Mr Chameleon 51-01-17 Dream House Murder Case

Summary

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Mr. Chameleon: "Dream House Murder Case"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: October 19, 2025
Original Broadcast: January 17, 1951

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Main Theme

In this vintage detective radio drama, Mr. Chameleon, the famous police detective known for his use of disguises, investigates the mysterious death of wealthy retiree Harvey Watkins, found dead in a locked room filled with gas. The case appears to be suicide, but suspicion quickly falls upon those closest to the victim—his secretary, his daughter, her husband, and his trusted business partner. Mr. Chameleon must unravel a web of family tension and deceit to expose the true murderer in this classic "locked room" mystery.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Family Under Suspicion

• [02:12] Harvey Watkins confronts his secretary, Arthur Finlay, about $5,000 missing from the accounts:
  • Watkins: "Finlay, I've been going over your accounts. You're $5,000 short."
  • Threatens jail if repaid by 3:00 p.m.
• Watkins also accuses daughter Rosalind and her husband Bruce of stealing $20,000 in bearer bonds from his strongbox, threatening them similarly.
• [03:40] Suspicions extend to emotional conflict and lingering threats within the family.

2. The Death of Harvey Watkins

• [07:16] Minutes before 3:00 p.m., gas is smelled coming from Watkins' study; the door is bolted shut.
• The family and household scramble to open the window; Watkins is found dead, apparently asphyxiated.
  • Arthur Finlay: "Your father, Rosalind... He's slumped down before the door. I think he's dead." [08:00]
• Initial belief is suicide, but doubts begin:
  • Arthur Finlay (accusing): "I'll phone the police."
  • Jasmine Fisher: "Why the police, Finlay?"
  • Finlay: "Because I think you and Rosalind killed him, Bruce." [08:27]

3. Mr. Chameleon Arrives: The Investigation

• [08:48] Mr. Chameleon and Detective Dave Arnold arrive. Rosalind insists her father took his life, but Chameleon reveals they only investigate murders, not suicides.
• The door's lock is examined:
  • Mr. Chameleon: "If your father had locked himself in, Detective Arnold's key couldn't have entered the lock so easily." [10:11]
• The gas grate and chimney have been tampered with, and Watkins was also struck on the head—clear evidence of murder.

4. Unraveling Motives & Alibis

• [13:06] Mr. Chameleon accuses Rosalind and Bruce, referencing a letter the police received from the murdered man:
  • Chameleon: "It seems I have a pretty clear murder case against you and your husband."
• [14:02] Jasmine Fisher arrives to defend Rosalind and Bruce, providing an alibi: Watkins found the “missing” bonds in a drawer before his death.
  • Jasmine Fisher: "But they didn't steal any bonds... Watkins later found the bonds in one of his desk drawers." [15:08]
• Bonds are found in the desk, exonerating Bruce and Rosalind (for theft).

5. The Secretary Under the Lens

• [18:53] Chameleon and Arnold confront Arthur Finlay, who claims a friend lent him the missing $5,000 so he could pay back Watkins.
  • Mr. Chameleon: "Are you trying to make us believe that $5,000 cash you've got there was lent you by a friend...?" [19:03]
• Finlay's story is shaky, but his books appear in order, suggesting he might be innocent.

6. The Detective's Trap: The True Culprit Emerges

• [22:15] Mr. Chameleon plans to re-enter the house disguised as gas fitter Al Hicks to provoke the suspects.
• [23:19] During a re-enactment, Finlay (under pressure) accuses Bruce, but Jasmine Fisher stands up for Bruce and Rosalind.
• [25:14] In a surprise twist, Mr. Chameleon accuses Jasmine Fisher, the trusted business partner.
  • Mr. Chameleon: "I don't think he is, Rosalind. Mr. Fisher killed your father." [25:14]
  • Jasmine Fisher: "My accounts crooked, Chameleon. Ridiculous." [25:38]

