pull yourself to get. I should have known better. You can't wake a dead man by shaking him. Especially when he's got a knife buried in the middle of his back.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Reminis speaking.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Phil Marlow. Remini.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Hiya, Phil.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Tribune. Got time for a few questions now?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

We're up to our ears with the Dunsborough story. What do you got, Phil?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Beauty, beast, a traffic accident, skinny guy with a golf ball complexion and the name Sammy Archer. Ever hear of him?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Sure.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

A two time out of Jolly yet jewelry. Teamed with a fence named Christy Roach.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Roach, huh? Say, tell me, Tony, what is he. Hey, wait a minute. Remedy. What did you just say about Nun's Mule?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

Huh?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Oh. Oh, that.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Didn't you catch PM Sheets? No.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Someone got away with a precious tiara last night. Was insured for 100 grand.

[Narrator/Announcer]

They tag anyone for it?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Not yet, but they're working on it. Seems that a gardener left a Palm Springs last shop the same time as a crown of diamonds.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Gardener, huh?

[Police Captain/Detective]

Yeah.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Was working under a phony name.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, this. This Christy Roach, what's he look like?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, big red face. Where's a cigar?

[Bartender/Minor Character]

Front and center.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Thanks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now I'm really getting someplace.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

That means what, Phil?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Two feet from the corpse. Remini, there's a textbook on gardening.

Corpse?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

What corpse? Where are you, Marlow?

[Narrator/Announcer]

31 West Grand Avenue. Where somebody stabbed Sammy Archer to death. Now listen, Remini, if you sit on this a while, I think I may be able to wrap it all up for you. After a quick trip to Palm Springs.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Why not use ass of the law? What's your angle, Phil?

[Narrator/Announcer]

A very personal one, kid.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Like what?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Like a Mickey that shredded the lining of my stomach. I don't like that kind of treatment. It's bad for the ego. I'll call you later.

[Commercial Voice/Announcer]

Goodbye.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The trip to Palm Springs was two and a half hours of hard driving through sterile wasteland. And there was plenty of time for me to add what always came out to the same thing. Sammy Archer, posing as a gardener, swiped the Duns Muir tiara to pedal through Christy Roach, whom he feared. But Roach had double crossed him in a permanent sort of way, taken care of me and then headed for Palm Springs. Yeah, but there I got stopped each time. Why Palm Springs? Unless of course, Archer's apartment turned inside out meant that the tiara was still hidden someplace in the desert hamlet. Yeah, that really would make a decent to find.

[Announcer (Pepsodent)]

Yes, sir?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'd like to see Mrs. Bessie Dunsmuhle, please. My name is Philip Marlow.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

Police or gentlemen of the press are no longer welcome.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Good evening, sir.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Steady, Jeeves. I have information about the tiara. Now tell that to your mistress or you'll only be able to look down that long nose through one eye.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

This way, sir, if you please.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The interior of the Dunsmuhr shanty was strictly colossal. From a foyer the size and shape of the Union Station to a plush leather lined den that was about as cozy as a. As a parking lot. And Mrs. Bessie Dunsmuir herself fitted perfectly. Because as the renowned party giver glided into the room, I saw enough jewelry on her arms. Even Tiffany. Carrot for carrot. She listened intently while I brought her up to date. After that, she ushered me into an uncomfortable chair, rang for long nose and then asked a sensible question.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Mr. Marlow, this Sammy Archer, what did he look like?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, he was thin, Mrs. Dunsmuir, and Sandy hair. Does that fit your ex gardener?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Precisely. Now perhaps we're actually going to make some progress. The police here haven't and. Come in, Martin. Oh, I'll a cure, Mr. Marlowe.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, no, thanks.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Thank you, Martin.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mrs. Dunsmuir, did you ever notice a red faced man who smokes cigars hanging around talking to Watcher, perhaps?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

No, I never did. Did you, Martin?

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, madam, I don't believe I did. Excuse me, madam.

[Producer/Announcer William Keeley]

Good evening, Dunsmuhre.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Who's calling, please? One moment, sir. A Mr. Endicott, madam.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Endicott? I don't seem to know any Endicott. Hello? I'm sorry, Mr. Endicott, but I don't seem to recollect what you. Well, yes, yes, of course. I'll see you tonight. Here. Goodbye.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What's wrong, Mrs. Dunsby?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Oh, just some more trouble over the estate. Ever since my husband passed on three years ago, we've had a mountain of trouble with his investments.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I see. Well, about the tiara, Mrs. Molo, do

[Anne Grail (female character)]

what you can about locating it. You'll be rewarded handsomely by the insurance company. If you're successful, I'm sure they stand to lose $100,000.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, but can't you tell me anything about Archer?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

