Epic Casebook [SA] xxxxxx xxx Consignment For Death

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Epic Casebook – "Consignment For Death"
Date: November 3, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Broadcast: Golden Age detective radio drama

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Overview: Main Theme and Purpose

This episode of Epic Casebook resurrects the tradition of classic detective radio plays with Inspector Carr investigating a particularly knotty murder: the death of Sidney "the Spender" Bramsell. Combining classic detection, dialogue-driven storytelling, and a period-authentic setting, the story guides listeners through a tangled web of character histories, misdirection, and clues. The show explores themes of public responsibility in crime-solving, personal redemption, and the dangers hidden within ordinary lives—framed by the charm and melodrama of mid-20th-century radio.

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Key Discussion Points & Case Progression

Setting the Scene: The Changing Public Attitude

• [00:43] Inspector Carr reflects on societal shifts in public cooperation with police work, emphasizing the importance of witness participation in solving crimes.
  • Quote: “The public are showing a greater sense of responsibility and cooperation in assisting the police to enforce law and order.” (00:43 – 01:20)
• Introduction to the case: Sidney “the Spender” Bramsell has been found murdered. Inspector Carr sets out to solve the "Consignment for Death" case.

Discovery of the Body and Initial Investigation

• [03:48] Jessica Moore (Housekeeper) discovers Bramsell’s body and alerts the police, displaying a mix of shock and resilience.
  • Quote: “Oh, police. Something horrid has happened. There's been a murder…He’s lying there on the carpet…” (04:34)
• Dr. McPherson examines the scene, suspects a cutthroat razor as the murder weapon (05:48).
• Inspector Carr dissects the crime scene, notes that the housekeeper is remarkably calm for having found her employer dead (08:05).

Suspicions & The Chain of Evidence

• Inspector Carr is suspicious of Jessica due to her calm reaction and possible criminal past.
  • Quote: “The Moore case. Mrs. Moore was found not guilty. Her husband…found guilty of robbery with violence. […] You realize what this means, Mac? We’ve only got her word for it.” (09:03)
• The possibility of an outside entry is investigated, but evidence (fresh paint, locked back door) makes a break-in seem unlikely (09:56 – 10:53).

Character Backgrounds and Motives

• Bramsell, known as "the Spender," is painted as a generous, well-liked man with a weakness for women, but not for gambling (12:05 – 14:21).
• Jessica’s devotion: “I loved him.” (12:26)
• Inspector explores whether anything valuable was stolen; Jessica claims Bramsell rarely prized possessions.

The Warehouse & the Smuggling Angle

• At Bramsell's trading company in Millwall Docks, Inspector Carr interviews Harry Lane, a long-standing employee. The warehouse imports toys from Czechoslovakia, not directly retailing to the public (17:23 – 18:09).
• A pattern emerges linking coded numbers from Bramsell's diary (F796D) to crates in the warehouse (22:12 – 23:34).

Reconstructing the Night of the Murder

• Timings were corroborated by a taxi driver and the club girl "tripping the light fantastic" with Bramsell (18:41 – 19:06).
• Inspector Carr theorizes the killer was waiting inside the house, using Bramsell’s own razor, and escaped via the window without leaving traces (23:41 – 24:43).

The Break in the Case: The Numbered Case

• Inspector Carr traces the diary note (F796D) back to a specific doll consignment, linking Harry Lane to the murder and a broader drug smuggling operation using dolls (26:00 – 26:33).
  • Quote: “He found you out, didn’t he? That’s why you killed him. Slashed the poor man’s throat with his own razor. I’m arresting you…on suspicion of having murdered Sidney Bramthall.” (26:19 – 26:33)

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Resolution and Final Insights

The Drug Smuggling Revelation

• The “toys” imported were being used as fronts for a drug ring; dolls with hidden drugs (26:38 – 27:00).
• Bramsell discovered the scheme and planned to inform the police, prompting Lane’s panicked murder of his employer (27:05 – 27:27).

The Crucial Mistake (Inspector Carr's Reflection)

• Harry Lane’s lie about who last saw Bramsell pointed to his guilt.
  • Quote: “If you remember, he said that Mr. Bramsell left this warehouse at 5 o'clock. Did he tell you where he was going? ... But when she [Moore] arrived back at the house after shopping for her supper...” (28:51 – 29:12)
• Inspector Carr ties together the timeline and details leading to Lane’s conviction.
• After Lane’s full confession, the narcotics bureau raids the drug ring, putting fourteen more criminals behind bars (29:27 – 30:06).

