Man from Homicide 51-06-25 001 Muriel Smith Case

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode Title: Man from Homicide 51-06-25 001 Muriel Smith Case
Release Date: January 24, 2025

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Introduction

Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with its captivating dramatizations of classic radio shows. In this episode of "Man from Homicide," starring Dan Duryea as Lt. Lou Dana, listeners are immersed in a gripping murder investigation centered around the mysterious death of Muriel Smith. The episode expertly blends suspense, character development, and intricate plotting to recreate the nostalgic essence of vintage radio dramas.

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The Crime

The episode opens with Lt. Lou Dana reflecting on the grim nature of homicide investigations.

• Lt. Lou Dana (02:11): "According to Webster's Dictionary, homicide is the killing of one human being by another."

Dana's musings set the tone for the dark and dangerous job that lies ahead. He recounts arriving at the crime scene:

• Lt. Lou Dana (02:31): "I was looking at her. She was lying on her back. She was also dead, having been hit in the chest by several bullets."

Muriel Smith is identified as the victim, described with meticulous detail that underscores the brutality of her murder.

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Investigation Begins

Breaking into the investigation, Lt. Dana interrogates Susan Carter, the woman who confesses to the murder.

• Susan Carter (03:44): "I killed her. I killed her."

A tense dialogue ensues as Dana probes deeper into Susan's motives and inconsistencies in her confession.

• Lt. Lou Dana (05:02): "Tell me how you killed him."
• Susan Carter (05:21): "Yes."

Susan reveals that Muriel Smith was attempting to take her husband away from her, hinting at jealousy and personal turmoil as possible motives.

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Interactions with Susan Carter

As the investigation unfolds, Dana delves into the relationship between Susan and her husband, Michael Carter. The tension between seeking the truth and navigating personal emotions is palpable.

• Lt. Lou Dana (07:05): "I know. Would you mind asking her to come down?"
• Susan Carter (07:47): "I don't especially like you."

Through their interactions, the complexities of the case begin to surface, revealing potential layers of deceit and underlying conflicts.

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Confrontation with Marv Blakey

A pivotal moment occurs when Lt. Dana confronts Marv Blakey, the owner of the Golden Slipper, where Muriel Allen (alias Muriel Smith) worked as a singer. The confrontation escalates as Dana accuses Blakey of orchestrating events leading to the murder.

• Lt. Lou Dana (12:34): "But how'd Muriel Allen go tonight?"
• Marv Blakey (12:36): "I didn't. You misunderstood his instructions."

The dialogue between Dana and Blakey intensifies, revealing Blakey's precarious position and possible involvement in the crime.

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Resolution

As the narrative reaches its climax, Lt. Dana pieces together the truth behind Muriel Smith's murder. He uncovers discrepancies in Susan's confession and connects the dots between Blakey, Susan, and the deceased.

• Lt. Lou Dana (27:07): "Because Muriel Allen registered at the Standard Hotel as Muriel Smith."
• Susan Carter (27:18): "She was going to see Mike."

Dana deduces that Susan framed her husband, Michael Carter, to protect her own interests, leading to a tapestry of betrayal and manipulation. The resolution sees Susan being booked for the murder, concluding the intricate investigation.

• Susan Carter (29:03): "You're very clever."
• Lt. Lou Dana (29:05): "No, I just get feelings about killers."

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Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Lt. Dana finalizing his report and reflecting on the case's impact on him personally and professionally.

• Lt. Lou Dana (29:29): "Susan Carter was booked at the 12th Precinct for the murder of Muriel Allen."

The closing lines emphasize Dana's unwavering dedication to justice and his disdain for killers, encapsulating the moral underpinnings typical of Golden Age radio dramas.

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Notable Quotes

• Lt. Lou Dana (02:31): "I don't like killers."
• Susan Carter (03:44): "I killed her. I killed her."
• Lt. Lou Dana (07:05): "I know. Would you mind asking her to come down?"
• Marv Blakey (12:36): "I didn't. You misunderstood his instructions."
• Lt. Lou Dana (27:07): "Because Muriel Allen registered at the Standard Hotel as Muriel Smith."
• Lt. Lou Dana (29:05): "No, I just get feelings about killers."

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Character Highlights

• Lt. Lou Dana: The embodiment of the determined and morally upright detective, Dana navigates the murky waters of deception with unwavering resolve.
• Susan Carter: A complex character whose confession unveils deeper layers of personal conflict and manipulation.
• Marv Blakey: The antagonist whose interactions with Dana hint at a broader conspiracy surrounding the murder.

