← Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)
Episode 643 - Everyone Needs a Hobby (Leonidas Witherall, Gregory Hood, Box 13, & Mr. and Mrs. North)
01:59:34
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- [00:00]
Narrator/Host
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. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective the Adventures of the Saint starring Vincent Price. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar.
- [00:56]
Podcast Host
Hello and welcome to to down these Mean Streets and more Old Time radio detectives and crime solvers. This week our spotlight shines on the amateur detectives of the radio era. Generally, when we think of radio sleuths, we imagine the cops and private eyes. Joe Friday, Philip Marlow and their brethren. But there were many amateurs on the air. People who didn't make crime solving their full time job, but who were no slouches when it came to discovering clues and cracking cases. Today we'll hear four old time radio mysteries starring a collection of moonlighting crime fighters. First up is Leonidas Witherall, a gentleman who wore many hats. In addition to being an amateur detective, he was a professor, a mystery writer and a dead ringer for William Shakespeare. The character first appeared in novels written by Phoebe Atwood Taylor under the pen name of Alice Tilton, and he was adapted for radio in a series starring Walter Hampton. We'll hear an episode known as Murder at the State Fair, which originally aired on Mutual on September 24, 1944. The victim is a woman who was set to be a judge at the fair, but someone placed her body behind a target at the shooting range instead of at the judge's table. Next we'll hear Gregory Hood, San Francisco importer, gourmand man about town and amateur detective. The character was created by Anthony Boucher and Dennis Green as a summer replacement for the New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. Boucher and Greene were writing for Holmes, so they created a new detective to fill the time slot until the fall. Gregory Hood was initially played by Gale Gordon, who may be best known to radio fans for his comedic role as Mr. Conklin on Our Miss Brooks. We'll hear him today in the forgetful murderer from July 29, 1946. Co starring with Gale Gordon is Howard McNear, aka Doc, on the radio version of Gunsmoke and Floyd the Barber on the andy Griffith Show. McNear plays Sanderson Taylor, the doctor Watson to Hood's Holmes. Then it's Alan Ladd as mystery writer Dan Holliday in one of my favorite Radio detective shows. Box 13. Holliday ran a newspaper ad hiring himself out as an adventurer willing to go anyplace and do anything. He did it all in the hopes that the adventure would make for a good story in one of his books.
- [03:40]
Narrator/Host
Books.
- [03:41]
Podcast Host
We'll hear him today in the syndicated episode Killer at Large. And finally, we'll hear Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin as Pam and Jerry North. Jerry's a book publisher and Pam is his lovely wife. Neither of them is a trained detective, but that didn't stop them from solving countless crimes, first in novels and then in a long running radio series. Will hear Mr. And Mrs. North in the Premature Corpse, an Armed Forces Radio Service rebroadcast of a show that first aired on February 12, 1952. Amateur Night begins with Leonidas Witherall. His adventure will get underway right after these messages.
- [04:25]
Narrator/Host
Why has Hollywood star Merle Oberon switched to new improved green shampoo? Because compared to dulling soap shampoos, this wonderful new dream reveals up to 33% more sheen. Follow Merle's secret For Shining hair, it's.
- [04:39]
Various Characters/Actors
New Dream for Hollywood Sheen. Improve dream for Hollywood sheen. Your hair can have that Hollywood sheen the very first time you use New Dream. Get wonderful New Dream Shampoo.
- [04:54]
Narrator/Host
Say, there's a girl in our neighborhood who's always been mighty fond of Brenda. Starr follows her adventures regularly in the funny papers. So she was mighty thrilled when she found that Brenda is one of the characters in that new series of comic buttons that that Kellogg's Pep is putting out. So thrilled, in fact, that she started to specialize in collecting Brenda's star buttons. And she already has five of them pinned right on her jacket. Of course, most of the fellows and girls in the gang think that it's more fun to collect different buttons. And that's why they want Cindy and Vitamin Flint Heart and Superman and all the others. Of course, however you do it, it's dog gone. Exciting. Fun. As you know, the best part is these comic buttons are so easy to get. You don't send in any money, not even a box. Stop. And you can't buy them anywhere. But there's one of these exciting prizes in every package of Kellogg's Pep. The Sunshine cereal. The crisp, tender Whole Wheat Flakes with that catchy sunshine flavor makes mighty good eating for breakfast. So crisp and fresh and toasty that, well, you want to pitch right in and eat hearty. And that's always a good idea on a cold morning. Yes, sir, Kellogg's Pep is mighty good for you. Mom knows that. So remind her to get plenty of pee. He Pee the Sunshine cereal. Kellogg's Pep. And don't forget tomorrow when you ask your grocer for the new Rinso. Buy a cake of Lifebuoy at the same time. Lifebuoy's rich, purifying lather goes right after dirt and perspiration. Leaves you feeling extra clean. So use Lifebuoy daily in your bath or shower. Remember, it's the only soap especially made to stop me little.
- [06:29]
Various Characters/Actors
You know about the little white chad in the little green pocket roll. Just awaiting for the moment when you need them to bring your acid indigestion under control. Tums are the little white tablets in the little GRE in pocket roll. Tums for the tummy. T U M s bring relief quicker than you'd ever guess. Best for any kind of acid distress. Keep them handy in the pocket roll. Keep your tummy under tum's control.
- [07:16]
Narrator/Host
Tums are fast, effective and safe. Tums relieve the discomfort of acid indig quickly with no danger of acid rebound. Sometimes caused by harsh alkalizers. Always carry Tums. 10 cents. Three roll pack a quarter. New Tom 6 roll pack with free metal carrier. 49 cents. I dedicate this program to the fight against crime. Not merely crimes of violence and crimes of dishonesty. But crimes of intolerance, discrimination and bad citizenship. Crimes against America. All right, mister, you page a quarter. There's the rifle. Take your shot.
- [08:03]
Various Characters/Actors
Stop. Put down that gun.
- [08:05]
Narrator/Host
What's wrong, lady?
- [08:06]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, look behind the target he's shooting at. Running down the side of the wall. See it? That's blood.
- [08:11]
Narrator/Host
Well, there's a dead body behind that target. Police. Murder Wo Mutual presents the distinguished American actor Walter Hamden in the Adventures of Leonidas Wither. All wither.
- [08:37]
Various Characters/Actors
Always getting mixed up in murder.
- [08:38]
Narrator/Host
You wouldn't think so. He looks just like Shakespeare.
- [08:41]
Various Characters/Actors
It's his beard. And he's the head of an important school for boys in New England.
- [08:46]
Narrator/Host
He also writes the thriller stories on the side. The Lieutenant Hazeltine story. But Leonidas is engaged in much more vital business now. Isn't he, Mr. Hampton? Yes, business that takes precedence over all of Leonidas regular activities. The neighborhood housekeeper in Dalton, Witherall's close friend Mrs. Mullet has entered the contest to determine who makes the the finest preserves in the state. The contest is a feature of the annual state fair. And Witheral has borrowed a horse and buggy in which he's now heading for the fair. Get up there, girl. Mrs. Mullet, you should have no difficulty at all in winning this contest. Something of an epicure, I can say. Your preserves are perfect.
- [09:29]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, I'm going to have mighty hard competition though, Mr. With it all. That Mrs. Axel Bent's not easy to please.
- [09:36]
Narrator/Host
Mrs. Axel Bent.
- [09:38]
Various Characters/Actors
She's going to be the judge. Going to taste all the entries. Very uppity she is. Might not like my preserves at all.
- [09:47]
Narrator/Host
Prefers axle grease, perhaps.
- [09:49]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, don't you know Mrs. Axel Bent?
- [09:51]
Narrator/Host
Yes, I met her once. Her face is familiar, but her name is impossible.
- [09:57]
Various Characters/Actors
She's a divorcee, you know. Oh, she was married to that farmer in Barry County, Mr. Axel Band. Now she's going to marry the wealthiest farmer in the county. A Mr. Fribbit.
- [10:08]
Narrator/Host
Axel Bent. Fribbit. For a moment I thought she was making a change for a better name. Wrong again. Come on now, gal, get up. Go on.
- [10:18]
Various Characters/Actors
She divorced him about two years ago. But say he never got over it either. Still very jealous. And he used to be very pleasant. Now he's gloomy all the time. Riffets, I haven't time to talk to you now. Come and see me some other day.
- [10:33]
Narrator/Host
You're always too busy to talk to me.
- [10:35]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, don't be tired now. I really must go. I'm used to state fair. I'm to be a judge.
- [10:39]
Narrator/Host
I'm going to prepare myself. Entering a prize bull. Before you get out of here, I have something to say. Mulet Fribbits. I won't let you, Rufus.
- [10:47]
Various Characters/Actors
We've been legally divorced and it's so painful to go over all of our differences again. I've told you before, you're the most insanely jealous man on earth. That's why I divorced you. That's why you're behaving now like a hopeless fool.
- [11:01]
Narrator/Host
You made me jealous, playing up to every fellow we met.
- [11:04]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, you imagined all that. Why upset yourself?
- [11:07]
Narrator/Host
You don't love Frivets any more than you love me. He's the wealthiest farmer in the state. That's what you're after.
- [11:13]
Various Characters/Actors
Now that's very unfair. You've no idea of how I feel about him.
- [11:17]
Narrator/Host
I know how you feel about everything. It either pays off for you or it doesn't. Now get this. If I can't have you, no other man will. Remember what the minister said, whom God hath joined together.
- [11:28]
Various Characters/Actors
You are being very final about something that's none of your business.
- [11:32]
Narrator/Host
Before you marry that man, I'd rather see you dead first. I will see you dead first. Mrs. Axel Bent never did strike me as a very pleasant person, Mrs. Mullet. Possibly because she was always so deliberately pleasant. She has such an even disposition. Irritating all the time.
- [11:54]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, you turn to the left here.
- [11:56]
Narrator/Host
Uh huh. Where you going there, you old plug. Get up there now. Go on.
- [12:01]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, this Mr. Fribbage, the man she's going to marry, he has the best looking son. Randy's his name. They say Randy's not very happy about that woman marrying his father. He's always been kind of a hot tempered lad anyway. Doesn't relish having her as a stepmother.
- [12:18]
Narrator/Host
You want me out of the way, don't you Mrs. Axel Ben?
- [12:21]
Various Characters/Actors
Why no, Randy.
- [12:22]
Narrator/Host
Why do you say that? Because I always tell the truth. You're not marrying my father because you love him. You want to own this farm and.
- [12:29]
Various Characters/Actors
You'Ve always expected to inherit the farm yourself, is that it?
- [12:33]
Narrator/Host
I worked on this farm since I was old enough to stand up. That gives me a good claim, doesn't it?
- [12:37]
Various Characters/Actors
Randy, why don't you take. Oh, what's that girl's name?
- [12:41]
Narrator/Host
Connie. Connie Maple Grove. Yes.
- [12:43]
Various Characters/Actors
Why don't you marry Connie and get away from the farm? Earn a living in your own way, under your own steam. Why do you feel content to just sit back and wait till your father dies?
- [12:53]
Narrator/Host
Go away, huh? I'm wise to this dirty game you're playing. But I've one sure way to cut it short.
- [12:59]
Various Characters/Actors
What in the world are you talking about?
- [13:01]
Narrator/Host
You keep trying to marry my father and take the farm away from me. You'll see what I'm talking about. The ceremony will have to be postponed because nobody can marry a dead bride.
- [13:14]
Various Characters/Actors
There's the fair right up ahead of us, Mr. Witherall.
- [13:17]
Narrator/Host
So it is. I want to wish you luck, Mrs. Mullet. I'll be very surprised if you don't win.
- [13:23]
Various Characters/Actors
We can tie up over there. Looks like a parking place all right.
- [13:26]
Narrator/Host
Oh, girl, I'll just tire up here, you know. Only see hitching posts at the fair these days.
- [13:36]
Various Characters/Actors
There's Mrs. Axel Ben standing by that first booth. See her? My, how she's dressed. Decorated like an admiral's flagship, ain't she?
- [13:45]
Narrator/Host
Yes, decorated when the admiral wasn't looking. Hold still now there girl. That's it.
- [13:52]
Various Characters/Actors
Hello there, Mrs. Axel Band. Oh, hello, Mrs. Mullick. Oh, I know you. You that beard. Now just a minute, just a. Oh, of course. The man who looks like Shakespeare. You're leonidas Witherall.
- [14:07]
Narrator/Host
Yes, Mrs. Axel Bent. And how are you? How's every little thing.
- [14:10]
Various Characters/Actors
Are you going to judge this preserved contest?
- [14:12]
Narrator/Host
Mrs. Axel Bent.
- [14:14]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, hello, Mrs. Whacker. Well, Mrs. Whacker, you know Mr. Witheral don't you? Mrs. Whacker does most of the folks laundry back in Dalton.
- [14:21]
Narrator/Host
Well, how do you answer my question?
- [14:24]
Various Characters/Actors
Are you going to judge the preserves contest, Mrs. Axel? Ben? Yes, I'm to be the judge. Well, I'm taking back my jar if you're to be the judge. My dear woman, I hardly think a scene at this time. I don't care who hears me. I'll take my job back.
- [14:37]
Narrator/Host
Thank you.
- [14:38]
Various Characters/Actors
I couldn't win if you're the judge. You're set against me now. After all, everyone knows about you and me. They know you're trying to take my boy away from me. Merely suggested to the ladies counsel that I hardly can. I think a laundry is a fit place to raise a baby. My baby's very healthy and very happy. Well, perhaps we could discuss this some other time, eh? We'll talk about it now.
- [14:58]
Narrator/Host
What's the matter? What's the matter? The women having a fight? Oh, just ironing out a baby. Where do they think they are?
- [15:05]
Various Characters/Actors
You're making a scene and this is in very bad taste. You wouldn't talk to me in that house of yours, so we'll talk now.
- [15:12]
Narrator/Host
Come on, Mrs. Oh, you let go of me.
- [15:14]
Various Characters/Actors
You leave me alone. You wouldn't dare to take away my baby. You sniveling, nosy body. You cheap hypocrite. Your son hasn't a proper home for what it's supposed to be. My son has the finest home in town, but it's for the boy's own good. You couldn't take my son away from me in a million years. You've nothing in your own life to satisfy you and so you make up for it by meddling with everyone else's.
- [15:37]
Narrator/Host
This promises to be the most jelly shaking contest in history.
