Ellery Queen 1939-07-16 The Impossible Crime

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - Ellery Queen 1939-07-16 The Impossible Crime

Episode Information:

• Title: Ellery Queen 1939-07-16 The Impossible Crime
• Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Release Date: June 27, 2025
• Description: This episode transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, featuring the celebrated gentleman detective Ellery Queen as he unravels a seemingly impossible crime. Set in 1939, this thrilling narrative blends mystery, deception, and the art of magic.

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Introduction

The episode opens with a vibrant promotion by Ernest Chappell, introducing the Adventure of Ellery Queen presented by Bromo Seltzer. Chappell sets the stage for an interactive mystery, inviting listeners to engage as "armchair detectives."

Notable Quote:

"[00:02] Ernest Chappell: Promo Seltzer presents the Adventures of Ellery Queen..."

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Setting the Scene

Ellery Queen welcomes the audience, hinting at the complexity of the evening's mystery—a vanishing magician named Avanti. Queen describes the impending challenge, emphasizing that even he found the case particularly perplexing.

Notable Quote:

"[00:51] Ellery Queen: Tonight's case will really test your mettle as an armchair detective..."

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Characters and Conflict

The central characters introduced include:

• Mamie Dover and Hal Dover: A married couple struggling with financial difficulties and marital strains after 20 years of marriage.
• Filbert Forsythe (Inspector Queen): Hal's associate, who reminisces about past vaudeville successes, adding tension to the Dover household.
• Avanti: The enigmatic magician challenging Emmett Steel to an impossible disappearance.

Key Interactions:

• Mamie and Hal Dover express their frustrations and fears about losing their house due to a looming foreclosure.
• Inspector Queen's Nostalgia: Highlights the couple’s past and the deteriorating state of their careers.

Notable Quotes:

"[02:12] Mamie Dover: Maybe Vaudeville's coming back, Forsyth, but Hal and me won't come back with it..."

"[04:42] Inspector Queen: Vinnie, stay on guard at this front door while we go in..."

---

The Challenge

Avanti steps forward with a bold proposition: he will perform an illusion to disappear into thin air without the use of mirrors or apparatus. If Emmett Steel fails to deduce his method within 24 hours, Avanti will claim $25,000.

Notable Quote:

"[09:12] Inspector Queen: Huh, Vante. I'll hold you to that."

"[10:38] Inspector Queen: You sure are making it impossible for yourself, Evander."

---

Investigation Begins

Ellery Queen, alongside his son Inspector Queen and guest Armchair Detectives Ms. Sonia Bigman and Edward Pauley, delve into the mechanics of Avanti's illusion. They meticulously examine the Dover household, searching for hidden passages or secret mechanisms that could facilitate Avanti's disappearance.

Notable Quote:

"[16:04] Ellery Queen: Simple as ABC, Mr. Steele."

"[16:17] Nicky Steele: Oh, here's Sergeant Beeley."

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Solving the Mystery

As hours pass without Avanti's disappearance, the team grows increasingly suspicious. Ellery Queen discerns that Avanti exploited the police's vigilance and uniform similarities to vanish unnoticed. By disguising himself in a police uniform and blending in with the surrounding officers, Avanti seamlessly escaped, leaving no trace of his trickery.

Key Insights:

• Psychological Manipulation: Avanti used the length of time (two hours) to wear down the police's alertness.
• Uniform Camouflage: The identical police uniforms created confusion, allowing Avanti to move unnoticed.
• Exploiting Environment: Conducted the illusion at night, reducing visibility and increasing the chances of blending in.

Notable Quotes:

"[24:06] Ellery Queen: ...Mr. Avante got away by the roof disguised in a police uniform."

"[25:07] Inspector Queen: Oh, sure. What a fool."

"[26:20] Nicky Steele: But where did Mr. Evanta get the police in his uniform?"

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Armchair Detectives’ Analysis

Guest Armchair Detectives, Ms. Sonia Bigman and Edward Pauley, offer their hypotheses:

• Ms. Sonia Bigman: Suggests that Avanti utilized multiple personas, possibly disguising himself as different policemen to navigate unnoticed through the house's identical exteriors.

  Notable Quote:

  "[21:17] Nicky Steele: ...he probably got himself dressed up as a policeman and walked in and out all over the place without being seen."

• Edward Pauley (Inspector Queen): Highlights the psychological aspect and timing, asserting that Avanti needed a precise moment to execute his escape amidst the officers' routine patrols.

  Notable Quote:

  "[22:37] Ellery Queen: ...the police uniform is a great leveler of personality."

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Resolution

Ellery Queen unveils Avanti's method, revealing that the magician exploited the police's uniformed anonymity and the structure of the Dover house. By disguising himself and timing his movements perfectly, Avanti escaped without detection, fulfilling his promise of vanishing into thin air.

Notable Quote:

"[27:11] Ellery Queen: ...Mr. Avanti got away by the roof disguised in a police uniform."

"[27:37] Avanti: ...I am so happy it wasn't you I challenged to solve my illusion..."

---

Conclusion and Rewards

The mystery is resolved just in time, with Avanti’s illusion exposed. Emmett Steel honors the bet, rewarding Avanti with the promised $25,000, albeit humorously expressing his bewilderment at being outsmarted.

