Official Detective 56-11-08 (500) Spinster Murdered [Pauline Smith is Shot]

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Official Detective 56-11-08 (500) Spinster Murdered [Pauline Smith is Shot]"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Type: Golden Age Mystery Drama
Date: September 17, 2025
Original Air Date: November 8, 1956 (Rebroadcast)

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Episode Overview

This classic radio drama from the "Official Detective" series centers on the mysterious murder of Pauline Smith, an elderly spinster living alone. The case unfolds as Lieutenant John Hogarth and Sergeant Allen investigate Smith’s grim death, unraveling a layered story of hidden identities, old crimes, blackmail, and a clever attempt to frame an innocent man. Using period-authentic detective work with fingerprint analysis and psychological interrogation, the episode evokes the suspense and sharp plotting of post-war radio mysteries.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

Crime Scene Discovery and Initial Investigation

• [01:09-03:07]
  • Pauline Smith, described as a “lady hermit,” is found dead in her home by a neighborhood boy.
  • The murder weapon is an iron skillet; $62 left in her purse suggests motive is not robbery.
  • Key evidence: fingerprints on the skillet, bloody prints on the water glass and refrigerator, unfinished cheese wedge with clear bite marks.
  • Quote:

    "Imagine killing the old lady then stopping to bite into a hunk of cheese..." — Sergeant Allen, [02:56]

First Break: The Man with the Gray Hat

• [03:30-08:12]
  • Investigation leads to Nick Ramsey's Bar and Grill, where witnesses recall a man in a distinctive light gray hat.
  • Waitress Lucy Bell describes the man’s intense behavior and his fixation with a mysterious woman (later identified as the victim).
  • Both Bell and the man in the gray hat, Harry Castle, are brought in for questioning and later identify the body as the woman from the bar.
  • Quote:

    "For a very human reason, Lieutenant. I was struck by her amazing resemblance to my late mother." — Harry Castle, [07:48]

Revelations About the Victim

• [08:48-11:10]
  • The victim, Pauline Smith, is revealed to be Sarah Duncan, a former bank robber and mob leader.
  • The main suspect, Castle, has an alibi corroborated by his dentist.
  • The bloody fingerprints match Sam Runyon, another ex-convict presumed to be dead.
  • Quote:

    "Pauline Smith was only an alias. Her real name was Sarah Duncan. In her younger days, she headed a stick up mob." — Lieutenant Hogarth, [11:04]

A Dead Man's Prints?

• [11:53-13:45]
  • The FBI confirms Sam Runyon died 14 months earlier, making it impossible for him to be physically present.
  • Crime lab analysis confirms the bloody fingerprints were forged using a rubber stamp—Runyon’s prints falsified.
  • Suspicion returns to Harry Castle, who operates a printing shop and is skilled at making rubber stamps.
  • Quote:

    "The ridges in a forged [print] have the same fine arrangement of the pores...making such a rubber stamp calls for a great deal of skill." — Forensics Expert Finch, [13:09]

Biting Evidence

• [14:04-15:23]
  • Dentists compare Castle's dental mold to the bite marks on the cheese—the match is conclusive.
  • Quote:

    "I'm sorry for Mr. Castle. In my opinion, it was he who bit into the cheese." — Dr. Hyatt, [15:16]

Castle’s Desperation and Confession

• [15:37-21:48]
  • Castle lures Lucy Bell under the pretense of dinner, but takes her to his deserted printing plant.
  • Castle tries to kill Bell to cover his crime; she is rescued at the last second.
  • Under police interrogation, Castle confesses: Sarah Duncan had been blackmailing him for 15 years after their criminal past together. Fearing exposure, he murdered her, using the years-old Runyon rubber stamp as a red herring.
  • Quote:

    "You put them there with that rubber stamp. You murdered that woman." — Lucy Bell, [20:11]
    "Sam was in the holdup gang when I was. One day I got his prints from a whiskey glass and made the rubber stamp. ... I kept it all those years as a good luck piece. Some good luck piece—it finally trapped you in a murder." — Castle & Hogarth, [21:53 & 22:18]

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On searching for suspects:

  "She said the strangest things. Made me feel creepy." — Lucy Bell about Sarah, [05:56]

• On evidence tampering:

  "Those bloody prints were forged. ... I'd say on a rubber stamp." — Forensics Expert Finch, [12:31-12:55]

• On motive and confession:

  "She blackmailed me for 15 years. She bled me white." — Castle, [21:07]

• On irony of evidence:

  "I kept it all those years as a good luck piece. Some good luck piece. It finally trapped you in a murder." — Castle & Lieutenant Hogarth, [22:03 & 22:18]

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Key Timestamps

• [01:09] – Initial murder scene investigation
• [03:30] – Lead to Ramsey’s bar and suspect in gray hat introduced
• [06:39] – Harry Castle questioned by police
• [08:48] – Victim’s true identity and possible criminal past
• [11:56] – Sam Runyon confirmed dead
• [12:31] – Forensics confirm forged fingerprints
• [15:16] – Dentist matches Castle’s teeth to cheese evidence
• [20:02] – Castle attempts to murder Lucy Bell
• [22:18] – Castle’s confession and recovery of the rubber stamp evidence

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Episode Takeaways & Tone

• The drama provides a classic hardboiled detective story, replete with false leads, unexpected twists, and forensic ingenuity.
• It delivers nostalgia for old-school radio crime shows, with sharp-tongued detectives, wily suspects, and just enough grim wit.
• The show emphasizes classic detective methods—matching physical evidence, interrogating suspects, methodical police work—and ends with justice prevailing in cinematic style.

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Final Note

This episode showcases the intricate plotting and resourceful law enforcement work characteristic of mid-century radio mysteries, with layered characters and a satisfying resolution. It's a rewarding listen for fans of classic detective fiction and radio drama alike.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[A]

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[C]

Official detective dedicated to the men who guard your safety and protect your home.

[B]

Your police department.

[C]

Lieutenant John Hogarth. Lieutenant Britt is on leave. An elderly spinster named Pauline Smith lived alone in a small house on a suburban street. One evening at 7:30, a curious boy peeked in the front window. Saw Miss Smith lying in a pool of blood. Ran for a policeman in the murder house. While waiting for the coroner and lab man, I dictated my Preliminary observations to Sergeant Allen. Name of victim, Pauline Smith. Late 60s, white hair. Neighbors report no knowledge of friends or relatives. Say that she seldom spoke to anyone.

[B]

Kind of like a lady hermit, eh, Lieutenant?

[C]

Yes. Corpse lying on the living room floor, skull crushed. Apparent murder weapon, iron skillet lying near body. Skillet stained with blood. Rigor Morris. Condition indicates victim dead at least two or three hours. Got that, Allen?

[B]

Mm. What about the motive?

[C]

$62 in victim's purse indicates motive, not robbery. Neighbor reports seeing man, medium height, women wearing light gray hat, wide brim. Descending victims front steps between 3 and 5pm she couldn't come any closer to.

[B]

The time than that.

[C]

We're lucky she could give us even that much. Let's keep going, Alan.

[B]

Shoot.

[C]

Visible fingerprints on greasy handle of skillet. Bloody prints on inside of outside knobs. The front door assailant apparently went to kitchen after crime for snack and drink of water. Bloody prints on water, glass and refrigerator door. Found on drain board an unfinished wedge of cheese. Bite marks of teeth plainly visible in cheese.

[B]

Boy, this guy must have had no nerves at all. Imagine killing the Old lady then stopping to bite into a hunk of cheese.

[C]

Let's hope that they are the killer's teeth marks. Yeah.

[B]

Any more notes?

[C]

Couple cigar bottle and kitchen sink, half used. Book of paper, matches on drainboard. Printed on match cover, Nick Ramsey's Bar and Grill. Nick Ramsey's bar and grill. 936 Farley Street. Got all that?

[B]

Yeah. Well, the coroner is just pulling up out front, Lieutenant.

[C]

Good. As soon as he and the labmen take over, we'll drive down to Ramsey's bar and ask a few questions. Maybe one of his regular customers wears a light dress gray hat with a wide brim. Yeah, I do have a customer that.

