Crime Doctor 1945-04-08 Substitute Hero

Summary

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Crime Doctor: "Substitute Hero" (Aired 1945-04-08)

Episode Overview

In this classic episode of "Crime Doctor," host Harold takes listeners back to the golden era of radio drama. The story, "Substitute Hero," unfolds around a love triangle, a fraudulent divorce, deception, greed, and ultimately, murder. Dr. Eugene Albertson, his nurse Jean, her husband Bob Mason, and the scheming pseudo-lawyer Archie Moran become entangled in a web of lies and blackmail—culminating in a deadly confrontation unraveled by the incisive mind of Dr. Ordway, the Crime Doctor.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Albertson Household: Tension and Discontent

• Dr. Eugene Albertson, a wealthy invalid, relies on his nurse, Jean Albertson (married to Bob Mason), and chauffeur, Bob Mason, who is disgruntled with his job and marriage.
• Dr. Albertson confides in Jean, implying Bob’s driving agitates him and he’d like to fire him, but wonders if Jean would leave as well (03:01).
  • Jean reassures: “No, sir. I like it here.” (03:23)

2. Bob’s Downward Spiral

• Bob is upset after being let go by Dr. Albertson. He drinks at a bar, vents about Jean staying employed by Albertson after his firing, and threatens dramatic action to get her back.

  • "She lets the boss fire me and she goes right on working for him. She ain't even unhappy about it." (04:02)

• Bob’s frustration leads to a drunken incident, resulting in his arrest for throwing a brick through Jean’s window when denied entry. (05:00)

3. Divorce Negotiations: Scheming and Deception

• Archie Moran, posing as a lawyer, confronts Dr. Albertson with Bob’s grievance—blaming Albertson for the Mason marriage breakup.
• Dr. Albertson offers a settlement: if Bob agrees to a divorce (so Jean can remarry), he’ll pay Bob’s expenses and extra money. (06:15)
  • "If she could arrange with her husband for him to obtain the divorce in another state... I'd be willing to pay his expenses and... give him a sum of money." (06:15)
• In private, Moran reveals to Bob they’ll split the settlement ($3,000). Moran insists Bob fakes a six-week trip to Reno for the divorce; he’ll forge telegrams and paperwork to make it convincing. (07:22)

4. Fraudulent Freedom and New Beginnings

• Bob calls Jean, pretending to be calling from Reno, confirms their divorce, and says he’ll be "back in six weeks with a decree." (07:51)
• Jean and Dr. Albertson, believing the divorce is real, confess their affections and soon marry. (09:08, 09:28)
  • Dr. Albertson: “I know I'm much older than you, but I hope you've grown to like me a little.” (09:13)

5. Blackmail and the Truth Revealed

• Later, Moran arrives to inform Jean and Dr. Albertson that Bob never went to Reno, and their marriage is illegal.

  • “I learned a very astonishing thing this morning. Your marriage is illegal.” (13:02)

• Moran produces proof from the Reno court. The telegrams had been sent by Bob’s friend as part of the ruse. (13:16)

• Moran doubles down, hinting Bob may charge Jean with bigamy unless paid off, now desperate for cash. (14:07, 14:18)

• A twist emerges when Dr. Albertson claims to have paid Bob $50,000 total ($3,000 initially plus $47,000 extra) to expedite the divorce, a figure Moran claims to be unaware of—revealing collusion and potential double-cross. (14:43)

6. Blood Money and Murder

• Moran, furious over the alleged missing money, confronts Bob. A heated argument ends in Moran shooting Bob dead.
• At the crime scene, Moran insists he shot in self-defense, alleging that Bob fired first in a quarrel over money. (16:20–16:32)
  • Moran: “I shot him in self defense. Man's got a right to shoot in self defense.” (16:20)
• The inspectors and Dr. Ordway examine the physical evidence:
  • Two guns, two shots
  • The trajectory and placement of the body
  • Witnesses heard two shots with a pause of up to 15 seconds between (18:16)

7. Forensic Unraveling by Dr. Ordway (The Crime Doctor)

• Ordway points out the flaw in Moran’s story:

  • The bullet that killed Bob entered his back, meaning he could not have been shooting at Moran.

