Isnt It A Crime 1945.12.14 Speaking Of Murder

Summary

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Podcast Summary: “Isn't It A Crime? - Speaking Of Murder” (Dec. 14, 1945)

Podcast: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio (Presenting archival radio)
Episode: Isn’t It A Crime? – “Speaking Of Murder”
Release Date: September 10, 2025 (originally aired Dec. 14, 1945)
Featured Cast: Jerry Marshall (Narrator), Casey Allen, Eleanora Reed, Leonard Shearer, Jason Johnson, Eileen Court, Meryl E. Joels

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into the Golden Age of Radio with a classic whodunit from the “Isn’t It A Crime?” mystery series. The story, “Speaking of Murder,” centers around a chilling scenario: family and staff are summoned to a secluded mansion a month after the owner's mysterious death, forced by the terms of the will to attend a midnight séance—where secrets, suspicions, and ultimately a confession to murder emerge.

Listeners are not only swept into a suspenseful radio drama, but are also invited to play detective, with a pause for clues before the solution is revealed—a beloved interactive element from vintage radio days.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Structure

1. Setting the Stage ([00:00]–[06:28])

• Glenn Winthrop, a mystery writer, tries to enjoy a lazy morning until his valet Archie (Smithers) and fiancée Frances Southwood interrupt with news: Frances’s late uncle’s estate requires her presence.
  • Glenn: “I detest alarm clocks, and I’m beginning to detest you.” [02:10]
• Frances reveals a cryptic telegram insisting she, her cousin Irma, and Glenn come to the uncle’s mansion to discuss the will.
• Frances hints at unease about her uncle’s death, suspecting it might not have been natural.
  • Frances: “There’s something funny about the way uncle died. I almost think sometimes that...it was murder.” [05:50]

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2. Arrival at the Mansion ([06:28]–[11:07])

• Glenn and Frances arrive at the ominous estate, commenting on its spooky isolation and oppressive atmosphere.
• Archie surprisingly appears, delivering Glenn a handkerchief—a device to maintain comic relief and keep him involved in later proceedings.
• Frances is unnerved by the dark grounds, the absence of the dog Hamlet’s bark, and the general sense of foreboding.

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3. Inside the House: Odd Occurrences ([11:07]–[16:34])

• Greeted by Robert, the secretive secretary, they learn the mansion is without electricity and must rely on candlelight.
• Tragedy is discovered on the porch: Hamlet, the loyal dog, is found dead, again heightening tensions.
  • Robert: “The dog grieved for his master. Probably died of grief…” [11:52]
• Frances is growing visibly frightened, especially after a mysterious phone rings (despite the line being dead).
  • Glenn: “There’s something mighty funny about a phone hidden in a wastebasket ringing when the line is dead.” [15:46]
  • Frances: “I’m sure somebody killed [Hamlet].” [15:53]

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4. The Will and Unusual Conditions ([16:34]–[21:19])

• The group, joined by cousin Irma and Dr. Dick Blade, assembles for the reading of the will.
• Robert: “For some time before his death, your uncle was interested in spiritualism.” [18:22]
• The will demands Frances and Irma be physically present, unmarried, and scandal-free at exactly one month after death—to inherit. Otherwise, one inherits all, or neither do.
• To add drama, the final stipulation: at 1 a.m., during a séance, Uncle Ned will attempt to communicate from beyond. Proof will be a fire lighting itself in the grate.

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5. Séance & Supernatural Climaxes ([21:19]–[26:23])

• The group sits around a table, holding hands, as Robert blows out the candle.
• The séance begins as Jerry Marshall’s narrator voice punctuates the tension.
• “Your work? What is your work? Vengeance. Only one here need fear me. The one who murdered me.” [22:57, Ghost]
• The ghost accuses: one of those present poisoned him—calling out possible culprits: Robert (whiskey), Dr. Blade (medicine), Frances (fruit), Irma (prepared food).
  • Frances: “It wasn’t I. I tell you I didn’t.” [23:37]
• Interactive Element: The show pauses, giving listeners 60 seconds and recapping clues to guess the murderer before the denouement.
  • Jerry Marshall: “We take time out now, in fact, 60 seconds. Time to allow you amateur detectives to solve the mystery…” [23:52]

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6. Resolution and Confession ([26:23]–[27:31])

• The séance reaches its climax: a flash (fire mysteriously ignites in the grate). The “finger of death” falls.
  • Ghost: “The flame will sear into the treacherous brain that planned my death.” [25:34]
• Irma cries out and confesses: “I did it. I killed him. I hated him. He made me a slave.” [26:23]
• Panic; Irma seizes the revolver and takes her own life.
  • Archie (Smithers): “Is she—”
  • Robert: “Yes, she’s dead.” [26:34]