- [15:42]
Various Characters/Actors
You meddle with my life and you'll pay for it. You take my baby from my house and I'll kill you. God would forgive me too.
- [15:51]
Narrator/Host
Ah, these country fairs. So peaceful. The hope of a new world.
- [15:56]
Various Characters/Actors
You know. I'm sorry for you, Mrs. Whacker. Terribly sorry. So many people in your circumstances are blind to what's best for them.
- [16:04]
Narrator/Host
Oh, Mrs. Axelbaynor.
- [16:06]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, oh, yes, Mr. Bradley.
- [16:08]
Narrator/Host
Could you change your plans a bit? I mean, about the preserves contest.
- [16:12]
Various Characters/Actors
Why, what's wrong?
- [16:13]
Narrator/Host
We'd rather have you at the war bond booth. It's much more important to sell bonds and well, you're so popular. Yes, isn't she? And we thought it'd be better if someone else would judge the preserves.
- [16:29]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, who judge em? Who could we Give.
- [16:31]
Narrator/Host
Why, those little jelly jars are crossing. Causing one crisis after another, aren't they? Before being eaten, too. Let's see, let's see, let's see. Somebody around here could do it.
- [16:40]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, Mr. Witherall could do it.
- [16:42]
Narrator/Host
Now, hold on, Mrs. Mullet, please, would you?
- [16:45]
Various Characters/Actors
Mr. Witherall. Oh, I'd appreciate it so much.
- [16:47]
Narrator/Host
Well, as a gastronomist, I'm afraid I'm caviar to the general.
- [16:51]
Various Characters/Actors
What's that?
- [16:52]
Narrator/Host
Shakespeare. I thought you said you recognized me.
- [16:55]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, go on, Mr. Witherall. I'd like him to do it. He looks like a very honest man.
- [17:00]
Narrator/Host
Well, thank you, Mrs. Whacker. To be honest, as this world goes, is to be one man picked out of 10,000. Hey, what's wrong here?
- [17:07]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, just a discussion, Rufus. We need someone to take my place judging the preserves. Oh, do you all know Mr. Axel?
- [17:13]
Narrator/Host
Ben, hurry up. I just took Dalton Chancery Prince Igor IV over to his pen. Dalton, Chancery Prince Igor iv. Pen name of a writer. Yes, my prize bull. Trouble getting him here, too. It's very wild today. See him in the booth with a flag on it? Oh, yes, he looks formidable, as the English say, doesn't he? Get going here, folks. I have no time to waste. All right. I'll do my best as a jelly taster. Hey, what's up? Why don't you get things started?
- [17:41]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, I'm not going to judge the preserves, Randy. Mr. Witherall is. Do you know everyone? Randy?
- [17:47]
Narrator/Host
Come on, come on. Get going, folks. Everybody over to booth number three for the Presence Serve contest. Number three. Hey, you see my bull, Randy? I bet you we come out on top this year. You think so? Yeah.
- [17:58]
Various Characters/Actors
Here's my jar, Mr. Wither.
- [18:00]
Narrator/Host
Mine. There's about two dozen of us already in the booth after the crowd over. You get up on the platform, Mr. Wither.
- [18:05]
Various Characters/Actors
See you later, Shakespeare. And thank you for taking my place.
- [18:09]
Narrator/Host
See you later. By the way, here's our entry, Mr. Wither. All we should walk away with a contest. My fiance may be Connie Maple Grove. Oh, all right, Randy. Let me first hop up on this platform. There we are. Quiet, everybody. Quiet, everybody. Quiet, please.
- [18:28]
Various Characters/Actors
Thank you.
- [18:30]
Narrator/Host
Here's a clean spoon, Mr. Wither. All you can start anytime now. Start clean, eh? All right, Mr. Bradley. Here goes. What's wrong back there? The back of his wire wall he broke out of his.
- [18:44]
Various Characters/Actors
Sam is heading this way. Come on down off that platform, mister. We all. Why, the bull's liable to pick you out.
- [18:50]
Narrator/Host
Me? Pick me out? Oh, you flatter me.
- [18:53]
Various Characters/Actors
But there he Comes. Get out of the way, everybody. Stand back, everybody. Don't push.
- [18:57]
Narrator/Host
Don't.
- [18:57]
Various Characters/Actors
Don't get near him, anybody.
- [18:58]
Narrator/Host
He's my bull. He's my bull. I know him. He'll draw you to death. D. Dalton boy, go back to your pen. Go back.
- [19:08]
Various Characters/Actors
Why, that bull running around like crazy.
- [19:11]
Narrator/Host
Crowd pushing so much I can hardly stand up. Look out, Randy. You'll knock over that jar of preserves.
- [19:16]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, gosh. Thanks.
- [19:17]
Narrator/Host
Your coat. Sorry, I couldn't help it, Mr. Withero. Now you've got that jelly all over your coat.
- [19:22]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, of all things to happen, filling preserves all over his coat.
- [19:27]
Narrator/Host
Don't move, everybody. If you start to run, that full of mine will kill you.
- [19:30]
Various Characters/Actors
Come down off that platform, Mr. Witherwall, the bull's looking at you.
- [19:34]
Narrator/Host
At me?
- [19:36]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, yes. Don't move now. Don't budge an inch.
- [19:40]
Narrator/Host
That bull's too close for comfort. Don't run, Weatherall. He'll go after you. Get out of my way, everybody.
- [19:46]
Various Characters/Actors
Anybody got a gun?
- [19:47]
Narrator/Host
Let's shoot him. Hey, don't you dare shoot my bull.
- [19:50]
Various Characters/Actors
But he'll ride those horns right into Mr. Witherall. Oh, don't run. Oh, good heaven. Somebody save him. Save Mr. Witherwall or the bulls almost caught him. Faster, Mr. Witherall. Faster.
- [20:05]
Narrator/Host
Help.
- [20:06]
Various Characters/Actors
Help.
- [20:06]
Narrator/Host
Hey, he's got him near that wall. Don't back up against that wall. He'll get you into a trap.
- [20:11]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, I can't look. It will be horrible. Look, Mr. Wither. All's up against that wall. While the bull's going to charge. He's getting set. Do something. Do something.
- [20:24]
Narrator/Host
Take off your coat, Weatherall. Throw your coat out of it. Mind stopping? Might make him angrier, too. You got to take that chance. Take off your coat. Throw it at him. All right. Try anything. Here goes.
- [20:36]
Various Characters/Actors
Why, it's working. The bull's looking at his coat.
- [20:39]
Narrator/Host
Yeah, thank goodness for that. I thought it'd distract him. The bull's goring his collo.
- [20:44]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, that's a lot better than Goring, Mr. Wither.
- [20:46]
Narrator/Host
All right, Randy, you, Joe, a couple of you men sneak up on, grab him. We can pull him back to the pen. He'll be quiet now. Yeah, he's taking quite a fancy to Withal's coat.
- [20:55]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes. Lucky it was covered with jelly.
- [20:57]
Narrator/Host
Come on now, Sloan. Okay. Careful. Very careful. Careful. Okay, I got him now. Hold on, now.
- [21:09]
Various Characters/Actors
Thanks.
- [21:10]
Narrator/Host
We got him.
- [21:10]
Various Characters/Actors
Right.
- [21:13]
Narrator/Host
Calm down. Would you want to break out of the pen and scare all these people for, huh? Come on. Calm down, boy. Isn't anybody going to ask about me?
- [21:25]
Various Characters/Actors
You all right, Mr. Witherall?
- [21:27]
Narrator/Host
I'll be all right as soon as I get my heart out of my mouth.
- [21:30]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, that was just about the most terrible thing I've ever seen happen to you, Mr. Witherall. It was your own fault, though. You shouldn't have started to run.
- [21:38]
Narrator/Host
Yes, I knew it was my fault. In fact, while I was making my 100 yard dash from the platform with the bull's horns flirting with my coattails all the way, I kept thinking of that famous phrase, is this trip necessary? All right, folks. All right. Come on, break it up. No need to crowd around. Lots of other boots are open here.
- [21:58]
Various Characters/Actors
Why, look at that bull chewing on your coat. Oh, it's a shame you have to lose it.
- [22:02]
Narrator/Host
Well, let the poor little thing keep it. I'm warm enough now to get along without it. And anyway, those preserves seems to like those preserves a lot. Look at the way he's licking them off the coat. Quite a judge, isn't there? Well, he's usurped my place. Why not give him the spoon, too? What's the matter, Dalton boy? You tired from chasing Mr. Wetherall? Yes. Poor Dalton boy. Yes. Hope I didn't frighten him. Say, you know, this bull of mine looks sick to me. He looks sick, my good man. What do you think I've been doing? Well, chasing after you wore him out. Wore him out? Now that's odd. Very peculiar.
- [22:45]
Various Characters/Actors
Running a couple of yards after Mr. Witherall wore out your prize boo.
- [22:49]
Narrator/Host
Well, now, listen to him. Look at him wobbling on his feet. Oh, too bad I wasn't wearing slippers, too. You want to lie down, Dalton boy? You're feeling bad, huh? Lie down if you want to. You go on, lie down. Yes, she's been under quite a strain. Perhaps we could get a chaise long for him. Never mind being so funny. My bull's sick and you made him that way. Well, he made me sick, tit for tat.
- [23:13]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, the bull does seem pretty badly off, doesn't he? You keep out of this, Mrs. Whacker. The very idea. The bull nearly kills Mr. Wither All. Now everybody's feeling sorry for the bull. Come on, Mr. Wither all, let's get out of here.
- [23:28]
Narrator/Host
Yes, a little relaxation is in order, Mrs. Mullet. They probably won't reorganize your jelly contest for a while.
- [23:35]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, want to stroll around the rest of the fair?
- [23:37]
Narrator/Host
Yeah, it's a very good suggestion. This bull of mine's really sick on account of you weather all. I'll stew you. Yes. Serves me Right. Teasing wild bulls. Bye now. Come along, Mrs. Mullet.
- [23:47]
Various Characters/Actors
Doesn't it strike you as very funny that a big husky prize bull would get sick just from running around a bit?
- [23:54]
Narrator/Host
Funny is not the word, Mrs. Mullet.
- [23:56]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, what do you mean?
- [23:58]
Narrator/Host
Well, I'm walking over here toward the bull's pen. Purposely. He did not break out by himself. I'm wondering who let him out. Mrs. Mullet, that word is murderous perhaps. Look, Mrs. Mullet, there's a shooting gallery.
- [24:28]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, you're not such a good shot, are you?
- [24:30]
Narrator/Host
I'm not, eh? I was captain of the Meredith rifle team. Dead Eye Wither all they called me. I'm for that shooting gallery. Come on, no free shots. Here you are, folks. 10 shots for a quarter. They're all trying it. Every man his own commander. Step right up and test your skill. I'll try it. Here's a quarter. Yes, yes, all right. Here we are. Gonna win a kewpie doll for your girlfriend.
- [24:53]
Various Characters/Actors
What did you say?
- [24:54]
Narrator/Host
Oh, Never mind him, Mrs. Mullet. He means to be complimentary. Say, fella, what's the most difficult object to hit? Well, now that the clay pipe way over on the left side there. You see it? You hit that thing, you get a free round. Yeah, plus a gorgeous rosy cheek, blue eyed, practically genuine kewpie doll. Get the doll ready. Dead Eye Witherwall is about to perform. Now. Here we go.
- [25:16]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, I'm glad you're shooting blanks.
- [25:18]
Narrator/Host
Oh, lady, you couldn't knock anything over with blanks. Those are real bullets. Go on, mister, go on. Right. Did you say dead eye, mister? I'm merely warming up. Still warming up.
- [25:44]
Various Characters/Actors
Mr. Wetherall. Stop shooting. Put down that gun.
- [25:47]
Narrator/Host
What's the matter? Why, what's happened?
- [25:48]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, look on the curtain behind the target. It's trickling down the curtain. It's blood.
- [25:53]
Narrator/Host
Why, she, she, she, she, she's right. Someone's behind that curtain. Someone's been shot back there. Come on, let's see. Hurry. They must be between the curtain and the steel wall. I got a reinforced steel wall behind the target curtain. Holy smokes.
- [26:07]
Various Characters/Actors
It's Mrs. Axel Band.
- [26:09]
Narrator/Host
Why, she's. She's dead. Yes. Standing up. Yeah. Look, look, look. Look at all that blood. Must be about 15 bullets in her. Blanks. Indeed. Gagged and tied to this pole. Back at the curtain, no one could see her. But nearly everyone who took a shot was likely to hit her.
- [26:28]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, good gracious. I've never in my life seen anything as awful as that. Oh, that pool of blood.
- [26:35]
Narrator/Host
Hey, you. You were the last Guy to shoot. Mister, I think the cops will want to talk to you. You murderer. Me?
- [26:41]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, just can't stand looking at it. Take me away. Take me away.
- [26:45]
Narrator/Host
Take her away. Help. Police. Murder.
- [26:47]
Various Characters/Actors
Murder.
- [26:48]
Narrator/Host
Take it easy little man, or you'll wake the. You were shooting to the extreme left of the target curtain, huh, bill? That's right, Sergeant McCobble. None of the bullets from my rifle could have hit Mrs. X Men. Yeah. Murderer. Sure was a brute taking that woman and tying her to the pole there behind that curtain. You know, Bill, she must have tried screaming, but I guess the handkerchief was so tight that she couldn't make much noise. Oh, by the way, who was shooting here just before. Before Shakespeare. Would you recognize him? Oh, I, I, I, I know some of them. There was a. There was a lady, the one that owns the laundry, you know, over in dalton.
- [27:29]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, that's Mrs. Whacker.
- [27:30]
Narrator/Host
Mrs. Whacker and a young fella, the Fribbit boy. Randy. Randy Fribbit. Go on, who else? Well, the farmer. You know the farmer. The bull got loose. What's his name? Axel Rod. Axel Grease.
- [27:41]
Various Characters/Actors
Axel Band, Axle Band.