I'm afraid not. I don't believe I ever said more than two words to him. Now, excuse me, Mr. Marlow, and thank you for your interest. Martin, please show the gentleman out.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Outside. I chalked the Dunsmuir interview off at face value. Proof positive that Sammy Archer and the sticky fingered ex gardener were one and the same. Then I headed for town on the first public phone, which was at a mobile gas station. There I swapped a ten dollar bill for a pocketful of quarters and started calling people back in LA who might know more about Christy Roach and the kind of connections he could have in Palm Springs. But after four near misses, I quit and stepped aside to let a big man with a beefy face that belonged on an English bulldog take his turn. However, he had other ideas and he pointed them out bluntly with a shiny automatic.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I wonder if you could help me, Sonny. I'm looking for a diamond tiara.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You gotta be kidding. I wear a fedora beside it.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Right there.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I have news for you, Sonny.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

While you were gabbing into the tube

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

there, the station attendant left closed shop, went into the bar next door out of earshot.

[Narrator/Announcer]

So?

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

So we're alone.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

And that means I'm gone to do very little.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Stay right there, Marlowe. Well, well, well.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Christy Roach, red face, cigar and all. Glad to see you.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

Shut up.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Come on, we're getting out of here

[Narrator/Announcer]

without our buddy then.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Don't worry about him, Milo.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

He'll keep that way maybe a lot

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

longer than you will.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In just a Moment, the second act of Philip Marlowe. But first, every Wednesday night, cbs, the Network of the Stars brings you Groucho Marx in his dizzy quiz. You Bet yout Life. Be sure to hear you Bet yout Life starring Groucho Marx this Wednesday night on most of these same CBS stations, as well as Dr. Christian and that bright new musical show, the ABCs of Music. Now with our star, Gerald Moore, the second act of Philip Marlowe, and tonight's story, the Uneasy Head.

From the way Christy Roach had brought his gun barrel down on the bulldog's scalp, I know he met it when he jammed the same gun into the small of my back and marched me to my car. He didn't relax until we were driving down a dark side street toward the center of town.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Well, kid, you jumped right out of

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

the frying pan into the fire. You should have taken that first hint.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I tossed you the mickey.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah, that was.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That was real cute, but it was too subtle, Christy. I didn't really peg you till I found Sammy Archer.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Oh, it's too bad about Sammy. That was more or less of a mistake.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh, sure, sure, sure. You only intended to carve your initials.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

The knife slipped. No, no, no, no, no.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

No slips, kid.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

At the time, I thought Sammy had tried to pull a fast one on

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

me, but I found out later he was just stupid. He had a great thing and he was just too dumb to see it. As for you, turn east the first chance you get. And don't run any stop signs, you understand?

[Philip Marlowe]

Hmm.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Where we going?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, no place in particular. Just so it's nice and quiet, you know. You don't know when to quit, Marlo. So now you're just one of the loose ends I've got to tuck in before I clean up my business here.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Take it easy on the corner.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You told me to turn east the first chance.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I also told you to mind your mantis.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Busting my wrist isn't gonna help my driving much.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

It'll be worse the next time.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I've got a lot of ground to cover you tonight, and I want it smooth.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's too bad, because there's a bump coming up fast right now. We picked up a tail. Take a look.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

Cops?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, cops. Call it laughing boy. You're the skipper. We race him out of town or do I pull over?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Pull over.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I don't know what that beef is, but play it straight, kid, because if

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

it comes to shooting, you'll be the first to drop.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Hey, can't you read, buddy? You're on a one way street.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're telling me.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Yeah. Only you're going the wrong way.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, I know. Well, you see, my friend.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

What about him?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, he's in a hurry, officer. I was taking him as far as the corner there. He said it was okay to come this way.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

I didn't.

[Narrator/Announcer]

I'm a stranger here.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Also, you're a big boy now. You should make up your own mind.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're so right, Mac.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

If you're in a hurry, you can go, but you better get out and walk.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Thank you.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Friend here is going to be tied up for quite a spell.

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

All right, let me see your license.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Maybe the limb of the law. And I should have nailed him right then and there. But there were still too many loose ends and I wanted Christy Roach to clear them up for me. So I watched him walk out of sight while I listened with half an ear to a lecture on blind drivers. Well, it was a small enough price to pay for the service rendered, so I thanked the officer with. And then headed back to the filling station in a bulldog with a headache who might be in a mood to talk. But when I got there, I found he hadn't waited around. After that, I checked the neighborhood and was 15 minutes getting to first base, which turned out to be the bar of a French restaurant across the street run by one Monsieur Jean Corre, a high octane number who apparently had overheard

[Philip Marlowe (alternate or narrator voice)]

a phone call earlier.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

I immediately notified the police. They say, believe me, my friends, the lowest gendarme in Paris would have more sense. Throw away an important clue. Never.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

I tell you our position.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Mr. Coray, can I see you a minute?

