Charlie Chan xx-xx-xx Xx) Man Who Murdered Santa Claus ( Australian)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Charlie Chan: Man Who Murdered Santa Claus

Episode Information:

• Title: Charlie Chan – Man Who Murdered Santa Claus (Australian)
• Release Date: January 15, 2025
• Hosted by: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

"The Incomparable Charlie Chan. We proudly present the Incomparable Charlie Chan in a new and exciting series..." (00:11). This episode inaugurates a thrilling installment of Charlie Chan's adventures, blending Eastern wisdom with Western science to solve intricate mysteries. Titled "Man Who Murdered Santa Claus," the story unfolds in the affluent suburb of Cherry Hill, San Francisco, during the festive Christmas season.

Setting the Scene

The narrative kicks off at the grand mansion of Cyrus Granger, a renowned art collector and philanthropist. Charlie Chan arrives with his number one son, Saxon, to assist Granger in organizing an annual Christmas party benefiting a police orphanage. The opulent setting is bustling with preparations, hinting at underlying tensions.

Introduction of Characters

• Charlie Chan: The astute detective known for his keen observational skills and profound wisdom.

  "Charlie Chan humbly bids you good evening and extends warm welfare..." (00:44)

• Cyrus Granger: The wealthy art collector hosting the Christmas party.

  "Merry Christmas, Ms. Granger. This person not aware you are attending duties of butler for your uncle?" (01:54)

• Nancy Granger: Granger's diligent niece, managing the chaotic household affairs.

  "Uncle Si will have kittens. I better tell him..." (05:02)

• Saxon: Charlie Chan’s resourceful son, assisting in the investigation.

  "Saxon." (02:06)

• Rodney Tempest: An actor hired for the party, later revealed as a pivotal figure in the mystery.

  "I am Rodney Tempest." (02:58)

• Mr. Holland: Proprietor of the boarding house, later uncovered as the antagonist.

The Murder Unfolds

As the festivities commence, the atmosphere shifts with the arrival of Rodney Tempest dressed as Santa Claus. Unbeknownst to the attendees, Tempest harbors a dark agenda. Soon after, Santa Claus is discovered murdered in the mansion’s bar room, sending shockwaves through the household.

"Most unhappy Christmas present to Santa Claus. Very unkind person has presented him with murder." (05:28)

Investigation Begins

Charlie Chan and Saxon immediately take charge, coordinating efforts to secure the scene and identify the killer. Their initial observations reveal that the room was meticulously staged to mislead investigators.

"Let us remove false beard and mustache." (06:22)

Clues and Revelations

Delving deeper, the duo uncovers a series of perplexing clues:

• The Mantelpiece Mystery: A specific Adam mantelpiece is identified as the motive behind the murder, linking it to historical thefts of valuable manuscripts.

  "Adam mantelpiece... valuable as antiques." (09:16)

• Rodney Tempest’s Alibi: Suspicion initially falls on Tempest, but evidence suggests he was a victim rather than the perpetrator.

  "Rodney Tempest? But I thought he was the murderer." (13:17)

• Mr. Holland’s Connection: Investigation leads to Mr. Holland, revealing his obsession with the lost Shakespeare manuscript hidden within the mantelpiece.

The Confrontation

In a climactic showdown at the Townsend Antique Gallery, Charlie Chan confronts Mr. Holland. Through a blend of wit and strategic questioning, Chan exposes Holland’s intricate plan to murder Tempest and steal the prized mantelpiece containing the priceless manuscript.

"This person will not remain inside to die." (20:15)

Resolution

With evidence mounting against him, Mr. Holland's facade crumbles. Charlie Chan’s astute deductions not only solve the murder but also recover the stolen manuscript, restoring peace and integrity to the Granger household.

"Charlie Chan wishes to leave with you. Words of great philosopher who said, Christmas is the time for giving..." (23:13)

Conclusion and Insights

The episode wraps up with Charlie Chan imparting timeless wisdom, emphasizing the spirit of giving over taking, especially poignant during the Christmas season. The resolution underscores themes of greed, deception, and the triumph of intellect and morality.

