(24) Police Headquarters - Chained aka The Missing Ca - Aired 1932

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio — "Police Headquarters: Chained aka The Missing Cat" (1932)

Main Theme & Purpose
This episode from Harold’s Old Time Radio revives a suspenseful crime drama from 1932, following a police investigation that begins with a missing cat—but quickly spirals into a dark mystery involving a reclusive house, suspicious neighbors, and a shocking case of child abuse. The story exemplifies the gripping crime narratives characteristic of radio’s Golden Age, where even the most innocuous-seeming cases can reveal sinister depths.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Case Introduction and Skepticism

• Police Captain Nelson receives a report from Dr. Armstrong that a recent death was due to exposure, but reporter Tommy is immediately suspicious.
  • "That bird you found in national park didn't die of exposure. Not in this balmy spring weather." (Tommy, 02:04)
• The friendly banter between Tommy and Nelson shows mutual professional respect and old-school camaraderie, with Tommy teasing the Captain about his instincts.

2. The Missing Cat and Eccentric Neighbors

• Mrs. Martha Gowan arrives at the precinct, distressed not about a missing person, but her niece’s missing cat. The circumstances are peculiar:
  • The cat ran into the neighbor's yard and was reportedly picked up by a mysterious, ragged girl.
  • The neighbors, the Croxtons, deny both the existence of a little girl and a cat in their house.
• Mrs. Gowan describes the Croxtons’ household as unnaturally secretive:
  • "That house hasn't seen the light of day since the day they moved into it... the shades haven't been up in 12 years." (Mrs. Gowan, 04:32)
• Her unease is compounded by the quiet, shadowy existence of the Croxton family and their "horrible looking old man" servant.

3. Suspicion and Investigation

• Captain Nelson agrees something is off, especially regarding the contradictory stories about the little girl seen at the Croxtons’ house:
  • "It's the story about that little girl... They told Mrs. Gowan today... there was no little girl... but then they admitted the girl tried to pick up the cat." (Nelson, 06:32)
• The Captain’s hunch is reinforced after talking with Patricia, Mrs. Gowan's niece, who he finds "exceedingly truthful."

4. Infiltration of the Croxton House

• Nelson and Tommy pose as water company inspectors to investigate the Croxtons more discretely.
• Investigator Pete reports on Croxton’s brokerage business and confirms regular chemical deliveries—raising further suspicion about illicit activities.
• Inside, Tommy distracts the Croxton sister while Nelson searches upstairs.

5. Dark Discoveries and Escalation

• Nelson finds a dead cat and, most shockingly, a dirty, ragged little girl chained inside an upstairs closet.
  • "A dirty, ragged girl chained in an upstairs closet. And Tommy, that little girl is in a very dangerous condition." (Nelson, 11:12)
• He immediately takes the cat to a police surgeon to determine its cause of death.

6. The Shocking Truth Unveiled

• The cat was killed by morphine, confirming suspicions of illegal activity.
• Armed with a search warrant, Nelson and Tommy burst back into the Croxton home and free the chained girl:
  • "This dirty skunk has been manufacturing drugs in this house for years. This little girl was the daughter of one of his victims. And for more than a year, he's been keeping her chained in this closet, giving her morphine shots to keep her quiet." (Nelson, 13:11)
• The confrontation is tense, with Tommy and Nelson physically subduing the Croxtons and rescuing the frightened, traumatized child.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tommy's Newsman Instincts:
  "If you had a nose for news, you'd be a newspaper man yourself. It's instinct, Cap, that keeps you in this business. Instinct." (Tommy, 02:34)

• Growing Suspense:
  "That house hasn't seen the light of day since the day they moved into it... the shades haven't been up in 12 years." (Mrs. Gowan, 04:32)

• Revelation in the House:
  "Look what I've got under my coat."
  "Holy smoke. A dead cat." (Tommy, 11:03)

