Christopher London 50-02-05 Missing Heiress

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Christopher London 50-02-05 Missing Heiress
Release Date: June 14, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

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Overview

In this gripping episode of Christopher London, hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are taken on a suspense-filled journey alongside the eponymous private investigator, Christopher London. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco's foggy waterfront, the story delves into the mysterious disappearance of Helen Falconer, a wealthy heiress under the guardianship of Arthur J. Manners. As London navigates through deceit, danger, and deception, the plot thickens, revealing hidden motives and dark secrets.

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Plot Summary

[00:58] The episode commences with Glenn Ford introducing himself as Christopher London, a private investigator trained in the teachings of the Orient. London's tolerance is limited to acknowledging greed and murder, setting the tone for his relentless pursuit of truth.

[01:39] Earl Stanley Gardner (Arthur J. Manners) invites London to his opulent Knob Hill home to discuss the disappearance of Helen Falconer. Manners expresses his deep concern, especially with an impending court date to account for his guardianship over Helen.

[02:32] London questions Manners about Helen's background, revealing her transient lifestyle and lack of stable relationships. Suspicious of Manners' reluctance to involve the police, London decides to take matters into his own hands.

[04:02] A tense conversation ensues as Manners hints at possible smuggling operations involving Helen. London’s proactive nature leads him to a waterfront dive, El Toro, where he encounters Joan Banks (Babe) and subsequently meets Gus. An altercation breaks out, resulting in the accidental death of Gus, escalating the stakes.

[09:17] As the narrative unfolds, London identifies Helen through a distinctive emerald ring despite her attempt to conceal her identity. A confrontation with Joan Banks reveals her true identity as Helen Falconer, leading to a climactic revelation of Manners' deceit.

[25:00] In a dramatic climax, London confronts Manners in his study, unveiling the truth behind Helen's disappearance. It is revealed that Manners embezzled funds from Helen's estate, prompting her to return for an accounting. To prevent exposure, Manners orchestrated a series of events leading to violence and deception.

[28:58] The episode concludes with Manners' arrest, ensuring justice for Helen Falconer and closing the case. London's unwavering determination showcases his commitment to uncovering the truth, regardless of personal risks.

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Key Characters

• Christopher London (Glenn Ford): The determined private investigator with a philosophical background from the Orient.
• Arthur J. Manners (Earl Stanley Gardner): The wealthy attorney and guardian of Helen Falconer, whose suspicious behavior triggers the investigation.
• Joan Banks/Helen Falconer (Joan Banks): The missing heiress whose disappearance sets off the central mystery.
• Lawrence Scoville (Earl Stanley Gardner): A character whose involvement adds complexity to the unfolding drama.

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Notable Quotes

• Christopher London:
  "[02:00] To Arthur, my dear friend and guardian. Helen. Oh, she's a beautiful girl, Mr. Manners."

• Arthur J. Manners:
  "[04:37] You must have some reason for believing it."

• Joan Banks/Helen Falconer:
  "[14:20] I'm in no danger. I know what I'm doing, and I'm safe and protected."

• Christopher London:
  "[25:00] I want to make amends for the death of a young man who died because I unconsciously led him to his murderer."
  "[28:19] Greed and duplicity go hand in hand with murder."

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Themes and Insights

1. Deception and Trust: The episode masterfully explores themes of deception, highlighting how trust can be manipulated for personal gain. Arthur Manners' facade as a concerned guardian masks his illicit activities, demonstrating the ease with which trust can be eroded.

2. The Pursuit of Truth: Christopher London's relentless quest for truth underscores the importance of integrity and perseverance. His refusal to accept surface-level explanations drives the narrative forward, emphasizing the value of digging deeper beneath appearances.

3. Consequences of Greed: The storyline vividly portrays the destructive nature of greed. Manners' avarice leads to a series of unfortunate events, culminating in violence and moral decay, serving as a cautionary tale against the perils of unchecked desire for wealth.

4. Identity and Self-Discovery: Helen Falconer's dual identity as Joan Banks raises questions about self-worth and autonomy. Her actions reflect a struggle between personal freedom and the constraints imposed by her guardianship, highlighting the complexity of individual identity.