"The more we give to others, the more we are increased." (23:13)

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Notable Quotes

• Charlie Chan: "You balance books in correctly, Mr. Granger. Police Department in debt to you." (02:22)

• Saxon: "What's trouble?" (04:49)

• Mr. Holland: "It's funny you should ask about it, Inspector. Someone came in asking the same questions just a few weeks ago." (15:20)

Final Thoughts

"The Incomparable Charlie Chan" masterfully blends mystery with holiday charm, presenting a captivating tale of murder, deceit, and redemption. Listeners are treated to a classic detective story replete with intricate clues, engaging dialogue, and a satisfying resolution that honors the golden age of radio storytelling.

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Join us next week for another enthralling adventure with Charlie Chan, brought to life by Grace Gibson Radio Productions and directed by Lawrence H. Sessile.

Transcript

[Narrator]

The Incomparable Charlie Chan. We proudly present the Incomparable Charlie Chan in a new and exciting series. Join the famous detective as he combines the wisdom of the east with the science of the west. In a dramatic complete story from the adventures of Charlie Chan.

[Charlie Chan]

Charlie Chan humbly bids you good evening and extends warm welfare. Honorable Santa Claus has been most kind to this undeserving Percy and showered same with many presents. But tonight, Santa Claus brought highly questionable gift to Charlie Chan. Gift of murder. Listen, please. Thank you.

[Narrator]

Tonight's adventure, the man who murdered Santa Claus. On top of Cherry Hill, one of San Francisco's wealthiest suburbs, stands the mansion of Cyrus Granger, famous art collector and philanthropist. Charlie Chan and his number one son, a visiting Granger to help him arrange his annual Christmas party given for the police orphanage.

[Nancy Granger]

Yes. Oh, Inspector Chan. Merry Christmas. Come on in.

[Charlie Chan]

Merry Christmas. Ms. Granger. This person not aware you are attending duties of butler for your uncle?

[Nancy Granger]

Uncle? Si's got Saxon running a hundred errands for him, organizing his party. The whole house is topsy turvy.

[Charlie Chan]

Baxon.

[Cyrus Granger]

Baxon, we're in blazes of those camp chairs, we are. Hey, Chan.

[Narrator]

Hello.

[Cyrus Granger]

Merry Christmas.

[Charlie Chan]

Merry Christmas, Mr. Granger.

[Cyrus Granger]

Mighty nice of the department to send.

[Narrator]

You along to help me out.

[Charlie Chan]

You balance books in correctly, Mr. Granger. Police Department in debt to you.

[Cyrus Granger]

Oh, nonsense, nonsense. Now, listen, we've got a lot to do. Nancy, I want you to hide in.

[Narrator]

Sir, did you call, Mr. Granger?

[Cyrus Granger]

Saxon, what about those camp chairs I hired?

[Narrator]

The van has just arrived, sir. It's at the service door.

[Cyrus Granger]

Well, Bring it in, Mr.

[Nancy Granger]

Door. I tell you, if this place is a mad heart, I'll take it back.

[Narrator]

Thank you, Miss Nancy.

[Cyrus Granger]

Get those chairs in, Saxon, and then get back here.

[Narrator]

We've got to wrap the toys yet.

[Saxon]

Yes, Mr. Silas.

[Narrator]

Granger residence.

[Saxon]

The Prophet's a fellow dressed in Santa Claus costume.

[Cyrus Granger]

Bring him in, Nancy. That'll be the actor I hired from the turret agency.

[Rodney Tempest]

Mr. Granger, I presume.

[Charlie Chan]

I am Rodney Tempest.

[Narrator]

How do you do?

[Cyrus Granger]

This is Inspector Chan and his son.

[Charlie Chan]

And number one, sir.

[Narrator]

How do you do?

[Cyrus Granger]

And my niece, Nancy Granger.

[Nancy Granger]

How do you do?

[Rodney Tempest]

How do you do?

[Charlie Chan]

Charmed, I'm sure.

[Rodney Tempest]

I sincerely trust this costume I'm wearing is satisfactory, Mr. Bingehard.

