Podcast Summary: "Man Hunt 45-10-01 (022) Clue Of The Stairway Slaying"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Man Hunt 45-10-01 (022) Clue Of The Stairway Slaying
• Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Clue Of The Stairway Slaying," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a classic whodunit drama. The story revolves around the mysterious murder of Fred Jackson, a watchman at the Fulton warehouse, and the ensuing manhunt to uncover the killer’s identity.

The Incident

The episode opens with an atmospheric introduction that sets the stage for the unfolding mystery.

• [00:01] Narrator: "Manhunt. The clue of the stairway slaying that led to manhunt. No crime has been committed yet. No murder has been done yet. No manhunt has begun yet."

At [00:44], Jackson reports from the Fulton warehouse at 2 AM, hinting at the impending turmoil:

• Jackson: "Hello, this is Jackson. It's 2 am at the Fulton warehouse. All quiet. A little lonely, but all quiet. When the relief watchman comes, have him bring up some coffee, will you?"

The tranquility is shattered moments later by the discovery of the murder, prompting immediate action.

• [01:16] Narrator: "Into the quiet of a waterfront warehouse. Death blasts. An announcement of its presence. Man-made death called on the police records by a much uglier name. Murder. Who will avenge the death of the watchman? Who will solve the secret of his murderer's identity? Who will start the manhunt man hunt. And the clue of the stairway slaying."

Initial Suspicions: Don Andrews

Detective Drew Stevens and seasoned officer Bill Morton engage in a conversation that unveils initial suspicions.

• [02:15] Bill Morton: "You remember Don Andrews? You helped send him up for a warehouse robbery five or six years ago."

• [02:27] Bill Morton: "He admits he was at the Fulton warehouse last night, but let him tell you himself. He's in my office now. You'll die laughing."

Don Andrews becomes the primary suspect due to his recent release from prison and his presence at the crime scene.

• [02:21] Bill Morton: "He got out yesterday. When I heard this was a warehouse job, I grabbed Andrews."

However, Doubts arise as Drew Stevens begins to piece together inconsistencies in Bill's assumptions.

Seeking the Combination: Jane Jordan's Lure

Drew Stevens decides to investigate further by visiting Jordan and Company to examine the blown safe. Here, he encounters Jane Jordan, who offers unexpected assistance.

• [04:22] Jane Jordan: "I come by that honestly enough. I worked on my college papers."

As they inspect the safe, Jane reveals crucial information about its unique, burglar-proof design.

• [04:44] Jane Jordan: "The people who built this safe gave dad several possible combinations. He was to select one of them and to set the tumblers himself."

Her expertise hints at her deeper involvement, setting the stage for the impending reveal.

The Breakthrough: Analyzing the Clues

Drew Stevens conducts a meticulous interview with Fred Jackson's colleague, uncovering vital timeline details.

• [06:00] Watchman: "He was killed at 2 am on a dot, our report says."

• [07:16] Drew Stevens: "Somebody has to blow the Jordan safe, take the money out of it, run down a hall, down a flight of stairs and kill the watchman all in three seconds."

This revelation challenges Bill Morton's initial theory, suggesting that Don Andrews alone couldn't have committed the crime within such a constrained timeframe.

Confronting Thomas Jordan

Suspecting the company's owner, Thomas Jordan, Drew confronts him alongside Jane Jordan. Their interaction is tense, leading to a pivotal moment where evidence surfaces.

• [09:01] Thomas Jordan: "Just why are you asking me these questions, Mr. Stevens?"

As Drew examines a photograph taken by Jane, he discovers incriminating evidence hidden within.

• [10:07] Drew Stevens: "Say, this letter on your desk. Nice words. May I keep it?"

Upon scrutinizing the photograph, Drew identifies a threatening letter from a gambler, linking Jane Jordan to the motive behind the theft and subsequent murder.

The Revelation of Jane Jordan's Guilt

The climax unfolds as Jane Jordan’s true intentions are exposed. Her meticulous planning and desperate need for money drive her to commit the heinous act.

• [11:07] Drew Stevens: "You couldn't, Mr. Jordan, but her camera could. She must have snapped candid photos of you when you opened the safe."

• [11:17] Jane Jordan: "Yes. Yes, it is. I had to have that money. So I figured out what I thought was a perfect plan. But I didn't mean to shoot the watchman."

Her confession reveals the tragic accident that resulted from her desperate actions, solidifying her culpability.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Jane Jordan's arrest, a bittersweet resolution to the intense investigation. Drew Stevens underscores the complexity of human motives and the unforeseen consequences of desperation.

• [11:35] Drew Stevens: "You'll die attacking her, Bill. Have this print for evidence. It's too bad for you, Ms. Jordan, that the hypo solution developed not only my picture, but. But also a murder charge against."

The story serves as a poignant reminder of the thin line between right and wrong, and how quickly circumstances can lead to irreversible actions.

Notable Quotes:

• Narrator [00:01]: "Manhunt. The clue of the stairway slaying that led to manhunt."
• Bill Morton [02:15]: "You remember Don Andrews? You helped send him up for a warehouse robbery five or six years ago."
• Jane Jordan [04:44]: "The people who built this safe gave dad several possible combinations."
• Drew Stevens [07:16]: "Somebody has to blow the Jordan safe... and kill the watchman all in three seconds."
• Jane Jordan [11:17]: "I didn't mean to shoot the watchman."

This episode masterfully weaves suspense, character development, and intricate plot twists, delivering a captivating narrative that honors the legacy of classic radio dramas. Listeners are left contemplating the complexities of human nature and the unforeseen paths that lead to tragedy.