Phyl Coe Mysteries 1937-09-28 Murder In The Sky

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Phyl Coe Mysteries 1937-09-28: Murder In The Sky
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: November 16, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode revives a classic Golden Age radio drama, spotlighting "Murder In The Sky" from the Phyl Coe Mysteries series. Listeners are transported to the era before television, when the family gathered around the radio for evenings of mystery and intrigue. The story follows Phyl Coe, the witty and resourceful girl detective, as she solves a tense murder aboard a night flight. The episode also served as a tie-in to a vintage listener contest, challenging audiences to solve the mystery themselves.

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Main Cast of Characters

• Phyl Coe: Girl detective, sharp-witted and quick-thinking
• Tom Taylor: Phyl’s novelist friend
• Guy Johnson: Passenger, later revealed as victim
• Helen Drake: Stewardess (real name Helen Johnson)
• Rita Rogers: Movie star, Guy's estranged wife
• David Rogers: Rita’s brother and manager
• Dr. John Baker: Noted surgeon
• Airline Official & Narrator: Supporting roles establishing setting and transitions

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: All Aboard

[00:16 - 04:00]

• Scene opens in a western city airport's waiting room. Phyl Coe, Tom Taylor, and Guy Johnson are preparing to board a flight to New York.
• Airline official confirms several passengers, including celebrity Rita Rogers, her brother David, and famed Dr. John Baker.
• Playful banter establishes relationships:
  • Guy Johnson jokes: “Take my advice, Mr. Taylor, and never marry a famous woman.” [03:09]
  • Phyl and Tom exchange mock heartbreak:
    • Phyl: “Oh, Tom, you're breaking my heart.” [03:16]

2. Murder Discovered Mid-Flight

[05:08 - 07:07]

• Passengers settle in; time passes in the night. Suddenly, alarm as Mr. Johnson is found dead in his berth.
• Dr. Baker examines the body:
  • "This man has been dead for at least a half hour." [06:07]
  • Discovers Dr. Baker's instrument bag disturbed; a bottle of deadly poison is half emptied and a hypodermic needle is missing.
  • It’s quickly established: "One drop of that poison would have been sufficient to... Yes, it's just as I feared. The poison was injected by a hypodermic needle while the man was sleeping." [06:50]
• Baker rules out suicide: "This poison takes effect almost instantaneously. If this were suicide, the needle would still be in the man's hand." [07:21]

3. Panic and the Search for the Killer

[07:08 - 10:25]

• Phyl Coe takes charge, directing a search for the missing needle. It's found in Rita Rogers’ berth, prompting immediate suspicion and tension.
• The cabin becomes a hotbed of accusation:
  • Rita protests innocence while brother David is implicated ("Why did you say...You often threatened to...Shut up, Rita.") [08:29–08:37]
• Stewardess Helen Drake recalls overhearing an argument and David saying to Guy:
  • “Guy, if you bother us again, so help me, I’ll kill you.” [09:14]
• The tangled relationships unravel:
  • Rita and Guy were married but estranged; Guy blackmailed Rita, threatening to ruin her Hollywood career. [09:32–10:01]
  • David admits paying off Guy to protect his sister.

4. Closing the Case: Phyl Coe’s Deduction

[10:26 - 12:09]

• Phyl Coe systematically questions Helen Drake about her actions and movements.
• Key revelation: Phyl directly accuses Helen, the stewardess, of the murder:
  • Phyl Coe: “Why did you kill Guy Johnson?” [11:21]
  • Helen confesses:
    • “Guy Johnson and I are starting even once again...I hated you, Rita Johnson, because you were really his wife. My real name is Helen Johnson. I changed it to Helen Drake. I met Guy two years ago in Chicago. Married him, and then we had a little boy...My baby died from starvation. I had only one thing left to do in life. That was to kill the man who killed my baby.” [11:29–11:48]
    • She had disguised her identity, orchestrated the murder using Guy's poor eyesight (he didn’t recognize her without his glasses), and attempted to frame Rita.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On sudden responsibility, Dr. Baker:
  "Ladies and gentlemen, we could hardly be in more capable hands. This young lady's father, Philip Coe, was one of the world's most Brilliant criminal investigators. And Phyllis Coe is following directly in his footsteps." [07:53]

• Phyl deducing Helen’s guilt:
  "Why did you kill Guy Johnson?" [11:21]

• Helen’s Confession:
  “My real name is Helen Johnson. I changed it to Helen Drake. I met Guy two years ago in Chicago. Married him, and then we had a little boy...My baby died from starvation. I had only one thing left to do in life. That was to kill the man who killed my baby.” [11:37–11:48]

• Dramatic closing by Helen:
  "I'm ready to go and join my baby." [12:09]

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Structure of the Mystery (Timestamps)

• Setting up the flight - [00:16–04:00]
• Discovery of murder - [05:08–07:07]
• Investigation unfolds - [07:08–10:25]
• Phyl Coe's deduction and killer's confession - [10:26–12:09]
• Episode concludes with audience contest prompt – [12:21–14:24]

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Final Notes

This episode not only delivers a tightly-woven mystery but also welcomes listeners into vintage interactive radio—inviting them to compete, sleuth, and submit their answers for a grand prize. Phyl Coe’s blend of deductive skill and empathy shines, set against the atmospheric hum of an overnight flight and the melodrama of crisscrossed relationships. For fans of the genre, it’s a masterclass in mystery storytelling.

Memorable closing prompt:
“Why do you suppose Phil suspected Helen Drake?...You know all that Phil knew. All you have to do is to answer the contest question...” [12:21]

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For those who crave the nostalgia of classic radio and a clever whodunit, this episode is a rich snapshot of suspense, character interplay, and interactive entertainment.

Transcript

[Tom Taylor]

All aboard.

[Airline Official]

Plane now leaving for Omaha in the east. All aboard. All aboard.

[Narrator]

Philco Radio Mysteries on the air. The Filco Radio mystery contest. With $50,000 in cash prizes, huge weekly prizes, mammoth grand prizes. A thrilling new contest of skill. Every week at this same time over this station, your Filco Radio tube dealer presents transcribed Filco Radio Mysteries. Fun, excitement, suspense. And an opportunity to win your share of $50,000 in cash prizes. Anybody can enter. Nothing to buy if you haven't already done so. Learn all about it in the big free Filco mystery book. Free without any obligation whatsoever at your Filco Radio tube dealer store. You need the book to enter this contest. It contains official entry blanks, lists all the prizes, tells you what to do to win. Be sure you have a free book. I'll wait a moment while those of you who already have your Filco mystery book open it to pages 10 and 11. Watch the diagram on page 10 as you listen to the program. Take notes. Listen carefully already. Phil Ko, the beautiful girl detective, is going to find the murderer in Murder in the Sky. See if you can tell how she finds the guilty person. Our scene opens in the waiting room of the airport of a western city. Phil Ko and her novel writing friend Tom Taylor are returning to New York from their adventure in the West. As we meet them today, they are having their tickets and sleeping accommodations examined by the airline official at the desk.

[Guy Johnson]

Is the plane on time tonight?

[Airline Official]

Yes, Mr. Taylor. She'll be landing any minute now.

[Phil Coe]

Is the plane full this trip?

[Airline Official]

No, it isn't, Ms. Cole. There'll be only six passengers. I hear that she's coming in right on schedule.

[Guy Johnson]

Want to go outside and watch your landfill?

[Tom Taylor]

I don't think so.

[Helen Drake]

Tomorrow.

[Phil Coe]

Let's wait in here till the porter gets our bags aboard.

[Guy Johnson]

Okay, darling. No other woman but you could keep me from watching an airplane land.

[Phil Coe]

Oh, silly. Go on out if you want to.

[Guy Johnson]

Nope, I think I'll just sit here and gaze at you.

Say, young man, is this the sleeper for the east coming in?

[Airline Official]

Yes, sir. You're just in time.

[Guy Johnson]

I was delayed at the hotel. Lost my glasses somewhere.

[Airline Official]

Are you Mr. Guy Johnson?

[Narrator]

Hope so.

[Guy Johnson]

If I'm not, I've been lying for years. I guess the three of us are going to be sleeping companions, eh?

Well, not exactly. But we're all going on this plane, if that's what you mean.

[Airline Official]

Mr. Johnson, you'll be in lower six.

[Guy Johnson]

Thank you, my boy.

[Narrator]

By the way, can you tell me.

[Guy Johnson]

Whether or not Ms. Rita Rogers and her brother will be on this plane?

[Airline Official]

Is that Ms. Rita Rogers, the new movie star?

[Guy Johnson]

Yes, yes, it's Rita Rogers, the great big wonderful star. Everybody knows Rita Rogers, but nobody knows her husband.

[Airline Official]

Oh, are you?

[Guy Johnson]

I see, Mr. Taylor.

[Narrator]

Tom Taylor.

[Guy Johnson]

Take my advice, Mr. Taylor, and never marry a famous woman.

Well, that settles it, Phil. Now I'll never marry you, no matter.

[Narrator]

How hard you coach.

[Phil Coe]

Oh, Tom, you're breaking my heart.

[Guy Johnson]

Oh, dear. Now I'm in for another boring night in the air.

You like this humorous magazine, Mr. Johnson? Might cheer you up.

Thanks, old man, but I couldn't read tonight even if I tried. Unfortunately, I'm far sighted and I've mislaid my glasses.

The best thing for you to do then is go to sleep.

That's exactly what I proposed to do.

[Airline Official]

This way, everyone. Plane's waiting.

[Guy Johnson]

Mind if I take your arm, old man? Without those blasted glasses of mine, I'll probably fall in the dark out here and break my neck.

Oh, hang right on. You all right, Phil?

[Phil Coe]

Yes, Tom, I have regular cat's eyes.

[Guy Johnson]

Hey, what a swell looking plane.

[Phil Coe]

Yes, it's a beauty, isn't it?

[Helen Drake]

How do you do, everyone? I'm Helen Drake, your stewardess.

[Tom Taylor]

How do you do?

[Guy Johnson]

How do you do?

[Helen Drake]

You're Ms. Cole, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Johnson, is that correct?

[Phil Coe]

That's right, Ms. Drake.

[Helen Drake]

Well, the other three passengers are already asleep. Now, won't you step aboard? Be careful of those steps, Ms. Cole.

[Guy Johnson]

Oh, by the way, Ms. Drake, is Rita Rogers among those other three passengers?

[Helen Drake]

Yes, she's across the island, lower two, and her brother David Rogers is in lower three. Dr. John Baker is in lower five.

[Phil Coe]

Dr. John Baker, the well known surgeon?

[Helen Drake]

Yes, a movie star and a famous doctor. Now, if you want anything, just ring the bell.

[Phil Coe]

Oh, thank you, Ms. Drake, but I think I'll turn in right away.

[Narrator]

Me too.

[Guy Johnson]

And so will I.

You all right, Mr. Johnson?

Yes, thanks, fine.

[Tom Taylor]

Good night.

[Guy Johnson]

Good night, Mr. Taylor.

Can I get you anything, Phil?

[Phil Coe]

No, thanks. Good night.

[Narrator]

Phil?

[Guy Johnson]

Phil, is that you?

[Phil Coe]

No, Tom, it's the stewardess, I think.

[Tom Taylor]

David, are we crashing?

[Narrator]

We're okay.

[David Rogers]

Rita. This girl, the stewardess.

[Tom Taylor]

Drake. Ms. Drake.

[Phil Coe]

What is it? What happened?

[Tom Taylor]

Oh, it's. It's Mr. Johnson.

[Narrator]

Mr. Johnson.

[Helen Drake]

Mr. Johnson.

[Narrator]

Hey, Johnson. Johnson, wake up.

[Guy Johnson]

Hey, something's wrong.

[Dr. John Baker]

All right, let me have a look. I'm a doctor.

[Tom Taylor]

Guys. Rita, what's the matter?

[Dr. John Baker]

Well, Doctor, this man is dead.

[David Rogers]

What?

[Tom Taylor]

Oh, dead. Died, dead.

[Phil Coe]

Now try to steady yourself, Miss Rogers. Now, what happened, Miss Drake?

[Helen Drake]

Well, Mr. Johnson wanted some coffee and when I brought it I. I found him this way, but. Oh, I'm Forgetting my duties. I should get coffee for all of you.

[Guy Johnson]

Swell idea.

[Helen Drake]

I have Mr. Johnson's his tray up forward in the galley. But I guess you wouldn't want that after what's happened. Excuse me. I'll go up and get some fresh coffee.

[Tom Taylor]

Please.

[Phil Coe]

Well, Dr. Baker, have you found anything of interest?

[Dr. John Baker]

Nothing special, except that this man has been dead for at least a half hour. Hand me that instrument bag under my berth, will you, please?

[Guy Johnson]

Here you are, Doctor.

[Tom Taylor]

Thank you. Perfectly awful.

[David Rogers]

Come on, sis. Quiet down.

[Dr. John Baker]

Well, well, look here. This is very strange.

[Phil Coe]

What is it, Dr. Baker?

[Dr. John Baker]

Why, someone's had this instrument bag opened.

[Phil Coe]

What?

[Dr. John Baker]

You see? Everything's been disarranged. Good heavens.

[David Rogers]

What's wrong?

[Dr. John Baker]

This bottle, it's been half emptied. It contained a deadly poison.

[Tom Taylor]

You mean he committed to your side?

[Dr. John Baker]

No, no. I've already examined his lips and mouth. He couldn't have drunk it. But the poison could have been administered by. Here, let me examine his arms. This is incredible. One drop of that poison would have been sufficient to. Yes, yes. You see, it's just as I feared.

[Phil Coe]

What do you mean, Dr. Baker?

[Dr. John Baker]

I hear it's quite obvious. This tiny mark on the arm. The poison was injected by a hypodermic needle while the man was sleeping.

[Tom Taylor]

You mean he was murdered?

[Dr. John Baker]

Yes, murdered. Look here, one of my hypodermic needles is missing from its case.

[Narrator]

Where is the needle?

[Guy Johnson]

I certainly don't see it in Mr. Johnson's birth.

[Helen Drake]

Well, here's your coffee, everyone. Won't you please help yourself?

[Phil Coe]

One moment, Miss Drake. Dr. Baker thinks that Mr. Johnson's been murdered.

[Tom Taylor]

Murdered?

[Helen Drake]

Good heavens, Miss Colbert, how?

[Phil Coe]

Poison injected by a hypodermic needle. Tell me, Dr. Baker, could this have been suicide?

[Dr. John Baker]

Oh, absolutely not. This poison takes effect almost instantaneously. If this were suicide, the needle would still be in the man's hand.

[Phil Coe]

Miss Drake, may we search the other births?

[Tom Taylor]

Why, of course.

[Phil Coe]

Then, Tom, will you look for the needle in the births on this side?

[David Rogers]

Yes, Belle.

[Phil Coe]

Miss Drake, you examine those on the opposite side.

[Helen Drake]

Yes, Ms. Cole.

[Tom Taylor]

What are you trying to do, blame one of us?

[David Rogers]

Yes, what's the idea? You can't go poking into our property.

[Guy Johnson]

Oh, you're wrong there, Mr. Rogers. No one else on the plane is better equipped to handle a case. Ms. Coe is Phyllis Coe, the criminologist.

[Dr. John Baker]

Well, how extraordinary. Ms. Coe, your late father and I were very close friends.

[Phil Coe]

Yes, Dr. Baker, I know.

[Dr. John Baker]

And, ladies and gentlemen, we could hardly be in more capable hands. This young lady's father, Philip Coe, was one of the world's most Brilliant criminal investigators. And Phyllis Coe is following directly in his footsteps.

[Tom Taylor]

I found it. I found it. Look, here it is. Here. Did you find it at the foot.

[Helen Drake]

Of your birth, Ms. Rogers?

[Narrator]

Rita, you didn't. You couldn't have.

[Tom Taylor]

Of course I didn't, David. What are you people trying to do to me?

[Phil Coe]

Here, Ms. Drake, I'll take that hypodermic needle.

[David Rogers]

But, Frida, why was it in your birth?

[Tom Taylor]

I tell you, I don't know a thing about it. You dare accuse me, David? My own brother Owen is accusing you.

[Phil Coe]

Ms. Rogers, that hypodermic needle could easily have been thrown into your birth by someone else.

[Tom Taylor]

David, why? Why did you say.

[Narrator]

Rita, wait a minute.

[David Rogers]

You don't think I killed him?

[Tom Taylor]

Why not? You often threatened to.

[David Rogers]

Shut up, Rita.

[Tom Taylor]

I won't. I won't. Or even tonight, when Guy came and Woke me up, Ms. Co asked the stewardess. She saw the three of us talking together. Go on, ask her.

[Helen Drake]

Ask her.

[Phil Coe]

Is this true, Ms. Drake?

[Helen Drake]

Yes. About a half hour after you boarded the ship and went to bed. I was afore in the galley when I heard voices. I looked into the corridor and Mr. Johnson was standing by. Ms. Rogers birth. They seem to be arguing.

[Tom Taylor]

Yes, but he started it.

[Phil Coe]

Please, Miss Rogers.

[Helen Drake]

Well, then Mr. Rogers opened his curtains and stood up in the corridor and he began to argue. I went to them quickly to ask them to quiet down. And I heard Mr. Rogers say.

[Tom Taylor]

I didn't mean it.

[David Rogers]

I only wanted to scare him.

[Phil Coe]

What did you Hear him saying, Mr.

[Tom Taylor]

Egg?

[Helen Drake]

He said, guy, if you bother us again, so help me, I'll kill you.

[Phil Coe]

You admit that, Mr. Rogers?

[David Rogers]

Yes, I. I did say that. But only to frighten him away.

[Phil Coe]

Ms. Rogers, Guy Johnson was your husband, isn't that so?

[Tom Taylor]

No.

[Phil Coe]

No, I happen to know that he was. Now, what was the trouble between you? Tell me the whole story.

[Tom Taylor]

All right, all right, I will tell you. I married guy 5 years ago when I was trying to get a break in the theater. He had a little money and I needed somebody, anybody, to help me get ahead. We never loved each other. Our life together was a continual wrangle. Two years ago I left him and went to Hollywood. It was difficult at first, but then I got my break. Since then, Guy has been constantly hounding me for money, blackmailing me.

[Phil Coe]

Blackmailing you?

[Tom Taylor]

Yes.

[Phil Coe]

You mean he threatened to tell something he knew about you?

[Tom Taylor]

Yes.

[Helen Drake]

Oh, yes.

[Tom Taylor]

He could have ruined my career.

[Phil Coe]

What about you, David? How do you fit into this?

[David Rogers]

When my sister made good on the coast, she sent for me to come out and be A personal manager. My biggest job has been to fight Johnson off. You wouldn't believe the amount of reader's money we had to pay him to keep his dirty mouth shut. And when I saw him here tonight, realized that it caught up with us again. I lost my temperature. But I didn't kill him. I'd never do a thing like that.

[Tom Taylor]

No, but you'd throw that needle into my bed.

[David Rogers]

I didn't do that, Rita.

[Phil Coe]

I didn't. Now, wait, please. We've got to start from the very beginning. Miss Drake. You seem to be calmer now.

[Helen Drake]

Yes, Ms. Cole, I am.

[Phil Coe]

Then tell us exactly what happened.

[Helen Drake]

Well, after I had quieted the three of them and they'd all gone back to their beds, Mr. Johnson rang for me. I went to his berth, and there I found him. And he was reading a magazine.

[Phil Coe]

Go on, Miss Drake.

[Helen Drake]

He asked me to bring him some coffee. I went to my galley and got the coffee. And about three minutes later, I brought it back to him right on his. On his tray. He seemed to be sleeping. And when I shook him, he.

[Tom Taylor]

He didn't wake up.

[Helen Drake]

And then, without taking a second to think, I. I lost my head and I screamed.

[Tom Taylor]

It was that scream that woke the rest of you.

[Phil Coe]

Is that all, Ms. Drake?

[Helen Drake]

Yes, that's all. Do you think I'd better go up to the pilot's cabin and have them.

[Tom Taylor]

Radio ahead for the police?

[Phil Coe]

I think not. I think my friend Mr. Taylor will do that for us.

[Guy Johnson]

Certainly, Phil.

Whenever you're ready.

[Helen Drake]

But it's really my job as the stewardess.

[Phil Coe]

Yes, Miss Drake. But I don't imagine you'll be stewardess much longer.

[Tom Taylor]

Well, I don't understand.

[Phil Coe]

Why did you kill Guy Johnson?

[Tom Taylor]

But, Ms. Coy.

[Phil Coe]

Come, Ms. Drake, there's no use lying any longer. We've just made it quite plain that you're not very good at lying.

[Tom Taylor]

All right.

[Helen Drake]

Guy Johnson and I are starting even once again.

[Phil Coe]

What made you do it?

[Tom Taylor]

Yes, you little beast. Why did you throw that needle into my berth?

[Helen Drake]

I hated you, Rita Johnson, because you were really his wife. My real name is Helen Johnson. I changed it to Helen Drake. I met Guy two years ago in Chicago. Married him, and then we had a little boy.

[Tom Taylor]

Guy married you?

[Helen Drake]

Yes. And after the baby came, Guy told me about you. And then he deserted us. My baby died from starvation. I had only one thing left to do in life. That was to kill the man who killed my baby. Tonight was the first time I'd seen him since. He had poor eyesight. Without his glasses, he didn't recognize me in those dim lights. Well, that's all. And now, Ms. Cole, I'm ready.

[Tom Taylor]

I'm ready to go and join my baby.

[Narrator]

It's a lucky thing Phil Coe, the girl detective, was in that airplane, though knowing what might have happened if she hadn't been there. Why do you suppose Phil suspected Helen Drake? You say you suspected her right from the start. Then you'll have an easy time giving three reasons which enable Phil Coe to discover the guilty person. You heard all that happened on the plane. You know all that Phil knew. All you have to do is to answer the contest question, which you'll find in the Philco Mystery Book. $50,000 in cash prizes, weekly prizes, big grand prizes. Everything is explained fully in the book. All the rules, regulations, what to do and how to do it. If you haven't secured a free copy of the Filco mystery book from your Filco Radio tube dealer, get one right away. You must have this book to enter this great contest. Your answer must be written on the official entry blank. Get in this contest of skill now. Your skill may win for you. Names of major winners in this week's contest will be broadcast as soon as possible on a following Filco Radio mystery program. Listen each week for Filco Radio Mysteries at this time over this station. This is a good time to have your radio tubes tested. You want good reception so that you will not miss anything in any Filco Mystery broadcast. Install Filco tubes. Then you know you'll get good reception. This Filco Radio mystery was the last one contained in Filco Mystery book number one. Filco Mystery book number two. With four more problems in the great Filco Radio mystery contest is now ready for you at your Filco Radio tube dealer store. Free. Be sure to get yours next week. Another Filco Radio mystery and another opportunity to win a huge cash award. Get your share of that $50,000 in prizes here. Phil Ko the girl detective solve another baffling myst.

[Tom Taylor]

Sam.