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Memorable Quotes & Character Moments

• Jessica Moore’s Devotion:
  “I loved him.” (12:26)
• Inspector Carr on Crime-Solving:
  “Sometimes it’s the silly, unbelievably foolish little mistake that unravels some of the most bewildering murder mysteries.” (28:51)
• Insight on Human Nature:
  “Our feelings may have become blunted over the years. Let’s pray we never become so insensitive as to be able to look at a thing like this without a feeling of revulsion.” (08:32)
• Theme of Redemption:
  Jessica, a woman with a criminal past, is exonerated and given a second chance by one of Bramsell’s friends.

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:43 – Introduction and reflections on public cooperation.
• 03:48 – Discovery of the body by Jessica Moore.
• 05:48 – First forensic clues about the murder weapon.
• 09:03 – Discussion of Jessica’s criminal background.
• 12:26 – Housekeeper’s emotional revelation.
• 17:23 – Visit to the warehouse and meeting Harry Lane.
• 22:12 – Linking diary code to warehouse consignment.
• 26:19 – Inspector Carr arrests Lane.
• 28:51 – Inspector's summary of the crucial mistake and Lane’s conviction.

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Summary Flow and Usefulness

“Consignment For Death” draws listeners into the classic whodunit format, with period details, layered dialogue, and misdirections typical of radio detective stories. The episode explores the new atmosphere of civic duty while weaving a tale that moves from domestic suspicion to international crime. In the end, sharp observation and attention to “the silly, unbelievably foolish little mistake” break the case, setting an example of methodical deduction and compassion.

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Perfect for fans of Golden Age radio, classic detective fiction, or anyone who enjoys a carefully plotted mystery brought to life by vintage performance and pacing.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

The makers of Epic Pure sunflower oil, purine and press cooking fat. Yum yum. Peanut Butter Maple Margarine, Niblets Cheese twists, Halverine bread spread and Blossom Yellow Margarine present the Epic case book in which Inspector Carr investigates.

[Inspector Carr]

Good evening. On all sides we hear of acts of heroism and noble selflessness only to be counterbalanced with horrible newspaper stories of a battered baby or a cruel and senseless murder of torture and mayhem. Happily, one can discern a very marked change in the attitude of the public. I myself witnessed an attempted robbery by a youth wielding a dagger, which was foiled by a passerby whose quick and courageous intervention prevented not only an act of robbery, but possibly murder. The public are showing a greater sense of responsibility and cooperation in assisting the police to enforce law and order. I'm prompted to say all this by the latest circular from my old friends at Scotland Yard. Just before Christmas, two men were seen leaving a car outside the Home Office Building. Within minutes, the bomb went off in the car, injuring a number of people nearby. Now, as a result of information given by several witnesses, Scotland Yard issued what is known as a photo fit picture. The impact was tremendous. Within a matter of days, these descriptions of the two men, all varying yet all making a composite photograph, resulted in the arrest of Kieran and Marlin Coyle. The photofit is, of course, a development from what was known as identikit. And the success Photofit is achieving rests solely on the ready cooperation of the public. Time was when there was an attitude of I don't want to get involved. It's no affair of mine. As I said, the changing world is forcing respectable citizens to wake up to their responsibilities. That wasn't the case when a man known to his associates as Sidney the Spender was murdered. Let me tell you about it. I've called my story Consignment for Death.

[Commercial Voice 1]

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[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Blossom.

[Commercial Voice 1]

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[Commercial Voice 2]

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[Inspector Carr]

For dabbing on your vegetables carrots, peas.

[Commercial Voice 2]

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[Inspector Carr]

Family with its farm fresh taste Blossom.

[Commercial Voice 1]

Helps a busy mum make sure today you're choosing it, using it Blossom Blossom Pick a pack of Blossom Pick a.

[Commercial Voice 2]

Pack of Blossom.

