Philo Vance 48-07-20 002 The Merry Murder Case

Summary

Philo Vance 48-07-20: "The Merry Murder Case"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio

Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Air Date: January 8, 2026 (Original Broadcast: July 20, 1948)

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Episode Overview

This episode features "The Merry Murder Case," a classic Philo Vance detective story from the golden age of radio. In this suspenseful installment, the celebrated amateur sleuth Philo Vance unravels a perplexing murder involving three women, hypnosis, and a web of psychological intrigue. The case centers on the killing of Joseph Mary, a lecturer on applied psychology, whose death appears tied to subconscious impulses, past relationships, and a diabolical manipulation of the human mind.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. The Psychology Lecture That Sparks Murder

[00:24-01:24]

• Joseph Mary presents a lecture on applied psychology, discussing the power of the subconscious and the notion that removing its restraints could let it dominate actions.
• Audience Q&A emphasizes his theories on the subconscious mind (notably, Francis Adams's question).

2. The Aftermath: Three Women, Three Guns, and No Memory

[04:22-07:08]

• Alice Barclay arrives, distressed, to Philo Vance, claiming she killed a man but cannot remember anything before finding herself with a gun over the victim’s body.
• Vance investigates and finds the murder weapon is in Alice's possession—but soon, two more women, Joan Anderson and Francis Adams, are also connected, each having brought a gun to the lecture and being equally uncertain of their own actions.

3. The Investigation: Unraveling a Complex Case

[07:23-13:13]

• Enter Sgt. Heath, District Attorney Markham, and Vance banter over the open-and-shut nature of the case: all evidence points to one of the three women.
• Medical examiner's revelation: Joseph Mary was shot three times — three different bullets, three different guns, fired in close succession. It’s unclear who actually fired the fatal first shot.
• Vance proposes ballistics testing; all three women's guns did, in fact, fire into Mary's body.

4. The Hypnosis Theory

[16:36-18:31]

• Vance consults Professor Colby about hypnotism and its limits. Colby clarifies that hypnosis cannot force someone to act against their moral code, but post-hypnotic suggestion can compel apparently purposeless acts.
• Vance arranges for all three women to be hypnotized to probe for suppressed memories.

5. The Hypnosis Experiment & The Exposed Deception

[18:31-21:08]

• Vance, Professor Colby, and Markham hypnotize Alice, Joan, and Francis.
• As part of the test, Vance subtly pricks each woman's hand with a hatpin; only Frances Adams has a physical reaction, revealing she is faking hypnosis and thus has something to hide.
• None of the women, while under hypnosis, can duplicate the act of shooting Joseph Mary, indicating deep-seated psychological interference at play.

6. The Confrontation & Confession Setup

[21:31-23:35]

• Vance enlists Alice to feign blackmailing Francis Adams, drawing out a confession.
• Francis is goaded into admitting to hypnotizing Joan and Alice, planting a post-hypnotic suggestion to bring their guns.
• In a climactic moment, Francis attempts to kill Alice, but Vance and the police intervene just in time.

7. The Resolution: The Psychology of Murder

[24:16-25:14]

• In a final discussion with his secretary, Ms. Deering, Vance explains that Frances Adams faked hypnosis to avoid exposure, the hat pin test proving her duplicity.
• Frances's motive: she was once married to Joseph Mary, who later stole her money and jewelry following their divorce, providing a classic motive for revenge.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Subconscious:

• Joseph Mary “[00:43]**:
  "The subconscious is held in check by a controlling band... Were it possible to remove that controlling influence, I am of the opinion that the subconscious would dominate our motivations."

On the Unusual Nature of the Case:

• Philo Vance [03:08]:
  "I believe I've reached the epitome of success as a private investigator. I'm so private that I haven't had an interesting or unusual client in a week."

The Medical Examiner’s Bombshell:

• Joseph Mary (Medical Examiner) [10:13]:
  "Here were three bullets."
  (Revealing the truly bizarre nature of the murder: three bullets, three guns, three suspects.)