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Conclusion

"Christopher London 50-02-05 Missing Heiress" stands out as a quintessential episode that encapsulates the allure of Golden Age radio mysteries. Through compelling dialogue, intricate plotting, and nuanced character development, the episode delivers a captivating narrative that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The fusion of suspense, moral dilemmas, and the unwavering pursuit of justice by Christopher London makes this installment a memorable addition to Harold's Old Time Radio series.

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Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisement segments, intros, outros, and unrelated non-content sections to provide a focused and comprehensive overview of the episode's core narrative.

Transcript

[Unknown Teen Advocate]

Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

The National Broadcasting Company presents Christopher London. Created especially for radio by the most widely read mystery story writer in the world, Earl Stanley Gardner. Produced and directed by William N. Robeson and starring Mr. Glenn Ford.

[Glenn Ford]

I am Christopher London, private investigator and sometimes student of the teachings of the Orient. In the far away monastery of the Moon of Yesterday in the hills of western China, I learned many things. I like to think that one of them was tolerance. But I find it hard to be tolerant of greed and murder. Yet any man who agrees to look for a beautiful missing heiress along the San Francisco waterfront is asking for trouble. And usually he gets it. In this case, it was me. And I got started in the lavish Knob Hill home of Arthur J. Manners, attorney at law, where I had been invited on a professional basis.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Fix up your drink, London.

[Glenn Ford]

No, thanks.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

I asked you to come here because I didn't want to talk about this thing at the office.

[Glenn Ford]

It's a nice place you have here. Awfully nice.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh, it's too big, too expensive. Now, first I'd better show you the young lady's picture.

[Glenn Ford]

To Arthur, my dear friend and guardian. Helen. Oh, she's a beautiful girl, Mr. Manners.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Too beautiful, too rich, too spoiled. From the time her parents died five years ago, Helen Falconer has been a constant worry to me. And now this. This time I'm really worried.

[Glenn Ford]

Now, let's see. He said a week ago, she arrived on the plane from Mexico.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Yes, for her first visit in more than a year. She wired me when to expect her. And she was on the plane. I checked. I found somebody. You remember seeing her get into a dark blue sedan and that's all, London. She's disappeared. Vanished. And just when I have to produce her in court next week for an accounting of my guardianship.

[Glenn Ford]

What about relatives, friends?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

No living relatives and no friends in San Francisco. She's never here for more than a few days at a time. Doesn't live anywhere for more than a couple of months at a time. The French Riviera Rio, New York, Acapulco. Only time I know where she is is when she wires me for money.

[Glenn Ford]

You've checked the hospitals, I suppose? In the morgue.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

So certainly.

[Glenn Ford]

Why haven't you gone to the police?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Afraid to. That's why you're here. Where did I put that? Here, you better take this.

[Glenn Ford]

Driver's license?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Yeah. She applied for it last time she was here. Age, height, hair, eyes and so on. Thumbprint signature might help.

[Glenn Ford]

It might indeed.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

You'll know her by a ring she wears. She never takes it off. Antique emerald ring. Heavy gold setting stone engraved with a serpent and an arrow. Find that ring and you'll know who it is, even if she has her head in a sack. Yes? Come in. There's a Mr. Lawrence Scoville. Tell him to go away. I'm busy. I said I'd call him if I heard anything. Yes, sir. Scoville. I should have told you about him. London claims he's engaged to Helen. Met her recently in New York. Well, maybe, maybe not. She wired him she was coming and to meet her here in San Francisco. Spends his days mooning around my office. I wish he'd go back to New York. He gets on my nerves.

[Glenn Ford]

Well, maybe I'd better start by seeing him. No.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

It's just a waste of time. He doesn't know a thing.

[Glenn Ford]

You interest me, Mr. Manners. Have you changed your mind about wanting me to locate this girl?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Changed my mind? No. Why?

