Radio Reader's Digest 46-11-07 (036): "Murder in the Big Bowl"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Air Date: December 2, 2025
Original Air Date of Drama: November 7, 1946
Episode Theme:
A classic mystery from the golden age of radio, dramatizing Anthony Abbott's "Murder in the Big Bow." This episode stars Claude Rains as Grodman, a retired Scotland Yard detective thrust into a perplexing locked-room murder. The show epitomizes the drawing-room mystery format, combining sharp wit, layered suspects, and a twisting plot, all delivered in the rich, vintage tones of radio's golden era.

Main Themes and Purpose

• Locked Room Mystery: The episode centers on the apparent murder—or possible suicide—of Eric Constance, found dead in a locked room, with both the cause and means of his death unclear.
• Revenge and Redemption: Underlying the central case is a theme of professional pride, revenge, and the search for justice—even when justice gets complicated by ego and rivalry within the police.
• Golden Age Storytelling: The program seeks to recapture the communal magic of radio mysteries, delivering suspense and character-driven drama to audiences of all ages.

Detailed Breakdown and Key Discussion Points

Introduction to the Case (Starts at 01:56)

• Setting the Scene:
  Claude Rains is introduced as the evening’s guest star. The play begins on a foggy London morning. Mrs. Bradham, a landlady, wakes her neighbor Grodman (retired Scotland Yard inspector) about trouble in her house.

• Incident Discovery:
  Mrs. Bradham: "It's Mr. Constance ... He's dead, poor chap." (03:49)
  Grodman reluctantly agrees to investigate, finding Constance's room locked from the inside, with no apparent murder weapon.

Investigation and Police Rivalry (04:42–13:32)

• Inspector Corley Arrives:
  Corley is skeptical but methodical, and a rivalry is evident between him and Grodman, who has become a renowned crime writer since his retirement.

• Locked Room Problem:
  The key question: How was the murder committed in a room locked from the inside?
  Grodman: "A man that slashes his own throat hasn't time to conceal the weapon he did it with." (07:41)

• Suspect Introduction:
  Violet Deane (Eric’s former flame) and Tom Mortlake (her fiancé) are both drawn into the investigation. Tom had an argument with the victim and once lived in the same room.

Mounting Suspicion and Legal Proceedings (13:32–19:14)

• Mortlake's Alibi Unravels:
  Tom Mortlake admits to lying about his whereabouts, adding to suspicion, but insists on his innocence.

  • Grodman: "As long as you're not hiding anything else from me. You're not, are you?" (12:35)

• Tom Mortlake Arrested:
  Inspector Corley arrests Mortlake, confident in his case despite Grodman's protests.

  • Corley: "Mortlake had a key to the murdered man's room..." (16:25)

• Trial and Conviction:
  Grodman believes the trial is a farce and insists: "The Crown didn't prove anything. A lot of hocus pocus about locking a door from the outside. Grandstand play, that's all that is." (18:18)

  Despite this, Tom Mortlake is convicted of murder.

Race to Prevent an Execution (19:14–22:36)

• Grodman Pleads with Authorities:
  Grodman desperately petitions the Home Secretary to halt the execution, presenting a petition signed by 10,000 citizens, but to no avail.

  • Grodman: "If that boy goes to the gallows, it'll be the greatest miscarriage of justice in the history of England." (19:14)

• Confrontation and Confession:
  As Mortlake’s execution approaches, Grodman gathers key players—including Inspector Corley and Mrs. Bradham—to reveal the truth.

The Big Reveal: The Murderer Unmasked (22:36–25:22)

• Locating the Weapon:
  Mrs. Bradham presents the murder weapon (a razor), discovered in Grodman’s own coat pocket. Grodman narrates the timeline and logistics of the crime.

  • Corley: "You were with me on the morning of the murder." (23:25)

• Grodman’s Confession:
  Grodman reveals he murdered Constance himself, driven by bitterness over being retired from the Yard. His plan was to confound his former colleagues with a “perfect crime.”

  • Grodman: "Because I never got over being retired by the Yard. I wanted to see you idiots squirm and fume over a case you couldn't solve ... But I never thought you'd be stupid enough to convict an innocent man." (24:53)

Epilogue & Reflection (25:22–27:09)

• Claude Rains’ Personal Note:
  In a heartwarming postscript, Claude Rains (Richard Talmer) reflects on his love for America, explaining why he became a citizen:
  "It's quite simple really. I love this country ... I think I love your country because it is the great hope of mankind ... I lay my heart to beat." (25:42–27:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Locked Room Mystery:
  Grodman: "If Constance committed suicide, that razor would be here ... If Constance were murdered, how did the murderer get into this room? Through the locked windows or through the door I had to break down?" (07:41–07:56)

• Grodman's Bold Self-Condemnation:
  "Because I never got over being retired by the Yard. I wanted to see you idiots squirm and fume over a case you couldn't solve ... But I never thought you'd be stupid enough to convict an innocent man." (24:53)

• On Professional Ego and Justice:
  "Only someone who spent a great deal of time at the Yard can understand the purpose of this crime ... Revenge, Mr. Inspector. The murderer was obsessed with the idea of getting revenge on the Yard." (23:51)

• On Patriotism (Claude Rains as himself):
  "I think I love your country because it is the great hope of mankind ... Against the warm earth of America, fertile with new strength and promise, I lay my heart to beat." (25:42–27:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Episode Introduction / Sponsor Message: 00:37–01:56
• Case Begins: 01:56–04:42
• Discovery of Body: 04:42–07:07
• Grodman and Corley Spar: 07:07–13:32
• Violet Deane and Tom Mortlake Questioned: 09:07–13:32
• Tom Mortlake Arrest and Trial: 13:32–19:14
• Grodman’s Appeal & Petition: 19:14–20:26
• Tense Vigil/Preparation for the Final Act: 20:26–22:36
• Confession and Solution (The Reveal): 22:36–25:22
• Claude Rains’ Reflection: 25:22–27:09

Summary Table

| Timestamp | Event/Speaker | Key Point / Quote | |------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:56 | Host / Narrator | Introduction of Claude Rains and “Murder in the Big Bo” | | 04:42 | Mrs. Bradham, Grodman | Constance’s body found – locked room, suspected murder/suicide | | 07:41 | Grodman | “A man that slashes his own throat hasn’t time to conceal...” | | 13:32 | Mortlake / Grodman | Mortlake admits lying; suspicion increases | | 19:14 | Grodman | Appeal to Home Secretary: miscarriage of justice | | 22:36 | Grodman, Mrs. Bradham | Dramatic reveal: Grodman confesses to the crime | | 25:42 | Claude Rains | Personal reflection on becoming American citizen |

Tone and Style

The episode is imbued with classic British wit, a dash of cynicism, and a moral undertow about the dangers of professional ego. The dialogue is brisk, formal, and laced with dry humor, especially in the exchanges between Grodman and Inspector Corley.

For Listeners New and Old

This episode exemplifies the captivating “locked-room” mystery, steeped in vintage radio charm, and capped by a profound meditation on patriotism by one of cinema's greats, Claude Rains.

Perfect for: Fans of classic detective fiction, lovers of old-time radio, or anyone intrigued by clever plots, charismatic characters, and a twist ending that still packs a punch decades later.