The Avenger - Cradle of Doom,The

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Avenger – "Cradle of Doom"
Date: March 16, 2026
Show Format: Classic radio mystery drama from the golden age, featuring Jim Brandon (the Avenger) and his quest to fight crime with science and wit, assisted by Fern Collier.

---

Episode Overview

“Cradle of Doom” plunges into an intricate web of betrayal, greed, and manipulation as Jim Brandon—the Avenger—investigates the suspicious commitment of John Martin to a private sanitarium, uncovering a plot even more sinister than first appears. The episode blends old-time radio suspense with clever deductions, as Brandon and Fern untangle a plan involving forged documents, psychiatric malpractice, and family treachery—all culminating in a dramatic showdown.

---

Key Discussion Points and Plot Developments

1. The Mystery is Introduced (03:26–05:52)

• Edith Wiley arrives urgently at Jim Brandon’s lab, desperate for help: her fiancé, John Martin, has been falsely declared insane and committed to White Ridge Sanitarium by his own brother, Tobias, who is after the family fortune.
  • Key Insight: Martin Steel Mills fortune at stake; the terms of inheritance make the situation ripe for foul play.
  • Quote (Edith Wiley, 04:15): “John's perfectly sane, Mr. Brandon. But Tobias wants to collect his share of the Martin estate, and this is the method he's using to do it.”

2. Suspicious Sanitarium (06:20–08:04)

• Brandon and Fern drive to the foreboding White Ridge Sanitarium, run by Dr. Marcus Falco and his wife. They are denied entry under the guise of strict rules and patient welfare, which immediately raises Jim’s suspicions.

  • Fern: “Not very hospitable, were they, Jim?” (08:42)
  • Jim: “That place is fortified with regulations, Fern.” (08:44)

3. Deeper Investigation & Nighttime Break-In (10:01–11:14)

• Brandon reveals he’s already checked on Dr. Falco’s legitimacy but agrees with Fern that there is a lot of money at stake and evil can lurk even behind proper credentials.
• Edith suggests a clandestine visit via the fire escape to John’s room, revealing the layout of the sanitarium.

4. John Martin’s Story (11:28–12:33)

• John Martin explains how his brother manipulated circumstances to have him committed, enabling full control over company dividends.
  • Insight: The perfect alibi—John declared mad, Tobias collects the profits.
  • Quote (John Martin, 11:43): “Dr. Falco examined me and declared me mentally incompetent. You can judge for yourself whether that's true.”

5. The Medical and Legal Tangle (12:33–14:53)

• Jim seeks out John’s childhood physician, Dr. Myers, to get evidence of John’s sanity. After confronting Dr. Falco, the group secures commitment papers signed by Tobias Martin.
  • Dr. Falco: “Yes. Help me examine the other furniture, Joanna.” (22:42)
• Tensions rise as the forged signature comes under scrutiny.

6. The Tower Room and Deadly Experiment (19:44–23:18)

• Dr. Falco’s experimental treatment is revealed: a tower room sized as a cradle, mechanically rocked to regress patients to an infantile mental state.
  • Quote (Dr. Falco, 21:18): “Let the mind revert to the tranquility and do the peace it knew in babyhood. Then it must be built up again."
• In a twist, Falco and his wife are locked in the tower room as the motor is turned on, killing them as the rocking throws heavy, unclamped furniture around the space.

7. The Unraveling of Johns and Edith’s Scheme (27:04–28:54)

• At Edith’s cottage, it’s revealed that John, Edith, and Burton (Tobias’s secretary) had orchestrated the entire plot, careful to make Falco’s death look like a suicide and to pin guilt on Tobias.
  • Quote (Edith Wiley, 27:49): “...and you and I in complete control of the Martin millions. Wonderful, John. Except for one thing.”
• The Avenger—cloaked in invisibility—overhears their confessions and reveals himself only after they’ve incriminated themselves:
  • Quote (The Avenger, 28:33): “You can’t see the Avenger? Edith Worthy, the Avenger? I came to inform you of a forgotten clue, but you have obliged me with a complete confessional.”

8. How the Plot Was Unraveled (30:37–32:48)

• Jim and Fern wrap up, explaining that it was a strip of cellulose tape that unlocked the whole scheme:

  • John used it to keep the door to his room unlocked when needed, fooling the staff.

  • Edith and John coordinated warnings via fire escape.

  • The suicide was staged to protect their own guilt and frame Tobias.

  • Quote (Jim Brandon, 31:40): “Of course, it was part of his plan to be found locked inside then. But when he wanted the door to remain unlocked, he stretched the cellulose tape across the part of the door frame that the lock fitted into.”