  • Details about the sequence and position of shots reveal that Moran staged the scene to look like self-defense by firing an extra shot into the wall after killing Bob. (21:26–21:47)

  • Inspector: “He couldn't have been, Moran, because the bullet that killed him shattered his spine and lodged in his lungs. That means the bullet entered his back. After you killed him, you heard people in the hallway. So you got Bob's gun and fired a shot into the wall.” (21:33–21:47)

• The game is up: Moran is arrested for murder.

8. Final Explanations and Resolution

• Jean confirms Dr. Albertson never really paid the extra $47,000; he lied to create distrust between Moran and Bob, hoping the truth would emerge in their quarrel. (22:33–22:38)
  • Jean: “Thought if he could get two thieves quarreling among themselves, the truth might come out.” (22:35)
• Inspector Jackson formally arrests Moran on suspicion of murder. (22:45)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Quote | Speaker | |-----------|-------|---------| | 03:23 | "No, sir. I like it here." | Jean Albertson | | 04:02 | "She lets the boss fire me and she goes right on working for him. She ain't even unhappy about it." | Bob Mason | | 06:15 | "If she could arrange with her husband for him to obtain the divorce in another state... I'd be willing to pay his expenses and... give him a sum of money." | Dr. Eugene Albertson | | 09:13 | "I'm glad to hear it, my dear. Now, I feel free to speak to you. Yes, I've grown very fond of you, Jean. I know I'm much older than you, but I hope you've grown to like me a little." | Dr. Eugene Albertson | | 13:02 | "I learned a very astonishing thing this morning. Your marriage is illegal." | Archie Moran | | 16:20 | "I'm giving it to you straight, Inspector. I shot him in self defense. Man's got a right to shoot in self defense." | Archie Moran | | 21:47 | "He couldn't have been, Moran, because the bullet that killed him shattered his spine and lodged in his lungs. That means the bullet entered his back. After you killed him, you heard people in the hallway. So you got Bob's gun and fired a shot into the wall." | Inspector Jackson | | 22:35 | "Thought if he could get two thieves quarreling among themselves, the truth might come out." | Jean Albertson |

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Notable Scenes and Timestamps

• [03:01-03:26]: Jean tells Dr. Albertson she will stay even if her husband is let go.
• [04:00-04:08]: Bob bemoans Jean's lack of loyalty after his firing.
• [06:08-06:43]: Dr. Albertson proposes the “divorce money” plan to Moran.
• [09:08-09:31]: Jean and Dr. Albertson reveal their feelings, marking the episode’s turning point.
• [13:02-13:30]: Moran drops the bombshell of the illegal marriage.
• [16:20-16:32]: Moran’s self-defense claim upon shooting Bob.
• [21:23-21:47]: Dr. Ordway exposes Moran’s murder as premeditated, not self-defense.
• [22:35-22:38]: Jean explains the fake $47,000 payment—Albertson’s ploy to reveal the truth.

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Summary and Takeaways

"Substitute Hero" is a classic radio mystery fusing emotion, greed, and justice under the familiar, comforting tones of 1940s radio drama. The episode’s suspense builds around a con gone wrong—where Bob and Archie's plot to swindle Dr. Albertson unravels, leading to murder and a forensically satisfying conclusion by the Crime Doctor.

Listeners are left with classic noir themes: the dangers of greed and manipulation, the sharp instincts of the sleuth, and the comeuppance of wrongdoers. The period’s language, pacing, and performances shine throughout, evoking the social and moral dilemmas of wartime America.

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Transcript

[Jean Albertson]

Halt.

[Bob Mason]

Halt. About you.

[Narrator]

Johnny presents the philip morris crime doctor. Here comes Johnny, ladies and gentlemen, in his red coat and brass buttons. Johnny stepping out of store windows and counters all over America to introduce the Philip Morris Crime Doctor program to all you people at home as well as our men and women in service wherever this program reaches them.

[Jean Albertson]

Papa Philip Mori.

[Narrator]

You're listening to radio. Yes, Radio.

[Jean Albertson]

Hello, everybody. This is Johnny bringing you greetings from Philip Morris. For over 97 years, creators of famous cigarettes.

[Narrator]

And now another of Max Morrison's crime doctor dramas brought to you by the makers of Philip Morris cigarettes.

[Bob Mason]

What are you doing, Gene?

[Jean Albertson]

Mixing Mr. Albertson. Medicine. I heard him come in.

[Bob Mason]

Yeah, I just brought him back. Yeah, I'm getting sick of driving that old bird around. No matter how I drive, if I drive slow, I get balled out for crawling along. If I go fast, I get called down for speed.

