Masters of Mystery 5x-xx-xx Murder in Haste

Summary

Masters of Mystery Episode Summary: "Murder in Haste"

Released on June 4, 2025 by Harold's Old Time Radio

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Murder in Haste," part of the fifth season of Masters of Mystery, host Don Dow immerses listeners in a gripping tale of deceit, identity theft, and suspense. Written by Eleanor Beeson, this melodrama transports the audience back to the Golden Age of Radio, weaving a complex narrative that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

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Plot Overview

Elbert Taylor's Transformation and Motive

The story centers around Elbert Taylor, a man desperate to escape his troubled past. After murdering his wife, Helen, in a fit of rage, Elbert realizes that merely changing his name won't erase his heinous act. "Not everyone gets a chance for a fresh start, a new identity. When Elbert Taylor gets such an opportunity, he feels that Lady Luck has done him a wonderful favor," narrates Don Dow (02:15).

Determined to evade justice, Elbert meticulously plans his escape. "It took me only a moment to decide on my course of action. If I called the police, they'd never believe it was an accident. I had to get away," Elbert reflects as he packs his belongings and adopts a new identity.

Train Journey and Encounter with Lieutenant Ricketts

Elbert boards a train bound for Minnow, hoping to blend into his new life. Shortly after boarding, he encounters Lieutenant Ricketts, a train police officer with a suspicious interest in him. Elbert's anxiety mounts when he notices his luggage—marked with the initials "E.T."—placed conspicuously above his seat. "Ricketts was just waiting for me to stop. Just waiting for proof I was out the tail least at then he'd make the arrest," Elbert confesses (04:50).

Despite the looming threat, Elbert manages to evade Ricketts by continuing his journey, seeking solace in the train's bar.

The Train Wreck and Identity Switch

Tragedy strikes when the train derails. Elbert survives the wreck, while "Leslie Jameson," the man who supposedly died, is confirmed dead by a fellow survivor. In the chaos, Elbert seizes the opportunity to assume Leslie Jameson's identity completely. "I pulled back into the wreckage to Leslie Jameson's body. I took his wallet, his ring, his watch. I left my ring and watch engraved with my initials with him," he explains (07:27).

With his new identity, Elbert (now Leslie Jameson) seeks refuge at a nearby restaurant, hoping to start afresh.

Arrival in New York and Meeting Ruth Jameson

Upon arriving in New York, Leslie encounters Ruth Jameson, a mystery writer who has recently featured his story, "Murder in Haste," in a magazine. Their interaction is immediate and tense. "I made a bet with Frank, that's my boyfriend, as to which one would turn out to be the murderer in that serial you're running in the Post," Ruth reveals (09:16), piquing Leslie's interest.

Their conversation grows increasingly suspicious as Ruth begins to uncover inconsistencies in Leslie's story. "You're spending money as if you had no self-control at all. $28,000 in three months," Lesile (Elbert) admits when confronting Ruth about her invasive probing (15:43).

Unraveling the Deception and Confrontation

As the narrative unfolds, Ruth leverages her knowledge of Leslie's (Elbert's) past to blackmail him, threatening to expose his true identity and his crime. The tension escalates when Lieutenant Ricketts arrives to take Elbert into custody. In a desperate attempt to maintain his facade, Elbert confronts Ruth with the truth, but the weight of his deception becomes too much to bear.

"'I tell you, this can't go on. You're spending money as if you had no self-control at all,'" Elbert pleads (15:43), highlighting his unraveling composure.

Ultimately, Elbert's attempts to escape his past and maintain his new identity crumble under the pressure of Ruth's determination and the inevitable involvement of law enforcement.

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Identity and Transformation: The episode delves deep into the concept of identity, illustrating how Elbert's desperate need to change his name is insufficient to erase his past actions. It questions whether a fresh start is truly possible without confronting one's history.

2. Guilt and Conscience: Elbert's internal struggle showcases the inescapable nature of guilt. Despite his efforts to hide, his conscience continues to haunt him, leading to his eventual breakdown.

3. The Power of Knowledge: Ruth Jameson embodies the theme of knowledge as power. Her understanding of Leslie's (Elbert's) past becomes a tool for manipulation and control, emphasizing how knowledge can be both protective and destructive.