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7. Unmasking the Ruse ([27:31]–[28:20])

• Robert reveals the séance was a staged trap: all supernatural elements were faked (flash powder, Dick acting as ghost voice, police in the next room, Hamlet’s placement).
  • “We suspected both of you, Ms. Francis. It had to be either you or Ms. Irma. So we set the stage for our ghost...And it worked.” [27:21]
• Glenn asks about legal consequences; Robert assures there will be no charges or publicity.
  • “An inspector from the homicide squad was present in the west room. It was he who removed the body.” [27:44]
• Frances, now free and relieved, suggests she and Glenn marry immediately—ending on a light, romantic note (with comic relief from Archie’s protest about his name).
  • Frances: “Let’s get married tomorrow.”
    Glenn: “Of course, darling.” [27:57-27:59]
  • Archie (Smithers): “Please don’t call me Archibald, sir.” [28:13]

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Notable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• On the eerie setup:
  Narrator (Jerry Marshall): "Not only will you hear the exciting story of speaking of murder, but you will be invited to join our radio detective force..." [00:35]

• On Frances’s suspicions:
  Frances Southwood: “There’s something funny about the way uncle died. I almost think sometimes that...it was murder.” [05:50]

• On the ghost’s accusation:
  Ghost (Dick Blade): “Only one here need fear me. The one who murdered me. Murdered? Yes, with a slow poison. One of you murdered me.” [23:08]

• On the interactive break:
  Jerry Marshall: “We take time out now...Time to allow you amateur detectives to solve the mystery of tonight’s story.” [23:52]

• On Irma’s confession:
  Irma: “I did it. I killed him. I hated him. He made me a slave.” [26:23] Archie (Smithers): “Is she—”
  Robert: “Yes, she's dead.” [26:34]

• On the staged séance:
  Robert: “We set the stage for our ghost. The banging shutter, the candlelight, the séance. It was all staged...And it worked.” [27:21]

• Ending lighthearted relief:
  Frances: “Let’s get married tomorrow.”
  Glenn: “Of course, darling.” [27:57-27:59]
  Archie (Smithers): “Please don’t call me Archibald, sir.” [28:13]

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Important Segments (Timestamps)

| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|---------------| | 1. Setting & Premonitions | Intro, characters, hints of a suspicious death | 00:00–06:28 | | 2. Mansion Arrival | Eerie estate & initial discoveries | 06:28–11:07 | | 3. Strange Happenings | Candlelight, dead dog, odd phone call | 11:07–16:34 | | 4. Will Reading | Spiritualist clause & midnight attendance | 16:34–21:19 | | 5. Séance Begins | Ghostly accusations, poison mystery, interactive pause | 21:19–23:52 | | 6. The Confession | Irma’s guilt, climax, and gunshot | 25:14–26:34 | | 7. Case Unmasked | Fake séance explained, legal wrap-up, comic & romantic end | 26:34–28:20 |

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Tone & Style

The episode combines classic suspense with comic relief (especially in Glenn/Archie’s banter), atmospheric chills, interactive mystery-solving, and moral resolution characteristic of 1940s radio plays. The language is period-authentic, rich with dramatic flair and both interplay and gravitas.

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Who Should Listen?

This timeless radio drama appeals to fans of classic mysteries (think Agatha Christie), Golden Age radio enthusiasts, and anyone who loves old-fashioned, interactive whodunits where every clue matters and the line between illusion and reality blurs.

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Transcript

[Jerry Marshall]

If a dead man reappears on the scene. Just to get into the spirit of things.

[Robert]

Isn'T it a crime?

[Jerry Marshall]

Wnew presents the 13th in a series of famous mystery stories relating to the gentle art of mayhem and the less gentle art of murder.

[Robert]

Isn't it a crime?

[Jerry Marshall]

This is Jerry Marshall speaking. Now, not only will you hear the exciting story of speaking of murder, but you will be invited to join our radio detective force and be given a chance to solve the crime before the answer is revealed. Just as if you might have been there on the scene. When all the clues are in, we'll return to the scene of the crime for the solution of tonight's mystery. Speaking of murder. It's nearly noon. Sunlight pokes inquisitive fingers under the window blinds of the penthouse apartment of Glenn Winthrop, writer of mystery stories. But Glenn isn't having any. His face is buried in the pillow, and he sleeps with sound effects. The door opens, framing a lean, melancholy face. The owner of the face peers at the figure on the bed, then approaches, holding at arm's length an infernal machine. Destroyer of sleep, shatterer of nerves.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Answer the door, Smithers.