[Glenn Ford]

Because you're stalling.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

I. Yes, I suppose I am. But it's because I'm worried, and I don't know how much I should confide in anybody.

[Glenn Ford]

In that case, we're both wasting our time. Goodbye, Mr. Manners.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Now, wait. No London. Sit down, please. All right. I have reason to believe that Helen has involved herself in some sort of smuggling operation for the thrill of it, nothing more. It may be that the headquarters of this gang is at a waterfront dive named El Toro or El Torero. Something of the sort, mind you. I don't say it's true, but it may be true.

[Glenn Ford]

You must have some reason for believing it.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Well, I'm not at liberty to give my reasons. I. I merely warn you that searching for her may lead you into some danger.

[Glenn Ford]

Well, In a way, Mr. Manners, danger is my business. I'll keep in touch with you. And I'll say this. Nobody ever began a search for a missing girl with more cl. A waterfront dive named El Toro, El Torero, or something of the sort. It wasn't in the phone book, but I thought I knew how to Find it? You take a stroll along the Embarcadero in the fog and you might find anything. I'm sorry.

[Joan Banks]

It's okay.

[Glenn Ford]

I didn't hurt you, did I?

[Joan Banks]

Yeah.

[Glenn Ford]

This fog is pretty thick, isn't it?

[Joan Banks]

What's the matter? You lost?

[Glenn Ford]

In a way. I was looking for a place. I forget the name, stupid.

[Joan Banks]

Yeah. What you want there?

[Glenn Ford]

Oh, a drink.

[Joan Banks]

I don't mind if I do.

[Glenn Ford]

Well, fine. Let's go. Oh, yes, I remember it now.

[Joan Banks]

Oh, that's swell, honey.

[Glenn Ford]

El Torel. El Toro. That's it.

[Joan Banks]

A joint. Strictly or die.

[Glenn Ford]

You know where it is.

[Joan Banks]

What do you want to go there for?

[Glenn Ford]

I told you.

[Joan Banks]

Yeah, you said a drink. What is it really? A dame?

[Glenn Ford]

Maybe.

[Joan Banks]

You going to buy a drink anyway?

[Glenn Ford]

Certainly.

[Joan Banks]

Okay, honey. Only no dame you're looking for is going to be at El Toro. I'm gonna sit at a table.

[Glenn Ford]

Sure. How about right here?

[Joan Banks]

Yeah.

[Glenn Ford]

Yeah.

[Joan Banks]

Okay.

[Glenn Ford]

Yeah, I got to share.

[Joan Banks]

Hey, now that I see in the light, you know, you ain't a bad looking guy. What's your name?

[Glenn Ford]

Smith. Yeah? Yeah, Smith.

[Joan Banks]

I thought it was. I'm Babe.

[Glenn Ford]

What'll it be, folks?

[Joan Banks]

Make mine a ginger bourbon.

[Glenn Ford]

I think you can find an El Toro or its equivalent on any duck site in the world. The retreat of the happy companions in Hong Kong was another El Toro. And the sanctuary of the affectionate friends in Shanghai was another El Toro. A small, dark place within the sound of the sea where men speak in low voices to each other of their plans and schemes to catch fortune by the tail. In the small, dark place there were seven or eight seafaring men, a couple of women sitting together quietly waiting, I think, for something that would never come. There was a piano player, a bartender and a waiter. And Babe and me. At another time, perhaps, El Toro would have been raucous with the sounds of fighting and of laughter. But tonight, well, tonight it was brooding in the fog, waiting.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Hey, Babe.

[Glenn Ford]

I've been looking all over for you.

[Joan Banks]

You found me. Mr. Smith, this is Gus. Say hello to the man.

[Glenn Ford]

Hello. Hello. Hello, Gus.

[Joan Banks]

Who asked you to sit down?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

My feet hurt.

[Glenn Ford]

Just make board, Gus. Mary Maloney. Irish ship. Greek.

[Joan Banks]

How long you been gone, Gus?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh, don't you remember?

[Joan Banks]

I should remember how long you've been gone. I never even seen you before.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Babe, listen.

[Joan Banks]

Get lost. I'm busy.

[Glenn Ford]

I went up to the room before.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

I come looking for you.

[Glenn Ford]

I brought a case of some kind of Greek stuff.