[Inspector Carr]

Sidney Bramthall was found by his housekeeper early one morning as she went to take her employer his pot of tea.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Mr. Bramble? Mr. Bramsel.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Come on, Spender, you weren't all that late.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

I heard you come in. Mr. Bramsell sleeps like the dead he does. Oh, well, let's hope you're decent, Mr. Brux. Now I can't come anymore. Keep coming. Don't touch nothing.

[Dr. McPherson]

Police.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Oh, police. Something horrid has happened. There's been a murder. Baby murdered. Spender. I mean. I mean Mr. Bramble. He's lying there on the carpet with his.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Such a lovely fellow.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

I'll never get another job like this one.

[Inspector Carr]

Did you telephone the police immediately?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

As soon as I opened the door and I saw he was lying there. I dropped me tray and I ran downstairs to telephone. Oh dear, I've got the shivers, I have.

[Dr. McPherson]

Mrs. Moore, isn't it? Isn't that the name you gave?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Yes, that's my.

[Dr. McPherson]

I don't think you need come into the room. Why don't you go down and make yourself a cup of tea and put plenty of sugar in it.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

That's right, Doctor. I'm a bit shaky but I'll be all right there in that room. Look at him.

[Dr. McPherson]

Dear, dear. What an unpleasant sight to come upon.

[Inspector Carr]

Mrs. Moore, is this bedroom window always kept open?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Well, yeah, in the summer.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Mr. Bramble was a great rump of fresh air.

[Inspector Carr]

I see. This is a very convenient drain by. Well, Mac.

[Dr. McPherson]

A very sharp instrument indeed. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say it's either an old fashioned type of razor or a razor blade fixed to a handle.

[Inspector Carr]

No wonder they used to call them cutthroats. What time did he come home last night?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

You know, early. I heard the church clock strike 12.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

I haven't been sleeping well lately, but then I hear the taxi pull up and I eared Mr. Bramsell say.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

That's all right, keep the change.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Quiet as a church mouse. He was always considerate with Mr. Bramsell. Of course he didn't know I was awake.

[Inspector Carr]

You heard him pay off a taxi. That'll be very useful. Well then, what else did you hear?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Well, I heard him close the door.

[Inspector Carr]

Are you sure you heard Mr. Bramsell shut the front door?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Yes, and put the train on it.

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

How can you be sure of that?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Well, because the train was on when I got up this morning.

[Inspector Carr]

You didn't hear any other voice other than your employer's?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

No, he was on his own, I swear. Perhaps.

[Inspector Carr]

Mrs. Moore, it's not yet 9 o'. Clock. And I've missed my morning cupper. I wonder if you'd mind making some tea. I'm sure that Dr. McPherson could do some.

[Dr. McPherson]

That's a good idea.

[Mr. Brownsville]

Now.

[Dr. McPherson]

And here, Mrs. Moore, take this pill. Go on. It's only a sedative.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Well, all right, Doctor, if you say.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

To, I'll give you a shot when.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

The tea's been made.

[Inspector Carr]

Tough little girl there. Anyone else would have passed up, but not her. Insists on coming back to the ghastly scene. The scene of the crime was indeed ghastly. Sidney Bramle was a short run. A corpulent individual dressed in pajamas made from a rich green silk. His almost bald head and curved stomach would have made ideal material for some good humored cartoonist. Were it not for the red stain on the pajama jackets and the horrible wound.

[Dr. McPherson]

It's difficult to say at this stage, Carter, but he's been dead for at least five or six hours.

[Inspector Carr]

Chances are more than that, Mac. What would you say to seven or eight hours?

[Dr. McPherson]

It could be.

[Inspector Carr]

I'm taking into consideration the housekeeper's statement. If he arrived just around midnight, did his ablutions. His shoes are placed neatly on the shoe rack. I assume he put away his suit tidily. The bed hasn't been slept in.

[Dr. McPherson]

Which means that the killer waited until Bramsel went into that bathroom, stood ready to strike. And when Bramsell was about to get into bed.

[Inspector Carr]

He killed him. Yes, I think that's about the measure of it. Which means we've got to find the taxi man who brought him home. Shouldn't have much difficulty. There something worrying you, eh?

[Dr. McPherson]

There is. You know, I've been mixed up with brutal assaults and murder for over a quarter of a century. And I've never become inured to this sort of thing. Seeing a sight like this.