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Production Insights

Written by Lou Vittis and directed by Dwight Hauser, this episode showcases stellar performances, particularly by Dan Duryea as Lt. Dana. The atmospheric music by Basil Adlam enriches the suspenseful ambiance, transporting listeners to the heart of a classic noir investigation.

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Conclusion

Man from Homicide 51-06-25 001 Muriel Smith Case stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Golden Age radio dramas. Through its intricate plotting, memorable characters, and compelling dialogues, the episode offers both nostalgia and timeless storytelling. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Harold's Old Time Radio, this episode is a must-listen for its masterful recreation of classic radio suspense.

Transcript

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[Henry J. Taylor]

Listen to the exciting new adventure series, the Man From Homicide. Following a brief reminder. In world affairs, issues you've always thought of as being political problems with economic aspects viewed from another point, become economic problems with political aspects. This is the reason it's so very important these days to listen to news analysts who know all angles of world affairs. Henry J. Taylor, ABC's distinguished commentator, who is heard tonight, is such a person. Listen to Henry J. Taylor a little later this evening when he will bring you his commentary on the news and the program, your Land and Mine over your ABC station. The man from Homicide. Every week at this time, the American Broadcasting Company brings you the distinguished star of stage and screen, dan Duryea as Lt. Lou Dana, the Man from Homicide.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

According to Webster's Dictionary, homicide is the killing of one human being by another. But to the men of the homicide squad, it's the beginning of a dirty, dangerous job that doesn't end until the killer is found. Lt. Lou Dana doesn't mind.

I don't like killers. There's not much to see up at headquarters. Desks, typewriters, filing cabinets. Tools on a job. Yeah, the cops, too. They're also tools, except they've got a defect. They remember things. Things like blood and tears and the eyes of the frightened. And sometimes the eyes of the dead. They were blue eyes, and they stared up at a dirty ceiling in a cheap hotel room. They were blue eyes, and they belonged to a girl who registered as Muriel St. Smith. Smith. All right, boys, outside, huh? Her hair was Brown. Age? Maybe 25. Her dress was expensive. And she was lying on her back. She was also dead, having been hit in the chest by several bullets. After a while, I stopped looking at her and looked at the other girl in the room.

[Susan Carter]

I killed her. I killed her.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

And your name is?

[Susan Carter]

Susan Carter.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I've already told a policeman we have a kind of routine in these things. Mrs. Carter?

[Susan Carter]

Yes.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Who was she?

[Susan Carter]

She? Muriel. Muriel Smith.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Oh, no.

[Susan Carter]

Why do you say no?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Her dress. Not in a hotel like this.

[Susan Carter]

She called herself Muriel Smith. That's all I know.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Those gloves you're wearing, they're not very clean.

[Susan Carter]

Oh, they're only for drive. Well, that is, I. I wore them so I wouldn't leave fingerprints.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Yeah. It also helps explain why you waited around for the police, huh?

[Susan Carter]

I don't especially like you.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You and me both. Why did you kill her?

[Susan Carter]

Your questions, You. You keep jumping around.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

It's supposed to conf.

[Susan Carter]

I killed her because she was taking my husband away from me.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Is he that valuable?

[Susan Carter]

I'd rather tell this to someone else.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

The trouble with killing people is it limits your choice of company. How did you know she was here?

[Susan Carter]

I overheard Mike phoning her.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Mike being your husband. You beat him to the appointment?

[Susan Carter]

Yes.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Tell me how you killed him. Start outside. In the hallway. You came to the door. You'd knock, of course.

[Susan Carter]

Naturally. I'm not a.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

A cop. You're not? Then what?

[Susan Carter]

She opened the door and I came inside.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Now, we can skip the introductions. What then?

[Susan Carter]

I had the gun in my bag. She laughed at me. So? What more do you have to know?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You shot her. She fell down and died. Then you waited for the police to arrive.

[Susan Carter]

Yes.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

What did you do with the gun? Eat it? I found I was looking at Muriel Smith again. I found I didn't like her being dead. I wished she'd close her eyes.

[Susan Carter]

I'm not gonna say anything more to.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You if you insist on meeting an assistant district attorney. Come with me, please. Murphy. Mrs. Carter's going to headquarters. District Attorney's office. Goodbye, Mrs. Carter. The room had been thoroughly searched. There was no gun in it. There was nothing in the room except what would be Exhibit A and a murder trial. Nobody would mention her eyes. The butler at the Carter home didn't delight in me. My tie seemed to bother him most. I decided that before I visited. The next time, I'd get it hand painted. Mr. Carter? Yes, Lieutenant Dana. My credentials.