On the Confusion:

• Sergeant Heath [12:44]:
  "Vance, do me a favor. Say that you're a little confused by all of this, too."
• Philo Vance [12:58]:
  "All right, Heath, if it'll give you any satisfaction, I'm confused."

Explaining the Hypnotic Trap:

• Professor Colby [16:55]:
  "Nobody can be hypnotized into doing anything that's against his moral code."

• Philo Vance [19:26]:
  "It's his theory and mine that under hypnosis, if hypnotism was used once before, the subconscious mind will recall what was done at that time."

The Reveal:

• Philo Vance [24:24]:
  "When Professor Colby hypnotized the three ladies, only two of them were really hypnotized. The actual murderer, Frances Adams, fought against it, knowing her subconscious mind, which she could not control, might reveal something to us."

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:24–01:24] – Joseph Mary's psychology lecture
• [04:22–07:08] – Alice Barclay confesses confusion and murder
• [10:02–10:30] – Discovery of three bullets in victim
• [13:34–14:06] – Recap by District Attorney Markham; framing of the three suspects
• [16:36–18:31] – Vance visits Professor Colby to discuss hypnotism
• [18:31–19:46] – Hypnosis experiment begins
• [21:31–23:35] – Alice confronts Francis; Francis confesses then attempts murder
• [24:16–25:14] – Vance explains the case solution

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Episode Tone

The episode expertly balances intrigue, humor, and classic detective radio pacing. Vance's wit, Heath's gruffness, and Markham's dry skepticism provide lively exchanges. The atmosphere is tense yet peppered with clever dialogue and period charm.

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Final Thoughts

This "Philo Vance" episode exemplifies golden age radio detective drama: a convoluted murder mystery with psychological twists, sharp banter, and a satisfying denouement. The clever integration of hypnosis and subconscious motivation adds a unique flavor, while the interplay among the main characters keeps things vivid and engaging.

Vance’s methodical, psychological approach to sleuthing—not just following the physical evidence, but delving into the mind—serves as both the heart of the episode and its most intriguing mystery.

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Transcript

[Sergeant Heath]

What?

[Joseph Mary]

So, ladies and gentlemen, I have tried to show in my brief lecture just how factual are the case histories on applied psychology contained in my newest book.

[Philo Vance]

Are there any questions, Mr. Merry?

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes.

[Francis Adams]

Mr. Merry, if, as you say, the subconscious is the stronger of our two minds, why doesn't it dominate us most of the time?

[Joseph Mary]

A very good question. In my opinion, the subconscious is held in check by a controlling band. A band that keeps it under the conscious mind. Were it possible to remove that controlling influence, I am of the opinion that the subconscious would dominate our motivations. Well, if there are no other questions, ladies and gentlemen, I have been informed I have a phone call in my office. Should any of you care to speak to me there, I assure you I shall be delighted. Thank you very much. Hello, this is Mr. Merry speaking.

[Philo Vance]

Mr. Merry, this is George Haworth.

[District Attorney Markham]

I represent the Justine Literary Club. Would it be possible for you to.

[Philo Vance]

Speak to our members next Thursday?

[Joseph Mary]

Next Thursday? Well, I intended to return to the coast.

[Philo Vance]

Oh.

[Joseph Mary]

But I think I might be able to postpone my departure. Well, Just a minute. Just a minute. Will you write me a letter, Mr. Haworth? Merely confirming our appointment.

[Philo Vance]

I'll be very glad to.

[District Attorney Markham]

And thank you, Mr. Mary.

[Philo Vance]

Not at all. Goodbye.

[Joseph Mary]

Bye. Coming. Oh, it's you. I thought I saw you in my audience. I hardly expected the pleasure of a personal visit. Come in. I hope you've come to tell me that you've forgotten the past. How would the French say it? And it shows one of those things. I'm glad you came to see me. I've been wanting to. Why are you staring at me like that? Why don't you say something? What do you want?

[Philo Vance]

Oh, no, no, no.

[Francis Adams]

No.

[Ms. Deering]

I think. Vance. Mr. Vance. I'm not disturbing you, am I?

