Perry Mason 51-09-26 (2097) Perry Questions Hotel Manager

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Perry Questions Hotel Manager"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Perry Mason 51-09-26 (2097) Perry Questions Hotel Manager
Release Date: March 9, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Perry Questions Hotel Manager," listeners dive deep into a suspense-filled investigation led by the legendary defense attorney, Perry Mason. Set against the backdrop of Chicago's bustling Union Station and the elegant Hotel Miramar, the episode masterfully weaves intrigue, personal vendettas, and hidden motives, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio drama.

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Setting the Scene

The episode opens immediately after the previous installment, transporting listeners to 8:15 AM as Marcel Blanc exits a taxi at Chicago's Union Station (00:42). Accompanied by Kitty DiCarlo, May Grant, and Dory, Marcel's arrival signals the continuation of a complex narrative intertwined with mystery and tension.

Inside the Hotel Miramar, the atmosphere is tense. Perry Mason addresses Al Morrison, the hotel manager, with a mix of authority and urgency:
Perry Mason: "And I think that cinches it. I think we'll be able to make Mr. Morris tell us what we want to know after we get hold of that. Miss. Miss, could we speak to you for a moment?" (01:02)

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The Discovery of the Doll

A pivotal moment unfolds when Mason and his team confront Morrison about a Mexican star doll found in room 417. The doll, a seemingly innocuous item left behind by a young guest, becomes a critical piece of evidence. Mason's gesture of offering a $5 bill to Morrison serves to alleviate initial tensions:
Perry Mason: "Oh, well, then Here is a $5 bill." (01:16)
Al Morrison: "Oh, well, thanks, mister. I feel fine now." (01:19)

Morrison explains the sentimental value of the doll:
Al Morrison: "Kids. Sweet little girl. She was crying when they took her out. Why she. I guess it's because they made her leave without this doll." (02:15)

This interaction underscores the emotional layers within the investigation, hinting at deeper connections and motives.

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Unveiling Marcel Blanc's Motives

As the dialogue progresses, Marcel Blanc reveals his vulnerable side, providing insight into his troubled past and current predicament. Under duress from a figure named Frenchie, Marcel discloses his desperation to locate his estranged wife, Lillian:
Marcel Blanc: "Lily ran away with him a couple of years back. After a while, he threw her out like a dog. I've been looking everywhere for her demise." (04:52)
Marcel Blanc: "I love Lillian. And Francie knows where she is." (06:05)

His confession paints a picture of a man pushed to the brink, caught between loyalty and fear, adding complexity to the unfolding mystery.

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The Confrontation with Al Morrison

Perry Mason intensifies his interrogation, leveraging Morrison's evident distress to extract critical information:
Perry Mason: "Do you realize the spot you're in?" (04:17)
Marcel Blanc: "Yes." (04:19)
Perry Mason: "A sick man like you, how long do you think you'd last in prison?" (04:20)

Mason's relentless questioning forces Morrilson to confront his own vulnerabilities:
Marcel Blanc: "I can't help that, Mr. Mason. I'm sorry for the kid. I'm sorry for anyone Frenchie gets under his thumb." (07:07)
Perry Mason: "Let him get away." (08:32)

The tension culminates in Morrison's incapacitation, suggesting that Mason has found a way to silence him without direct harm.

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Climax and Resolution

The episode reaches its climax as Mason strategizes to ensure Morrison's silence:
Perry Mason: "I think he'll be able to get attention soon, But Funchi won't have to worry about it talking because he won't be able to talk." (09:28)

The narrator teases future developments, hinting at the ongoing treachery and the fate of Al Morrison:
Narrator: "Well, the treachery, the double dealing of the man who calls himself Marcel Blanc has reached out to seal the mouth of Al Morrison. And it looks as though Al's mouth may be sealed permanently." (09:55-10:08)

This cliffhanger leaves listeners eagerly anticipating the next episode, promising more twists and revelations.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nicole Byer (00:01): "We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message."
  (Note: This segment is an advertisement and is skipped in content summaries.)

• Perry Mason (01:02): "And I think that cinches it. I think we'll be able to make Mr. Morris and tell us what we want to know after we get hold of that." (01:02)

• Marcel Blanc (04:52): "I love Lillian. And Francie knows where she is." (06:05)

• Marcel Blanc (06:18): "Trust Frenchie? No. No. Not any further than I can throw this building." (06:18)

• Perry Mason (07:03): "But it's the time you're here." (07:03)

• Narrator (09:55): "May be sealed permanently." (09:55)

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Conclusion

"Perry Questions Hotel Manager" stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic radio dramas. Through masterful storytelling, rich dialogue, and intricate character development, Harold's Old Time Radio delivers an episode that not only honors the legacy of Perry Mason but also reinvigorates it for modern audiences. The interplay between personal vendettas and broader mysteries ensures that listeners remain captivated, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this enthralling saga.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com. oh, beers, this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior, way fair.

[Unknown]

Every style, every home.