[Michael Carter]

Don't waste them on me. What can I do for you?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Is your wife in?

[Michael Carter]

Yes, she's upstairs, asleep. It's rather late, you know.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I know. Would you mind asking her to come down?

[Michael Carter]

I think I would. Unless it's terribly important.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

It's important. Well, I. I don't have a warrant. I could get one, though it'd be even later by that time.

[Michael Carter]

I see. Well, will you wait, please?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I didn't know exactly why I put him through it. Maybe it was because his tie was already hand painted.

[Michael Carter]

Lieutenant?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Yep?

[Michael Carter]

My wife isn't feeling very well. She can't come down.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Uh huh. When did you see Muriel Smith last?

[Michael Carter]

Smith?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Let's just leave it at Muriel. We'll discuss last names later.

[Michael Carter]

I think perhaps you'd better get that warrant.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Did I mention I'm from Homicide? No, I'm from Homicide.

[Michael Carter]

Must be interesting work.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

No. Nasty. When did you see Muriel last?

[Michael Carter]

Why not ask the lady?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

There's a technical difficulty. She's dead.

[Michael Carter]

She's what?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Dead.

[Michael Carter]

You're. You're quite serious.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I'm serious.

[Michael Carter]

Well, how did she. I mean. You said you're from Homicide.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

She was murdered.

[Michael Carter]

That's ridiculous. Who would want a murder?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Depends on who she was.

[Michael Carter]

Her name was Muriel Allen. She sang at the Golden Slipper. Her voice was very beautiful.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

She's still dead.

[Michael Carter]

I find it hard to believe she had such quality.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

We could manage without the piano.

[Michael Carter]

I'm sorry. That was Ravel. His Pavan for a dead princess.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Yeah.

[Michael Carter]

Yes, Lieutenant.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

A man named Marv Blakey runs a Golden Slipper. He's short, fat and greedy. He doesn't hire princesses.

[Michael Carter]

What do you mean by that? She sang for Blakey, that's all.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

And what did she do for you?

[Michael Carter]

Get out.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Uh huh. Keep your appointment at the Standard Hotel tonight.

[Michael Carter]

That is not. I had no appointment tonight.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

It might pay you to keep in touch with your wife. Good night, Mr. Carter.

[Michael Carter]

Good night.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

She's downtown holding conversation with the district Attorney. Your wife, I mean. It was 1:33 in the morning. Lieutenant Dahler was having unpleasant thoughts. It took me a while to notice the black coupe on my tail. I proceeded south on Market and then at a point equally distant from either cross street, swung my car across the road and got out. The black coupe burned brake lining but made it.

Hey, get that car out of the way.

Get out.

What's a big idea? You're blocking traffic.

What traffic?

Okay, I'll get out. Wise guy.

That's better. Looking for me?

Look on my arm. Who do you think you are?

Who do you think I am?

Now maybe you won't be so smart.

Got a license for that gun?

Mind your own.

Thanks.

Hey, that's my gun. You can't do that.

Who'll put you on my tail?

Wouldn't you like to know who put you on me? Nobody. You can't get away with beating me up.

You're a hood carrying a gun. Maybe you never heard, but I don't like hoods. I lose my temper with them.

[Marv Blakey]

Stop it, Woody.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Who put you on me, Mr. Blakey. The boy with the golden slipper. Pull your car over at the curb. We'll use my car. The city pays for the gas. I wouldn't want this Visit to cost Mr. Blakey anything. The golden slipper was open for business. Most of it dirty the hood. And I didn't stop to enjoy it.

This is Mr. Blakey's office.

Don't knock. What?

Okay, Mr. Blakey.

[Marv Blakey]

Benny, what are you doing here?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

He's trailing me. Trailed me right into your office, Blakey. I had a little trouble the other side of the door. Benny.

[Marv Blakey]

Quite so fast, Lieutenant? Benny.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Well, he's. He's got my gun, Mr. Blakey.

[Marv Blakey]

Oh, Benny. Doesn't feel right without protection. Lieutenant. Has the license for his gun.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Pretty engraving. Too bad I can't read.

[Marv Blakey]

You could get into trouble taking Benny's gun.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

He could get into worse trouble. He's a little careless.

[Marv Blakey]

Now that you mention it, perhaps he is.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Oh, Mr. Blakey. He beat up on me. Look at my face. It's all swollen.