[Inspector Carr]

I mean, a man with his throat cut. Neither have I. Our feelings may have become blunted over the years. Let's pray we never become so insensitive as to be able to look at a thing like this without a feeling of revulsion. But that's not what's worrying you.

[Dr. McPherson]

Oh, it's the housekeeper. She's under emotional stress, all right. But to be able to talk to us so calmly with a boss lying there in a pool of blood.

[Inspector Carr]

She's a tough woman, all right.

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

Just a minute.

[Inspector Carr]

Moore. Jessica Moore.

[Dr. McPherson]

What's crossed your mind?

[Inspector Carr]

The Moore case. Mrs. Moore was found not guilty. Her husband went inside for 10 years, having been found guilty of robbery with violence. They used to keep a lodging house near the New Wall docks. Many A drunken sailor. I had reason to regret seeking their hospital. You realize what this means, Mac? We've only got her word for it. The open window may be a blind. She may have left the front door open. There may have been something in this house of great value. Except.

[Dr. McPherson]

Except what? Car.

[Inspector Carr]

Except she must know that we always check on the person who first discovers the dead body. I'm going to take a look around the back. Care to come with me? Well, Mac, if the killer did gain entry through the bedroom window, he'd either have to use a ladder or climb this drain pipe. Take a look at this.

[Dr. McPherson]

Paint's very soft.

[Inspector Carr]

That's been newly painted. No one could have climbed that pipe without leaving some kind of mark. Even though the paint is dry, it's.

[Dr. McPherson]

Pretty evident that no one did.

[Inspector Carr]

And how are they going to get a ladder? They'd have to climb over the brick wall separating this garden from that one. Let's go over and take a look. Now, the street running parallel with this is called Ross Avenue. We'll have to find out whether anyone had access to that house. Although it's extremely unlikely, the culprit is.

[Dr. McPherson]

Hardly likely to knock at the door and see you. Can I take a ladder through your back garden, over the wall to Mr. Bramsell's house.

[Inspector Carr]

Pity it didn't rain during the night. The soil had a pretty. Provided us with a footprint or two. Oh, let's try the back door.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Please ask.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh.

[Inspector Carr]

Well, she's open.

[Dr. McPherson]

Mrs. Moore.

[Inspector Carr]

No sign of any forced entry. No tradesman's entrance. There's just this door leading onto the garden.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Oh, we always keep it locked.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

I just unlocked it.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

And the key was inside the lock. So no one got in through this back door.

[Inspector Carr]

Let's go and have his team. What, does your husband come out?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

This is more another two years if he keeps his nose clean. I'm scared, Inspector.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Terrified.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

I knew you'd tumbled on me, but.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

I wouldn't arm the spender. He's been marvelous.

[Inspector Carr]

Now you realize the position you're in. You say that the chain was on the front door, so no one could have gained entry that way. And even if they did, how could they put the chain back on the door?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Through the window. The open window.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

The app had to come in that way.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

It had to be.

[Inspector Carr]

Otherwise, things look pretty black for you, Mrs. Moore, because nobody climbed into that first floor bedroom window. There's nowhere to get a grip on the outside except by using the drain pipe. And that's been newly painted.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

I know it was. It was painted a Couple of days.

[Inspector Carr]

Ago, while you were waiting for the cops, you must have had a look around what's been pinched. An old campaigner like yourself, that's the first thing you'd look forward. Did Mr. Bramsell keep any valuables in the house?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Valuables, George, I think that sort of thing. Now. Always said he didn't go for possession. Mind you, he always had quite a bit of money on him. That's why they called him the Spender. They didn't call him that for nothing. Had art as big as a docks, he did. Believe me, Inspector, I didn't do him then.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

I loved him.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Came all the way down to East End.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Here, Dot, Rose.

[Mr. Brownsville]

I don't go for what Alan did. But I do remember when you and he had that cafe in Victoria Road. I got many a free meal from you both after I lost my job with Sampson. What are you going to do, Mrs.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

What can I do?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

I have to leave here by Friday.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

The latest, every five. And we had went in solicitor's fees.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

I'm skimp broke, hot G, scrub floors.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Except there are so many foreign girls about.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Well, it's good of you to call, Mr. Bramston.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Everyone who remembers a good turn.

[Mr. Brownsville]

Look, I've got a house in Lewisham. My housekeepers had to go into a home.