7. The Solution & Confession

• Chameleon reveals the police had discovered Fisher’s financial treachery—a motive to silence Watkins.
• Fisher confesses, asking if it would lighten his sentence.
  • Jasmine Fisher: "If I confess, will it help me get a lighter sentence?" [26:32]
  • Mr. Chameleon: "Confess or not? You'll get the chair, Fisher. Dave, take him. The case of the locked room is over." [26:34]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Harvey Watkins (referring to his own family): "Any of the three, including my daughter, is capable of killing me. I know murder when I see it blazing from people's eyes." [06:01]
• Mr. Chameleon (on “locked room” plots): "I know why I never believed in locked room murder mysteries, Dave. And that most murderers are stupid people." [11:03]
• Rosalind (in shock): "Father, think what you're saying. Having your own daughter and her husband arrested as thieves. It's too horrible." [04:06]
• Mr. Chameleon (cornering the real killer): "You told me Finley's accounts were straight because your own were crooked." [25:32]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:12] Watkins accuses Finlay of theft
• [03:40] Suspicion cast on daughter Rosalind and her husband
• [07:16] Discovery of Harvey Watkins' death
• [08:48] Mr. Chameleon and police arrive
• [10:03] Revelation that door locked from outside—murder
• [13:06] Chameleon accuses Bruce and Rosalind
• [14:02] Jasmine Fisher provides their alibi
• [18:53] Confrontation with Arthur Finlay
• [22:15] Chameleon prepares his disguise
• [23:19] Suspect confrontation in the murder room
• [25:14] Chameleon accuses Jasmine Fisher
• [26:34] Killer confesses; case closed

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Tone & Style

The script reflects classic radio drama style, with tense exchanges, clever deductions, and melodramatic revelations characteristic of 1950s detective fiction. Mr. Chameleon’s tone is methodical, stoic, and occasionally cutting, while the suspects display escalating anxiety and defensiveness. The dialogue is brisk, expository, and packed with reveals.

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Summary Table

| Timestamp | Event | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:12 | Watkins confronts Finlay over missing $5,000 | | 07:16 | Family finds Watkins dead, gas-filled locked room | | 08:48 | Police arrive; “suicide” called in, murder quickly suspected | | 10:03 | Lock analysis: proves murder, not suicide | | 13:06 | Chameleon bluffs accusation against Rosalind & Bruce | | 15:08 | Jasmine Fisher exonerates pair for theft | | 18:53 | Secretary Finlay interrogated, story falls apart | | 23:19 | Chameleon (in disguise) triggers final confrontation | | 25:14 | Chameleon exposes Jasmine Fisher as killer | | 26:34 | Fisher confesses, case concluded |

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Conclusion

This episode delivers a suspenseful journey through a classic "locked room" murder, expertly using misdirection and multiple plausible suspects. Mr. Chameleon’s cool logic prevails, revealing that trusted business partner Jasmine Fisher was the true killer, motivated by ongoing embezzlement. The story exemplifies Golden Age radio drama’s intricate plotting and dramatic denouement—perfect for fans of vintage mystery!

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Transcript

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Hey, this is Sarah. Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling, Even kind of cheesy. But I like it. Sure, you met some of my dietary needs, but they've just got it all. So farewell, oatmeal. So long, you strange soggy.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Break up with bland breakfast and taste AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit made with ktree eggs, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. A.m. p.m. Too much. Good stuff.

[Narrator]

Next, Mr. Chameleon and the Locked Room Murder Case. Tonight we again present the famous Mr. Chameleon of Central Police Headquarters in his famous cases of crime and murder. Brought to you by the makers of genuine Bayer aspirin and Philips Milk of magnesia tablets. Mr. Chameleon, as you know, is the famous and dreaded detective who frequently uses a disguise to track down a killer. A disguise which at all times is recognized by the audience. Tonight we give you Mr. Chameleon in the Locked Room Murder Case. The scene opens in the home of a retired businessman, Harvey Watkins, who, while retired, still keeps a finger on his many business interests and operates an office in his home. And it is there that we find him angrily facing his confidential secretary, Arthur Finlay, as he says the words that lead to a fantastic murder case.

[Harvey Watkins]

Finlay, I've been going over your accounts. You're $5,000 short.

[Arthur Finlay]

There must be a mistake, Mr. Watkins.

[Harvey Watkins]

No, there's no mistake, Finley. You stole 5,000. I want it back.