Biggest mosquitoes you ever saw.

Mr. Blakey. You ought to do something about it. Because you sent me after it.

[Marv Blakey]

Get out.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You ain't sore, I mean Mr. Blake.

[Marv Blakey]

Get out.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Because I couldn't help it if the guy. He wouldn't have tried nothing if I had a chance to get a gun on him.

Benny, I don't want to talk to you. Here's your gun. Catch. Now you got a gun on me.

Out.

[Marv Blakey]

Benny.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Benny isn't a very strong character.

[Marv Blakey]

Wasn't a character analysis of Benny that brought you here?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

No.

[Marv Blakey]

I don't want any trouble with you, Dennis. I realize you can make trouble, but why?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Why did you put Benny on me?

[Marv Blakey]

I didn't. You misunderstood his instructions. Oh, why not let the whole thing drop? This isn't your beat.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Homicide's my beat.

[Marv Blakey]

All right. Maybe the prices I charge the suckers is murder.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

But how'd Muriel Allen go tonight?

[Marv Blakey]

Muriel?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Muriel Allen.

[Marv Blakey]

She didn't appear tonight.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Why not?

[Marv Blakey]

I don't know.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Where were you at 11:30 tonight?

[Marv Blakey]

Right here, reading a good book.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

How many witnesses? Four.

[Marv Blakey]

Seven. How many Would you like.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You got a large payroll.

[Marv Blakey]

What happened at 11:30 tonight?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Muriel Allen quit the Golden Slipper practicing.

[Marv Blakey]

To be a theatrical agent.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Lieutenant, three bullets hit her. I need the gun they came out.

[Marv Blakey]

Of at 11:30 tonight. I was here reading a good book. Book? Seven Witnesses, Lieutenant.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

And I'm only one dumb cop. You're playing it too straight, Blakey. Which means you had it for her.

[Marv Blakey]

Well, that may be true. It's a habit of mine.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I've seen her more than habit, Blakey. She was worth a gross of your ordinary stock.

[Marv Blakey]

All right, so I'm all broken up inside by the news.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

It wasn't news. Why was Benny staked out at the Carter house?

[Marv Blakey]

Good night, Lieutenant.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I can still use that gun. Good night. The hallway that ran behind the club was dark. I headed for the floor quick. But halfway down I found out it wasn't entirely my own idea. For a while, everything was very still. Everything was very black. But then they began peeling the layers of velvet off me and something began to pound. It must have taken me 20 minutes to discover it was my own head. I lifted it off the ground and the air smelled good, which meant I'd traveled. There were trees around and a sky from which handful of obscure facts Lt. Dana deduced he was out in the country. The gun somebody had been careful to put in my hand was still warm. I got to my feet and crossed over to him. Dying hadn't improved his looks any. Benny was a very dead boy. Not a frame especially. Nuisance value, maybe. Time consumed, more likely. But time for what? They still had the green lamp burning out in front of headquarters. You sound like a Hawaiian sergeant.

I'm wide awake and further. Oh, hi, Lieutenant.

Hello, Dave.

You've been gone quite a time without checking in.

I.

Hey, what's with your head?

My head? Oh, now you mention it. The blood's tickling the back of my neck.

Oh, slugs.

Little Boy Blue. I've also got a corpse out in the car for you.

[Sleep Number Representative]

Why choose a Sleep number Smart bed.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Can I make my side softer? Can I make my side firmer?

[Sleep Number Representative]

Can we sleep cooler? Sleep number does that cools up to eight times faster and lets you choose your ideal comfort on either side. Your sleep number setting. And now save 40% on our new special edition Smart Bed. All sleep number Smart beds offer temperature solutions for your best sleep exclusively at a sleep number store near you. Learn [e-mail].

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Anybody I know?

Have the boys collect them.

Sure. You ought to do something about that head.

Trade it in for a New model, maybe. Dave, I want conversation with Susan Carter.

Not tonight, Lou. DA threw her out. Didn't care for her confession. Especially without the gun to go with it.

How long ago?

Oh, a half hour, maybe.

Come on. I'm dumping the corpse in your lap and you've got the lap for it. I'm in a hurry.

Okay, Lieutenant. Now, why did that girl confess?

Maybe because she loved her husband.

Like that. He must have something.

Sure. Hand painted ties and plays the piano.

Where are you heading?