- [27:43]
Narrator/Host
A couple others too. There's soldier and some sailors. Couple. Say, it makes things kind of tough, doesn't it Bill? It is hard to pin on anyone, Sergeant. Is that so? Well, how about him? Sergeant? Do you know this fella? Shakespeare? No, no, no. This fella right here. Why sure. I've known Mr. Witheral for years. Don't be silly. Well, why couldn't it have been him? If you ask me, he's a. He's a. He's a fancy looking guy, got a. Got a beard. He might be a spy or something. I'm a spy. Bearded men are either spies or philosophers. I'd rather be a spy. Here you are, Mr. Weatherall. I've been looking all over for you. Oh, Mr. Axel Vent, I'm afraid we've some very bad news. Oh, never mind that. Something important's happened. My bull's dead. Your bull died? Yes, Dalton, Chancery. Prince Igor iv, my prize bull, died a while after you left. After he chased you. It was your fault, Weatherall. He died. Eh, Sergeant? The cobble. That's the answer. What are you thinking of, Bill? That bull was poisoned.
- [28:41]
Various Characters/Actors
Poisoned?
- [28:41]
Narrator/Host
Of course. Don't you remember? His Royal Highness ate something just before he became ill.
- [28:47]
Various Characters/Actors
He ate your coat?
- [28:48]
Narrator/Host
No, he licked the preserves off my coat, Mrs. Mullet. And the preserves were poisoned, you see. Poison. Preserves. What's this all about? What's the police here for? Mr. Axel Bent. We found Your ex wife. In back of this shooting gallery, I should say. We found your ex wife's body as she's been murdered. Merrick, bill. Whoever tied Mrs. Axel Ben up behind this gallery, he tried to kill her first by poisoning the jelly. Uh huh. You see, because they knew she was going to be the judge of the contest and they'd be tasting each bottle. Isn't that it? Exactly. Therefore, Sergeant, your problem now is who made the preserves that were spilled on my coat. Here's the girl who made that jar of poison preserves, Bill. Connie Maple Grove. Oh, come here. Yeah, I got her name by checking the number of the broken bottle against the entry list.
- [29:47]
Various Characters/Actors
Why, she's Randy's sweetheart. Well, what about it? I don't know anything about this. I did make the preserves, but I never dreamed of killing Mrs. Axle Bear.
- [29:56]
Narrator/Host
Honey, darling, it's awful.
- [29:58]
Various Characters/Actors
They think I killed this.
- [30:00]
Narrator/Host
And I know you're perfectly innocent. You've got no right to keep her here, Sergeant. Mind your own business, Randy. I'm running this. They tell me, Connie, that if Mrs. Axel Bent married Randy's father, your boyfriend would never inherit that big farm his father had. That's right. But Connie had nothing to do. I am asking Connie the questions, not you.
- [30:17]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, it's true. But she didn't have any right to get the farm. Randy deserves it. He worked on it all his life.
- [30:23]
Narrator/Host
With that woman out of the way, why you marry Randy, he gets that tremendous farm and you're sitting pretty. Is that correct?
- [30:29]
Various Characters/Actors
I never thought of such a thing. Besides, there's. There's something else you didn't think of.
- [30:35]
Narrator/Host
What's on your mind, Connie?
- [30:36]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, it's very simple.
- [30:37]
Narrator/Host
Yes, I know, but what's on it?
- [30:40]
Various Characters/Actors
Why do you accuse me? Anyone could have poisoned the preserve somehow. It might have been that laundress, Mrs. Whacker. It might have been. Then Mr. Axel Bent, he's very jealous.
- [30:50]
Narrator/Host
Strangely enough, Connie, we've already realized there are quite a number of prospects and suspects too. But you're here for a specific reason. Besides the jar preserves was sealed with paraffin, wasn't it? How could anyone else get poison into that bottle? You're the only person in the world who could have done it, Connie. And you're going to sit there until you tell us the truth.
- [31:11]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes, we've got the goods on you. All right.
- [31:14]
Narrator/Host
Please, Mrs. Mullet, leave this time. Me? Now go on, Connie, Go on, start talking. Well, go on.
- [31:22]
Various Characters/Actors
I tell you, I don't know anything about that.
- [31:24]
Narrator/Host
Okay, then we'll just sit here till you Change your mind and quit lying.
- [31:28]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes, we're waiting for you to tell the truth.
- [31:30]
Narrator/Host
Please, Mrs. Mullet, leave this to me. Go on, Connie. Now it'll be easier for you if you don't stall. You killed Mrs. Axel Bet, didn't you? You murdered her, didn't you? You tied her up behind that shooting gallery and then you went out front and you paid a quarter for enough bullets to commit cold blooded murder. Now you're gonna hang.
- [31:48]
Various Characters/Actors
No, I didn't do it. I didn't. Come on.
- [31:50]
Narrator/Host
Now.
- [31:51]
Various Characters/Actors
It'll be easier for you if you don't stall.
- [31:53]
Narrator/Host
Please, Mrs. Willett, leave this to me.
- [31:55]
Various Characters/Actors
I don't know anything about this. I never wanted to come to the fair. I was afraid something would happen. I didn't want to enter the contest. I really didn't want I come here at all. That's why I sent Randy ahead with my journey. I want to stay home.
- [32:10]
Narrator/Host
Just a minute. Didn't you come here with Randy?
- [32:13]
Various Characters/Actors
No, I came much later. I only been here about 10 minutes. Like I said, I didn't want to come at all.
- [32:19]
Narrator/Host
You weren't here when the contest started. When the bull broke loose.
- [32:24]
Various Characters/Actors
What bull?
- [32:25]
Narrator/Host
Ah, Sergeant. Our problem is not who made the preserves. The murderer is the person who let that prize v. Bull out of his pen.
- [32:34]
Various Characters/Actors
Let the prize bull out?
- [32:36]
Narrator/Host
Certainly. The killer planned to dispose of Mrs. Axel Bent by means of the preserves. Originally, that's obvious. But at the last minute there was an unexpected change of judges. I took over the role. The killer wasn't after me, thank heaven. So she or he had to get rid of that bottle of poison jelly before I tasted it. So whoever it was, let the bull as an excuse to start a panic so as the bottle could be broken. That's it. The murderer is the person who deliberately broke that bottle of preserves and spilled it on me.
- [33:10]
Various Characters/Actors
Why, that was.
- [33:11]
Narrator/Host
Grab him, Sergeant. All right. You stay right where you are. Just stay here right now. You killed Mrs. As fiendish way to kill, Randy. Fiendish. Tie up your victim and then deliberately buy the bullets.
- [33:25]
Various Characters/Actors
10 shots.
- [33:25]
Narrator/Host
Shots for a quarter. 10 bloody fatal shots. Either you stand still or this black jack of mine's gonna make you. Take those handcuffs, Bill. Slip them over his wrists while I hold his arms. That's it. Okay. I swore she'd never marry my father and take that farm away from me.
- [33:43]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, she didn't.
- [33:43]
Narrator/Host
She didn't get it. No, no. Neither of you will get the farm that's even handed justice. So my poet phrased it. There's just One thing, Bill, about getting the poison into the jar. I mean, it was sealed with paraffin. Oh, that's easy, Sergeant. An ordinary hypodermic, syringe and needle would do the trick. Inject the poison through the paraffin without disturbing it. How about that, Randy? Did you throw the hypodermic away or is it still in your pocket? Well, it in my pocket. Left hand pocket. I'll get it. I'll search.
- [34:17]
Various Characters/Actors
He hit the sergeant on the head with a handcuff. There he goes. Stop him.
- [34:21]
Narrator/Host
My gun. Take it.
- [34:23]
Various Characters/Actors
Stop him. Don't shoot. You kill him. Randy.
- [34:26]
Narrator/Host
Randy.
- [34:30]
Various Characters/Actors
You got him, Mr. Witherall. Looks like you hit him in the leg. And with just one shot too, of course.
- [34:37]
Narrator/Host
Just one shot, Mrs. Mullet. Remember, dead eye is my middle name. Now let's find another shooting gallery and I'll get you a rosy cheeked, blue eyed, practically genuine cupy doll. WO Mutual has presented the distinguished American actor Walter Hampden in the Adventures of Leonidas Witheral. Mrs. Mullet is played by Ethel Ramey. The character of Leonidas Witherall is from the mystery novels by Alice Tilton. The radio script is by Howard Merrill and the program is directed by Roger Bauer. Mr. Hampden has an important announcement to make. Mr. Hampden. Well, Leonidas friends won't be sharing a puzzle in homicide with him next week because our program is changing time. Witheral, Mrs. Mullet and the worthy sergeant will be back on the air on Sunday, October 8th. That's two weeks from tonight at 7pm Eastern. War time. That's two hours earlier than usual. I hope you'll make a note to join us then Sunday, October 8th at 7pm until then, good night. Beginning next Sunday evening, I'll October 1st at 9pm Eastern. War Time Wor Mutual will present a new musical program Steel Horizons with John Baker, baritone of the Metropolitan Opera association and guest soloists and an orchestra conducted by Frederick Launch. And remember, Leonidas Witherall will return on October 8th at 7pm The Adventures of Leonidas Wither all came to you from the stage of the WO Mutual Playhouse in New York. This is Mutual. That free wine brings you the casebook of Gregory Hood. Tonight, the petrified to bring you good wine invite you to listen to the story of the forgetful murderer. Another exciting story from the casebook of Gregory Hood. And if you don't mind, I'd like to repeat something I've said before. It's simply this. The best beginning a good meal ever had is a glass of Petri California sherry. Try serving for Dinner. And you'll know what I mean. That Petri Sherry is a marvelous wine. Just look at its deep amber color, so rich and inviting. And as for the wine itself, what a flavor. Petri Sherry has a flavor you know, comes right from the heart of luscious, sunripened California grape. And say, if you like your sherry dry, like I do, you know, not sweet. Petri makes a delicious dry sherry. Petri pale dry. If you don't know which you prefer, the regular or the pale dry, don't buy one, buy two. Try them both. But remember, always buy Petri. Well, it's Monday night in San Francisco and it's time to keep our weekly date with Gregory Hood and his friend, Sanderson Taylor. Tonight's rendezvous is at one of this city's favorite and most colorful meeting places, the top of the Mark Hopkins Hotel. Let's join them there, shall we? Harry Bartel, how are you? Evening, Mr. Taylor. Hello, Greg. Hello, Harry. Come and sit down. You're just in time to settle a fierce argument. Argument, huh? Company policy or private opinion? The latter. Gregory and I have been arguing as to what is the plural of mongoose. I say it's mongooses. And his vote has gone for mongoose. Now, what's your bet, Harry? Well, I think I'd go for mongooses too, Greg. Ah, you're outvoted, Sandy. Punk and Wagnalls will hear of this. Now, you mustn't be an obstinate old mongoose. How did you get onto the subject anyway? Oh, it came up quite logically. A little earlier on, Sandy and I were shooting. He threw three double aces in a row. Double A's is better known as snake eyes. From there, we began to discuss snakes, then the ways of killing them. And that was when Sandy made his fatal remark about monkeys. You call that logical? You find, Harry, the Griggs logic is always a little involved. Well, I'll forgive that if he'll keep up his record of good storytelling. How's about tonight Yarn, Greg? Well, Harry, I think I should preface the story by telling you that last year I decided to open a small but select retail store. And I may tell you, Harry, that it took all of Greg's wiles and personal contacts to wangle the rifle. Yes, we finally secured a location on Post street near the St. Francis Hotel. On the night my story begins, Sandy and I were at the new place talking over the final plans with our manager. We sat there quite late, I remember, and it must have been after 10 as we left the store and walked down post towards where my car was parked. As we reached it, we noticed quite a crowd gathered outside a jewelry store. Naturally, we walked over to see what had caused the commotion. Well, hello. What's the excitement, you suppose, Greg? It looks as if someone's giving away nylons on the sidewalk. Let's go and snooze. Well, there must be trouble, Greg. The police here. Yes, and prominent among them is Sergeant Barton. Hello, Sergeant. Hi. Good evening, Mr. Hood. Move back there, please. Out of the way. You gotta keep this clear. Doesn't take you long to smell out a murder, Mr. Hood. A murder? It's purely a coincidence that we happen to be passing, Sergeant. What happened? Star broken into, jewelry stolen? Night watchman stabbed to death? Nabbed the killer? No, he was too fast for us. Made a clean getaway. Mr. Hood. Oh, can I come in and take a gander? Oh, great. Let your curiosity alone for one. I'm afraid I've got strict instructions, Mr. Hood. If you call headquarters, I'm sure they'll authorize a pass, though. No, no, Sergeant, I won't bother. By the way, how's your wife all over the operation? Doing fine, thank you, Mr. Hood. Good. Well, so long, Sergeant. Night, Mr. Hud. Out of the way. Wonders one ever sees, Greg. They're actually walking away from the scene of a murder. Purely commercial robbery. Murders like that aren't in my lines, Sandy. In any case, I'm not in a mood for violence tonight. Let's go over to the Lick Grill and rattle a few dice. No, not me. I'm going to hide me home to Mary and the children. Oh, you're a very worthy citizen, Sandy. Now, here's my car. Can I drop you at the bridge terminal? No, thanks. It's near. I'll walk. Good night, Greg. See you in the morning, Sandy. Give my love to Mary. I. Hello? Hello. Did you get into the wrong car?
- [41:55]
Various Characters/Actors
I don't think so. You're Gregory Hood, aren't you?
- [41:59]
Narrator/Host
Yes.
- [42:00]
Various Characters/Actors
That's what it said on the license card on the steering post.
- [42:03]
Narrator/Host
Who are you?
- [42:04]
Various Characters/Actors
Toffee? That's my nickname. Jump in and tell me where we're going.
- [42:10]
Narrator/Host
Gregory, listen. You're sure you said topic?
- [42:14]
Various Characters/Actors
I did.
- [42:15]
Narrator/Host
Then listen, Toppy, I'm the kind of a guy who's more than willing to string along with the gag. But before I say where we're going, I'd like you to do one thing for me.
- [42:23]
Various Characters/Actors
What's that?
- [42:24]
Narrator/Host
Please switch on the overhead light inside the car.
- [42:28]
Various Characters/Actors
You want to make certain I'm not too repulsive.
- [42:30]
Narrator/Host
I suppose. There.
- [42:34]
Various Characters/Actors
What's the verdict, Gregory?