[Arthur Finlay]

I've taken a lot from you, Mr. Watkins, but you can't brand me a thief.

[Harvey Watkins]

You get that 5,000 back before 3:00 clock this afternoon or I'll have you jailed. Is that clear?

[Arthur Finlay]

Let me pay it Back to you, Mr. Watkins. Out of my salary.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Hold out.

[Arthur Finlay]

$100 every month.

[Harvey Watkins]

I said today, Finley. Get out, Finley. Three o' clock or jail. When you leave, ask my daughter Rosalind to come here.

[Arthur Finlay]

Here she is now, sir.

[Harvey Watkins]

Come in here, Rosalind, and shut the door.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Yes, Father, what is it?

[Harvey Watkins]

I just gave Arthur Findlay until 3 o' clock to pay back $5,000 that he stole from me.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Stole from you, Father?

[Harvey Watkins]

Why, that's awful, Rosalind. There's also some 20,000 in bearer bonds missing from my strongbox.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

What do you think he stole those too, Father?

[Harvey Watkins]

No, you or your husband. One of the others stole them.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Bruce or Eyesto. What are you talking about, Father?

[Harvey Watkins]

I'm talking facts. You tidy up this room in the morning.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

That's because we haven't a maid now. I keep the whole house clean. We haven't a maid because you're too stingy to pay the current wages.

[Harvey Watkins]

Chances are you found the key to the strongbox in my room, gave it to your husband, Bruce, and he used it to open the box and nip the bonds.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

This is fantastic.

[Harvey Watkins]

Find that husband of yours, Rosalind. I'll make him the same proposition I made Arthur Finlay. Tell him to get those bonds back to me before three or I'll have him jailed. But Father, they've only been missing a couple of days. Chances are he hasn't cashed them yet.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

He never took them, Father. Bruce just wouldn't.

[Harvey Watkins]

You heard me. Resin Le Bond's back before 3 or jail for the both of you.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Father, think what you're saying. Having your own daughter and her husband arrested as thieves. It's too horrible.

[Harvey Watkins]

It won't be if you return what you stole from me here by 3 or jail. Stop slobbering, Rosalind.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

It's cold in here. Father, shall I light the gas grate?

[Harvey Watkins]

You light out and tell your husband what I said. That's all you've got to worry about.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

All right, Father. Oh, how are you, Mr. Fisher?

[Jasmine Fisher]

Hello, Roston. Your father sent for me.

[Harvey Watkins]

I say, I sent for you, Fisher. Come in.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Mr. Fisher, please intervene with Father for me.

[Jasmine Fisher]

I've done it lots of times. Roslyn. What's up, my dear?

[Harvey Watkins]

Get out, Rosalind, and shut the door. Remember what I said.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Yes, father.

[Jasmine Fisher]

What's happened, Watkins, old man, you look ready to break a blood vessel.

[Harvey Watkins]

Now listen, Fisher, I'm telling you this because I'm surrounded by a pack of thieves.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Pack of thieves? Watkins, you've had these ideas before.

[Harvey Watkins]

I caught that confidential secretary of mine red handed. Stole 5000 from me. Gave him till 3 this afternoon to make good or I'd have him jailed.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Arthur Finlay, you mean. By George, I'll take the responsibility for that. I hired him for you.

[Harvey Watkins]

Forget it, Fisher. That's not the half. And my own daughter Rosalind and her husband Bruce snitch 20,000 and bearer bonds from my strongbox. What do you say to that, Fisher? What would you do about that?

[Jasmine Fisher]

I'd say Roslyn is your daughter. And that to err is human and to forgive divine.

[Harvey Watkins]

That's because you're a soft hearted old fossil. I gave them the same treatment I gave Arthur Finlay. Return what they stole before three or jail.

[Jasmine Fisher]

No, not that, Watkins.

[Harvey Watkins]

You simply can't. I can and I will, Fisher. And I'll tell you Another thing. Any of the three, including my daughter, is capable of killing me. I know murder when I see it blazing from people's eyes.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Let me try to straighten this out. Watkins, old man, look before you leave.

[Harvey Watkins]

I am looking, Fisher. Here's a letter I've written the police. If anybody kills me, you give it to them. Or better still, stick it in the mailbox when you leave.