[Archie (Smithers)]

It's not the door, Mr. Winkle.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Then answer the phone. I want to sleep.

[Archie (Smithers)]

It's not the phone, sir.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Whatever it is, answer it.

[Archie (Smithers)]

It's an alarm clock, sir.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Oh, no. No alarm clocks. The curfew shall not ring tonight.

[Archie (Smithers)]

But it isn't night, sir. It's nearly noon.

[Robert]

It's really.

[Frances Southworth]

Forgive.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Speak, Smithers. I don't care if it's night, morning or midwinter.

[Robert]

Go away.

[Glenn Winthrop]

And take that instrument of Satan with you. For heaven's sake, Smithers, turn that confounded thing off.

[Archie (Smithers)]

Yes, sir.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Now go away.

[Archie (Smithers)]

But, Mr. Winthrop, sir, I must shave you. You just sit over there.

[Glenn Winthrop]

I'll grow a beard. I'm not gonna shave for a month. But you must, sir Archibald. What's got into you?

[Archie (Smithers)]

I do wish, sir, that you wouldn't call me Archibald. As I told you, sir, when I entered your service, I detest the name. My name is Archie.

[Glenn Winthrop]

And I wish, Archibald, that you'd go away and let me sleep. I detest alarm clocks, and I'm beginning to detest you.

[Archie (Smithers)]

Surely, sir, you don't want to entertain a lady with that ghastly stubble on your chin. Especially your fiance.

[Robert]

What?

[Glenn Winthrop]

What's my fiance got to do with it? She's in Florida.

[Archie (Smithers)]

Oh, no, sir. Ms. Southwood phoned a few minutes ago.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Frances phoned? Well, why didn't you say so?

[Archie (Smithers)]

I hadn't as yet had the opportunity to do so, sir. She said she'd be here in 30 minutes.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Here in 30 minutes?

[Archie (Smithers)]

Yes, sir.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Just my luck. And I was all set to go on a hunting trip tomorrow.

[Archie (Smithers)]

I didn't realize that you didn't wish to see us, sir. Shall I refuse her entrance, sir?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Shall you what?

[Archie (Smithers)]

Shall I turn her away, sir?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Of course not your dope. Where's my robe?

[Archie (Smithers)]

Here, sir. If you just sit over here, I'll shave you in no time. I have everything ready.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Archie, I apologize. I'll never call you Archibald again. You're a lifesaver.

[Archie (Smithers)]

Thank you, sir. Now just sit here.

[Robert]

Sir.

[Glenn Winthrop]

I wonder what brought Francis back.

[Archie (Smithers)]

She didn't say, sir. Now, if you'll just turn your head. So I'll lather your face.

[Glenn Winthrop]

In the middle of the season, too, I think.

[Robert]

God gone it.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Archie, you put the shaving soap in my mouth.

[Archie (Smithers)]

I'm sorry, sir. If you keep your mouth closed, it won't happen again.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, Glenn, darling, I'm so glad to see you. Kiss me again. What is it, Archibald?

[Archie (Smithers)]

Shall I bring some coffee, Mr. Winthrop?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Darling, so afraid. Archie doesn't approve of romance before breakfast.

[Frances Southworth]

Well, he'll just have to approve after we're married. I'm sure I shall insist upon being kissed before breakfast.

[Archie (Smithers)]

Shall I bring the coffee, sir?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Oh, yes, by all means, Archibald. Bring the coffee.

[Archie (Smithers)]

Thank you, sir.

[Frances Southworth]

Your valet is sort of. Sort of weird, darling.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Oh, he's all right. He's fussy about his name, that's all. I don't think he liked it when you called him Archibald.

[Frances Southworth]

But you just called him that yourself.

[Glenn Winthrop]

I always do when I'm annoyed with him.

[Frances Southworth]

And you were annoyed with him just now.

[Glenn Winthrop]

When anyone interrupts the most beautiful woman in the land and the best actress just when she's about to kiss me, why shouldn't I be annoyed?

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, you're crazy. But I love it.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Ah, tell me, darling, what brings you back to the city so soon? When your show closed last week, you told me you were going away for a month.

[Frances Southworth]

I got a wire from Robert that I must be at my uncle's house tonight.

[Glenn Winthrop]

In that gloomy old ruin out in the suburbs? But why? I thought that house was closed after your uncle died.