[Philo Vance]

I could contribute to your ego, Ms. Deering, by saying that you're quite disturbing to me. But I won't. At least not during business hours.

[Ms. Deering]

I'm not disturbing during business hours or you won't say it during business hours?

[Philo Vance]

A combination of both, Ms. Deering. You know, I believe I've reached the epitome of success as a private investigator. I'm so private that I haven't had an interesting or unusual client in a week.

[Ms. Deering]

Doesn't seem to bother you much.

[Philo Vance]

Doesn't bother me at all.

[District Attorney Markham]

No.

[Philo Vance]

I rather like the ambition that gets me down to my office and the circumstances that do not force me to work when I get here. It guarantees my character and places no strain whatsoever on my mentality.

[Ms. Deering]

Would it be too much for me to ask you to guarantee your Character in your own office. After all, it's only through that door, and I have some typing to do.

[Philo Vance]

Do I distract you, Ms. Deering?

[Ms. Deering]

Well, I could contribute to your ego, Mr. Vance, by saying that you're quite distracting.

[Alice Barclay]

So I will.

[Ms. Deering]

You're quite distracting. Now, let me get to work.

[Philo Vance]

Ms. Dearing?

[Ms. Deering]

Yes?

[Philo Vance]

Take a letter, please.

[Alice Barclay]

A letter?

[Ms. Deering]

Okay. I take L for.

[Francis Adams]

L for.

[Ms. Deering]

Let me finish what I'm doing. Now, let me see, uh. Take a look at the glass panel in the door. You will not be at ease much longer. Oh, serene sir, I seem to see a female profile.

[Philo Vance]

And I seem to hear a female knock. Come in.

[Alice Barclay]

Is Mr. Vance here?

[Philo Vance]

I'm Philo Vance. May I help you?

[Alice Barclay]

Yes, yes, if you only will. Mr. Vance, I. Oh, is there someplace we can talk alone?

[Ms. Deering]

Oh, don't mind me. I only work here.

[Philo Vance]

Come into my office if you like. It's just through this door here.

[Alice Barclay]

Thank you. Thank you so much.

[Philo Vance]

Not at all. Won't you have a seat?

[Alice Barclay]

Yes, thank you. Mr. Vance, I'm Alice Barclay, and I've come to you because you're the only one who can help me. If anyone can.

[Philo Vance]

I assure you, I'll try. Just give me an idea as to what you'd like me to do.

[Alice Barclay]

I don't know. I don't know what anyone can do, Mr. Vance. I've just shot and killed a man.

[Philo Vance]

I'm afraid you've come to the wrong office, Ms. Barclay. You want the police, or perhaps that's vice versa.

[Alice Barclay]

But you don't understand. I can't remember anything that happened to me except two hours ago. I was standing over a man who'd been shot in the heart, and I had a gun in my hand, and the gun was still warm from being fired.

[Philo Vance]

You can't remember anything before that?

[Alice Barclay]

Well, I. I went to a lecture on applied psychology this afternoon with friends. The lecturer was Joseph Mary. You heard of him? Of course. He's written books.

[Philo Vance]

Oh, yes.

[Alice Barclay]

All I remember was that after the lecture, I was standing over his body and he was dead.

[Philo Vance]

What did you do with the gun?

[Alice Barclay]

I have it here. I put it in my purse and ran. It was only then that I realized I didn't know where I was running to. So I walked and walked, and then I came here, But I can't remember anything else.

[Philo Vance]

Well, I'll do what I can to help you, Ms. Barkley, but I'm pretty convinced that you'll be facing a murder charge unless you suddenly start remembering. Well, Mrs. Anderson, how do you think.

[District Attorney Markham]

Your husband looks in his new tuxedo.

[Philo Vance]

Pretty nifty, eh?

[Alice Barclay]

Please, please, darling.

[Ms. Deering]

I'd like to lie down for a while.

[Philo Vance]

What's the trouble, Joan?

[District Attorney Markham]

Come home rather late from the lecture and you're all upset. Here, wait.

[Philo Vance]

Sit down for a minute.

[Ms. Deering]

Thank you.

