Let George Do It - Portrait of a Suicide

Summary

---

Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Let George Do It – Portrait of a Suicide
Date: November 3, 2025

---

Episode Overview

This episode features “Let George Do It,” a classic radio detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio. The episode, “Portrait of a Suicide,” revolves around George Valentine, a problem-solver-for-hire, as he’s called upon to investigate the apparent suicide of Mrs. Blair. At first glance, it looks like another tragic personal drama, but as George unravels the web of relationships and events, he discovers a far more sinister plot—one involving jealousy, deception, murder, and a cleverly staged identity swap.

---

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Incident on the Bridge

• [01:10–02:18]
  • Mr. Stengel, a friendly local, talks Mrs. Blair (or so he thinks) away from a bridge railing, suspecting she might be suicidal. Anne, Mrs. Blair's sister, is present and defensive.
  • Memorable exchange:
    • Anne: "Who'd you think I'd be, a water sprite?" [01:34]
• Stengel later reports the incident as suspicious, setting the story in motion.

2. George Valentine Gets Involved

• [02:34–04:50]
  • Mr. Stengel, unsure but concerned after the bridge incident, seeks George's help (“Let George do it!”).
  • The Blairs are described: Emmett (an artist, reticent and moody) and Mary (absent, rumored to be troubled).
  • Hints of past secrets and psychological instability emerge, including a subtle reference to poison by the local doctor (Dr. Durfee).

3. Examining the Blair Household

• [05:38–08:46]
  • George and his assistant, Ms. Brooks, visit Emmett Blair.
  • Emmett claims Mary hasn’t been home, but inconsistencies arise.
  • Discussion introduces Cecile, Emmett's model and implied love interest.
  • Ms. Brooks discovers that Mary recently left a rest home due to nervous breakdown.
  • Dr. Durfee’s earlier concerns related to "poison" and a "homicidal" situation surface.

4. Slashed Portrait and Questions of Jealousy

• [08:46–09:44]
  • A painting of Cecile is discovered slashed—a symbolic hint at Mary’s jealousy.
    • Emmett: "One of the best jobs I've ever done." [08:59]
  • Emmett blames Mary’s irrational jealousy for his strained marriage; claims he was “as patient as I could with her.”
  • They decide to search for Mary, believing she may be a suicide risk.

5. The Search and Supposed Suicide

• [11:34–13:00]
  • News comes that Mary is missing. A frantic search ensues.
  • At the bridge, Stengel (injured) claims he tried to stop Mary from jumping but failed.
    • Mr. Stengel: "She screamed and she jumped... there's a waterfall half a mile down." [12:31]
  • Emmett appears resigned: “There was nothing anyone could do ... commit suicide. That’s all there is to it.” [12:46]
  • George’s cryptic response: “Suicide or a perfect murder.” [13:00]

6. Doubts and Official Closure

• [14:34–15:13]
  • Authorities close the case as suicide after Mary’s "body" is found.
  • George is dissatisfied, sensing loose ends and emotional detachment from Emmett.

7. Piecing Together the Mystery

• [17:00–21:44]
  • George interviews Anne and continues to press the matter with Lt. Johnson, focusing on inconsistencies:
    • Why was Stengel there both times?
    • The poison at the house.
    • Emmett’s demeanor at the morgue.
  • Emmett, emotionally unstable, acts suspiciously and tries to confront Anne on the bridge, possibly endangering her life.

8. Revelation: Identity Swap and Murder

• [22:00–23:03]
  • George confronts Anne and lays out the truth:
    • Mary didn’t commit suicide—she murdered Cecile, staged it as her own death, and posed as her own sister (Anne) to identify the body and escape.
      • George: "It's Cecile's body that's at the morgue. ... And you're Emmet's wife. You're Mary Blair. What's more, you killed Cecile." [22:45–23:03]
  • The police and George connect the dots: the "sister" was actually Mary, exploiting a nervous breakdown as cover.

9. Case Explanation and Closure

• [24:01–25:30]
  • Emmett, in shock, explains he realized the truth at the morgue.
  • George recounts:
    1. Mary lured Cecile onto the bridge, killed her, and pushed her over.
    2. Swam away herself and returned as Anne to identify the body.
    3. Used the confusion and her reputation for instability to execute her alibi.
  • Emmett laments not recognizing the danger sooner, noting Mary had previously tried to poison him.
  • Conclusion: George had to knock Emmett out to prevent him from committing violence in his grief.