[Inspector Carr]

She's a very sick woman.

[Mr. Brownsville]

I need someone to look after it. As soon as I read the verdict in the paper, I thought of you.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

You mean. You mean you trust me?

[Mr. Brownsville]

They found you not guilty, didn't they? It'd be a good job. It's six years since I left this district. Things have gone well for me. I'll pay you a reasonable wage.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

He was the nicest, kindest bloke you could ever wish to meet.

[Inspector Carr]

What business was he in?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

He's got a warehouse. He imports kiddies, toys, that sort of thing. He got an agency from behind the iron curtain.

[Inspector Carr]

Where is this warehouse?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Millwall Docks.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Not very far from where we used to have our lodging house.

[Inspector Carr]

You referred to him as the Spender. Was that his nickname?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Yeah. Everybody called him the Spender. He didn't mind it. It wasn't only because he was so free with his money.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

He was no fool, not by a long chalk.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

But when it came to tipping or helping someone out, well, he was known as a spend everywhere he went.

[Inspector Carr]

Did he gamble, Mrs. Moore?

[Dr. McPherson]

No.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

He used to say it was a mugs game. I don't think he ever went on a race course in his life.

[Inspector Carr]

What about? Cars, roulette, that sort of thing.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

I tell you, he Hated gambling.

[Inspector Carr]

Then what was his weakness?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Girls.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

That was his weakness. The number of kids he's taken him for a ride.

[Inspector Carr]

Has he got a cut and girlfriend?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Yeah, but I don't know who she is.

[Inspector Carr]

Then how do you know?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

You could always tell by his after shave lotion. If he wasn't going to meet a girl, you wouldn't tell he got any on. But when he said, I won't be home for dinner, Mrs. Moore, and he'd stink the place out with his aftershave lotion, I used to think, oh, well, he's got somebody else on tow.

[Inspector Carr]

And what about last night?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

You could smell it among us. He went to see a girl last night.

[Inspector Carr]

He did, did he? That's interesting. That's very interesting.

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[Inspector Carr]

Blossom.

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Pick a pack of blossom.

[Inspector Carr]

Neither Dr. McPherson nor I had the slightest doubt but that Mrs. Moore was innocent of the actual killing. But at this stage, everything pointed to the possibility that she was an accomplice to the murder. With the arrival of the photographers and the print men and the removal of the body to the police mortuary, the entire resources of the murder squad concentrated on solving the mystery. Car operations here, Inspector. Yes, Ops?

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

Sydney Bransell, age 58. Well thought of in the East London patch. Nothing known against him, sir. Bachelor, no immediate relatives. Parents died in Lithuania during the war, sir. Known to subscribe liberally to local charities. Is known by his associates as the spender. Owns and operates the Brownsville Trading Company, Thames Walk, Millwall.

[Harry Lane]

Doc.

[Inspector Carr]

Thanks. OP I want a tale put on his housekeeper, Jessica Moore. I want to know where she went last night, what time she got home, the lot. And organize a vehicle. I'll go down to the trading company. Mr. Lane?

[Harry Lane]

That's right. You must be the gentleman from Scotland Yard. The one that telephone.

[Inspector Carr]

I am. As I told you, I'd be grateful if no mention was made of this. The press will have it within an hour or two. Now, you said on the telephone that Mr. Bramsell left this warehouse at 5:00'?

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

Clock?

[Mr. Brownsville]

That's right.

[Harry Lane]

Sony.

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

Didn't you.

[Inspector Carr]

Did he tell you where he was going?

[Harry Lane]

No. Just told me to make sure the place was locked up.

[Inspector Carr]

Who else works here? Sadie Farmer. She's gone out to get some milk.

[Harry Lane]

She'll be back soon.

[Inspector Carr]

How long have you been working for Mr. Bramfall?

[Harry Lane]

Ever since he opened his warehouse. Just on six years.

[Inspector Carr]

Mm. What happens here?

[Harry Lane]

Well, we don't sell to the public.

[Inspector Carr]

We have travelers on the road. They come in for their stocks and.

[Harry Lane]

Out they go again.

[Dr. McPherson]

I see.

[Inspector Carr]

They all come from Czechoslovak. Yes, that's right.