4. Suspicion and Paranoia: The constant presence of Lieutenant Ricketts instills a sense of paranoia in Elbert, highlighting how guilt can permeate one's perception of reality and interactions.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Don Dow (Narration): "Not everyone gets a chance for a fresh start, a new identity. When Elbert Taylor gets such an opportunity, he feels that Lady Luck has done him a wonderful favor." (02:15)

• Elbert Taylor: "If I called the police, they'd never believe it was an accident. I had to get away." (02:20)

• Elbert Taylor: "Ricketts was just waiting for me to stop. Just waiting for proof I was out the tail least at then he'd make the arrest." (04:50)

• Ruth Jameson: "I made a bet with Frank, that's my boyfriend, as to which one would turn out to be the murderer in that serial you're running in the Post." (09:16)

• Elbert Taylor: "You're spending money as if you had no self-control at all. $28,000 in three months." (15:43)

• Elbert Taylor: "I tell you, this can't go on. You're spending money as if you had no self-control at all." (15:43)

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Conclusion

"Murder in Haste" masterfully blends suspense, drama, and psychological tension to explore the complexities of human nature and the lengths one will go to escape their past. Through Elbert Taylor's tumultuous journey, listeners are treated to a compelling narrative that underscores the inevitability of facing one's actions. Don Dow's evocative storytelling, combined with Eleanor Beeson's intricate script, makes this episode a standout in the Masters of Mystery series, offering both entertainment and profound thematic depth.

Transcript

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[Don Dow]

The best in mystery. Tonight on Masters of Mystery, an exciting melodrama entitled Murder in Hate. All I ask is that you forget you ever saw me.

[Ruth Jameson]

I could go to the police.

[Don Dow]

I'll make it worth your while. I'll pay handsomely.

[Ruth Jameson]

And if I say no?

[Don Dow]

Then I'll have no choice but later. Good evening. This is Don Dow, your host for Mystery Time back again to introduce another in ABC Radio's great Monday through Friday lineup of mystery dramas. Every night at this time, a new and different story. Our drama tonight on Masters of Mystery, presented live from New York, is written by Eleanor Beeson, entitled Murder in Hate. Not everyone gets a chance for a fresh start, a new identity. When Elbert Taylor gets such an opportunity, he feels that Lady Luck has done him a wonderful favor. Until he discovers that it takes more than a change of name to wipe out a guilty past. As Masters of Mystery brings you murder in haste. She lay where she had fallen, close to the fireplace. Her head had struck against the iron with a pen line. Blood strongly gathered in a pool on the bricks. I called her name. Helen. Helen. She did not answer. I hadn't meant to hurt her badly, but now my wife was dead. I bent over and felt her heart. And Helen was dead all right. We'd had our last quarrel and now I'd killed her. It took me only a moment to decide on my course of action. If I called the police, they'd never believe it was an accident. I had to get away. I changed my name. I'd no longer be Elder Taylor. I'd get a fresh start in a new city. I grabbed up my hat and coat, packed a bag, took what money I had and slipped out of the house. Two hours and 20 minutes later, I was standing on the observation platform of a relative express bound for Minnow. A nice night, isn't it? Huh? Oh, I. I didn't want to come out. I'm sorry. I said it was a nice night. I. Yeah? Yes. Yes. Saw you're running for the train when we were pulling out. Just made it, didn't you? Yeah. Kind of close. Been in Miami long? No, no. Been stitching off a key just Week or something. I see. My name's Ricketts. I'm glad to know you. I'm Brown. Richard Brown. Huh? Are you going up to New York, Brown? Yes. Well, I'm just already getting in touch. That's a good idea. I'll go with you. I need to move out of nowhere. Ricketts was a train police cop and there could only be one reason why he was interested in me. He stayed right behind me as I walked back through the train to my seat. I wondered if he'd even sit down beside me. When I got to it and 10ft towards you, it hit me. My luggage was on the baggage rack over the seat with my initials run it in big letters. E.T. rickett was just waiting for me to stop. Just waiting for proof I was out the tail least at then he'd make the arrest. But I didn't stop. I kept. Kept on going. Ah, brah. Yeah? Isn't this your seat? Why no. I have a compartment up ahead. Why, sir. Well, good night, Brown. Good night. Ricketts dropped into his seat and I kept right on going. There was only one tape I could go a cut car. At least I could get a drink there and try to think. Oh, Bartlem, make it on Manhattan Drive, please. Here's a stool next to me, sir. What? Oh, thanks, thanks. Okay. Going to New York? Yes. Ought to be cold up there this time of year. Lots of snow and all that. Yes, that's possible. You know, I'm as excited as a kid. Haven't seen snow for an age. Matter of fact, I haven't set foot in America for five years. Great to be back. I get a kick out of just talking to Americans again. Yes, I was sitting in my compartment a few minutes ago thinking. You've got a compartment? Yes, yes, a couple of cars ahead. Well, My name's Brown, Mr. Jameson. Leslie Jameson. Jameson? Oh, no, wait a minute. You're not the mystery writer. Yeah, wait. I am. Oh, thanks. Well, here's two bigger and better mysteries. Okay. So you say you left Buenos Aires? Yes. Planned to anyway, but made a little earlier on account of that nasty business about my assistance. I think probably go back in a year or so. Say, you ever read anything of mine? This about? I can't say I've done much reading in the detective storyline. You have a serial running in one of the magazines right now, haven't you? Yes, yes. Murder in Haste. I don't suppose you're reading it. Fine. I'm sorry. If I'd known I was going to meet the author, I'd have pulled up on it. Don't apologize, Mr. Baron. Well, how about a nightcap before we turn in? Well, I'll Turn in. Well, it's earlier. Jameson, surely you're not going to give up the ship so soon? Well, I have to confess, I'm pretty tired. I've been rattling on about myself all evening. Oh, there you are. That's beautiful. Brandy. I'm better. Well, one of the drinks. Oh, well, you name it. Very well. Here's to crime. A mighty profitable business to me. At least. Tell me about your literary agent. You were saying you'd never met him personally. Oh, a Pharaoh. Oh, yeah. Great agent. I've often wondered what he looks like. You've never even been to New York? No. No, never. Well, Mr. Brown, it's close to midnight. Jameson, what about this cereal you're running? Maybe you could bring me up to tell you all about it tomorrow. Right now I'm awfully tired. Exactly. Yes, I've seen Here. I hate to rule, but I'll have to ask you. Goodness, what's that? I hope. When I came to, it was dark. Was lying in a tangle of wreckage all around me. All around me. I could hear shouts and cries, a hiss of steam. But in the tangled mess of steel and wood that had been a Pullman coach, I was miraculously safe. I Pullman Cooper lit a match and saw that Leslie Jameson hadn't been so lucky. He was dead. I couldn't do a thing for him. And the rift of flames warned me. The wreckage was afire. I found where the window had been and managed to crawl out. I was pulling myself through the window when somebody came running up with a flashlight.

