33 Half Moon Street 56-05-06 Parson's Pride

Summary

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Summary: "33 Half Moon Street – Parson's Pride"

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode: 33 (Originally aired 1956-05-06)
Aired: October 22, 2025
Theme: Golden Age of Radio Detective Drama

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Episode Overview

In this installment of "33 Half Moon Street," Aubrey Mason and his team at Assignments Unlimited find themselves entangled in a high-stakes case that initially seems like a simple lost jewelry retrieval, but quickly escalates into blackmail, deception, and a twist of personal liberation. The story, "Parson's Pride," revolves around Angela Parsons—later revealed as Lady Geraldine Farquharson—who seeks help to recover an item from the air ducts of a hotel. What follows is an exploration of mistaken identities, hidden motives, and the unexpected resolve of a woman determined to escape a loveless marriage.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Case: Lost Diamond or Something More?

• [03:34–08:22]
  • Angela Parsons enters Aubrey Mason’s office, presenting an expensive diamond earring and explaining her predicament: the matching earring, valued at £5,000, has become lodged in a hotel air vent.
  • She admits her insurance record is poor, making a claim impractical, and other avenues for retrieval failed due to cost or unwillingness.
  • “It's such a simple job. In sheer desperation, I consulted the personal column... I saw your advertisement … and well, here I am.” – Angela Parsons ([08:10])
• Mason agrees to take the case, assigning his operative Ken Cannon.

2. The Retrieval Attempt

• [09:57–11:59]
  • Ken Cannon meets Mrs. Parsons at the Hilton and begins his “crawl” into the air duct.
  • Notable humorous exchange:
    • “I'm a sucker for a beautiful woman, but this will be the first time I've got on my hands and knees for one.” – Ken Cannon ([09:31])
  • Cannon discovers not the earring but a mysterious envelope stuck to the grill near the fan.

3. The Double-Cross & Blackmail Revealed

• [15:11–16:28]
  • When Cannon emerges with the envelope, Angela Parsons threatens him with a gun (later discovered unloaded), demanding the item.
  • The tone shifts rapidly.
    • “You must want it pretty badly. Do you mind pointing that thing the other way? ... They have a nasty habit of going off.” – Ken Cannon ([15:35])
• Parsons confesses her real motive: she needed the envelope, not the earring, and did not trust Cannon at first.

4. Flashback: The Blackmail

• [17:17–21:11]
  • Parsons recounts how she was met in the hotel garage by Cyril Purdy, who attempts to blackmail her using incriminating photographs of her husband’s affairs.
  • Purdy wants £10,000 in exchange for the photos, threatening her husband’s career and reputation.
  • In desperation, Parsons ingeniously slips the envelope through the air vent to keep it from Purdy.
    • “I felt extremely gratified to see the draft clutch the envelope and suck it away into the dark.” – Angela Parsons ([21:09])

5. Truths, Tactics, and Final Confrontations

• [22:10–27:17]
  • Cannon successfully retrieves the envelope for real on a second crawl through the duct.
  • He offers his discretion and kind words:
    • “It’s not often a man has the good fortune of meeting a lady with tremendous spirit and backbone.” – Ken Cannon ([23:03])
  • Purdy appears, revealing Parsons’ real identity as Lady Geraldine Farquharson, wife of a prominent MP.
  • Purdy asserts that the negatives are still in his possession, rendering the photos only partial leverage.

6. The Surprise Twist: Lady Farquharson’s Liberation

• [27:17–29:49]
  • In a memorable monologue, Lady Farquharson explains she never intended to protect her husband. The photos are valuable evidence in her plan for divorce, and as collateral for a lucrative story in the press.
    • “These photographs provide me with exactly what I want. A, they are the perfect evidence for divorce. And B, they're very valuable. ... Now when I show him these photographs, he will pay me enough money for me to live in the manner to which I have been unaccustomed.” – Lady Farquharson ([27:31])
  • She rejects Purdy’s fresh blackmail attempt, turns her back on both men, and bids them goodbye, asserting agency over her future.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “What a mistake it is to judge people by their appearance.” – Aubrey Mason, opening moral ([01:33])
• “I'm afraid it's not going to be as easy as that. … The cost would be £200. Frankly, Mr Mason, I considered that to be excessive.” – Mrs. Parsons reveals hotel’s indifference ([06:02–06:45])
• “We don't advertise the fact, but we're very discreet about the assignments we undertake.” – Ken Cannon ([17:04])
• “You … mistook me for the brave little wife trying to protect her husband's reputation and save her marriage. Not so. … These photographs provide me with exactly what I want.” – Lady Farquharson ([27:17–28:00])
• “Thanks for the information, Purdy, but I don't see what difference it makes. Lady Farquharson asked us to do a job for her. It's been done and paid for. And if she wishes her identity to be kept a secret, it's no concern of ours.” – Ken Cannon ([24:11])

