Leonidas Witherall - Mrs Mullet Disappears

Summary

Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Leonidas Witherall – "Mrs. Mullet Disappears"
Date: June 15, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode brings listeners into the world of Leonidas Witherall—also known as "the man who looks like Shakespeare"—in an adaptation from the classic radio mystery series. The story, “Mrs. Mullet Disappears,” narrates an adventurous and comic whodunit set in a sleepy New England town. When Leonidas’s loyal housekeeper, Mrs. Mullet, vanishes under mysterious circumstances, Witherall finds himself embroiled in a web of crime, misdirection, and derring-do. The episode is filled with witty banter, old-fashioned mystery-solving, and the signature lighthearted tone of Golden Age radio.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Set-Up: Mrs. Mullet Vanishes

• [00:48] The action begins at Leonidas Witherall's home when Mrs. Mullet answers the door, screams, and vanishes.
• Sergeant McCobble investigates but finds no leads or evidence.
• Witherall is convinced it is a kidnapping, but the police can only wait for new developments.

“She didn’t just get up and walk off somewhere. She’s been kidnapped.” – Leonidas Witherall (01:36)

2. Mrs. Mullet’s Return & Captivity Recounted

• [03:32] Nearly 24 hours later, Mrs. Mullet reappears, dirty and disheveled, and recounts her ordeal.
• She describes being blindfolded and taken to an unknown location, where her captors sought keys and safe combinations.
• The gang is after Mr. Twink’s valuables—bonds and silverware—because Mrs. Mullet, as a trusted caretaker for many Dalton families, holds their house and safe keys.

“I couldn't see into the foyer. Suddenly I heard her scream. When I ran out to look for her, she’d vanished.” – Witherall (01:36)

“After they had the keys, they asked me to tell them Mr. Twink’s combination. But I wouldn't. They tried just about everything they could think of.” – Mrs. Mullet (05:59)

3. Escaping the Gangsters

• [06:53] Mrs. Mullet, channeling the pluck of a character from Witherall’s own detective stories, wriggles free from her bonds and escapes.
• She pieces together clues based on her senses during the abduction: bakery smells, railroad tracks, a waterfall, and waxing machines.

“I did what Hazeltine always does. I wiggled and squirmed. And finally I got one hand loose.” – Mrs. Mullet (06:57)

4. The Investigation: Retracing Mrs. Mullet’s Steps

• [10:32-14:05] Witherall and Mrs. Mullet set out to trace the route of the kidnapping, following her memory of local landmarks.
• Their travels almost end in disaster when a car (likely the gangsters) tries to run them off the road.

“Maybe it’s those gangsters. They didn’t want to kill us.” – Mrs. Mullet (11:51)

• They arrive at a grand house—belonging to Mr. Beagle—which matches all of Mrs. Mullet’s memories (bakery, tracks, waterfall, waxing floors).

5. The Party at Mr. Beagle’s and Confrontation

• [15:12-16:13] Witherall and Mrs. Mullet discover a party underway at Mr. Beagle’s home, full of notable Dalton residents.
• Witherall slips into the party, trying to deduce if Beagle is linked to the crime.
• Tension builds as Witherall is subtly but forcibly led to investigate the house's cellar by Beagle’s suspicious friends—Louis and Jackie, the goons.

“Well, I’ll have my friends show you the place. You can start downstairs in the cellar.” – Mr. Beagle (17:40)

6. Comic Escapades and Near Misses

• [18:25-22:20] With wit and a clever dance, Witherall attempts to escape via the terrace, but is intercepted and threatened.
• The banter is brisk and teasing, full of light-hearted jibes about the party’s “murder game” and Witherall’s supposed sense of humor.

“I’m talking shoulder to shoulder. Legs. Shoulders. If this keeps up, we’ll need some ration points.” – Witherall, dryly (20:30)

7. Climax: The Police Raid

• [23:04] Sergeant McCobble bursts in as the lights are cut and shots are fired, rounding up the crooks and rescuing Witherall.
• Mrs. Mullet identifies the voices of her abductors immediately.
• Witherall had outmaneuvered the gang and found Mr. Twink’s stolen items on Beagle’s bed.