[Ruth Jameson]

Just a second now.

[Don Dow]

Let me help you. Oh, thanks. Don't take my hand. Easy now. Look out for the broken glass. Yeah, that's. Hey, thanks. You all right? I think talking a little dupy shaking. Oh, sure. That's natural. Oh, it's you, Brown. Oh, lick it. Yeah. Hey, you're lucky. This coach got the worst of it through that fire. Yeah, just got out in time. Say, that fell you were drinking with at the bar still in there? I'm pretty sure he's Albert E. Taylor. Murdered his wife in Miami. Is he still in there? No, he left a few minutes before crash. Ah. Well, you better get on up ahead, Brown. I got to give him a hand here. Can you make it to the crossing? There's a highway restaurant up there. Sure, I'm okay. Okay, Brown lady feet. For a moment I stood there dazed, watching the fire crawl closely. But as my mind cleared, I saw what an opportunity had been given to me. It was a risk, but I had to take it. I pulled back into the wreckage to Leslie James body. I took his wallet, his ring, his watch. I left my ring and watch engraved with my initials with him. Almost left of him. Then, as the flames crawled steadily closer, I found his briefcase and baggage and dragged them out of the wreck. Ten minutes later, with my identity now changed to Leslie Jamison, I staggered into the restaurant at the grade crossing where the derailment had occurred.

[Ruth Jameson]

Paris, Ms. Said we got a doctor in the dark room. Come on, I'll take you.

[Don Dow]

No, no, I'm just a little shaken up. I will get out of here. I thought I could hire a car or get a bus to New York.

[Ruth Jameson]

You were in the ranch.

[Don Dow]

Yes, I was.

[Ruth Jameson]

What's your name?

[Don Dow]

I'm Leslie Jamison. Leslie Jameson.

[Ruth Jameson]

Say, are you the fellow who writes those murder mysteries?

[Don Dow]

Yes. Yes, that's right.

[Ruth Jameson]

Well, if that ain't a coincidence. Only last night I made a bet with Frank, that's my boyfriend, as to which one would turn out to be the murderer in that serial you're running in the Post.

[Don Dow]

Well, that's very flattering. I wonder if you could help me about the bet. I need her.