[Frances Southworth]

It was, but Robert stayed on there.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Who's Robert?

[Frances Southworth]

He was uncle Ned's confidential secretary. He had charge of all my uncle's affairs. He and my cousin Irma nursed uncle during his last illness. Robert wired that it was urgent that I come to the house tonight. Irma's to be there, too, be taken.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Care of by mail.

[Frances Southworth]

I don't know what it is, but Robert's wire states that if I hope to participate in Uncle's estate, I had to be there tonight. Anyway, there's something funny about the way uncle died. I almost think sometimes that. That it was murder.

[Glenn Winthrop]

That sounds like the beginning of one of my mystery stories.

[Frances Southworth]

I know. I dread going out there. The place has always made me so uneasy. That's why I want you to come with me.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Ah, I see. I just spent three months writing a book about a spooky old house. Now I have to visit one and me on my.

[Robert]

Is this the place, mister? Yeah, this is it. Oh, thanks, mister. Yeah. Gosh, what a spooky dive. You wouldn't catch me going into a place like that.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Are you hinting for an invitation?

[Robert]

Oh, no, not me, buddy.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Well, tastes differ. He's seeing you, cabbie.

[Robert]

I hope so, but I ain't holding my breath.

[Frances Southworth]

Cab driver gives me the creeps. The way he said he hoped so when you told him you'd be seeing him.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Oh, he was just kidding. This is a spooky looking place. Why'd your uncle with all his dough want to live in a house way back from the street like that?

[Frances Southworth]

He built the wall all around the ground so he'd have privacy.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Well, he might as well have lost himself in the jungle. Oh, here's the gate. Oh, watch out you don't stumble, Franz. Gee, it's sure dark around this place.

[Frances Southworth]

What was that?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Oh, it's just a hoot all, darling, we're really in the jungle. But don't let it get on your nerves.

[Frances Southworth]

But it is scary. After that gate shuts us off from the street, we might as well be in another world.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Say, by the way, is there a dog here?

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, yes, yes. Uncle's dog, Hamlet. Robert kept him after uncle died. He's a Great Dane. Hamlet. Hamlet, I mean, not Robert.

[Glenn Winthrop]

That's not so good.

[Frances Southworth]

Well, why don't you like Great Danes?

[Glenn Winthrop]

I don't mind them in the daylight, but I certainly don't fancy a young elephant jumping on me in the dark.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, Hamlet won't hurt us. He knows me.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Yeah, but he doesn't know me.

[Frances Southworth]

I can't understand, though, why he hasn't barked. He usually raises the roof when anyone comes into the grounds at night. Look. Look, Glenn, there by the tree in the porch. There's a huge dark shadow and something white. Oh, Glenn, let's get out of here.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Now, wait a minute. I'm gonna see what it is.

[Frances Southworth]

No, no, darling, don't Come out of.

[Glenn Winthrop]

There, whoever you are.

[Archie (Smithers)]

Is that you, Mr. Winthrop?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Archie?

[Archie (Smithers)]

Yes. When Ms. Southwood screamed, it nearly scared the wits out at Miss.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Well, Archie, I can't say that your sudden appearance was a sedative to our nerves.

[Archie (Smithers)]

Oh, that outlandish creature. It seems to be a been roosting over my head ever since I got here.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Incidentally, Archie, what are you doing here anyway?

[Archie (Smithers)]

Oh, I beg your pardon, sir. It quite slipped my mind in my discomposure. You see, sir, after you and Ms. Southwood left for dinner, I discovered an appalling thing. A terrible oversight.

[Glenn Winthrop]

What is it?

[Archie (Smithers)]

I hope you'll forgive me, sir, but when you were dressing I was guilty of a terrible bit of negligence.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Well, well, Archie, what is it?

[Archie (Smithers)]

It was an oversight, sir, and I'm terribly sorry. I didn't know where you were dining, so I came out here to meet you.

[Frances Southworth]

Here?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Archie, what are you talking about?

[Archie (Smithers)]

Oh, it's horrible, sir. I let you come out in public without a handkerchief in your breast pocket and here it is, sir.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Well, I'll forgive you this time, Archie. Just so you don't let me go out in public someday without my pants.

[Archie (Smithers)]

Oh, no, sir.

[Frances Southworth]

Come on, Glenn, let's go inside. This dark yard frightens me.

[Glenn Winthrop]

That house looks just as dark. Are you sure Robert said he'd meet you here?