---

Memorable Quotes & Moments (With Timestamps)

• On John’s Commitment:
  • Edith Wiley (04:15): “John's perfectly sane, Mr. Brandon. But Tobias wants to collect his share of the Martin estate, and this is the method he's using to do it.”
• On Doctor Falco’s Experiment:
  • Dr. Marcus Falco (21:18): “Let the mind revert to the tranquility and do the peace it knew in babyhood. Then it must be built up again from there. Stronger, firmer, more assured.”
• Falco’s Downfall and Edith’s Betrayal:
  • Edith Wiley (27:49): "...and you and I in complete control of the Martin millions. Wonderful, John. Except for one thing."
• The Avenger’s Classic Reveal:
  • The Avenger (28:33): “You can't see the Avenger?...I came to inform you of a forgotten clue, but you have obliged me with a complete confessional.”
• The Case’s Solution:
  • Jim Brandon (31:40): “...when he wanted the door to remain unlocked, he stretched the cellulose tape across the part of the door frame that the lock fitted into. It wasn't noticeable and it prevented the lock from catching...”

---

Major Segment Timestamps (Approximate)

• [03:26] – Edith brings the case to Jim Brandon
• [06:20] – First approach to White Ridge; denied entry by Dr. Falco
• [10:01] – Brandon and Fern reflect on Dr. Falco’s credentials and motivations
• [11:28] – John Martin tells his story
• [12:33] – Discussion with Inspector; obtaining commitment papers
• [19:44] – The Falcos discuss his experiments and the ominous tower room
• [22:03] – The cradle room is revealed; Falco and his wife are killed
• [27:04] – John and Edith reveal their plan; the Avenger reveals himself
• [30:37] – Final wrap-up; Jim and Fern explain how the plot was unraveled

---

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode maintains classic radio drama suspense, using sharp dialogue, gothic settings (the sanitarium and the tower room), and the voice of reason in the Avenger to guide listeners through twists and turns. The exchanges are brisk, professional, and laced with a mixture of scientific curiosity and detective rigor, true to the era of golden-age radio detectives.

---

Conclusion

“Cradle of Doom” is a masterful blend of melodrama and detective work, exploring themes of family betrayal, medical ethics, and clever criminality. Jim Brandon solves the case not just with gadgets or bravado, but with methodical patience and scientific dry wit—reminding listeners why golden age radio mysteries are so enduring.

For fans of vintage whodunits or those new to The Avenger, this episode delivers atmosphere, intrigue, and a satisfyingly clever solution.

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

Finding great candidates to hire can be like, well, trying to find a needle in a haystack. Sure, you can post your job to some job board, but then all you can do is hope the right person comes along. Which is why you should try ZipRecruiter for free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip ZipRecruiter doesn't depend on candidates finding you. It finds them for you. Its powerful technology identifies people with the right experience and actively invites them to apply to your job. You get qualified candidates fast. So while other companies might deliver a lot of hay, ZipRecruiter finds you what you're looking for. The needle in the Haystack.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

See why 4 out of 5 employers who post a job on ZipRecruiter get

[Narrator/Announcer]

a quality candidate within the first day.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

ZipRecruiter, the smartest way to hire. And right now, you can try ZipRecruiter for free.

[Narrator/Announcer]

That's right, free at ZipRecruiter.com Zip. That's ZipRecruiter.com Zip ZipRecruiter.com Zip.

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

The Avenger.

[The Avenger (voice or thematic interjection)]

The road to crime ends in a trap that just assets crime does not pay.

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

The Avenger, sworn enemy of evil, is actually Jim Brandon, a famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has perfected several inventions to aid him in his crusade against crime as the Avenger. Most remarkable of these inventions is the highly secret diffusion capsule which cloaks him in the black light of invisibility. Brandon's assistant, the beautiful Fern Collier, is the only one who shares his secrets and knows that he is the man the underworld fears as the Avenger. And now, the Avenger and the Cradle of Doom.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, there's a Ms. Edith Wiley here to see you.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Who? Well, you didn't make any appointments for me this morning, did you, hearne?

[Fern Collier]

No, but this girl.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I'm sorry, but we've got to finish these chemical tests today. If it's important, ask her to come back tomorrow at 11.

[Edith Wiley]

Mr. Brandon, excuse me for intruding like this, but you've got to see me now. It's really very important, Ms. Wiley.

[Fern Collier]

Really.

[Edith Wiley]

Listen to me for five minutes, Mr. Brannon, and then I'll go if you want me to.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

All right, Ms. Wylie, sit down and tell me what's on your mind.

[Edith Wiley]

Thank you. I've come about my fiance, John Martin. He's been framed by his brother Tobias and is being held incommunicado at White Ridge.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

White Ridge? Where's that?

[Edith Wiley]

It's a small private sanitarium about three miles from here, out on Larkspur Road.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, I see. You'd better take this down in your book, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Right, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Now, Ms. Wylie, you're telling me your fiance has been committed to White Ridge by his brother?

[Edith Wiley]

Yes. John's perfectly sane, Mr. Brandon. But Tobias wants to collect his share of the Martin estate, and this is the method he's using to do it.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That's a very serious charge. Anyone found guilty of such a crime faces a penalty for kidnapping and extortion.