• Child’s Trauma:
  "Don't let them hurt me, please. Please don't let them stick me again. Please don't." (Little Girl, 13:00)

• Crime Exposed:
  "This dirty skunk has been manufacturing drugs in this house for years... he's been keeping her chained in this closet, giving her morphine shots to keep her quiet." (Nelson, 13:11)

• Justice Delivered:
  "Killing was too good for you." (Captain Nelson, 13:29)

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Timestamps of Important Segments

• [02:04] — Tommy sows first seeds of doubt about the 'exposure' death.
• [03:03] — Mrs. Gowan introduces the missing cat case.
• [04:32] — Mrs. Gowan describes disturbing behavior of the Croxton neighbors.
• [06:31] — Captain Nelson starts taking the case seriously.
• [07:09] — Nelson resolves to enter the Croxton house and investigate.
• [09:03] — Nelson and Tommy enter the Croxton house in disguise.
• [11:03] — Discovery of the dead cat and impending action.
• [12:11] — The rescue: the chained girl's ordeal revealed.
• [13:11] — Full exposition of the crime; justice is served.

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Tone & Style

The episode is delivered in the classic brisk, terse, and witty radio style of 1930s crime dramas. The characters’ banter provides levity and camaraderie amid the suspenseful investigation, but the tone darkens rapidly with the revelation of serious crime. The police’s sense of duty, the reporter’s instinct, and the innocent child’s plight are presented with directness and urgency typical of pre-television crime stories.

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Conclusion

Police Headquarters: Chained aka The Missing Cat is a pitch-perfect example of Golden Age radio drama: a simple neighborhood mystery escalating into a high-stakes rescue, brought to life by strong character work, sharp dialogue, and a real sense of narrative tension. The episode keeps listeners guessing with suspicious neighbors, wry banter, and, ultimately, a shocking crime exposed—and justice delivered.

Transcript

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[Captain Nelson]

Police headquarters, Captain Nelson. All right, thank you, Doctor. Let's file your report with Sergeant O'. Brien. Well, there you are, Tommy. Nothing to it. Dr. Armstrong just reported that death was due to exposure.

[Tommy]

Don't try to kill an old hand at the game, Cap. That bird you found in national park didn't die of exposure. Not in this balmy spring weather.

[Captain Nelson]

That's just a stall, Tommy. If I didn't know you so well, if I hadn't walked beats on the east side with your father, I'd toss you out on your ear.

[Tommy]

You never saw the day you could do that, Captain. That's newspaper. Men come from hardy stock.

[Captain Nelson]

Yeah, the kind of stock that makes good coppers. Why don't you go back to the game, Tommy?

[Pete]

What?

[Captain Nelson]

No matter how many headlines you have your name under, you'll always be just a cop at heart. Just a dumb, good natured cop.

[Tommy]

Oh, yeah? Listen, Cap, anytime I fall for that line, I'll join the Marines and go to China. If you had a nose for news, you'd be a newspaper man yourself. It's instinct, Cap, that keeps you in this business. Instinct.

[Captain Nelson]

Yeah.

[Tommy]

Lady to see you, Captain.

[Captain Nelson]

Now, I got a visitor coming in. Tommy, if you're a good boy, you can sit in here while I see what you want. But understand, any more yapping out of you and out you go. Okay.

[Tommy]

Come in.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Captain Nelson?

[Captain Nelson]

Yes?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

I wonder if you'd mind talking to me for a minute, Captain.

[Captain Nelson]

Why, certainly not. Come in. Take this chair, please.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Thank you.

[Captain Nelson]

Now, what is it, Mrs. Gowan?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Mrs. Martha Gowan. Perhaps I shouldn't have bothered you, Captain. I know how busy you police officers always are.

[Captain Nelson]

Quite all right, Mrs. Gowan, if you just tell me.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

You see, I. I told the officer at the desk and he just sort of smiled and didn't say anything and I.

[Tommy]

Well.