[Joan Banks]

Greeks don't drink.

[Glenn Ford]

Oh, they don't, huh?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

What?

[Joan Banks]

What else did you bring?

[Glenn Ford]

We're still married, ain't we?

[Joan Banks]

Who says we ain't?

[Glenn Ford]

Yeah, I brought some perfume and stuff.

[Joan Banks]

Oh, come on then, you overgrown droop.

[Glenn Ford]

Is it okay if I take a poke at Mr. Smith?

[Joan Banks]

Mr. Smith's a friend of mine.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh, but, Babe, I just got.

[Joan Banks]

Okay, just one, though.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Stand up.

[Glenn Ford]

Mr. Smith, you're in the wrong port. It'll be a pleasure.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Hey, babe, where's my upper plate?

[Joan Banks]

Here, droop.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh, that's lucky. Uneven crack. That's a nice left you got, Mr. Smith.

[Glenn Ford]

No hard feelings? No, not at all.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Then try my left.

[Glenn Ford]

I don't suppose I was out more than a minute or so, but when I came to, Gus and Babe were gone and three new customers had arrived. Two men and a girl. They sat at a table in a shadowed corner. Almost certainly the girl was the one I was looking for. Okay, mister? Yeah, I'm all right. I'll clean this up.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh.

[Glenn Ford]

What hit me? First day's home from a voyage. Gus always does that. He don't mean no harm. What do you have? Say, those three people over there, they just come in. Oh, yeah. While you wasn't paying no attention. Here's a buck. I guess you must have dropped it. Thanks. You know them? Not me, mister. I don't know nothing. Do they come here very often? Ah, mister, why don't you go home? We have enough trouble around here without strangers. It just ain't healthy for strangers here. Especially strangers with noses. Noses which they stick into other people's business. Oh, no. Why don't you go home? I recognized the girl from the photograph Manners had shown me. Although her hair was a different shade, she was heavily suntanned, and the clothes she wore left so little to the imagination that it was hard to concentrate on her face. But if I needed further proof, I saw the flash of emerald green as she lifted her hand to her cheek. The men with her. One was Oriental. Manchurian, probably. The other may have come from the Middle East. Now, suddenly, they seemed to come to some sort of agreement. I got up, a Manchurian spoke an inaudible word or two to the girl, and the two men left El Toro together. Well, it seemed obvious that they would soon return, so I took advantage of the moment. Excuse me. Helen Falconer.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

What?

[Joan Banks]

Who?

[Glenn Ford]

You're Helen Falconer.

[Joan Banks]

That's what I thought you said. I never heard of her.

[Glenn Ford]

Have you got a minute?

[Joan Banks]

Sit down.

[Glenn Ford]

Thanks. Now, you don't want to change your mind.

[Joan Banks]

About what?

[Glenn Ford]

About being Helen Falcon.

[Joan Banks]

I told you, I never heard that name before. What's this all about?

[Glenn Ford]

You Know, it's funny. I got an idea that I was intended to meet you here.

[Joan Banks]

You were intended to meet me here?

[Glenn Ford]

Yeah. Or Helen Falconer.

[Joan Banks]

Oh, we're back to that again, huh? You know, I'm getting kind of tired of Helen. What's her name already? Did you really want to meet her?

[Glenn Ford]

Yeah. You see, she was supposed to look exactly like you.

[Joan Banks]

Oh, you don't know her then?

[Glenn Ford]

A man showed me a picture. Arthur J. Manor is an attorney.

[Joan Banks]

And she looks like me.

[Glenn Ford]

Exactly.

[Joan Banks]

How do you like the way she looks?

[Glenn Ford]

I like it.

[Joan Banks]

Have you got a name?

[Glenn Ford]

Christopher London.

[Joan Banks]

I'm. Now, what difference does it make? Call me Helen if you want to. Helen. What's her name?

[Glenn Ford]

Cigarette, Helen?

[Joan Banks]

Thanks. That's a good looking case. Gold?

[Glenn Ford]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Joan Banks]

It's shiny as a mirror. Here, take it back before it sticks to me.