“After he took the keys from Mrs. Mullet, he gave them to Louis and Jackie. They robbed the safe while Mr. Beagle was purposely giving a party… as a perfect excuse for his whereabouts during the robbery.” – Witherall reconstructs the plot (25:16)

8. Resolution and Lighthearted Finale

• Witherall and Mrs. Mullet, safe and victorious, share a dance—a nod to her preference for a "nice old-fashioned waltz."
• The episode closes with boasts that their sleuthing was every bit as good as Witherall’s fictional detective, Lieutenant Hazeltine.

“What were you doing all the time I was fetching the sergeant?” – Mrs. Mullet
“Dancing to hot swing. That’s mood music for a nervous breakdown.” – Witherall (26:03)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mrs. Mullet’s determination:
  “Well, if you think I’m going to let those rascals go scot free after kidnapping me, you’re all wrong… I’m going to teach them a lesson if I have to do it myself.” (08:43)
• Witherall’s wry wit:
  “Mrs. Mullet, your intentions, however firm, wouldn’t be very convincing in the face of a machine gun.” (08:51)
• Comedic dance escape:
  “I never thought Shakespeare could dance this way.” – Susan D. (18:58)
• Sergeant McCobble’s dry arrival:
  “Well, where’s Bill Shakespeare? Anybody see Leonidas Witherall?” (23:09)
• Classic radio warmth:
  “Let’s go, Mrs. Mullet… For a nice old-fashioned waltz. Shall we, Mrs. Mullet?” (26:28)

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Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:48: Mrs. Mullet disappears; Witherall calls police
• 03:32: Mrs. Mullet returns, describes kidnapping
• 06:53: Mrs. Mullet details her daring escape
• 10:32–14:05: Witherall and Mullet retrace kidnapping route
• 15:12: Arrival at Mr. Beagle’s house
• 17:17: Witherall questioned at party, threatened with “sightseeing tour” of the cellar
• 18:25-22:20: Dance-floor subterfuge and escape attempts
• 23:04: McCobble and police intervene, crooks apprehended
• 25:16: Witherall reveals Mr. Beagle’s scheme
• 26:00–26:31: Lighthearted dance and outro

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Final Takeaways

This episode exemplifies the brisk storytelling and tongue-in-cheek humor characteristic of Golden Age radio mysteries. "Mrs. Mullet Disappears" provides comedic suspense, clever repartee, and a satisfying resolution—all blending classic detective drama with playful period charm.

Listeners new and old are reminded of the delights families once found in gathering around the radio for thrills, laughs, and vicarious detective escapades.

Transcript

[Mrs. Mullet]

Foreign.

[Announcer]

Mutual is proud to present the distinguished American actor Walter Hampden in the Adventures of Leonidas Witherall.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Vivarol's always getting mixed up in murders.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

You wouldn't think so, to look at him.

[Sergeant McCobble]

He looks exactly like Shakespeare.

[Mrs. Mullet]

It's his beard. And. And he's proprietor of an important school for boys in New England.

[Louis (Gangster)]

He writes thriller stories, too, of the Lieutenant Hazeltine stories.

[Announcer]

And the incidents by which Leonidas manages to get mixed up in crime are strange and unexpected, aren't they, Mr. Hampden?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

They certainly are. For instance, at this moment, it's a very pleasant twilight hour in Dalton, and Witherall is at home in his study, reading. Down in the hall, the living room. Mrs. Mullet, his good friend and the general housekeeper for the neighborhood, is hard at work. When?

[Mrs. Mullet]

I'll answer it, Mr. Witherall.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

All right, Mrs. Mullet.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Were you expecting any visitors?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

No, not that I know of. Mrs. Mullet, what's happened? Where are you? Mrs. Mullet? Mrs. Mullet. Operator, I want police headquarters. Hurry.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Hurry.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Misses Muller went to answer the door, Sergeant, and I was sitting in the study. I couldn't see into the foyer. Suddenly I heard her scream. When I ran out to look for her, she'd vanished.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Not a sign of her, eh, Bill?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

No. From the way she screamed, I'd say something horrible that happened to her.

[Sergeant McCobble]

She didn't have any enemies, did she?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

She was the friendliest, most harmless woman. Well, she worked for some of the best families in Dalton. That's why I can't understand this.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Well, I've put her on the missing persons list. I've done all the routine things. I can't do anything else.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

But don't you see? She didn't just get up and walk off somewhere. She's been kidnapped.