[Philo Vance]

That's it.

[District Attorney Markham]

I'll get you a glass of water.

[Philo Vance]

Here, let me have your hat and your handbag.

[Alice Barclay]

I'm so sorry. I guess I don't know what's come over me.

[Philo Vance]

John, your handbag's terribly heavy.

[Joseph Mary]

What's in it?

[Sergeant Heath]

You might as well look, Joan.

[Philo Vance]

It's my gun.

[Alice Barclay]

Yes.

[Philo Vance]

What were you doing with my gun? And one of the bullets has been fired.

[Alice Barclay]

Joan, please. Please, darling. I don't know. I don't remember.

[Philo Vance]

You don't remember?

[Alice Barclay]

All I know is that I had to take it to the lecture.

[Ms. Deering]

I don't.

[Alice Barclay]

Don't ask me why. And I shot a man with it.

[Sergeant Heath]

You what?

[Alice Barclay]

I shot Joseph. Mary.

[Francis Adams]

The district attorney will see you now. Sergeant Heath. Go right in.

[Sergeant Heath]

Thanks, Mary. Oh, how's his humor today?

[Francis Adams]

Very good, I'd say. And don't change it, will you?

[Sergeant Heath]

I'll try not to. Hi, Mr. Markham.

[Philo Vance]

Hello, Heath. What do I owe the honor of.

[District Attorney Markham]

The Homicide Department's call?

[Sergeant Heath]

This da You've always been griping about the cases I hand you. There's always something missing. You always say right.

[Philo Vance]

Go ahead.

[Sergeant Heath]

This time I got one for you on a silver platter. Man named Joe Mary was killed in his office this afternoon. This afternoon, mind you. He was shot. There was a gun lying next to his body. We traced the gun, found its owner, and I'm holding. Her name is Francis Adams. How's that?

[District Attorney Markham]

Sounds like good work, Heath. Just a moment.

[Francis Adams]

Yes, Mr. Philo? Vance is here, Mr. Markham.

[District Attorney Markham]

Vance. We'll show him in, by all means.

[Sergeant Heath]

Oh, so your friend is here, Ada. Well, I'm glad. He'll find out that the police don't need him on every case.

[Philo Vance]

Hello, Markham. And Sergeant Heath.

[Sergeant Heath]

How are you, Vance?

[Philo Vance]

Vance. How have you been, Heath? Or haven't you made up your mind yet?

[Sergeant Heath]

I feel fine, Mr. Vance. Wonderful, in fact. And you?

[District Attorney Markham]

You'll have to forgive the sergeant today, Vance. He feels rather good. He's wrapped up a murder case by himself.

[Philo Vance]

Really? What one is that?

[Sergeant Heath]

The Joe Murray murder. Girl named Frances Adams shot him.

[Philo Vance]

Is that so? Well, I came up here to tell Markham that a girl named Alice Barkley came to my office a little while ago and she was under the impression that she killed Joe Mary, huh? Had the gun she did it with, too.

[District Attorney Markham]

Here it Is. Well, Sergeant Heath, this rather complicates things, doesn't it?

[Sergeant Heath]

Anytime your friend Vance arrives, there's complications. Da. My advice is we'll have to wait.

[District Attorney Markham]

For your advice, Sergeant. Hello? Yes. Yes. Yes, of course. Would you bring her right down, please? Thank you.

[Philo Vance]

I'll be here.

[Sergeant Heath]

Goodbye. I was saying that my going to.

[District Attorney Markham]

Still have to wait for that sergeant. You see, you've arrested a girl for killing Joe Mary. Vance here has a young lady who says she killed him. And that phone call was from a man named Anderson. He says his wife shot and killed Mary and he's bringing her down here right away. How long does it take that medical examiner to check a body? Sergeant Heath has been working on Joe Mary's body for an hour.

[Philo Vance]

Our friend the sergeant doesn't seem to be in a hurry, Markham.

[Sergeant Heath]

Sure, I'm in a hurry, Vance. Why shouldn't I be in a hurry? When the doc tells us what bullet killed Mary, I'll know which of the three guns I have fired that bullet. I'll know whose gun it is, and I'll know which one of the three girls killed him.