[Glenn Ford]

Thanks. Oh, here's the light.

[Joan Banks]

You know, I'm wondering about you.

[Glenn Ford]

As a matter of fact, I'm wondering about me, too.

[Joan Banks]

What do you mean?

[Glenn Ford]

I'm wondering if I could get up right now and walk out of here.

[Joan Banks]

And forget me?

[Glenn Ford]

Yeah, and forget you.

[Joan Banks]

Do you want to try?

[Glenn Ford]

Not yet. Say, it's a beautiful ring. Is it an emerald?

[Joan Banks]

Oh, it's just some kind of green stone.

[Glenn Ford]

Mind if I look at it? It's carved serpent and arrow. I imagine that's pretty valuable. Aren't you kind of taking a chance wearing it around a place like this?

[Joan Banks]

I usually wear it turned around with a stone on the other side. Like this.

[Glenn Ford]

Why not simply leave it at home then?

[Joan Banks]

Oh, no, I never take it off.

[Glenn Ford]

Sort of good luck charm?

[Joan Banks]

Sort of.

[Glenn Ford]

Has it brought you any good luck? Yeah.

[Joan Banks]

All the time. Christopher London? All the time.

[Glenn Ford]

Helen.

[Joan Banks]

Oh, yes, but that's me, isn't it?

[Glenn Ford]

Yeah. Does the name Scoville mean anything to you? Lawrence Scoville?

[Joan Banks]

You know, more people that I never heard of.

[Glenn Ford]

Helen, listen, I'm serious. Do you know who you are? Do you know where you are? Where were you a week ago tonight? Oh, two weeks ago. Well, a month ago. Don't you know?

[Joan Banks]

Of course I know.

[Glenn Ford]

Well, then where?

[Joan Banks]

Why do you care?

[Glenn Ford]

Answer me. No, answer me, Helen. Can't you remember? Now, where you going?

[Joan Banks]

Don't come with me.

[Glenn Ford]

Why?

[Joan Banks]

They'll be back soon and I have to go.

[Glenn Ford]

Not without me. Waiter. How much? A buck, 20. All right. Here you are. Come on, Helen.

[Joan Banks]

Christopher, don't.

[Glenn Ford]

Come on.

[Joan Banks]

Now.

[Glenn Ford]

What are you afraid of, Christopher?

[Joan Banks]

Can you see in this fog?

[Glenn Ford]

Oh, not much.

[Joan Banks]

Neither can I. Hold on to me.

[Glenn Ford]

Helen. It's important. Who are the men who are. Who are the men you are with? The men who are coming back?

[Joan Banks]

Hold me.

[Glenn Ford]

Oh, don't you understand? You gotta answer my questions.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

I don't know.

[Joan Banks]

I don't know. Hold me. Christopher. Christopher. Helen, no. You mustn't ask me anything. It's not safe.

[Glenn Ford]

Well, if you're in danger.

[Joan Banks]

I'm in no danger. I know what I'm doing, and I'm safe and protected. But don't ever try to find me again, Christopher, because that's dangerous for you. Worse danger than use of flavored tobacco.

[Unknown Teen Advocate]

By teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund, we.

[Glenn Ford]

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[Joan Banks]

From wayfair.com fierce this has been your.

[Glenn Ford]

Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair. Every style, every home.

[Joan Banks]

The cars.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Where is it? Over here, Inspector. Now you. What's the date?

[Glenn Ford]

Well, that's the fifth thing.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

You know what city you're in?

[Glenn Ford]

Oh, San Francisco.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

What's your name?