[Sergeant McCobble]

But you say you didn't see anyone. No cars, no strangers, no evidence of any kind. I'd send out every squad car I'd got.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

But where'll I go? Oh, you're quite right. I guess I'm not making much sense. All we can do is wait.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Yep, that's it. All we can do is wait.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Hello?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Ms. Fidget?

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Yes.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

This is Leonardus Wither Off.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Oh, sure.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Bill Shakespeare.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

How's the beard? Is Mrs. Mullet at your house?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, no. Why?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

She disappeared a few hours ago. I've been calling various people in Dalton, hoping they might have seen her.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, no, I haven't seen her.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, Sergeant McCobble?

[Sergeant McCobble]

Yes, Bill.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

No word yet?

[Sergeant McCobble]

No word yet, Bill.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, I'm going to bed, Sergeant. I'm exhausted. But call me the second she turns up, no matter what time it is.

[Sergeant McCobble]

You bet. Bill.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Yes?

[Announcer]

Good morning.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

This is leonidas. Oh, hello, Mr. Witherel.

[Mrs. Mullet]

No, she's not home yet.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

I see. All right, thank you. Coming. One second, Mrs. Mullet. Thank heavens. Are you all right?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, I. I can still stand up.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

What's happened to you? I've been frantic. It's five o' clock in the afternoon. You've been gone almost 24 hours, Mr. Witherol.

[Mrs. Mullet]

I was kidnapped.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

I thought so. Oh, here, sit down. Would you like some water? You look peaked.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Oh, my face is dirty, isn't it? And my hat is not on straight.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Yes, yes, but go on now, tell me the story.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, remember when I went to answer the door?

[Announcer]

Yes.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, I opened the door and I didn't see anyone. So I stuck my head out and presto. Someone took hold of my arms and put a blindfold over my eyes.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Do you recognize anyone?

[Mrs. Mullet]

No. It was dark, you know, and it all happened so fast. I'd know their voices, though.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Where did they take you?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, I don't know exactly. They made me walk down the street and we got into a car. Then we went for a ride. Not long. About 10 or 15 minutes, I'd say.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

What did they talk about in the car?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Nothing, not till we got there.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Where?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Some house. I think they took me into the cellar because from the street we walked down, not upstairs.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Then what happened?

[Mrs. Mullet]

They took the keys. I've got the keys to everybody's house to take care of. Why? More than a dozen of them? Well, they never took the blindfold off. They just took the keys. Then they started to talk about Mr. Twink.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Mr. Twink?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Yes. Yes, I take care of his house. It's on Blackstone Road. Mr. Twink's on vacation. He went to Canada last week and he left the key to his place with me.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Yes. Evidently they wanted to get into Mr. Twink's home. Do you know why?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, sure I do. He not only left the key to his front door, he left the key to his safe. Besides, he told me the combination of the little door inside.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Why did he do that?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, Mr. Twink has a lot of confidence in me.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, justifiably, yes.

[Mrs. Mullet]

You see, he has a lot of silverware in the safe and he wanted me to clean him. Then there's some bonds. I had a bit of business to tend to for him.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Of course, your executive ability would help there.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Yes, I had to clip some coupons for him.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

It's obvious. Those men were, after all, Those valuables in the safe?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Oh, they were after the safe, all right. After they had the keys, they asked me to tell them Mr. Twink's combination. But I wouldn't. They tried just about everything they could think of.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

But they didn't hurt you, I hope.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, they were going to. First they offered me some money.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Which you spurned.

[Mrs. Mullet]

I wouldn't touch it.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

No.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Then they argued with me and argued.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

But you were firm.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Like a rock.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Excellent.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Then they went away somewhere, but they came back a few hours later. Fact is, they went away several times. And every time they came back, they asked me about that combination again.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Did they treat you very roughly?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, not like in one of those Hazeltine stories you write. But they wouldn't give me anything to eat. And when I got sleepy, they kept waking me up. And they were all set to really hurt me. But I got out.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

You escaped? Ingenious.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Mm.