[Charlie Chan]

I wore it when I played the.

[Narrator]

Deed in Welwyn's Crisscingle at the Lyce yard.

[Charlie Chan]

We ran 200.

[Cyrus Granger]

Sure, sure, it's fine. Suppose we go into the ballroom now and talk over your part of the show?

[Narrator]

Nancy, you get busy.

[Cyrus Granger]

Run through the Christmas Tunnels with Inspector Chapman.

[Nancy Granger]

All right, Uncle.

[Inspector Chan's Son]

Si.

[Nancy Granger]

I told you, Inspector, it's a madhouse. I've got the music here on the piano. Inspector, why do you think the children like to sing?

[Charlie Chan]

We'll leave that up to you, Ms. Granger.

[Nancy Granger]

Well, let's try something simple. Good team winters, lads.

[Inspector Chan's Son]

Winter fell down on the beast of fever when the snow lay round above deep and gris and even right each other when the woman came inside Gathering with a.

[Narrator]

Miss Granger and Miss Granger.

[Nancy Granger]

Come on, Jackson, you can help.

[Narrator]

But Miss Granger.

[Nancy Granger]

Sing. Sing.

[Inspector Chan's Son]

If I'm not in fairly yonder, peasant. Who is he? Where and what is? Well, in the good place. I'm climbing the mountain right against the forest fence. Right. And I.

[Nancy Granger]

Now, Saxon, what's the trouble?

[Narrator]

The van didn't Bring the chairs, Ms. Granger. It was empty when I went back to it. And the driver was gone. I couldn't find him.

[Saxon]

Well, it looks like he found himself all right. I can see the van going down the drive now. Must have been a mistake.

[Charlie Chan]

Oh, golly.

[Nancy Granger]

Uncle Si will have kittens. I better tell him. Excuse me a minute, Uncle. Si. Is that Vanderbilt?

[Rodney Tempest]

Make a chair, Mr. Stranger.

[Charlie Chan]

What is trouble?

[Rodney Tempest]

Come quick.

[Nancy Granger]

Look at the bar room.

[Charlie Chan]

What is it?

[Saxon]

Holy smoke. What's happened to this place? It's been turned upside down.

[Charlie Chan]

Where is Mr. Granger and Santa Claus?

[Nancy Granger]

Inspector Chan? Just behind that Overton couch. I think it.

[Saxon]

It's Santa Claus. He's been spare Pop.

[Charlie Chan]

Most unhappy Christmas present to Santa Claus. Very unkind person has presented him with murder.

[Nancy Granger]

Oh, the poor man. And at Christmas. This is terrible. I better find other side ones.

[Charlie Chan]

I feel it best that you would go to own room and stay there a while now. This has been great shock to you, Ms. Nancy. This person used to dealing with unpleasant situations of this nature.

[Nancy Granger]

But really I feel I.

[Charlie Chan]

Please do As I ask, Ms. Nancy. This person assures you we'll call if needing help.

[Nancy Granger]

Very well, if you say so. I'll go to my room.

[Narrator]

Is there anything I can do, sir? Perhaps I could look for Mr. Green.

[Charlie Chan]

Should be obliged if you would phone police department while some examined body of unfortunate actors.

[Narrator]

You're very well, sir.

[Saxon]

I don't get this pub. Why was the room turned upside down? Pictures switched around, furniture turned over? How come we didn't hear it then?

[Charlie Chan]

Noise of singing. Covered sounds.

[Saxon]

Where's Mr. Granger? You think he killed Santa Claus? Is that why he sent Nancy away?

[Charlie Chan]

No, no. Did so for another reason, son. Observe how ugly costume rests on dead man's body. All gathered up at back. As though he held in sitting position when costume put on. Now let us remove false beard and mustache.

[Saxon]

Pop, it's Mr. Granger. Oh, golly.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, obvious that costume hastily placed on.

[Saxon]

Body after death by that actor, Rodney Tempest. But why? Why did he spare Mr. Granger? Why did he turn this room upside down?