[Jean Albertson]

Well, the doctor said he must be driven carefully and avoid any jolting to him.

[Bob Mason]

I sure could have given him a jolt in the eye this afternoon. You know what he said to me? He said if it wasn't for my wife, he'd fire me today. So now I'm holding down my job because you're working for him.

[Jean Albertson]

Look, Bob, we don't have to work in the same place. If you don't like it here, why don't you find yourself another job?

[Bob Mason]

Look, baby, the war will be over soon. There'll be plenty of chauffeurs around looking. Besides, we've worked in the same places together since we were married. And that's how it's gonna stay.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Gene. Gene.

[Jean Albertson]

Yes, sir. I'll be right in calling for his medicine. I've got to go.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Didn't Bob tell you I was back?

[Jean Albertson]

Yes, sir. It took me a few moments to mix the medicine.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Oh, Ready for it? No, I'm never ready to swallow the darn stu.

[Jean Albertson]

Oh, come on, now. You know you've got to take it here.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Oh, well.

[Bob Mason]

Oh.

[Jean Albertson]

You should be used to it by now.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

You try taking it for a year. Doesn't get any better with time. I'm wondering, too, if it really is doing me any good.

[Jean Albertson]

Well, you haven't had an attack in nearly a month now.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Gene, I. I've been waiting to ask you something. Gene. I don't think Bob's very happ here. I'm sure he's not good for me. His driving makes me nervous. I was wondering, if I decided to let him go, would you feel that you had to leave with him?

[Jean Albertson]

No, sir. I like it here.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Thank you, Jean. I'm very pleased to hear that.

[Jean Albertson]

Hey, Charlie, a little attention down this.

[Archie Moran]

End of the bar.

[Charlie]

I'll be there in a minute, Mike. Are you a science, Bob?

[Bob Mason]

Yeah. Like I was saying, Charlie, you can't depend on women. There's no loyalty among them. Now, you take my wife.

[Charlie]

Oh, your wife. So that's what's the matter.

[Bob Mason]

You know what she's done now?

[Charlie]

What?

[Bob Mason]

She lets the boss fire me and she goes right on working for him. She ain't even unhappy about it.

[Charlie]

Oh, gee, Bob, that's tough.

[Bob Mason]

Give me another drink, huh?

[Archie Moran]

Make it a double.

[Charlie]

Oh, no, no. Drinking ain't gonna bring your wife back, Bob. You know, if she was my wife, I'd go there and get her if I had to.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Drag her out with her hair. That's right.

[Bob Mason]

That's just what I'm gonna do. Drag her up by the hair.

[Inspector Jackson]

Come on, get in here.

[Bob Mason]

Come on, you. Come on, get in there.

[Inspector Jackson]

Don't argue with me.

[Bob Mason]

You can't lock me up. Get in there. All right.

[Inspector Jackson]

What's the matter, Riley?

[Narrator]

Drunk and disorderly, Sergeant.

[Bob Mason]

This is an outrage. A man's got a right to go see his own wife without having the door slammed in his place. That's what she's done to me. That's just what she done.

[Charlie]

What did he do?

[Inspector Jackson]

Threw a brick through the window when she wouldn't let him in. What's your name, mister?

[Bob Mason]

What do you want to know for?

[Inspector Jackson]

I'm signing you in for the night.

[Jean Albertson]

Excuse. Mr. Albertson.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Yes, Jean?

[Jean Albertson]

That lawyer who telephoned is here.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Well, ask him to come in.

[Jean Albertson]

Will you come in, Mr. Moran?

[Archie Moran]

Thank you.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Oh, don't go, Jean.

[Jean Albertson]

Yes, sir.

[Archie Moran]

I presume you're Mr. Albertson.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Yes.

[Archie Moran]

I represent Mr. Mason, this young lady's husband.

[Jean Albertson]

Well, I don't understand, Mr. Moran, why my husband should want you to see Mr. Albertson.

[Archie Moran]

My client believes he has some sort of a grievance against Mr. Albertson. He feels that he's responsible for breaking up his home.

[Jean Albertson]

Bob broke it himself by his own conduct.

[Archie Moran]

That would be for a court to determine. Mr. Mason is suffering great anguish of mind, and if Mr. Albertson is in any wise, responsible.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Mr. Moran, I consented to see you because I thought I might help to straighten out a situation between Jean and her husband. Jean tells me she will not live with him again. She intends to obtain a divorce.