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Key Timestamps

• [03:34] – Mrs. Parsons describes her “lost” earring and predicament
• [09:57] – Ken Cannon meets Mrs. Parsons; the search begins
• [11:59] – Cannon finds the envelope, not the earring
• [15:11] – Parsons pulls a gun, demands the envelope
• [17:17] – Backstory: Purdy's blackmail and the envelope's origin
• [22:35] – Envelope finally retrieved, Cannon assures discretion
• [24:01] – Parsons revealed as Lady Geraldine Farquharson
• [27:17] – Lady Farquharson delivers her monologue; twist is revealed

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Tone, Style & Production Notes

The episode is a classic example of postwar radio detective drama: quick banter, gentlemanly heroics, high society intrigue, and a heady mix of suspense and melodrama. The language is brisk, droll, and clipped, with Cannon’s wry asides and Mason’s formal narration lending a dry wit to even the most treacherous moments. The twist ending—where the ‘distressed wife’ subverts expectations and outsmarts her foes—gives the story a modern edge unusual for its time.

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Conclusion

"Parson's Pride" demonstrates the enduring charm of radio detective stories: an apparently simple commission morphs into a tangled web of blackmail, marital scandal, mistaken identity, and, ultimately, self-emancipation. Lady Farquharson proves a more complex and resourceful figure than first appears—a fitting testament to Aubrey Mason’s opening theme: never judge by appearances.

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Transcript

[Cyril Purdy]

And Doug.

[Aubrey Mason]

Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug. Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us? Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty. Liberty Savings Ferry Unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts. Aubrey Mason at your service. At Assignments Unlimited, we do anything anywhere at any time.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

33 Half Moon street.

[Aubrey Mason]

The moment you feel a cold coming on, turn to Snellerin for help. Snellerin is a tried, effective remedy that defeats flu misery. You feel better quickly with Snellerin. What does tomorrow hold for you? All the good things in life. Then you'd better start planning for them now by saving regularly each month. Yes. You've got a plan and you've got to save. Let's get together with the nbs.

[Ken Cannon]

Save your money.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Yes. Yes.

[Aubrey Mason]

Save for a brighter tomorrow.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Save nbs. Yes. Yes.

[Aubrey Mason]

The Natal Building Society is the ideal choice for today's young people because the NBS is South Africa's. Go ahead Building Society motorists. The new name for all genuine Ford parts is famoco. F O M O C O. To get high precision parts that are made right to fit right, make sure they carry the name fomoco. The story I'm going to tell you tonight, taken from a dossier of an assignment we handled, is called Parsons Pride. Here now is Aubrey Mason. What a mistake it is to judge people by their appearance. This is a fact which has been brought home to me many, many times since Assignment Unlimited came into being. The assignment I'm going to tell you about tonight will prove my point very forcibly. It began when the intercom on my desk buzzed.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

A Mrs. Parsons, who has an appointment for 3 o', clock, has arrived. Shall I send her through?

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes, please. At that moment, she was only a name in my diary. Mrs. A Parsons. For the next moment, the door opened.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Mrs. Parson.

[Aubrey Mason]

She was tall, about five foot six, but her Auburn hair piled on top of her head made her look taller and slimmer than ever. She had an exquisite face set on a long neck. She was expensively dressed and immaculately groomed. Her eyes were big and brown and her mouth was soft and generous. I put her age at about 38. I stood to receive her and she extended a white gloved hand in greeting. How do you do, Mrs. Parsons?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

How do you do?

[Aubrey Mason]

Please sit down.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Oh, thank you.

[Aubrey Mason]

Now then, how can I help you?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

May I Preface what I'm going to say by showing you something.

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, of course.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

It's in my bag. Here we are.

[Aubrey Mason]

Diamonds. Beautiful diamonds, too.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

To be more precise, Mr. Mason, a diamond earring.

[Aubrey Mason]

Exquisite. Tell me more.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

It's one of a pair valued at £5,000. The other is lost. Or rather, it's not lost, it's. This sounds so silly. I know where it is, but I can't get at it. That's why I've come here.