[Charlie Chan]

Let us answer questions by mentally rearranging room. Let us imagine furniture back in proper position.

[Saxon]

All right. Those pictures hanging on the curtains go back on the walls. I can see the hooks with her below.

[Charlie Chan]

Overturned couch near door goes against walls. It can see four marks in rug left by legs.

[Saxon]

Those two chairs, they're in the way.

[Charlie Chan]

Let us look for smaller indentations in rug corresponding to their feet.

[Saxon]

Ah, I hear on either side of the screen. Against the opposite wall. But where does the screen go?

[Charlie Chan]

Screen belongs. Hey, this room start.

[Saxon]

What is a pub?

[Charlie Chan]

Look behind screen. Mantelpiece is gone from fireplace. White inverted hue and plaster grooves was recently removed.

[Saxon]

Golly. That's right, Pop. The moving van.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Father thought so. Had to check to make sure. Criminal turned groom around for just this purpose. To delay us so he could drive.

[Saxon]

Off with a mantelpiece. But why? Why murder a man and steal a mantelpiece?

[Charlie Chan]

Your father, faced with unhappy task of answering bewildering questions, must first get description of van from butler. Then go to police headquarters and send out call for sale. Only hope my stupidity has not delayed us too long.

[Narrator]

Attention all patrols. Signal BX3 urgent. Be on lookout for heavy covered van painted either black or navy blue. Name Acme on sides in white block letters. Commercial license 104oblique 639 or 659. Repeat. License 104oblique 639 or 655. Report on site.

[Cyrus Granger]

There's your call, Jan. I hope it gets results.

[Charlie Chan]

I have great faith in radio patrol, Captain Mullins.

[Cyrus Granger]

Now, what about that mantelpiece routine? I can't figure it out.

[Charlie Chan]

I've just been consulting old records. Captain, have astonishing news for you. Have been repeated cases of mantelpiece robbery both in England and America.

[Saxon]

You kidding, Pop?

[Charlie Chan]

Further burglaries are robberies limited to only one kind of mantelpiece. Adam mantelpiece.

[Cyrus Granger]

And what in blazes is that?

[Charlie Chan]

Adam Brothers were famous designers in England during 18th century. Built many beautiful pieces of furniture.

[Saxon]

Are they valuable today?

[Charlie Chan]

Are valuable as antiques. But this was not murder and general theft. Otherwise, why steal mantelpiece alone and leave behind many other valuable antiques?

[Cyrus Granger]

You mean that Granger was killed because somebody was after a particular mantelpiece he owned?

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, May use your telephone, please? Thank you. While police trace missing them and stolen mantelpiece. Charlie Chan must trace missing actor.

[Nancy Granger]

National Talent Agency.

[Charlie Chan]

This Inspector Chan of police department. Request home address of actor Hyde through Your agency by Mr. Cyrus Granger. Name is Rodney Tempest.

[Nancy Granger]

Mr. Tempest. One moment, please. Yeah. Here you are, sir. Hollins Boarding House, 1243 Winget Avenue. Mr. Harmon is auto act to take all calls in the Tempest is out.

[Charlie Chan]

Many thanks. Hamson must leave now. Captain Mullins, if any information about missing van comes in phone, say him at once to Holland's boarding house. Is this person out? Number one son authorized to take all messages.

[Saxon]

This is 1240s. Leap up.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Typical theatrical boarding house.

[Saxon]

Say, I'll bet that old guy in the stoop must be Holland. I only hope that Rodney Temp has left enough clues behind in his room to make sense out of this case for us.

[Charlie Chan]

Mr. Holland, please.

[Rodney Tempest]

Thanks. Speak up.

[Charlie Chan]

Observe. Police shield, please. And Inspector Chance.

[Rodney Tempest]

What are you shoving that badge at me for? I ain't done nothing. All my papers in order. Look here. Look. Room in the house. License, water tax receipt, driving license, draft stuff.

[Charlie Chan]

Looking for Mr. Rodney Tempest.

[Rodney Tempest]

Please don't whisper confounded.

[Saxon]

He's pretty deaf, Pop. Let me try. Mr. Holland.