[Archie Moran]

So I understand. And my client feels, Mr. Albertson, that you have persuaded her to take the step.

[Jean Albertson]

That's not true.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

I've interested myself in this matter, Mr. Moran, for purely selfish reasons. Mrs. Mason has no evidence with which to obtain a divorce in this state. I told her that. She insists that she'll go to some other state to obtain it. But she's my nurse and I can't spare her. I told her if she could arrange with her husband for him to obtain the divorce in another state. Yes, I'd be willing to pay his expenses and in addition, give him a sum of money.

[Archie Moran]

Well, Mr. Albertson, that seems like a reasonable suggestion. I'll talk it over with my client.

[Bob Mason]

Three grand. Three thousand bucks. Is that all you could get out of a margin?

[Archie Moran]

Yes, Bob. Yes. He says that includes the divorce expenses.

[Bob Mason]

Why do you owe. Cheapskate.

[Archie Moran]

Well, you better take it, Bob. I got his check. I'll cash it and we'll split it. 1500 for you, 1500 for me.

[Bob Mason]

Where do you come in for half?

[Archie Moran]

Look, I could get into a bad jam going up there and posing as a lawyer. I took a big chance.

[Bob Mason]

Maybe I should have got a real lawyer.

[Archie Moran]

No lawyer could do for you what I'm gonna do. If you sit tight and follow what I tell you, you're not going to renew and you're not gonna get any divorce. You're gonna lay low for six weeks. And if things happen as I think they will, brother, we're both gonna be.

[Jean Albertson]

Yes?

[Bob Mason]

I just thought I'd phone you and let you know I'm leaving for Reno tonight. I'll be back in six weeks with a decree. Charlie, I'm buying the drinks for the house. I'm celebrating.

[Archie Moran]

Oh, yeah.

[Bob Mason]

Juan.

[Archie Moran]

Hey, Fire.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

What are you doing in here?

[Bob Mason]

Oh, now watch. You love it.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Fool.

[Archie Moran]

You're supposed to be in Reno. Come on, I'm taking you out of here. Proceeding started. We'll keep you informed. Signed, Bob.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Yeah.

[Archie Moran]

There's the first telegram we'll send her, Bob.

[Bob Mason]

But how are you going to send it from Reno?

[Archie Moran]

I got a friend of mine working out there.

[Jean Albertson]

Yes, I'm back from Reno.

[Bob Mason]

Jean, I suppose you'll be glad to hear I've got the divorce.

[Jean Albertson]

Thank you, Bob. It was nice of you to phone me. What are your plans?

[Bob Mason]

Oh, I've got my plans. Don't worry about me. Goodbye.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Who was it, Jean?

[Jean Albertson]

Bob called me. He's back from Reno. He got the divorce. I'm free.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

I'm glad to hear it, my dear. Now, I feel free to speak to you. Yes, I've grown very fond of Eugene. I know I'm much older than you, but I hope you've grown to like me a little.

[Jean Albertson]

I like you a lot, Mr. Albertson.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

I'd like to feel that we could be together always. Do you think you care enough for me to be my wife?

[Archie Moran]

Hey, Pop.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Huh?

[Archie Moran]

Pop, you see the paper?

[Narrator]

What?

[Archie Moran]

Look, there it is. They were married, all right. I told you they'd do it.

[Bob Mason]

They didn't waste any time.

[Archie Moran]

Oh. Hey, where's that phony divorce decree you took up to show her?

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Oh, I got it.

[Archie Moran]

Well, let me have it.

[Bob Mason]

Oh, I'm gonna tear it up right here and now. Fling the pieces out the window. Oh, Bo.

[Inspector Jackson]

We sitting pretty?

[Narrator]

Before continuing with the Philip Morris crime, doctor, you all remember the old saying which goes, for want of a nail, a shoe was lost. For want of a shoe, a horse was lost. Such a small difference. But because of it, an important battle in some old time war was lost all for the want of a horseshoe nail. Yes, differences sometimes bring tremendous results. For example, in cigarettes, there is weighty scientific proof that Philip Morris cigarettes are vastly different. I refer to the findings of distinguished doctors in repeated clinical tests. Findings which show that when smokers change to Philip Morris substantially every case of irritation of the nose and throat due to smoking either cleared up completely or definitely improved. These findings were reported in a leading medical journal for the information of doctors. Now, it's true you enjoy Philip Morris for the grand flavor and aroma of the world finest tobaccos. But extra protection is an added enjoyment in this cigarette proved less irritating. Safer for the nose and throat. No curative power is ever claimed for Philip Morris. But an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Yes, differences change results. Philip Morris superiority is recognized by eminent medical authorities. No other cigarette can make that statement. We now continue with the Philip Morris Crime, Doctor.