Notable Quote:

"[23:52] Inspector Queen: Steele, I still can't believe you did it."

"[24:06] Nicky Steele: And I hope we'll not be seeing you."

---

Guest Segment and Future Mysteries

The episode transitions to the Armchair Detectives segment, where Ms. Sonia Bigman and Edward Pauley discuss their approaches to solving the case. They analyze clues and share insights, enriching the listener’s engagement with the mystery.

Notable Quote:

"[21:11] Ellery Queen: Ms. Vigman, how do you think the Great Avante disappears?"

"[22:52] Ernest Chappell: This is cover, Mandy..."

Ellery Queen teases the next episode’s mystery involving a $5,000 offer to recover a stolen $3, further enticing listeners to stay tuned.

Notable Quote:

"[28:44] Ellery Queen: ...next Saturday for the adventure of the Three Dollar Robbery."

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Closing Remarks and Advertisements

The episode concludes with standard promotional segments, including endorsements for Bromo Seltzer and upcoming radio shows like "Fox Pop." These segments are artfully integrated into the narrative, maintaining the period's authentic radio feel.

Notable Quote:

"[28:09] Ernest Chappell: ...Bromo Seltzer fights headache not one, but three ways."

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Final Thoughts

Ellery Queen 1939-07-16 The Impossible Crime masterfully weaves a complex mystery that challenges both its characters and the listening audience. Through clever dialogue, intricate plotting, and engaging guest participation, the episode exemplifies the allure of Golden Age radio dramas. The resolution underscores the ingenuity of detection, celebrating the timeless appeal of solving the "impossible crime."

Listeners new to this episode will find themselves immersed in a bygone era's intrigue, experiencing firsthand the charm and suspense that made Ellery Queen a legendary figure in mystery storytelling.

Transcript

[Ernest Chappell]

Promo Seltzer presents the Adventures of Ellery Queen. Tonight, the makers of Bromo Seltzer bring you another thrilling adventure with Ellery Queen, the celebrated gentleman detective in person. Ellery Queen invites you to match wits with him as he relates another story of a crime he alone unravels. Before revealing the solution, he stops the play gives you a chance to solve the mystery. Our guest armchair detectives for this evening are Ms. Sonia Bigman, contributing editor of Time magazine, and Edward Pauley, who plays Steve Wilson on the famous radio program Big Town. And now, Ellery Queen, master detective, and your host for the next half hour.

[Ellery Queen]

Thank you, Ernest Chappell, and good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight's case will really test your mettle as an armchair detective, because I can assure you, it had us thinking hard. It's about a man who could disappear almost at will. I call it the adventure of a vanishing magician. Mamie.

[Inspector Queen]

Mamie Dover. What's the matter?

[Mamie Dover]

There you are, Mr. Forsyth. Oh, dear. My dinner will be ruined if that husband of mine doesn't get home soon. You think after 20 years of married life, a man would get to know his spareribs get dry?

[Ellery Queen]

You were crying, Mamie, and it wasn't.

[Inspector Queen]

About Hal or the spareribs.

[Mamie Dover]

Now, you go back in the parlor, Forsythe, and read your Variety and Billboard while I see if I can't save my dinner.

[Inspector Queen]

You were crying about the house, weren't you, Mamie? Yes, well, we haven't lost the old track yet, Mamie. Now stop crying. Think of the good old days.

[Mamie Dover]

Of the good old days? What for? We'll never see him again.

[Inspector Queen]

Oh, don't you believe it. Vaudeville's coming back. Yes, sir. Before you know it, you'll be right back in the old five a day again. Hal and Mamie Dover, songs and patter.

[Mamie Dover]

Maybe Vaudeville's coming back, Forsyth, but Hal and me won't come back with it, nor you, nor Avante. The great avante magician supreme, Filbert Forsythe, Quick Change artist. Oh, it's old stuff. Passe. They'd laugh us off.

[Inspector Queen]

Yeah, well, I'm as good as I ever was. I've kept in practice, Mame. I haven't let the hinges on my theatrical trunk upstairs get rusty.

[Hal Dover]

No, sir.

[Inspector Queen]

Remember that Quick Change act I had? Riley of the New York finest, where I played all seven parts? Why, it laid him in the aisle.

[Mamie Dover]

It was corny, Forsyth, Hal and me were corny. Avanti. And his magic was corny. We're through and you know it.

[Ernest Chappell]

Through?

[Ellery Queen]

Am I through?

[Inspector Queen]

I'll show you all and especially that sarcastic booker who threw me out of his office yesterday.

[Mamie Dover]

What's the use? You knew we were through when you or Vandy, Hal and me pulled our savings 13 years ago to buy this house.

[Ellery Queen]

Yeah, you're right, Mame.

[Inspector Queen]

We thought we'd have at least a roof over our heads.

[Mamie Dover]

Now there's the front door.

[Inspector Queen]

Hal. Me Mame?

[Mamie Dover]

Hal, I thought you'd never get home.

[Ernest Chappell]

Home?

[Inspector Queen]

Oh, evening foresight, Hal.

[Ellery Queen]

Did you see that pagan at the bank?

[Hal Dover]

I saw him.