[Rodney Tempest]

That's my name.

[Saxon]

Rodney Tempest.

[Rodney Tempest]

Ain't seen him all day.

[Saxon]

Where's his room?

[Rodney Tempest]

Ah, sure, I can rent you a room. Place is empty except with Tempest.

[Saxon]

Where is Tempest room?

[Rodney Tempest]

Oh, him shaken floor.

[Narrator]

Qr.

[Rodney Tempest]

Thanks.

[Saxon]

Come on, Pop.

[Charlie Chan]

Number one son gave sterling performance. Prove wisdom of singing teacher who said, if you cannot be good, be loved.

[Saxon]

Golly, it's musty on these stairs. Say, pup, what do you think you'll find in Tempest?

[Charlie Chan]

Hope to find. Wait. Listen.

[Saxon]

Sounds like a door buzzer upstairs, Pop. Someone else must be trying to get him to Tempest room.

[Charlie Chan]

Pleasant is pressing button most persistently.

[Saxon]

Oh, Pop, there's Tempest door. No one's there.

[Charlie Chan]

Very odd.

[Saxon]

But how can the buzzer be sounding?

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, observe. Him has been thrust inside a button holding same down.

[Saxon]

But who?

[Nancy Granger]

Why?

[Saxon]

What's it mean?

[Charlie Chan]

May find ansel inside room.

[Saxon]

Hop on the bed. There's a man come.

[Charlie Chan]

Hi. Case has taken most unfortunate turn for worse. This man has been clarified to death.

[Narrator]

In a few moments we will resume the man who murdered Santa Claus. Meanwhile, here is your announcer. And now back to the incomparable Charlie Chan. Investigation of the strange murder of Cyrus Granger. Coupled with the theft of a mantle piece from the dead man's home. Brings Charlie Chan and his number one son to the room of Rodney Chan in Holland's boarding house. There they find a man chloroformed to death.

[Saxon]

Who is he, Pop?

[Charlie Chan]

Features of face correspond to many photographs. And moon dead man is Rodney Tempest.

[Saxon]

Rodney Tempest? But I thought he was the murderer.

[Charlie Chan]

Evidently was not.

[Saxon]

How's he killed, Pop?

[Charlie Chan]

Was struck unconscious. Can see bruise on head. Then laid on bed. Wad of cotton placed on face. Can of Clara foam tied to head of bed so the same would drip on cotton.

[Saxon]

Why take such a roundabout way of killing him?

[Charlie Chan]

Son forgets pin sticking in buzzer button.

[Saxon]

Well, what about that?

[Charlie Chan]

Indicates murder appears to be accidental.

[Saxon]

How?

[Charlie Chan]

Evidence says attacker did not wish to kill Tempest. Only makes him unconscious. Fraudiform victim. Then departed. Jamming buzzer. Thought constant sound would cause inquiries and ultimate rescue.

[Saxon]

Golly. He didn't know Holland was the only other man in the house. And Holland is dead.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes.

[Saxon]

What are we gonna do now, puppy? We can't just sit around and hope for that. Van's located.

[Charlie Chan]

We'll first notify Captain Mullins of second regrettable homicide. Then proceed to Townsend Antique Gallery, where Mr. Townsend sells something else besides furniture. Perhaps gentleman sells murder.

[Mr. Holland]

Sorry, gentlemen. Forgot to lock the outside door and close for the day.

[Charlie Chan]

This person, Inspector Charu Chen, outside his number one son.

[Mr. Holland]

Oh, well, come in. Why are you here?

[Charlie Chan]

Wish to question you about mantelpiece. You saw, Mr. Granger? One in ballroom.

[Mr. Holland]

Oh, yeah, that's the atom.

[Charlie Chan]

Ha.

[Saxon]

That a mantelpiece? That's the same.

[Charlie Chan]

What do you know about mantelpiece, Mr. Thompson?

[Mr. Holland]

Well, it's an authentic Adam, of course. I've got a series of sale receipts dating right back to 1780. Most of the history on this particular mantelpiece can be found in a book I published just a few years ago.

