Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Call The Police 48-07-20 25 The Case Of The Unknown Strangler"

Episode Information:

• Title: Call The Police 48-07-20 25 The Case Of The Unknown Strangler
• Release Date: April 23, 2025
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Description: This episode transports listeners to the gripping narratives of the Golden Age of Radio, spotlighting a suspense-filled investigation into a mysterious serial killer known as the Unknown Strangler. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century America, the story intertwines drama, intrigue, and the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated law enforcement officers.

1. Introduction to the Mystery

The episode opens with a gripping introduction by Commissioner Bill Grant (00:38) that sets the stage for the unfolding mystery:

"Attention homicide section. Frames for detail. Murder suspect in your zone. Close in according to instruction." (00:38)

This immediate dive into active police communication immerses listeners into the urgent atmosphere surrounding the case of the Unknown Strangler.

2. Establishing the Threat

Dr. Bernard Rayburn provides a poignant reflection on the role of police officers in safeguarding communities:

"Between you and the evil outside the law stands the policeman of your community. He gives up his safety that you may be safe. And sometimes he gives up his life to protect yours." (00:55)

This sets a heroic tone for the narrative, emphasizing the sacrifices made by law enforcement.

3. The First Victim: Ms. Francie Abbey

Commissioner Grant narrates the initial crime to the audience:

"Never to be forgotten is the case of the Unknown Strangler. The opening... Ms. Francie Abbey, 47-year-old spinster who earned a small living teaching singing, was making herself a bite of dinner in her modest two by four kitchenette." (01:42)

As the story unfolds, listeners witness the discovery of Ms. Abbey's murder, marked by the unsettling absence of any discernible motive.

4. The Second Incident: Joel Crocker's Murder

The narrative progresses swiftly to the second victim, Joel Crocker, an aging lawyer, whose murder mirrors the first in its lack of apparent reason:

"Two crimes alike as a pair of peas in a pod... Illogical death without reason or motive." (03:39)

This repetition heightens the tension, illustrating the escalating threat posed by the Unknown Strangler.

5. Introduction of Libby Tyler and Liz Porter

Libby Tyler, a member of the police team, introduces her expertise in criminal psychology:

"This is really the criminal psych department speaking, Bill. But you're dealing with just what the papers say you are. A homicidal murderer." (04:35)

The appearance of Liz Porter, a distressed fiancée seeking help for her missing boyfriend, Leonard Walker, adds a personal stake to the investigation:

"My name is Liz Porter. You've got to help me. He's been missing for days." (05:17)

6. The Investigation Intensifies

As the murders continue unabated, Sergeant Maggio updates Commissioner Grant on the latest victim:

"Another strangler victim... Young guy about 25, no identification." (06:10)

The discovery of a drypoint pen cap in Leonard Walker's car becomes a pivotal clue:

"I took a last look at Leonard Walker's car and found it stuck under the front seat cover. It's a cap of one of those new fangled drypoint pens." (10:19)

7. Breakthrough with Dr. Bernard Rayburn

Recognizing the complexity of the case, Grant enlists the help of Dr. Bernard Rayburn, an expert in abnormal psychology:

"I can tell you that he's an obviously schizophrenic type... He very probably doesn't know that he's the strangler." (09:07)

Dr. Rayburn's analysis introduces the possibility that the strangler may be unaware of his own actions, complicating the pursuit.

8. The Strangler’s Capture and Twist

Despite initial progress, the strangler eludes capture. A dramatic turn occurs when Dr. Rayburn presents a sketch that unsettlingly resembles himself:

"This is a picture of the strangler... all mental illnesses have similar physical correlatives." (20:23)

In a shocking twist, it’s revealed that Dr. Rayburn himself is the Unknown Strangler, suffering from severe schizophrenia that causes him to switch identities without awareness.

9. Climactic Confrontation and Resolution

The culmination of the investigation sees Commissioner Grant confronting Dr. Rayburn, only to fall victim to his phasal change. The realization dawns on Grant:

"He clipped my chin with the power of a mule's kick... Hinderman had emptied the needle and filled it again so that we gave him an injection of Aqua Pura H2O water." (15:41)

As chaos ensues, a secondary plot reveals that James MacArthur, a heroic Deputy Inspector from Cleveland, is honored for his valor, juxtaposing the ongoing terror in Ashland.

10. The Unresolved Menace

Despite capturing Hinderman, the true identity and motive of the Unknown Strangler remain shrouded in mystery. The episode concludes on a somber note, highlighting the persistent fear and uncertainty gripping the community:

"There was no reviving Liz Porter. Four days, four murders, and the strangler was still ranging the town with his fingers curled like the talons of a buzzard." (19:22)

11. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Commissioner Bill Grant (00:55):

  "Between you and the evil outside the law stands the policeman of your community. He gives up his safety that you may be safe."

• Libby Tyler (04:35):

  "This is really the criminal psych department speaking, Bill. But you're dealing with just what the papers say you are. A homicidal murderer."

• Dr. Bernard Rayburn (09:07):

  "I can tell you that he's an obviously schizophrenic type. Meaning, among other things, that even he very probably doesn't know that he's the strangler."

• Commissioner Bill Grant (15:41):

  "He was sleeping peacefully, this man whose one love was murder... And then I saw it. A spot on the carpet... Nembutol."

• Libby Tyler (25:47):

  "Miss Porter, now try to calm down, please."

12. Conclusion

"The Case Of The Unknown Strangler" masterfully blends suspense with psychological intrigue, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats. Through sharp dialogue and unexpected plot twists, the episode explores themes of identity, mental illness, and the relentless pursuit of justice. As the story concludes with lingering questions and unresolved tensions, it leaves the audience eagerly anticipating the next installment in this riveting series.

Note: This summary focuses solely on the content-rich sections of the episode, omitting advertisements, intros, outros, and non-essential segments to provide a coherent and comprehensive overview of the narrative.