[Frances Southworth]

Yes, I'm sure. Look, look, there's a light. That window at the side that used to be Uncle's den.

[Archie (Smithers)]

I beg pardon, sir.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Robert said he'd meet you here.

[Frances Southworth]

Yes.

[Archie (Smithers)]

I'm sure you'd mind walking to the gate with me. It seems that the nocturnal aspect of this place appalls me. I feel that my nervous system has been sadly derailed.

[Glenn Winthrop]

You may as well come in with us, Archie. We shan't be here long, I hope. Ms. Southworth is planning to fly back to Florida tomorrow and I want to start on that hunting trip. God, I almost fell down confounded. Somebody left a rolled up rug or something on that porch. Why can't they have lights on when they're expecting company?

[Frances Southworth]

There never was any furniture on the porch when uncle was alive.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Where in blazes is that bell?

[Frances Southworth]

There isn't a bell, dear. Uncle could never stand bells ringing. He wouldn't even have a telephone for that reason. Here, the big door knocker.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Let's see how this contraption works. I've got it. Well, echoes through the house like the crack of doom. You suppose there's anybody there?

[Frances Southworth]

I'm sure I saw a light in the den. Knock again.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Okay.

[Archie (Smithers)]

It's as silent as a mausoleum.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Sir Archibald, your choice of words is unfortunate under the circumstances, but you're right, Fran. I think someone's been playing a practical joke on you.

[Frances Southworth]

Bringing me out to this gloomy old house when there's nobody here isn't my idea of a joke. That isn't funny.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Practical jokes rarely are.

[Archie (Smithers)]

I beg pardon, sir, but there seems to be someone with the candle moving around inside.

[Robert]

Oh, good evening, Ms. Francis. You're a little early.

[Frances Southworth]

Good evening, Robert. This is my fiancee, Mr. Winthrop.

[Robert]

Good evening. Good evening.

[Frances Southworth]

Why. Why the candle? What's happened to the electric lights?

[Robert]

A fuse blew out. Miss Francis and I had no spirit there. We'll have to make out with candles tonight. Who is this other gentleman?

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. Smithers. Mr. Winthrop's man.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Great Scott. Archie, what's the matter with you? You're shaking like a leaf.

[Archie (Smithers)]

Look, sir, they're on the porch. That's what you stumbled over.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Hold the light higher, will you, Robert?

[Robert]

Thanks.

[Glenn Winthrop]

It's a dog.

[Frances Southworth]

It's Hamlet. No wonder he didn't bark at us.

[Glenn Winthrop]

He. He's.

[Frances Southworth]

He's dead.

[Glenn Winthrop]

There's not a mark on him. Wonder what happened to him.

[Robert]

The dog grieved for his master. Probably died of grief. He was very old.

[Frances Southworth]

No. No. Glenn. Glenn, I'm frightened. There's. There's menace in the air here tonight. I can feel it. Something terrible will happen here tonight. Midnight. I wonder where Irma is.

[Robert]

She's probably coming with Dr. Blade. Perhaps he's been detained on a call.

[Frances Southworth]

Dr. Blade? You. You mean young Dick Blade, Uncle's doctor? Why is he coming?

[Robert]

Irma's been working in his office since your uncle died. He promised to bring her.

[Frances Southworth]

I never liked Dick Blade.

[Robert]

He's been very kind to Irma.

[Frances Southworth]

Yes. Probably feathering his nest. Probably wants to marry her for her share of uncle's fortune.

[Robert]

Perhaps if you had been your uncle's nurse instead of Irma, you might feel differently about Dr. Blade.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, I'm sorry, Robert. That was a terrible thing to say. I'm not myself tonight. This place gives me the creeps. It almost seems that uncle is here tonight, reproaching me because I wasn't with him when he died.

[Robert]

I'm sure your uncle understood that. You would have been with him had it been possible. You were very thoughtful. You sent fruit and fruit. Fruit and flowers nearly every day.

[Frances Southworth]

Fruit and flowers. It meant nothing. Oh, I should have left the show and come here.

[Robert]

Your uncle wouldn't have wanted that. He was proud of your career.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, why Doesn't Irma come?

[Robert]

It was just a month ago tonight that he died. At one o'.

[Frances Southworth]

Clock.

[Robert]

It's just an hour from the.

[Jerry Marshall]

Why, Miss Francis, you're shivering.

[Robert]

Are you cold?

[Frances Southworth]

No, no, I. I was just listening to that wind. It has an eerie sound.

[Robert]

It's been a sultry day. Probably a storm brewing.

[Frances Southworth]

What was that?