[Charlie Chan]

Oh, most interesting.

[Mr. Holland]

It's funny you should ask about it, Inspector. Someone came in asking the same questions just a few weeks ago.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, yes? Who?

[Mr. Holland]

An old actor. Called himself Richard Tempest or something.

[Saxon]

Why, he. Rodney Tempest. Was he? Can I tell them?

[Mr. Holland]

Bob, hold it a moment, please. Hello? Yeah. Yeah, he's here. It's for you, Inspector.

[Charlie Chan]

Oh, thank you. Yes, please.

[Cyrus Granger]

This is Mullins. I got a report on that missing van.

[Charlie Chan]

Oh, good.

[Cyrus Granger]

Was spotted about two hours ago by a patrolman up on the main intersection on Vineyard Terrace. Didn't know about the alarm until he reported back to the precinct.

[Charlie Chan]

Main intersection on Thanat Test.

[Cyrus Granger]

There's old dirt road up there. Chan under repair. The heavy van couldn't go far. There ought to be somewhere around there.

[Charlie Chan]

Now, what do you think this lowly detective thinks? Very possible to find van on Barnyard terrace. Only hope when we open same. Do not find it contains murder.

[Saxon]

When Captain Mullen said these roads were under repair, he should have said underwater.

[Charlie Chan]

Flashlight on ground, please.

[Saxon]

Well, there are half a dozen tire tracks here, Pop. You'll never know which is which.

[Charlie Chan]

Number one sun wrong as usual. Signs of identifying tire marks. Almost exactly signs of fingerprints. This. This is only heavy tire on road Manhattan heavy duty pattern A5 over 4.2. Must be missing. Then let us follow Saint Come. Keep light on treadmarks, son.

[Saxon]

We don't have to, Pop. Look, they turn off the road and run up to that storage warehouse back there.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, yes, no doubt. Van hidden inside same. Quick now. But remember, it is written, always balance one portion of speed with three apportioned.

[Saxon]

Should we go to the double doors where the van went in?

[Charlie Chan]

No, no. Same heavily chained and padlocked. Try small side door. Believe your father has skeleton key which will open same week.

[Saxon]

Got her open, Pop?

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, sir. Come now. Necessary to balance sections with five portions of caution.

[Saxon]

Dolly. Pop. What a place. Full of furniture and all kinds of junk.

[Charlie Chan]

Observe van behind double doors. Over there.

[Saxon]

Come on, Pop. Let's see if that mantelpiece is inside.

[Charlie Chan]

Son must insist on greater care. Wise man does not run across ice before testing safe.

[Saxon]

It's empty. The mantle piece has been unloaded.

[Charlie Chan]

Must be someplace in warehouse. Let us look around for Saint Right.

[Saxon]

Say, Pop, this door here, maybe it leads to a special room. Maybe the mantelpiece is in there. Funny kind of door opens in. Built like a refrigerator. Pa, look in here. Come on in.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, yes. This is Cole's storage room. Where furs are stored.

[Saxon]

No man or patient here for nothing but winter. Pop, the door. It's closed.

[Charlie Chan]

Sam, try to pull it open.

[Saxon]

It's bugged on the outside. Pop, we're trapped in here.

[Charlie Chan]

Most unfortunate. Did not realize murderer would follow us here.

[Saxon]

Listen. What's that?

[Charlie Chan]

Refrigeration motor turned up to high speed.

[Saxon]

Well, this isn't so good for us, Pop.

[Charlie Chan]

Some master of understatement.

[Saxon]

I hear anything, Pop. The call's getting me. I hear a phone, son.

[Charlie Chan]

Here's phone. Same hangs on wall alongside door for communication with other parts of warehouse.

[Saxon]

It's the murderer.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Char speaking.

[Rodney Tempest]

Hello? You'll be frozen stiff in half an hour. You and your brat.

[Saxon]

You better outsmart him, Pop.

[Rodney Tempest]

You're so anxious to find out why I wanted that mantle piece, Jan. I'll tell you. Help you pass away the time while you're kicking off. In 1779, Jennings tartan was one of the greatest book Collectors and literary experts of England. He owned the rarest thing in the world, a manuscript copy of Shakespeare's play Richard iii.