10. Philosophical Wrap-Up

• [25:31–26:07]
  • Ms. Brooks and George discuss whether Emmett could have turned to murder himself.
  • The episode closes on a reflective, slightly sardonic note about human nature and limits.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• George Valentine Advertisement:
  • "Personal notice. Danger’s my stock and trade. If the job’s too tough for you to handle, you’ve got a job for me? George Valentine. Write full details." [00:02]
• Dark Wit:
  • Narrator: "You look lousy with that gun in your back. ... why not remove it the easy way? Let George do it. You’ll get rid of it or your money back." [00:30]
• Jealousy Exposed:
  • Emmett Blair: "She never loved me. I doubt if I've loved her, but that's it. Jealous for the sake of jealousy." [09:10]
• The Twist:
  • George: "It's Cecile's body that's at the morgue. ... you're Emmet's wife. You're Mary Blair. What's more, you killed Cecile." [22:45–23:03]
• The “Perfect Crime”:
  • Narrator: "What could be more perfect than to be able to bump yourself off and live to tell the tale?" [23:19]

---

Key Timestamps

• 00:02 – George Valentine’s introductory ad
• 01:10–02:18 – Stengel encounters Mrs. Blair on the bridge
• 03:04–04:50 – Stengel brings concerns to George and Ms. Brooks
• 05:38–08:46 – George and Brooks interview Emmett and learn about Cecile, rest home, and poison
• 08:46–09:44 – Discovery of the slashed portrait
• 11:34–13:00 – Search for Mary; supposed suicide off the bridge
• 14:34–15:13 – Case officially closed as suicide
• 17:00–21:44 – George’s suspicions grow; emotional confrontation on the bridge
• 22:00–23:03 – George reveals the truth about the identity swap and murder
• 24:01–25:30 – Explanation from Emmett; details of Mary’s plan
• 25:31–26:07 – Morally reflective conclusion

---

Tone & Style

The episode retains that classic radio drama style—punchy, irreverent narration; quick, sharply drawn characters; and a balance of suspense, melancholy, and dark humor. George Valentine is direct and skeptical, Ms. Brooks is empathetic, and the supporting cast shifts between rural folksiness and urban sophistication. The conclusion is both tragic and coolly analytical, typical of noir storytelling.

---

Summary Takeaways

• What begins as an investigation into a woman’s suicide quickly unravels into a complex tale of jealousy, mistaken identity, and premeditated murder.
• The “suicide” was a calculated cover-up: The real victim was the artist’s model, Cecile; the supposed suicide, Mary Blair, was in fact alive and masquerading as her own sister.
• The plan nearly succeeds, but George’s critical eye and the revelation of emotional reactions (like Emmett’s breakdown at the morgue) expose the truth.
• The case commentary explores themes of trust, psychological instability, and the limits of even good men and women under pressure.

---

This episode is a strong example of the classic radio detective formula, blending psychological drama with a cleverly structured mystery that keeps listeners guessing until Valentine’s final reveal.

Transcript

[George Valentine]

Personal notice. Dangers, my stock and trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you got a job for me? George Valentine. Write full details.

[Narrator]

You know something, friend? You look lousy with that gun in your back. Of course, if you're trying to cure your lumbago the hard way, forget I told you. However, if that gat's starting to make a bad impression, why not remove it the easy way? Let George do it. You'll get rid of it or your money back. George doesn't mind taking chances. He figures the odds. This way, if he does a job, he's money ahead. If he doesn't, you won't be around to collect anyway, so why worry? On the other hand, everybody doesn't have your problem. Take ol Mr. Stengel, for instance. To look at him as he drives down a back country road, you'd never think he had a care in the world.

[Mr. Stengel]

Oh, carry me back to Virginie. That's where they.

[George Valentine]

Hey.

[Narrator]

What?

[George Valentine]

Hey.

[Narrator]

Hey.

[Mr. Stengel]

Hey, you get away from there. Lady, look out. Get away from that railing. Don't you know there's a river down there?

[Narrator]

What do you think?

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Let go of me.

[Mr. Stengel]

Oh, Holy smoke. You're Mrs. Blair, ain't she?

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Who'd you think I'd be, a water sprite?

[Narrator]

Well.

[Mr. Stengel]

Well, I'm sorry. But gee, I seen you there by the railing, I mean. It's a good 35 foot drop, you know. And this bridge ain't been repaired for years.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

I know, I know. And you're out delivering milk. No, no, no, no.

