Podcast Summary
Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Nick Carter 43-10-18 (028) State's Prison Evidence
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: November 10, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode features a classic Nick Carter, Master Detective, radio drama: "State's Prison Evidence" (originally aired October 18, 1943). In this gripping tale, detective Nick Carter investigates the apparent suicide of Enos Jarbeau, which quickly unravels into an intricate plot involving forged wills, prison escapes, and identity deception. The episode captures the intrigue and clever deduction characteristic of golden age radio mysteries.
Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown
1. The "Suicide" at the Jarbeau Household
-
Introduction to the Case
Nick Carter is approached by Ella Jarbeau, whose uncle Enos has been found dead in the library, apparently by suicide.
[00:36–03:33] -
Initial Observations and Evidence
- Carter examines the scene: Enos is shot through the head, pistol at his side, and a suicide note addressed to "Mrs. Sarah Jarbeau" is found.
- Ella reveals inconsistencies: her uncle didn't use that type of pen, and the desk (where he wrote) was locked and only she had the key.
"Uncle never wrote anywhere except at his desk here. And this desk has been locked since yesterday morning. And I have the key." – Ella [05:07]
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Nick’s Deduction
Carter notes the handwriting looks right, but the pen used is wrong and circumstances are suspicious. He promises to investigate further.
[03:31–05:35]
2. Unraveling Enos Jarbeau's Past
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Interview with Mrs. Sarah Jarbo (Sarah Blake)
Carter tracks down the woman named in the suicide note, who tells a heartbreaking story of abandonment by Enos after their wedding. She seems genuine, but Nick is skeptical.
[05:53–07:23]“Somehow I'm inclined to believe her story, even if it does spoil my theory that she's part of an elaborate put-up job.” – Nick [07:23]
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Encounter with a Mysterious Man
As Nick leaves, he spots a suspicious man who had also appeared at the murder scene, raising his suspicions.
[07:31–07:56]
3. The Prison Break Connection
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Barney McCoy Identified
Investigation reveals the mysterious man is Barney McCoy, an escaped convict from state's prison, closely tied to the case.
[08:18–09:12] -
Nick’s Undercover Plan
Carter arranges with the Governor to go undercover as "Max Herbert" and be incarcerated to investigate from inside the prison.“Governor, I want to go to State's prison. Oh, no, not as a visitor. I want to go as a convict.” – Nick Carter [09:19]
4. Infiltrating State's Prison
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Learning from the Inmates
As “Max Herbert,” Nick bonds with McCoy and learns about his connections—McCoy's wife is Addie, and Sarah (the real Mrs. Jarbeau) was her sister, who died after marrying Enos.
[11:36–12:17]“Sarah was his sister. They looked so much alike, you couldn't tell one from the other.” – Inmate [12:18]
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Orchestrating a Breakout
Nick learns a corrupt guard, Mike, helps with escapes—the same guard who aided McCoy is suspected of being involved with Jarbeau’s murder. Nick and McCoy plan a new escape with the guard’s help.
[14:08–16:59]
5. Back to the Jarbeau House: The Plot Tightens
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Ella’s Discovery
Ella recognizes Mrs. Jarbeau as “Mrs. Martin,” a temporary housekeeper who impersonated Sarah to forge a will in her favor.
[18:22–19:16]“Not until a few days ago did I suddenly realize that Mrs. Jarbeau was Mrs. Morton. With black hair instead of brown and without her dark glasses.” – Ella [19:14]
-
Villains Close In
Ella overhears Addie (posing as Sarah) and McCoy discussing plans to remove her for good, as Addie is about to secure the estate legally.
[20:03–21:38]
6. The Trap & Final Confrontation
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Nick Sets the Trap
Nick and his assistant Patsy monitor the criminals using an early microphone/recording device to capture their incriminating conversation.
[25:20–25:45]“Through the vibration of the wall, it'll pick up whatever is said in her room...The conversation...has been recorded in full for the past 20 minutes.” – Nick [27:19]
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Confession & Revelation
The villains admit to their scheme: Addie posed as her deceased sister Sarah, had the will forged, arranged Enos’s murder, and attempted to secure the entire Jarbeau estate—with McCoy and the corrupt guard as accomplices.- Plot points revealed:
- Addie’s impersonation was made possible by her resemblance to her sister.
- The will and suicide note were both forged; the latter elementally flawed due to the wrong pen.
- McCoy and Mike orchestrated crimes together, including murder and attempted framing. [25:45–27:22]
- Plot points revealed:
Memorable Quotes and Moments
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On the fake suicide note:
“Uncle Enos was very proud of his handwriting. And he never used anything but a special type of old fashioned steel pen point.” – Ella [04:53]
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Nick’s undercover move:
“Governor, I want to go to State's prison. Oh, no, not as a visitor. I want to go as a convict.” – Nick Carter [09:19]
-
Ella’s recognition of the impostor:
“When she first came to live in the house...I realized that Mrs. Jarbeau was Mrs. Morton. With black hair instead of brown and without her dark glasses.” – Ella [19:06]
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Nick’s dramatic reveal:
“If that isn’t practically a confession and good legal evidence in any court, my name isn’t Nick Carter.” – Nick [27:20]
Key Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:36–03:33| Discovery of the body, initial evidence | | 05:07 | Ella's insight on the fake note | | 09:19 | Nick Carter arranges to go undercover at prison | | 11:36–12:18| Revelation about Sarah, Addie, and McCoy | | 18:22–19:16| Ella recognizes the impostor | | 21:06–21:38| Villains discuss their plans | | 25:20–25:45| Nick sets up recording trap | | 27:19–27:22| The confession and case resolution |
Tone & Style
Classic, suspenseful, and clever detective storytelling, with clear dialogue, brisk pacing, and dramatic revelations—all in the spirit of golden age radio drama.
Summary
Nick Carter's sharp instincts and undercover work unravel a multilayered plot, exposing a complex mix of impersonation, forgery, and murder. The classic radio episode combines psychological insight, technical gadgets, and old-fashioned sleuthing—delivering suspense and intrigue to audiences gathered around their radios, reminding listeners why Nick Carter was one of the golden age's most beloved detectives.