[Jasmine Fisher]

I'll not mail any such letter.

[Harvey Watkins]

Watkins, do as I say and don't argue with me.

[Jasmine Fisher]

I won't mail it. I said to look before you leap.

[Narrator]

Now, it is exactly 10 minutes before 3 o', clock, the hour set by Harvey Watkins to have the money. He accused his secretary, Arthur Finley, of stealing. Return to him or be jailed. And he dished out the same threat to his daughter Rosalind for her husband Bruce, accusing them of stealing 20,000 in bonds. Now we hear Rosalind saying.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Bruce, do you smell anything in here?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Smells like gas to me, Rosalind.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

That's what I thought.

[Narrator]

Rosalind. Bruce, what's wrong?

[Arthur Finlay]

Finley, come quick. Gas is pouring out of Mr. Watkins library from under the door.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

What?

[Detective Dave Arnold]

And I can't get in?

[Arthur Finlay]

The door is bolted tight.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Bolted? Come on. We'll run outside and look in the window. I just hope father isn't in there. He might be asphyxiated.

[Arthur Finlay]

Here's the window.

[Mr. Chameleon]

I'll try to lift you up, Finley, so you can look in.

[Arthur Finlay]

Okay, Bruce. Come on.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Here we go.

[Narrator]

There.

[Arthur Finlay]

I've got hold of the window ledge.

[Narrator]

Bruce.

[Arthur Finlay]

Steady now.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Do you see anything? Mr. Finlay?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Your.

[Arthur Finlay]

Your father. Your father, Rosalind.

[Jasmine Fisher]

He.

[Arthur Finlay]

He slumped down before the door. I think he's dead.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

No, he can't be.

[Arthur Finlay]

I'll break the glass in. Hand me that rock, Bruce.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Here.

[Arthur Finlay]

Thanks.

[Mr. Chameleon]

There.

[Arthur Finlay]

That'll let some of the gas out of the room.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Is. Is father dead?

[Arthur Finlay]

Yes, I'm sure he is, Rosalind.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Then he committed suicide. Call a doctor.

[Arthur Finlay]

I'll phone the police.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Why the police, Finlay?

[Arthur Finlay]

Because I think you and Rosalind killed him, Bruce.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Killed him?

[Jasmine Fisher]

What do you mean?

[Narrator]

How could we gas a man to.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Death in a bolted.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Good afternoon. I'm comedian of the police. You called for us?

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Yes. My father committed suicide. Please come in.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Thank you.

[Mr. Chameleon]

We had your call to that effect. I take it that you are Rosalind Watkins Rogers?

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Yes.

[Mr. Chameleon]

This is Detective Dave Arnold.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

How do you do, Mrs. Rogers?

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

I. I can't understand why father should have ended his own life. Mr. Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Well, after your call reporting his suicide, Rosalind, we had a second call reporting that he was murdered.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

I don't Understand?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Detective Arnold and I do not investigate suicide cases, Rosalind, Only murders.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Nobody could have murdered my father, Mr. Chameleon. He locked himself in his study, turned on the gas logs in the grate and. And died in there alone. The door is still locked. We couldn't get in.

[Narrator]

That's quite true, Mr. Chameleon.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Oh, this is my husband, Bruce Rogers, Mr. Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

How do you do, Bruce? That's the door there, Mr. Chameleon. Try it. You'll see it's bolted from inside. Well, I'll leave that to do, Detective Arnold.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Shall I smash it in?

[Mr. Chameleon]

No, Dave, try your keys first.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Okay, Mr. Chameleon. Hey, what do you think, Mr. Chameleon?

[Mr. Chameleon]

I think the door was not bolted from the inside, as Bruce and Rosalind said, Dave, but locked from the outside by the murderer.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

What does that mean?

[Mr. Chameleon]

If your father had locked himself in, Rosalind, Detective Arnold's key couldn't have entered the lock so easily.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

There's no key inside on the floor, Mr. Chameleon.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

I can't understand this.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Nor can I, Mr. Chameleon. Wait here with your wife, Bruce. After Detective Arnold and I have seen the body and looked over the murder room, we may have something.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Ah, there's the body. Mr. Chameleon. Died from gas, all right. See his collar?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Yes, Dave. I think I look over the gas grate. Well? Well, the on and off lever has been tampered with, so the gas can't be turned off and the damper to the chimney is dead shut.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

And that's not all, Mr. Chameleon. This murdered man was bashed on the head before he was bumped. What do you know?