[Robert]

I didn't hear anything.

[Frances Southworth]

Listen.

[Robert]

You're upset, my dear. I heard nothing.

[Frances Southworth]

But I tell you, I heard something. It was the sound of something banging like. Like someone pounding on the wall. There it is again.

[Robert]

Miss Francis, you're overwrought. You're imagining things. I must have Dr. Blade prescribe something.

[Frances Southworth]

No, no, no. I don't trust that man.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Hello, darling. Sorry I scared you.

[Frances Southworth]

Glenn, where have you been?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Archie and I were moving Hamlet's body so your cousin wouldn't get a scare when she arrived. Oh, by the way, Robert, Smithers is out in the hall. If you'll be so kind as to show us where we can wash up.

[Frances Southworth]

No. No, don't leave me, Glenn.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Why, Frances, what's wrong?

[Frances Southworth]

I don't know. I just don't want to be left alone.

[Glenn Winthrop]

All right, I'll stay.

[Robert]

I'll show Smithers the way upstairs.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Thanks.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, darling, I'm so glad you came back when you did. That that man gives me the creeps.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Oh, Robert. Yeah, he is sort of strange. I suppose it's just his way. Gee, you're sort of nervous. I've never seen you like this before.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, that wind. That unearthly screeching wind. It's almost as though uncle were trying to speak to me from his grave.

[Glenn Winthrop]

I'll see. Here, young lady, you've got to get a grip on yourself. You mustn't go to pieces this way.

[Frances Southworth]

Only Irma would come. Then we could get this. This business of Roberts over with and go home.

[Glenn Winthrop]

I thought you said that your uncle never had a phone. Give me a start too. I guess I'm developing your nerves. Oh, all right, all right, I'm coming. Where is the confounded thing? It's over in this corner somewhere, but I can't find it.

[Frances Southworth]

There it is, in the woodpeck.

[Glenn Winthrop]

It's a fine place to keep a phone.

[Robert]

Hello? Hello?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Hello? That's funny.

[Frances Southworth]

Did they hang up?

[Glenn Winthrop]

No, that's the funny part of it. There wasn't even a dial tone. The lion's dead.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, Glenn, darling, take me out of here. There's something horrible going on in this place.

[Glenn Winthrop]

I'm beginning to agree with you. There's something mighty funny About a phone hidden in a wastebasket ringing when the lion is dead.

[Frances Southworth]

And Hamlet. I'm sure somebody killed him.

[Glenn Winthrop]

There wasn't a mark on the dog's body.

[Frances Southworth]

He could have been poisoned.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Yes, that's true. Did Robert tell you why he sent for you to come here tonight?

[Frances Southworth]

He said we'd have to wait until Irma got here. She and I are Uncle's only surviving relatives. And it has something to do with the will. Robert drew it up, you know.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Yeah, but why should your uncle's secretary draw up his will? Why not a lawyer?

[Frances Southworth]

Robert was more than Uncle's secretary. He was an old friend. Gave up his law practice to handle Uncle's affairs.

[Glenn Winthrop]

You know, Francis, this is all very strange. I feel as though I'm living in the pages of one of my own crazy books. I've written this story a dozen times myself.

[Robert]

Your man will be down In a minute, Mr. Winthrop.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Thanks, Robert. Robert, when did you have a phone installed in this house?

[Robert]

Phone?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Yes. A little while ago, a phone rang. I had trouble locating it, but finally found it in the wastebasket. When I answered, the line was dead. It did seem rather strange.

[Robert]

I had the phone put in shortly after your uncle's death, Ms. Francis. I was working at the desk today and remember putting it in the basket to clear the desktop. As to the line being dead. Are you sure of that, Mr. Winthrop?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Quite sure. Try it yourself.

[Robert]

Oh, that's probably Irma. Excuse me. I let her in.

[Glenn Winthrop]

You know, Francis, I believe you're right. There is something fishy about that man. That strange gliding walk, that flat voice, that pale face.

[Frances Southworth]

Glenn. He looks like a dead man. So you're Glenn, dear. Francis has told me so much about you. Never mind trying to make a play for him, dear Emma. He's not. Oh, you talk, Francis. Well, Robert, suppose we get down to business. Dick and I want to get back to town.

[Glenn Winthrop]

We had a wet trip out. It's pouring in town.

[Robert]

Bad storm. I tried to call you but couldn't get you.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Saw the reason later. There's a tree down right across the telephone Line must have fallen while you were calling. The phone rang, but when I answered, the line was dead.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, don't talk about dead things. This house always gives me the willies. I don't see, Robert, why we had to come out here. Why couldn't we meet in town?

