Podcast Summary: Casey, Crime Photographer 46-08-29 148 The Red Raincoat

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Casey, Crime Photographer 46-08-29 148 The Red Raincoat
• Release Date: June 14, 2025
• Description: Reliving the Golden Age of Radio with classic radio shows such as The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and more.

Overview

In the episode titled "The Red Raincoat", listeners are transported to a gripping noir narrative featuring Casey, a tenacious crime photographer. Set against the backdrop of a rain-soaked city, the story delves into a mysterious murder that unravels a web of deceit, mistaken identity, and clever detective work. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key plot points, character interactions, and pivotal moments that drive the story forward.

Discovery of the Crime

[02:18] The episode opens on a dark, rainy night where a bus pulls up to an otherwise deserted street corner. A woman steps off, clad in a distinctive red hooded raincoat, which conceals much of her face.

Ethelbert, Casey's sidekick, narrates:

"Night. About 9:30. Rain. Hard pelting rain that has driven people indoors and left the streets deserted."

As she walks into a side street lined with run-down apartment buildings, gunshots erupt from an alley, striking her down. The bus driver attempts to flee, but rapidly brakes to avoid further tragedy.

A police officer arrives at the scene:

"[02:53] Police Officer: Police. Police. Take Hopper. I heard those shots. Where from? That alley I think. I didn't see no one."

Captain Logan quickly assesses the situation:

"[03:02] Captain Logan: Three bullet holes."

Casey, eager to capture the moment, begins taking photographs despite Captain Logan's admonitions:

"[03:29] Captain Logan: How often do I have to tell you that no press pictures are to be taken at the scene of a homicide until after the police photographers get through?"

Initial Investigation

The investigation intensifies as Casey gathers eyewitness accounts. A uniformed officer mentions:

"[04:14] Sergeant: He said the woman was killed instantly, Captain. One of those bullet holes is in line with the heart."

Captain Logan seeks to identify the victim, prompting Sheriff Mrs. Patch to step forward with a pivotal claim:

"[04:53] Mrs. Patch: ... that's the body of Nora Gellhorn. Because she had a red raincoat exactly like that."

She alleges that Nora's husband, Ferris Gellhorn, had motives rooted in infidelity:

"[05:08] Mrs. Patch: He'S been planning to put her out of the way for a long time."

Casey and Ethelbert take photographs of Mrs. Patch to document her testimony, despite Captain Logan’s warnings.

Suspicions and Red Herrings

As the plot thickens, Mrs. Patch introduces Emma Randall, another key figure connected to Ferris Gellhorn. Suspicion begins to narrow on Emma’s husband, James Randall, who claims to have established an alibi by watching a movie at the Fourth Avenue Theater.

Ethelbert notes inconsistencies in Randall's story:

"[08:11] Ethelbert: ... mistaken identity."

Casey draws parallels between the current case and a famous murder case from England:

"[20:34] Casey: It was all news to me when I read it a couple of months ago in a detective magazine. They called it the Case of the Sable Cloak."

Breakthrough and Confrontation

Casey’s keen observation skills lead to the discovery of inconsistencies in the crime scene photographs. He notices:

"[21:27] Ethelbert: I noticed it before, but it didn't register. Look at the pillows on the bed."

These subtle details suggest that Randall orchestrated the crime to frame Gellhorn, mimicking the Haslington murder case. The realization dawns that Randall used a red raincoat to create a false narrative, drawing inspiration from the magazine story to solidify his alibi.

The climax unfolds when Casey and Ethelbert confront Ferris Gellhorn:

"[17:57] Ethelbert: You're the boss of these monkeys who've been putting a muscle on me. What's the big idea?"

In a revealing exchange, Gellhorn confesses his unintended role in Emma Randall's death:

"[18:39] Ethelbert: Emma's dead?"

Finally, Casey exposes Randall's scheme:

"[25:09] Ethelbert: She's been getting an eyeful and an earful."

Resolution

With the truth unveiled, Ferris Gellhorn is arrested for his inadvertent involvement, while Emma Randall is established as the intended target. Randall’s attempts to manipulate the scenario crumble under Casey’s relentless pursuit of the truth.

Casey's final reflections tie the case back to classic detective tales, underscoring the timeless nature of ingenuity in solving crimes:

"[28:21] Ethelbert: What did he do with the clothes he'd worn out in the rain?"

Notable Quotes

• Ethelbert on the Crime Scene:
  "[02:18] Ethelbert: ... the woman falls on the street."

• Mrs. Patch’s Accusation:
  "[04:53] Mrs. Patch: ... That's Nora Gellhorn. ... a safe wanted her out of the way."

• Casey’s Deduction on Pillow Details:
  "[21:27] Ethelbert: ... Look at the pillows on the bed."

• Final Confrontation:
  "[25:53] Captain Logan: ... I'm arresting you on a charge of murder."

Conclusion

"The Red Raincoat" masterfully blends suspense with investigative acumen, showcasing Casey as a sharp and resourceful crime photographer. Through meticulous observation and critical thinking, Casey unravels a complex murder plot, reinforcing the enduring appeal of golden-age radio dramas. This episode not only entertains but also pays homage to the classic storytelling that defined an era of radio entertainment.

Listeners unfamiliar with the episode will find themselves engrossed in the narrative, drawn into the atmospheric setting, and intrigued by the intricate plotting that leads to a satisfying resolution. "The Red Raincoat" stands as a testament to the timeless allure of detective stories and the brilliant performances that breathe life into them.