[B]

Wears a hat like that.

[C]

Comes in here every night and drinks at the bar for about an hour.

[B]

You know his name? Ramsey?

[C]

No.

[B]

You see, he's a real quiet guy.

[C]

Never talks much to nobody. You think some of your other customers might know something about this man? Well, Lieutenant. Oh, Miss Bell, might you see that young girl eating dinner over there in that booth? She eats here regular. Thanks, Ramsay. We'll ask her. Okay, I'll be right here back at the bar. Excuse me, please. You're Ms. Bell, I believe.

[D]

Yes. Lucy Bell.

[B]

This is Lieutenant Hogarth from Police Headquarters. I'm Sergeant Allen.

[D]

Police Headquarters? Oh, dear. Sit down, please.

[C]

Thanks. We're Investigating a murder, Ms. Bell. Nick Ramsey said you might help us out.

[D]

Nick said I might help how?

[C]

We're trying to get some information on one of Nick's bar customers. One of the regulars wears a light gray hat with a wide brim.

[D]

Oh. What about it?

[B]

You've noticed him at the bar?

[D]

Oh, yes. Almost every time I've eaten here.

[B]

You know his name?

[D]

No.

[C]

When did you see him here last, Ms. Bell?

[D]

Last night.

[B]

You sure?

[D]

Absolutely. He's the man who stared.

[C]

Stared at you?

[D]

No, at the woman who sat across from me. Right here in this booth.

[C]

This woman was a friend of yours?

[D]

No, a stranger. The room was crowded last night and she asked if she could share this booth with me. I said, of course, so she sat down.

[C]

But what about the man in the gray hat?

[D]

Well, after a while, I noticed him staring at this woman. He must have stared at her for at least two or three minutes. Then he paid his bar check and went out.

[C]

Did this woman realize he was staring at her?

[D]

No, Lieutenant. I think she was a little too tipsy to notice.

[C]

Did she get tipsy in here?

[D]

I guess so. While I was eating dinner, she had four drinks.

[B]

She just sat here drinking without saying anything?

[D]

Oh, no, Sergeant. She talked a blue streak and she said the strangest things. Made me feel creepy.

[C]

What did she say, Ms. Bell?

[D]

Well, first of all, what is it? The man in the gray hat. He just came in.

[C]

Seated with Ms. Bell in the tavern booth. The sergeant and I were questioning the man in the gray hat. He gave his name as Harry Castle. Are you employed in this city, Mr. Castle?

[B]

Yes, Lieutenant. I have my own business.

[C]

What is it?

[B]

A printing plant on the corner of 4th and Turner. Married 11 years. We have two small children. Look, I'm delighted to have met Ms. Bell, but I'm getting curious.

[D]

I don't blame you, Mr. Castle. These officers are investigating a murder.

[B]

A murder? You're kidding.

[D]

No, I'm not. Ask them.

[C]

Well, an elderly woman named Pauline Smith was killed this afternoon. A man of your description was seen leaving the house between 3 and 5.

[B]

What? Where were you between 3 and 5, Mr. Castle? Well, now, let me think. I left the printing plant at 10 minutes of 4. I had an appointment with my dentist.

[C]

Dentist?

[B]

Name and address, please. Dr. Thaddeus Hyatt, 321 Doyle Street Dear me, I never thought I'd be a murder suspect. What about you, Ms. Bell? How do you fit into this picture?

[D]

Well, I told them about that woman who sat in the booth last night. You stared at her for a long time, remember?

[B]

A woman who. Oh, yes, of course.

[C]

Why did you stare at her, Mr. Castle?

[B]

For a very human reason, Lieutenant. I was struck by her amazing resemblance to my late mother.

[C]

You mean the woman who sat here was elderly?

[B]

I'd say she was in her late 60s. Wouldn't you, Ms. Bell?

[D]

Yes.

[B]

Did she have white hair?

[D]

Oh, pure white. Why do you men seem so surprised?

[C]

Well, Ms. Smith fits that description, too.

[D]

What?

[B]

You mean the woman who sat here was murdered?