[Mr. Chameleon]

I know why I never believed in locked room murder mysteries, Dave. And that most murderers are stupid people.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Sure, but where does that get us?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Easy, easy, Dave. I think I hear Bruce and Rosalind talking outside. Come, sneak over to the door.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

If Mr. Chameleon is suspicious of us, it'll be because you told him that door was bolted instead of locked. Bruce.

[Mr. Chameleon]

I know how to handle that, Rosalind.

[Jasmine Fisher]

I'll tell him a few things when he comes out.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Open the door, Dave. Well, Rosalind, your father did not kill himself. He was murdered.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

How unspeakable.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Mr. Chameleon, I've been thinking about that locked door. You have, Bruce?

[Narrator]

The only person who could have locked.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Rosalind's father in there to die was.

[Jasmine Fisher]

His confidential secretary, Arthur Finlay.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Father gave him until 3 o' clock today to return $5,000 he'd stolen from.

[Narrator]

Him and threatened him with jail if he didn't.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Mr. Chameleon. That's what I was leading to.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Why didn't you tell me this before? Why, I had no opportunity, Mr. Chameleon.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Oh. Oh, it's the phone.

[Mr. Chameleon]

I'll answer it. First one. Hello, Chameleon of the police speaking.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Chameleon, this is the Commissioner.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Oh, hello, Commissioner.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Funny thing, Chameleon, but a special delivery letter just got here from the murdered man, Harvey Watkins.

[Mr. Chameleon]

From the murdered man?

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Right. Want me to read it to you, Chameleon?

[Mr. Chameleon]

No. Tell me what's in it, Commissioner.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Well, the letter says he caught his confidential secretary stealing $5,000 from him.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Yes, I know that already, Commissioner. He also says that his daughter Rosalind.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

And her husband, Bruce Rogers, nipped 20,000.

[Mr. Chameleon]

In bearer bonds from him.

[Jasmine Fisher]

What?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Go on, please. He says he gave them all until 3 o' clock today to make good.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Or he'd have them jailed and follow this Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

What, Commissioner?

[Detective Dave Arnold]

The letter says he's afraid the daughter and husband or the secretary, Arthur Finley, may murder him if they can't make good. Says he saw murder in all their eyes.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Well, he saw it in somebody's eyes, Commissioner. Goodbye.

[Narrator]

Bye, Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Well, Bruce, that was the Commissioner of police.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

The Police Commissioner, Mr. Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Yes, Rosalind. And it seems I have a pretty clear murder case against you and your husband. No, no, he's bluffing, Rosalind. Don't let him frighten you. Oh, come now. You stole 20,000 in bonds and had until 3 o' clock to return them to the murdered man or jail. That is no bluff. And your wife reported a phony suicide at precisely five minutes before three.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

We never stole any bonds from Father. That was pure imagination on his part.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Oh, come on. We've got a letter at police headquarters to prove that you did. Written by your murdered father.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Oh, no, no.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Pull them both in, Dave. Hold them under tension.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Okay, Mr. Chameleon.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

That's the doorbell. Let me answer it, Mr. Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

All right, open it, Rosalind.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Oh, Mr. Fisher. Mr. Fisher, this is Mr. Chameleon, the detective. Tell him Bruce and I didn't murder Father.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Of course you didn't, you poor child. I can explain everything to Mr. Chameleon, dear.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Well, if you can, you're good, Mr. Fisher.

[Narrator]

Incidentally, who are you?

[Jasmine Fisher]

My full name is Jasmine Fisher, Mr. Chameleon. And I've been the partner of Rosalind's dead father some 30 odd years. And this dear child or her husband didn't kill him.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Well, whether you think so or not, Mr. Fisher, I'm holding them on suspicion of murder.

[Jasmine Fisher]

You won't hold them after I tell you what I know, Mr. Chameleon. You'd be making a fool of yourself, sir, and I'll tell you why.