[Jean Albertson]

Come in. There's a man to see you, Mrs. Albertson. Who is it, Mary? Mr. Moran. Mr. Moran.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Don't you remember, dear? He's the lawyer who arranged the Reno matter with Bob.

[Jean Albertson]

Oh, yes, yes. Ask him to come in. Yes, ma'. Am. Will you go in, please?

[Narrator]

Thank you.

[Archie Moran]

Oh. Oh, excuse me, Mrs. Albertson. Could. Could I see you alone, please? I have a little matter to discuss.

[Jean Albertson]

Well, I'm sure there's nothing we have to discuss. My husband can't hear well, it's going.

[Archie Moran]

To be rather embarrassing to speak before him.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

I'm sure, Mr. Moran, that my wife has no secrets from me.

[Archie Moran]

Very well. The matter I came about concerns Mrs. Albertson's marriage to you, sir.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Yes, what about it?

[Archie Moran]

Well, I. I learned a very astonishing thing this morning. Your marriage is illegal.

[Jean Albertson]

What? How do you mean?

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Bob came to see Me?

[Archie Moran]

The other day he said he was broke, needed some money, sort of. Incidentally, he mentioned that he'd never been to Reno and never obtained a divorce.

[Jean Albertson]

Why, that's impossible. I have telegrams he sent me from Reno.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Yes, he said that he had some.

[Archie Moran]

Friend of his working out there to send you the telegrams. I couldn't believe he was speaking the truth, so I wired the clerk of the court out there for a copy of the divorce record. I got his answer this morning. Here it is.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

May I see it?

[Archie Moran]

Oh, certainly, Mr. Hobson.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Hmm? No record of Mason versus in the court files.

[Archie Moran]

I thought it was my duty to bring the facts to your knowledge, Mrs. Albertson.

[Jean Albertson]

I can't understand Bob doing a thing like that.

[Archie Moran]

No, I couldn't understand it either at first, but I see his purpose now. Over the telephone this morning, he used the word bigamy.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Bigamy? He must be out of his mind. He showed Gene the divorce decree.

[Jean Albertson]

I had him come here on purpose to show it to me.

[Archie Moran]

Well, if he ever showed you such a decree, Mrs. Albertson, I'm sure it was not genuine.

[Jean Albertson]

But.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

But this is shocking, Mr. Moran.

[Jean Albertson]

What can we do about it?

[Archie Moran]

Sorry, I can't advise you. I can only tell you that I've had great difficulty in preventing Bob from complaining to the authorities.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

You mean that he is contemplating making a charge of bigamy against my wife?

[Archie Moran]

He feels his wife wronged him and he's desperate for money, Mr. Albertson.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Oh, that's it. Hmm. He sent you up here to arrange another settlement?

[Archie Moran]

I'm simply acting in the capacity of a friend. Whose friend I am sorry for, Mrs. Albertson.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

I can't understand Bob needing money this soon.

[Archie Moran]

$3,000 doesn't last long these days.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Well, did he tell you what he did with the additional 47,000 that I paid him? What? I thought you knew. The day he got his divorce, I paid him the additional money to round out the 50,000 I said I'd let him have.

[Archie Moran]

Oh, when did you make that deal with him?

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Why, I spoke to him before he presumably left to Reno. I made him the offer to make it worth his while to expedite the divorce. Certainly. All news to me.

[Archie Moran]

I'm going to see Bob right away. Goodbye.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Goodbye, Mr. Moran.

[Jean Albertson]

Dear, I didn't know you paid Bob all that money.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Neither did I.

[Jean Albertson]

But you told Mr. Moran.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Yes, I know, dear. It's very obvious. He and Bob are working in cahoots.

[Bob Mason]

Well.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

When they get through fighting over the money Bob didn't get, I think we'll have all the facts in back of their duplicity.

[Bob Mason]

Now, look, put away that gun, Arch. Put that gun away. I tell you, the guy's a liar. I never got no 47 grand for you.

[Archie Moran]

You're gonna pay me my half share or not?

[Bob Mason]

How many times must I tell you? All I got was the dough you brought.