[District Attorney Markham]

Hmm. I guess Sergeant Heath has something there, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Maybe, but I don't think it'll be quite as simple as that. Well, here comes the doctor. We'll know in a second.

[Sergeant Heath]

Hey, Doc, what kind of a bullet was it that knocked off Mary?

[Joseph Mary]

How do you do, gentlemen?

[Sergeant Heath]

How do you do, gentlemen? How do you do, gentlemen? Doc, we're in a hurry. What kind of a bullet did you find in Mary?

[Joseph Mary]

Patience, Sergeant. Patience is a virtue.

[Sergeant Heath]

All right, so I'm not virtuous. What did you find? We want to know which one of three different gals to hold for this murder.

[Joseph Mary]

I'm afraid I won't be able to tell you that, Sergeant. Here were three bullets.

[Philo Vance]

Three bullets?

[Joseph Mary]

Yes, three bullets in Mr. Merry's heart. Three bullets from three different guns, I'd say, huh? I beg your pardon?

[Philo Vance]

The sergeant said huh? That means he's bewildered.

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes, and he isn't the only one who is bewildered.

[Sergeant Heath]

Oh, I'm supposed to be bewildered, huh? Well, I'm not. All right. So there were three different bullets fired into our friend Mr. Merry. Doc, which one was fired first? Whoever fired that shot is the murderer.

[Joseph Mary]

That's probably correct, Sergeant. Only the three bullets were fired within a very short time of each other. I'm afraid there's no way I or anyone else could tell which one was fired first.

[Sergeant Heath]

Oh, no, it can't be.

[Philo Vance]

I'm inclined to think it can. I had a feeling this wouldn't be so simple, Sergeant. May I make a suggestion?

[Sergeant Heath]

Somebody better suggest something.

[Philo Vance]

We have three suspects and three guns. I think the first thing we ought to do is find out if those three guns fired the bullets that the doctor found in Joe Murray's body. Which way to the ballistics department, Sergeant? Well, you have quite a good eye, Sergeant. You hit the bale of cotton without any trouble.

[Sergeant Heath]

I got trouble all right, but it's not because of the way I shoot. Okay. Daniels, get that bullet out and check it with the third one we took out of Joe Mary's body.

[Philo Vance]

Right.

[Sergeant Heath]

Now, Vance, what do you think we'll find?

[Philo Vance]

The same thing we found in the case of the other two guns we checked that. Each fired one bullet into Mary.

[Sergeant Heath]

You know something? I wouldn't mind that. Look, this Barclay gal who came to see you, we know her gun fired one of the bullets, right? Da?

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes, that's correct.

[Philo Vance]

All right.

[Sergeant Heath]

The Anderson gal whose husband phoned us, we know her gun fired one of them. The Adams woman that I picked up, this is her gun we just tested. Now, why, this case is a snap. All three of them were in on it. They're all murderers.

[Philo Vance]

I doubt that, Heath. In fact, even if it were right, you could never put all three of them on trial. No?

[Sergeant Heath]

Why not?

[District Attorney Markham]

Vance is right, Heath. Only one of those women is a murderer. The first one that fired the first bullet into Mary, she killed him. Supposing the other two did fire their guns into his body. If he were already dead, what crime did they commit?

[Philo Vance]

See what I meant, Heath?

[Sergeant Heath]

We don't know and can never find out which was the first bullet that killed him. Of course, we got to hold all three of those women. We've got to. Vance, do me a favor. Say that you're a little confused by all of this, too.

[Philo Vance]

All right, Heath, if it'll give you any satisfaction, I'm confused.

[Sergeant Heath]

Okay. You solved the Canary murder case and the Green murder case. And only last week, the Eagle murder case. The DA keeps reminding me that I didn't. But you did. Well, I'd like to see you solve this one.

[Philo Vance]

I'd be glad to wind up this case for you, Sergeant. Very glad. And I'd gladly close it for you if Winsley knew where to start.