[Mr. Chameleon]

All right. Why, Mr. Fisher.

[Jasmine Fisher]

My murdered partner, Harvey Watkins, got me out here this morning.

[Mr. Chameleon]

This morning?

[Jasmine Fisher]

Yes, Mr. Chameleon. He was in a state of fury. Why, he told me his confidential secretary, Arthur Finlay, was short $5,000 in his accounts and he's given him until three today to make good.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Yes, I know. Or he'd have him jailed.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Exactly, Mr. Chameleon. Then he told me Roslyn and Bruce here had stolen some $20,000 in bonds from his strongbox and that he'd given them until three to return the bonds.

[Mr. Chameleon]

That is why I'm holding them on suspicion of murder, Mr. Fisher.

[Jasmine Fisher]

But they didn't steal any bonds, Mr. Chameleon. Watkins later found the bonds in one of his desk drawers.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Found them, you say?

[Jasmine Fisher]

Yes.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Dave, look through that desk in the murder room, please.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Right away, Mr. Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

I don't think Detective Arnold will find the bonds there, Mr. Fisher.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Not there, Mr. Chameleon. Why not?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Because of a letter the murdered man sent to police headquarters.

[Jasmine Fisher]

What did Watkins mail that letter after all? He asked me to and I refused. He must have been completely insane.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Come in. Here are the bonds. 20,000 even.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Oh, thank heaven, Bruce. That leaves us out.

[Jasmine Fisher]

You bet it does, rosalind.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Thanks to Mr. Fisher. It's too early for thanks. Bruce and Rosalind, you're both still under suspicion of murder.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Father's confidential secretary, Arthur Finlay killed him. I know he did.

[Mr. Chameleon]

I know he did give me his address. Leave it to me to find out if he did. All I know is that you insisted your father had killed himself in a locked room when he actually was murdered.

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[Narrator]

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[Mr. Chameleon]

I wonder if you realize you are giving me one of the most ridiculous stories that I've ever heard.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

A kid just learning to walk wouldn't.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Fall for that one, Finley.

[Arthur Finlay]

I'm telling the truth, Detective Arnold.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Oh, come now, Finley. Are you trying to make us believe that 5,000 cash you've got there was lent you by a friend to make good the 5,000 you stole from your murdered employer, Harvey Watkins?

[Arthur Finlay]

Mr. Chameleon, I didn't steal, embezzle or make off with a of Mr. Watkins money.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Oh, now, let's not be too ridiculous, Finlay. Why go back to Watkins house to make good 5,000 you didn't steal from him. It's nuts on the face of it.

[Arthur Finlay]

I tell you. Rather than get pinched for a crime I didn't commit, I borrowed the 5,000 to give Mr. Watkins.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Oh, come on.

[Arthur Finlay]

I knew he'd give it back to me when he found out that my accounts were straight. Mr. Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

So just as you were entering the house, you smelled gas, found the door to Mr. Watkins room locked?

[Arthur Finlay]

That's what I said. I. I ran and called Bruce Rogers and his wife Rosalind. We ran outside and I smashed in the window and saw him dead.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Why didn't you unlock the door in the first place, Finlay? You had a key to the murder room, didn't you?

[Arthur Finlay]

I didn't have the key with me. I left it here.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Who loaned you this 5,000, Finlay? My mother. Where is your mother? Here.

[Jasmine Fisher]

I lied about that.

[Arthur Finlay]

My mother is dead, Mr. Chameleon. But I won't tell you where I got the money.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Oh, you won't, won't you?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Never mind, Dave. Come along. We put men up for murder on less likely stories than this bird's.

[Arthur Finlay]

You can't put me there, Mr. Chameleon. I'm telling the truth.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Well, I've caught you in one lie. Tell me, did Bruce Rogers give you this money?

[Narrator]

What?

[Arthur Finlay]

Him? Why, he killed Mr. Watkins himself.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Okay, Finlay, that's all for now. Let's go, Dave. Goodbye, Finlay. But don't get the idea that I finished with you.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Oh, brother. What a cockeyed story that guy gave us, Mr. Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

He's near enough to the electric chair to be singed by the sparks, Dave.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

I'll say he is.