[Glenn Ford]

What? Oh, Christopher London. I think he's okay, Inspector. He started coming to a minute ago. Yeah. Hello, London. Inspector Griffith. It's too bad you weren't here a while ago. What happened? Well, I'll tell you. I was standing along here somewhere with my arms around one of the most beautiful women I ever saw. Very funny. Hey, you didn't see a hedgeon? No. Might have been a sailor from somewhere in the Middle East. Maybe a Manchurian. You kill me, London. What were you doing down here? You wouldn't believe me if I told you, but I seem to have been robbed. You're surprised? Yeah. I see our wallet's gone. Letters, cards, money. Oh, what do you know? They missed my cigarette case. You can sign a report in the morning. How do you Feel bad? Bad, Inspector? Not good. Get in. We'll take you home. Want to stop the Receiving Hospital? That Song will take care of me. Oh, yeah? That Chinese boy of yours, is he a doctor too? Our Song can do anything and do it with quotations. Inspector, I'm gonna ask you a favor. Yeah? Here's my cigarette case of those guys missed. It's got some fingerprints on it. Well, you have them checked fast. Give it to me. I'm careful. Careful. Those prints sell your grandmother, you know, it takes a while. Even if I told you where to look in the file, that might help. A driver's license issued to Helen Falconer. This city. What's the angle? If there is an angle, you'll be the first to know. All right, you can let me out here. Okay.

[Joan Banks]

San Francisco Police. 11pM San Francisco police.

[Glenn Ford]

Ellen F, A L C O N E R. Dan, I want that cigarette case back. You'll get it after I check. As I drag myself up to my apartment, I hope that Ah Song would be waiting for me with tea and many ancient Chinese quotations. He was. But he was not alone. I had a visitor in a gray flannel suit and striped silk tie.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Mr. London? I'm Larry Scoville. I wanted to talk to you about Helen Faulkner, but the way you look, I. Well, I mean, I. Well, I guess it'll have to wait until tomorrow.

[Glenn Ford]

It's all right. That's all right. My injuries aren't fatal. Now, sit down. I'll be with you in a minute.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

All right. Call me to London. I will make first aid.

[Glenn Ford]

Oh.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

This warm, damp cloth will soon erase the signs of violence as the soft snow hides the scars of the gardener's toil.

[Glenn Ford]

Still bleeding, there is no more blood now.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

May this helpless one inquire what happened.

[Glenn Ford]

Hand me the towel.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh, me. Here.

[Glenn Ford]

Thanks. I don't know how strong it. I got an idea that this is not the first nor the last blood that will be shed in this case. Yeah? Has Mr. Scoville been waiting long?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Not long.

[Glenn Ford]

Yeah, that looks a little better. All right, I'll see what he wants. Oh, bring us something to drink, will you?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

That's all there is to it. Mr. London, I was in Mr. Manor's office and happened to overhear something that made me think he'd ask you to search for Helen. If you can't tell me anything about where she is or if you don't know. Okay, I understand. But can you tell me this? Is she still alive?

[Glenn Ford]

It's no good worrying, Scoville. Now tell Me again. You say somebody broke into your room at the hotel. At what time?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh, it must have been between 8 and 10:30 tonight.

[Glenn Ford]

And nothing was taken?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Nothing at all.

[Glenn Ford]

You're sure about it?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Certain.

[Glenn Ford]

And you have no idea what they were looking for?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

I can't imagine.

[Glenn Ford]

All right, Scoville. Have you known Helen a long time?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

I'll. Only a few weeks, really. But it was long enough for us to fall in love.

[Glenn Ford]

Then you don't know very much about her. I mean, who her friends are or what she does here and abroad.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Well, I. No, I guess that's true. But I'll get it.

[Glenn Ford]

I signed. Why, Mr. Manners.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Good evening, London.

[Glenn Ford]

Come in.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

I I was in the neighborhood, and I thought I'd take a chance that you were still awake, because I. Oh, Skodo. Hello. Well, you had an accident, London.

[Glenn Ford]

More humiliating than painful. It's nothing. Oh, sit down, Sit down.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh, no time. I'm on my way home. I I just stopped in to tell you. This concerns you too, Scoville. To tell you that I've seen my ward and talked with her.

[Glenn Ford]

Oh, you did?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

She all right? Quite all right. When can I see her? I'm afraid. Well, I'm afraid you can't see her. She. Well, the fact is she's fallen in love with somebody else. And she wants you to forgive and forget. I believe the expression goes. No, no, I don't believe it. She's very definite about it. Now, London, I'm glad to say that my suspicions were entirely unfounded. I'll send you a check in the morning. And if you'll return that driver's license, we can consider the matter closed.