- [42:37]
Narrator/Host
Move over, Toppy. We're going just wherever you say, Sergeant Barton. Yes, Lieutenant Silvers. Anything from the lab reports on the jewelry store killing? Not a thing, Lieutenant. Never saw a cleaner job. Looks like we've got nothing at all to go on. Yeah, nothing but this. It was found at the scene of the murder. What is it, Lieutenant? Your guess is as good as mine. Looks like just a hunk of metal to me. The owner swears it doesn't belong in the shop, so we must assume the killer dropped it. Can I look at it, Lieutenant? Ah, sure you can. Yeah. Thanks. Hmm. Piece of metal about 6 inches long, thicker than a wire, not much sharp at one end and the ring at the other. Could it be a meat skewer, Lieutenant? Don't ask me, Sergeant. Three days since the killing now, and after exhaustive tests, all I've been able to find out is that the murderer dropped the whatsit. Maybe I should ask Greg Hood to come in on this one. He was on the scene a few minutes after the murder was discovered, Lieutenant. Oh, take it, will you, son? Police headquarters, Homicide. Sergeant Martin speaking. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. You know what, Lieutenant? No, I don't. If I'd been on my toes, I guess I should have deduced from your conversation, but I didn't quite make it. What's happened? There's been another robbery killing. Sounds like the same guy down on Market. Well, let's get moving. And keep your fingers crossed, Sergeant. Perhaps he's left another clue for us. This time, a clue that we'll be able to pick up. Wells handy. The display stuff is ready. The carpenters are finished. The interior decorator has finally okayed the hang of the last drape. I think our store can open tomorrow on schedule. Yeah, I'm very proud of it. If Hood and Company has to go into the retail market, it couldn't have a better showcase. Yes, as my eye roams over our newest domain, I feel quite happy. By the way, Sandy, look at that watercolor of James Cooper Wright hanging over there. Yes, Guy's a very great painter. Have you ever seen such a subtle and yet more exciting blend of color? Oh, I'm crazy about it. I've been ever since I first saw it. You know, I'm planning to buy Mary a Jimmy Wright original for her birthday. Ah, you're a man of taste, Sandy. If only you were worthy of Mary. Well, since we're talking of what is technically known as the gentler sex, may I ask you if you've seen Any more of that girl you told me you met the other night? What was her name? Taffy? No, no, Sandy. Her name was Toffee. Okay. I don't want to be an old snooper, but I am curious. Have you seen her again? No, Sandy. It's one of the darndest things that's happened to me yet. She just showed up out of nowhere. We had one of the most delightful evenings I've ever spent. And then she vanished. Insisted I drop her at the cab stand, if you please. Well, didn't you trail the cab? Nobody got away from me. Do you realize, Sandy, that I don't even know her name? You're slipping, Greg. Yes. How can that be? Store doesn't open till tomorrow. Well, I'm sure it's Gino Carducci. Oh, you mean our night watchman from the warehouse? Yes. Yes, I thought it would be a break for him to move in a little nearer to the center of things. Ah, hello, gino. Good evening, Mr. Hood. And how are you, Mr. Taylor? Hello, Gino. Come to look over your new empire? Ah, that's all right, Mr. Taylor. Fine place you have here. A fine place. You think you like being night watchman here, Gino? I thought it'd be a nice change for you after the warehouse. Gino isn't very happy. Mr. Moose, all my life I have wanted to be in a fashionable part of the city. And now. You just wait until I tell my Maria. Excuse me, please. I will examine this door. Yes, make yourself at home, Gino. Someone else at the door. We really have built a better mousetrap, haven't we? Uh. Oh, Lieutenant Silver probably wants a preview of the store. Hi, Greg. Hello, Stan. Good to see you. Well, what do you think of our new place? It's very nice. Good evening, Mr. Payment. Hello, Lieutenant. You look worried, Stan. What's on your mind? This series of robbery killings, Greg, it's getting me down. No kidding. Three of them now, and we haven't got a decent lead. You sure it's the same killer? Certain. Patent ain't. Case is exactly the same. And that pattern is. Store is broken into, stuff is stolen. Night watchman gets slugged while he's unconscious, this dirty rat stabs him to death. That's a medical examiner's report. Strange. Your average thief doesn't kill unless he has to. Sounds like a twisted kind of mind. It were. And here's another thing. At the scene of each of the killings, the murderers dropped something. Look, I brought you the collection. See if you can make anything out. Oh, item one Plain linen handkerchief, initial with a C. No laundry, mind. Well, that's a great help. Merely narrows it down to all the people in San Francisco whose first, last or middle name begins with a C. I know, I know. Well, at least that puts Greg and me in the clear. What's the item number two? Well, it's a hard shaped piece of rubber. Looks like an earpiece of some kind. It is. Police surgeon tells us it's an earpiece off a stethoscope. Ah, that the mad doctor, eh? Well, that should give you a lead. Well, it hasn't. Greg, have you any idea how many doctors there are in San Francisco whose initials have a C in them some way? Well, I can imagine. And the third exhibit? This funny looking piece of metal. They found it at the scene of the first killing. It's not unlike a meat skewer. No, no, it's not that, Sandy. Funny. Rings a kind of a bell, but I can't quite hear it. Well, then hang on to it, Greg, until you do hear it, will you? I'd certainly appreciate it if you could help me out on this one. I'm going crazy. Okay, Stan, I'll take it and brood on the matter. You can have it back for exhibit A. But I'll see if I get any bright ideas in the meantime. But don't pin too much faith on me. This really isn't my type of case.
- [49:02]
Various Characters/Actors
Hello, Gregory.
- [49:04]
Narrator/Host
Toffee.
- [49:05]
Various Characters/Actors
You ought to lock your car.
- [49:07]
Narrator/Host
You know. I always used to. Until that night, I forgot. Now I leave it open, hoping I find you here again. Move over, darling.
- [49:17]
Various Characters/Actors
Where are we going?
- [49:18]
Narrator/Host
I think a bite of supper at the palace is indicated. The lights are so distressed there. Admirably suited to your mystery and your beauty.
- [49:26]
Various Characters/Actors
My, but you're in great form tonight, Gregory. And after that?
- [49:31]
Narrator/Host
After that, darling, we might take a drive up to Twin Peaks. The view from there is quite lovely.
- [49:36]
Various Characters/Actors
I doubt if you've ever seen it, Gregory, but come on, let's go. Oh, you were actually truthful, Gregory. The view is beautiful.
- [50:02]
Narrator/Host
You're right, Tati, it's quite beautiful.
- [50:06]
Various Characters/Actors
You aren't even looking.
- [50:07]
Narrator/Host
Oh, yes, I am. My old father used to say that even the Taj Mahal in the moonlight didn't compare with the sparkle in a beautiful girl's eyes.
- [50:16]
Various Characters/Actors
I wish I'd met your old father.
- [50:18]
Narrator/Host
So does he. In the meanwhile, how's about his son? He's not bad, darling. Oh. What's wrong? Copy?
- [50:29]
Various Characters/Actors
What have you got in your pocket? The razor blade. Something pricked me.
- [50:33]
Narrator/Host
Oh, it must be this gimmick See?
- [50:37]
Various Characters/Actors
A fine thing, sir, carrying concealed weapons.
- [50:41]
Narrator/Host
This isn't a weapon, my sweet. It's the vital clue to a murder case. The only trouble is no one knows what it is.
- [50:47]
Various Characters/Actors
I bet I know what it is.
- [50:49]
Narrator/Host
What?
- [50:49]
Various Characters/Actors
It's a thing for cleaning pipes.
- [50:51]
Narrator/Host
Oh, no, no, darling. The gadget you're thinking of has a much shorter spike. And it's got little spoons for scooping out the tobacco and all sorts of other doodads on it.
- [51:00]
Various Characters/Actors
My father used to use one just like this. He had a special need. It was for cleaning out the. Oh, you know, the middle part of the pipe.
- [51:09]
Narrator/Host
You mean the shank? Say, you may be right at that. You're a bright girl, Toffee. You may have helped to solve a murder.
- [51:17]
Various Characters/Actors
There's going to be another murder very soon, Gregory, if you're not careful.
- [51:21]
Narrator/Host
Me? What have I done?
- [51:24]
Various Characters/Actors
You talk too much.
- [51:38]
Narrator/Host
Hi, Stan. Hello, Gregory. What brings you over to police headquarters? You get any brain waves on that steel gimmick I gave you? Yes, Stan. I went out with a beautiful girl last night and she gave me an idea. Nothing very surprising about that. Don't be caught, Stan. I'm talking about the metal objects found at the first murder. This gal suggested it might be a rather special kind of pipe tool. I checked on it this morning and learned two interesting facts. The gimmick was made of surgical steel and there were traces of nicotine on it. So we narrow it down still further. Sam, you're looking for a doctor who has a C in his initials. And he's also a pipe smoker. His either CP or PC you can take your choice. Frank. Not another murder, Sam. Last night he left a silver lighter at the scene of the crime. Stan, you look powdered. Come on out and have a drink. Forget it for a while. How can I find. Look, Greg, you're an amateur. Sometimes you get a bright idea and solve a murder. Swell. And the safety and lives of a city don't depend on it. But it's different with me. Men are dying, Greg. Four men in the last two weeks. And the Lord alone knows where the killer's gonna strike next or when. And what can I do? Nothing. Except Homicide. Silver speaking. Yeah, Bud. What? Yeah. Okay, Barton, I'll be right over. Not another, Sam. Yes, last night. Maybe early this morning and. Hold on, Greg. It was your new store. What? They murdered your night watchman? You'll hear the rest of Gregory Hood's story in just a second. Just time for me to tell you this simplest, easiest way I know to Make a good meal taste better. Serve that meal with a glass of good Petri wine. You're having hamburgers or as well pot roast for dinner. Then you've just got to try it with Petri California Burgundy. That Petri Burgundy is a hearty red wine that's just made to go with any meat or meat dish. Personally, I think it's great. Now, if you're having chicken for dinner or maybe fish or seafood, then by all means try a Petri California Sauterne. Petri Sauternes is a subtle, intriguing white wine. That's really something. Believe me, when you want a good wine, you can't miss with a Petri wine. Well, Greg, this one's really got me on the edge of my chair. So the murderer struck for a fifth time when he killed your night watcher? Yes, Harry. Poor old Gino Carducci. He was one of my favorite people and I was fighting mad when I heard the news. I called Sandy and told him to join me at the store. And then Lieutenant Silvers and I raced over to. As the three of us stood there, I swore a silent vow that this was to be the last. You can't blame yourself, Greg. But I do, Sandy. While I was out having a romantic adventure with a mysterious girl last night, poor old Gino was killed protecting my property. I don't see that you could have done anything to save him, Greg. The murderer didn't write a postcard and say he was going to be here last night. I know, I know. Your men have searched the place thoroughly, I suppose. Yeah. Now I've got him on a routine job that may lead us somewhere. What's that, Lieutenant? Checking on a list of every medico in San Francisco who may have the initial CP Or PC did the forgetful murderer leave us any clue this time? Yeah, these few pages drawn from a novel. Sergeant Barton said they were lying beside the body, but they're not much help. No fingerprints on them. Let me see him. Yeah. Here. See what you make of them. Meanwhile, I'm going back to headquarters. I'll be in touch with you later. Okay, Sam. Okay. What do you make of the pages, Sandy? Well, they seem to be torn from one of those novels about the gallant young doctor. Can't say I feel too kind to dispose toward doctors at the moment. Let me see those pages. Wait a minute. You were wrong, Sandy. These pages weren't torn from a novel. They're loose sheets. They've never been bound. What does that tell you? I think it tells us where to look for Dr. P.C. or C.P. who you calling? Joseph Henry Jackson and book editor on the Chronicle. I think he can help us.
- [55:36]
Various Characters/Actors
Chronicle?
- [55:38]
Narrator/Host
Joe Jackson, please. I hope you're on the right trail, Greg. So do I. Hello, Joe, this is Greg Hood. Hello, Greg. Listen, Joe, I'm in a jam. I need some help. Oh, now look, Greg, I'm a respectable married man. No, no, no, no. Not that kind of a jam. I need your professional help. That's different. What's the problem? Am I right in thinking that sometimes book reviewers like yourself are sent unbound pages on a book? Yes, Greg, they do that occasionally when the regular copies won't be out far enough ahead. Personally, I wish publishers would do it more often. I see. Another question, Joe. Do you have a reviewer who covers medical books? Someone whose initials might be CP or PC oh, we have so many part time reviewers. Let me see. Yes, Greg, there's a Dr. Christopher Partington who's been working for us. Have you ever met him? Drew? No, never been in here. We send stuff out to him and he mails a copy back. Just a minute, I'll check the address. What is all this anyway, Greg? Well, Joe, you're well known as an authority on factual murder, aren't you? True. Murder is a hobby of mine. Why? Well, Joe, don't look now, but I think you're just about to solve the murder. Well, Sandy, this is the house of Dr. Christopher Potting. Yes, and very nice too. You know, it's pleasant out here in the marina. Aren't you going to ring the bell? Not since the doors unlatch. Surprise is always an advantage when you're dealing with a murderer. You really think he's your man? The evidence would point that way. Come on, Sandy, keep your eye sharpened. This guy probably knows all the answers. I don't like open doors. This might be a trap. We'll soon see. You should have called Lieutenant Silver. No, no, Sandy. Since poor Gino got killed, this is a private battle. Here's the living room. Empty. So recently occupied by a pipe smoker. You notice I don't see any pipes lying around. Look at that ashtray. Lots of ashes and burned matches. But no cigarette light.
- [57:54]
Various Characters/Actors
Who isn't it? Oh, hello, Gregory.
- [57:59]
Narrator/Host
Toffee, what on earth are you doing here?
- [58:02]
Various Characters/Actors
I'll tell you that when you tell me how you tracked me here.
- [58:07]
Narrator/Host
Well, I. I have my methods. By the way, Toffee, let me introduce my friend, Sanderson Taylor.
- [58:12]
Various Characters/Actors
How do you do, Mr. Taylor?
- [58:14]
Narrator/Host
Well, how do you do, Mr.
- [58:17]
Various Characters/Actors
Since your friend has tracked me here, he really should be able to Tell you my name. While he's thinking about it, I'll go and get you both a drink. You look as though you could use one.
- [58:26]
Narrator/Host
Quick, Sandy. Scranton. Get the number on that phone. Flip out of the house and go to the nearest public phone and call here. Ask for Dr. Christopher Pottingdale. Oh, I get it. That'll smoke him out without your having to mention it. That's a good idea, Granny. And then I'll come right back.
- [58:41]
Various Characters/Actors
I have some sherry.
- [58:42]
Narrator/Host
Will that be.