[Mr. Chameleon]

The whole case hinges on whether his accounts on the murdered man's books were off to the tune of 5,000 or not.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Yeah, I get you, Mr. Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Now, I'll get back to headquarters, Dave, and start the wheels turning to find that out.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Well, what about me? Where do I go?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Back to the murder house, Dave. Sneak in if you can, and look for any clues that indicate who turned off the main gas line to the house near the meter.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Hey, so that's why there wasn't much gas coming out of the grate in the murder room. Oh, what a dope I am.

[Mr. Chameleon]

It was probably turned off by the murderer. Afraid perhaps that somebody might snap on a switch or light a match and blow up the house.

[Narrator]

And now, one hour later, at Central Police headquarters, we hear Detective Dave Arnold.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Saying that turned out to be another dead end. Mr. Chameleon. The gas was shut off near the meter, all right, but otherwise there wasn't a single clue. Get anything yourself in Arthur Findlay's books?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Well, I found out they seem to be in order, Dave.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Didn't take you long, Mr. Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

No, Mr. Fisher, the murdered man's partner, put me straight on that point. But that doesn't mean that Finley isn't our man.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

No, but if he is, that lets out Bruce Rogers and his wife Rosalind, the victim's daughter.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Nobody's out, Dave.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Well then who did it, Mr. Chameleon?

[Mr. Chameleon]

When I get out there disguised as a gas fitter named Al Hicks in the next hour.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Dave, you want me to get everybody out to the murder house now?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Yes, Dave, especially Finlay. The young secretary, Mr. Fisher, is going to be there waiting for you. Come in. While I'm getting on my disguise, I'll tell you what part you play then.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Okay, but I sure wish I knew who we're coming out with, Mr. Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

I think I do, Dave. It'll take some fancy footwork to pin the killer down.

[Narrator]

And shortly after we see Mr. Chameleon in his disguise as Al Hicks, gas fitter in greasy coveralls about to enter the murder house. And we hear him saying, Dave, before.

[Mr. Chameleon]

We go in, here's the voice of my disguise that the gas grate Mr. Chameleon wants me to look at, Detective Arnold.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Uh huh. I got you, Mr. Chameleon. Okay, now I'll open the door.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Who is this man, Detective Arnold?

[Detective Dave Arnold]

He happens to be a gas fitter, Bruce. Name of Al Hicks.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

A gas fitter. A gas fitter?

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Yes, that's right, Rosalind.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Is that the gas grape? Mr. Chameleon wants me to look over Detective Arnold.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Yes, it is, Mr. Hicks. So start moving, will you?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Mr. Chameleon wants me to find out is if the off and on lever has been tampered with.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

Well, has it been Hicks?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Don't take an expert like Al Hicks to tell you that, Detective Arnold. Look at it yourself. Been fixed so it can't be turned off. Gas would keep coming no matter what you did.

[Jasmine Fisher]

It hasn't been tampered with.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Certainly it hasn't, Bruce.

[Arthur Finlay]

You're saying that Rosalind, because your husband, Bruce murdered your father. I saw Bruce fooling it with it myself this morning.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Well, if you did, why didn't you tell me that this afternoon? Arthur Findlay.

[Arthur Finlay]

I forgot it until this moment. Say, you're not a gas fitter. You're Mr. Chameleon in disguise.

[Mr. Chameleon]

That's right. That's right. I'm Chameleon. So you saw Bruce Rogers fix this gas grate so the gas couldn't be turned off in there. I suspected as much myself.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Oh, Bruce. Bruce, how could you?

[Jasmine Fisher]

Bruce didn't. Roslyn, you poor child. Now don't accuse your husband. Think what you're saying, my dear Arthur Finley, your father's secretary, murdered him and then locked the door to deceive the police.

[Arthur Finlay]

You're a liar, Fisher. I didn't, Mr. Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Finlay who gave you that 5,000 I found you with this afternoon? Now answer fast.

[Arthur Finlay]

Nobody gave it to me. It was the money I stole from Mr. Watkins. But I'm not taking a murder rap for it. His son in law, Bruce, killed the.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Old man, Mr. Chameleon. Isn't that exactly what I told you? Isn't it evident Findlay murdered my partner, Harvey Watkins, and now is trying to place the crime on these innocent young people, Bruce and Rosalind.

