Harold's Old Time Radio – Mr. District Attorney: Case of the Unknown Source

Original Air Date: August 25, 1948
Podcast Release: September 18, 2025
Episode Focus: Corruption, Identity, and the Pursuit of Justice in a High-Stakes Criminal Case

Episode Overview

This classic episode of Mr. District Attorney, “Case of the Unknown Source,” delves into a complex conspiracy involving a manipulative criminal lawyer, a murderous client, and a secretary caught in a web of deception. The story unfolds with the district attorney’s team combating not just crime, but betrayal within their own office, centering on the murder of an innocent, Alice Stratton. Featuring sharp exchanges and clever exposition, the episode blends suspense, noir-style character work, and a twist-filled plot.

Key Discussion Points & Story Arc

1. Setting the Stage: An Innocent Opportunity

• [02:06] Young, enthusiastic Alice Stratton, a typist, is offered a rare chance to fill in as the District Attorney's private secretary while the regular, Ms. Miller, goes on vacation.
  • Alice: “Can you imagine? I've never even seen him. And I'm going to be right there in his own private office…”
• Alice’s friend, "Honey", downplays her good fortune, hinting at ulterior motives.

2. Entering the Office: Positions of Trust

• [05:02] Alice nervously introduces herself in the DA’s office, expressing excitement and admiration for her boss and his cases.
• The team is prepping for the significant Nick Venice trial, with criminal defense lawyer Jimmy Appleton known for his cunning tactics.
  • DA (paraphrased): "Let's not underestimate Appleton—he's a tricky defender.”

3. The Swap and Sinister Plot

• The plot shifts to a room where Alice has been kidnapped and another woman is impersonating her at work.
• [08:15] Alice, tied up, demands freedom.
  • Alice: “I demand to know the meaning of this. You can’t keep me here like a prisoner.”
• Honey and Jimmy gloat about their plan: Honey is now inside the DA's office under Alice’s identity, collecting sensitive information for the criminals.
  • Jimmy to Honey: “Keep on being Alice Stratton, my love, and you’ll get everything your heart desire.” (09:36)

4. Espionage in the DA’s Office

• Honey, posing as Alice, is feeding Appleton and Nick Venice trial secrets and the DA’s strategy.
  • Honey: “I made an extra copy of everything I typed for him.” (09:19)
  • Jimmy: “Wonderful. Simply wonderful.” (11:50)
• The criminals profit from inside information, even tipping off a local gambling club to an impending raid.

5. Alice’s Fate: Murder in the Conspiracy

• [13:04-14:25] Alice, still captive, pleads with Nick for help, but he becomes violent. After a struggle, Alice is accidentally killed.
  • Nick (threatening): “Could break your wrist just by squeezing my fingers together.” (13:29)
  • Honey: “Jimmy, will it… will it be okay?” (14:09)
  • Jimmy (grimly): “This guy girl is dead.” (14:16)

6. Discovery and Realization: The DA's Investigation

• [16:57] The DA and Harrington examine Alice’s body, found dumped by the river, noting the professional method and lack of identification.
• Crucial clues: the distinctive violet perfume and physical marks lead to Nick Venice.
• Harrington runs Alice’s fingerprints, revealing that the dead girl is the real Alice Stratton, while her imposter is still present in the office.
  • Harrington: “The kid we found dead last night is supposed to be your secretary… Ms. Stratton is right outside.” (20:24-20:25)

7. Closing the Net: The DA’s Trap

• The real DA, catching on, sets a trap for Honey, Appleton, and Nick Venice.
• [22:30-25:41] Confrontation at Appleton’s apartment:
  • DA arrives with an envelope of "evidence"; Nick pulls a gun.
  • The DA reveals that Honey (posing as Alice) and the criminals are surrounded.
  • DA: “If you’ll open the door, Mr. Harrington is waiting for you. You are all under arrest for murder.” (25:34)
• Harrington, from the hall: “The joint’s surrounded. Well, Nick, that’s better. It’s much better.” (25:41)

8. Resolution: Justice and Explanation

• [27:00+] The DA explains how the case was cracked thanks to the unique scent of violet perfume on the victim and Nick’s fingerprints on Alice’s wrists; evidence lined up perfectly to expose the plot.
  • DA: “We didn’t connect the murder... until the examiner reported traces of strong perfume on her body… the same cheap scent Venice reeked of.”
  • Harrington: “And there was a nice clean set of Nicky’s prints dug into Alice’s wrists, huh, Chief?”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• DA on Criminal’s Downfall:
  “A criminal whose mind was keen enough to attain the privilege of the bar, but warped to the point of degrading himself and his profession.” (01:01)

• Honey’s Self-Satisfaction at Betrayal:
  “Do I get a reward?” (09:29)
  “Keep on being Alice Stratton, my love, and you’ll get everything your heart desire.” (09:36)

• Harrington on Appleton’s Preparedness:
  “Why, he even knew I intended to put the cab driver on the stand first… he had prepared notes on his objections. I tell you, Harrington, it was beyond understanding.” (10:41)

• DA’s Revelatory Arrest:
  “If you’ll open the door, Mr. Harrington is waiting for you. You are all under arrest for murder.” (25:34)

• The Forensics Breakthrough:
  “Examiner reported traces of strong perfume on her body—not a scent she was wearing, but one that had apparently clung to her arms from contact with another person. Violet perfume.” (28:00)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:06–05:02: Alice’s promotion excitement, office introductions
• 08:15–09:36: Alice’s kidnapping, Honey’s conspiracy revealed
• 10:02–11:53: Honey’s espionage in the DA’s office
• 13:04–14:25: Alice’s murder
• 16:57–20:25: Discovery of Alice’s body, forensics, and realization of the imposter
• 22:30–25:41: DA sets the trap, confrontation, and arrests
• 27:00–end: DA explains how the clues fit together

Tone & Style

True to vintage crime radio, the episode’s pacing is brisk, dialogue is loaded with period idioms (“wise guy,” “taking a powder,” “you amuse me”), and every character’s intent is underscored by a combination of dramatic delivery and orchestral punctuation. The DA is both measured and stern, Harrington is rough-and-ready, and Alice (and her imposter) bring innocence and duplicity, respectively.

Summary Takeaway

This episode of Mr. District Attorney is a compelling procedural exploring the dangers of misplaced trust, the importance of evidence, and the perseverance of justice. With inventive plotting and the rich atmosphere of Golden Age radio, “Case of the Unknown Source” delivers suspense, emotion, and satisfying resolution—living up to its promise as “champion of the people, defender of truth, guardian of our fundamental rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”