[Mrs. Mullet]

That part was just like in one of your stories. I was tied to the chair, you see. And after a while, it got very quiet. I'm sure they'd gone off somewhere. So I did what Hazeltine always does. I wiggled and squirmed. And finally I got one hand loose. Then I untied the other knots and got the blindfold off.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

And what'd you see?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Nothing. It was pitch black. So I just sneaked up to where I saw some lights coming through a door. And when I got to it, I just ran. For all I was worried, I didn't look back for a second. I just ran and ran.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Did you come out of the cellar?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Yes.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Did you notice where you were?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, I was so tired and dizzy, I. I just ran around for a while without knowing where I was. I was too frightened to think. And then I fell down.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Oh, my.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Oh, I must have stayed there by the side of the road for a long, long time. When I came to, it was light, so I hurried over here. The road where I fell down was near the highway.

[Announcer]

Highway?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

G8. Going toward Carnarvon?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, I think so. I never been out that way before.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

G8.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Toward Carnarvon?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Yes. That's it. That's where we'll start.

[Announcer]

Start?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, aren't we going back there to capture that gang just like Hazeltine would?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

We're certainly not. You and I alone.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Hazeltine captures a gang alone.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Mrs. Mullet, the lieutenant is a fictional character. A product of my imagination. Mr. Wither, practically speaking, the possibility of you and me capturing that gang, as you put it, is absurd. Besides, if they're really an organized gang. The chances are Very good. We'd never lived through such an escapade.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, if you think I'm going to let those rascals go scot free after kidnapping me, you're all wrong. Mr. Witherall, I'm going to teach them a lesson if I have to do it myself.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Mrs. Mullet, your intentions, however firm, wouldn't be very convincing in the face of a machine gun.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Machine gun or not, I'm going to find out who grabbed me. You come along. You're very smart about these things.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

I don't think it'd be a battle of wits. It might be confined to gunplay.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, you can stay if you want to. Of course, Hazelty. Never just sit there, Mrs. Mullet.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Why not let the police handle it? I'll call Sergeant McAbel.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Yes,

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

this is definitely a problem for the Sergeant.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Police Headquarters, Sergeant McConnell.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

This is Leonardus Witherall. Sergeant, Mrs. Mullet's just come back.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Swell, Bill. I'm glad to hear it. Say, where was she?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

She was kidnapped.

[Sergeant McCobble]

She was? Who did it?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

We don't know. Of course, she has some clues.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Yeah?

[Sergeant McCobble]

Well, anything definite?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Well, not too definite, no.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Oh, well, look, Bill, I was just leaving. There's been a big robbery. Now, you keep Mrs. Mullet at your place, and I'll drop by as soon as I finish this job. How's that?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

But, Sergeant.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Sorry, Bill, can't spare time to talk about it now. See you later.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

But I thought. Hello? Hello? Oh, he hung up.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, the police coming?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Not just yet. Soon.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Soon.

[Mrs. Mullet]

You think I'm going to sit here and give those crooks a chance to get away? I'm going right now.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

No, wait. You can't go after those men alone.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, you can come or not, but here I go.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

All right, all right. My car's outside. I'll go along. At least I may be able to keep you from getting yourself killed. Come along. I imagine the only way to locate this house is for you to recall every sound you heard, every small detail you can remember about that automobile ride.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, now, let's see. First thing was the bakery.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

Bakery?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Yes, we've been riding along about a minute when I smell the bakery. Can't mistake it, you know.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Get right in. That's it. Your acquaintance with the shops in town should help. Whose bakery is about a minute's drive?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, have they singed?

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Oh, Dougals.

[Mrs. Mullet]

The only one that's anywhere near your house.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Then we'll head for Dougal's. What did you notice after that?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, there was the bakery, then the tracks. I felt the Car going over tracks.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Railroad tracks. We'll drive to Dougal's and then see which way we have to go to cross the tracks.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Fine. Now we're accomplishing something. We'll catch those crooks. Mr. Witherall. Step on it. There's the bakery.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

The tracks are off to the left up this street. So we'll turn left

[Mrs. Mullet]

there. Are the tracks right up ahead there?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Yes.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Look.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Look at that car coming toward us.

[Mrs. Mullet]

The big black one.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Seems the driver's crazy, the way he's swerving from side to side.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Maybe it's those gangsters. They didn't want to kill us.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Let go the wheel.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Let go the wheel. You all right, Mrs. Mullet? They came within two inches of turning us over.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Yes, I. I was so scared there for a minute. Do you think it was the gangsters?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

It's very possible. They may have followed you. They may know we're heading for their hangout.