[Robert]

This really concerns only Ms. Irma and Ms. Francis, but the rest of you may as well hear it. You know, of course, that I drew up your uncle's will.

[Frances Southworth]

Yes, of course.

[Robert]

And you know too, that for some time before his death your uncle was interested in. In spiritualism?

[Frances Southworth]

Yes. It always gave me the creeps to hear him talk about it.

[Robert]

Well, your uncle's will contained a strange clause. I, as executor, was instructed to request his heirs to be present here tonight. Exactly one month after his death.

[Frances Southworth]

Cute little idea uncle had. Did he order a storm too?

[Robert]

Please, Ms. Irma, I was further instructed to inform you of the terms of his will. I'll read it.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, skip all the legal stuff. Just tell us how it affects us.

[Robert]

Very well. Aside from some minor bequests, the bulk of the property is to be divided between you two girls.

[Frances Southworth]

And you hauled us out here to hear that?

[Robert]

Wait, Miss Erma. Let me read the paragraph which refers to your inheritance. In the event that at exactly one month from the hour of my death, my two nieces, Francis and Irma, are living and unmarried. And in the event they have not been involved in any scandal that would besmirched the name of Southworth, the residue of my estate shall be divided equally between them. But should either of my nieces fail in these conditions, said niece shall forfeit her inheritance and the entire estate shall go to my niece who fulfills said conditions. Could both nieces fail?

[Frances Southworth]

No need to read the rest of it. We're both alive, we've been in no scandals and I'm certainly not married. How about you, Francis? Of course not. Then that's that. Come on, Dick. Let's start back to town.

[Robert]

One moment. Your uncle specified that both Francis and Irma should be here in this house at exactly one month from the time of his death. He died at 1am one month ago. We've still half an hour to wait. The conditions of the will are not.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Effective till 1am well, that's pretty silly. Neither of the girls is going to die or get into a scandal in half an hour.

[Robert]

Well, as a doctor, I grant you that marriage or scandal?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Scandal are unlikely.

[Robert]

But who can be sure about death? 10 minutes of one. Now we must fulfill the final conditions of the will.

[Frances Southworth]

What do you mean, final conditions?

[Robert]

I will explain. Your uncle's interest in spiritualism prompted one other request. We are all to sit around this table. Miss Irma, sit here beside me. Dr. Blade on my other side.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Very well.

[Robert]

Thank you. Ms. Francis, next to Dr. Blade. Mr. Winthrop and Smithers at the foot of the table. Thank you.

[Frances Southworth]

Good.

[Robert]

Now, I am instructed to place this loaded revolver on the table in front of me.

[Frances Southworth]

So, what's this all about?

[Robert]

At exactly one o' clock the hour of his death, your uncle will endeavor to speak to us from the grave.

[Frances Southworth]

This is so silly.

[Robert]

If you wish to forfeit your inheritance, you may withdraw.

[Frances Southworth]

Not on your life.

[Robert]

You will note that a fire is laid in the grate. If your uncle succeeds in returning to us, he will light that fire.

[Frances Southworth]

Must we go through with this ridiculous farce?

[Robert]

Robert, you have heard the terms of your uncle's will.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, that's a lot of tommy rot.

[Robert]

Perhaps. But it was your uncle's wish. I intend to carry out his wishes.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, all right. Get on with it then.

[Robert]

Now, each one clasp his neighbor's hand. All right. Yes. Then our circle is complete. I will now blow out the candle.

[Frances Southworth]

That clock. Monotonous clock. Chick, chick, chick. It's driving me crazy.

[Robert]

Your uncle was very fond of that clock.

[Frances Southworth]

Well, I don't like.

[Robert]

Must be nearly one. We must be quiet.

[Frances Southworth]

I tell you, I can't stand this.

[Robert]

Shh. Quiet, please. Robert.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Robert.

[Robert]

Yes?

[Glenn Winthrop]

You have done well.

[Robert]

Is that you, Mr. Southworth? On earth, that was my name. Now I have no name. I cannot free myself from earth until my work is done. Your work? What is your work? Vengeance. Only one here need fear me. The one who murdered me.

[Frances Southworth]

Murdered?

[Robert]

Yes, with a slow poison. One of you murdered me. Robert, you brought me whiskey. Was the poison in that? Or was it in the medicine Dr. Blade gave me? Francis, you sent me the fruit nearly every day. Was it the fruit of death?

[Frances Southworth]

No. No.