[District Attorney Markham]

This is District Attorney Markham. The Mary murder case has everyone concerned, including Philo Vance, completely baffled. Joe Mary was murdered. Three bullets were found in his heart. Bullets belonging to guns owned by Alice Barclay, Joan Anderson and Francis Adams. All admit they brought those guns to Mary's lecture. But can't tell why. Advance's request. All three women were brought into a detention room at headquarters. And I understand Vance is on his way.

[Alice Barclay]

Well, somebody say something. It's no good for the three of us to just sit here and stare at each other.

[Ms. Deering]

What is there to say, Alice? We don't know where to begin. Francis, the police are going to find out that you were once married. Joe. Mary, why don't you tell them?

[Francis Adams]

And make myself their number one suspect? You can't mean that, Joan. And while we're on the subject, you and Alice ran around with him at college, didn't you? Why don't you tell the police that?

[Alice Barclay]

Don't try to make it look like we killed him. Francis. Don't you do it. I warn you, I may know more about this than I'm saying.

[Francis Adams]

That sounds like a threat.

[Alice Barclay]

Well, does it? How does this sound? I think you killed Jo, Mary.

[Francis Adams]

You even intimate that again and you'll be the sorriest girl alive.

[Alice Barclay]

Joan. Joan. Are we going to stand here now? She killed Joan. She killed him and she's afraid we know how she did it. Now, look, darling, she shot him. I know she did.

[Francis Adams]

Keep that screaming idiot quiet. Joan. Keep her quiet.

[Philo Vance]

Ladies, please.

[Alice Barclay]

What do you want here, Mr. Vance?

[Philo Vance]

Well, first I want to tell you that I couldn't help overhearing what the three of you just said. Very interesting. But, ladies, I have good news for you. You're all free to go home.

[Alice Barclay]

Oh, how wonderful.

[Philo Vance]

Only, of course, you're not to leave town.

[Francis Adams]

Not to leave?

[Philo Vance]

And, Mrs. Anderson?

[Alice Barclay]

Yes?

[Philo Vance]

I'd like to see you in my office the first thing in the. I'd prefer it, Joan, if you'd get.

[District Attorney Markham]

Out of here and let me finish packing.

[Ms. Deering]

You can't leave me now, darling.

[Alice Barclay]

You just can't.

[Philo Vance]

Oh, no.

[Sergeant Heath]

Just you wait and see.

[Philo Vance]

I'm not going to be known as the husband of the girl who murdered.

[District Attorney Markham]

Joe Mary, believe me.

[Philo Vance]

Ex husband maybe, but not husband. Get out of the way, please. Oh, answer that, will you?

[Sergeant Heath]

I'm having trouble enough trying to close this bag.

[Francis Adams]

All right.

[Philo Vance]

Hello, Mrs. Anderson?

[Ms. Deering]

Yes?

[Philo Vance]

This is Philo Vance. Oh, why weren't you down at my office this morning as I asked you to be?

[Ms. Deering]

I'm sorry, I can't talk to you now.

[Philo Vance]

You've got to. I just found out that the police know you ran around with Joe Merry at college and that he walked out on you.

[Alice Barclay]

Please, Mr. Vance, let me alone. I can't explain anything to you. Goodbye, Mr. Vance. I'm going to hang up, and if.

[Ms. Deering]

You or the police think that I killed you, Mary.

[Alice Barclay]

Well. Well, it doesn't matter very much now anyhow.

[Sergeant Heath]

Yes, yes, come in, come in. Don't keep knocking like an infernal idiot.

[Philo Vance]

Good afternoon, Professor Colby. Remember me?

[Sergeant Heath]

Certainly I remember you. One of my worst students. Got one of my highest marks. Never forgiven you for it. What's your name?

[Philo Vance]

Vance, Professor Philo. Vance.

[Sergeant Heath]

Yes, yes, Vance. Vance. Well, Vance, what is it?

[Philo Vance]

Professor Colby, can a person be hypnotized into committing murder?

[Sergeant Heath]

If you'd paid any attention in your classes, you'd know that nobody can be hypnotized into doing anything that's against his moral code. Goodbye, Mr. You say your name was Vance?