[Glenn Ford]

I'm sorry, Manners. I haven't got the license. I lost it.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh, well, that's not important then. Good night.

[Glenn Ford]

After Manners left, I got my hat and coat in spite of our song's protests. And then I had trouble with Scoville.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

You know something about Helen, don't you? You're going out to meet her.

[Glenn Ford]

Now, Scoville, there's nothing I can tell you.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

I'm going with you. I, I I don't believe Manners. I don't believe she'd do that.

[Glenn Ford]

It'll be all right, Scoville. We'll talk about it tomorrow. You go back to your hotel, and I'll call you there in the morning.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

But London island, my son, Mr. London. It is not for the trembling lamb to give counsel to the lion.

[Glenn Ford]

But sure, sure, sure. You don't want me to go out, huh?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

In the night, the tender rice plants sleep and sleeping grow.

[Glenn Ford]

Look, I know, I know. I'm taking the car. A song. If anybody calls, you don't know when I'll be back. I left for Scoville. Standing on the street, got my car out of the garage and headed for the waterfront. For a while I thought another car was following me. But the fog made it impossible to be sure. I parked my car about two blocks from El Toro and started to walk up the Embarcadero. I thought I heard steps behind me, but when I halted, they halted. 2. Then when I started again, they started. I'd walked about a block when Scoville back a block. I found a telephone at an all night drugstore and was lucky enough to get Inspector Griffith at Homicide. Okay, London, I've got it all.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Go back and wait till we get there.

[Glenn Ford]

Now just a second. Did you find out anything about those fingerprints?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Yeah.

[Glenn Ford]

I'll bring the cigarette case with me. Well, did the prints match?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Yeah, they match.

[Glenn Ford]

I thought they would.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

So what?

[Glenn Ford]

So now you know who sir dame is named Helen Falconer. Wait for us. I didn't wait for Griffith and the men from Homicide. I passed the crumpled figure that had been Lawrence Scoville. Alone and shrouded in the fog. There was nothing I could do or say. So I didn't pause. He had been alive. Now he was dead. But uselessly, wantonly dead. In front of El Toro, there was a taxi waiting. The door was open. A girl came out, her face concealed by a veil. But I saw a flash of emerald green as she entered the cab. There was no need for me to follow her. I knew where she was going. I knew where she had to be going. And I was sure that with some fancy illegal driving, I could get there. First I parked my car in the shadows. A taxi pulled up that morning. A minute later. I followed her up the gravel walk as quietly as I could and stood behind her as you knocked on the door.

[Joan Banks]

Yes, Arthur, what happened?

[Glenn Ford]

I'm right behind you. Well, shall we go in?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

What is this? Did you come here together?

[Glenn Ford]

Close the door. Manners. This is no time for jealous quarrels.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Well, now, what is this, London? What do you want?

[Glenn Ford]

I want to make amends for the death of a young man who died because I unconsciously led him to his murderer. We were in Manor's elegant study, the three of us. A girl, still beautiful, but pale and tense. Arthur J. Manors, attorney at law. Calm now, almost too self assured. And Christopher London, who probably looked as if he'd spent a night in a bowling alley as a stand in for a ten pin. Manners was being pleasant. I'd never seen him quite so pleasant.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Well, I'm glad that you and Helen could meet here.

[Glenn Ford]

We met at El Toro. But the briefing you gave me, I couldn't have missed her. You arranged our meeting. You wrote the script and directed the play. But you didn't figure on this ending.

[Joan Banks]

Christopher, listen to me.

[Glenn Ford]

What's your name? Helen.

[Joan Banks]

Arthur. What's he talking about?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

What do you mean? London? If you've got anything to say, say it. She's Helen Falconer. You know that.

[Joan Banks]

Christopher, I can explain about those awful men at El Toro with. It was just a silly. I don't know. I get into things like that.

[Glenn Ford]

You fools. Don't you see how transparent you've been? How clear as glass?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Get out of here. Get out.