[Harry Lane]

A lucky break for the boss. That there's one of the largest toys factories in the world in Prague. Mr. Bramsville's their sole agent. Don't have much difficulty selling this stuff. Not too expensive.

[Dr. McPherson]

Nice. Produced.

[Inspector Carr]

Does your boss have any enemies, Mr. Bramble?

[Harry Lane]

I think so. It's been good to me. Good to his housekeeper too. That old man still in jail?

[Inspector Carr]

How'd you know that?

[Harry Lane]

Well, she told me she used to sometimes come out here with sandwiches and.

[Inspector Carr]

Beans just before Christmas.

[Harry Lane]

You know, the rush. Things got pretty epic.

[Inspector Carr]

So there you have it, Mac. The late Sydney Bramall seems to have been a highly successful, good natured, happy individual with not a care in the world. According to Ex Branch. She was seen at the Silver Slipper tripping the light fantastic from 8 to 11:30. We traced the taxi driver who says that he dropped some young female at 21 Bradley Street, Stepney and then proceeded to Bramsall's residence, arriving about midnight.

[Dr. McPherson]

Confirming what Mrs. Moore says?

[Inspector Carr]

Yes. I suppose someone could have taken a ladder to that rear window. We've had a sergeant questioning the occupants of the house facing Brambles. They seem highly respectable.

[Dr. McPherson]

Nothing seems to have been taken. This, you know, there seems to be a murder completely without motive.

[Inspector Carr]

Look at these reports. 18 plain clothes men, 22 uniform policemen. Not one has come up with a glimmer of a clue. No suspicious character seen anywhere near the house.

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

No.

[Inspector Carr]

It has to be Mrs. Moore. And yet.

[Dr. McPherson]

And yet she's been mixing with criminals most of her life. Would she be fool enough to say that the chain was on the front? Would she not go down the back and use the heel of her shoe to make false clues? Put some markings in the drain pipes and mud the soil on the window ledge or.

[Inspector Carr]

I know, I know, it just doesn't add up. Request from the girl he was with. Apparently poor, lonely Mr. Bramble belonged to something known as the Friendship Club. She got ten pounds for tripping the light fantastic with him. Can't see her even remotely connected with the murder. Why? How come?

[Dr. McPherson]

Come car. This is not like you. We don't know why.

[Inspector Carr]

But we do know how you're given.

[Dr. McPherson]

A full report of the medical examination.

[Inspector Carr]

Yes, I know, Mac. I know. When I say how, I didn't mean. I better have another word with Mrs. Moore. Mrs. Moore, I don't think you murdered your boss. And if you are an accomplice, I'm not, believe me. No, I don't think you are. My colleague, Dr. McPherson, has given ample reasons why you shouldn't be suspected. But somebody got into this house.

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

How?

[Inspector Carr]

And you're the only person who might be able to tell us. Now, did you open the door to anyone at any time?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

No.

[Inspector Carr]

What happened when your boss came home from work?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

I don't know exactly. I went down to the fishmonger to get a piece of plate for my supper as the boss was going out.

[Inspector Carr]

I see.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

When I get back, he was in the parlor having a drink.

[Mr. Brownsville]

Oh, There you are, Mrs. Moore.

[Dr. McPherson]

You remember what I said?

[Mr. Brownsville]

I was having dinner out.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Oh, Yes, I remember, Mr. Brownsville. This is for me, for Miss. Supper. I'm sorry I wasn't here when you.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Got home, but you're a bit early.

[Mr. Brownsville]

Yes, I got young Harry Lane to give me a lift in his Mini. I was in a hurry, and there were certain problems we had to talk about. Oh, well, get the bath running, will you? There's a good soul. I'm shaking the old light fantastic tonight. It's not shaking it. It's tripping.

[Inspector Carr]

You wait, Youth.

[Mr. Brownsville]

Here. I wouldn't mind taking a trip with her.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

I ran his bathroom, and then I went and cooked me supper. I eat in the kitchen when I'm on my own. As I was eating it, he opened the door and said, well, I'm off. Bless his heart. You could smell that aftershave lotion a mile away.

[Inspector Carr]

And that's the last time you saw him alive?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Yeah.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

As I told you, I only heard.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Him when he come in and put the chain on the lock.

[Inspector Carr]

You should be grateful for that, Mrs. Moore. Otherwise, never mind. Did you obey my instructions and check on your employer's belongings?