[Helen Longstreet / Velma Valento (female character)]

I.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

But of course, monsieur. What is it?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, it better be in private, huh? It's about the Dunsmuir case.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Ah.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

Step this way, monsieur.

[Narrator/Announcer]

All right, you.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

Naturally, naturally.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Now, look, I understand you overheard a phone call.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Oh, yes.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

About an hour ago, a suspicious man called the Dunsmuir place from here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

What'd he look like?

[Bartender/Minor Character]

I am desolated, monsieur. I do not know.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You said it was an important clue.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

I assume it was important. In a case as big as this, anything may be important.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

The smallest.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, you made your point. You made your point. Go ahead.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

He made an appointment. I only overheard, monsieur. The telephone is back this way in the alcove, out of sight. I was passing by right here when I heard a man ask for the Dunsmere residence. He talked to his party and made an appointment. I couldn't hear where or when, so I went on about my business. But suddenly a memory exploded like a bomb in my head. Bessie Dansmur, the owner of the stolen tiara. I rushed like this, monsieur, to the phone. Oh, pardon, madame. But he was gone, Monsieur. I called the police at once.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The rest I can fill in. Now tell me something else, Mr. Coray. Did you happen to notice a man with a cut on his head around

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

here a while ago?

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

A cut?

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

Yeah.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

Why, yes. One who looked as ugly as Satan himself. I saw that you went in the washroom. Ah, you mean you suspect.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, not exactly, no. But he's connected. Where can I find him? You asked me.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

He was sick. I tried to help him, but he refused and left.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You have no idea where he went?

[Bartender/Minor Character]

No, but wherever it was, I'll wager he was too wobbly to get there. Monsieur.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

All right.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In that case, I better make a quick call.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

And the telephone, sir.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Missy Dunsmore hasn't had a new husband for two whole years, my dear. I can't imagine how she keeps up that elaborate front of hers. Why, do you know you.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

What, madame? Hang up the telephone at once. I insist. Vitimont.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

I beg your pardon, in the name of the police.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

Monsieur is a detective. I demand you clear the line.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

I've paid my nickel and.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Never mind. Skip it. But I would like to know about those bent matches on the floor.

[Bartender/Minor Character]

What do they mean, monsieur?

[Narrator/Announcer]

I better skip the call and get going. You've been a big help. Cor. Maybe I can get you. The quad de. Bent matches that littered the floor under the phone meant that the man who had made an appointment to meet with Bessie Dunsmuh had been the fence, Christy Roach. And to top it off, she'd lied about it. Didn't make any sense, but I added it to the rest of the question marks and made a beeline for Bessie's mansion. I parked a block away from the place, walked back and let myself through an iron gate at the side and wound up in front of a car, half hidden in a clump of hibiscus bushes. A man was leaning in the open door with a match in his hand, reading the registration on the steering post. It was the bulldog I'd seen first at the gas station. When he saw me, his hand dived under his jacket for a gun, but I was on him before he could get it out.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Oh, my head.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You're due for another dose of the same, buster. Unless I get some fast answers, the time for games is over. And even a private detective can run out of patience.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

You're a private date? Yeah.

[Moose Malloy (male character)]

You.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I don't get it. This guy here belongs to the guy who helped you offense Christy Roach. And if he's inside, I got.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Roach didn't help me. And you've got to do nothing until I find out about you. Who are you?

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Temple.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

Fred Temple. Amlin Insurance Company.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Oh, no.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

We're covering the mission. Listen, Tiara only. Something's haywire.

[Narrator/Announcer]

An insurance investigator.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yep.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

I'm not gonna make it, fella.

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

My head.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

You better get in there and stop.

[Narrator/Announcer]

When he passed out, he sagged against me like a sack of wet wash. I stretched him out on the grass and after one look, knew there was nothing more I could do. I went over to the house and quietly tried locked doors all the way around until I came to an open one. In the butler's quarters, a bed lamp was on. So I braced myself for another meeting with Martin. When he came to the door, he was in his night shirt. As soon as enough of his chin was showing, I swung. It was a distinct pleasure. I stepped over him and went through his rooms and on up the long hall of the main part of the house. I finally located Bessie in the leather lined den. She was alone, but judging from the rate she was burning up the jittery cigarette in her hand, she expected trouble at any moment.