[Archie Moran]

How many times must I tell you you're a liar?

[Bob Mason]

Why would I double cross?

[Archie Moran]

Hey, jip me out of my share. Now, for the last time, are you gonna pay me or not?

[Bob Mason]

Now, look, yes or no? I'm trying to tell you.

[Inspector Jackson]

Yes or no?

[Bob Mason]

I can't pay you what I.

[Archie Moran]

I'm giving it to you straight, Inspector. I shot him in self defense. Man's got a right to shoot in self defense.

[Inspector Jackson]

Yes, that's right.

[Narrator]

He has.

[Inspector Jackson]

Moran, if his life is in danger.

[Archie Moran]

My life is in danger.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

All right.

[Archie Moran]

You think yours was too? Inspector, if a man stood four feet away from you pointing a gun at.

[Inspector Jackson]

You, I'd like to ask you. Moran.

[Archie Moran]

Yes, Dr. Ordway.

[Inspector Jackson]

Just where were you standing and where was your friend Bob at the time of the shooting?

[Archie Moran]

I was standing right over there near the wall. Bob was about in the middle of the room.

[Inspector Jackson]

How did he come to be pointing a gun at you?

[Archie Moran]

He had a quarrel over money. He got angry and suddenly pulled a gun and fired. The bullet passed over my shoulder and lodged in the wall. Before he could fire a second shot, I had my gun out and let him have it. He fell to the floor. I ran out to call a policeman, but there were people in the hall and they followed me down the street till I found a cop. And that. That's the truth, Mr. Crime Doctor, whether you believe me or not.

[Inspector Jackson]

Oh, Jackson.

[Charlie]

Yes, Inspector.

[Inspector Jackson]

Jackson, when you got here, what did you find?

[Charlie]

The dead man was lying in the middle of the room. According to the medical examiner, a.32 caliber bullet had shattered his spine and lodged in his lung. A.38 caliber pistol was lying near his hand. And a second pistol,32 caliber, was on the floor near the wall. One shot had been fired from each of the guns.

[Inspector Jackson]

Jackson, what was the caliber of the bullet in the wall?

[Charlie]

Well, that was a.38.

[Inspector Jackson]

And how far from the dead man's hand would you say the.38 caliber pistol was lying?

[Charlie]

Oh, I should say about an inch from the right hand.

[Inspector Jackson]

How far from the wall was the.32 caliber pistol lying? Oh, the.

[Charlie]

The butt of the pistol was touching the wall.

[Inspector Jackson]

Touching the. In what direction was the barrel pointing?

[Charlie]

Pointing towards a dead man.

[Inspector Jackson]

Let's see, Jackson, did you question Any of the people who heard the shots?

[Charlie]

Oh, yes, sir. They all say they heard two shots. Some say there was a difference of five seconds between the two shots and others say the second shot came fully 10 or 15 seconds after the first.

[Inspector Jackson]

Oh, indeed. Well, what do you say about that, Moran?

[Archie Moran]

I fired right after Bob fired at me. I didn't count the seconds.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

No.

[Inspector Jackson]

Moran.

[Archie Moran]

Yes, Dr. Ordway?

[Inspector Jackson]

You told the inspector that you and the dead man quarreled over money.

[Archie Moran]

That's right. I accused Bob of holding onto me in a deal we were in. He denied it and I called him a liar.

[Inspector Jackson]

That's what started the fight. What sort of a deal was it?

[Archie Moran]

I acted for him in negotiating a settlement for his domestic affairs. He and his wife agreed to get a divorce so she could marry the man she she was working for. Bob didn't have any money and I arranged for the settlement with Mr. Albertson. That's the wife's employer.

[Inspector Jackson]

How much did Mr. Albertson pay?

[Archie Moran]

$50,000. Bob and I agreed we were to split the money.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

50. 50?

[Archie Moran]

He claimed he only got $3,000.

[Inspector Jackson]

Is that why you killed him?

[Archie Moran]

I told you why I killed him in self defense.

[Inspector Jackson]

Nevertheless, Morad, and the fact that remains that your life never was in danger.

[Archie Moran]

There's the bullet hole right there in the wall to prove he fired at me.