[Ms. Brooks]

Don't look over.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

You'll get dizzy.

[Mr. Stengel]

I sure didn't mean to offend you in any way.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

It's my view as it is yours, isn't it?

[Mr. Stengel]

Here, I'll give you right over to your place if you like.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Let go of me. I'm sorry. You frightened me, that's all. I was just standing here and you frightened me. No, no, thank you. I'll walk. It's a beautiful day, isn't it?

[Mr. Stengel]

Holy smoke.

[Narrator]

Well, I know one thing. I'm sure glad Mrs. Blair didn't jump. Think of the repercussions. If you'd been fishing, that day would have been awful. Text explained to Mr. Blair that you just caught his wife. On the other hand, it's easy as pie for my friend here to explain almost anything. If you don't believe me, just lend an ear. That's using your head, pal. Now let's see if old Mr. Stengel used his. Well, what do you know? He just walked into George Valentine's office.

[Mr. Stengel]

I know it's none of my business.

[Ms. Brooks]

You thought the woman was trying to jump, is that it, Mr. Stengle?

[Mr. Stengel]

Well, I'll tell you, Ms. Brooks, I don't want to commit myself. I don't know.

[George Valentine]

Then why did you call me?

[Mr. Stengel]

Oh, now, don't chase me around the Barn so much, Mr. Valentine. I don't want to start any excitement. But they're nice people. Husband's a wonderful fellow. Nicest guy you'd ever care to meet.

[George Valentine]

Okay, okay. Tell me some more about Mrs. Blair.

[Mr. Stengel]

Well, Mr. Valentine, she really ain't been around here so much. More of a city type, you know what I mean? At least they're not joiners or bridge players. And the places are pretty far apart out here. I thought she was away someplace.

[Ms. Brooks]

Where's Mrs. Blair been? Do you know?

[Mr. Stengel]

Search me. It's none of my business.

[George Valentine]

You apparently liked her husband. Why didn't you call him after this happened?

[Mr. Stengel]

Well, I did, but there was no answer. Then after I called you, I noticed his tractor out there just working the field over, that's all. But by then I figured I might as well keep my mouth shut.

[Ms. Brooks]

Mr. Blair's a farmer, like you are.

[Mr. Stengel]

Oh, no, no, no, no. Artist. You know, when them fellas paints pictures, Pa. Pretty good ones, too. Only he's not so good on cows. Draws them all with straight line.

[George Valentine]

Emmett Blair?

[Mr. Stengel]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, that's the one. That's his name. I wouldn't be surprised. He's got a reputation.

[Ms. Brooks]

Yes, he has.

[Mr. Stengel]

Owns a nice farm. Really works it, too. Oh, he's a wonderful fellow. He is. He don't associate much and he's kind of sad looking at times. I don't speak his language maybe, but he speaks mine.

[George Valentine]

Mr. Stengel, the point is, you don't want to offend this guy Blair. But you're curious. You don't know him very well and you know his wife less. But today you saw her very unhappy and maybe thinking about suicide.

[Mr. Stengel]

No, no, no. Hold on, hold on. I don't believe in jumping at conclusions, but there's been things that. Well, I don't want nothing bad to happen, that's all.

[Ms. Brooks]

There's been things like what?

[Mr. Stengel]

Well, I'm not a gossip, but in the past. Well, it was something the local doctor told me once. Always stuck in my mind. Oh, but I'm not going to tell you. That's up to him. Doc Durfee. I don't want Doc thinking that I shot my mouth off with ethical secrets.

[George Valentine]

All right, Mr. Stengel. You just want us to look into it. We will. We'll call Dr. Fee. But in the meantime, I'm going to play it straight.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

What do you mean?

[George Valentine]

Well, see something you don't understand. Why not go find out? Come on, angel. We're going to call on the Blairs.

[Emmett Blair]

No, no, no. It. It couldn't have been my wife. Stengel must be mistaken.

[Ms. Brooks]

You say Your telephone's upstairs, Mr. Blair?

[Emmett Blair]

Oh, yes. Yes, Miss Brooks. Go right ahead and turn to the left.

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh, thank you.

[George Valentine]

Mistaken, Mr. Blair. Stengel's met her before.

[Emmett Blair]

But my wife's not here now. In fact, she won't be here until later this evening. I'm going to meet her train.

[George Valentine]

Where's Mrs. Blair, Ben?