[Charlie Chan]

This is most interesting. Go on.

[Rodney Tempest]

Manuscript was stolen from carton by another collector, a madman named Richard Wells. Wells sealed the treasure up in his mantelpiece, afraid to let anyone know he'd stolen it. But when Wells died, he admitted his theft in his will and directed his heirs to send the manuscript back to Carson.

[Charlie Chan]

Go on. Be quick.

[Rodney Tempest]

By the time the will was read, all the dead man's furniture and possessions had been sold. The mantelpiece too. Gone without a trace. For 150 years, collectors have been searching for that mantelpiece. And I found it, Jan. I found it. Think that over while you die.

[Charlie Chan]

You are wrong, my friend. This person will not remain inside to die. Quick, son, give Bob a flashlight.

[Saxon]

What are you gonna do, Pop?

[Charlie Chan]

Refrigerator door opens in door us, remember?

[Saxon]

I don't understand, Pop.

[Charlie Chan]

Foolish one. Means hinges are on inside. Simple. To knock pins out of hinges with flashlight and force the door open quick now.

[Saxon]

Right, Pop. Here goes. Thanks, fellas. Now, p. Come on, Pa. Watch out, son.

[Charlie Chan]

Murderer may be here. Yes, Anne.

[Rodney Tempest]

How did you get out of there?

[Saxon]

Oh, no, you don't, pal. You don't get two chances of murder.

[Charlie Chan]

Stop, son.

[Saxon]

Don't worry about me, Pop. Oh, you would. Would you worry about this guy? Lay still, mister. Come get his gun, Pop.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, son, why does youth run headlong into danger? Has not aged. Father's trials taught you lessons. Have gum now, may let me.

[Saxon]

You know who he is, Pop?

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, yes, I've known for some time. That murderer is very clever proprietor of boarding house, Mr. Holland. Well, very generous of Miss Stranger to give Christmas party despite unfortunate death of uncle, eh? So.

[Saxon]

Yeah, Pop, listen. Come into the next room, will you, Pop? I'll. I want to see, you know. Come on. This way. Come on.

[Charlie Chan]

Why has son abducted?

[Saxon]

Well, you haven't explained the murder case to me yet.

[Charlie Chan]

Thought number one son understood all facts. Holland was exactor already acquainted with Shakespeare. Studied facts about same and came across odd items about lost manuscripts.

[Saxon]

Yes, I understand that he tried to frame Tempest for all that stuff.

[Charlie Chan]

When Tempest got job with late Cyrus Granger, Holland thought this was golden opportunity to steal mantelpiece which he believed contained missing manuscript. Same worth millions of dollars. Easily worth murder.

[Saxon]

So he killed Tempest and tried to divert attention from himself by planning that buzzer routine and playing death.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes. Then drove van up to house and met Butler as driver. When Butler left him alone, quickly changed to Santa Claus disguise. Ran around to front of house and entered a scrottony Tempest. The rest you understand?

[Saxon]

Yes, except one thing, Pop. When did you get onto him?

[Charlie Chan]

Became suspicious because talent agency girl said Holland authorized to accept calls for Tempest. But. But how accept same if he could not hear them? Suspicions confirmed when he displayed driver's license. In this state, deaf man cannot obtain driver's license, Carly.

[Saxon]

That's right. And what about the Shakespeare manuscript part? Did the police find it in the mantelpiece?

[Charlie Chan]

I am not afraid. Not, son. I'm very much afraid. Thefts of mantelpieces will continue for another 150 years until manuscript is found or legend is proved. Before this person has further words with you. Here is answer with words of wisdom before saying good night. Charlie Chan wishes to leave with you. Words of great philosopher who said, Christmas is the time for giving. And the more we give to others, the more we are increased.

[Narrator]

Be sure to join us next week at the same time for the Adventures of Charlie Chan. Based on the famous character created by Earl Derbiggers. This is a Grace Gibson radio production directed by Lawrence H. Sessile.