[Captain Nelson]

Well, if you just tell me, Mrs. Gowan. Now, what's wrong? Is someone in your family missing?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Well, not exactly, Captain. You see, it's my niece, Patricia.

[Tommy]

She's missing.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

No, Captain, it's her cat that's missing.

[Captain Nelson]

Mrs. Gowan, what were the circumstances surrounding the cat's disappearance?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Well, Patricia was playing with the cat in the backyard when all Of a sudden it bounded over the fence and into the yard next door. Running to the gate, my niece saw another little girl about her age, snatched the cat into her arms and run into the house next door.

[Captain Nelson]

And did you inquire about the cat?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Yes. And they said that I must be mistaken, that there was no little girl living there, and that there was certainly no cat in their house.

[Captain Nelson]

Perhaps your niece was mistaken.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

No, I'm sure of that, Captain. Patricia is exceedingly truthful.

[Captain Nelson]

How long have these people live next door to you?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

For more than 12 years. And captain.

[Captain Nelson]

What were you about to say, Mrs. Gowan?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Oh, there's something dreadful about that place, Captain. The Croxtons have lived in that house for 12 years and never once have I seen them except going in and out. Why, that house hasn't seen the light of day since the day they moved into it.

[Captain Nelson]

Why is that?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Because the shades haven't been up in 12 years.

[Pete]

Hmm.

[Captain Nelson]

Just what does this Mr. Crockton do, Mrs. Gowan?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

I can't tell you that, Captain. He leaves home with his sister every morning at 8:30 and I hardly ever see them return.

[Captain Nelson]

Do they keep any servants?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Yes, an old man. A horrible looking old man. I've threatened to move several times. But then, after all, why should I? They never make any noise. It's. It's just the deathly silence.

[Captain Nelson]

Well, Mrs. Gowan, I'm afraid you've allowed yourself to become overwrought about the kitten. It'll probably come home. And if it doesn't. Yes, well, I'll just stroll around and ask the Croctons about it myself.

[Tommy]

Well, Cap, how's the old cat hunter tonight?

[Captain Nelson]

Sit down and shut up, Tommy. I'm talking on the phone. Yes, and what time was this? Oh, I see. Well, stay on the job, Oven. I'll be around about four.

[Tommy]

You look worried, cat.

[Captain Nelson]

I've been doing some thinking, Tommy.

[Tommy]

It's rather unusual. Is it?

[Pete]

Yeah. How's it feel?

[Captain Nelson]

I'm in no mood for sarcasm today. I've got news for you.

[Tommy]

You don't mean to tell me the cat has met with foul play?

[Captain Nelson]

Yeah, but today I called upon the Croxton's. You know, Tommy, I'm inclined to agree with Mrs. Gowan. I don't know just why, but I do.

[Tommy]

Yeah, it's your keen sense of perception working, Cap. Keep on and you'll find that cat yet.

[Captain Nelson]

It isn't the cat that's worrying me, Tommy. It's the story about that little girl.

[Tommy]

But the Croxton said there wasn't any

[Captain Nelson]

little girl in their house. Yeah, I know. That's what they told Mrs. Gowan today. They told me that the little girl hadn't picked up the cat. Practically admitting that there was a little girl in there. They said she tried to, but the cat got away. I very wisely cast the matter aside and left. Then it's settled.

[Tommy]

What's worth. What are you worrying about now?

[Captain Nelson]

Well, I had a talk with Mrs. Gowan's niece, and she impressed me very much. As a youngster who always tells the truth. She said that a very ragged, dirty little girl had snatched up the cat and run inside. And they're both screwy, if you ask me. If you had a nose for news, Tommy, you'd ask me what I intend doing. All right, I'll ask you.

[Tommy]

What do you intend to do about this matter, Captain Nelson?

[Captain Nelson]

I intend to get into that house this afternoon and find out what's going on behind those shades. And, Tommy, if you're a good actor, you can go with me.