[Emmett Blair]

Well, I scarcely think that's important. Do you see here? Why didn't the old fool go after if she was so upset?

[George Valentine]

He said he did afterwards, but couldn't find her. She'd run off toward the highway anyhow.

[Emmett Blair]

Oh, well, the buses run.

[George Valentine]

Yeah.

[Emmett Blair]

Now, of course, she could be. Oh, no.

[George Valentine]

No.

[Emmett Blair]

This is ridiculous.

[George Valentine]

Why Is it ridiculous, Mr. Blair?

[Narrator]

What?

[Emmett Blair]

Well, my wife just isn't the type to commit suicide, Mr. Valentine.

[George Valentine]

Well, it might not have been that. Incidentally, Stengel did try to find you, but you were out in the field.

[Emmett Blair]

Yes, yes, I. I've been out cultivating all day. Excuse me, will you, please? I want to get into that desk.

[George Valentine]

Oh, sure, Mr. William.

[Emmett Blair]

Of course. I appreciate your coming over about this. You know, I don't understand it, but I.

[George Valentine]

Well, I stopped to talk to a kid coming up the lane. He was under the impression your wife was here yesterday.

[Emmett Blair]

I don't blame you for your curiosity. No, no. Mary wasn't here. In fact, she's seldom been here in the past 10 years. Which is not very important either. No, he must have noticed Cecile at all.

[George Valentine]

Cecile?

[Emmett Blair]

Yes. I'm an artist. Artists have models. Well, go on. Say something nasty.

[George Valentine]

Why should I?

[Emmett Blair]

Oh, I'm sorry. I'm awfully sorry. Forgive me. I am just upset. Cecile's a very lovely person. Very close friend. Nothing more. Very few people understand. I've been working on a portrait for the past week, but Cecile's gone now. Oh, yes. Here. Here we are. It's a phone number. Do you suppose Ms. Brooks is through yet with that phone?

[Ms. Brooks]

Yes, I am.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Emmett Blair]

Oh, well, will you excuse me then? I want to phone the number where my wife's been visiting.

[Ms. Brooks]

For the Clearview Rest Home.

[Emmett Blair]

Yes.

[George Valentine]

What else did you find out, Angel?

[Ms. Brooks]

She went there six weeks ago because of A nervous breakdown.

[Emmett Blair]

Now, see here. What is this? What right have you to.

[Ms. Brooks]

I've been talking to Dr. Durfee.

[Emmett Blair]

You've what?

[Ms. Brooks]

George, that thing that Mr. Stengel was hinting at. Was that Dr. Durfee found some poison here once in this house.

[George Valentine]

What?

[Emmett Blair]

I've only.

[Ms. Brooks]

He wouldn't tell me much more, but he used the word homicidal about the situation here.

[Emmett Blair]

Stop it. Now listen to me, both of you. If he's a country quack, he doesn't situation here. My wife, naturally. All right, since you've pried this far. We. We haven't been close for years. But I. I tried to do everything I could to help her, naturally. But they said at the rest home that Mary was perfectly all right. Only. Only a breakdown. I mean, she. Well, this absurd situation goes back years and years, and I. Oh, get out, will you? What's the use? I want to call that place and.

[Ms. Brooks]

Find out if she's here for you. Mr. Blake, I'm sorry I blurted out things like that, but I want you to show George your portrait.

[Narrator]

What?

[Ms. Brooks]

I bumped into the wrong room. I guess this must be a lot worse than you think it is. Because there's a painting upstairs of a woman.

[Emmett Blair]

Oh, yes. Yes, of course, Cecile. It's the one I just finished of her.

[Ms. Brooks]

And the canvas has been slashed to pieces.

[Emmett Blair]

Oh, no. Oh, look at that. One of the best jobs I've ever done.

[George Valentine]

You didn't slash it yourself?

[Emmett Blair]

Why would I do that?

[George Valentine]

Okay, okay. And you say the picture was all right when the model left?

[Emmett Blair]

Yes. My wife, of course. Who else would do a thing like that? She never loved me. I doubt if I've loved her, but that's it. Jealous for the sake of jealousy.

[George Valentine]

Is that why you sent the model away?

[Emmett Blair]

No one else will ever have you, she said. I've been as patient as I could with her. Ridiculous emotional imaginings. Her. Come on. I'll run out back and get the car. Well, Mary's obviously been here in the house. Walked in and saw this portrait and slashed it. Let's get back up the highway. She must have gone someplace.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[George Valentine]

Go on ahead. I'll get Ms. Brooks.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Ms. Brooks]

Thanks. She left that Clearview place this morning, George. They thought she was coming here then directly. But she's perfectly all right, they say she was.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Huh?

