Phyl Coe Mysteries 1937-10-05 Death Boards The Sea Serpent

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Phyl Coe Mysteries 1937-10-05 Death Boards The Sea Serpent"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Episode: Phyl Coe Mysteries 1937-10-05 Death Boards The Sea Serpent
• Release Date: July 15, 2025
• Description: Relive the Golden Age of Radio with classic radio shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more, bringing nostalgic storytelling to modern audiences.

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Introduction

In this episode of Phil Coe Mysteries titled "Death Boards The Sea Serpent," listeners are immersed in a classic nautical mystery set on the High Seas. Hosted by the intrepid detective Phil Coe, the story unfolds aboard the C7 cruiser, where a series of suspicious events lead to the unraveling of a murder plot.

Setting the Scene

The mystery begins with Phil Coe and her friend Tom Taylor out fishing in Great Salt Bay. They notice a cabin cruiser drifting aimlessly with its engine running. Concerned by the lack of response to their calls, they board the vessel to investigate the situation.

• Phil Coe [00:44]: "Murder on the High Seas. Another Philco Radio mystery program on the air."

Characters Introduced

• Phil Coe: The central detective figure, known for her sharp investigative skills.
• Tom Taylor: Phil's companion, assisting in the investigation.
• Alice Jocelyn (Jane Wilson): An unconscious woman found aboard the C7 cruiser.
• Nagy: The Wilson family's Japanese steward.
• Jack Wilson: Alice's husband, whose disappearance forms the crux of the mystery.
• Ed Joselyn: Alice's husband, revealed later in the story.
• Captain Brent: A Coast Guard officer who arrives to assist.

Key Events and Investigative Process

Initial Discovery [02:43 - 04:22]

Tom successfully boards the cruiser and discovers Alice Jocelyn unconscious with a gash on her head. Phil and Tom fetch water and a towel to aid her.

• Tom Taylor [02:54]: "Someone hit me on the head."
• Alice Jocelyn [03:54]: "I'm Alice Jocelyn."

As they converse, it becomes apparent that Alice and her husband Jack are guests on the boat. Suspicion arises when Alice mentions being struck on the head, raising questions about the boat's occupants and their interactions.

Interrogation and Clues [04:36 - 08:55]

Phil and Tom begin to interrogate Alice and Nagy. Tom examines the steering seat and finds an exposed nail that tore his slacks.

• Tom Taylor [08:12]: "Nagy, you said you ran forward to the rope locker. Did you see or meet anyone on your way?"
• Alice Jocelyn [05:48]: "Ms. Coe."

Nagy claims ignorance about the incident, which heightens suspicions. Alice reveals tensions over borrowed money from Jack Wilson, hinting at potential motives.

• Alice Jocelyn [06:12]: "I gave my confession."
• Tom Taylor [07:03]: "Something awful must have happened to them."

Arrival of the Coast Guard [09:04 - 12:37]

Captain Brent arrives, bringing updates about Jack Wilson's fate. Initially presented as a drowning accident, Phil Coe discerns inconsistencies that suggest foul play.

• Phil Coe [10:12]: "He wasn't drowned, Mrs. Joselyn. He was murdered."
• Tom Taylor [10:16]: "Murdered?"

Alice Jocelyn's confession unravels as she admits to hitting Jack during an argument over debts, leading to his death.

• Alice Jocelyn [11:22]: "There's a bottle lying on the deck. And without knowing what I was doing, I hit him."

However, further revelations indicate that Nagy may have been involved, complicating the narrative and leading to the ultimate truth of the murder plot.

Conclusion and Revelation

Through meticulous investigation and the gathering of contradictory testimonies, Phil Coe uncovers the truth behind Jack Wilson's death. Alice's initial confession and subsequent admission reveal her as the primary suspect, driven by financial desperation. The interplay between Alice, Nagy, and the circumstances aboard the cruiser expose a web of deceit and murder.

• Phil Coe [10:48]: "Did you know it was Alice Jocelyn all the time?"
• Alice Jocelyn [12:09]: "If you'd only told me about the money you borrowed, I'd have paid him back."

Alice's confession underscores the themes of desperation and unintended consequences, highlighting the human emotions that drive criminal actions.

Insights and Themes

This episode encapsulates the quintessential elements of a Golden Age radio mystery:

1. Suspenseful Storytelling: The narrative maintains tension as Phil Coe and Tom Taylor navigate through clues and red herrings to uncover the truth.
2. Character Development: Each character, from the stoic detective to the conflicted Alice, is vividly portrayed, adding depth to the mystery.
3. Moral Lessons: The story delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the lengths one might go to resolve personal crises.
4. Engagement through Interaction: The dialogue-driven investigation keeps listeners engaged, encouraging them to piece together the mystery alongside the protagonists.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Phil Coe [00:44]: "Murder on the High Seas. Another Philco Radio mystery program on the air."
• Tom Taylor [02:54]: "Someone hit me on the head."
• Phil Coe [10:12]: "He wasn't drowned, Mrs. Joselyn. He was murdered."
• Alice Jocelyn [11:22]: "There's a bottle lying on the deck. And without knowing what I was doing, I hit him."

Conclusion

"Death Boards The Sea Serpent" delivers a captivating mystery that exemplifies the storytelling brilliance of the Golden Age of Radio. Phil Coe's relentless pursuit of the truth, combined with well-crafted characters and a suspenseful plot, makes this episode a memorable installment in the Phil Coe Mysteries series. For fans of classic radio dramas, this episode offers an engaging experience that combines nostalgia with timeless detective work.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, sponsorship messages, and non-content sections to focus solely on the narrative and investigative elements of the episode.

Transcript

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[Phil Coe]

Murder on the High Seas. Another Philco Radio mystery program on the air. Another chance for you to win your share of $50,000 in cash prizes. Have you entered the Filco Radio Mystery Contest yet? Do it now. Everybody's excited about this great contest of skill that rewards the winners with $50,000 in cash prizes. Every week at this same time over this same station, your Filco radio tube dealer brings you transcribed the Filco Radio Mystery Contest Fascinating mysteries for you to help solve. The new, entirely different radio program where you get the thrill of showing how good a detective you are. Remember, in order for you to stand the same chance of winning a share in the $50,000 cash prizes as everybody else, you must have Filco Radio Mystery book number two. Get your free copy right away from your Filco radio tube dealer. Nothing to buy. Just ask for your copy. This big book tells you all the details about the $50,000 cash prize Filco Mystery Contest. It's filled with facts and diagrams. It will help you win. Now let's have some mystery. If you already have your book, be sure it's Open to pages 4 and 5. Follow the action on the diagram as you listen to the broadcast of Philco Radio mystery number five. Death Boards the Sea Serpent. Phil Koe and her friend Tom Taylor have gone fishing way out in Great Salt Bay. A few moments before our story begins, they've sighted a cabin cruiser some distance away, drifting about aimlessly with its engine running. And since no one has answered their repeated calls, Phil and Tom have gone over to the cruiser in their fast sea skiff. As the scene opens, Tom has just succeeded in boarding the boat and making his skiff fast to the cruiser's stern. Hoy in there. Anybody aboard?

[Tom Taylor]

Here, Tom, help me aboard.

[Phil Coe]

All right. There we are.

[Tom Taylor]

Thanks. I'll cut the engine. You go forward and drop the anchor.

[Announcer]

Aye, aye, Captain.

[Tom Taylor]

Good heavens. Tom.

[Phil Coe]

What is it?

[Tom Taylor]

Come back here. Look at this woman. She's unconscious.

[Phil Coe]

Hey. Nasty gash in her head. I better run down into the Cabin and get some water and a towel.

[Tom Taylor]

Yes, Hurry, Tom. There must be a sleeping cabin further forward. Better investigate gently now. You've hurt your head.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Jack. Ms. Jack.

[Tom Taylor]

Where's my husband?

[Alice Jocelyn]

Here you are.

[Tom Taylor]

Now sit on a seat there. That's it. Hurry, Tom.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Hurry.

[Phil Coe]

Oh, see you brought her to. I found a woman asleep in the forward cabin. She's coming right up.

[Tom Taylor]

Jane.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Jane, dear, what's happened? Oh, Alice. ALICE.

[Tom Taylor]

WHISPERS Jack.

[Alice Jocelyn]

I don't know. I've been asleep. What happened?

[Tom Taylor]

Someone hit me on the head.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Hit you? Oh, why, Jane, that's ridiculous.

[Tom Taylor]

Well, I tell you, someone hit me. Do you feel better now?

[Alice Jocelyn]

Yes, a little, thank you. Who are you people? What are you doing on the C7? This is Jack Wilson's boat.

[Tom Taylor]

My name is Phyllis Poe and this is my friend Tom Taylor. We saw your cruiser drifting and when no one answered our calls, we came aboard.

[Nagy]

They.

[Tom Taylor]

May I ask your name?

[Alice Jocelyn]

You may. I'm Alice Jocelyn. Jane Wilson here says she was hit on the head.

[Tom Taylor]

I'm worried about Jack. That's Mr. Wilson, my husband.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Ms. Coe.

[Tom Taylor]

Alice. Is the dory back there?

[Alice Jocelyn]

No, it's gone. I suppose Jack and Ed went fishing in it.

[Tom Taylor]

And Ed is Ed Joselyn your husband, Is that correct?

[Alice Jocelyn]

That's right.

[Tom Taylor]

Oh, I'm worried about those two men. Something awful must have happened. Since Mrs. WILSON BELIEVES someone hit her. I want to ask a few questions, if I may. Well, you'll be glad to answer any question you may ask. Mr. Cole. Won't you sit down? All of you?

[Phil Coe]

Sit here, Phil.

[Tom Taylor]

No, thanks. I'll sit on this little steering seat here by the wheel.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Oh. Oh, goodness. What's the trouble?

[Tom Taylor]

Oh, there's an exposed nail in the steering seat. I've torn my new slacks.

[Phil Coe]

You certainly have. If I were you, I'd sit down again until you find a needle and thread. Sit here.

[Tom Taylor]

I'll stand, thanks. Now, Mrs. Jocelyn, you said you'd been asleep.

[Alice Jocelyn]

That's right. Your friend Mr. Taylor woke me when he came down into the guest cabin.

[Tom Taylor]

Have you any idea how long you've been sleeping?

[Alice Jocelyn]

Well, what time is it now?

[Phil Coe]

Almost one.

[Alice Jocelyn]

And I must have been sleeping about one hour.

[Tom Taylor]

Were you bothered by any unusual noises?

[Alice Jocelyn]

No, I slept the entire time. I didn't hear a thing. I sleep very soundly.

[Tom Taylor]

You call this Jack Wilson's boat? I take it that you and your husband are guests?

[Alice Jocelyn]

Yes.

[Tom Taylor]

Alice and Ed Joslin are old friends of ours. I see. Now, Mrs. Wilson, please tell me what you were doing before you were struck. Well, Ed, Joselyn and I were in the after cockpit, Ed was getting his tackle ready to go fishing with Jack and Adorey. My husband Jack was on the forward deck getting his fishing tackle ready. I don't know where you were, Alice, but you said you were down in the guest cabin asleep.

[Alice Jocelyn]

That's right, ted.

[Tom Taylor]

Well, about 12:30 I went below to give some last minute instructions about luncheon. I thought I heard Alice call Ed from up on the forward deck, but I couldn't be sure because Nagi had the radio on so loud. To whom did you give instructions about luncheon? To Nagi. Who is Nagi?

[Alice Jocelyn]

The Wilson's Japanese steward, of course. Jane, that explains everything. It was Nagy that hit you. We had trouble with him last night. You know about our dinner?

[Tom Taylor]

Yes, he. Perhaps it was nagging. Well, anyway, I gave instructions to Nagy and then I came back up here. Just as I was stepping out to the after cockpit, I was struck on the head. Where is Nagy now? Better go look for him, Tom.

[Phil Coe]

Right away.

[Tom Taylor]

Alice, I'm so worried about Jack and Ed too. I'm sure something has happened to them.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Oh, Jane. They often go out fishing in the dory when they're going to do any chumming.

[Tom Taylor]

But they never go out of sight of the cruiser. Besides, they never go away and leave the engine running. Oh, I know something awful has happened. I know it. I don't know. Mrs. Wilson, why don't you go into the cabin and lie down?

[Alice Jocelyn]

Thank you, I will.

[Tom Taylor]

You'd better stay here and help Alice watch for the men.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Call me if you see them coming.

[Tom Taylor]

I will, Mrs. Wilson.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Poor Jane. She's so excitable.

[Tom Taylor]

Yes, she is. I think she better be taken into port for medical attention. Can you handle the cruiser, Mrs. Jocelyn?

[Alice Jocelyn]

Oh, good heavens, no. I wouldn't know one of these levers from another. Besides Ed and Jack. And Nagy is the only other one who can run this boat.

[Phil Coe]

All right. Come along now. We're not going to hurt you.

[Tom Taylor]

But, sir.

[Nagy]

Nagy. Now I've done anything.

[Alice Jocelyn]

It's Noggy. Where did you find him?

[Phil Coe]

In the rope locker up under the forward deck. He was hiding in there.

[Nagy]

Yes, sir. You bet. Nagy, hide.

[Tom Taylor]

Just a minute, Noggy. Why did you hide in the rope locker?

[Nagy]

I come out say luncheon, sir, if please, and see Missy Wilson out flat. Blood all overhead. Not very much scare. Go and hide in locker till an apple circum.

[Phil Coe]

Pull him out.

[Tom Taylor]

Tell me, Nagy, while you were preparing luncheon, did you hear any unusual sounds, any noise at all out here on deck?

[Phil Coe]

No.

[Nagy]

Circle radio she play too loud. It play all time while I get lunch. Naggy light. Keep radio loud, make everything more happy.

[Alice Jocelyn]

You certainly were playing it loud, Nagi.

[Tom Taylor]

What do you mean?

[Alice Jocelyn]

Mrs. Joston had it turned on full volume. I dare say he had a purpose in keeping it so loud. Nagy, why did you hit Mrs. Wilson?

[Nagy]

I no hit nobody. What do you mean, Mr. Jocelyn?

[Tom Taylor]

Let's not be hasty, Mrs. Jocelyn. After all, we don't know that Nagi did hit Mrs. Wilson.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Well, if you're going to defend that steward, I'm not going to stay here another minute. You find me in the guest cabin.

[Nagy]

Don't mind Mrs. Jocelyn when she fly off handle. She very nice sometimes.

[Phil Coe]

Apparently this isn't one of her times.

[Tom Taylor]

Nagi, you said you ran forward to the rope locker. Did you see or meet anyone on your way?

[Nagy]

No, nobody.

[Phil Coe]

I don't want to embarrass you, Phil, but perhaps Nagi can bring you a needle and thread.

[Nagy]

Oh, sure, Nagi have plenty needles, plenty fed for.

[Tom Taylor]

I didn't realize it was as bad as that. Naggy. I tore my slacks on that nail there in the steering seat.

[Nagy]

Oh, not me. Forget the hammer nailing yesterday. Missy Jocelyn get big tear too. She run big boat while men out in little boat fishing.

[Phil Coe]

Oh, Naggy, how's for getting a needle in thread, huh? Say, here comes the Coast Guard.

[Alice Jocelyn]

The dad?

[Tom Taylor]

I don't know yet, Mrs. Jocelyn. Well, maybe they have bad news about Jack.

[Phil Coe]

Oh, right. Let her come. That's it.

[Announcer]

I got it.

[Phil Coe]

I'm coming aboard. Okay, jump over.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Oh, they're towing our Dory.

[Tom Taylor]

Oh, where's my husband? What's happened?

[Nagy]

Just a minute, lady.

[Phil Coe]

We're coming to that. Captain Brent, Coast Guard. I've been looking for this cruiser.

[Tom Taylor]

Captain Brent, I'm Phyllis Cole.

[Phil Coe]

Oh, afternoon, ma'.

[Tom Taylor]

Am.

[Announcer]

I've heard a lot about you.

[Tom Taylor]

This is my friend Tom Taylor. These ladies are Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Jocelyn.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Jocelyn, eh?

[Phil Coe]

Why send Mr. Joselyn over?

[Announcer]

Something terrible has happened.

[Tom Taylor]

What do you mean?

[Alice Jocelyn]

Here.

[Tom Taylor]

Where's Jack?

[Phil Coe]

Okay, Mr. Joslin, tell them your story.

[Announcer]

We were fishing. Jack upset the door.

[Tom Taylor]

Ed.

[Announcer]

One minute, James, one minute. I righted the boat and go for him, but it was no use. Captain Brett picked me up and then we found Jack's body floating on the water.

[Tom Taylor]

Tom, you better take Mrs. Wilson inside.

[Nagy]

Nagy will help too, sir.

[Phil Coe]

You stay here, Nagi.

[Announcer]

I can do it.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Poor Jane. Her husband drowned. Why, it's horrible.

[Phil Coe]

He wasn't drowned, Mrs. Joselyn. He was murdered.

[Tom Taylor]

Murdered?

[Phil Coe]

Yes, he was dead before he was dumped into the War. His skull was bashed in with a bottle. We found pieces of glass in the wound. It's my guess that Mr. Joslin did the job, then rode him out and dumped him.

[Announcer]

No use of my lying, Captain Brent. You're right.

[Alice Jocelyn]

I did it, Ed.

[Nagy]

All right.

[Phil Coe]

Come along, Jocelyn. We're taking you ashore.

[Tom Taylor]

One moment, Captain Brent.

[Phil Coe]

Yes, Ms. Cove?

[Tom Taylor]

Mr. Jocelyn didn't kill Mr. Wilson. Mrs. Jocelyn is the one you want.

[Announcer]

Well, that's preposterous. I've given my confession.

[Tom Taylor]

Yes, Mr. Jocelyn. But your wife, Alice has already given hers. Although she hasn't meant to.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Really? And help me.

[Announcer]

I'll do all I can, Alice, darling. All I can.

[Tom Taylor]

Don't you want to tell the whole Truth now, Mrs. Jocelyn? Yes.

[Alice Jocelyn]

Yes, this is the truth. Jack Wilson and I were sitting on the forward deck. He was mending his fishing tackle. Jane Wilson and Ed were in the after cockpit. It was getting his tackle ready to go fishing in the door. He'd go on. The past year, I'd been borrowing money from Jack Wilson and hadn't been able to pay it back. This morning he threatened to tell my husband about it. Jack and I argued.

[Tom Taylor]

Then I lost my temper.

[Alice Jocelyn]

There's a bottle lying on the deck. And without knowing what I was doing, I hit him. Oh, I didn't mean to kill him. Honestly, I didn't. Then I called my husband and he came forward and held that Jack was dead. Oh, I can't go on.

[Announcer]

I'll tell the rest. I planned to get the body in the dory quickly. I knew that Jane Wilson was in the main cabin with Nagy. But when I got back to the cockpit, Jane was coming out. I had to hit her so she wouldn't see me with Jack's body. Then I shoved her back into the control cabin. I told Alice to start the engine and run the cruiser into Baytown with Jane.

[Alice Jocelyn]

I was going to take Jane to a doctor and say that she'd fallen while the men were out fishing. I ran about a mile and I saw your boat and lost my head and went below and made believe I was sleeping.

[Tom Taylor]

And the rest we know.

[Announcer]

Darling. Darling. If you'd only told me about the money you borrowed, I'd have paid him back.

[Alice Jocelyn]

No, Ed, you couldn't have. It was way too much. Oh, Ed, what will they do to me?

[Phil Coe]

Did you know it was Alice Jocelyn all the time? Then it ought to be the easiest thing in the world for you to write down three reasons why. Why Phil Cole, the famous girl detective, suspected Alice too. It certainly pays to listen carefully to every one of the Phil Cole radio mystery programs. $50,000 in cash prizes in this easy spectacular contest. Huge weekly prizes, mammoth grand prizes just for answering the contest questions asked in Philco Radio Mystery book number two. Of course you have your copy. If you haven't, get it now from your Filco Radio tube dealer. It's free, nothing to buy. And you must have this book to enter the contest. It contains the official entry blanks on which you must write your answers. Listen to Filco Radio Mysteries every week at this same time over this same station. Don't miss one of them. Don't miss any detail of any program either. Have Filco Radio Tubes in your set so that reception will be clear and good. Names of the major winners in this week's contest will be broadcast as soon as possible on a following Philco mystery program. Next week, another chance to win your share of the $50,000 cash prizes in this mammoth radio contest. Next week, another Philco Mystery program. Next week at this same time over this station. Hear Phil Ko the girl Detective solve the double X mystery.

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