[C]

You and Ms. Bell can tell us that after you've seen the body. I'll have to ask you both to come along now. We'll drive you down to the morgue. All right. You both identified the body of Pauline Smith. There's no doubt in your minds?

[B]

No, Sir.

[C]

I'm positive, Ms. Bell.

[D]

I'm positive, too. That's the poor woman who sat with me last night.

[C]

You were telling us about her before Mr. Castle came into the tavern. You said she got tipsy last night and talked a lot and said the strangest things. What did you mean?

[D]

Well, she talked about crime. Most of it didn't make any sense, but, well, somehow I got the idea she'd been in prison.

[B]

In prison? That nice looking old lady?

[C]

Alan, when we're through here, get one of the Lab men to go to the morgue and take her fingerprints.

[B]

Okay. It'd be funny if she had a police record.

[C]

We'll need your prints too, Mr. Castle.

[B]

What for?

[C]

To compare with bloody prints found at the scene of the crime.

[B]

But. Very well. But I can tell you right now, they're not mine.

[C]

Let's hope not.

[B]

Lieutenant, are you going to hold Mr. Castle overnight?

[C]

No, not if he isn't planning to leave the city.

[B]

Of course I'm not. I'll be at my printing plant tomorrow morning at 8:30.

[C]

Fine. I'm sure you'll want to know the results of the fingerprint comparison. You can go home now, Ms. Bell. Thanks a lot for your help.

[D]

Not at all.

[B]

Okay, Mr. Castle, let's go down to identification and take your prints.

[C]

Oh, good morning, Mr. Castle.

[B]

Good morning. My secretary said that you wanted to see me here at headquarters. You can take the worried look off your face, Mr. Mr. Castle, the bloody fingerprints aren't yours. Oh, well, I knew that, of course, but I guess you men can't blame me for spending a sleepless night. But what about the killer's prince? Are they. I mean. Say, do you know to whom they belong?

[C]

Yes. An ex bank robber named Sam Runyan. He's been arrested twice in this town. His record's in our files.

[B]

Have you picked him up?

[C]

Not yet. His present address is unknown. By the way, we've checked your dentist, too. Dr. Hyatt said you were in his office yesterday. So you're okay.

[B]

Good for Hyatt. I'll pay his bill at once. About the dead woman, maybe you'd like to know what we found out about her. I sure would. Pauline Smith was only an alias. Her real name was Sarah Duncan. Oh, dear. Nice that she resembled my poor mother.

[C]

Her prints are in our files, too. In her younger days, Sarah Duncan headed a stick up mob.

[B]

Well, nothing will surprise me from now on. What else?

[C]

About 20 years ago, she pulled a successful bank robbery and dropped out of sight. Changed her name to Pauline Smith, moved into this house and apparently led a quiet life. Till yesterday when she was murdered.

[B]

And do you think the killer, this fellow Sam Runyon, was a member of her old stick up mobile?

[C]

We won't know for sure until we catch him. Rev wire to the FBI to see if they know where he is. They'll get their answer sometime this afternoon. Alan.

[B]

Yeah, Lieutenant.

[C]

Hold on to your hat. I just heard from the FBI.

[B]

They know where Sam Runyon is.

[C]

They sure do. In the cemetery. What? He was killed in a Michigan gun battle 14 months ago.

[B]

14. Hey, but look, if he's been dead that long, how the heck did his bloody fingerprints get in the murder house?

[C]

That's what I want to know. Get the crime lab on the phone. I want them to make a big photographic blow up of those prints so they can be studied further.

[B]

Lieutenant, the fingerprint expert's here.

[C]

Good. No, come in, French. I've got news for you, Lieutenant. Those bloody prints were forged. Forged? You mean they're not Sam Runyons? Oh, yes, originally.

[B]

Explain that will you, Finch?

[C]

Well, when Runyon was alive, somebody got his fingerprints. They were reproduced and the killer printed.

[B]

Them yesterday after he committed the murder.