[Ms. Brooks]

I don't see how just a picture would be enough to upset her that bad.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, yeah, I know what you mean. I wonder if there's anything else around here to show what she did when.

[Ms. Brooks]

She shall I call Mr. Blair.

[George Valentine]

No, no, let me get it. Hello?

[Anne (on phone)]

Hello, Emmett?

[George Valentine]

Uh, no, this is George Valentine. I'm a friend of his. Is there a message you'd like to.

[Anne (on phone)]

Oh, well, this is Anne, Mrs. Blair's sister.

[George Valentine]

Anne?

[Anne (on phone)]

Yes. I mean, I'm at the railroad station and she's not here. But I haven't eaten and I want to go to a hotel.

[George Valentine]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Railroad station?

[Anne (on phone)]

Mr. Valentine? Is my brother in law there, Emmett.

[George Valentine]

You want to talk to him?

[Anne (on phone)]

No, no. Mary sent me this wire from Clearview several days ago. Asking me to come and meet her here at the train. But she wasn't on.

[George Valentine]

Yes, yes, I know. She apparently came earlier. What hotel were you talking about?

[Anne (on phone)]

Is anything wrong? Oh, the Plains Hotel. I guess I have to eat first. I'm here with some friends.

[George Valentine]

Okay, okay. I'll leave a message for you there. See you later.

[Anne (on phone)]

But what is it? Mary's all right, isn't she? In this telegram, she said she wanted me to be with her when she went out there. To her home. She didn't want to go there alone.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

What should I do?

[George Valentine]

I don't know, Anne. But don't worry now. My name's George Valentine, like I said, remember? It.

[Emmett Blair]

Seems a little ridiculous to have called the sheriff's office.

[George Valentine]

We want to find her, don't we?

[Emmett Blair]

Well, yes. Yes, of course. But if you hadn't stayed so long in the house. What kept you anyway?

[George Valentine]

Nothing. Just getting a search started, that's all.

[Emmett Blair]

Poor Mary. She's always been so.

[Ms. Brooks]

Listen.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, Somebody's horn stuck. Hey, that's the bridge up there, isn't it?

[Emmett Blair]

Stengel. That's Stengel's truck.

[Ms. Brooks]

It's just parked there.

[George Valentine]

Yeah. Hey. Hey.

[Narrator]

Hey.

[George Valentine]

What's the matter with you?

[Narrator]

Stengel.

[Mr. Stengel]

Saw your headlights. Afraid you'd turn off the other way. Wanted help.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

George.

[Ms. Brooks]

There's blood on his face and his clothes are.

[Mr. Stengel]

I'm all right. Scratch, that's all. But I twisted my ankle. Took me a half hour to get down there.

[Emmett Blair]

Well, what happened?

[Mr. Stengel]

I tried to stop her. She was standing in the same place. I always drive out this time of night. I'm sorry. But by the time I crawled down there through the woods over those rocks. Current's too strong. Not hiding her hair.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Over.

[Emmett Blair]

Mary.

[Mr. Stengel]

She jumped. I tried to stop her. She screamed and she jumped. Come on. No, no. Now there's no use, Mr. Valentine. Current's too strong by this time. There's. Well, there's a waterfall half a mile down.

[Ms. Brooks]

Oh, no.

[Emmett Blair]

Oh, the poor thing. I don't understand it. But now it's happened, hasn't it? There was nothing anyone could do, Stengelsor. Commit suicide. That's all there is to it.

[George Valentine]

Suicide or a perfect murder.

[Narrator]

I guess this goes to show you can't argue with a woman. Mrs. Blair made up her mind she was going to drown her sorrows. Even if it killed her, and it did. Of course, someone might have helped to prove her point. But I have a fellow right here who never needs help to prove his. Prove a point, pal. You know, there are a couple of angles to this case that don't add. First of all, how come old man Stengel was around every time Mrs. Blair took a notion to dunk herself in the drink? And what was he doing with all those scratches on his puss? Did Mrs. Blair do it? Or had he been playing patty cake with a wildcat? And where does Mr. Blair fit in? If he could mix plowing with painting, he also might be able to blend money and mayhem. But who did he hire to push wifey off the trestle? All I know is that even if Blair couldn't paint a cow, he's a past master at throwing the bull. Speaking of bull, here's a prime specimen. Only this bull doesn't have horns.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

The fact is, the case is now officially closed, and I'm going home.