[Mrs. Mullet]

I'm not turning back either.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

You're not? That car wasn't a sufficiently dramatic example of what may happen.

[Mrs. Mullet]

We're going right straight ahead. Now, let me think. After the track, there was the water. I heard water.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Much water. Brook.

[Mrs. Mullet]

No, no, it was louder than that. Sort of. Sort of a waterfall.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

How much time elapsed between the tracks and the water?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, I don't know. I'd say another few minutes.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

And there's a crossroads up ahead. I wonder which road leads to a waterfall. I don't know of any waterfall in this section. I'll try going right. Sure you heard that?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Positive. Could you go any faster?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Mrs. Mullet? If I'm going to get into a wild gun battle, I. I'd like to appreciate the beauties of the countryside before I expire.

[Mrs. Mullet]

But they'll get away, Mr. Witherall. They'll be gone before we get there.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Well, I admit I find myself harboring a wish that that will prove to be true. I can't remember. Looking forward to an appointment with less anticipation.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Oh, go on, Mr. Witherall. We'll nab him. Just like in the Hazeltine stories. Hazeltine to the rescue.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, shades of Shakespeare.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Say, Mr. Witherow, you were lucky turning to the right.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Lucky?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, sure. There's the little waterfall.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Yes.

[Mrs. Mullet]

After the water, we went to the house. Oh, while I was in the cellar, I heard waxing machines. Oh, I'd know that sound anywhere. They were doing the floors above us. Lots of hustle bustle going on.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Well, at least after I get shot, I have a beautifully waxed floor to collapse on.

[Mrs. Mullet]

I wonder where that house.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

It must be the one up ahead. There aren't any others around. It couldn't be that house, though. I'm sure it belongs to Mr. Beagle. I heard he'd taken a house out here, a big estate.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Mr. Beagle? Why, no. Him. He couldn't have done it.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

No, he's one of the most active citizens in Dalton. Charitable, public spirited, I know.

[Mrs. Mullet]

But I'd still say that's the house that took me to.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

It's not possible.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, drive a bit closer anyway.

[Louis (Gangster)]

All right.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

In fact, we can stop here if you wish. Exquisite home, isn't there?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Exquisite or not, that's the place. The gang's in there now. We'll rush over and grab them.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

The architect will.

[Announcer]

What?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Grab them?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, don't be so enthusiastic. It's unhealthy. Let's walk over.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Say, look at the lights. There's a party going on in there.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

There's certainly is a party.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Strange.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

If this is the house, well, there's

[Mrs. Mullet]

not another one around. We followed the sounds in order.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

But why would a party be going on? You know, Mrs. Mullet, this is beginning to intrigue me. You heard them waxing claws. Now there's a party. That makes sense. Of course I'm going in. Suppose you walk down the road to the nearest gasoline station and call Sergeant Macabre, tell him to come over. Just in case you're right.

[Mrs. Mullet]

But it's Mr. Beagle's house. You just gone storming into the party.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Not storming, gently breezing in.

[Mrs. Mullet]

But didn't you say if the gangsters are there, you'd be shot?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

I want to know who kidnapped you, Mrs. Mullet. I also want to know why a party should be going on in this house if this is where you were. Yes, I'm going to take the chance. And if I get shot? Well, as the gentleman I'm supposed to. There's a destiny that shapes our ends. Rough hew them how we will.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Now you're talking like Hazel time.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Ah, thank you, Mrs. Mullet. Now, let's see. Mr. Beagle came to Dalton about a year ago. Wealthy, intelligent, well liked. He's very puzzling.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Be careful.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, I shall. And you be quick. I may need the sergeant badly.

[Mrs. Mullet]

All right. Bye, Mr. Witherall. Good luck.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Bye. Yes? Mr. Beagle? That's me. I'm Leonidas Wither all. Oh, yes, the man who looks like Shakespeare. Well, I hope I'm on time for all the festivities.