- [58:43]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, where did your friend go?
- [58:46]
Narrator/Host
Out for cigarettes. We wanted some. I didn't notice any here.
- [58:49]
Various Characters/Actors
I'm a shocking hostess, aren't I? You like masuri, Gregory?
- [58:54]
Narrator/Host
I'd love a glass Totty.
- [58:58]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes.
- [58:59]
Narrator/Host
Do you live here? Sure. With Dr. Partington?
- [59:03]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes. Here's your sharing.
- [59:06]
Narrator/Host
Thank you. Toffee. Have you been reading about these night watchman murders in San Francisco?
- [59:13]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes, Gregory. I've been devouring the newspaper reports.
- [59:17]
Narrator/Host
Why? They're most unusual murders. The killer always leaves a clue. Now, these clues might be deliberately false ones, but I think not. I think it's a phenomenon a psychiatrist might enjoy. A murderer subconsciously compelled to betray himself. You know, Toffee, they say that absentmindedness is never accidental. It's always the result of subconscious desires.
- [59:40]
Various Characters/Actors
Do they? Gregory, darling, you're being dreadfully serious.
- [59:45]
Narrator/Host
I feel dreadfully serious. You see, an old friend of mine was murdered last night.
- [59:51]
Various Characters/Actors
Excuse me. Hello? Yes, speaking. Who's this? Funny, he hung up.
- [60:03]
Narrator/Host
Oh, well, he asked for Dr. Christopher Partington, didn't he?
- [60:09]
Various Characters/Actors
Did he?
- [60:10]
Narrator/Host
And you are Dr. Christopher Partington, aren't you? Toffee? It's not a common name for a girl, but I've heard of a few others. I've heard of Christopher for Partington, Candy. So that your nickname of Toffee was another clue, wasn't it?
- [60:22]
Various Characters/Actors
Gregory, darling, I'm afraid I'm losing my illusion for you. But go on, it's fascinating.
- [60:29]
Narrator/Host
I've known of women who privately smoked pipes, too. That was another clue you gave me. And women doctors are commonplace these days. The subconscious is beautifully tricky, isn't it? Coffee? Even while seeking to betray you, it left a series of clues pointing to pipe smoking, Dr. Partington. All misleading factors not to be associated with a beautiful girl nicknamed Toffee. You're very silent, Dr. Partington.
- [60:58]
Various Characters/Actors
I told her not to, Grace. I kept telling her not to kill those people, but she wouldn't listen to me. She was a surgeon, you know, and she loved to use a knife. And it was so easy for her to fool a Night. Watch me. She went right on killing, so I had to try to betray her. That's why I waited in your car that first night. I thought I might be able to help you catch her.
- [61:32]
Narrator/Host
Who?
- [61:34]
Various Characters/Actors
Cassie Peters.
- [61:36]
Narrator/Host
She's bad.
- [61:38]
Various Characters/Actors
Very bad.
- [61:40]
Narrator/Host
She kills people. Cassie Peters? C.P. holy smoke. Don't tell me I figured this out all wrong. After all, where is she? This. This Cassie Peters?
- [61:51]
Various Characters/Actors
Here. Here. And me inside of me. We use the same body, but she's dead. I hate her. I just so want you to catch her.
- [62:08]
Narrator/Host
Grace. It's all right, Toffee, dear. I've caught her.
- [62:13]
Various Characters/Actors
Then lock her up. Grace, please. Lock her up. Promise you won't let her do those things anymore. You won't, will you, Griffin?
- [62:26]
Narrator/Host
Don't worry. Coffee? We won't let Kathy Peters kill people. Not anymore. Ever. Greg, I swear, this is the strangest case you've ever told me. And the saddest. Five innocent men, including my old friend Gino, murdered in cold blood. And yet you can't hold that girl morally responsible. She never went to prison, of course. No, Harry, she was obviously an insane schizophrenic. A 1946 Jekyll and Hyde. She wound up in a state institution. It was just a psychological misfit. Darn it, Harry. It was a miserable case. You know, Greg, there are times when I'd sure hate to be in your shoes. Yes, Harry, it wasn't easy to take. But as my old father would say, when you cry over a woman, there's always another woman ready to wipe away the tears. Now, you can't dismiss it that easily, Greg. When you fall, I know that you fall, but. Good. Yes, Harry, you and I were the kind of fellows who decide they like something and, well, that's that. That's right. I'll never forget the night I. Oh, but you don't want to hear about it. But I do. The night you what? The first night I. You sure. Of course. The first night I tasted Petri wine, I said, that's the wine for me. And it sure is. I should have known. Yep. Petri wine is the wine for everybody. Because it's good wine. It's got to be. Look at the long years of skill and experience that go into its making. The Petrie family has been making wine for generations. Winemaking is their heritage. A heritage handed on down from father to son. From father to son. So you can see why the Petri business has grown and grown. So that today the Petri family are America's largest independent winemakers. Yes. The making of Petri Wine is a family of fair and the Petri family has every intention of keeping it just that. So you know the name Petri on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark. It's the personal assurance of the Petri family that Petri wine is and always will be good wine. Well, Gregory, what story from your casebook have you lined up for us next week? Next week, Harry, I'm going to tell you of an odd adventure that Sandy and I had as we were flying to New York few months ago. It concerns a Southern colonel, an unusually attractive girl and an elusive piece of ice. I call the story the Double Diamond. See you next Monday, Harry. The Casebook of Gregory Hood is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher. Original music composed and played by Dean Fossler. Gail Gordon plays the part of Gregory Hood and Sanderson Taylor is played by Howard McNear. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invite you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. The Casebook of Gregory Hood comes to you from our Hollywood studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family for a solid hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of the these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by the case Book of Gregory Hood. This is the Mutual broadcasting system, box 13, with the star of Paramount Pictures, Alan Ladd as dan Hol. Box 13, care of the Star Times. If $50,000 is of any interest to you, come to see me. If it's adventure you want, this is it. Because I want you to kill me. At present, My address is 756 South Marvin Boulevard. Please come alone and don't tell anyone on this. My address is 756 South Martin Boulevard. Please come alone and don't tell anyone about this letter, Simon Andrews. The letter was dated two days before I received it. And this was one time. I wish sleet or snow or winds or anything had delayed the swift courier on his route. And now back to box 13 and Dan Holiday's latest adventure, Killer at Large.
- [67:56]
Various Characters/Actors
But this was written two days ago, Mr. Holiday.
- [67:58]
Narrator/Host
I know it, Susie.
- [67:59]
Various Characters/Actors
And you were out of town so I couldn't get in touch with you.
- [68:02]
Narrator/Host
Well, it wouldn't have made any difference. I couldn't have made it back in time anyway.
- [68:06]
Various Characters/Actors
You're not gonna follow up this letter, are you? It's obviously the work of a handle.
- [68:10]
Narrator/Host
A what?
- [68:10]
Various Characters/Actors
You know, one of those persons who writes letters and things.
- [68:14]
Narrator/Host
Oh, a crank.
- [68:16]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, but you're not going.
- [68:18]
Narrator/Host
I sure am, Susie.
- [68:19]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, no, you wouldn't kill him?
- [68:22]
Narrator/Host
Oh, of course not. But I do want to know why Mr. Andrews wants himself killed. And I'm going to try and talk him out of. The fact that I hadn't received the letter for two days had me worried. A lot of things can happen in two days. So I went to the address of Mr. Simon Andrews. It was night. There wasn't a light in the big house. I walked up the front stairs, punched the doorbell and heard it ring inside. Want somebody in there, bud? Huh? Where did you come from? Never mind where I came from. The point is, where do you think you're going? I was going inside. If the door opens, step back away from that door with your hands up. What's the idea? It's not an idea, Bud. It's a reality. Awful, real. Go on. Step away and keep your hands up. After you. Thank you. Straight ahead. Go on. I'd still like to know what the score is. About 10 to 0 and you're carrying the short end. Keep going. And stop at that door to the right. Get away from it, Corlyn. What's this? This is something that I picked up on the front steps, Mr. Andrews. Bring him over here. Was it you who rang the bell? That's my usual way of getting into houses. Who are you? What do you want? You're Simon Andrews. Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. I said who are you? My name is Holliday. Dan Holliday. Well, that means nothing. What'll I do with him? Mr. Andrews? Wait a minute, Torling. Holliday. What did you want here? I came here to kill you. Hey, watch him, Torling. At your own request, Mr. Andrews. Look. Keep your hands away from your pockets. Wait a minute. Let's see what you got in there. Go ahead. No gun, no knife. I don't understand. That makes three of us. A nice cozy group. Here. I was going to give you this letter. I think you wrote it. Yes, I wrote this. And you. You're box 13. Yes, I am. It's all right, Tolling. Leave us alone, huh? You sure it's all right? Yes, yes. Go on. Go back to your post. Oh, sure. I'll be right outside the window. Now, Mr. Andrews, what gives? I'm sorry, Holiday, but I'm afraid. Afraid of what? Of being killed. For a man who wanted to be killed, you're doing a lot of unnecessary work. Why didn't you come when you got the letter? I was out of town for a couple of days. Oh, I. Please sit down. Would you like a drink? No, thanks. I'll have one. You mind? Go right ahead. It's your house. When I wrote that letter, I wanted to be killed. Why? Maybe I'm crazy, I don't know. But I was sick of living. Just sick of it. Can you understand that? Not yet. I like to see flowers and bees and birds. You're younger than I. Anyway, I was a kind of a morbid thrill, thinking that someone was actually going to kill me. Did you really think I'd do it? I didn't know. I took the chance. Well, don't worry. My only reason for coming here tonight was to see what prompted this letter. And to talk you out of it, if possible. I wish you'd come. Two days ago. Why? I want to leave now. I've met someone and I want to live. Go right ahead. I have already paid someone to kill me. You. You what? You're crazy. Not now. I was. You can't be serious. I am. I tell you, someone is going to kill me. Someone. I paid $25,000 to do it. I don't know who, I don't know when or where, but he's going to kill me. You're a fool. Go to the police. I can't. Your life depends on it. I know, but I can't go. If I do, there'll be notoriety. I wouldn't have cared before, but I can't let that happen now. You know, I've met some strange people through my ad in the Star Times. But if you want the trophy, there'll be no argument. Put it on your mantle. Don't joke. I'm not. You've got yourself into this. Now get out. Maybe. Maybe you can help. Sure, maybe you can. Oh, no. I'm sorry. Look, I'll pay you whatever you want. I can afford it. Sure, if you can afford $25,000 to get yourself killed, you can pay more to stay alive. That's it. But not to me. Look, Andrews, all you have to do is call off the deal. Let the killer keep the money, but call it off. Don't you think I've thought of that? Then what's the matter? You didn't read this newspaper, did you? No. Why? Look at the headline. Benny Franklin Slain Big shot of gambling Syndicate killed in underworld slang. So who cries about this? Franklin was the man to whom I paid the money. I paid him to find someone to kill me. Well, well, well. You really locked the door on yourself, didn't you? Do something just like that. Franklin was the only man who knew about our deal. I paid him in cash. What do you think? I could do anything. Find the man who's going to kill me. I'll pay whatever you say. Look Andrews, it isn't a question of money. It's a question of looking through the well known haystack for the equally well known needle. I wouldn't know where to start. Take my advice and take a chance on going to the police. Hire private detectives, anything. I can't. I can't. Please Holliday, help me. Good heavens, you'd give help to a dog if it needed it. I'm grasping at straws. I'm afraid to leave the house. I hired Torling as a bodyguard but sooner or later the man who's out to kill me will get to me. Please Holiday, please. All right Mr. Andrews. But if at any time I find things getting a little hot I'll go to the police myself. That's the only way I'll make the deal. All right, all right. Anything. Now you paid Franklin. Franklin evidently knew someone who would be willing to pull a trigger or use a knife. But you have no idea who? None. Then we've got to find a starting point. And the starting point is Benny Franklin. He's dead man. He's dead Very. But he must have left a family. Of course. The paper says something about his mother. I'll try to see her tomorrow morning. Tomorrow? Why not tonight? Because the police will be questioning her, watching her house. You'll have to wait until tomorrow. Then I'll see her. Well I didn't like the setup. Andrews was a fool and obviously a psychopathic case. But he was in trouble. So the next morning I saw Franklin's mother. I can't tell anybody anything else. I told all I knew to the police. Yes, yes to the police.
- [74:47]
Various Characters/Actors
A hundred times.
- [74:49]
Narrator/Host
My. My boy's gone. What good is all this? I'm not the police Mrs. Franklin. Then why do you want to know about Benny? Maybe I'm a friend of his. I don't know you. I never saw you before. Look, Benny once did me a favor. Call me a friend of his for that. I don't know your name. It's Holliday. Dan Holliday. Where did Benny know you? Well let's not talk about that. What I want to know is what did you tell the police?
- [75:13]
Various Characters/Actors
Everything I could.
- [75:15]
Narrator/Host
What was that? What do you expect me to tell you? I don't know. Maybe who his friends were or weren't. He was killed. He was killed by somebody who hated him. There was a man named Scott. Scott? Did you ever see him? No. I told the police Benny saw him often. He always went out to meet him. Why?
- [75:36]
Various Characters/Actors
I don't know.
- [75:37]
Narrator/Host
Was there anyone else?
- [75:38]
Various Characters/Actors
No one I knew.
- [75:41]
Narrator/Host
Benny never brought his friends here. No, I guess he wouldn't. Now, Mrs. Franklin, did your son recently come into, well, a pretty good sum of money? Money? You always had plenty of money. I never took any of it. I wouldn't touch any of it. No, of course not. What'd he tell you if he came in to, say, $25,000? No, he wouldn't tell me. Why are you asking that? I have my reasons, Mrs. Franklin. Maybe if we knew he had the money and if we could find out if he gave it to anyone, we might be able to learn who killed him. Don't you want to see his murder caught?
- [76:18]
Various Characters/Actors
I don't know.
- [76:19]
Narrator/Host
He was your son. Yes, my son. I was ashamed of him for what he was, but I loved him. Yes, I know. But thank Mrs. Franklin. Did he have that much money recently? No. No, I don't think he did. You're sure of that? When he had money, he spent it all at once. Then if he'd had as much as $25,000 recently, he'd have put on quite a show, huh? Yes, yes, yes. But what good is this? I don't know yet. And you can't tell me anything more about this Scott? Well, Benny went to meet him the.