[Aubrey Mason]

Do I take it that the earring is inaccessible and well, you want us to retrieve it for you?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Precisely, Mr. Mason.

[Aubrey Mason]

It sounds intriguing. Before we go any further, may I take down a few particulars?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Certainly.

[Aubrey Mason]

Now, your. Your full name is?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Angela Parsons.

[Aubrey Mason]

Angela Parsons. Your address?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

I. My home address is Harrogate in Yorkshire, but I'm staying at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane. I came down here to do some shopping and see some shows.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, I see. Well, thank you. And where is the airing at the Hilton Hotel?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

In the basement? Yes, I have a room on the first floor. Last evening, I'd been out to dinner in the theatre with some friends. It was quite late when I got back. In fact, it was during the early hours. I was very tired, and I'm afraid I was rather careless. I took off my earrings and necklace and put them on the dressing table. This morning, I ordered breakfast in my room. The waitress came in with a tray, and I had it at my bedside. When I'd finished, I wanted to tidy the place up a bit, so I moved the tray and put it on the end of the dressing table. When I put it down, I pushed it on so that it would be safer. But in doing so, the back of the tray pushed my jewellery. Well, in the wall behind the dressing table, there's a vent. And when I pushed the tray, the back of the tray pushed one of my earrings into the vent. Of course, I realized immediately what I'd done and I called the hotel manager.

[Aubrey Mason]

I'm sorry to have been so long, Mrs. Parsons. I came as soon as I could. Now, what seems to be the trouble?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

The earring which matches this one is in there, in that vent. It was my fault. I pushed it with my breakfast tray.

[Cyril Purdy]

Oh, dear.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

I wanted to get somebody up here to remove the grill and get my earring out.

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, I'm afraid it's not going to be as easy as that. You see, that grill is part of our air conditioning. The air is extracted through. It goes down to the basement through our air conditioning plug.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

You mean behind the grill there's a Duct which leads down into the basement?

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes, just so.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Then my earring's in the basement and I want it. It's a very valuable piece of jewelry, Mrs. Parsons.

[Aubrey Mason]

I'll do everything I can. I'll go and investigate the situation immediate.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

The poor man came back to inform me that the air duct down which my earring had fallen joined a horizontal duct in the basement. It was totally inaccessible, he said.

[Aubrey Mason]

But surely he considered dismantling that part of the system.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Oh, yes. And blithely informed me that the cost would be £200. Frankly, Mr. Mason, I considered that to be excessive.

[Aubrey Mason]

Forgive me, Mrs. Parsons, but am I right in thinking that your jury is insured? You are. Well, then there's surely no problem.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Again, I'm forced to be frank with you. I am what the insurance companies call a liability high risk. I've made so many claims on them in the past for lost and damaged personal effects that if I came again for this, my next premium is going to be very high indeed. It occurred to me that there was perhaps a cheaper way of recovering my earring. I've spoken to the maintenance people at the hotel, and they hummed and ha'd. They clearly weren't interested. I contacted the air conditioning people myself. They weren't very cooperative either. They assured me that the only way of getting to the earring would be to dismantle the air ducts. You can imagine how frustrated I was. I went down to the basement myself and had a look at the situation. It suddenly occurred to me that if the grill at the end of the horizontal duct were removed and someone got inside and crawled along to where the vertical duct from my room came down, it would be easy. Do you think I can find anybody who's willing to do that? Not even the smallest page boy in the hotel. The manager won't allow it.

[Aubrey Mason]

Why not?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Oh, apparently some question of insurance. He has no policy covering this sort of thing.

[Aubrey Mason]

How infuriating for you.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

It's such a simple job. In sheer desperation, I consulted the personal column of the Evening Standard. I saw your advertisement phone to make an appointment, and, well, here I am. Will you help me?

[Aubrey Mason]

We'd be delighted, Mrs. Parsons.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

You do do this sort of thing?

[Aubrey Mason]

It's this sort of thing that keeps us in business.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

You can guarantee satisfaction?

[Aubrey Mason]

I can.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

When will your man do the job?

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, well, this afternoon suit you?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

The sooner the better.

[Aubrey Mason]

Good. Let's say 4.30.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Where should I meet your man?

[Aubrey Mason]

His name's Cannon. David Cannon. Well, what about the lounge at the Hilton?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Lovely.