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

I went through everything in the house, checking everything. If something valuable was pinched, it must have been something that the spender had.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Without my knowing it.

[Inspector Carr]

Well, I've been through his papers, and I don't think there was anything stolen. Except I noticed on his diary next to the Telephone. A mark which said if 796d. Any idea what that could mean?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

I saw it.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

I thought it was a number of a motor car. No idea.

[Inspector Carr]

Well, the. The shaving lotion.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

Shaving lotion?

[Inspector Carr]

Your boss shaved, didn't he? You talked about the lotion, but what about the razor? I've just realized that there was no razor in the bathroom. There was a brush, soap. What sort of razor did Mr. Bramble use?

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Cutthroat.

[Inspector Carr]

And it's no longer there. The poor chap had his throat cut with his own razor. I'm going to take that page from his diary with the numbers F7916.

[Dr. McPherson]

What do you think those numbers represent?

[Inspector Carr]

Car? I don't know. I don't know. Could mean anything. Except right now I'm touching at straws. There's one thing I do know. When the killer first entered that house, he didn't planned to murder.

[Dr. McPherson]

What makes you say that?

[Inspector Carr]

But the very crudity of the killing, the missing razor demonstrated. Surely had he planned the murder in advance, he would have made sure he would have the means to kill. You can't seem saying. Well, I wonder if there's a razor about the place. Particularly a cut throat razor.

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

No, wait a minute.

[Dr. McPherson]

Thought of something?

[Inspector Carr]

Yes. I remember seeing packing cases in the warehouse with similar numbers. I wonder.

[Dr. McPherson]

What do you wonder?

[Inspector Carr]

Supposing the culprit was in the house searching for something. Supposing he hears Bramble returning home. He nips into the bathroom, waits until his victim gets undressed, puts on his pajamas.

[Dr. McPherson]

Well, I do something. A previous theory that Bramble went into the bathroom first. No, no he didn't. Of course.

[Inspector Carr]

What have you thought of, Mac?

[Dr. McPherson]

Mrs. Moore kept going on about how heavy handed are bosses with the after shave lotion. She didn't exaggerate. Because when I examined him, which was hours after he'd shaved, I could still sniff traces of it.

[Inspector Carr]

Well?

[Dr. McPherson]

Well, he was hardly likely to apply the lotion after he'd washed and cleaned his teeth just prior to going to bed. Well, that substantiates your theory that Bramble never went into the bathroom.

[Inspector Carr]

And the man never went to the house in order to kill. He hid in the bathroom. Probably hoped to make him his getaway. Seize the razor. Probably as Bramsell opens the bathroom door. Killed him.

[Dr. McPherson]

But aren't you forgetting one thing? The chain on the inside of the front door. Now unless Mrs. Moore is covering up.

[Inspector Carr]

For the killer and she puts the chain on.

[Dr. McPherson]

How did he get out the house?

[Inspector Carr]

Easy. The window. But we both agree we agreed that no one could have scaled the drainpipe without leaving some telltale marks behind. It would have been a simple matter for the intruder to have jumped from the first floor without leaving any traces or hurting himself.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's true.

[Dr. McPherson]

Mrs. Moore said he kept the window open in summer. He could have landed on the paving leading to the back door.

[Inspector Carr]

Or if he did land on the flower bed, smooth it over, jump over the wall. I think I'll have another word with the people in Rock Avenue.

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

And there's frightful business, Inspector, frightful.

[Inspector Carr]

But we believe the killer made his getaway through this house. Is your back door leading your garden kept locked?

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

No it doesn't.

[Narrator/Announcer]

No one can get access to it.

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

Unless I see what you're getting at. Come to think of it, there was.

[Inspector Carr]

Some soil in the hallway.

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

I was blaming our cleaning woman for.

[Inspector Carr]

Leaving it like that. Well, now we're getting somewhere. But what about your front door? Is it bolted on the inside?

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

No, it's one of those self locking jobs.

[Inspector Carr]

What with four grown up children? Say no more sir. Thank you very much.

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

What about the killer? Does it mean I must bolt and bar all my windows? I don't want the same thing happen to me.

[Inspector Carr]

It won't. He'll be behind bars and in the ass. Ah, Mr. Lane. Just the man I want to see.