[Ms. Brooks]

But why is it closed, Lieutenant Johnson?

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Sheriff's office found the body down the.

[Emmett Blair]

River below the falls.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Drowned further up, I suppose. Wasn't easy to even find her after she'd been over that falls. All those sharp rocks.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, okay, skip it. I get the idea.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

I don't know women like that. Maybe she's happier. Had a lot of funny notions all her life, apparently.

[Ms. Brooks]

You seen her husband?

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Stopped by to tell him he's all right. Okay, so it doesn't upset him much. So what? They'd have been separated long ago if it hadn't been for her. For him trying to take care of her.

[George Valentine]

Yeah. Yeah, sure. Nice guy.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Well, what's the matter with you?

[Narrator]

Oh, I don't know.

[George Valentine]

Come on, angel.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Hey, where you going?

[George Valentine]

See that sister of hers that I talked to last night on the phone?

[Lieutenant Johnson]

I already met her. She's on her way downtown to the morgue with one of the boys. What can she do? What can she tell you? There just isn't any case to look into.

[George Valentine]

Oh, sure. Sure, Lieutenant. No case at all. But I'll bet five bucks you follow me out that. Do I?

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

I don't know anything about them.

[Mr. Stengel]

Really, I don't.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

It's been years since Mary and I. Yeah.

[George Valentine]

Now look, I. I know this hasn't been pleasant.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Anne, I'm sorry. I can't help it. The doctor or somebody took me in there. Well, it's a horrible way to see a sister you haven't seen.

[George Valentine]

She sent you a wire. She didn't want you to go back to her home alone. She didn't want to go back alone. Is that right?

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

That's all she said?

[Ms. Brooks]

I don't know.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

I just assumed she still didn't feel very well and wanted some help.

[George Valentine]

Why didn't you assume she was having trouble with her husband?

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Because I didn't know she was.

[George Valentine]

Hadn't you even heard of a woman named Cecile?

[Ms. Brooks]

Who?

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Mr. Valentine, you talked strangely last night and I didn't understand it. I know my brother in law has gone out with various women, but Mary knew that too. But I. I want to take the bus out and see him at least. I've taken care of everything here at the coroner's office. And he ought to know that. I mean, is there any reason I shouldn't?

[Lieutenant Johnson]

No, there isn't, huh? Go on, miss. And thanks a lot.

[George Valentine]

Now wait a minute, Johnson. I'm just getting on. Go on.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

There's nothing more to be done. You'll just get all worked up sitting around here.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Whatever you say, Lieutenant.

[George Valentine]

Okay, okay. So I'm getting nowhere. That isn't any reason to barge cars.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Parked across the street come in.

[George Valentine]

What?

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Look out the window. That green sedan over there.

[George Valentine]

Where?

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Coroner's office didn't realize there was another relative around, so they called him in. Sitting there, but he's already been inside. Don't you understand? While you were talking to the sister.

[George Valentine]

He's waiting for her, I guess.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Yeah, there she goes. But he doesn't stop her.

[George Valentine]

Ah, yeah. Doesn't call her. Doesn't do anything.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Got his coat collar up, but he's watching her.

[George Valentine]

Now, look, I don't understand.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Coroner's man said it was all Blair could do to stand up when he come out of the morgue.

[George Valentine]

So what?

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Valentine, I've been thinking over everything you told me. Once there was poison at the Blair house and nobody ever knew who had it there, did they?

[George Valentine]

Oh, so now you're getting the idea, huh? Hey, look. There she goes down the street and still he sits.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Sure, I know Mrs. Blair killed herself, but I wonder which one it was that was really weird in that family if his wife was driven into a nervous break.

[George Valentine]

Come on. Hey, you.

[Narrator]

You.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Wait a minute.

[George Valentine]

Claire. Just noticed you out here.

[Emmett Blair]

What? I. Oh, Valentine.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Why don't you come back inside, Lieutenant?

[Emmett Blair]

Oh, yes, yes, I. Just sitting here for a moment. No, no, I'm sorry. I have appointments to.

[George Valentine]

Your sister in law is in town. She was just up.

[Emmett Blair]

Oh, is that so? I mean, yes, yes, of course I. I know. I.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Make up your mind what you're gonna say.