[Robert]

Emma, you cooked my food. One of you murdered me.

[Frances Southworth]

It wasn't I. I tell you, I didn't.

[Jerry Marshall]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Jerry Marshall speaking. We take time out now, in fact, 60 seconds. Time to allow you amateur detectives to solve the mystery of tonight's story. To help you along with the solution, here are a few leading or misleading clues. First, is there anything that Robert said that might shed light on his innocence or guilt?

[Robert]

The dog grieved for his master. Probably died of grief. He was very old.

[Jerry Marshall]

Now, how about Dr. Blade? Do you recall him saying?

[Robert]

Well, as a doctor, I grant that marriage or scandal are unlikely. But who can be sure about 10?

[Jerry Marshall]

Then there is Francis. A very definite heir to uncle Shekels.

[Frances Southworth]

There's menace in the air here tonight. I can feel it. Something terrible will happen here tonight.

[Jerry Marshall]

Or could it have been Irma who was heard to say, must we go.

[Frances Southworth]

Through with this ridiculous farce? Robert.

[Jerry Marshall]

Well, the 60 seconds are up. Do you think you have the answer? All right. Hold on to it and we'll return to our play and see if you're right.

[Frances Southworth]

It wasn't I. I tell you, I didn't do it.

[Robert]

Ned. Ned. Don't you know who killed you?

[Glenn Winthrop]

I do not know.

[Robert]

But I have ways of learning. At the stroke of one, I will light that fire in the fireplace and the finger of death will touch my murderer. The flame will sear into the treacherous brain that planned my death.

[Frances Southworth]

Robert. Robert, light that candle.

[Robert]

Quiet. Tell me, Ned. Who killed you? I can't tell you. But in a moment you will know. In a moment, the finger of death will touch the guilty one. There is a gun on the table. That is the only chance for the murderer. That is the only escape from eternal suffering. That is the only expiation.

[Frances Southworth]

No. No.

[Robert]

The finger of death is approaching. Confess your crime. Confess your crime. You murdered me. Confess. Confess before it's too late. The hour is at hand. Confess. Look. The fire is lit. The finger of death is upon you.

[Frances Southworth]

I did it. I killed him. I hated him. He made me a slave.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Robert, quick, the lights.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, Irma. She shot us.

[Jerry Marshall]

Doctor.

[Robert]

Is she. Yes, she's dead. We felt for a long time that his death was not natural. And so Dick, Blade and I got an exhumation order. And Dick found signs of poison in the body. We suspected Both of you, Ms. Francis. It had to be either you or Ms. Irma. So we set the stage for our ghost. The banging shutter, the candlelight, the seance. It was all staged.

[Frances Southworth]

But Hamlet.

[Robert]

Well, the dog died this afternoon. I put the body on the porch.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, and the fire lighting itself.

[Robert]

Dick released my hand and I set off a charge of flashlight powder.

[Glenn Winthrop]

What about the ghost voice?

[Robert]

That was Dick. We planned to scare a confession from the guilty one. And it worked.

[Frances Southworth]

Poor Emma. It's horrible.

[Robert]

It's better the way it happened.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Won't there be legal complications and publicity about all this? After all, Irma committed a murder and then committed suicide.

[Frances Southworth]

No.

[Robert]

The police have informed me that no one need remain for questioning. No charges will be pressed. There will be no publicity. In fact, an inspector from the homicide squad was present in the west room. It was he who removed the body.

[Frances Southworth]

Oh, Glenn, I'll be so happy to get out of this awful house. Listen, darling, I'm not going to go back to Florida. Let's get married tomorrow.

[Glenn Winthrop]

Frances, your darling. Of course.

[Archie (Smithers)]

I beg your pardon, sir.

[Glenn Winthrop]

What is it, Archie?

[Archie (Smithers)]

Mr. Winthrop, sir. Speaking of tomorrow, have you considered you were going on a hunting trip?

[Glenn Winthrop]

Speaking of murder, have you considered what a swell corpse you'd make? Archibald?

[Archie (Smithers)]

Please don't call me Archibald, sir.

[Jerry Marshall]

We have brought you the 13th of a series of Mystery Stories. Tonight's drama, Speaking of Murder, was written by Don Thompson and directed by Milton Bernard Kay. The cast featured Casey Allen, Eleanora Reed, Leonard Shearer, Jason Johnson, Eileen Court and Meryl E. Joels. Musical settings were by Kay Reed. This is Jerry Marshall speaking and saying good night for Isn't It a Crime? This is WM New York.