[Harry Lane]

Oh, what can I do for you Inspector?

[Inspector Carr]

These cases all marked with the letter F, what are they?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Dolls.

[Inspector Carr]

Why? What happened to case F796D and pack. And the contents? Well what happened to the contents.

[Harry Lane]

Delivered to customers?

[Inspector Carr]

He found you out, didn't he? That's why you killed him. Slashed the poor man's throat with his own razor. I'm arresting you on suspicion of having murdered Sidney Bramthall. My duty caution you.

[Dr. McPherson]

The unsuspecting Sidney Bramsell was having his warehouse used as a clearinghouse for drugs, is that it?

[Inspector Carr]

That's right. The stuff be placed inside the dolls. An ordinary consignment of dolls would contain one case specially marked so that Lane would be able to remove the dolls and hand them over to the drug wing. Apparently some glamorous young female persuaded him to start smuggling and by then he was hooked. Poor old Bramble didn't die in vain though. Our narcotics boys will have smashed the biggest drug ring since Snowy Phillips to.

[Dr. McPherson]

Kill in such a clumsy, brutal fashion. How did he get access to the place? We know how he got out.

[Inspector Carr]

It's simple. A piece of soap. While his boss was otherwise engaged he took an impression and had a key cut funnily Enough. What he couldn't take an impression of was Bramble's safe. Only he knew the combination and he kept a record of it at home. In the safe was the doll that was to be handed over to the police. He warned Lane that he would have to do this. Luckily for us, the young man lost his head. When I first questioned him, he was so busy disassociating himself from his boss's activities that he told a very stupid lie. Well, listeners, did you notice Lane's stupid lie? A lie that was to cause me to link the number on the telephone diary with the possibilities of his being the killer? Not sure. Then listen to the commercial and I'll.

[Sergeant/Police Officer]

Be back to tell you.

[Commercial Voice 1]

Take a pack of Blossoms get his farm bread. Take the day when your breakfast gets them Waking in the morning Blossom.

[Commercial Voice 2]

For.

[Commercial Voice 1]

The sandwiches you're making in the midday Blossom for your roast and baking in the evening Blossom Pick a pack of.

[Commercial Voice 2]

Blossom Blossom in yellow margarine. Take a pack of Blossom for sandwiches that burst with health and farm fresh taste. Take a pack of Flops for frying eggs to a golden turn for dabbing on your vegetables carrots, peas, potatoes.

[Inspector Carr]

For.

[Commercial Voice 2]

Baking and roasting and spreading on crisp warm rolls and satisfying your family with.

[Inspector Carr]

Its farm fresh taste Blossom helps a.

[Commercial Voice 1]

Busy mum make sure today you're choosing it, using it Blossom, Blossom. Think about your Blossom.

[Commercial Voice 2]

Make a pack of Blossom.

[Inspector Carr]

Well, listeners, once again a demonstration that sometimes it's the silly, unbelievably foolish little mistake that unravels some of the most bewildering murder mysteries. If you remember, you said that Mr. Bramsell left this warehouse at 5 o'. Clock. Did he tell you where he was going?

[Harry Lane]

No, just told me to make sure the place was locked up.

[Inspector Carr]

And yet Mrs. Moore told us that. But when she arrived back at the house after shopping for her supper.

[Jessica Moore (continued)]

I'm sorry I wasn't here when you.

[Jessica Moore (Housekeeper)]

Got home, but you're a bit early.

[Mr. Brownsville]

Yes, I got Harry Lane to give me a lift in his Mini. I was in a hurry and there were certain problems.

[Inspector Carr]

We had to talk about the problems, of course. Referring to Bramfell's discovery that he was an innocent importer of drugs. Despite his full confession as to killing his employer, but pleading that he wasn't responsible for his actions, Lane was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. But before the trial took place, the narcotics bureau had swooped on various so called toy shops, but which were in effect drug pushing centers. 14 of these despicable peddlers were put behind bars. Good.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The epic Casebook was produced by Michael Silver for the makers of Epic Sunflower Oil, Maple margarine. Yum yum. Peanut butter niblets, Cheese twists, Halverine bread Spread and blossom Yellow margarine. With Hugh Rouse as Inspector Carr. Listen again next Thursday night at 9:30 to another exciting story from our Epic Casebook.