- [76:58]
Various Characters/Actors
Night he was killed.
- [77:00]
Narrator/Host
All right, Mrs. Franklin, it's all for now. And thank you. What are you gonna do? Look for a man named Scott who has suddenly come into 25,000 DOL. That was all looked for a man named Scott who had a lot of money. A killer would make himself hard to catch. Well, the starting place was one of Benny Franklin's favorite places. Then another, then another. Then finally in the bar of a little cocktail lounge. Yes, sir. What can I do for you? Quite a bit, I hope, huh? What'd you say? Look, my name's Holliday. I'm a writer, and I thought perhaps you could help me out. Oh, you want me to write something for you? Oh, no, no. But I'm interested in Benny Franklin's case. Oh, that's so. Yeah, he came here quite a lot, didn't he? Well, lots of people do. But Franklin came here more than lots of people. Maybe. Can you tell me anything about him? Mr. Holliday, there's something like five newspapers in this city. Pick up any one of them and read all about Benny Franklin. That's not the kind of stuff I want. Well, that's the only kind of stuff you get even for this? You could buy a lot of newspapers for that 50, but not a lot of information. What makes you think I can give you any this 50? What you want to know? Anything you can tell me. Well, I heard that Benny Franklin wasn't the big boy in the gambling outfit. Oh, you sure? That's what I hear. Also that there was a lot of talk around that Benny was getting too big. I see. But I'm not interested in that part of the story. What you mean? I want to know about a man named Scott. Don't know him. You never heard of him, huh? I. No. Who is he? Where is he? I don't know. I don't know nothing about this. Scott's a trigger man, isn't he? A killer. Does that make you hysterical? Well, yeah, kind of. But I'll tell you something, Mr. Holliday. Go ahead. You've got $75 to fill up. Sure. Well, you're looking for a guy named Scott. That's right. But you ain't going to find him. Ever. Well, I'll tell you. And that's all I'll tell you. And then you leave here, Mr. Holiday. All right, go ahead. You ain't going to find a guy named Scott because there just ain't a guy named Scott. And now back to Killer at large. Another box 13 adventure with Alan Ladd as Dan Holiday. So there wasn't anyone named Scott. I didn't believe the bartender in that cocktail lounge. I didn't believe him because Franklin's mother had told me Scott saw a lot of Benny. But maybe Mrs. Franklin could be mistaken. I went home and thought it over. The more I thought, the less sense it made. According to the bartender, I was looking for a man who didn't exist. According to Simon Andrews, I was looking for a man who was going to kill him. Later that night, I decided to pay Mr. Andrews a visit. I was leaving my apartment building when. Don't turn around. Just keep walking. Holiday. What? Just keep walking. I. What's the idea? Turn in the alleyway. Go on. It's good enough. Now face the wall of the building with your hands up. Way up. How's this for size? Shut up and stay shut up. You got no gun. Everybody seems surprised at that. Maybe I should carry a few guns to keep people happy. It could be healthier for you. Now, why were you asking for Scott? How do you know I was? I got friends. Who? Ten bar. Could be. Come on, Holliday. Why were you asking about Scott? I have an uncontrollable curiosity about men having that name. I collect them. I don't want to have to do that again, Holiday. And I want good answers. That's the kind I don't have. Now maybe you'll tell me who you are. I could be Scott. Yeah, I had that idea when you asked me to go for a walk with you. Who sent you to that cocktail lounge? No one. I said I want good answers. I gave you one. No one sent me to that bar. You just happened to go in and ask about Scott. That's practically it. Who told you about him in the first place? Franklin's mother. You're a liar. All right, I'm a liar who might argue with a gun. Turn around. Well, wait a minute. I want to get a good look at your face. Do I look any better by matchlight? I never seen you before. I wish you never had. Who got you in town? Who did what? Come on. Come on. You ain't one of the mob, you know. I'm getting old. You ain't got a gun. What's your pitch? You know, I think we're going at this the wrong way. We're asking each other questions. Suppose we just settle down to a couple of true confessions. Where you from? Why, I don't know what this pitch is, but who sent you out to get me? Get you? Yeah. You come in to put the finger on me, and I didn't come in here alone. Look behind you. What? Look. All right, stand still. Don't. Please don't. My, my, what a big difference a gun makes depending on who holds it. Now, who are you? My name is Nicky. Last name's Scott. No. Would you like to be caressed with your own gun? No. No. Please. Please tell Scott I won't do it anymore. Please, give me a break. This time I'll get out of town. I'll do anything but let me go. Did you say I should tell Scott? Sure. I was just gonna put the bite on him once. Just enough to set me up. And then I was gonna blow town. Honest. Tell him that. Turn around. Face the wall with your hands up. Sure. Now let's see what trinkets you're. It's just a letter. Uh huh. What are you gonna do now? Well, since you invited me for a walk and I didn't really want to go, I think I'd better turn you over to the police. Oh, no. You won't. Stop. Come back here.
- [83:14]
Various Characters/Actors
What's the matter?
- [83:15]
Narrator/Host
Nothing, man. Nothing at all. Just a friendly game of tag.
- [83:17]
Various Characters/Actors
What?
- [83:18]
Narrator/Host
And I'm it? My charming vis A vis disappeared into the night and left me holding the bag. And the bag in this case was a letter. At first I didn't pay any attention to it. Later I looked at the address on it, thinking it would clear up some of this puzzle for me. And did it? Everything got worse. So I decided to go and see Mr. Simon Andrews. Back again, Mr. Holiday? Well, Mr. Tolling. Still the faithful watchdog. Let's go in. Go ahead. Where's Andrews? Same place he was last night. This way. Holliday's back. Mr. Andrews. Holliday, come in. Come in. Torling, get back to your post. Yes, sir. Well, holiday. Well, Mr. Andrews. For heaven's sake, man, don't just stand there. What happened? Where were you? Did you learn anything? Which question do you want answered first? Stop it. What are you trying to do? I'm sorry, Mr. Andrews. What do you know about a man named Scott? Scott? Scott. Name means nothing. Nothing at all. No, I think Scott is the man we're looking for. The same Scott who might have killed Benny Franklin. Scott killed Franklin? But why? Could be for your $25,000. I don't understand. Put it this way. You went to Franklin, hired a killer. Franklin got in touch with the invisible Mr. Scott. Maybe Franklin tried to hold out on Scott. And being a man of very, very short temper, Mr. Scotty Race Franklin. Did you find him? I don't know. What do you know? Just a minute, Andrews. I'm in this game on a rain check. Don't shout at me or go back to the bench. I'm sorry, Holliday, but you did learn something. Do you know a man about 30, medium height, dark hair and eyes, small mustache, little scar over his right eye? No. No, I don't. Well, he knows you because he had a letter for you. Here. What's this? Like I said, it's a letter. But what's in it? I don't like to be trite about this, but you could open it, you know. Oh, of course. Well, look, read it. You got until midnight tomorrow. Midnight tomorrow? The letter's not signed. It doesn't have to be, Holiday. It's from the killer. Why should he send you a letter torturing me? It could be. Why didn't you turn that. That Nicky over to the police? Why didn't you do something? What's your suggestion, Andrews? You put yourself in this hole. Now climb out of it. I'm pulling out. Oh, no, no, no, please. You're the only man who knows who's after me. Please. Holliday's no object. Just Find that man How? You saw him only once. Yes, but you know what he looks like. Look, let's turn this whole thing over to the police. Let them find him. I can't. I told you before, I can't. Holliday, make one more try, just one more. And spend the rest of my life without my head take tolling with you. And what about you? Oh, I didn't think of that Mr. Andrews. You didn't think of a lot of things. One of them was how stupid can you be? I know, but will you help? On one condition. What's that? You paid $25,000 to have yourself killed. Probably because you couldn't take your own life. You wanted a thrill. Okay, you got it. You paid $25,000 for it. Now I'll pay 50,000. What? I got a check for 50,000 payable to any charity I name. I. That's the only condition, the only one under which I'll try to find the man. All right, I'll do it. I'll write it immediately. Good. Oh, and Mr. Andrews? What? The check had better be honored or I won't go through with this. I swear I'll honor it. Take it with you here. Deposit it first thing in the morning. Okay. Now what are you going to do to find Mr. Scott? Fine. Mr. Scott. Oh, it sounded so easy. So I did the only thing I could. I went back to the little cocktail lounge in the same bartender. Yes sir, what can I. Oh, you. Hello? What do you want now? I'm looking for Nicky. Nicky? Yeah, Nicky. You know him? I don't know nobody named Nicky. You didn't know a man named Scott either. I don't. We'll pass that. But I want to find Nicky. Well, even if I knew a Nicky, why should I tell you anything? Because Nicky is due to get killed. Killed. That's it. I don't believe you. Mr. You've got to. A man named Scott is after Nicky. I want to warn him. There ain't nobody named Scott. Nobody who cared who admit you know. But there is a Scott and he's after Nicky. You. You on the level? Yes, I am. Okay. You'll find Nikki where he lives. 654 South Rogers. 1 more thing. Is Nikki mixed up in that gambling syndicate? I answered your question. The only one I'm gonna answer. Now you get out of here. Get out before the roof falls in on me. Well, I was playing a hunts and playing it along way through I went to the address the bartender gave me Walked up the stairs and came to a door that Had Nicky's name on it. I started to knock. The door was open just a little. I pushed it all the way open and went in. I stood in the dark for a moment and walked toward a window. I stumbled over something on the floor. I lighted a match. Nikki. Nicky. He's real. Dead, Holiday. Real Dad. Toiling. Mm. Toiling. Scott. Have it your own way. You know, I thought you were never gonna get here. What are you doing here? Where's Andrews? Give me that check he gave you. You killed Nicky? Good guess. Holliday, hand me that check. Okay. Here. Thanks. Now, Mr. Holliday, you're gonna be very sorry you came here. Am I? Torling. Toling. Thank you, Mr. Holiday. Andrews. Quite a gathering, isn't it, Mickey? Torling, you. Good evening, Mr. Scott. Oh, you guessed, eh? Now I figured it out. Well, I'm sorry. I haven't got time to listen to it. My shot must have attracted attention. Three men killed. You do all right. Franklin for trying to take over the gambling syndicate. Nikki for trying to blackmail you because he knew you killed Franklin. And Toiling, because I didn't trust him. I sent him here to kill Nicky. But I thought the check you had from me would prove too much for his loyalty. I must go now. Holliday. Thanks for finding Nicky for me. I had no idea who was blackmailing me. So you used me for how Patsy cooked up that story. Certainly one of my boys would have been recognized. But you are a stranger, understand? And I've got news for you, Mr. Scott. The police will be looking for Andrews. You, the higher up in the gambling ring, the man who kept out of sight looking for me. That's right. Because you slipped. Listen. You see, I made a phone call to the police. That's why they're coming. Not because anyone heard your shot, but because I called him bluff. Oh, no. When I went to see you with that letter, I only described Nicky. I never mentioned his name. But you did. You said Nicky. You. You look out. He's got a gun. Look out for you. You got your $25,000 worth, Mr. Andrews.
- [91:47]
Various Characters/Actors
Gee, Mr. Holliday, you certainly were smart to figure that out.
- [91:51]
Narrator/Host
Ever play poker, Susie?
- [91:53]
Various Characters/Actors
Is it like gin rummy?
- [91:55]
Narrator/Host
No, not quite. But if you've ever played, you'll know how good it feels to draw to an inside straight and make it.
- [92:01]
Various Characters/Actors
I don't get it.
- [92:02]
Narrator/Host
Well, Susie, the police are not coming for Andrews. They're out on a call to stop a fight, huh? Sure. I didn't think of that Nicky routine until I was talking with Andrews.
- [92:11]
Various Characters/Actors
But you said you called the police.
- [92:13]
Narrator/Host
I say a lot of things, Susie. A man has to say a lot of things when he's looking at his own tombstone.
- [92:19]
Various Characters/Actors
Do you mean to tell me that awful man actually brought your tombstone along?
- [92:23]
Narrator/Host
And I. What? Good night, Susie. Next week, same time, through the courtesy of Paramount Pictures, Alan Ladd again stars as Dan Holliday in Box 13. Box 13 is directed by Richard Sandberg, and this week's original story was written by Russell Hughes. Original music is composed and conducted by Rudy Schrager. Part of Susie is played by Sylvia Picker, and production is supervised by vern Carstenson. Box 13 is a Mayfair production from Hollywood Watch for Alan Ladd and his latest Paramount picture.
- [93:04]
Various Characters/Actors
Thank heaven someone's come help me.
- [93:06]
Narrator/Host
What's the matter? What's happening?
- [93:07]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, it's awful.
- [93:08]
Narrator/Host
Don't Listen to her, Mr. North. She's just fine.
- [93:10]
Various Characters/Actors
Her address is all toys.
- [93:11]
Narrator/Host
Yeah, I. If you don't cut that out, sure enough.
- [93:13]
Various Characters/Actors
He's crazy. Don't. Don't let him hit me again.
- [93:21]
Narrator/Host
Mr. And Mrs. North, starring Joseph Curtain and Alice Frost. Listen as Pam and Jerry solve the mystery. The Premature Corpse. It's a beautiful night in New York. Clear, fresh and in the snug apartment of Ferdy Hathaway. Warm, a night for music or friendship or love. And Shirley Hollis seems to have this last on her mind as she snuggles up to Ferdie on the sofa.
- [93:47]
Various Characters/Actors
Aw, Ferdy. I was just getting comfortable.
- [93:50]
Narrator/Host
I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to run along, Shirley. Some people are coming over in a little while.
- [93:56]
Various Characters/Actors
Will they be here long?
- [93:58]
Narrator/Host
I don't know. It's business. He's Jerry north, publisher. They're going to discuss a book I've written.
- [94:05]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, I'll wait till they leave. I want to talk to you, too.
- [94:09]
Narrator/Host
I.
- [94:09]
Various Characters/Actors
Come here.
- [94:12]
Narrator/Host
What do you want?
- [94:14]
Various Characters/Actors
Put your arms around.
- [94:16]
Narrator/Host
Now look, Shirley.
- [94:18]
Various Characters/Actors
Then I will. There. Hello, Birdie. It's.
- [94:27]
Narrator/Host
It's getting awfully warm in here.
- [94:28]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes, isn't it?