[Mamie Dover]

What do you say, Hal?

[Inspector Queen]

He busted a gut laughing.

[Nicky Steele]

Oh hell.

[Inspector Queen]

Shall we lose the house, is that it?

[Hal Dover]

Next week. Unless the US Marines save us in.

[Inspector Queen]

The nick of time.

[Mamie Dover]

But Hal, what'll we all do? Where'll we go?

[Inspector Queen]

Search me Mame, stop crying over.

[Ellery Queen]

I told you we did wrong when.

[Inspector Queen]

We mortgaged that house five years ago.

[Hal Dover]

And what were we supposed to eat, Forsyth? Your 1929 Billboard clippings? Al Dover, I'll have you know.

[Mamie Dover]

Well now, next week is next week. Right now we have a dinner to eat. Though heaven knows, Hal Dover, you've done your darndest to spoil it. Now sit down, both of you.

[Inspector Queen]

I ain't hungry, ma' am.

[Mamie Dover]

You're gonna eat, mister, and we're not gonna wait for the great Avante. I'll have the ribs out in the jiffy if they ain't dry as dust.

[Hal Dover]

I guess I'm jumpy for a second.

[Ellery Queen]

Yeah, it's my fault, Hal.

[Inspector Queen]

It's losing the house and all the.

[Ellery Queen]

Money we put into it.

[Inspector Queen]

Going back to a furnished room if any.

[Avanti]

Hello Manny. Al Forsyth. Where are you my friends?

[Hal Dover]

In the dining room.

[Inspector Queen]

Avanti.

[Avanti]

Ah, I am late you know. Hmm, they're long, long faces. No luck today, ehal?

[Hal Dover]

Sit down and eat your soup.

[Inspector Queen]

Avanti.

[Mamie Dover]

Avanti. Oh, it's about time. Now, now, hurry with your suit.

[Avanti]

Attention. The Great Avanti is about to give a performance.

[Inspector Queen]

Ah, what's he sacay about? Cut the clownin. Avanti.

[Hal Dover]

I ain't in the mood.

[Ellery Queen]

No?

[Avanti]

Then I shall put you in the mood. Now ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention please. Observe. There is nothing up my sleeve.

[Hal Dover]

Cut it out, I said.

[Inspector Queen]

Hell's on it, Vani.

[Ellery Queen]

Who wouldn't be losing the house?

[Avanti]

And who says we are losing the house, huh?

[Hal Dover]

The bank that's holding the mortgage, you punchy dope.

[Avanti]

Avanti says if it's not so.

[Inspector Queen]

What?

[Avanti]

Ah, your faces light up, eh? My friends, I have it all fixed.

[Mamie Dover]

Vandy. We won't lose our house.

[Avanti]

No, Mamie. And what is more, we shall have enough Dough to last us a long, long time.

[Inspector Queen]

You're crazy with the cold. That's something crooked.

[Avanti]

No, it is not something crooked for sight, but Avanti.

[Ellery Queen]

You ain't serious. How can you save the house?

[Avanti]

Follow my instructions and have faith.

[Mamie Dover]

What do we have to do, Evander?

[Avanti]

Merely when the proper time comes to get out of the house for one evening. Leaving it unoccupied.

[Inspector Queen]

That is all.

[Hal Dover]

What are you gonna do, burn it down?

[Inspector Queen]

Even that wouldn't do any good. Our fire insurance laps.

[Mamie Dover]

Now, you two stop. Avanti.

[Inspector Queen]

Yes.

[Mamie Dover]

You want us to leave the house for one evening, and that'll save it?

[Avanti]

Yes, Mimi.

[Inspector Queen]

I suppose you'll do it by magic.

[Hal Dover]

Avanti.

[Avanti]

Yes, Mr. Dover, by magic.

[Ellery Queen]

And there, ladies and gentlemen, you have the beginning of our mystery. We'll be back in just a moment to tell you more. But first, Ernest Chappell.

[Ernest Chappell]

I heard tell the other day about a lady who paid her first visit to New York just recently. That was plenty exciting for her, all right. Even though the bright lights aren't quite as bright as usual. There was plenty to see and do plenty.

[Nicky Steele]

I'll say so. I never saw so many people or places at one time in my life. And the crowd.

[Ernest Chappell]

Yes, indeed, the crowd. Well, after a few days of Helter Skelter running around, the lady woke up in her hotel room one morning feeling like this.

[Nicky Steele]

Oh, my head.

[Ernest Chappell]

Yes, a common sick headache. Not unusual when you're on the move more than you're used to being. But was she going to let that stand in the way of seeing all there was left to see in New York?

[Nicky Steele]

Not on your life. I had headaches in my own hometown, too. And if Bromo Seltzer could make me feel so much better back home, I guess it would work just as well in New York.

[Ernest Chappell]

So she up and went down to the drugstore, had the clerk mixture of Bromo Seltzer at the fountain and.

[Nicky Steele]

And pretty soon I felt like my old self again. So I went on to see Grant's tomb and the Statue of Liberty, just as I'd planned.

[Ernest Chappell]

Good for you. And good for Bromo Seltzer. You'll find it's handy to have around friends. So get a big blue bottle of Bromo Seltzer tomorrow. And now back to our story. It's two mornings later the scene. Inspector Queen's office at police headquarters.