[Sergeant McCobble]

What?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

What'd you say? I said I hope I'm not late. Oh, no, you're not late. No, but.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Well.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Cornelia Witherbloom.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Hello.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

And Susan D. I didn't know he had so many mutual friends, Mr. Beagle.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Oh, didn't you?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Makes it very cozy, doesn't it? Yes, very. Did you want something? You seem to be looking around. Thank you. I just admiring the decor. Splendid. I'd like to see the upstairs section too, sometime. You're the curious type, aren't you? No, I'm merely interested in decoration, Furniture. Wetherall. I didn't invite you. You didn't? Well, someone did telephone me. Nobody telephoned you.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Oh.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Well, perhaps it was a card.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

Yes.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Mrs. Mullet, my housekeeper, brought the card to me with the morning mail. You know Mrs. Mullet? Yes, I do. Well, she works for quite a lot of people in town. Works for me and Mr. Twink. Oh, do you know Mr. Twink? Did you say you wanted to see the rest of the house? Oh, I don't want it disturb you now with this party going on. Well, I'll have my friends show you the place. You can start downstairs in the cellar. In the cellar?

[Sergeant McCobble]

Yes.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

You'll be very interested in what I have in the cellar.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Loy. Ducky.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

What's the matter, boss?

[Louis (Gangster)]

What do you want?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

I want you to show the house to Mr. Weatherall. Take him down in the cellar first.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

I got you.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Come on, pal. We're going on a sightseeing tour.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Thank you for, but perhaps later.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Why don't you play something hot?

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Let's dance.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

You pull a show with her all the cellar now. Come on, maestro.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Play something hot, will you?

[Jackie (Gangster)]

And make it good and loud, huh?

[Louis (Gangster)]

Boy?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Sure, that's a great idea.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Okay, let's go with her. All with the roll. I said let's go downstairs.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, yes, but later.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Oh, Cornelia.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Yes, Leonidas?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Cornelia, may I have this dance?

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Why, certainly. But it's hot swing. I've never seen you jitterbug, Leonidas.

[Sergeant McCobble]

I never have.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

But I'm going to do it now. Excuse me, gentlemen. Come on, Cornelia. The boys at Meredith. Say, what is that phrase? Manufacture a rug.

[Announcer]

Oh, yes.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Let's cut a rug, Leonidas.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Oh, leandices. Where in the world are you dancing to? We're going off the floor.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

It's rather crowded here. I thought there'd be more room by that window. Leads to the terrace, I think.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Well, all right. Say, you're doing very well. I never thought Shakespeare could dance this way.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, yes. If we can just dance toward that French window, I could get out by the terrace.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Get out? But what Are you talking about.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

May I cut in, Mrs. Winderbloom?

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Oh, why, yes, of course. Do you mind, Leonidas?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

I was enjoying this, so I hate to leave you.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

Come with me.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Wither all.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Let's go, Mrs. Winnebule.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Oh, bye, Leonidas.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

I. Wait.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Yes, Louis? Sorry to keep you. You know, I've suddenly lost all interest in going into the cellar.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

You're going there anyway. And don't try anything, Toots.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Toots. You embarrass me. Don't go tossing off a couple of

[Jackie (Gangster)]

hints about what's cooking here. Because what's in my pocket ain't no water pistol.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Cooking pesto, Leonidas Withero. My goodness, you rascal. Why didn't you come over and speak to me?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Well, I've been busy too. Oh, I mean Susan.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Well, just you come over here to

[Mrs. Mullet]

this sofa and sit down and chat with me.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Will you pardon us?

[Announcer]

Huh?

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Pardon us.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Come on, Leonidas.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, I'm delighted, Mrs. Drip Drop.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, how have you been?

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

I haven't seen you in weeks.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Mixed up in any murders lately?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

I'm mixed up in one right now. Hopelessly mixed up.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Oh, really? A young man, a. Louis.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

Yes.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Would you do me a favor and

[Mrs. Mullet]

get me some more punch, please?

[Jackie (Gangster)]

Me? Okay. Give me the glass, Duchess.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Gimme, duchess.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Yes. Curious guess, isn't he? Now, Leonidas, tell me all about it.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Who's been killed?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

No one yet. No, but they will be at any moment.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Why don't you stop it?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Afraid I can't.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Oh, Leonidas, you wouldn't be pulling my leg, would you?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, no, on the contrary. I'm talking shoulder to shoulder. Legs. Shoulders. If this keeps up, we'll need some ration points. How droll.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Who's going to be killed?