I still want conversation with Susan Carter tonight. Maybe I was wrong. My head was still pounding. Pounding and confused. And I was more worried about a dead girl named Muriel Allen than current events. The Carter house was dark when I got there. A huge pile built by a million dollars and a lousy architect. I'd hoped the butler would try to stop me. I had no luck. He must have been asleep. The front door opened to the second key. I tried the skating rink they called a. Foyer was dark, but a line of light at floor level down the corridor told me where I wanted to go. I went and rehearsed my manners for the Carter. Nobody noticed my low bow as I went through the door. Which way?

[Susan Carter]

The window.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I caught a tail light going around the corner. There's nothing special about a tail light. I was late. Seconds late. I turned back into the room. Susan Carter was as white as the belly of a dead fish.

[Susan Carter]

Lieutenant, I.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

The faint was a break for her. She could stop looking at her husband. As for him, maybe he was looking at something. But it wasn't anything a pair of living eyes could see. Maybe it was a girl named Muriel. The rich are always lucky. Lou Dana here. Put out a call fast for Marv Blakey later. The Golden Slipper? That's right, Blakey. And when you pull him in, drop me a card, huh? I ordered half dozen policemen and waited. Life caught up with Susan Carter. Take it easy, Mrs. Carter. You got a long time to settle down with your husband's death. It's possible. Happens all the time. Ask any cop. And Homicide. That's for later. This one you wouldn't want to confess to, would you?

[Susan Carter]

How can you say things like that?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Practice. I need a little information from you and I need it quick.

[Susan Carter]

My husband is just my kid.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

He's gonna stay that way. There's nothing you can do about the dead.

[Susan Carter]

You're brutal.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I try. What happened back at the Standard Hotel? That confession isn't worth a small smile. Now, the hotel.

[Susan Carter]

I. I got there after Mike. From the hallway I could hear them quarreling and Then they shot. I wanted to run, but I went in. Mike wasn't there. I can't go on again.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You don't have to. The rest's for me. I think I'm gonna like it. The uniform men came along, and the technicians and a doctor. It was probably the first time Mike Carter had a doctor without a Park Avenue address. He didn't put up any objections, though. I got out, went back to headquarters and waited. Somebody sneaked in and bandaged my head. I didn't notice at the time. Later on, I admired the bandage. Plenty of reports came in. The weather was going to be fine tomorrow. Captain Slocum had a baby over at the 16th Precinct. It was going to rain tomorrow. And then it came. They'd run Blakey down, but were having trouble. I decided to go and have trouble with him. Make me smart, Dave.

Blakey's inside, Lieutenant. Only way of getting to him is through the alley. And he's got a couple of guns on it. So he sent for the heavy artillery, and they ought to be getting here soon.

I can't wait, Lieutenant.

What are you going to do?

Go in and take Blakey.

Now, Lou, the alley is clear. You'll be a setup.

I don't need artillery for Blakey. I'll be seeing you, Lou.

Lieutenant, you can't. You're not bulletproof.

Quiet. A thing like that's liable to get around. Yeah.

[Marv Blakey]

Stop where you are.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I'm coming in. I told you I'm coming in. Hello, Blakey.

[Marv Blakey]

All right, all right. You got this far. So what?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I'm taking you in for murder.

[Marv Blakey]

You make a nice announcement.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Thanks. Let's have your gun.

[Marv Blakey]

Why don't you come and get it, copper?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

All right, I will.

[Marv Blakey]

All right. You better stop right where you are.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I want your gun.

[Marv Blakey]

All right, now another step. Just one step more and you get it. I don't mean the gun, either. I mean bullets in the belly. They hurt there.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Your gun, Blakey.

[Marv Blakey]

What's the matter with you? What's wrong with you? You think bullets won't hit you? You think you're different from anybody else because you're a cop? All right. Will you stop moving in on me? What's wrong with you?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You're.

[Marv Blakey]

You're.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I'm Lou Dana Blakey.

[Marv Blakey]

All right, all right, take it.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

No, Blakey. Pick it up. Hand it to me.

[Marv Blakey]

All right.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Thanks. All right, let's go. Make marks on the sergeant's blotter, huh? Marvin Blakey was booked at headquarters, the charge being murder. Marvin Blakey, being booked, was put In a cell to await his lawyer and his trial, Marvin Blakey had a few things to say.