- [94:31]
Narrator/Host
I. Yes, Birdie, Is this what you want?
- [94:39]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, yes, darling. That's just what I want. Now, that didn't hurt, did it?
- [94:49]
Narrator/Host
You little cheat.
- [94:50]
Various Characters/Actors
Birdie.
- [94:51]
Narrator/Host
My brother's wife. What do you want with me?
- [94:53]
Various Characters/Actors
You know I don't love Doug.
- [94:54]
Narrator/Host
I knew it when you married him. But you loved his money. I tried to tell him, but he wouldn't listen.
- [94:58]
Various Characters/Actors
I don't know why. You've always hated me.
- [95:00]
Narrator/Host
Because you're a little cheat. You married Doug for his money. And now.
- [95:03]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes, now what? What Do I want with you? You don't have money.
- [95:06]
Narrator/Host
You want something.
- [95:07]
Various Characters/Actors
I want you, that's all. Can't you see that, Ferdy? It's always been.
- [95:10]
Narrator/Host
That's what you want me to think. But I know you. It's just another one of your schemes. I wouldn't put it past you even to try to get me to. To get rid of Doug for you. Now that you have his money. Is that what you want? Is it?
- [95:22]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, poor, suspicious Ferdy.
- [95:24]
Narrator/Host
You didn't answer my question.
- [95:26]
Various Characters/Actors
I know why you don't like me, Ferdy. It's not Doug. There's nothing to do with Doug.
- [95:31]
Narrator/Host
You still did.
- [95:31]
Various Characters/Actors
That stuffy superiority of yours, that stuffy righteousness. You're a Hathaway, and I was just a chorus girl. That's why you didn't want Doug to marry me. That's why you think you're too good for me.
- [95:41]
Narrator/Host
You're a cheat.
- [95:42]
Various Characters/Actors
That's why I bet Hathaway superiority. Well, how about Doug? I suppose he's not a cheat.
- [95:47]
Narrator/Host
What are you talking about?
- [95:48]
Various Characters/Actors
I'm talking about your brother, a Hathaway, a crook.
- [95:51]
Narrator/Host
That's a lie.
- [95:52]
Various Characters/Actors
You know it isn't. Well, maybe you don't. Maybe you've blinded yourself with that phony righteousness of yours until you can't see what's going on right in front of you.
- [95:59]
Narrator/Host
What do you mean, what's going on?
- [96:00]
Various Characters/Actors
You say I married Doug for his money. Well, how did he make that money, huh? The Hathaway fortune. Business. Sure. Business. Some business. Black market in the wartime.
- [96:09]
Narrator/Host
You're crazy.
- [96:10]
Various Characters/Actors
It so happens I can prove it. And that's not all I can prove. If I have to. I know enough about Doug to send him to jail. How would you like that? A Hathaway in jail.
- [96:19]
Narrator/Host
Get out of here.
- [96:19]
Various Characters/Actors
Why don't you stop kidding yourself, Ferdy? So your grandfather was Colonel Hathaway. You're just a hack writer. Your brother's a crook. Come on, off that high horse. You're no better than I am and no worse. We could be friends. Good friends.
- [96:38]
Narrator/Host
Never. Look at me, you cheap, lying, dirty little.
- [96:45]
Various Characters/Actors
I'm not taking any more of that. I tried to be nice, but you don't want it that way. All right.
- [96:50]
Narrator/Host
Hey, those nails are sharp.
- [96:52]
Various Characters/Actors
And so are my cheeks.
- [96:54]
Narrator/Host
You're asking for this. Put down that poker.
- [97:00]
Various Characters/Actors
I will. On your head.
- [97:02]
Narrator/Host
No. No, you don't. Let me have it all.
- [97:05]
Various Characters/Actors
You're earning.
- [97:06]
Narrator/Host
I haven't stopped. Don't try biting again or I'll make sure you don't have any teeth left to bite with. Now, come on, drop that poker.
- [97:16]
Various Characters/Actors
All right.
- [97:19]
Narrator/Host
That's better. And now get out of here. I've got to get cleaned up before the Norths get here. What's so funny?
- [97:28]
Various Characters/Actors
You're always concerned about impressions, aren't you, Ferdy? Well, brother, I promise you, you're gonna make a beautiful. The more I think about it, Jerry, the more I think his sister will have to be killed too.
- [97:52]
Narrator/Host
What?
- [97:52]
Various Characters/Actors
But not shot. I think strangling would be better.
- [97:56]
Narrator/Host
What on earth are you talking about, Ben?
- [97:58]
Various Characters/Actors
About Mr. Hathaway's book, of course. Well, what did you think?
- [98:01]
Narrator/Host
I didn't know. The way you start a subject out of a clear blue sky.
- [98:05]
Various Characters/Actors
It wasn't a clear blue sky. It was a murky green elevator. And it's in Mr. Hathaway's building. So I. I should think you'd know what I meant.
- [98:13]
Narrator/Host
I see. Well, let's go tell Mr. Hathaway the sister ought to be strangled. I'm sure he'll love the suggestion. It'll mean rewriting three chapters, but it'll make a story much stronger in one woman's opinion.
- [98:26]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, did nothing.
- [98:28]
Narrator/Host
Gosh.
- [98:28]
Various Characters/Actors
What was that?
- [98:29]
Narrator/Host
Sounded like it came from the apartment at the end of the hall.
- [98:33]
Various Characters/Actors
Here is Ms. Hathaway's apartment.
- [98:34]
Narrator/Host
I wonder what.
- [98:35]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, thank heaven someone's come help me.
- [98:38]
Narrator/Host
What's the matter? What's happening?
- [98:39]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, it's all.
- [98:40]
Narrator/Host
Don't Listen to her, Mr. North.
- [98:41]
Various Characters/Actors
She tried to kiss me. When I wouldn't let him. He hit me. Sure. Your dress is all torn.
- [98:45]
Narrator/Host
I see. She's just trying to embarrass me, Mr. North. Why would she try to do that? Kind of hard to explain.
- [98:50]
Various Characters/Actors
I hope that it is. You maniac.
- [98:52]
Narrator/Host
Stop. Stop it, Shirley.
- [98:53]
Various Characters/Actors
Did you hit her, Mr. Hathaway? Her face looks bruised.
- [98:56]
Narrator/Host
Well, yes, I. I guess I did.
- [98:58]
Various Characters/Actors
But why?
- [98:59]
Narrator/Host
Well, because she bit me. Stop it, Shirley. It's just an act. If you don't cut that out, Shirley, I'm gonna have to hit you again.
- [99:09]
Various Characters/Actors
Mister. No, don't. Don't let him hit me.
- [99:12]
Narrator/Host
He won't. Now, come on. Let's go in and see what this is all about.
- [99:15]
Various Characters/Actors
No. No, I. I want to go home. I want to see Doug.
- [99:21]
Narrator/Host
I want my Doug.
- [99:35]
Various Characters/Actors
Doug. Doug. It was awful. When I wouldn't let him make love to me, he. Well, he got like crazy. He said all kinds of awful things about you and me.
- [99:44]
Narrator/Host
All right, Shirley, forget it. It's over.
- [99:46]
Various Characters/Actors
I can't, Doug. I'm afraid. He said he'd see you in jail.
- [99:51]
Narrator/Host
What?
- [99:51]
Various Characters/Actors
That's right. He said you're a crook. And he can prove it.
- [99:54]
Narrator/Host
Bertie said that?
- [99:55]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes. He started talking about your tie up with gambling.
- [99:58]
Narrator/Host
What does he know about that?
- [99:59]
Various Characters/Actors
I don't know. But he said he's going to make sure you get what's coming to you.
- [100:03]
Narrator/Host
Unless.
- [100:03]
Various Characters/Actors
Unless I. Oh, Doug, I can not even to save you. I can.
- [100:10]
Narrator/Host
All right, sweetheart, you won't have to. I can handle Ferdy.
- [100:13]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, he'll deny it. He'll make up some story.
- [100:15]
Narrator/Host
Don't worry.
- [100:16]
Various Characters/Actors
If you don't believe me, you can ask the Norths.
- [100:18]
Narrator/Host
They say. I believe you.
- [100:18]
Various Characters/Actors
Shirley, I. I hate. Hate to have to tell you this about your own brother.
- [100:24]
Narrator/Host
Yeah, my brother. My dear, sanctimonious brother. Be just like him to keep his threat and run to the police. Now that he knows about me, I've got to figure some way to shut him up.
- [100:34]
Various Characters/Actors
But how?
- [100:35]
Narrator/Host
I'll think of something. And one thing's for sure. He's going to keep away from you. Or I promise you, surely I'll kill him.
- [100:45]
Various Characters/Actors
What's the matter, Ferdy? Don't you like this restaurant?
- [100:48]
Narrator/Host
Sure. Laura, you're not eating? I'm not hungry. Laura, I've got to tell you something. I don't know how to begin. Laura.
- [101:00]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes, Ferdy?
- [101:01]
Narrator/Host
I love you, Laura. You know that.
- [101:04]
Various Characters/Actors
For someone who says he doesn't know how to begin, I'd say you're doing fine.
- [101:07]
Narrator/Host
I only hope you believe what I'm going to tell you. My sister in law, Doug's wife Shirley, came over to my place last night.
- [101:15]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes?
- [101:16]
Narrator/Host
She made a play for me.
- [101:18]
Various Characters/Actors
What?
- [101:19]
Narrator/Host
She tried to get me to make love to her when I wasn't interested. She blew her top.
- [101:24]
Various Characters/Actors
The woman scorned.
- [101:25]
Narrator/Host
It's more than that. She doesn't want me. She wants to use me. Use you? What for? I'm not sure, but. Well, you know she only married Doug for his money. Yes, I think she wants to get rid of Doug. I think she wants me to help.
- [101:38]
Various Characters/Actors
Her get rid of him. Well, how?
- [101:40]
Narrator/Host
How? Kill him. Oh no, Fergie, you don't know Shirley like I do. Yeah, Laura, I'm pretty sure that's exactly what she wants.
- [101:50]
Various Characters/Actors
Why are you telling me this?
- [101:52]
Narrator/Host
Because I think Shirley's gonna try to go through with it with or without my help. So I've got to warn Doug.
- [101:58]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, I still don't see.
- [101:59]
Narrator/Host
He's not gonna want to believe it. Especially because she's probably filled him full of lies. But I. I May be able to convince him. I've got to. Maybe if I tell him some of the things she said about.
- [102:10]
Various Characters/Actors
What things?
- [102:11]
Narrator/Host
Oh, it's beside the point. The point is she's going to be afraid I may convince him. So she's going to try to shut me up.
- [102:20]
Various Characters/Actors
How?
- [102:20]
Narrator/Host
I told you about last night.
- [102:22]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes.
- [102:23]
Narrator/Host
Well, she's already turned that around to make it look like I attacked her. Oh, yeah, that she's poured it on Hetty to Doug. That's why I wanted to get to you first. I wanted you to hear the story from me, the way it really happened.
- [102:38]
Various Characters/Actors
I see.
- [102:39]
Narrator/Host
Because you've got to believe me, Laura. I can't let her break us up. And she's gonna try. I know she is. If she can't shut me up one way, she'll try another. There's nothing she won't stop at to get what she wants. But it's not going to work. At least I hope it's not. Hello. Hello, Jerry. This Bill wagon. Oh, yes, Bill. How are you? Okay. Say, Jerry, what can you tell me about Ferdy Hathaway? Hathaway? I'm considering publishing a book he wrote. Why? Does he want to go to your office and do research on how the homicide squad works? No, no, it's the other way around. What do you mean? We gotta see him. And it's not research. This is the real thing. You mean he killed somebody? Oh, that's the other way around, too. Somebody kill him.
- [103:52]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, Jerry, I'm all ready. Let's go.
- [103:55]
Narrator/Host
Pam, it hasn't been two minutes since I hung up the phone and you asked me to tell Bill. We couldn't possibly to get over to see him for at least an hour.
- [104:02]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, we're not going to see Bill.
- [104:04]
Narrator/Host
We're not?
- [104:05]
Various Characters/Actors
No.
- [104:06]
Narrator/Host
But, darling, he wants to talk to us. I told him about the incident last night, and he wants all the details.
- [104:11]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, we'll tell him later.
- [104:14]
Narrator/Host
All right, dear. But if we're not going to see Bill right now, where are we going?
- [104:18]
Various Characters/Actors
To see Laura, of course.
- [104:20]
Narrator/Host
Oh, yes, of course, Laura. That's a good idea.
- [104:23]
Various Characters/Actors
I thought you'd agree, darling.
- [104:24]
Narrator/Host
There's just one thing, though.
- [104:26]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, what's that, dear?
- [104:27]
Narrator/Host
Who in blazes is Laura?
- [104:29]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, you know, Jerry.
- [104:31]
Narrator/Host
I do?
- [104:31]
Various Characters/Actors
Laura Arnold. Freddy Hathaway's girlfriend. Don't you remember? He mentioned her last night. He was afraid that she might hear about Shirley's accusation and. And might believe it.
- [104:42]
Narrator/Host
Oh, that's right.
- [104:42]
Various Characters/Actors
And if she did believe it, it might make her angry.
- [104:45]
Narrator/Host
You would think it Might have made her angry enough to commit murder.
- [104:47]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, you never know. At least it's worth checking up on. As long as Bill wants us to give him information, maybe we can take him more than he counted on. Yes? Are you Laura Arnold? Yes. Well, I'm Pamela north and this is my husband, Jerry North. Oh, the publisher. I've heard Freddie mention you. What do you want with me? We'd like to talk to you, if we may. Well, I'm. I'm pretty busy right now.
- [105:27]
Narrator/Host
We'll only take a few minutes.
- [105:30]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, all right. Come in. What's it about?
- [105:34]
Narrator/Host
Ferdy.
- [105:35]
Various Characters/Actors
What about him?
- [105:36]
Narrator/Host
I'm afraid you're in for a bad shock, Ms. Arnold.
- [105:39]
Various Characters/Actors
He's been murdered. Is that what you're trying to tell me?
- [105:42]
Narrator/Host
Why do you ask that?
- [105:43]
Various Characters/Actors
He said Shirley wouldn't stop at anything so. Well, naturally, I've been afraid.
- [105:47]
Narrator/Host
When did he tell you that?
- [105:49]
Various Characters/Actors
Today at lunch. And that's the last you saw of him? Yes. I came home right afterward about one. I've been here ever since.