[Hal Dover]

There's the maestro on Miss Porter.

[Inspector Queen]

Inspector. Night feeding. Come in, you two.

[Ellery Queen]

A very called a headquarters, dad. Means a case.

[Nicky Steele]

Is it a case, Inspector?

[Inspector Queen]

It's a case, Nicky. But best if I know what kind of. Henry. Shake hands with Mr. Evander. Mr. Steele, my son, Henry. Secretary. Ms. Porter, this really isn't a matter for the police, son.

[Hal Dover]

The inspector and me. Sono is a lot more in your line, Maestro. Screwball.

[Avanti]

Stop.

[Ellery Queen]

Sounds interesting. Paget.

[Inspector Queen]

First I'd better explain, son that Mr. Steele here is a very wealthy businessman with a peculiar hobby.

[Nicky Steele]

I thought I recognized you, Mr. Steele. I read an article about you in a magazine recently. With your photograph.

[Inspector Queen]

That's me, Ms. Porter.

[Nicky Steele]

Your hobby's collecting magic tricks, isn't it?

[Inspector Queen]

Yes, indeedy. I'm an amateur expert in magic. Know more about magic than these fellows know themselves. Hey you Vandy.

[Avanti]

Mr. Steel. You are the boogeyman of my unfortunate profession.

[Hal Dover]

Mr. Steel's a shore upper maestro. These guys make up magic tricks. He figures them out.

[Ellery Queen]

I see.

[Inspector Queen]

For years Mr. Steel's had a standing offer of $25,000 to any professional magician who can show him a magic trick he can't solve in 24 hours. Wonderful.

[Ellery Queen]

You're sort of magic Detective Emmett Steel.

[Inspector Queen]

Yes, sir. The best of them have tried to collect that $25,000. No one's collected it yet.

[Nicky Steele]

Mr. Steele's seen through every magic illusion ever invented.

[Avanti]

Ellery, Mr. Steele will not see through mine.

[Inspector Queen]

You see, avanti's taken up Mr. Steele's challenge.

[Hal Dover]

He claims he can pull a trick that'll fool even Mr. Steele.

[Nicky Steele]

Oh, swell. What's your illusion, Mr. Avante?

[Avanti]

I shall disappear in thin air.

[Ellery Queen]

Oh, but that's not new, Mr. Avante. Houdini made an elephant disappear in full view of a theater audience.

[Inspector Queen]

I saw the old master do it myself. All disappearance illusions are done with mirrors and apparatus. You won't fool me with one of those moth eaten tricks of Auntie.

[Avanti]

But Mr. Steele, I do not use mirrors or apparatus.

[Inspector Queen]

Huh, Vante. I'll hold you to that.

[Ellery Queen]

No apparatus, Mr. Avanti. Wow. But may I ask why you've come to the police?

[Hal Dover]

It's gonna be a case for the Missing Persons Bureau, ain't it?

[Avanti]

I wish Mr. Steele to be completely satisfied about the conditions under which my illusion takes place.

[Inspector Queen]

You see, Hillary Evante and some old time vaudeville friends of his jointly own a two story brownstone in Chelsea that's in danger of foreclosure.

[Hal Dover]

It's one of them old babies, Maestro. And a solid block of attached houses.

[Ellery Queen]

All alike. All alike.

[Nicky Steele]

And Mr. Avanti wants to win Mr. Steele's money to save the house. Well, I'm sorry Mr. Steele, but from now on I'm on Mr. Avanti's side.

[Inspector Queen]

The more the merrier, Ms. Porter. Disappear into thin air without mirrors or apparatus.

[Ellery Queen]

Mr. Avanti. Just how do you intend using the house in this magic illusion of yours?

[Avanti]

Ah, first, Mr. Queen, I wish the house to be examined from basement to roof, inside and out. To satisfy Mr. Steele that there are no sliding panels, hidden passages, tunnels or secret hiding places anywhere in time.

[Hal Dover]

There goes my solution.

[Avanti]

Secondly, Inspector Queen may station police as guards at each exit from the house to see that I do not escape. As many men as you please, Inspector. On the roof, in the basement, the backyard, at the doors and windows. In fact, I shall be insulted if you do not put a veritable human cordon around the house.

[Inspector Queen]

You sure are making it impossible for yourself, Evander.

[Avanti]

Ah, that is the essence of the illusion. Finally, I shall enter alone, in full view of all of you. And you will not find me in the house. When you look, I shall have vanished. And then, Mr. Steele, you have 24 hours to solve the problem of my disappearance or pay me $25,000.

[Inspector Queen]

You're crazy of auntie, but by George, you're on. When will you be ready?

[Avanti]

Tonight.

[Inspector Queen]

Well, you gentlemen will have to count me out. I can't touch it. No crime involved, Inspector.

[Avanti]

Please make an exception.

[Ellery Queen]

Except. Excuse us a moment, gentlemen.

[Inspector Queen]

Yes, dad?

[Ellery Queen]

Cooperate with Avante.

[Inspector Queen]

But I have no authority.

[Avanti]

Son, a thing like this you can.