[Tommy]

There's a big step to let you talk me into this. Cap looks like a clown in this outfit.

[Captain Nelson]

No, you don't tell me. You look like an employee of a municipal water company. And you better act apart. This Dr. Croxton is a smart man.

[Tommy]

It's all a lot of hui, if you ask me. What are you stopping here for?

[Captain Nelson]

One of the boys from the office was to meet me here. Here he is. What'd you find out, Pete?

[Pete]

Nothing much, Captain. This guy Croxton, runs their brokerage business downtown. Has a select clientele. Company name is Overton and Sons. A very retiring sort of guy. Keeps out of sight most of the time. Nasty disposition.

[Captain Nelson]

How about the wrapping paper you found in their trash box?

[Pete]

I took it over to Powers. He traced it to the Brooks Chemical Company. They said that regular deliveries are made to Croxton's house here, but they couldn't reveal the nature of the orders. Mr. Brooks understood that Croxton was an amateur chemist.

[Captain Nelson]

I see. All right, Pete, you've done very well. Get back to your post. We're going inside that house. Come on, Tommy.

[Tommy]

Getting interested, Ms. Ke? All this talk about deliveries of chemicals and supplies. Say, you don't think that that has.

[Captain Nelson]

I'm not saying what I think right now, Tommy. But if you're half the cop that your dad was, you'll know that there's something wrong here. But.

[Tommy]

But what?

[Captain Nelson]

I don't appear too interested. When you get in the house, Croxton is out. The sister's the only one Home. And from the glance I got at her this morning, she's as mean, if not meaner, than Croxton.

[Tommy]

Think she'll recognize you in. In that get up?

[Captain Nelson]

Yeah. Well, that's up to you. Start a line of patter and keep it going. Yeah, we're supposed to be water company inspectors. And it's up to you to keep the woman engaged in conversation while I get around and look at the house.

[Tommy]

Leave it to me, Cap. What a lovely looking place, isn't it? I wouldn't live here on a bit. Well, sorry to bother you, madam, but we're inspectors for the water company. We're running a new main through here and we'll have to inspect and check the condition of your faucet.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

But there's no reason.

[Tommy]

Oh, just take a minute, madam. Come on in, Tim. You can take the upstair taps and I'll take the ones down here. Now, you'll show me where the meter

[Captain Nelson]

is, Ma', am, I'm sure that this

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

is all a lot of.

[Tommy]

Oh, I'm sorry, ma'. Am. Company orders. Man's got to make a living nowadays. Well, you know, just the other day, three of the new inspectors were let out for missing a single house in the roof. Can you imagine that? A single house. And they let them out. Where's the kitchen?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Where has that other man gone?

[Tommy]

Well, he's going upstairs to check for the bath fixtures. I'll need your help in the kitchen, ma'. Am, if you'll just open the door.

[Captain Nelson]

All right.

[Tommy]

Nice kitchen you've got here. Nice and large. You know, ma', am, that's the trouble with most kitchens. They're too small. Make you feel cramped and uncomfortable. A man likes to be able to.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

I wish you'd please hurry.

[Tommy]

Yes, ma'.

[Captain Nelson]

Am.

[Tommy]

Hurry up. That's me. You know, I'm. Well, I got the company medal last year for reading the meters. The fastest of any of the boys.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

What else are you going to do in here?

[Tommy]

Well, not too much more, ma'. Am. Now, if you'll just turn that tap on for me, please. That'll be enough. Now the other one, please, ma'. Am. That's good. Now, are there any other taps down here? Any other laundry rooms?

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

No, there aren't. And if you're finished, I wish you'd please go.

[Tommy]

All right, ma'. Am. You know, man's got to make a living with things the way they are. Now, things.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Are you finished?

[Tommy]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

All right, I'll show you through the door.

[Pete]

Oh.

[Tommy]

Oh, my partner finished before Me? Everything okay, Tim? Everything okay upstairs?