[C]

How were they reproduced? I'd say on a rubber stamp. You're absolutely sure the prints were forged? No doubt about it. Alan, get the phone book and look up Harry Castle in the Yellow Pages. Okay. Now, Finch, how could you tell that those prints were forged? By studying the enlargements. The ridges in a forged were have the same fine arrangement of the pores that you find in the natural print process. And what makes you think they were planted by means of a rubber stamp? That's the way it's been done in most cases. On record. Of course, making such a rubber stamp calls for a great deal of spill.

[B]

Well, Sergeant Castle's got an ad in this phone book. Listen, Harry Castle, quality printing rubber stamp, expertly made rubber stain.

[C]

Thanks a lot, Finch. Glad to help.

[B]

Well, Lieutenant, do we pick up Castle?

[C]

Not yet. I want one more proof. Let's hope that can be furnished by Castle's dentist.

[B]

But Mr. Castle is a fine man. What?

[D]

He.

[B]

He's been my patient for years.

[C]

I know, Dr. Hyde, but I'd still like you to make that comparison test.

[B]

Of course, Lieutenant. I have a cast of Mr. Castle's teeth right here in the cabinet. Exactly what time was it when Castle was here in your office yesterday, Doctor? Oh, he arrived at 4:15. What time did he leave? About 4:30. It was just a short appointment for a gum treatment. But I can't imagine how you could sustain suspect him of committing murder.

[C]

He would have had plenty of time to get from here to the woman's house. The coroner couldn't tell the exact moment she was killed. I suppose not.

[B]

Well, here's the plastic mold of Mr. Castle's teeth.

[C]

Okay. Now here's the piece of cheese that the killer bit into. I'd like you to compare the mold of Mr. Castle's bite with the teeth marks in the cheese.

[B]

Very well. Of course, these marks in the cheese are only from the anterior surface of the incisors. But Mr. Castle's cutting teeth are peculiarly shaped, and they're. Oh, dear. Well, Doctor, I'm sorry for Mr. Castle. In my opinion, it was he who bit into the cheese.

[C]

Thank you, Doctor. All right, Alan, let's pick him up.

[B]

Good evening, Miss Bell. May I share your booth with you?

[D]

Oh, Mr. Castle, of course. Do sit down.

[B]

Thank you. Have you ordered dinner?

[D]

Not yet. I was just studying the menu.

[B]

Young lady, do you realize that you almost got me into severe trouble with the police?

[D]

Oh, I know, and I'm terribly sorry. What finally happened?

[B]

Don't worry. The killer's been identified. A criminal named Sam Runyon.

[D]

I'm so glad you're out of it. I was just sick about being the.

[C]

Cause of your trouble.

[B]

Well, be happy again. It's all over now.

[D]

What's this?

[B]

Nothing. Nothing at all.

[D]

Oh, but give it to me. A little rubber stab.

[B]

Give it to me, I said.

[D]

I've never seen one like this before. It makes fingerprints.

[B]

Just put it back in my pocket. I keep it for luck. I'm always fooling with it.

[D]

But I don't understand. Why did you get so upset?

[B]

Ms. Bell, I'm so sorry. I apologize. I guess being a suspected murderer affected me more than I thought.

[D]

Yes, I suppose so. And it was all my fault. What can I do to atone for my sin?

[B]

Well, you could have dinner with me. Would you?

[D]

All right, it's a deal. Here's the menu.

[B]

I don't mean here in Nick Ramsey's. Wouldn't you like to go to a quieter place?

[D]

Well, all right. Anything you say. I'm still atoning.

[B]

Good. Let's get out of here. My car's parked right down the street.

[D]

How handy. Good night, Nick.

[C]

Hey, Ms. Bell, ain't you going to have a dinner?

[D]

Not tonight, nick.

[C]

Come on, Ms. Bell, what's the matter? You swore is my chef.

[D]

Oh, I love your chef. But Mr. Castle just offered to take me to dinner to a nice, quiet place.

[B]

Ms. Bell, please.

[C]

Okay, Ms. Bell.

[B]

Have a good time.

[D]

Thanks, Nick. I will. I'm sorry, Mr. Castle. I didn't realize you were in a hurry.

[B]

Well, that's all right. And my nerves again, I guess. My car's down here to the left.

