Hearthstone of the Death Squad Episode Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
- Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
- Episode: Hearthstone of the Death Squad 51-12-13 (16) Marriage Annulment Murder Case
- Release Date: August 14, 2025
- Description: This episode transports listeners to the Golden Age of Radio, unfolding a riveting murder mystery before the advent of television. Featuring iconic shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, and Dragnet, it captures the essence of families huddling around the radio for thrilling tales.
Introduction: The Enigmatic Marriage Annulment
The episode opens in the opulent living room of Conrad Faulkner (played by Peter Capel) and his young wife, Glenda Faulkner (played by Peggy Sanford). Conrad, appearing troubled, holds a newspaper clipping that sets the stage for the ensuing mystery.
Notable Quote:
[00:01] Narrator: "Annulment Murder Case. Tonight we present the famous Hearthstone of the Death Squad, implacable manhunter of the Metropolitan Police..."
This introduction establishes a tense atmosphere, highlighting the fragility of Conrad and Glenda's marriage.
The Unraveling Marriage and the Ominous Clipping
A heated discussion unfolds between Conrad and Glenda about the possibility of annulling their marriage, mirroring the story from the newspaper clipping.
Notable Quotes:
[02:04] Glenda Faulkner: "But Conrad, I wouldn't ask this if I thought it would hurt you. But couldn't our own marriage be ended the same way?"
[03:34] Conrad Faulkner: "Don't tell me anything more. Glenda. There are limits."
Glenda expresses her deep love for another man, Eric Jackson, creating a complex web of emotions and potential motives.
The Murder: A Night of Betrayal
The following morning reveals the brutal murder of Glenda Faulkner, lying mutilated in her bed. Inspector Hearthstone and his assistant, Detective Sam Cook, arrive at the crime scene to investigate.
Notable Quotes:
[05:26] Inspector Hearthstone: "A filthy sight, Sam. Clearly this is a murder of hate."
[06:33] Conrad Faulkner: "You are Inspector Hearthstone? I'm Conrad Faulkner."
The discovery of the newspaper clipping beside Glenda's body ties the case directly to the earlier conversation about marriage annulment.
Initial Investigation: Unveiling Suspicions
Inspector Hearthstone interrogates Conrad Faulkner, who attempts to present himself as a blameless husband. However, Hearthstone's keen observations and probing questions begin to cast doubt on Conrad's innocence.
Notable Quotes:
[07:10] Inspector Hearthstone: "I didn't ask you for an alibi."
[09:30] Conrad Faulkner: "The suggestion offends me. Only one person had the motive to murder my wife."
Conrad implicates Eric Jackson, suggesting he was the unwelcome suitor causing Glenda's distress.
Eric Jackson's Revelation: A Twist in the Tale
Eric Jackson enters the narrative, initially positioning himself as a concerned lover caught in a tragic situation. However, his involvement becomes increasingly suspect as new evidence surfaces.
Notable Quotes:
[14:35] Eric Jackson: "She phoned me late yesterday afternoon that her husband had agreed to have their marriage terminated so she could marry me."
[14:54] Eric Jackson: "That woman in the outer office. Isabel Gomez. The one who accused me of murdering Glenda."
Eric shifts the blame towards Isabel Gomez, Conrad's accomplice, introducing another layer to the plot.
Clues and Evidence: Piecing Together the Puzzle
Inspector Hearthstone uncovers critical evidence, including a black jet earring and a star sapphire cufflink found at the murder scene. These items link both Conrad and Eric to the crime, complicating the investigation.
Notable Quotes:
[17:41] Inspector Hearthstone: "I wish to know why you're wearing only one earring, Isabel."
[18:29] Glenda Faulkner: "You lie, Eric. It is not Mr. Faulkner."
The torn newspaper clipping and forged financial records further implicate Conrad in embezzling Glenda's estate, providing a solid motive for murder.
The Confrontation: Unmasking the Culprit
In a climactic confrontation at Conrad Faulkner's office, Inspector Hearthstone presents the accumulated evidence, dismantling Conrad's façade of innocence. The true murderer is revealed through a combination of financial deceit and planted evidence.
Notable Quotes:
[24:30] Inspector Hearthstone: "You gave me too much. You planted Isabel's black jet earring on the scene."
[25:30] Eric Jackson: "All right, Hearthstone. I did."
Eric Jackson confesses to his crimes, revealing the depth of Conrad's manipulation and the extent of the murder plot.
Resolution: Justice Served
Inspector Hearthstone successfully apprehends Eric Jackson, ensuring that justice is served for Glenda Faulkner. Conrad Faulkner's attempts to obfuscate the truth are thwarted by Hearthstone's unwavering determination and sharp investigative skills.
Notable Quotes:
[25:48] Inspector Hearthstone: "Through your sheer stupidity, Faulkner, you made me believe you were perhaps the most clever, suspicious I'd ever met."
[25:53] Inspector Hearthstone: "Your wife's killer will end up in the electric chair."
The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of Hearthstone's role as the relentless seeker of truth within the labyrinthine complexities of human relationships and deceit.
Conclusion: Themes and Insights
Hearthstone of the Death Squad masterfully intertwines themes of love, betrayal, and greed, showcasing the intricate dance between personal motives and criminal intent. Inspector Hearthstone's methodical approach serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of classic detective narratives, reminding listeners of the timeless allure of a well-crafted mystery.
Notable Insight:
The episode underscores how appearances can be deceiving and how the pursuit of truth often requires peeling back layers of deception and confronting uncomfortable realities.
End of Summary