[Nicky Steele]

Find the authority, Inspector. It means so much to Mr. Evan.

[Hal Dover]

My other guy's a nutter of publicity, huh?

[Nicky Steele]

He's neither. He's doing it for that little group of X5 a day. Or sergeant. They need that $25,000 to save their house.

[Inspector Queen]

That's all very true.

[Ellery Queen]

Be a sport, dad. Play along with Avanti. It's a favor to me.

[Hal Dover]

What'll the big Chink say? And he talks three languages.

[Inspector Queen]

Actor.

[Nicky Steele]

Please.

[Inspector Queen]

Well, blast it. All right.

[Ellery Queen]

Thanks, D. Mr. Avante. Mr. Steel.

[Inspector Queen]

Okay. I ought to have my head examined, but okay, gentlemen. Oh, good. Fine. V. Get ready to disappear from that house of yours tonight at 9.

[Mamie Dover]

Do you really think a Vante's going to be able to pull this off, Hal?

[Inspector Queen]

I don't know, Mame.

[Ellery Queen]

I'm hoping.

[Inspector Queen]

That man's Steel must be as crazy as a vanty without apparatus. Impossible.

[Ellery Queen]

Why, when I headed the bill at.

[Inspector Queen]

The New York palace back in 27.

[Avanti]

Yes, yes, we know of foresight. You laid them in the aisle. Mamie. Mamie, smile. The house is as good as ours again.

[Mamie Dover]

Poor vantage.

[Avanti]

Please don't miss, Vanny.

[Inspector Queen]

Well, good luck, Vanny.

[Ellery Queen]

I'm not against you.

[Inspector Queen]

I It's just that, well, people get so darn bitter.

[Avanti]

I understand and I will not fail you.

[Inspector Queen]

Come on you people, you're not supposed to be here. Mr. And Mrs. Dover, Mr. Forsyth.

[Ellery Queen]

Now according to the agreement. You folks wait in that corner cafeteria till this is over.

[Nicky Steele]

And don't worry Mrs. Dover. I have a hunch Mr. Vanity's really going to do it.

[Mamie Dover]

Oh, I hope so Ms. Port. Come on Hal.

[Avanti]

Mr. Forsyth, Avanti will bring the bacon to the house. Now are you gentlemen all satisfied?

[Ellery Queen]

Yes, Mr. Evanti.

[Avanti]

And where is Mr. Steele?

[Inspector Queen]

Here I am. Are you ready? Avanti.

[Avanti]

If you are Mr. Steele.

[Inspector Queen]

Hold it a minute, Billy. Yes, Venture. Hurry up before the reporters get wind of this.

[Ellery Queen]

Everything set, Sergeant?

[Inspector Queen]

Yes sir.

[Avanti]

Myself, Mr. Steele. Are you satisfied that there are no secret passageways or hiding places in the house?

[Inspector Queen]

Well it's true. I asserted myself. Okay Mr. Steele. I had a department expert look the house over from top to bottom. He says there's no way out of the house except through the regular doors and windows and the roof and center.

[Ellery Queen]

I'll testify to that Mr. Steele. I look myself.

[Nicky Steele]

Is the house completely empty now Sergeant?

[Inspector Queen]

Well no.

[Hal Dover]

I met one cockroach in there. He kissed me. He was so glad to see somebody.

[Inspector Queen]

That was good for a laugh at Tony Pastas. Come on Billy. How about police detail?

[Hal Dover]

Okay Inspector. The whole place is surrounded. I've even got eight cops on the roof watching the roof door. Don't worry Inspector, he won't get out.

[Inspector Queen]

Okay Vinnie. Mr. Vandy, go to it.

[Avanti]

I shall Inspector. Now you gentlemen will please allow me exactly two hours inside the house. At the stroke of 11 enter and try to find me.

[Inspector Queen]

Vinnie has go to Vante up this stoop and see that he enters the house. Ups the daisy Magician rather.

[Hal Dover]

You're faded.

[Ellery Queen]

The best of luck Mr. Avante.

[Nicky Steele]

And I hope we'll not be seeing you.

[Inspector Queen]

You'll see you Ms. Porter.

[Ellery Queen]

Don't worry.

[Hal Dover]

In you go.

[Inspector Queen]

Avante.

[Avanti]

I'll leave it out chief.

[Inspector Queen]

Until later. Watch closely Mr. Steele. We don't want you saying afterwards. He didn't go in. I'm satisfied he went in.

[Ellery Queen]

Keep that back of yours against the front door up there Sergeant.

[Inspector Queen]

He'll have to ooze out of a.

[Hal Dover]

Crack to get by me. My snow.

[Nicky Steele]

Well now for a two hour wait. Might as well sit down here beside me on this bottom step, Mr. Deal.

[Inspector Queen]

With pleasure my dear. If Aanti gets out of this house now he is a magician.

[Nicky Steele]

I thought this would be exciting. All I've got out of it so far is A bad case of yawns.

[Inspector Queen]

Isn't the time nearly up, ellery?

[Ellery Queen]

Yes, dad. One minute to eleven.

[Inspector Queen]

Two hours. He'd need two centuries.

[Nicky Steele]

Don't laugh yet, Mr. Steele. Oh, here's Sergeant Beeley.