[Aubrey Mason]

When Angela Parsons had left my office. I gave instructions to Mrs. Gamble that Cannon was to come and see me immediately. He came promptly and I apprised him with the facts supplied by Mrs. Parsons.

[Ken Cannon]

Sounds pretty careless.

[Aubrey Mason]

Yes, Canon, but she admitted it.

[Ken Cannon]

Nice.

[Aubrey Mason]

Captivating a lady, but married.

[Cyril Purdy]

Pity.

[Ken Cannon]

Well, how will I know what she looks like?

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, just make yourself known to the most Beautiful woman of 40 in the Hilton Lounge. That will be she.

[Ken Cannon]

Any special instructions?

[Aubrey Mason]

Well, I think you'll need pliers, screwdriver, spanners, boiler suit. Oh, and a lamp which you can strap to your forehead.

[Ken Cannon]

4:30 you said?

[Aubrey Mason]

That's right. What's the joke?

[Ken Cannon]

Well, I'm a sucker for a beautiful woman, but this will be the first time I've got on my hands and knees for one.

[Aubrey Mason]

For once. It was a short journey for Ken along Half Moon street into Curzon street and then left into Park Lane. Something of a record. As I predicted. Cannon had no difficulty in identifying our client. She was having tea and toying nervously with a cigarette.

[Ken Cannon]

You'll be Mrs. Parsons?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

That's right.

[Ken Cannon]

The name's Ken and I work for Aubrey Mason.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

How do you do?

[Ken Cannon]

How do you do? Now where's the location?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

The what?

[Ken Cannon]

How do we get to the basement?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Oh, we'll take the lift.

[Ken Cannon]

Okay, let's go.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

It'll be a tight squeeze for you.

[Ken Cannon]

I've been in tighter spots than this. It's about, let me see, 50ft to where the down duck joins this one.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

There's a strong draft in there. Do you think it's conceivable that my earring would have been drawn further along the duct towards the fan?

[Ken Cannon]

Possible, but unlikely. We'll see.

[Aubrey Mason]

It only took a few moments for Karen to remove the wire grill from the end of the duct. He did this by standing on the boot of Mrs. Parsons car. He then donned his boiler suit, strapped a miner's lamp to his forehead and hoisted himself into the narrow opening. Once inside, Cannon proceeded to wriggle on his belly along the 30 inch square duct.

[Ken Cannon]

Only hope is things strong enough to support me.

[Cyril Purdy]

Well, it's not far to fall, but.

[Ken Cannon]

I get pretty shaken up in the process. Now then, let's see. Not much further.

[Aubrey Mason]

What a heck of a way to earn a living.

[Ken Cannon]

Still, never a dull moment. Now, here we are. Now this is where the vertical duck joins the big horizontal one. This would be around here somewhere. It's quite a drop from the first floor. It must have bounced, maybe broken. No, nothing here. Well, maybe it's further along towards the fan. Here we go.

[Aubrey Mason]

Again.

[Ken Cannon]

And now I know how a rabbit.

[Aubrey Mason]

Must feel after a rough night out.

[Ken Cannon]

No, not here either. There's nothing here.

[Aubrey Mason]

Except.

[Ken Cannon]

Except that envelope stuck on the grill next to the fan. I won.

[Cyril Purdy]

Surf with super blue puts true whiteness.

[Aubrey Mason]

Back into your watch. A real white. A true white.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Super blue White. Trust surf to get your wash truly white.

[Aubrey Mason]

The white of surface super blue.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

From the Cascades to PDX to your kitchen.

[Aubrey Mason]

We recycle like we live here. That's why governments, brands and recycling companies are all joining together to bring change to make recycling better. As in trusting that your recyclables end.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Up in the right places to be made into new things and having brands.

[Aubrey Mason]

Help fund the cost of recycling. You can find the Latest [e-mail] Oregon.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

From Mount Hood to the bin under your desk.

[Aubrey Mason]

Together we can do this. That's the sound of James adding long lasting gain scent boosters to his laundry this morning. Several hours later, James sniffs the irresistible scent of gain on his shirt. Ah, gain. Several hours later, James has even caught the attention of his mother in law. And she never gives him attention.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Ooh, you smell amazing, James.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, thanks mom. I love you too.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

I never said that.