[Adrian Fromsett (female character)]

Marlow.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

How did you get in here? Why are you here?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Just checking up on a lie, Bessie.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

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

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Late date tonight. Incidentally, he's due any second now. His car is outside on my ground. Yeah?

[Philip Marlowe]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Surprised? What's so important about that? Now, look, you better tell me all about it, Bessie.

[Lola Barsley (female character)]

No.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Get out of here. Get out.

[Philip Marlowe (main detective voice)]

Later.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Right now, this setup is so full of holes, even the truth is leaking out. First, roach the fence, figuring Sammy Archer, the guy who swiped your tiara, was pulling a fast one and he changed his mind and got a new angle. Second, you brushed me off because actually you're afraid of finding the tiara. And third, the insurance company that's covering your loss is suspicious. It's screwy, but it can only add one way. Like the tiara that was stolen from here yesterday is worthless.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Are you insane? It was famous, fabulous, worth a king's ransom.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yeah, the original, maybe, not the cheap duplicate. I may be fuzzy on the details, but the big picture's easy. You dismantled the original and sold it. Probably quite a while ago. But not before you made a duplicate to keep up appearances so gossips wouldn't

[Slattery (bartender/character)]

know you were to going.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Also, you kept up the insurance on it for the same reason. And the duplicate was stolen. People knew you'd been Robbed. So you were forced to claim the insurance. But you knew that if the fake was recovered legally you'd be prosecuted by the insurance company and disgraced. Sure, Christy, Roach knows that too. He's coming here for blackmail, isn't he?

[Bartender/Minor Character]

Why else?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Come on, Bessie. You might as well.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

You might as well.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

Might as well what? What are you looking at?

[Narrator/Announcer]

A cigar butt. There on the floor. Oh, it's burned a hole in your rug. What happened to make Roach drop a cigar? Bessie? Where is he?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

I don't know what you're.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Stay away from that desk. I mean it, Bessie. Next time it's for keeps. Now stay back.

[Philip Marlowe]

Where is he?

[Anne Grail (female character)]

In the closet, there. I didn't know what else to do. You were right. About the blackmail? About everything. I had to kill him. He'd have wrecked my life.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No, just your way of life. That was top heavy anyway.

[Anne Grail (female character)]

I guess so. But I thought I had to have it that way. Well, at least I'll give them all a big laugh on the way out. Bessie Dunsmuir's a great entertainer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Bessie Dunsmuh, the world's greatest hostess, invited the police and reporters out herself. The fake tiara was found on the back of Roach's car and she wore it cocked over one eye for the benefit of the press, the photographers and her friends. By the time that party was over, it was almost dawn. Bessie was right. The papers came out and the giggles began. But Fred Temple, drinking coffee under a head full of bandages didn't seem much to laugh at.

[Philip Marlowe (storytelling voice)]

It's pathetic. Something awful sad there someplace. Marlow. I agreed.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Even a phony one.

The adventures of Philip Marlowe Bringing you Raymond Chandler's most famous character. Star Gerald Moore are produced and directed by Norman McDonnell and are written for radio by Robert Mitchell and Gene Levitt. Featured in the cast were Verna Felton, Wally Mayer, Lou Krugman, Ben Wright, John Dana, Edgar Barrier and Charlotte Lawrence. The special music is composed and conducted by Richard Orant. Now a special announcement for Philip Marlowe fans. Next week, Philip Marlowe will be heard Wednesday night at 10pm Eastern Daylight Savings Time. Be sure and be with us again next week on Wednesday evening when Philip Marlow says.

This time there was an innocent aboard, a noisy corpse and a quiet killer. But before I knew which was which, I'd mixed with all three while going 70 miles an hour.

Now that warm weather's here, many of us will be doing more driving and more walking. It's the duty of every motorist and every pedestrian to take every precaution so that we may cut down on the terrible injury and death toll exacted by traffic accidents. These accidents don't just happen, they're man made. Somebody causes them. Make sure that you're not responsible for a traffic accident. Walk and drive carefully. The life you save may be your own. This is cbs where philip marlowe will come to you on Wednesday night. The columbia broadcasting system.

[Podcast Host]

We just heard Van Heflin, Robert Montgomery, Dick Powell and Gerald Moore all starring as Philip Marlowe. That will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining. I hope you'll be back next week for more Old Time Radio detectives. In the meantime, you can check out Stars on Suspense, my other Old Time Radio podcast. If you like what you're hearing, don't be a stranger. You can rate and review the show in Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. And if you'd like to lend support to the show, you can visit buymeacoffee.com meanstsotr I'll be back next week with more Old Time Radio Crime Fighters. But until then, good night and happy listening.

[Announcer/Commercial Voice]

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 racial and religious antagonisms are exploited daily by quacks and 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.