[Emmett Blair]

What's the matter? Is he here? I'm not over parked in this place, am I? Or something?

[George Valentine]

What's the matter with you?

[Emmett Blair]

Mr. Blair, I. I'm afraid I don't feel very well. It's nothing at all.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

What's the matter with your.

[Narrator]

Nothing? I.

[Emmett Blair]

All right. I've been crying. Isn't that all right with you?

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Crying?

[Emmett Blair]

Lord. I suppose you're so used to experiences like this you wouldn't expect a man to behave normally. Get out of my way.

[Mr. Stengel]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

Mr. Blair, wait.

[Emmett Blair]

Leave me alone.

[George Valentine]

Look out, you.

[Lieutenant Johnson]

How do you like that? What in the. I'm gonna get that guy. He's nuts. Did you hear the way?

[George Valentine]

Yeah. Sometimes murder can be so simple, can't it?

[Narrator]

What?

[George Valentine]

You heard me. Murder. Well, go on, catch him. Step on it. Me? I'll take a different direction. Valentine, I just waked up to the fact there's liable to be another murder unless I can stop it in time.

[Ms. Brooks]

There's the turn off, George.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[George Valentine]

Let's park it here a second. The bridge is only a couple of hundred yards.

[Ms. Brooks]

You think we got here in time?

[George Valentine]

Sure, sure, but I want to look at something first.

[Ms. Brooks]

Well, if you take a bus, I suppose it stops at the intersection back there.

[George Valentine]

That's right. Then it's only half a mile. Walk across the bridge to Stengels and Blairs.

[Ms. Brooks]

George, you could walk on the road. You don't.

[George Valentine]

Just wanted to see the river, that's all.

[Ms. Brooks]

You can't hear the falls from here?

[Narrator]

No.

[George Valentine]

Half a mile down a couple of bends, I guess. Water looks deep under the bridge, doesn't it?

[Ms. Brooks]

Yeah. George, look. No, no. By the road. Walking from the highway. There she is.

[George Valentine]

Oh, yeah. Come on, let's get back up there.

[Ms. Brooks]

Are you sure, George, that you figured out?

[George Valentine]

I'm not sure of anything, angel. Just don't want to take chances, that's all. But you didn't get any answer at that telephone number that I asked you to call before and then.

[Ms. Brooks]

What's the matter? What are you stopping for? It's Ann, George. Aren't you gonna stop her before she gets out on the bridge?

[George Valentine]

Green sedan. Sure, sure. She came straight out. Only where is it, George?

[Ms. Brooks]

There he is.

[Emmett Blair]

Don't be afraid. I'm not gonna hurt you.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

I was coming to see you, Emma.

[Emmett Blair]

Yes, I know. This is the place, isn't it?

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Emmett, what's the matter with you?

[Emmett Blair]

You don't have to ask that.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Get away from me. I was coming to see you. Get away from me.

[Emmett Blair]

Oh, wait a minute. Running won't do you any good.

[George Valentine]

Come on, Step on it.

[Emmett Blair]

Stop. Wait till you stop. I'll get you.

[Ms. Brooks]

George.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Emmett, Dammit.

[Emmett Blair]

And nothing will help you. We're gonna die.

[Narrator]

Stop it.

[Emmett Blair]

Like she did.

[George Valentine]

Let go of her, buster. Take it easy, would you, please? You're all right.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

I don't know what he was going to do. I was going to see him, but I don't know what he was going to do.

[George Valentine]

I know, I know. That was your mistake, lady. Yeah. The poor guy's out of his mind, practically. I suppose he might have thrown you over the edge.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Get away from there.

[George Valentine]

Not too far down. Water's deep. You could swim all right.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Don't get so near the edge. That's where Mary jumped.

[George Valentine]

Easy now. Take it easy. Everything's all right. You know, Emmett's mistake here was to cry.

[Ms. Brooks]

What?

[George Valentine]

That's right. Pretty hard thing for a man to fake, too, George. Come on, let's get off this bridge. Well, don't worry. I'll come back for him. He's pretty well out, but he'll be in shape to wind this up in a hurry.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

What do you mean?

[George Valentine]

You know what I mean. Ms. Brooks calls Cecile's house in Los Angeles. Nobody answers.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Cecile, take it easy now.

[George Valentine]

You're all right.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Don't talk to me as though I'm.

[George Valentine]

I know, I know. It was only a nervous breakdown.