[Aubrey Mason]

Add gain scent boosters to your laundry. Add joy to your day. Durbrack and pein verlachten aspro neva mikro furfinder Aspro Aspro as no Mikro furfein fur versnalde verlichten van fein no barek aspro die blutztru Miras twickir fernacher la pain Miras twickeirfenacher verduin Aspro nueva Mikro verfinder aspro Cleaner breath cleaner taste cleaner teeth three ways clean that Colgate clean brush your teeth to cold Colgate way Help clean your breath. Help fight decay. And now you could help yourself to a big cash prize in the Colgate Dental Cream spot the errors contest.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Yes, there's 2,500 rant in cash prizes.

[Aubrey Mason]

To be won full details at Colgate Dental Cream displays. Also big savings on special packs.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Get Colgate Dental Cream now. I was beginning to think you got lost.

[Aubrey Mason]

Wow.

[Ken Cannon]

Just let me get down from up here. Well, that's that. No earring.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Of course not. Where's the envelope?

[Ken Cannon]

Hey, now wait a minute, Mr. Cannon.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

I'm in no mood to indulge you and your wise cracking. I want that envelope or else.

[Ken Cannon]

Well, you must want it pretty badly. Do you mind pointing that thing the other way? I. I get pretty nervous looking into the barrel of the gun. Because it's been my experience they have a nasty habit of going off.

[Aubrey Mason]

To say that the lady's change of attitude and manner was a surprise to Cannon is putting it very mildly indeed. He was shocked and not a little nervous.

[Ken Cannon]

Well, I must say you had me fooled. It's not often I'm taken for a sucker like this.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Please be reasonable and sensible, Mr. Cannon. You can see you have no choice. You've got the envelope. Hand it over.

[Ken Cannon]

Well, you know, I've often been told I'm blessed with a sixth sense. I guess I must be. I mean, why else would I have left the envelope where it is?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

You did what?

[Ken Cannon]

That's right. Go ahead, look in my pocket. Oh, why, look out.

[Aubrey Mason]

There's a car coming down the ramp. What?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Thanks.

[Aubrey Mason]

A car?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

I'll take this.

[Ken Cannon]

That's better. Now, you just keep your distance, huh?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Oh, all right, Mr. Cannon, you've got the upper hand. If you care to examine that pistol, you'll find it isn't loaded.

[Cyril Purdy]

Correct. Okay.

[Ken Cannon]

Now, you be a good girl and put it away.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Thank you.

[Ken Cannon]

And suppose you tell me what's going on. Why didn't you tell us it was an envelope you wanted? You'd have saved us both a lot of trouble.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

I. I didn't know I could trust you.

[Ken Cannon]

We don't advertise the fact, but we're very discreet about the assignments we undertake.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

All right. Are you sure it won't go any further?

[Ken Cannon]

Except Mr. Mason. And it's safer with him than with the bank of England.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Well, it happened like this. Yesterday afternoon, I came down into the basement with my car, having been to see some friends in Richmond. I parked it over there. I switched off the engine, and I opened the door to step out.

[Cyril Purdy]

Allow me.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

What?

[Cyril Purdy]

How'd you do?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Oh, you gave me such a fright, I didn't see you.

[Cyril Purdy]

I know. You know, I've been waiting for you. You don't know me. Allow me to introduce myself. Cyril Purdy.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Oh, how do you do? You wish to see me?

[Cyril Purdy]

I know about you. Or to be more precise, let me say, I know about your husband.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

My husband?

[Cyril Purdy]

And the going's on.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

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

[Cyril Purdy]

Oh, come, Mrs. Parsons. You're not a fool. Neither am I. Let's not beat about the bush. I assure you that what I say is true, and I'll tell you how I know. You see, I've made it my business to. How shall I put it? Keep an eye on your husband's affairs.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Well, I think I know what you want. Money?

[Cyril Purdy]

Please.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

For what?

[Cyril Purdy]

Why, for my silence. What else?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

You're very sure of yourself, aren't you?

[Cyril Purdy]

I have to be.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

You must have something to justify your confidence.

[Cyril Purdy]

I have.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

What?

[Cyril Purdy]

These.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

What are they?

[Cyril Purdy]

Allow me. Charming, aren't you? Photography is something of a hobby of mine. A very lucrative hobby.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

I've never been so disgusted in all my life.

[Cyril Purdy]

Come now, you weren't unaware of this sort of thing.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

No, but it's something I've tried not to think about. And now?

[Cyril Purdy]

And now here it is under your very nose.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

How much do you want?