[Inspector Queen]

Shake a leg up this stoop. What are the men? Report you've made the rounds of the police. On guard, sergeant.

[Hal Dover]

Yeah, Mr. Steele. They all say the same thing. Vanity didn't come out.

[Ellery Queen]

How about the roof, dad?

[Inspector Queen]

Human up there. In the roof. Yes, Inspector. Everything under control up there, Officer. Van. Come out of the house. This way. Inspect your hip, boys. Hey, Inspector, we're just stunned over. We're dying from the excitement.

[Nicky Steele]

It's exactly 11 o' clock. Let's go in and see.

[Inspector Queen]

Yes, let's get it over with. Well, well. Open the door, Bailey.

[Hal Dover]

Okay.

[Inspector Queen]

Wait, Sergeant.

[Ellery Queen]

I see it now.

[Inspector Queen]

By George. The tricky devil. Simple as ABC, too. What?

[Ellery Queen]

Simple as ABC, Mr. Steele.

[Inspector Queen]

Look.

[Ellery Queen]

Queen.

[Inspector Queen]

Avanti built up the psychology of his audience, in this case, us, by making us wait out here for two whole hours. Of course he's still in there. But he's hiding in the hall somewhere. And he's waiting for us to come.

[Nicky Steele]

In so that we'll impatiently rush upstairs.

[Inspector Queen]

Exactly. Then he'll simply sneak out of the house through this front door we'll have left unguarded.

[Ellery Queen]

Of course, that may be Avante's plan, Mr. Steele, but somehow, if it is, it won't work.

[Inspector Queen]

Vinnie, stay on guard at this front door while we go in. Don't move a step from this door.

[Hal Dover]

Is that what I get after waiting two hours? Okay.

[Nicky Steele]

Ellery, for goodness sake, open that door.

[Ellery Queen]

Here we go.

[Inspector Queen]

Avanti. I don't see him hidden in the foyer down here. No place for him to hide.

[Nicky Steele]

It's. It's awfully quiet, isn't it, mister? Avanti.

[Inspector Queen]

Oh, dear.

[Nicky Steele]

Inspector, where did Ellery and Mr. Steele go? Don't tell me they disappeared too.

[Inspector Queen]

They're searching the downstairs rooms. Nicky.

[Ellery Queen]

Here I am, dad. He is not down here. Oh, Mr. Steele. Steal. Any luck?

[Inspector Queen]

No. He must be upstairs. Come down out of there. Let's go upstairs too.

[Ernest Chappell]

Right.

[Nicky Steele]

He's really disappeared. It's the most marvelous thing I ever heard of. Oh, Mr. Steele.

[Mamie Dover]

What?

[Inspector Queen]

He's not in that bedroom. A Band Aid Queen. Try that room. Right.

[Ellery Queen]

Steel. That's empty. I'll try this one. Looks like a study. Not in this one either. Dad, did you look at the stairs leading to the roof? Trap door? Yeah.

[Inspector Queen]

Dining there.

[Ellery Queen]

It rains.

[Inspector Queen]

Well, Mr. Steele, it looks as if. No, there's one door we missed this one?

[Ellery Queen]

Oh yes. That's the door to Avante's own room.

[Inspector Queen]

And this is where he is. Game's up. Avanti. We've caught you confounded. Avanti. Open this door and stop making a ridiculous fool of yourself.

[Ellery Queen]

You might try the door, Mr. Steele. It may not be locked. You know it isn't.

[Nicky Steele]

He isn't here. This is the last room.

[Inspector Queen]

But it's not possible. Wait.

[Ellery Queen]

That clothes closet.

[Inspector Queen]

He's hiding in this clothes closet.

[Nicky Steele]

It's empty.

[Inspector Queen]

I thunder. He did it. But. But he can't have.

[Ellery Queen]

Mr. Steele, you might be interested in this note I just found on the Vantage bed.

[Inspector Queen]

A note?

[Nicky Steele]

Let me see it too.

[Inspector Queen]

What did the little whiz write, sir?

[Ellery Queen]

Gentlemen, you may search this house until doomsday. But you will not find me for the simple reason that I am not here. Mr. Steele, you have 24 hours to figure out how I vanished into thin air. For failing, pay me $25,000.

[Inspector Queen]

Signed, the great of a.

[Hal Dover]

Listen, Mr. Steele. How many times do I have to tell you? Vante didn't sneak past me at the front door.

[Inspector Queen]

But he did it some way. You got out someway. This is getting monotonous.

[Ellery Queen]

You still have five minutes of your 24 hours left. Mr. Steele.

[Inspector Queen]

He didn't get out. He's still in the house.

[Nicky Steele]

Where? Mr. Steele? You practically picked the house to pieces in the past 23 hours and 55 minutes.

[Inspector Queen]

Inspector, you're sure the police are still on guard outside? They mustn't leave their post yet. You hear me? I don't know why I take this from you, Mr. Steele. But my men have enough their post since they came on duty last night. Then where is he? I can't understand it. Not a single clue. Not one.

[Ellery Queen]

I disagree, Mr. Steele.

[Inspector Queen]

You. What?

[Ellery Queen]

Queen, it's really a very simple problem.