[D]

Where are you taking me? To some place that's just oozing with glamour and soft music.

[B]

I don't know about the glamour and soft music, Ms. Bell, but I assure you it's a quiet place.

[C]

Well, the lieutenant and the sergeant. Ramsey. We're looking for Mr. Castle. You're a couple of minutes too late.

[B]

They just left. They? Who do you mean?

[C]

Castle and Ms. Bell. You know where they went? No. Did the girl go willingly?

[B]

Sure.

[C]

She hollered at me and said they were going to do in a quiet place. How long were they here together?

[B]

Just a couple of minutes. They sat over there and that was talking. What about? Do you know?

[C]

No, but. Well, I seemed to have a little argument about something.

[B]

Castle was real sore.

[C]

Then he laughed and then they went out. Any idea what they argued about?

[B]

No, but he dropped something on the table. When Ms. Bell picked it up and looked at it, that's when he got sore.

[C]

What was it? Ramsey. Was it a rubber stamp?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Yeah, one of them little rubber stamps. How'd you know?

[B]

Hey, way you going?

[C]

Tell you later. Come on, Alan. Let's get out to the car in a hurry.

[B]

I got Castle's home address.

[C]

He wouldn't take the girl there. He's got a family. Get behind the wheel.

[B]

Sure. Where are we heading?

[C]

Castle's printing plan, Forth and Turner.

[D]

It's so quiet here in your printing plant, Mr. Castle.

[B]

You should hear it in the daytime when all the presses are going.

[D]

Oh, I'd love to. May I stay here and look at this press while you go upstairs to your office?

[B]

I'm not going upstairs, Ms. Bell.

[D]

But isn't that why we stopped off here? To get a letter you'd forgotten?

[B]

No. No, there isn't any letter, Ms. Bell.

[D]

What are you doing?

[B]

Mr. Castle, I'll have to ask you not to cry out.

[D]

Take your hands off my neck.

[B]

It's no use. I've got to kill you. No.

[D]

No.

[B]

Shouldn't have seen that rubber stamp. Nobody knows about it but me. I'm sorry, but I can't let you live.

[D]

Those fingerprints. You put them there with that rubber stamp. You murdered that woman.

[B]

And now I'm going to murder you.

[D]

Oh, no.

[B]

Help. Help. Quiet. Quiet, I said.

[C]

Ms. Bell.

[D]

Help. He's killing me.

[B]

Let go of her. Take your hands away. I better get out of here.

[C]

You get out. All right, Put the cuffs on him. Hold your arms out.

[D]

He killed that old woman.

[C]

We know that. Sergeant, drive Ms. Bell to a doctor and come back for us.

[B]

Sure. Come on, Ms. Bell. Take it easy. You'll be okay now.

[D]

He was going to murder me, too. He was choking me.

[B]

I didn't kill that old woman. You told me yourself those bloody fingerprints belonged to a man named Runyon.

[C]

That was your mistake, Castle. Runyon's been dead for more than a year.

[B]

Dead? Sam Runyon? I didn't know Sam was dead.

[C]

You do now. Why did you kill Sarah Duncan? Come on. Why did you kill her?

[B]

I had to. Years ago. I was one of a hold up gang, but I was never arrested. I went straight and I married and started this printing business. And then Sarah found me. She blackmailed me for 15 years. She bled me white.

[C]

When did you decide to kill her?

[B]

Night before last in the tavern. She was drunk and talking about crime. I knew that someday she'd give me away. So yesterday I killed her and planted Runyon's fingerprints in the house.

[C]

Where is the rubber stand?

[B]

It's in my right hand pocket.

[C]

I've got it. How did you manage to get Runyon's prints in the first place?

[B]

Sam was in the hold up gang when I was. One day I got his prints from a whiskey glass and made the rubber stamp.

[C]

Why?

[B]

Oh, no reason. I was good at it, that's all. I just made the stamp for practice. Yesterday I used it for the first time. I kept it all those years as a good luck piece.

[C]

Some good luck piece. It finally trapped you in a murder. Lancastle will go out front, wait for Sergeant Allen.