[Cyril Purdy]

Well, after very careful consideration about your husband's income and position in society, I've decided to settle for 10,000 pounds.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

In return for which you will give me those photographs, correct? What if I can't raise the money?

[Cyril Purdy]

That possibility never occurred to me. You must. And if you want these photographs badly enough, you will.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

What if I tell you to go to the devil?

[Cyril Purdy]

That would be extremely foolish of you. These photographs could ruin your husband. They could also ruin your marriage. You'd be hounded out of the country.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

I'm. I'm going to need time to think about this.

[Cyril Purdy]

But of course, dear lady. In the meantime, I'll return these photographs to their envelope.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

You don't feel so confident now, do you?

[Cyril Purdy]

I'm warning you, Mrs. Parsons, if you try anything foolish, I shall be most severe with you.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Keep away from me.

[Cyril Purdy]

You don't think I'm fool enough to let you get away with those photographs, do you? I'm not letting £10,000 slip through my fingers. I've put too much time and energy into my scheme. Give them back to me.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Keep away from me, you beast.

[Cyril Purdy]

I'm a patient man, Mrs. Parsons, but I also have a violent temper.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

He wouldn't dare lay a finger on me.

[Aubrey Mason]

Wouldn't I?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

He lunged towards me and I cried out. I didn't know what to do. I was alone in this basement garage and I knew that that sort of man would stop at nothing. I couldn't run to the lift. There wasn't time. He would have caught me. On the other hand, he was blocking the other exit, the ramp up to the street. And then I saw the grill at the end of the horizontal air conditioning duct. I remembered feeling the movement of air as I walked past it to the lift. Early that morning. I rolled the envelope into a cylinder which I hoped would have a small enough diameter, and I suddenly dashed to the grill. Before Purdy knew what I was doing, I'd slipped it through. And I felt extremely gratified to see the draft clutch of the envelope and suck it away into the dark.

[Aubrey Mason]

What have you done?

[Cyril Purdy]

Where's the envelope?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

It's in there, and there's not a thing you can do about it.

[Aubrey Mason]

Oh, are you?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

No.

[Aubrey Mason]

What's going on here? What? Leave that woman alone.

[Cyril Purdy]

Blast.

[Aubrey Mason]

I say. Are you all right?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Yes, yes, perfectly all right, thank you. You came just in. I thought I was going to faint, but I didn't. The man wanted to call the police, but fortunately I was able to persuade him that it wasn't necessary. He thought I'd been molested.

[Ken Cannon]

This Mr. Purdy sounds like a nasty piece of work.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

He's worse than an animal.

[Ken Cannon]

Do you think he'll bother you again?

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

I don't know. I've got no guarantee that he won't.

[Ken Cannon]

Well, it seems to me that I've got to go and get that envelope for you. Then it's up to you what you do with it.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Thank you, Mr. Cannon.

[Aubrey Mason]

And so, once again, can climbed onto the boot of the car. And from there he reached up and wriggled into the air duct. He crawled the 70ft or so to the grill next to the extraction fan, on which was the envelope containing the photographs. He tucked it into the pocket of his boiler suit and then wriggled backwards to the comparative comfort of the basement garage. He replaced the wire grill and jumped off the car to the basement floor.

[Ken Cannon]

Well, this time it's for real. Well, I guess we can go home now. I'll go back to 33 and make up my report.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Mr. Cannon, do you have to record all the details of what's happened?

[Ken Cannon]

No. I guess the report will say how our client wanted an earring retrieved and how the job was done just for Mr. Mason's private information. I'll tell him what really happened, but it won't go any further than that.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Thank you.

[Ken Cannon]

You know, Mrs. Parsons, I haven't known you for very long. In fact, it's not been an hour since we met. But it's not often a man has the good fortune of meeting a lady, and a lady with tremendous spirit and backbone. It's been quite a privilege.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Again, thank you.

[Cyril Purdy]

Congratulations, Mr. Cannon. Purdy, that was a very noble speech. One rarely finds a man being so gallant to a lady these days.

[Ken Cannon]

Purdy, I don't want to have to soil my hands on you, but if you're not out of here pretty soon, I'm gonna tear you apart.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

How long have you been standing there?

[Cyril Purdy]

Long enough.

[Ken Cannon]

What's the joke?

[Cyril Purdy]

I'm afraid the Joke's on you, Mr. Cannon. You've been misled.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Mr. Purdy, please.

[Cyril Purdy]

I'm surprised you haven't recognized your client.