[Ms. Brooks]

George, what in heaven's name are you talking about?

[George Valentine]

Murder can be so simple, can't it? Big flash of temper, Big flash of jealousy.

[Ms. Brooks]

But Mr. Stengel saw Mary commit suicide.

[George Valentine]

Oh, no. He saw Mary jump angel. But it was dark. He couldn't see her in the water. He couldn't see whether she swam or sank.

[Ms. Brooks]

No, no.

[George Valentine]

But it's Emmett there who tipped it. Big suspicious husband. Shook like a leaf when he went to the morgue. Cried, really cried afterwards. Called Denver. I guess there really is a Sister Ann, isn't there?

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Of course there is.

[George Valentine]

Who is still in Denver, Right. All right, I'll make it real simple. Emmett Blair was in love. Pretty hopelessly, I guess. With a girl named Cecile. He practically told me so. I should have believed him all along. Her picture was slashed by Emmett's wife, Mary. Who came home unexpectedly too soon. It's Cecile's body that's at the morgue.

[Ms. Brooks]

What did you say, George?

[George Valentine]

That's not true. That's what shocked Blair. So what tipped him off? What upset him so much? He might have committed murder himself. Yeah, that's right. It's Cecil's body. And you're Emmet's wife. You're Mary Blair. What's more, you kill Cecil.

[Anne (Mrs. Blair's sister)]

Oh, no.

[Narrator]

Those are mighty powerful words, George. And you better be ready to back em up right now. However, I would suggest you go get Mr. Blair back on his feet while my friend here gets some things off his chest. George said earlier that this was almost a perfect crime. What could be more perfect than to be able to bump yourself off and live to tell the tale? I wonder where Mrs. Blair slipped up. Or if you'll take that ice bag off your head. Emmett, maybe you could tell us.

[Emmett Blair]

I didn't guess before I came to the morgue. How could I? Stengel had seen the whole thing, Mr. Blair.

[George Valentine]

Stengel saw it twice. That's where your wife got the idea. Because what he saw the first time was Mary on the bridge. Just after she'd managed to shove Cecile over the rail. Yeah, she got her out there to do it, I guess. And then hit her with something. Because she knew what had happened to her body that went over the waterfalls down below.

[Ms. Brooks]

You mean identification would be almost impossible.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, she had a very neat plan, all right. Once the big temper wore off the crazy jealousy, she decided that she would identify the body, which she did, posing as Sister Ann. An identification which nobody would question. She thought you'd protect her, as always.

[Emmett Blair]

Mary was a fine swimmer.

[George Valentine]

That's right. That's what happened the second time Stengel saw it. She realized before that he thought she was trying to kill herself. So why not capitalize on it? Wait until his return trip in the evening and dive over in the dark. She could swim ashore and go back up to the highway before he'd get down to the river.

[Emmett Blair]

Yes, Perfect murder. She tried it before, you know.

[Ms. Brooks]

Trying to use poison on you, you mean?

[Emmett Blair]

Yes, but I couldn't really believe was my trouble. I suppose never believing Mary was dangerous. It ended up with me almost committing murder.

[George Valentine]

Aw, you wouldn't have killed her. I know you didn't tell Johnson and me what you just discovered at the morgue. And I had to knock you down to stop you. But you wouldn't have killed her.

[Emmett Blair]

Thank you.

[Ms. Brooks]

Come on, George.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, sure. Goodbye, Mr. Baller.

[Ms. Brooks]

Goodbye, George. I bet he would have killed her.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Ms. Brooks]

After all she'd done to him. After killing Cecile, after trying to come back to the house as her own assistant.

[George Valentine]

No, no, no, no. You see, a man can go just so far, and then his own censor goes to work on him. Don't you understand?

[Ms. Brooks]

A man can go just so far, and then his sensor makes him stop.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, sure.

[Ms. Brooks]

Well, as far as your romantic inclinations go, I can understand that.

[George Valentine]

All right.

[Narrator]

Georgie, I got a big TL for you. Now, either you tell that sensor of yours to loosen up and give a little, or you better start thinking of a few choice last words. Cause any day now, you're gonna need them. And if you can't think of any right off. Well, you might say that George Valentine is played by Robert Bailey, with Virginia Gregg as Brooksey. Don Clark directed the script by David Victor and Jackson Gillis. And that pounding in E flat minor was Eddie Dunstetter at work. I hope you'll save us some time for another visit with Valentine. When you will again hear what happens when you let George do.