[Rosalind Watkins Rogers]

Oh, Mr. Fisher. You're the kindest man I ever met.

[Mr. Chameleon]

I don't think he is, Rosalind. Mr. Fisher killed your father.

[Jasmine Fisher]

What's that, Chameleon? I killed him. You've lost your head. I told you exactly what happened.

[Mr. Chameleon]

You told me exactly nothing, Fisher. You told me that Finley's accounts were in order.

[Jasmine Fisher]

That's what I believed at the time, Chameleon.

[Mr. Chameleon]

You didn't believe anything of the sort, Fisher. You told me Finley's accounts were straight because your own were crooked.

[Jasmine Fisher]

My account's crooked, Chameleon. Ridiculous.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Ever hear of the police auditors, Fisher? Here is their report. You drained your trusting partner of everything he had.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Arthur Finley. His secretary murdered him.

[Mr. Chameleon]

That's when I got the flash on you in the first place, Fisher. When Rosalind here was saying that her father was a suicide. You said nothing about suicide.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Why should I have, Chameleon?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Because you knew it was murder, that's why.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Those are guesses, Chameleon. And guesses don't hold up in court.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Give me that key you have to the locked murder room, Fisher. Or I'll throw you on the floor.

[Arthur Finlay]

And take it from you.

[Narrator]

Quick.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Now, let's have it.

[Jasmine Fisher]

All right. Here they are, Chameleon. I'd like to kill you.

[Mr. Chameleon]

Don't try it, Fisher. Don't try. You put those bonds Detective Arnold found back in the murdered man's desk, hit him over the head from behind and then turned on the gas, locked the door and left the room, Right.

[Jasmine Fisher]

If I confess, will it help me get a lighter sentence?

[Mr. Chameleon]

Chameleon, confess or not? You'll get the chair, Fisher. Dave, take him. The case of the locked room is over.

[Detective Dave Arnold]

And how, Mr. Chameleon?

[Narrator]

And with these words, Mr. Chameleon, concludes tonight's murder case. At the first sign of a cold. Before you do anything else, take Bayer aspirin. When you have a cold, it's almost invariably accompanied by a headachy, feverish feeling and muscular aches and pains. And it's important that you treat these symptoms with a medication that will relieve them quickly. Bayer aspirin will do this, no matter how you try to stop or shorten a cold. We believe your own doctor will tell you this is sound advice. When you use Bayer aspirin, you'll discover that it's ready to go to work in two seconds. This is one reason why it brings you amazingly quick relief. Makes you feel better fast. In addition, Bayer aspirin, single active ingredient, is so gentle to the system, doctors prescribe it even for small children. That's why it's been used by millions of normal people without ill effect. So at the first sign of a cold, before you do anything else, take Bayer aspirin. And when you buy, ask for Bayer aspirin. Not just for aspirin alone. Get the 100 tablet bottle and you get Bayer aspirin tablets for less than a penny a piece. Listen next Wednesday night at this same time for Mr. Chameleon, the man of many faces in the shocking revenge murder case. The part of Mr. Chameleon is played by Carl Swenson with dialogue written by Frank Hummert. From the original story by Frank and Ann Hummert. It is directed by Richard Leonard with music by Victor Arden. Your announcer is Howard Claney.

[Jasmine Fisher]

You may not notice it, but a gradual loss of whiteness and brightness in your teeth robs your smile of beauty. So if you've been trying to prevent tooth decay in the last year by changing your way of cleaning teeth and your smile has faded, use a dentiforce that not only helps prevent tooth decay, but also whitens and brightens your teeth. Really cleans them. And no dentiforous cleans teeth like powder. Try Dr. Lyons tooth powder. And if you don't agree that it gets your teeth cleaner than your present dentifes, whitens and brightens them so your smile sparkles with all its old time luster, return the package and your money will be refunded. Get either regular or ammoniated Dr. Lyons tooth powder.

[Narrator]

Listen for Mr. Chameleon in the shocking revenge murder case next Wednesday night at this time. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Jasmine Fisher]

Foreign.

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