[Inspector Jackson]

No, Moran, that shot was never fired at you. You wanted it to appear that way as confirmation of the story you thought up. But unfortunately for you, you overlooked one little detail that proves conclusively your shooting of Bob was an act of cold blooded murder. Ladies and gentlemen, in exactly 59 seconds, Dr. Ordway, the Philip Morris crime doctor will be back to tell you the little detail overlooked by the suspect. In the meantime, maybe it happened yesterday or today. You asked for Philip Morris and your dealer hasn't any. He can't help it. Neither can we, because we're providing all the Philip Morris humanly possible. But perhaps tomorrow your dealer will have Philip Morris. But they is coming when once again, when you call for Philip Morris, you will get Philip Morris. And once again you smoke and enjoy the cigarette that gives extra pleasure plus extra protection. Remember too, that package of Philip Morris you failed to get today has gone to some fighting American overseas. It's a contribution you are making to the comfort of some man or woman in our armed forces. So always remember Johnny's call for Philip Morris made by Americans for Americans to suit American taste. Philip Morris, America's finest popular price cigarette. We now return you to Dr. Ordway. The Philip Morris crime, doctor. Well, now, Dr. Ordway, you mentioned a little detail that was overlooked by this suspect, Archie Moran. Yes, Inspector. He made a fatal mistake in telling how the murdered man was killed. The facts contradict the story told by this suspect.

[Archie Moran]

The facts are just as I told them, Dr. Rodway.

[Inspector Jackson]

In order to fire at you, Bob would have had to stand facelessly.

[Archie Moran]

Well, who said he wasn't facing me?

[Inspector Jackson]

He couldn't have been, Moran, because the bullets that killed him shattered his spine and lodged in his lungs. That means the bullet entered his back. After you killed him, you heard people in the hallway. So you got Bob's gun and fired a shot into the wall.

[Archie Moran]

I don't care what you say, Dr. Moran.

[Narrator]

Hold it, will you?

[Jean Albertson]

I want to go right in. I'm Mrs. Albertson.

[Inspector Jackson]

Oh, oh, yes, yes. Come right in, Mrs. Albertson. I. I had one of my men telephone to you.

[Jean Albertson]

Yes, he asked me to come down here, Inspector. He said Bob had been killed.

[Inspector Jackson]

Yes, that's true. Mrs. Albertson. Do you know this man?

[Jean Albertson]

Yes, he's Mr. Moran. He came to our house today and said a divorce which Bob obtained was fraudulent. He hinted Bob needed money.

[Archie Moran]

Yes, and you bear me out, Mrs. Albertson. Your husband told me he had paid Bob $47,000 besides the three grand he.

[Dr. Eugene Albertson]

Gave me for Bob.

[Inspector Jackson]

Well, $50,000 was a large settlement to make.

[Jean Albertson]

Oh, my husband didn't pay the other 47,000.

[Narrator]

What's that?

[Jean Albertson]

He only told Mr. Moran he had.

[Inspector Jackson]

Well, why did he tell him that?

[Jean Albertson]

Thought if he could get two thieves quarreling among themselves, the truth might come out.

[Archie Moran]

Hey, wait a minute. You mean Bob never got the 47,000?

[Jean Albertson]

No, he didn't. Why, that old liar. I oughta.

[Inspector Jackson]

Hold it, Moran. Hold it. It's my duty to warn you. Anything you say may be used against you because pending further investigation, I'm holding you on suspicion of murder.

[Jean Albertson]

This is Johnny again, returning now to the thousands of store windows and counters all over America. Look for me. I'll be waiting for you. Come in and.

[Inspector Jackson]

Goodbye, Johnny. We'll be seeing you in the windows and on the counters during the week and hearing you over this same station next Sunday at this same time. Be sure to tune in next week this week for another of Max Martian's thrilling crime dusted dramas brought to you by Philip Morris. All names and characters used on this program are fictitious and any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental. Here's some good news for all smokers. It's about that grand pipe mixture revelation. The pipe tobacco you can inhale. Thousands who never smoked pipes before are turning to revelation and find they can inhale it just like cigarettes. Ask for revelation. Only 15 cents. Join us again next week at this time for the Philip Morris crime.

[Jean Albertson]

Dr.

[Inspector Jackson]

Listen also on Friday night when Johnny presents, it Pays to the Ignorant. Brought to you over these same states. When you buy a poppy, your money goes toward helping men disabled in this war in the last and their families. Buy a population tomorrow and wear it as a glowing tribute to the men who sacrificed so much for you. This is Ken Roberts saying goodnight for Philip Morris. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System. These programs have come to you from radio yesteryear.