[Captain Nelson]

Did you make a motor test?

[Tommy]

No, no, we can do that later on the outside. Let's take a look at the lawn hydrants and go. Okay.

[Captain Nelson]

Oh, I'm sorry we had to bother you, ma'.

[Tommy]

Am.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

Are you finished?

[Captain Nelson]

Yes, ma'.

[Pete]

Am.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

All right.

[Captain Nelson]

Well, I guess that's all. Thank you, ma'.

[Little Girl]

Am.

[Tommy]

Find anything, Cat?

[Captain Nelson]

Just what I wanted. Quick, back around the corner. Here. Yeah, this will be all right. We can keep an eye on the house from here. And they can't see us. Look. Look what I've got under my coat.

[Tommy]

Holy smoke. A dead cat.

[Captain Nelson]

Yes, and I'm taking this cat to the police surgeon right away. I want to find out what killed it. I also found something else in that house.

[Little Girl]

What?

[Captain Nelson]

A dirty, ragged girl chained in an upstairs closet. And Tommy, that little girl is in a very dangerous condition. You keep an eye on the house. I'll be back within an hour.

[Tommy]

What did you find out, Captain?

[Captain Nelson]

All I need to know. Come on.

[Tommy]

Where are we going?

[Captain Nelson]

I had a search warrant issued. We're going into that house and release that little girl.

[Tommy]

But.

[Captain Nelson]

But what?

[Tommy]

Well, this guy Croxon went there about 10 minutes ago. Well, I'm sure it was him. He was a dead ringer for that sister of his.

[Captain Nelson]

Hurry, Tommy. They're on to us. The sister probably called for Croxton to come right home. If we want to save that child's life, we'll have to hurry.

[Tommy]

Well, what did you find out about the cat, Captain?

[Captain Nelson]

All I needed to know. Don't ask questions. Now, I'll tell you one thing, though. That cat was killed with morphine.

[Pete]

All right.

[Captain Nelson]

Knock on the door.

[Pete]

What?

[Captain Nelson]

What do you want? I'm Captain Nelson from the local precincts. I have a warrant to search your house.

[Tommy]

Why? Well, I'm sure there must be some mistake.

[Captain Nelson]

No, there isn't. Come on in, Tommy.

[Mrs. Martha Gowan]

What the.

[Little Girl]

No, you don't.

[Tommy]

Junior. Quick, the police. Get that woman. Quick, Tommy, get her.

[Captain Nelson]

Ah, good boy. All right, now, up those stairs, both of you. You can't do this.

[Tommy]

You haven't got a thing on it. You can't.

[Captain Nelson]

No, I can't, huh? Here, unlock this door.

[Tommy]

I don't have the key.

[Captain Nelson]

Unlock this door. All right. There, there. There's the little girl coming.

[Tommy]

The poor kid.

[Little Girl]

Stay away from me. Stay away from me. Don't hurt me anymore.

[Tommy]

We're not going to hurt you, honey. We. We're your friends. Here, let me take that chain off your legs.

[Little Girl]

No, don't hurt me. Stay away.

[Tommy]

No, honey. No, no, no. There. We're not going to hurt you. See?

[Little Girl]

Don't let them hurt me, please. Please don't let them stick me again. Please don't.

[Tommy]

If you. What do you mean, honey? Oh, here, don't cry.

[Captain Nelson]

I'll tell you what she means. This dirty skunk has been manufacturing drugs in this house for years. This little girl was the daughter of one of his victims. And for more than a year, he's been keeping her chained in this closet, giving her morphine shots to keep her quiet.

[Tommy]

That's a lie.

[Little Girl]

That's a lie you give her.

[Tommy]

You dirty wreck.

[Captain Nelson]

Killing was too good for you.

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[Captain Nelson]

When she said, I don't dance now

[Tommy]

I make money moves.

[Captain Nelson]

That was a mission statement for a whole new generation.

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