[Announcer]

I am.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Oh, now I know you're just teasing me.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

No, Susan, I'm going to be shot within a few seconds.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

You know, that's what I like about you, Leonidas. You have such an extraordinary sense of humor. Well, who's going to shoot you, Cornelius? Me?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

One of Mr. Bego's friends. Susie, I've got to get out of here. Would you walk toward the front door with me? Of course.

[Mrs. Mullet]

I adore these games. We played murder at a party last

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

week, but we didn't act it out this way. It was a quiz game called Stump

[Mrs. Mullet]

it or Lump It.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Yes. You know, the quiz I'm in now might be called Answer it or Drop Dead.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Really? Is Louie in it?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Yes, very much so.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Oh.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

You know, Beagle does get the most exciting ideas for his parties.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Come on, Sneak toward the front door, eh?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Yes. Do it very casually, though.

[Announcer]

Come on.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Walk slowly.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Yes, that's it.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

They haven't seen me.

[Mrs. Mullet]

I see.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

You'll sneak out and then we'll all look for you. Is that it?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

I'm going to back up against this door and grab the knob. Smile, Susan. Smile at everyone.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

I am. Oh, I am. Isn't this more fun?

[Announcer]

I've got the knob in my hand now.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

I'll.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

I'll turn it. Easy, easy. Talk. Talk about something or anything at all.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Oh, I see. To distract them. But you know, I saw the most

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

darling hat yesterday, Leonidas. I was in New York.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

The knobs turned.

[Mrs. Mullet]

I just couldn't resist it.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

It was.

[Announcer]

I'm all set now.

[Mrs. Mullet]

You know, it was one of those

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

little stores on Broadway going somewhere with the wrong.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Oh, check it from the comic.

[Louis (Gangster)]

It don't leave now. The party's just getting warmed up.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

It's at a fever heat, if you ask me.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Stick around. There's going to be plenty of fireworks.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Well, that's what I'm afraid of.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Well, Leonidas, he saw you, so I

[Mrs. Mullet]

guess the game's spoiled.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Call me when you want to start a new one, will you?

[Mrs. Mullet]

How about musical chairs?

[Louis (Gangster)]

Well, you fooled around enough with her all. Now you're going downstairs.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

You'll have to make me. I'm not going into the cellar.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

Come on, Jackie. Beagle's getting impatient.

[Louis (Gangster)]

The door to the cell. Over there with her all.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

I'll not budge one step.

[Louis (Gangster)]

Oh, you won't, huh?

[Mrs. Mullet]

You want to play rough?

[Louis (Gangster)]

Okay, bud, you asked for it.

[Sergeant McCobble]

All right. Turn the lights on, boys. Stay where you are. Oh, yeah? Don't try anything either.

[Mrs. Mullet]

What's this all about?

[Sergeant McCobble]

Well, where's Bill Shakespeare? Anybody see Leonidas Weatherall?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Don't you see him, Sergeant? There were shots.

[Sergeant McCobble]

I heard the shots. I heard the shots, Mrs. Muffet. But I don't see him anywhere, do you?

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Why, Leonidas was here just a minute ago.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Oh, well, he might be upstairs. See this stairway? All right, come on.

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

Goodness. He wasn't playing a game after all.

[Sergeant McCobble]

We'll go upstairs and say wait. Well, if it isn't Louis and Jackie. How are you boys? You fellas haven't been in town bothered me for a long time. They're probably in this Frisco.

[Jackie (Gangster)]

Okay. We didn't do nothing any long.

[Announcer]

All right.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Shut up, you two, before I hand you your heads. What'd you do with Bill Shakespeare?

[Louis (Gangster)]

He beat it when the lights went out.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Who turned him up?

[Jackie (Gangster)]

I did. We were playing a little Game? So what?

[Sergeant McCobble]

Oh, a little game, eh? Carrying those guns. Hold up, boys. Let's go, Mrs. Willett. We're going upstairs.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Sergeant, they're in this all right. I recognize their voices. Why, they're the two fellas that took

[Susan D. (Susan Drip Drop)]

me into the car.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Well, the boys will watch until we get back. Then we'll have a nice long talk with them. Come on up.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Yes.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Bill. Hey, Bill, where are you? You all right?

