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.

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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.