- [105:56]
Narrator/Host
Well, that's funny. When we asked if you were in just before we came up, the desk clerk said you got in only about 20 minutes ago.
- [106:02]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, I. Oh, Mr. North, I'm frightened. I don't know what to do. Maybe we can help you if you tell us the truth. Yes, that's the truth. I did have lunch with Ferdie. He told me about Shirley. Then we went back to his place and talked a while and I left. But about an hour later I realized I'd left my gloves up there. So I went back and there he was on the floor, dead. I'll never forget how he looked. I don't want to think about it.
- [106:33]
Narrator/Host
You'd better sit down, Miss Arnold. There are a couple of things I'd still like to ask you. Because if we're going to help you, we'll have to know what we're doing. She says she was a afraid you'd suspect her, Bill. That's why she wouldn't give a name when she phoned that she discovered the murder. And why she ran out before you got there, huh? Well, I'll get around to her later. After I've had a talk with Hathaway's brother and the brother's wife.
- [107:04]
Various Characters/Actors
Find out if they own a yellow convertible, Bill.
- [107:07]
Narrator/Host
Yes, that's right. Ms. Arnold says that a yellow convertible pulled away from in front of Ferdy's place just as she arrived the second time. Did she know the make? No, she said she never saw one like it. It was very Long and low.
- [107:17]
Various Characters/Actors
And it had a funny shaped back, kind of like. Well, the way she described it, it. It must look something like. Well, like the back of that car parked right in front of us.
- [107:28]
Narrator/Host
Hey, Pam, that is, the car fits a description to a te. And it's parked right in front of Douglas Hathaway's apartment. Let's go in and see what he has to say about it. I know you have your job to do, Lieutenant, but is it necessary to question me now? After all, it's quite a shock hearing my brother's been murdered. Well, suppose we question your wife. And from what I hear about last night, I don't imagine his death should make her too unhappy.
- [107:57]
Various Characters/Actors
I didn't kill him, if that's what you're implying.
- [107:59]
Narrator/Host
I'm not implying anything. I just want to ask you some questions.
- [108:02]
Various Characters/Actors
I suppose you want to know where I was. Well, I was right here. I've been home all day long. Was your husband with you? No, he was at the office, Mrs. Norman. Oh, then nobody was with you here. Nobody saw you. The servants did. Part of the time anyway. And part of the time not. Doug, are you going to let them seduce.
- [108:19]
Narrator/Host
No. Look, Lieutenant, I can't take this now. I don't feel up to questions and I certainly don't intend to sit by while you badger Shirley. Well, let's clear up the matter of the car at least. What about the car? Did you drive it to work this morning? Couldn't. It's brand new. Wasn't delivered until noon. Then you didn't have it with you at the office? I just told you. All right, all right, you didn't have it. And you, Mrs. Hathaway, you didn't go out at all.
- [108:40]
Various Characters/Actors
How many times do I have to tell you?
- [108:42]
Narrator/Host
Well, then who did have the car?
- [108:43]
Various Characters/Actors
Nobody. The salesman delivered it, left it out front and it's been there all afternoon.
- [108:47]
Narrator/Host
Well, if you want to get by with a story like that, you should get a car that's not quite so distinctive.
- [108:51]
Various Characters/Actors
What do you mean?
- [108:52]
Narrator/Host
Tell her, Jerry. Well, Mrs. Hathaway, it so happens your car was seen driving away from your brother in law's right after the murder. And with a custom job like that, there can be no mistake.
- [109:01]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, I. Well, that is, I don't.
- [109:03]
Narrator/Host
All right, Lieutenant, I had the car. Oh, you did? Hathaway? Yes, I. I came home from the office early and picked it up. Went to see Ferdy, but I didn't kill him. Why'd you go there? I wanted to talk to him, but there was a man with him? What I had to say was private. Family matter. Didn't care to discuss it in front of a stranger, so I left. Who was the stranger? Ferdy didn't introduce us. Only there a minute. What did he look like? Tall, blonde, well dressed. You'd know him if you saw him again. Yes, but. Now, that's enough questions. Not quite. I. I said that's enough. Now, look, Mr. Hathaway, I'm just trying to find out what. Say, where are you going? To call my lawyer and see if I have to put up with this. Don't answer anything until I come back. Shirley.
- [109:43]
Various Characters/Actors
When you know Doug better, Lieutenant, you'll know better than to try to cross him. What was that? There must be someone in there with Doug.
- [109:51]
Narrator/Host
They're finding it was all of us. Shots. Come on, Bill. There's Hathaway on the floor. He. He got away. Window to the terrace. I'll go see what I can find. Jerry. And you stay with Hathaway and see if he's all right. Right.
- [110:05]
Various Characters/Actors
Doug. Oh, Doug. What happened?
- [110:08]
Narrator/Host
He was hiding in here. A fellow I saw at Ferdy tried to slug me with a blackjack. But I heard him and turned. Just grazed the side of my head. Yes, you've got a gash there. I put up a fight. He broke away, ran for the window. I fired at him. Guess I missed blow. Had me kind of woozy. You're sure it's the same man you saw at Ferdy's? Positive. Well, I took a quick look outside. No sign of anyone now. Well, he could have crossed the terrace to another apartment or gone down the fire escape and ducked in below.
- [110:36]
Various Characters/Actors
But then he's still in the building.
- [110:37]
Narrator/Host
He'll be out of it before we can do anything about it, Pam. Then what do we do? Well, first of all, Hathaway, you stop being coy and give us a detailed description of this character. Or do you still want to call your lawyer? No, Lieutenant, you win. I'll tell you whatever I can.
- [111:01]
Various Characters/Actors
There's your coffee. Jerry. Jerry? Jerry Knott.
- [111:08]
Narrator/Host
What? Pam?
- [111:09]
Various Characters/Actors
Your coffee. I know you don't like it cold.
- [111:12]
Narrator/Host
Oh, thanks.
- [111:13]
Various Characters/Actors
Where were you?
- [111:14]
Narrator/Host
What?
- [111:15]
Various Characters/Actors
Just now, in your thoughts. You were miles away.
- [111:18]
Narrator/Host
I was thinking about the Hathaway case. It's been three days now and no sign of the mysterious stranger.
- [111:24]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, maybe they'll never find him. He had time to get far away.
- [111:28]
Narrator/Host
But I don't think he did. That's what I've been thinking about.
- [111:31]
Various Characters/Actors
Do you think you know where he is?
- [111:33]
Narrator/Host
Maybe. Anyway, I'll bet there's One place they haven't tried yet.
- [111:37]
Various Characters/Actors
Where is that?
- [111:38]
Narrator/Host
The morgue.
- [111:38]
Various Characters/Actors
The morgue?
- [111:41]
Narrator/Host
And somehow I have an idea it might yield results. Well, I have to admit that was a pretty good idea of yours, Jerry. I don't know, Bill. Wait till we see if Hathaway identifies the body. Yeah, I could be wrong, but this seemed like the logical bet. Well, here's where we find out. Here's Hathaway. Morning, gentlemen. Good morning. Oh, good morning. Am I late? Oh, right on the nose, Hathaway. Well, should we go in and get it over with? Yes, let's. All right. Right through here. You really think it's the right man, eh, Lieutenant? Oh, that's for you to say, Hathaway. He seems to fit the description you gave us. Now, here he is. Well, Hathaway. That's the man. Are you sure? Yes, Lieutenant, I'm sure. Well, Jerry, seems you were right. Mm. You know, Hathaway, this is very interesting. Now, you say you saw this man at your brother's the day your brother was killed. That's right. Your brother was killed on Tuesday. But it so happens this fella died on Monday. You see, Pam, I thought that if Hathaway was lying, he'd jump at the chance to strengthen the story. So? So I suggested that Bill show him a corpse that approximated the description he gave us.
- [113:03]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes, after all, the corpse couldn't talk back.
- [113:05]
Narrator/Host
Right. And now that we've eliminated the mysterious stranger, we can concentrate on the real suspects. And Bill thinks he can wrap it up. That's why he asked us down here today. Come in. Now, Pam and Jerry. How's it going, Bill? We've just started.
- [113:19]
Various Characters/Actors
I don't see why you had to bring them in, Lieutenant.
- [113:22]
Narrator/Host
Because, Mrs. Hathaway, they were present when you had your unpleasantness with you brother in law.
- [113:25]
Various Characters/Actors
All right, we had an unpleasant scene. But it wouldn't make me kill him.
- [113:28]
Narrator/Host
That depends on the reason for the scene, Mrs. Haway.
- [113:30]
Various Characters/Actors
I told you the reason he tried to make love to me.
- [113:33]
Narrator/Host
I can suggest another. Yes, Jerry, suppose Mrs. Hathaway wanted to get rid of her husband.
- [113:37]
Various Characters/Actors
What do you mean?
- [113:37]
Narrator/Host
He has a lot of money, Mrs. Hathaway. Maybe that's what you married him for. Then you tried to get Ferdy to help you kill him. And when he returned.
- [113:43]
Various Characters/Actors
You're lying. You're lying.
- [113:47]
Narrator/Host
That's enough, Mrs. Ha.
- [113:51]
Various Characters/Actors
His eyes out.
- [113:52]
Narrator/Host
I believe you would.
- [113:53]
Various Characters/Actors
Doug, help me. You know he was lying.
- [113:56]
Narrator/Host
Of course he was. So calm down, will you?
- [113:57]
Various Characters/Actors
You don't believe him, Doug, I told.
- [113:59]
Narrator/Host
You, I don't but this is no way to answer him.
- [114:01]
Various Characters/Actors
Yeah. Yes, you're right. But he made me so mad.
- [114:06]
Narrator/Host
I see. I did. You have a low boiling point, Mrs. Hathaway. You couldn't expect her to like what you were saying. North. I didn't. You just said it to upset her. I just said it because I wanted to see if it were true. What on earth gives you the idea that it might be things that Laura Arnold told us? So that's it. Laura wouldn't you know? Why do you say that? Can't you see she's behind this whole thing? It all ties up now. I'll bet she's the one who claimed to have seen my car at Ferdy's too, wouldn't she? What if she is? Lieutenant, you said I've been trying to shield Shirley. I have. Mm. When you said my car was seen at Ferdy's, I could see Shirley was upset. She didn't know what to say. So I stepped in and said I'd been to Ferdy's. And you hadn't? No. But I thought Shirley might have. But now that I know she wasn't. At least not at the time of the murder. How do you know that? Because now I know when the murder happened. It's been in the paper. Well? Well, I did have the car at that time, but I was nowhere near Ferdy's. So if Laura says she saw me there, she's lying. It seems to come down to your word against hers. Well, I've sent for her too. So let's see what happens when she gets here.
- [114:59]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, I don't think we'll have to wait for that, Bill. I know which one to believe.
- [115:04]
Narrator/Host
You do, pen?
- [115:05]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes, Laura. Mr. Hathaway's still lying. So it looks like he's the murderer.
- [115:10]
Narrator/Host
Don't be ridiculous. Laura says she saw my car at 30's that means she had to be there herself.
- [115:14]
Various Characters/Actors
That's just it, mister.
- [115:15]
Narrator/Host
So naturally she's going to lie, try to place somebody else there too.
- [115:18]
Various Characters/Actors
She couldn't have been lying.
- [115:19]
Narrator/Host
Why not?
- [115:20]
Various Characters/Actors
You told us your car was brand new. It had been delivered just a short time before the murder.
- [115:24]
Narrator/Host
That's right.
- [115:25]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, then how could Laura have described it? Unless she really did see it at Ferdy's. Jerry, get in.
- [115:31]
Narrator/Host
I've got him. All right, Hathaway, sit down. Looks like you've told one lie too many. Oh, it's a beautiful day, isn't it, dear?
- [115:47]
Various Characters/Actors
Yes. Poor Shirley.
- [115:50]
Narrator/Host
How do we come to Shirley out.
- [115:51]
Various Characters/Actors
Of a clear blue sky? The sky's clear. And you just mentioned the weather. So you see, there is a logical connection.
- [115:58]
Narrator/Host
You win, dear. But why do you say poor Shirley?
- [116:01]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, it's quite obvious that she just married Doug Hathaway for his money. And now that he's caught for murder, they've broken him down about how he made his money.
- [116:09]
Narrator/Host
His whole crooked house will come tumbling down.
- [116:11]
Various Characters/Actors
That's right, Jerry. And all his money is tied up.
- [116:14]
Narrator/Host
And so poor Shirley gets none.
- [116:15]
Various Characters/Actors
Now you see what I mean, dear? Poor Shirley. Mm.
- [116:18]
Narrator/Host
But somehow it doesn't break my heart. She knew Doug was a crook. Ferdie knew it, too. That's why Doug killed him, to shut him up. He claims Ferdie was always a tattletale as a kid. Hey, Pam, why are you stopping?
- [116:29]
Various Characters/Actors
Oh, I just want to look in this window. Look at that car, Jerry. Isn't it beautiful? Mm. It's sort of like the Hathaway's car. Oh, it must be wonderful to be able to afford a car like that.
- [116:41]
Narrator/Host
Well, even if you could, where would you ever find a parking space for it? In Manhattan?
- [116:45]
Various Characters/Actors
Well, if you didn't live in Manhattan.
- [116:46]
Narrator/Host
But we do live in Manhattan and we can't afford the car anyway.
- [116:50]
Various Characters/Actors
I know, Jerry. I'm just thinking. Don't you ever like to think of what it would be like to have a car like that?
- [116:56]
Narrator/Host
I don't let myself.
- [116:57]
Various Characters/Actors
How do you prevent yourself?
- [116:59]
Narrator/Host
Easy. I just walk over to the curb. Like so. Yes. And then. Then I just shout. Like so. Hey, taxi. The adventures of Mr. And Mrs. North are brought to you through the facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio Foreign.
- [117:35]
Podcast Host
We just heard the Adventures of Leanna de Witherall, the Casebook of Gregory Hood, box 13, and Mr. And Mrs. North. That will do it for this week's show. Thanks so much for joining me. I'll be back next week with more Old Time Radio detectives. In the meantime, you can check out Stars on Suspense, my other Old Time Radio podcast. New episodes of that show are out on Thursdays. 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 meansts OTR. I'll be back next week with more Old Time Radio Crime solvers. But until then, good night and happy listening.
- [118:55]
Narrator/Host
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 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.