[Ruth Jameson]

Sure, Mr. Jameson, but how about giving me an advanced tip on the murderer, huh?

[Don Dow]

Which one? Well, I. I don't think it would be bad to tell you. Give me a bath cup of coffee, will you, young lady?

[Ruth Jameson]

Yes, sure.

[Don Dow]

Rickett. Oh, hello. Three rough out there. Three cars smash. That how you feel? Brown?

[Ruth Jameson]

Brown? That's Leslie Jameson, the writer.

[Don Dow]

Huh? I thought your name was Brown. Well, of course, I. Well, you. How it is? I.

[Ruth Jameson]

Your coffee.

[Don Dow]

Thanks. I know, Mr. Brown. I don't know how it is. How is it because I didn't watch him. Oh. Oh, yeah, I get it.

[Ruth Jameson]

I've been reading Mr. Janice in serial and the Post, Murder in Haste. Had a little bet with my boyfriend on who the murderer is.

[Don Dow]

Well, I can tell you that I read the last installment last night. Yeah? Got it at the newspaper, Miami.

[Ruth Jameson]

We ain't got it here yet. Well, Mr. Jameson, who done it?

[Don Dow]

Well, I don't want to spoil the story for you. You ought to finish it.

[Ruth Jameson]

Afraid I won't buy another copy of the magazine, huh?

[Don Dow]

Well, it's a matter of ethics, all right. I can't. Oh, what do you mean, ethics? I know how it ends.

[Ruth Jameson]

Please, Mr. Jameson. I can't feel. Frank. I got it safe from the author's mouth. Ah, come on. What goes?

[Don Dow]

I don't know what. Oh. Besides, there's a car driving up here. That's for me. I'm driving up to New York Mr.

[Ruth Jameson]

Jameson here wants to get to New York, too.

[Don Dow]

Was that right, Jameson? What? Do you come with me? Give me a hand with the driving. Come on. All right. Well, first, give the young lady a break. Tell her who the murderer was. I'm sorry. It's to get to my principal. Well, it's your business. Come on. Oh, I met. It was the butler. You got hotel space in New York, Jameson? Well, not. Not yet. I thought I'd arrange it when I wanted to. Ah, you've been away a long time, haven't you? It's probably not a decent role to be a hat. Oh, is it that bad? Well, it's worse. I think I might be able to fix you up at the Midbury. I know the manager. Oh, I, I, I, I, I. Oh, forget it, Jason. Glad to help you, Ecron. Aren't we both in the same business? In a manner of spe. I got a room at the Nefari, but not before the manager had tipped off the reporter that I was Leslie Jamison. When I crossed the lobby, I heard her flash my phone. The next day, there were pictures of me and all the papers. There was a story on the inside pages of the paper that Albert Taylor, wanted for killing his wife in Miami, had been identified as one of her dead in the train wreck in Georgia. That should have meant I was fake, but now 5 million people had seen my picture at Leslie Davidson. What if one of them had known me down in Miami? I waited with mounting apprehension for the knock on the door that would announce the police. And I wished Helen was back again. Alive. Helen would know what to do. She was a domineering woman, but she knew how to make decisions. Then suddenly, the phone line. It was the manager to tell me that Mrs. Chambers was on her way up. My wife. I hadn't even known Jameson was married. I walked up to the town, my mind rolling, frantic. I had to get away. And then the door was aligned. It rang again and again, and I had to answer with nothing else I can do. Just a moment.

[Ruth Jameson]

Leslie. Hello.

[Don Dow]

What?

[Ruth Jameson]

Maybe I'd better come in. Well?

[Don Dow]

Well, what? Han? What are you going to do about it?

[Ruth Jameson]

You're an awfully simple sort, aren't you, Mr. Whatever your name is?

[Don Dow]

Well, I suppose I am.

[Ruth Jameson]

How did you expect to get away with it after all the publicity? Where is he? What have you done to him?

[Don Dow]

Now, wait a minute, Mr. Jonathan. I can explain.

[Ruth Jameson]

Maybe you better.

[Don Dow]

But your husband was killed in that train wreck in Jeongju. I. I had reasons for wanting to disappear. So I took his Identity. I never meant to keep it until just.

[Ruth Jameson]

What?

[Don Dow]

Look there. There's nothing we can do for your husband now. He was killed. You believe that, don't you? I don't know. I'm going to leave town. All. All I ask is that you think Genti ever saw me.

[Ruth Jameson]

I see.