[Narrator]

It's immediately after the close of Our last episode. 8:15 in the morning, and as the taxi cab in which the man we know as Marcel Blank pulls to a stop before Chicago's Union Station. Marcel gets out, closely Followed by Kitty DiCarlo, May Grant and Dory. Back in the lobby of the Hotel Miramar, we hear, Perry, I see you, Bella.

[Perry Mason]

And I think that cinches it. I think we'll be able to make Mr. Morris and tell us what we want to know after we get hold of that. Miss. Miss, could we speak to you for a moment?

[Dory]

We'd like to talk to you.

[Al Morrison]

Give me a chance to get my breath. Why? You gave me a shock.

[Perry Mason]

Oh, well, then Here is a $5 bill.

[Al Morrison]

What?

[Unknown]

Why?

[Marcel Blanc]

To make you feel better.

[Al Morrison]

Oh, well, thanks, mister. I feel fine now. So, what can I do for you?

[Dory]

I don't know about the doll you're.

[Al Morrison]

Is it.

[Perry Mason]

Yes, that Mexican star down there. Look at it.

[Al Morrison]

Well, I.

[Unknown]

Yes?

[Al Morrison]

I was supposed to take everything I found to the manager. Oh, that little everything from 472.

[Perry Mason]

Oh, well, you found this star.

[Al Morrison]

Yes.

[Perry Mason]

Well, all I want to do is look at it, and then you can.

[Unknown]

Take it to the manager.

[Perry Mason]

Okay?

[Al Morrison]

Okay.

[Dory]

You sure that's no more junior Chief.

[Al Morrison]

Dory, You've been silent.

[Dory]

Usually those dolls have word sand.

[Perry Mason]

Doesn't mean anything. Della. A green sash couldn't prove that May and Dory were in this hotel.

[Unknown]

I have a.

[Dory]

What'd you find?

[Perry Mason]

I think we ought to take this to the manager, huh?

[Marcel Blanc]

Right away.

[Perry Mason]

Do you mind if we go with you when you send this in?

[Unknown]

This?

[Al Morrison]

No.

[Perry Mason]

So this doll is in 417?

[Al Morrison]

That's right.

[Perry Mason]

One of the guests left it.

[Al Morrison]

Yeah. Kids. Sweet little girl. She was crying when they took her out. Why she. I guess it's because they made her leave without this doll. You'd be surprised at the things people leave in hotel rooms.

[Perry Mason]

That's not that. He manages offices this way.

[Al Morrison]

You know, we get lessons.

[Perry Mason]

Then slip that in.

[Al Morrison]

Well, what do you want?

[Unknown]

Oh, give it to him, miss.

[Marcel Blanc]

Give me what?

[Al Morrison]

Well, It's Brad Ball, Mr. Morrison.

[Unknown]

Ah.

[Perry Mason]

Tell him where you found it.

[Unknown]

Pearl.

[Al Morrison]

First 17.

[Perry Mason]

First 17, Mr. Morrison. A straw doll.

[Al Morrison]

The straw that a little girl would.

[Dory]

Play with and love enough to make.

[Perry Mason]

A grand sash for a doll belonging to a Sturden. 417 last night, Mr. Morrison.

[Al Morrison]

Can I go, Mr. Morrison?

[Marcel Blanc]

Of course.

[Perry Mason]

Well, Mr. Morrison doesn't prove anything. All right, then, how about this stuff under the sash next to the body of the doll? Listen, Mr. Mason, Mary Grant and Dorie are being taken to at all. Yes, that's the end of the message. He obviously was interrupted. Are you still going to tell me that May, Grant and Dori were not in this hotel last night? Play smart. Tell me how I can find them. Mr. Morrison.

[Marcel Blanc]

My heart.

[Perry Mason]

Come on, forget your heart. This little girl is five years old.

[Marcel Blanc]

Nothing I can say.

[Perry Mason]

Yes, there is. You can say where they've gone. What does the man with them look like?

[Unknown]

I can't get him. What can't?

[Marcel Blanc]

I don't know.

[Perry Mason]

But they were here when my operative called last night.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Perry Mason]

Then you destroyed the hotel record.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Perry Mason]

Okay, now we understand each other. No talk.

[Marcel Blanc]

I haven't anything to say, Mr. Mason.

[Perry Mason]

Look, Morrison, do you realize the spot you're in?

[Marcel Blanc]

Yes.

[Perry Mason]

A sick man like you, how long do you think you'd last in prison?

[Marcel Blanc]

I can guess.

[Perry Mason]

He's not worth covering. Then you know it.

[Marcel Blanc]

Yes, I know that. Well, then, just the same, I'll cover him.

[Perry Mason]

Then let him get away.

[Marcel Blanc]

Then let him get away.

[Perry Mason]

He's got you in that tight a lock.

[Marcel Blanc]

If I talk about him, something happens to someone.

[Al Morrison]

Who?

[Marcel Blanc]

Someone I love very much.

[Dory]

Oh, I see.