[Glenn Ford]

Manor. Sit down. That's better. Now, let's talk. Helen Falconer was your ward. You managed her estate. She was out of the country most of the time and your expenses were heavy. A house like this costs a lot to buy and to live in. And a girl like this runs into money, too. I think you've been taking Helen Faulkner's money for a long time. At last she became suspicious and decided to fly up from Mexico for an accounting.

[Joan Banks]

Well, that's true, Christopher, but I was wrong.

[Glenn Ford]

Oh, very wrong.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Now, wait. Apparently you've got the absurd idea that this girl is not Helen Falconer. Well, would a fingerprint prove it to you?

[Glenn Ford]

Not on a driver's license nor a cigarette case. You know, it was a smart idea having your girlfriend apply for a license under the name of Helen Falconer. But it only proves the murder was well planned and long premeditated. You. You. Whatever your name is.

[Joan Banks]

Christopher, please.

[Glenn Ford]

That's your ring on your finger. You wear it constantly. You never take it off. You both told me that. Then why isn't the skin underneath the ring white? Why is it as suntanned as the rest of your hand? Don't try it, Manners.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Don't.

[Joan Banks]

Christopher. Christopher.

[Glenn Ford]

Don't worry. I think he'll live long enough to die as the state directs.

[Joan Banks]

Well, I. I just did what he told me. I didn't know why. I. I. Will. You. You believe me, don't you, Christopher?

[Glenn Ford]

Sure. Sure, I believe you. And I'll bet the jury will too. I'll bet they won't give you more than 10 years. Yes, Sam, you and your revered ancestors were. Well, they were so right. Oh, yes. Greed and duplicity go hand in hand with murder. Arthur Manners killed Helen Falconer on the day she Arrived from Mexico. Her body, well, may never be found. But Manners will die because he shot Lawrence Scoville. Scoville must have worried him.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh, yes, the murderers must worry.

[Glenn Ford]

He went through Scoville's hotel room because he was afraid the boy might have a picture of the true Ellen Falconer. Then he had to kill him because he followed me. If Scoville had seen the girl I thought was Helen, well, the whole thing would have fallen apart.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

And the young lady?

[Glenn Ford]

Oh, the misguided girlfriend of an attorney at law. With time off for good behavior, she will still be as beautiful when she gets out.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

But why were you called in at all?

[Glenn Ford]

I was Apache. If the question were ever to come up, I would have been called on to swear that I had found and identified the missing Helen Falconer and returned her to her worried guardian. That way Manners would have gone right on receiving the money from the dead Helen Falconer's estate. Only.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Only what?

[Glenn Ford]

Only Manners forgot that the phony Helen Falconer's license had been issued less than six months ago. And Manners forgot that he had told me that the real Helen Faulkner had not been backed in the States for more than a year. Our song. We wouldn't have made that mistake. No, Would we?

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh, no, Mr. London, this humble one can manufacture his own official document when necessary.

[Glenn Ford]

You know, sometimes Ah Sung I think is a pity that we didn't choose a life of crime.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

Oh, no. Mr. London is very appealing, but unrewarding. Remember, it is said, if a man walk even tippy toe on road of wrongdoey, his reward surely waits him at road's end. The hangman's noose.

[Glenn Ford]

How true. But you meet such attractive gals along the way.

[Earl Stanley Gardner]

That was Christopher London starring Glenn Ford and created especially for radio by the world's most widely read mystery story writer, Earl Stanley Gardner. Christopher London is produced and directed by William N. Robeson and was tonight written by Mind Red Lord, with music composed and conducted by Lynn Murray. Mr. Ford's supporting company included Joan Banks as the phony Helen Faulkner, Ben Wright as Arthur Manners, Charlie Long as our song, Florence Halep, Ted De Corcia, Peter Leeds, Will Wright and Stacy Harris. Be with us again next week when Christopher London returns. What's on NBC today? One hour from now, you'll hear Charles boyer and Dorothy McGuire in the theater Guild on the air, and then the American Album of Familiar Music later today. Now stay tuned for Phil Harris and Alice Fay, then Sam Spade on NBC.

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[Earl Stanley Gardner]

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