[Don Dow]

Well, is that all you're going to say? What are you going to do?

[Ruth Jameson]

I could go to the police.

[Don Dow]

Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I can make it worth your while to help.

[Ruth Jameson]

Baron. Does anyone know you're here in New York?

[Don Dow]

No. No.

[Ruth Jameson]

Very fortunate. You see, Leslie and I didn't get along. Matter of fact, we've been separated for some time. He said he was cutting me out of his will. So with Leslie dead, I don't get anything at all. But if Leslie alive.

[Don Dow]

Wait a minute. Well, you wouldn't.

[Ruth Jameson]

Why not? He could retire right now and live off his royalties without doing another living, you know.

[Don Dow]

You want me to keep this up? Of course. Don't be ridiculous. There are a dozen reasons why I can't. You'll discover it in a week.

[Ruth Jameson]

You have his baggage. Yes, I know his signature. I can imitate it perfectly. I know his background like a book. You may as well get used to it. Mr. Jameson.

[Don Dow]

I tell you I won't do it. It's the most fantastic thing I ever heard of.

[Ruth Jameson]

There's a Lieutenant Rickett down in the lobby being quite interested in our relationship. If you like. Of course I'll bring him up to date.

[Don Dow]

Mrs. Jameson.

[Ruth Jameson]

Albert, darling.

[Don Dow]

Just call me Ruth. Ruth.

[Ruth Jameson]

Ruth, what is it?

[Don Dow]

I tell you, this. This can't go on. You're spending money as a. As if you had no self control at all. $28,000 in three months. Besides the deposit I need to your account. Here, look at these bills. Look at them. I haven't got a penny.

[Ruth Jameson]

Are you all through? There's your quarterly royalty check due tomorrow.

[Don Dow]

Well, that'll only pay part of the bills.

[Ruth Jameson]

It's not paying any of them down. It's going into my account.

[Don Dow]

I see. And maybe you'll have some clever way of getting out from under these bills.

[Ruth Jameson]

That's your worry, dear. Not.

[Don Dow]

Five. 17, 14, 32.

[Ruth Jameson]

Having trouble?

[Don Dow]

Oh, nothing important. Just get my accounts over to about $5,000.

[Ruth Jameson]

Well, of course you could finish your book, dear.

[Don Dow]

Sure. Finish the book. Writer. Lovely. Jameson. History.

[Ruth Jameson]

Well then I suppose you have to think of something else.

[Don Dow]

Ruth, be honest with me. How long do you intend to carry this on?

[Ruth Jameson]

Why indefinitely, dear.

[Don Dow]

There's to be no end.

[Ruth Jameson]

There is if you want one. There's all of the police.

[Don Dow]

You could have been decent about it instead of spending money so irrationally. There could have been plenty without bleeding me to death.

[Ruth Jameson]

I think I've been quite safe with you. You've got can't give freedom.

[Don Dow]

Freedom, freedom take birth. Now slip on wine. You can't eat by worry night and day. Trying to dodge my own shadow. Afraid all the time. An irrational woman. Spending money as if she were insane. Holding a dagger over my head. And now there's no way out. Trapped, run into a corner, no way to turn. No end in sight. Nothing to do but go on and on until I break. Unless. Elvis. What are you doing? Stay away from me. Yes, sir. Yes, you're the dust, Sergeant. That's right. What can I do for you? You, you. You can take down a statement. What's the matter mister? I, I, I, I just kill. That's honest. Hackathons. I wandered along the streets all night. I thought about running away. So useless to run away again a second time. So I came here. Now I can relax. For the first time in months I can relax. Sure. Take it easy Mr. Jameson. They'll take care of you. Aren't you, Aren't you going over there and find her? We've been there. Found her an hour after you did it. Been looking for you all night. You may as well know she's not my wife. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we know Ms. James. She was your assistant. Buena seri. You say she was shaking you down. What did she have on you, huh? My assistant? Gwen Thomas. Yeah, that's right. Your assistant. Have you, have you had a lapse of memory or something? Jameson, his assistant. And remember now, now tell me Jameson, what Was she threatening to take you to the police? Huh? Okay, but a three year old would have known it was a bluff. That's the last thing in the world she would have done. You don't know that. She wasn't rational. She would have done anything. Not if it meant her neck, pal. What, what's happened to your memory, Jameson? It was all over Buenos Aires six months ago. Every newspaper she's wanted down there for. Mur Foreign. This is Don Doubt Again your host for Mystery Time. You have just heard Masters of Mystery live from New York.