[Ken Cannon]

Recognized?

[Cyril Purdy]

Allow me to introduce you. Mr. Cannon, I'd like you to meet lady geraldine farquharson. Well, Mr. Cannon.

[Ken Cannon]

Farquharson.

[Cyril Purdy]

Wife of Sir Hugh Farquharson, Member of Parliament for West Grinstead and the Cabinet's Minister of Agriculture.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Oh, you swine, Purdy. You loathsome swine.

[Ken Cannon]

Thanks for the information, Purdy, but I don't see what difference it makes. Lady Farquharson asked us to do a job for her. It's been done and paid for. And if she wishes her identity to be kept a secret, it's no concern of ours. You better go.

[Cyril Purdy]

You're obviously both intelligent people. I'm amazed it hasn't occurred to you that to print photographs, one needs negatives. The negatives of those photographs are in an extremely safe place. You don't think I'd be foolish enough to present myself and my demand bearing the only photographs in existence? One must allow for accidents, Purdy.

[Ken Cannon]

You're gonna have the nastiest accident of you.

[Cyril Purdy]

No, don't luster, Mr. Cannon. I hold the whip hand. Threats will avail you nothing. Now, let's talk business. The price is the same. You give me £10,000 cash and I will destroy the negatives in your presence.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

No.

[Cyril Purdy]

Lady Vargasin, you're joking.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

I'm perfectly serious. I neither want nor need your negatives. Ver volte pas vor marte draperung end ichtege wilde van seuver nittwohl cake oet nadivolmerk of the etiquette iri internationale Warmerk is I warborg vanivero ze beste saver nitwal die mudese furkir fiesel muniraini die volmerk as I warbor.

[Aubrey Mason]

There are always places that are hard to keep clean, like drains, sinks and dust bins. Places that breed deadly microscopic germs. You need a specially formulated disinfectant to eradicate germs and odors. Like Sandpik with super pine Sandpik liquid or penetrating Sandpik spray. Perfect for hideaway places. Use it regularly. Sandpik kills germs in seconds. Ransom vit idirite ahanama. The faces of both Purdy and Cannon must have been perfect pictures of surprise and disbelief. She'd been so anxious to have in her possession the photographs from the air duct. And having been informed by Purdy, they were worthless by virtue of the fact that he held the negatives. She calmly informed Purdy that she didn't want them.

[Angela Parsons / Lady Geraldine Farquharson]

Gentlemen, it seems I owe you both an explanation. Mr. Purdy, you have been laboring under a misapprehension. You assume that I would be more than willing to cover up my husband's amorous adventures. And you, Mr. Cannon, mistook me. Well, perhaps I misled. You mistook me for the brave little wife trying to protect her husband's reputation and save her marriage. Not so. I've been married to Hugh Farquharson for 14 years. The misery of those years has been indescribable. My husband has had a succession of girls, secretaries, hotel receptionists, waitresses, typists and girls who are laughingly referred to as models. My husband indulged himself to the extent of being on the threshold of bankruptcy. I have my clothes. I have some jewellery and a fine motor car. But in the event of a divorce, I have no hope of alimony. These photographs provide me with exactly what I want. A, they are the perfect evidence for divorce. And B, they're very valuable. You see, gentlemen, I have sold the story of my life with my husband to a well known Sunday newspaper. But the editor required proof. He didn't believe that what I wrote was true. Now when I show him these photographs, he will pay me enough money for me to live in the manner to which I have been unaccustomed. You, Mr. Purdy, have nothing. But someday I'm sure you'll get what's coming to you. You, Mr. Cannon, have been extremely courteous and kind. At least you have a fee for your services. Goodby. Every now and then I rinse it out and I need jelly rinse tonight. And I needed more. My kid was so bad and the smell never leave. I don't know what to do. I'm always in the dark. The sweat in that short smells like a dark downy rinse fights stubborn odors.

[Aubrey Mason]

In just one wash. When impossible odors get stuck in it out. What's that sound? That's the sound of Downy unstoppable scent.

[Ken Cannon]

Beads going into your washing machine and.

[Aubrey Mason]

Giving your clothes freshness that lasts all day long.

[Ken Cannon]

There it is again. It's like music to your ears. Or more like music to your nose.

[Aubrey Mason]

That freshness is irresistible. Let's get a Downy Unstoppables bottle shake. And now a sniff solo. Nice. With Downy Unstoppables you just toss wash wow. For all day freshness.