[Hal Dover]

Don't tell me. My skull.

[Ellery Queen]

Yes, Sergeant. I know how Avant. He did it.

[Inspector Queen]

Queen. Tell me how.

[Mamie Dover]

Quick.

[Inspector Queen]

Before my time's up.

[Nicky Steele]

Della Queen, don't you dare. He's supposed to figure it out for himself.

[Ellery Queen]

You heard the voice of the people, Mr. Steele.

[Inspector Queen]

I'll give you $5,000 if you'll tell.

[Ellery Queen]

Me how a Vante performed the strict Queen tinhorn.

[Inspector Queen]

Make it 10, Mr. Queen. 10,000. You're a Chesley, Mr. Steele.

[Ellery Queen]

Sergeant, open the front door. We'll wait for a vanity on the stoop.

[Inspector Queen]

Well, I'll make it 15. Queen. Hurry.

[Ellery Queen]

Mr. Steele, I'm beginning to dislike you.

[Inspector Queen]

You want to chisel these people out of their home. When you've lost a bet, you Yourself made. It's not that. It's my reputation he's lost.

[Ellery Queen]

Oh, yes, you've lost, Mr. Steele. Our four ex vaudeville friends have won. And here comes the great Avantis strolling up the. And there, ladies and gentlemen, you have the mystery. While you try to puzzle out just how Avanti disappeared, suppose we see how our guests are making out. Nicki, will you introduce our guest Armchair Detectives for this evening, please?

[Nicky Steele]

All right, Ellery, Our first guest tonight is Ms. Sonia Bigman, contributing editor for Theater and radio on one of the nation's most important and widely read publications, Time magazine. Ms. Bigman is an avid mystery story fan, and as such, we heartily welcome her as guest Armchair Detective tonight. Our second guest is a man who, like yourself, Ellery, is tough on criminals. He's Edward Pauley, who plays the part of Steve Wilson on the famous radio program Big Town. Big Town is the inside story of the big metropolitan newspaper, the Illustrated Press. Each Tuesday evening, Steve Wilson as managing editor with the beautiful Lorelei and ace photographer Dusty Miller give radio one of its most exciting programs. EL thank you, Nikki.

[Ellery Queen]

Ms. Vigman, how do you think the Great Avante disappears?

[Nicky Steele]

Well, I can only think because I'm not guessing it at all. The only part that that I can tie up this thing is when Mr. And Mrs. Forsyth or Hal and Mamie Dover were talking about the Greater Vantage. They said he had once played all seven parts in something called Rally of the New York Finest. I think he probably got himself dressed up as a policeman and walked in and out all over the place without being seen. Well, he just joined the car or something like that. The only other thing is, the only other clue might be that all the houses look alike.

[Ellery Queen]

Thank you, Ms. Bigman. And now, Mr. Pauley, how do you think the Great Avante disappeared?

[Inspector Queen]

Well, Ellery, Managing editor isn't detective not much good without his staff. Now, if I could have Laura Lye and Dusty Miller and Fletch to help me out. I sound like an expert. I'll just have to take flyer and say that I'll string along with Ms. Bigman on her solution. Matter of fact, I actually I have some mental notes here and that direction I follow pretty closely what she did. In other words, my mind goes back to the fact that there was a quick change artist involved. And I think that like a lot of the actual function of these disappearing.

[Ellery Queen]

Tricks is that it happens before we.

[Inspector Queen]

Actually think it's our second.

[Ellery Queen]

Thank you, Mr. Farley. And Ms. Vigman, we're going to tell you the correct solution to Tonight's Mystery in a moment. But first, Ernest Chappell has a most important word to say to you.

[Ernest Chappell]

Friends, before you crumple a piece of paper to toss it into the fire, wait half a second and think about this. Waste paper is mighty valuable. America's paper mills need every scrap in order to produce enough new paper and paper board to make the containers and cartons that are so essential. Now, you'll be doing your country a real service. If, instead of burning waste paper or otherwise disposing of it, you sell it to junk dealers, donate it to charitable organizations or hold it for your local salvage committee. Consult your newspaper for dates of collection. We've got to get our mills back to full production so they can make the cartons for food, the containers for shells, the bomb fins, camouflage paper. Dozens of other vital products needed to win the war.

[Inspector Queen]

All right, this is cover, Mandy. Here's my check for 25,000. And I still can't believe you did it.

[Avanti]

My friends and I thank you, Mr.

[Inspector Queen]

Steele, but you've got to tell me.

[Ellery Queen]

How you did it.

[Inspector Queen]

I've just paid a lot of money for not knowing.

[Ellery Queen]

Yes, I think we ought to tell Mr. Steele. Hey, Mr. Vanity.

[Avanti]

You've solved my illusion, Mr. Queen.

[Nicky Steele]

Oh, he always solves everything. Mr. Vandy Galloway, please.

[Hal Dover]

I tell you, if you don't, I won't sleep tonight.

[Ellery Queen]

All right, Lily. Well, our magician went into the house two hours later. We searched it and vanished, as he claimed, in thin air. Yet the reports from the policeman on guard at every exit from the house were that Mr. Avanti had not left.

[Inspector Queen]

But he did leave everything. That's a fact.