[Marcel Blanc]

Someone who used to be my wife. Now, I wouldn't last at all in prison, Mr. Mason. I know that. And I don't blame you for putting on the pressure. And if it weren't for Lillian, your wife. If it weren't for her, I'd give you Frenchie. I'd give him to you in spades. But I can't. I can't because he's the key to hurt. And Lily. Lily ran away with him a couple of years back.

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Marcel Blanc]

Yeah. After a while, he threw her out like a dog. I've been looking everywhere for her demise. I know I don't sound like much of a man, but I want her back. I love Lillian. And Francie knows where she is.

[Perry Mason]

And he'll help you as long as you help him.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Perry Mason]

He hasn't told you?

[Marcel Blanc]

He won't. Not until after he gets out of Chicago. When he leaves Chicago, he'll Send me a message.

[Perry Mason]

Do you trust him?

[Al Morrison]

Trust him?

[Marcel Blanc]

Trust Frenchie? No. No. Not any further than I can throw this building. He'd double caught his own mother if it'd get him anything. But he's my only chance. Lily's sick. She needs me. She never did know how to take care of herself. Now, she'd starve to death before she'd come to me. So you see, I've got to find her.

[Unknown]

I've got to find her.

[Al Morrison]

Try.

[Marcel Blanc]

Try to understand how it is with me, Mr. Mason. I'll talk. Sure, I'll talk. As soon as I know who Lillian is. I want to see that guy get what's coming to him.

[Al Morrison]

But it may be too late by.

[Dory]

The time you're here.

[Perry Mason]

Dory is in danger all the time. Your wife is not.

[Marcel Blanc]

I can't help that, Mr. Mason. I'm sorry for the kid. I'm sorry for anyone Frenchie gets under his thumb. Now, look, I'm not trying to crawl out. I've done things that.

[Perry Mason]

Yes, but I've never touched kids.

[Marcel Blanc]

If I could help the little girl and help Willie too, I think.

[Perry Mason]

Let's get to it. You tell us what you know about Frenchie, and if we catch him, he'll never know where we got the information.

[Marcel Blanc]

That's simple, huh?

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Perry Mason]

Won't it do? Give us his description. We'll pick him up like that.

[Unknown]

He'll never know.

[Perry Mason]

No one will know.

[Marcel Blanc]

You really deal like that?

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Perry Mason]

I wouldn't have to be a witness.

[Marcel Blanc]

Dog I tell you how he looks, what he's wearing, how to tell him.

[Perry Mason]

I stay completely out of it. That's right. And I can cover you because I've organized the search. I could have found him anyhow. He's running that chance.

[Unknown]

Well, deal? Deal.

[Dory]

Oh, thank goodness.

[Marcel Blanc]

Where do you want me to start, Mr. Mason?

[Perry Mason]

You know where they've gone?

[Unknown]

Why, he.

[Marcel Blanc]

He told me. Union Rail Station.

[Perry Mason]

Now we're cooking. Get up. Craig should be out in the lobby. Get in. Tell him to alert his men and come in here and get this description right.

[Al Morrison]

I will.

[Perry Mason]

Meanwhile, Morrison, you give me everything. This man, particularly his description.

[Marcel Blanc]

All right.

[Dory]

This may be plagued now. Shall I open the door?

[Perry Mason]

Yes, please.

[Al Morrison]

Yes, Mr. Al Morrison.

[Dory]

Is Mr. Al Mor here?

[Marcel Blanc]

Al Mor. That must be my message, Mr. Mason. My message from Frenchie.

[Perry Mason]

Come over here, boy.

[Al Morrison]

You got your uncle.

[Dory]

Sign here, please.

[Marcel Blanc]

Get me.

[Unknown]

Get me.

[Perry Mason]

Yes. All right, move. I'll carry him over on the couch. Look at it now. And speaking of looks, take a look at that message. When I loosen this column.

[Al Morrison]

What?

[Unknown]

Oh, sir.

[Perry Mason]

Ritabella.

[Dory]

Dear Al, I. I got to thinking, Al, and I'm not sure he'll play square, so I'm not sending you Lily's address. I'll have a contact you if I get away.

[Marcel Blanc]

All right?

[Dory]

So don't try anything funny, pal. It's type Perry, not sign.

[Unknown]

Hello?

[Al Morrison]

No.

[Dory]

Talk about shock.

[Perry Mason]

Yes, we won't have a shock.

[Unknown]

All right.

[Perry Mason]

You better go out and tell the desk clerk. Have him get on the phone and send to Morrison's personal physician. If he can't get her one cut and send another doctor. This is an emergency. I think he'll be able to get attention soon, But Funchi won't have to worry about it talking because he won't be able to talk. All right, get moving, Bella. I'll make Morrison as comfortable as I can until the doctor gets here.

[Narrator]

Well, the treachery, the double dealing of the man who calls himself Marcel Blanc has reached out to seal the mouth of Al Morrison. And it looks as though Al's mouth.

[Unknown]

May be sealed permanently.

[Narrator]

But more about that tomorrow. So won't you join us?