[Mrs. Mullet]

I hope nothing's happened to us.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Wait, I'll try this door. Nope, nothing doing. Bob is down the hallway here. He might be down there.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Oh, hurry, Sergeant. They near your shot in.

[Sergeant McCobble]

I don't see Beagle anywhere either. I bet he's with Bill. Wait, I'll try this room.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Ah, Sergeant McCabe and Mrs. Mullet. Won't you come in?

[Mrs. Mullet]

You all right, Mr. Witherall?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, a bit winded, that's about all.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Say, Bill, didn't you hear us calling?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Why, only just now. You see, the door was closed and Mr. Beagle and I were having a very spirited and noisy conversation. Have your friends seen Louie and Jackie?

[Sergeant McCobble]

We got them, Bill. But now tell me what happened.

[Mrs. Mullet]

What? There's Mr. Twink's silverware.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Yes, the entire contents of the Mr. Twink's safe is there on Mr. Beagle's bed, I believe. Do you care to explain, Mr. Beagle? I'm not saying a word. I'm explaining nothing. I don't have to talk here. I put out the light, Sergeant. When Louie and Jackie were about to exterminate me in the dark, I ducked and ran upstairs. I was sure Mr. Beagle would be planning to leave with his loot.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Why, that's the stuff I've been looking for all day. This is the robbery I was working on before. Really?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Yes, Mr. Ben. Mr. Beagle wasn't quite the outstanding citizen we thought. After he took the keys from Mrs. Mullet, he gave them to Louis and Jackie. They robbed the safe while Mr. Beagle was purposely giving a party for some of the best known people in Dalton as a perfect excuse for his whereabouts during the robbery. Then Louis and Jackie came back to divide the loot, but unfortunately, I suddenly appeared as an uninvited guest.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Oh, so they tried to get rid of you first, eh? I get it. Come on, Beagle. Relax, will you?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Who do you think you're pushing around now? Mr. Beagle, if you'll be so good as to return Mrs. Mullet her keys.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Well, Mr. Witherall, guess we did as well as Hazel time anyway, didn't we?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, we did. Just as well, Mrs. Mullet.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Say, what were you doing all the time? I was fetching the sergeant?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Dancing to hot swing.

[Mrs. Mullet]

To hot swing?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Yes. That's mood music for a nervous breakdown.

[Mrs. Mullet]

Oh, well, as Mr. Mullet used to say when he was alive, give me a nice old fashioned waltz every time.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Yes, I agree. Let's go, Mrs. Mullet.

[Sergeant McCobble]

Wait a minute, Bill. Where you going? She's a witness.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

Oh, couldn't you spare the witness for just a few minutes, Sergeant?

[Sergeant McCobble]

Spare her? What for?

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

For a nice old fashioned walt. Shall we, Mrs. Mullet?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Why, Mr. Witherall,

[Announcer]

Mutual has presented the distinguished American actor Walter Hampden in the Adventures of Leonidas Witherall. Mrs. Mullet is played by Ethel Ramey, the character of Leonidas Wither. All is from the mystery novels by Alice Tilton. The radio script is by Howard Merrill, and this program was produced by Joe Ripley. Next week's story involves an attempt by Leonidas to enjoy a vacation, doesn't it?

[Mrs. Mullet]

Mr. Hampden does.

[Leonidas Witherall (Bill Shakespeare)]

And a very peculiar vacation it is too. Leonidas goes to the mountains for a few peaceful days of rest and relaxation. But he hasn't been resting more than about 60 seconds when he runs into a firearm, a mysterious diamond and of course, a murder. I hope you'll be with us next Sunday for a very exciting and fascinating story Night.

[Announcer]

If you live in or near New York, or if you plan to visit New York soon, we invite you to attend a broadcast of Leonidas Witherall. Just write a postcard with your name and address and send it to Bill Shakespeare. That's what Leonidas friends call him. Bill Shakespeare, care of WO New York 18. We'll be glad to send tickets free of charge. Remember to to receive free tickets to a Leonidas Witheral program. Send a note tonight to Bill Shakespeare wo r New York 18. The Adventures of Leonidas Witherall is heard over most of these Mutual stations every Sunday evening at 9:00pm Eastern. War time. And comes to you from the stage of the WOR Mutual Playhouse in New York. This is Mutual.