[Philo Vance]

Tell me this, Professor. Post hypnosis is a suggestion given to a hypnotized person which must be carried out after he is awakened from hypnosis. Correct? Yes.

[Sergeant Heath]

Yes, of course that's correct.

[Philo Vance]

The person receiving a post hypnotic suggestion would have no idea why he was doing something, but he'd know he'd have to do it, right. Any child knows that children don't take courses in applied psychology. May I use your phone?

[Sergeant Heath]

There's a pay station outside.

[Philo Vance]

Oh, this will do very nicely, thank you. I've got to talk to the district attorney and ask him to have three suspects in a murder case brought to my office this evening. And then, Professor Colby, I have a favor to ask of you. A favor I don't think you can well refuse. Miss Barclay, Mrs. Anderson and miss Adams.

[Ms. Deering]

Yes.

[Philo Vance]

Let me start by saying I'm glad you were willing to come to my office. I appreciate that. Well, Vance, I got them here.

[District Attorney Markham]

Where's this great experiment you promised?

[Philo Vance]

Please, Markham. Ladies, I'm going to attempt an experiment in mass hypnosis. Does any of the three of you object to being hypnotized?

[Ms. Deering]

I don't object.

[Philo Vance]

You know as well as I that if you fight against it, you couldn't possibly be hypnotized. So thanks again for your cooperation. Now, I'd like to present one of our eminent authorities on hypnotism, Professor Colby.

[Alice Barclay]

How do you do, Professor Colby?

[Sergeant Heath]

Turn out all the lights except this one on the desk, please.

[Philo Vance]

Once you do it, will you, Markham? You're nearer to it.

[Sergeant Heath]

Somebody do it. I haven't got all night, you know.

[Joseph Mary]

Very well.

[Philo Vance]

Good.

[Sergeant Heath]

Now, ladies, I want you all to sit back in your chairs, please. Make yourselves comfortable and think of nothing at all. And if you feel yourselves getting drowsy, close your eyes and sleep.

[District Attorney Markham]

Sleep, Vance.

[Sergeant Heath]

There they are, the three of them. Hypnotized. The conscious Mind dormant. You won't need me any longer.

[Philo Vance]

No, I know what to do from here on in. Thank you, Professor.

[Sergeant Heath]

Be sure you do it. Fine thing bothering me at this time of the night. Good night, Mr. Vance, Mr. Markham.

[District Attorney Markham]

Good night. Good night, Professor. Hmm. He certainly is a strange sort of gentleman, isn't he, Vance?

[Philo Vance]

Professor Colby is wonderful. You know, it's his theory and mine that under hypnosis, if hypnotism was used once before, the subconscious mind will recall what was done at that time. I have one of my secretary's hat pins in my hand, Markham. Observe closely. I'm going to touch Ms. Adams hand with it. There.

[District Attorney Markham]

What's up?

[Philo Vance]

Don't be alarmed, Markham. I assure you she didn't feel it. Now for the experiment. Remember, Markham, they're completely under hypnosis. They couldn't lie if they wanted to. Remember that, Ms. Adams, I want you to take this gun and shoot it like you shot Joe Mary.

[District Attorney Markham]

She's doing nothing, Vance. Just holding it.

[Philo Vance]

I know. I'll take back that gun, Miss Adams. Thank you. Now, Mrs. Anderson, please take this gun. Thank you.

[District Attorney Markham]

Now what, Vance?

[Philo Vance]

And me that Hatkin. Markham, please.

[District Attorney Markham]

There you are.

[Philo Vance]

Thanks. I'll just touch Mrs. Anderson's hand with the point there. That's fine. No reaction, Markham. Now, Mrs. Anderson, I want you to fire that gun the way you fired it at Joe Mary. Now.

[District Attorney Markham]

Fine experiment, Vance. She hasn't moved a muscle either.

[Philo Vance]

One more subject, Markham. Give me back the gun, Mrs. Anderson. Thank you. Now, Ms. Barclay. First the hat contest. No reaction, Markham. Now take this gun, Ms. Barkley, and fire it just as you did at Joe Mary. Now.

