Episode Summary: "Counterfeit Murder" (Nero Wolfe 82-01-30)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Nero Wolfe 82-01-30 Counterfeit Murder
Release Date: April 26, 2025

Introduction

"Counterfeit Murder" is a gripping episode from the classic Nero Wolfe series, brought to life by Harold's Old Time Radio. Set in the opulent yet enigmatic Manhattan brownstone of the brilliant detective Nero Wolfe, this episode delves into the perilous world of counterfeit money, deceit, and murder. Featuring a stellar cast, including Maver Moore as Nero Wolfe and Don Franks as Archie Goodwin, listeners are treated to a meticulously crafted mystery that captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio.

Plot Overview

00:38 - 07:24: The Mysterious Encounter

The episode begins with Nero Wolfe’s everyday routine interrupted by a distressed woman, Hattie Annis (Joy Cogill), who arrives unannounced with a perplexing package. Wolfe, maintaining his strict policy of seeing clients only by appointment, initially rebuffs her attempts to gain his attention. However, compelled by her desperate demeanor, he reluctantly engages, revealing her possession of counterfeit bills worth approximately $10,000.

Nero Wolfe (00:59): "What have you got?"
Hattie Annis (02:02): "It won't bite. And don't you open it till I get back."
Nero Wolfe (03:18): "I don't know why I took it, except that she trusted me..."

07:24 - 16:05: Unraveling the Mystery

As Wolfe and his assistant, Archie Goodwin (Don Franks), delve deeper into the case, they uncover that the counterfeit money is linked to Tammy Baxter (Nikki), whose suspicious death raises red flags. The involvement of Albert Leach (Brent Carver), a Secret Service agent, introduces an element of federal intrigue, suggesting corruption and hidden agendas within law enforcement.

Nero Wolfe (07:55): "Tammy Baxter was a tea woman."
Archie Goodwin (08:32): "Hey, that's good coffee, Fritz."

16:05 - 28:59: The Web of Deceit

The investigation intensifies as Wolfe and Goodwin interrogate the boarders of Hattie Annis’s boarding house—Raymond Dell, Paul Hannah, Noel Ferris, and Martha Kirk. Each character reveals ulterior motives and potential alibis, complicating the mystery. The interactions between Wolfe and the Secret Service agent Albert Leach further complicate matters, indicating a conspiracy to cover up the counterfeit operation.

Hattie Annis (16:05): "You can get a room there, even if you don't pay every week."
Archie Goodwin (24:12): "I have no interest in a reward."

28:59 - 39:26: Confrontations and Revelations

As Wolfe meticulously pieces together the clues, internal conflicts arise between him and Goodwin, especially regarding the handling of evidence and interactions with law enforcement. The revelation of Paul Hannah's (Frank Perry) involvement as both a counterfeiter and a suspect in Tammy Baxter's murder brings the investigation to a critical juncture.

Archie Goodwin (35:49): "What are you doing around the docks, Joaquin?"
Nero Wolfe (36:53): "I left the house a little after 9 o'clock..."

39:26 - 47:40: The Climax and Resolution

The tension reaches its peak when Goodwin orchestrates a strategic confrontation, leveraging the collected evidence to expose the counterfeit ring. The collaboration between Wolfe, Goodwin, and law enforcement culminates in the arrest of Paul Hannah, effectively dismantling the criminal operation. The episode concludes with Hattie Annis rewarding Wolfe and Goodwin, highlighting their unwavering dedication and the triumph of justice.

Nero Wolfe (39:28): "You dispose of evidence in a murder case."
Archie Goodwin (45:50): "So, gentlemen, I was faced with a dilemma..."
Hattie Annis (46:49): "I don't believe either of you and this bill."

Key Characters and Their Roles

• Nero Wolfe (Maver Moore): The reclusive, genius detective whose analytical prowess drives the investigation.

• Archie Goodwin (Don Franks): Wolfe’s witty and resourceful assistant, acting as the narrator and primary link to the outside world.

• Hattie Annis (Joy Cogill): A distressed boarder who becomes the catalyst for the ensuing mystery by introducing the counterfeit money.

• Albert Leach (Brent Carver): A Secret Service agent whose interactions add layers of governmental intrigue to the plot.

• Paul Hannah (Frank Perry): A suspect with dual roles as both a counterfeiter and a possible murderer, central to the episode's resolution.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nero Wolfe on Trust:
  [03:18] "I don't know why I took it, except that she trusted me..."

• Archie Goodwin on Reputation:
  [12:11] "I know your reputation, Goodwin and Wolf's."

• Wolfe on Civility:
  [14:43] "But you have a point."

• Goodwin’s Determination:
  [15:31] "Let’s go."

• Hattie Annis on Cops:
  [23:29] "All right, buster. I’ve never hired a detective before."

• Climactic Confrontation:
  [43:57] "Mr. Hannah, your first name is Paul."

• Final Resolution:
  [47:40] "I think a trust fund might be in order so that Hattie may have even better days to come."

Themes and Insights

"Counterfeit Murder" explores themes of trust, deception, and the blurred lines between right and wrong within the sphere of law enforcement and private investigation. The episode adeptly balances suspense with character development, showcasing Nero Wolfe's intellectual dominance and Archie Goodwin's pragmatic approach. The intricate plot underscores the complexity of criminal networks and the moral ambiguities faced by those who seek justice.

Conclusion

"Counterfeit Murder" stands out as a quintessential Nero Wolfe episode, blending intricate plotting with sharp dialogue and memorable characters. Harold's Old Time Radio successfully transports listeners to an era where radio dramas captivated audiences with their storytelling prowess. This episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to engage deeply with the mystery, making it a must-listen for aficionados of classic detective narratives.

Production Credits

• Starring:

  • Maver Moore as Nero Wolfe
  • Don Franks as Archie Goodwin
  • Cease Linder as Inspector Kramer
  • Joy Cogill as Hattie Annis
  • Brent Carver as Albert Leach
  • Paul Hammond as Paul Hannah
  • Gilly Fennec, Raymond Dell, Lynn Griffin, Sandy Webster, and additional supporting cast.

• Music: Composed and conducted by Don Gillis

• Technical Operations: John Jessup

• Sound Effects: Bill Robinson

• Production Assistant: Bill

• Casting Consultant: Anne Weldon Tate

• Written by: Alan Osborne

• Produced and Directed in Toronto by Ron Hartman

Stay tuned for next week's episode, "Meet Tina and Carl," promising another enthralling adventure with Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin.