Phyl Coe Mysteries 1937-11-23 Jagged Rock Mystery

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Phyl Coe Mysteries 1937-11-23 Jagged Rock Mystery
Date: January 1, 2026
Main Theme:
A classic radio drama featuring the girl detective Phil Coe as she investigates the mysterious death of a ski instructor at a remote inn near the Canadian border. The episode blends ski adventure, romance, and a whodunit wrapped in a classic Golden Age of Radio format.

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Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to a snowy ski resort just north of the US-Canadian border, where Phil Coe and companion Tom Taylor arrive for a vacation only to become embroiled in the "Jagged Rock Mystery." When beloved ski instructor Hans is found dead of an apparent morphine overdose, Phil suspects foul play. The episode methodically unwinds suspects, motives, and clues, culminating in a dramatic reveal exposing a drug smuggling ring and a murder.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Arrival at the Inn (01:30–03:30)

• Phil Coe and Tom Taylor arrive by sleigh, glimpse the impressive "Jagged Rock" ski jump, and observe Arthur Stevenson making a dramatic jump.
• Introduction to key characters: Mr. Stevenson (a talented skier), Hans (ski instructor, recently in poor health), Pierre (inn proprietor), Marie (Pierre’s daughter), Dr. Jasper, and Ms. O'Neill.

Notable Quote:

“That must be Monsieur Stevenson. He has guest at the inn where you are going.”
—Sleigh Driver (02:01)

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2. The Mystery Unfolds: Hans’ Death Revealed (03:38–05:03)

• At the inn, the group learns that Hans was found dead with signs pointing to a morphine overdose—initially thought to be suicide or accidental death.
• Marie, deeply upset, discovered the body. She was fond of Hans, but there are hints of romantic complication involving Stevenson and Ms. O’Neill.
• Pierre describes the scene and introduces the red scarf clue.

Notable Moment:

“It was not blood, Ms. Caw. Just the red scarf that Marie had knit for our friend Mr. Stevenson. A red scarf to match his red knapsack.”
—Pierre, the proprietor (04:14)

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3. Building Suspicions & Alibis (05:06–08:00)

• Phil asks to be placed in a room near Hans’s and requests interviews with the guests.
• Dr. Jasper, a cranky scientist, reveals he uses morphine for his animal studies, keeps it strictly regulated, and it was recently replenished.
• Ms. O’Neill and Marie are both questioned, casting light on Hans’s relationships, infidelities, and the quarrels of the previous night.

Notable Quotes:

“According to the doctor, Hans had become a morphine addict.”
—Ms. O’Neill (07:20)

“Hans, he was flirting with Mademoiselle O’Neill last night at super...I was so angry with Hans last night. Oh, but now I am. I’m so sorry.”
—Marie (06:49)

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4. The Red Herrings: Motives and Means (08:00–10:00)

• Ms. O’Neill explains Hans’s change in demeanor and confirms hers and Stevenson’s connections to him.
• Dr. Jasper provides an alibi and describes his small, permitted morphine allotment.
• Suspicion falls on Stevenson, who is evasive about his activities and claims he does not own a scarf, despite references to a red one he'd received.

Notable Exchange:

"I always carry a spot of lunch along here in this trusty red knapsack. I was glad I had it today, too. I was famished."
—Stevenson (10:31)

“Why, oh, why? I never wear a scarf myself. I– I don't even own one.”
—Stevenson, dodging a key clue (11:07)

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5. The Investigation Climax: Theft & the Mountie (11:15–12:57)

• Dr. Jasper discovers his supply of morphine has gone missing.
• Constable Riley of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police enters to assist Phil.
• Phil reveals her true purpose: investigating cross-border morphine smuggling.

Notable Quotes:

“My morphine supply is gone. Someone has stolen it.”
—Dr. Jasper (11:17)

“I've been instructed to work with you, Ms. Coe.”
—Riley, Mountie (11:49)

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6. The Solution: Culprit Revealed (12:05–12:33)

• Phil Coe deduces the whole plot: Stevenson is behind the smuggling ring and murdered Hans, who threatened to expose him.
• The murder was staged as an overdose, exploiting Hans’ addiction and access to Jasper's morphine, with a falsified alibi about ski routes and the missing red scarf as subtle giveaways.
• Stevenson is arrested. Constable Riley delivers a quip on the case’s success.

Key Revelatory Quotes:

“You've been skiing your morphine shipments across the border in the wilder regions between custom stations. Apparently, you've been supplying Hans with morphine for his personal use. Last night, you and Hans had a quarrel during which he threatened to disclose your smuggling activities to the police.”
—Phil Coe, climactic accusation (12:05)

“Headquarters will think it's Christmas.”
—Constable Riley, after arrest (12:57)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Excitement at the Ski Jump
  “There he goes, right over the road.” (02:12)
• Marie’s Heartbreak
  “I'm not crying for Monsieur Stevenson. I'm crying for poor aunt. I loved him, Papa.” (06:09)
• Stevenson’s Denial
  “Why, oh, why? I never wear a scarf myself. I– I don't even own one.” (11:07)
• Phil’s Sharp Deduction
  “It's all very simple. Well, Constable Riley, the prisoner belongs to you.” (12:32)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Arrival and Ski Jump – 01:30–02:56
• Discovery of Hans’ Body – 04:00–04:40
• Phil Begins Her Investigation – 05:05–06:00
• Interviews with Guests – 06:26–09:00
• Key Confrontation with Stevenson – 10:03–11:13
• Constable Riley and Solution – 11:35–12:33

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Final Notes

The "Jagged Rock Mystery" is a classic whodunit in snowy isolation, offering suspense, red herrings, and a satisfying reveal. Phil Coe proves her detective prowess by methodically questioning suspects and interpreting overlooked clues, culminating in the exposure and arrest of a cunning killer. The show’s language reflects Golden Age radio drama: concise, lively, and focused on plot progression.

Fans of cozy mysteries and vintage dramas will find this episode a gem; even newcomers can enjoy the self-contained, fast-paced case and spirited dialogue.

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Transcript

[A]

Phil Coe Radio Mysteries on the air. The Jagged Rock Mystery again, starring Phil Ko, the famous girl detective. Have you entered the Phil Ko Radio Mystery Contest? The fascinating $50,000 cash prize contest brought to you every week at this time over this station by your Filco Radio tube dealer. More than 240 Radio stations in every state in the Union are broadcasting these transcribed mystery programs. You want to enter the contest. You want to win a big weekly cash prize, perhaps even a gigantic grand prize? Get your Filco Radio mystery book number three with official entry blanks free from your Filco Radio tube dealer. Maybe you haven't been able to get your book and blanks from your dealer. His supply may be exhausted. If so, drop a postcard to Philco, care of this station, giving your dealer's name and address and yours will be sent you free. And while you are at your dealer's, ask him too for Filco Radio mystery book number four. It is now ready. Winners of a previous week's cash prizes will be announced at the close of this program. What if you should hear your name? Here's Phil Koe, the girl detective. She's going to solve the Jagged Rock mystery.

[B]

Listen.

[A]

Today Phil Koe and Tom Taylor are off on a skiing trip just above the Canadian border. They are being driven in a sleigh from Bordertown to a small inn about 10 miles to the north. As the scene opens, they have already driven about a mile toward their destination.

[C]

Look up there, Phil.

[B]

You wanted to see a ski jump.

[C]

There's a beauty.

[B]

Say, driver, does anyone ever dare make that jump?

[C]

Only the best ski jumpers, monsieur. That is called jaggerard jump.

[D]

Look, Tom, this open up there now coming down the hillside.

[C]

That must be Monsieur Stephen son. He has guest at the end where you are going.

[B]

You mean to say he's going to jump right off the edge of Jagged Rock?

[C]

No, he must do it. He's far too late to change the mind.

[A]

There he goes, right over the road.

[D]

Oh, that was the most beautiful ski jump I've ever seen.

[C]

I was right. It was Monsieur Stephenson. I know him by that red neck sack. Only one other can ski like this. Here's Hans, a professional ski teacher at the inn. He's not been so well lately.

[B]

Say, driver, you suppose Stevenson made that.

[C]

Jump just for fun? No, I think maybe he's going down to Bordertown for something. The town is right below us. You see, it is all downhill, so he will perhaps come back by sleigh or automobile.

[D]

Does Mr. Stevenson often make that jump?

[C]

No, mamzel, but he make it two or three time before. Last year in our silver ski contest, he make it as the winning jump.

[B]

Well, Stevenson is as good as any professional I've ever seen.

[C]

But he is not professional, Monsieur. Last year he skied in the Winter Olympics at Camiche.

[A]

And it will take Phil and Tom a few minutes to reach the inn. That gives me a chance to remind you that you may enter this contest anytime, any week. Whenever you enter, you have an equal opportunity to win a cash weekly prize and be eligible to compete for the big grand prizes. Another thing. Always use Filco tubes in your set. Buy Filco tubes if you really want the best radio reception at a cost no higher than you would pay for just ordinary tubes. Here, Phil and Tom are at the inn. I wonder what that sound of a girl sobbing means.

[E]

Ah, bonjour. Eh, Pierre, the proprietor. You are Ms. Co and Mr. Thera, n' est ce pas?

[F]

Yes.

[B]

Pierre, have you the rooms we wired for?

[E]

Oui, monsieur.

[D]

Pierre, why is the sweet little girl crying?

[E]

It's my daughter, Marie. Mademoiselle. Monsieur, we have a very sad thing happened here this morning about her death. Was poor Hans the one who gives instruction in skiing?

[G]

Hans?

[B]

Oh, yes, yes. Our sleigh driver said Hans hadn't been well lately.

[E]

Poor Marie. She is upset. It was Marie who discovered the body. When Hans did not appear for breakfast, Marie went up to fetch him. Came screaming out here saying that Hans was dead in his bed with a streak of blood on his sheet beside him. It was not blood, Ms. Caw. Just the red scarf that Marie had knit for our friend Mr. Stevenson. A red scarf to match his red.

[A]

Knapsack was a doctor called in.

[E]

He said the death was due to an overdose of morphine. He found the hypodermic needle in his hand. You're a silly lovesick girl, Marie. You'll meet scoffs from Mr. Stevenson and Moon about him. And now you are broken hearted about Hans.

[B]

Where's the body?

[E]

Pierre has been taken to the undertaker.

[D]

Pierre, I'm a detective and I'd be very glad to be of assistance. I'd like to ask a few questions of the people at the inn. May I have a room near the one that Hans had?

[E]

But of course.

[D]

I should like to know where he got the morphine.

[E]

Ah, I had not thought of that.

[D]

Then will you show us to a room, please?

[C]

Yes.

[E]

Follow me, please. Come, Marie. Perhaps you can be of some help if you only stop crying. Write down this hall, please. Here, this middle room was Hans. One beyond is Dr. Jasper. But we go for A few minutes here in Mr. Stevenson's room. He is not in at present. Enter, please.

[B]

Thank you, Pierre. Who is this Dr. Jasper?

[E]

He is a permanent guest. Winter and Sommer. He has what you call a fellowship from some university down in the States. He is making a study of small northern animals. Right now he has my barn full of muskrat. Always he's experimenting with them. Well, he's a cranky old fellow, but he paid promptly.

[D]

Have you any other guest at present besides Mr. Stevenson?

[E]

Only Ms. O'. Neill. Mr. Stevenson can say this is the first time he has had her here.

[H]

Oh, it is so terrible.

[E]

You hear that? Once Marie thought Mr. Stevenson was making eyes at her.

[H]

I'm not crying for Monsieur Stevenson. I'm crying for poor aunt. I loved him, Papa.

[A]

Mon Dieu.

[E]

You all mix up in your silly heart.

[D]

Yeah. Is Ms. O' Neill in the hotel at present?

[E]

Oui.

[D]

Would you mind asking her to come here?

[E]

I shall get her on ear.

[D]

Oh, don't go, Marie. I'd like to talk to you.

[H]

We must miss her.

[D]

Now, Marie. Tell me, dear, were you very much in love with Hans?

[H]

Oh, yes, we.

[D]

Then why are you upset about Mr. Stevenson being here with his fiance?

[H]

I do not know. He treated me very nice. Sometime he will bring me present. But I really loved Hans. That is why aunt and I, we had last night such a terrible fight.

[B]

Marie, what caused this fight?

[H]

Aunt, he was flirting with Mademoiselle o' Neill last night at Super. He thought she was beautiful and I say sophisticated. Aunt, he met Ms. O' Neill when they were all in gammish last year. I was so angry with Hans last night. Oh, but now I am. I'm so sorry.

[D]

Come in, please. You may go, Marie.

[I]

Ms. Coe, I'm Ms. O'. Neill.

[D]

Ms. O'. Neill, how long had you known Hans?

[I]

We met in Garmish last year, but I hadn't seen him since last night. I was astounded at the change in him. According to the doctor, Hans had become a morphine addict.

[D]

Ms. O', Neill, I understand Hans thought you very attractive.

[I]

Yes, Ms. Coe, that's true. But then all men seem to find me attractive.

[G]

Oh, don't look at me, Phil.

[B]

I haven't said a word.

[I]

As a matter of fact, Marie and Hans had quite a start about me last night.

[D]

Oh, how did you know that?

[I]

I came here to Mr. Stevenson's room for a book. Arthur. Mr. Stevenson was out skiing, so I stayed here quite a while. These walls are very thin and Hans room was right next door, so I couldn't Help. Overhearing the argument.

[D]

I see.

[I]

As I went out into the hall, I saw Marie come out of Han's room in tears and go into Dr. Jasper's room.

[D]

Do you ski, Ms. O'?

[G]

Neill?

[I]

No, not at all. Why Arthur ever brought me here I don't know. I've been thoroughly bored. Arthur left early this morning saying he wouldn't be back for lunch. Marie packed him the lunch but he left it with me. Said he never stops to eat while on the ski trails.

[D]

Ms. Coe? Yes?

[J]

I'm Dr. Jasper. Used to know your father. You can't possibly be as good a detective as he was.

[D]

Oh, I admit that, Dr. Jasper.

[I]

Well, Ms. Co, if you want me, I'll be in my room.

[D]

Well, thank you, Ms. O'.

[A]

Neill.

[D]

Dr. Jasper, I understood that Hans took an overdose of morphine.

[J]

Sound just like your father. Always looking for trouble where there isn't any. Who's this young man, your husband?

[I]

No.

[B]

Thank you, Dr. Jasper, but no such luck. I'm just a friend of Phil's. My name is Taylor.

[D]

Dr. Jasper, did Marie come to your room last night?

[J]

Yes, yes. Poor girl was crying. She had a quarrel with Hands about o'. Neill. Hans had several quarrels last night. Later on I heard Stevenson in there. Couldn't understand what they said, but there was a lot of loud talk.

[D]

Where do you suppose Hans got hold of that morphine?

[J]

I don't know. How should I?

[D]

Doctor, in your work with animals, have you any occasion to use the drug?

[J]

Yes, yes, the government allots me a small quantity monthly. Received my allowance a few days ago.

[B]

Look, there's a car arriving. I can see it from the window.

[J]

And that's the mail from Bordertown. There's Arthur Stevenson getting out. I wonder what brought him in from his precious skiing.

[B]

Seems to be in a great hurry.

[D]

Dr. Jasper, I'm interested in the morphine you use. Would you show it to me?

[J]

Well, I suppose so. I keep it in my room. Come along and I'll show you the morphine. A little more curious than your father ever was.

[F]

Well, what's going on in here? This is my room.

[J]

Now take it easy, Stevenson. This is Ms. Phyllis Coe and her friend Mr. Taylor. She's attempting to discover the source of Hand's morphine.

[F]

Is that such a deep mystery, Dr. Jasper? I'm told you use quite a bit of it on your animals.

[J]

Stevenson, you're an ill mannered boar. I shall be in my room.

[F]

Well, Ms. Go, since you're using my room as a police station, I suppose I shall have to submit what's next?

[D]

Mr. Stevenson, you returned unexpectedly from your skiing, didn't you?

[F]

Yes. I decided that my fiance, Ms. O', Neill, might be pining for my presence, so I begged a ride back here in a slate.

[B]

Where are the best ski trails around here, Mr. Stevenson?

[F]

To the north of here. They're the ones I always use. Never go south at all.

[D]

I've heard a good deal about the jagged rock jump.

[F]

Where's that jagged rock? Oh, don't mention that jump, please. The very thought of that place makes me dizzy.

[D]

Mr. Taylor and I expect to do a lot of skiing while we're here. What does one do for food while he's out on the trail?

[F]

Well, I always carry a spot of lunch along here in this trusty red knapsack. I was glad I had it today, too. I was famished.

[D]

Oh, well, Mr. Stevenson, to return to the business at hand. Where were you last evening?

[F]

Well, I returned here to my room after dinner and didn't leave it again. I was waxing my skis.

[D]

I see. Well, Tom, I'd like a little skiing myself this afternoon.

[B]

Shall we go? Anytime you're ready, Phil.

[J]

Oh.

[I]

Oh, how silly of me.

[G]

What do you mean?

[D]

You know, I believe I forgot to bring a scarf with me. Tom, I know you never bother about a scarf.

[G]

It.

[D]

Mr. Stevenson.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

I wonder if I could borrow one of yours until I get to town and buy one.

[F]

Why? Oh, why? I never wear a scarf myself. I. I don't even own one.

[D]

Well, perhaps Marie has one I can borrow.

[J]

Ms. Cove. Ms. Cove?

[D]

Yes, Dr. Jasper?

[J]

My morphine supply is gone. Someone has stolen it.

[F]

Stolen? Dr. Jasper, don't you think purchased might be a more likely word?

[J]

Now, listen here, Stevenson, you can.

[D]

Please, Emily, please. Obviously, the morphine was stolen by Hans. He was an addict and doubtless he was desperate. His regular source of supply must have been cut off suddenly.

[G]

Ms. Coe?

[D]

Yes.

[G]

I'm Constable Riley of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at your service.

[D]

Oh, yes, Constable Riley. I was expecting you.

[B]

Hey, Phil, what is this?

[D]

I haven't told you, Tom, but you see, the government sent me up here to investigate. There's recently been a great deal of dope smuggled across the border.

[G]

I've been instructed to work with you, Ms. Coe.

[D]

Thank you, Constable Riley, but I'm happy to say we already have our man.

[G]

Really, miss, where is it?

[D]

Right here, Mr. Arthur Stevenson.

[F]

What? Why, that's ridiculous.

[G]

Get away from that window, Stevenson. Now sit down on this chair.

[D]

You've been very clever, Mr. Stevenson. Up to a certain point, you've been skiing your morphine shipments across the border in the wilder regions between custom stations. Apparently, you've been supplying Hans with morphine for his personal use. Last night, you and Hans had a quarrel, during which he threatened to disclose your smuggling activities to the police.

[F]

That's very clever.

[D]

Before you left his room, you managed to see to it that his hypodermic needle contained a larger injection than usual. A dose strong enough to kill him. It's all very simple. Well, Constable Riley, the prisoner belongs to you.

[G]

Thank you, Ms. Coe. Here's a nice new pair of bracelets for you, Stevenson. Well, this is a fine bit of business. I'm sent out to get a smuggler and I bring back a murderer. Headquarters will think it's Christmas.

[A]

Send your solution to the Jagged Rock mystery written on the official entry blank to the address indicated in Filco Radio Mystery book number three. Remember, you can get mystery book number three from your Filco Radio tube dealer. Perhaps you haven't been able to get your book and blanks from your dealer. His supply may be exhausted. If so, drop a postcard to Filco, care of this station, giving your dealer's name and address, and yours will be sent you free. Ask for mystery book number four, too. It is now ready for you. Another thrilling Filco mystery will be broadcast next week at this time over this station. Another opportunity for cash rewards. In this great $50,000 cash prize contest here, Phil Cole, the girl detective, tracked down another criminal. Strange things in strange places will happen. Be sure that you're on hand.