[Ellery Queen]

Yes, sir. Consequently, when your policeman said he hadn't left, they only thought he hadn't. He had.

[Nicky Steele]

You mean Mr. Avanti got out of the house under the eyes of grown policemen without their knowing it?

[Ellery Queen]

It's the only possible explanation, Nicky.

[Nicky Steele]

But how?

[Ellery Queen]

Well, what was the situation? A house surrounded by police men in uniform. A couple of dozen of them. Take the roof. Eight uniform police on guard. Let's consider those eight policemen. Each officer, wherever he turned, saw another officer. Another blue coat. The police uniform is a great leveler of personality. And besides, Mr. Avante cleverly set the time of illusion at night, when visibility is poor. And because the roof held the largest congregation of police. I say Mr. Avanti got away by the roof disguised in a police uniform.

[Inspector Queen]

Oh, sure. What a fool.

[Ellery Queen]

What a fool. Confirmation. Yes. Mr. Vante asked for two hours when obviously a few minutes would have sufficed. Why did he ask for two Hours, because he's a student of human nature. Like all magicians, he knew that in two hours the watching police would be bored, that their vigilance would relax, that they'd start trudging around the roof to keep warm, smoking, chattering, milling about. So that Avante watching from inside the roof trap door merely had to wait for a single instant when none of the eight pairs of eyes was on the roof door, and in that instant slipped noiselessly out onto the roof in a policeman's uniform. And there he was on the roof at night. Just another officer of the law might have done the same thing. Not this guy. But he knew he'd never be able to get off the roof once he slipped out of the trap door without being spotted dressed as a policeman. However, all he had to do from that moment on was saunter quietly about among the eight real policemen, minding his own business until he saw a chance to slip onto an adjoining roof. Remember, this is an attached house. And make his escape from some house farther down the street.

[Inspector Queen]

He may just make the trick possible by insisting on a big police car.

[Nicky Steele]

But where did Mr. Evanta get the police in his uniform?

[Ellery Queen]

Elliot, There was even a clue to that. We've all been told that Mr. Forsyth, the quick change artist, lives in the house and his old theatrical trunk is in his room. And what was the sketch Forsyth used to do in the glamour days of vaudeville? He used to play all seven parts in a skit called Riley of the New York finest. So in Forsyth's trunk, there must have been a New York policeman's uniform. Mr. Avanti, I should like to shake the hand of an artist.

[Avanti]

No, no, Mr. Queen, the honor is mine. Believe me, Mr. Queen, I am so happy it wasn't you I challenged to solve my illusion of the vanishing magician.

[Ellery Queen]

And there, ladies and gentlemen, you have the solution to the mystery. I want to thank Ms. Bigman and Mr. Pauley for appearing as guest armchair detectives this evening. We want especially to compliment both of them for their skill in solving the crime. We have for both Ms. Bigman and Mr. Pauley, a personal gift from Bromo Seltzer, Also an autographed copy of my latest mystery anthology, the Female of a Species, and a subscription to Ellery Queen Mystery magazine.

[Ernest Chappell]

Hang on now, friends, because Ellery will be right back to tell you about next week's mystery. Meanwhile, you can grab a seat aboard the one and only talking train. Here we go. All aboard.

[Inspector Queen]

Fight headache three ways.

[Ernest Chappell]

Yes, that's the right track to quick, effective relief from common sick headache. Bromo Seltzer. You see, Bromo Seltzer fights headache not one, but three ways.

[Ellery Queen]

Bromo Seltzer quickly helps relieve that pain in your head.

[Ernest Chappell]

Romo Seltzer quickly helps settle upset stomach.

[Ellery Queen]

Romo Seltzer quickly helps calm jumpy nerves.

[Ernest Chappell]

Now, you can take Romo Seltzer while it's fizzing or after it settles down. Use it only as directed on the label. For frequent or persistent headaches, see your doctor. But when it comes to common sick headaches, take a tip from our educated, trained fight headache.

[Hal Dover]

Three ways.

[Inspector Queen]

Roman. Delta. Bowman.

[Ernest Chappell]

Delta.

[Inspector Queen]

Roman.

[Ellery Queen]

Delta.

[Inspector Queen]

Roman. Delta. Roman.

[Nicky Steele]

Delta.

[Ernest Chappell]

And now, Ellery, suppose you tell us about next week's case.

[Ellery Queen]

Sure, Cat. Sure, Chappie. Well, ladies and gentlemen, next week a young lady offers me $5,000 to get back the stolen sum of $3. I can't tell you more. I'd tell you too much. So I'll just caution you to get your thinking caps all shined up. Next Saturday for the adventure of the Three Dollar Robbery.

[Ernest Chappell]

And don't forget the other great promo Seltzer show, Friends, Fox Pop, the show that travels America. Next Monday, Fox pop starts its 12th year on the air. That's it, its 12th year in radio when it takes you to Halifax, Nova Scotia, for interviews with Canadian Navy U Boat fighters. Don't miss Vox Pop next Monday. Consult your local paper for the time. And station music for the Adventures of Ellery Queen is by Charles Paul.

[Ellery Queen]

This program came to you from New York.

[Ernest Chappell]

This is the National Broadcasting Company.