[Marv Blakey]

Carter killed Muriel Benny. How safe would I have been with him on the loose? I see you're grinning, Lieutenant. You mean how safe am I now? Never mind. Carter killed Muriel. You didn't know her, did you? Even now, with me where I am, can almost figure it's worth it. I did know her. See.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I left him. Maybe he'd crack in the months to come before the state put him away. Maybe walk into the death chamber. Having known Muriel wouldn't help. How would I know? I was a cop on my way to make an official notification. The sky was turning dirty gray. The Carter house was large. The uniform men and the technicians had long since gone. Michael Carter had gone with them. I rang again. It wasn't the butler who opened the door. It wasn't the girl I'd seen for the first time that night a few hours earlier. This woman was older, gray air and tired.

[Susan Carter]

Lieutenant Dana?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Yeah. Mind if I come in?

[Susan Carter]

I don't think I'll ever mind anything anymore. Come in.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Thanks. Let's go. Where you can sit down.

[Susan Carter]

Kindness doesn't become you well, Lieutenant.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Your husband ever wear driving gloves?

[Susan Carter]

No.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

This is the summertime. He wouldn't have worn any other kind of gloves.

[Susan Carter]

He didn't.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Your confession didn't make very much sense, Mrs. Carter. Do we have to without the gun? We found that gun.

[Susan Carter]

Did you?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Your husband's pocket.

[Susan Carter]

Should I be surprised?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

No. His prints were on it.

[Susan Carter]

Yes.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Very clear prints. Too clear.

[Susan Carter]

Too clear.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Lieutenant, a man fires a gun, the prints tend to be smudged a bit from handling. But supposing a gun is wiped clean, and then the man's fingers are carefully pressed on the handle. Then you'd have his prints on it. But they'd be too clear.

[Susan Carter]

I never knew that.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

No. I had the lab give his hands a paraffin test.

[Susan Carter]

What's that?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

When a man fires a gun, small gunpowder particles are embedded in the skin.

[Susan Carter]

Oh.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Michael Carter hadn't fired a gun recently.

[Susan Carter]

I'm tired. I'm not sure I know what you're trying to say. With Michael dead, you've got his murderer. Why did you make all these tests?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Because Muriel Allen registered at the Standard Hotel as Muriel Smith.

[Susan Carter]

She. She was ashamed.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

A club singer working for Blakey.

[Susan Carter]

She was going to see Mike.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Well, then she wouldn't have registered as Ms. Smith. She didn't take that room for romance. She took it for a meeting with you, Lieutenant Dana.

[Susan Carter]

What are you getting at?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Something very simple. Mrs. Carter. I'm just believing your confession. She stared at me through the long windows. The sun was starting to flush the sky. She stared at me and worked her tongue over her dry lips. She wanted to say things, but didn't know what things to say. You were jealous. You met Muriel Allen in that hotel room and killed her. Your husband was there. He took the gun you'd used away with him. Why? Maybe because he loved you once.

[Susan Carter]

Aren't you being sentimental?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

He was. It led to his death. He thought maybe he was giving you a chance to get away. That's where he lied to me. When I got to your house. Said you were upstairs sleeping. You didn't even try to get away, though. Instead you made your confession. A confession that would seem false. That would make it look as though you were trying to protect your husband. That's the way Blakey figured it. That's why he killed your husband.

[Susan Carter]

I couldn't have known.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Would you have cared with your husband dead? You remembered the gun in his pocket. You took it out, wiped it clean and then carefully pressed a corpse's fingerprints on it. The corpse didn't object.

[Susan Carter]

You're very clever.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

No, I just get feelings about killers.

[Susan Carter]

All right, I'll go with you, Lieutenant, but.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Yeah?

[Susan Carter]

What about the feelings you get about the dead?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Susan Carter was booked at the 12th Precinct for the murder of Muriel Alam. We gave her a number and a file card, and the law would take its due process. There was dust on my desk at headquarters. I signed my report. Louis Dana, Lieutenant of Detectives, Homicide Squad. In a little while, I'd get up and go home. Till then, I could think about a girl whose eyes stared up at the dirty ceiling of a cheap hotel room. I don't like killers.

[Henry J. Taylor]

You've just heard the first in a series starring Dan Duryea as the man from Homicide, with Larry Dobkin as Dave. Mr. Duryea can be seen starring in Al Jennings of Oklahoma. In tonight's cast, you heard Gene Bates as Susan Carter, Bill Boucher as Blakey and Howard Culver as Michael Carter. Music was by Basil Adlam. The man from Homicide is written by Lou Vittis, directed by Dwight Hauser. Be with us again next week, same time, over most of these same ABC stations. To hear Dan Duryea as the man from Homicide. Bill Spargrove speaking. This program came to you from Hollywood. This is abc, the American Broadcasting Company.