[District Attorney Markham]

Vance, this is ridiculous. She's doing absolutely nothing.

[Philo Vance]

I know, but believe me, that isn't all I know. I know who killed Joe Murray. Can't you tell, Markham? Miss Barkley.

[Alice Barclay]

Yes?

[Philo Vance]

You've got to help me. I know you were hypnotized the day Joe Mary was murdered. I know who hypnotized you. The real murderer gave herself away in my office a little while ago. But I can't prove anything without your help.

[District Attorney Markham]

In the interest of society and to help trap a clever murderer. Miss Barclay, will you please.

[Alice Barclay]

Will I be in danger, Mr. Markham?

[District Attorney Markham]

Mr. Vance and I will try to see that the danger is as slight as possible.

[Alice Barclay]

Very well, gentlemen, I'll do it. Hello, Francis.

[Francis Adams]

Oh, it's you, Alice. Come in. Sit down.

[Alice Barclay]

Thank you.

[Francis Adams]

Tea?

[Alice Barclay]

Yes, please. Francis, we're quite alone, aren't we?

[Francis Adams]

Why, yes, of course. Why? Cream?

[Alice Barclay]

Yes, please. I just wanted to tell you that as long as the police have apparently given up on us. You and I ought to have an understanding.

[Philo Vance]

Really?

[Francis Adams]

What sort of an understanding? Sugar?

[Alice Barclay]

Yes, two. Thank you. Well, for one thing, when you hypnotized Joan and me several weeks ago and gave us a post hypnotic suggestion to bring guns to Joe Mary's lecture. I wasn't hypnotized.

[Francis Adams]

I don't know what you mean. Is the tea strong enough?

[Alice Barclay]

Yes, quite. I saw you shoot Joe Merry with your own gun, then with mine, and then with Joan.

[Francis Adams]

You're dreaming, child.

[Alice Barclay]

Oh, no, I am very much awake. I let you go through with your plans because, you see, I could use some money.

[Francis Adams]

Oh, that's too bad. But you won't need money very shortly. You'll never leave here alive. You were clever enough to figure out what I had done. Very well. But if you think that you can blackmail me, you're mistaken. I'll kill you with my hands. It'll make no noise. You'll never feel anything. Just my hands on your neck like.

[Philo Vance]

Like this.

[Sergeant Heath]

A little while.

[Francis Adams]

No pain, no knowledge, no fear.

[Philo Vance]

All right, Miss Adam. Take your hands off Ms. Barkley. Arrest her, Markham. All right, Vance, she's all yours. Yours and the States. Miss Deering, in as much as you are employed by me, would it be too much to ask you why you're not working?

[Ms. Deering]

I'm only hired between the hours of 9 and 5. Vance, it's 5:30. Now, how about breaking down and telling me how you solved the Mary murder case?

[Philo Vance]

All right. To begin with, when Professor Colby hypnotized the three ladies, only two of them were really hypnotized. Oh, the actual murderer, Frances Adams fought against it, knowing her subconscious mind, which she could not control, might reveal something to us. That was the whole purpose of the experiment. To find which girl would be afraid to be hypnotized.

[Ms. Deering]

But how did you know Ms. Adams was faking?

[Philo Vance]

Your hat pin told me.

[Alice Barclay]

Well, how do you like that?

[Ms. Deering]

I've been using it for months and I never knew it could open its mouth.

[Philo Vance]

I touched the point of it to all three of the ladies. One of them, Frances Adams, jumped a little. That was enough to prove she wasn't hypnotized and indicated she was the murderer, but didn't prove it. So we framed a little scene between her and Alice Barkley, and we got our proof.

[Ms. Deering]

Well, and why did Ms. Adams become a murderer?

[Philo Vance]

She'd once been married to Joe Mary. When he left town with his divorce, he also stole most of her jewelry and ready cash. And there you are.

[Ms. Deering]

Oh, really?

[Philo Vance]

Where am I with me, Ellen, right at the end of the Merry murder case.