Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - Candy Matson 49-07-07 02: The Cable Car Case

Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction

In this electrifying episode of "Candy Matson", listeners are plunged into the tumultuous streets of San Francisco, where Candy, a sharp-witted private detective, navigates a web of deceit, murder, and high-stakes investigation. "The Cable Car Case" masterfully blends suspense with classic radio drama elements, delivering a captivating story that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Plot Overview

The episode opens with Candy Matson receiving a mysterious call urging her to abandon her involvement in the cable car business. Unfazed, Candy delves deeper, uncovering a sinister plot surrounding the murder of Dwight Ellsworth aboard a San Francisco cable car. As she pieces together the puzzle, Candy finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, leading her to confrontations with unsuspected allies and formidable adversaries.

Key Characters

• Candy Matson: The protagonist, a tenacious private detective with a knack for getting to the truth.
• Rembrandt Watson: A quirky photographer and Candy's old friend, whose unpredictable behavior adds both comic relief and tension.
• Lt. Ray Mallard: A police lieutenant who is both an ally and a source of contention for Candy.
• Mrs. Ellsworth: The sophisticated yet ruthless wife of the murdered Dwight Ellsworth, harboring dark secrets.

Detailed Summary

The Murder on the Cable Car (00:09 - 05:24)

The episode kicks off with Candy on a cable car journey, where she witnesses the shocking murder of Dwight Ellsworth. Attempting to blend in, she engages in conversation with her companion, whom she later identifies as Lt. Ray Mallard. The interaction raises suspicions about Candy's involvement, prompting Mallard to question her integrity.

Candy Matson [00:22]: "She sure is sweet. She's Candy Matson. Like to meet her."

Lt. Ray Mallard [05:07]: "He looks like the advance man for Lewis and Clark."

Confrontation and Alliance (05:24 - 15:22)

Determined to clear her name and solve the murder, Candy reaches out to her friend Rembrandt Watson for assistance. Their partnership is immediately tested as they navigate through misleading clues and confrontations with law enforcement.

Candy Matson [08:02]: "What gives? You're in on something and I want to know about it."

Rembrandt Watson [14:10]: "I'm looking right at you, Candy."

Investigation and Deception (15:22 - 26:52)

Candy's investigation leads her to Mrs. Ellsworth, who cunningly accepts her offer to pay for the investigation, masking her own motives. As Candy delves deeper, she uncovers a conspiracy involving the sabotage of the South Sea Island Steamship Company. The plot thickens as Candy realizes the extent of Mrs. Ellsworth's deceit and the lengths she's willing to go to seize control of the company.

Candy Matson [26:05]: "The South Sea Island Steamship Lines were slowly being sabotaged."

Mrs. Ellsworth [14:07]: "I'm not in the mood. Just make it a double."

Climax and Resolution (26:52 - 29:18)

In a dramatic climax, Candy confronts Mrs. Ellsworth, leading to a showdown that results in Mrs. Ellsworth's demise. The intertwined relationships and betrayals reach their peak as Candy reflects on the tangled web she's navigated. The episode concludes with Candy mending her relationship with Lt. Mallard, hinting at future collaborations and unresolved tensions.

Candy Matson [28:12]: "Listen in again to the further adventures of Candy Matson. Girl sucker."

Candy Matson [29:08]: "You know, at times it's kind of fun to be in the arms of the law."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Candy Matson [00:22]: "She sure is sweet. She's Candy Matson. Like to meet her."

• Lt. Ray Mallard [05:07]: "He looks like the advance man for Lewis and Clark."

• Candy Matson [08:02]: "What gives? You're in on something and I want to know about it."

• Rembrandt Watson [14:10]: "I'm looking right at you, Candy."

• Candy Matson [26:05]: "The South Sea Island Steamship Lines were slowly being sabotaged."

• Mrs. Ellsworth [14:07]: "I'm not in the mood. Just make it a double."

• Candy Matson [28:12]: "Listen in again to the further adventures of Candy Matson. Girl sucker."

• Candy Matson [29:08]: "You know, at times it's kind of fun to be in the arms of the law."

Conclusion

The Cable Car Case serves as a quintessential episode of the Candy Matson series, encapsulating the essence of Golden Age radio dramas. Through sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and vibrant characters, the episode delivers a memorable narrative that resonates with both long-time fans and new listeners alike. As Candy Matson continues her quest for justice, audiences are left eagerly anticipating her next adventure.