[Edith Wiley]

I know. Believe me, I wouldn't be making these accusations if I weren't sure.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Exactly what does Tobias Martin stand to gain by this?

[Edith Wiley]

Several million dollars worth of John's holdings. You see, when John's father died about a year ago, he willed an equal share of stock in the Martin Steel Mills to each of his two sons. This stock cannot be sold. But if either of the sons dies or is declared incompetent, the entire holdings pass into the hands of the other brother.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

How long has John been at Whiteridge?

[Edith Wiley]

Almost two weeks.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Why didn't you report it to the police immediately?

[Edith Wiley]

Because I hoped the whole thing would be settled quietly. I thought I could get John out of Whiteridge and placed in my custody. And when that failed, I tried to reach Tobias, reason with him.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You haven't seen Tobias, then?

[Edith Wiley]

No. I went to his home several times, but his secretary told me he was ill. Wouldn't even let me in the house.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Who's in charge of Whiteridge Sanitarium?

[Edith Wiley]

A man by the name of Dr. Marcus Falco and his wife.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Have they many patients?

[Edith Wiley]

Only a few, I think. From what I can gather, the doctor limits his service to the very rich. Mr. Brendan, can you help me? Can you get John out of White Ridge?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, I'll certainly look into them, madam. Miss Wylie, where can I get in touch with you?

[Edith Wiley]

I've taken a little cottage just west of Whitebridge to be near John. 1215 Larkspur Road. The telephone is Larkspur 9000.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Thank you. I'll call you the moment I have anything to report.

[Edith Wiley]

I. I don't know how to thank you, Mr. Gray.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Never mind that, Ms. Wylie. And don't worry. If John Martin is sane, he'll be released, and the law will take care of everything. That must be White Ridge just ahead there, Fern. That big house on the hill surrounded by poplars.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, gosh, it's lovely. Certainly doesn't look like a sanitarium, does it?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, not from the front, anyway. Oh, here's the driveway, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

Considering the close watch the Medical Society keeps on private Sanitariums. How could it be possible for a sane person to be committed to one of them?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, an unscrupulous person might manage it somehow, but his chances of getting away with it would be mighty slim.

[Fern Collier]

Of course, there is a possibility that John Martin isn't sane. Edith Wiley could be prejudiced about that.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, that's the reason I want to see and talk with John before I get involved in this. Oh, here we are. You'd better wait here in the car, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

All right.

[Edith Wiley]

What is it, please?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

My name's Brandon. I've come to see John Martin.

[Edith Wiley]

I'm sorry, visitors are not allowed, except on Sunday.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

This is urgent. I'd like to speak to Dr. Falco, please.

[Edith Wiley]

But the doctor's busy. I'm Mrs. Falco. As I said, you may visit Mr. Martin on Sunday. No.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

What is it, you, Honor? Who's at the door?

[Edith Wiley]

A Mr. Brandon to see John Martin. Marquis?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Dr. Palko? Yes.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, this is a matter of extreme importance, Doctor. I must see John Martin at once.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Are you a relative?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, as a matter of fact, no, I'm not.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

The visit is out of the question. We observe rigid rules here, Mr. Brandon. Complete rest and quiet has been prescribed for Mr. Martin.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I suppose Tobias Martin's permission is required in order to see John, right?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Except for the regular visiting hour on Sunday.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I understand. Good day.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Good day.

[Edith Wiley]

Marcus, what is all this interest in John Martin? That, Ms. Wylie. But now this man.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Leave John Martin and his visitors to me. Juana, I know what is best for him.

[Edith Wiley]

That's what you said when you brought him here, but I'm not so sure it's true. I wonder if his brother weren't so rich.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

John Martin is in my career now. Let me deal with him in my own way. Go to the kitchen now. Our patients will be wanting their lunch.

[Fern Collier]

Not very hospitable, were they, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That place is fortified with regulations, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Well, what do we do now? Call Untobias.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, not yet. Let's drive down the road to Ms. Wylie's place. I want to ask her a few more questions.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, do you suppose that Dr. Access

[Edith Wiley]

to affordable credit helps me pay my employees?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

But I don't really need it.

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

Inflation is killing me.

[John Martin]

But who cares? Big retailers are making record profits.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That's why we support the Durbin Marshall credit card bill.

[Fern Collier]

See, banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

This bill would cut the vital resources they need while increasing megastore profits. They deserve it, don't they?

[Public Service Announcer / Advertisement Voice]

Tell Congress, stop the Durbin Marshall money grab for corporate mega store. Stores paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for 15amonth plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to [e-mail]

[Public Service Announcer / Advertisement Voice]

Switch upfront payment of 45 for 3 month plan equivalent to 15 per month required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees, extra fee. Full terms@mint mobile.com could be a phony.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, no, Fern. Not in the usual sense anyway. He's a licensed physician. Took his degree in Vienna 30 years ago.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, you looked him up before we came out here?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Certainly. He's been specializing in psychiatric cases and unusual nerve disorders for the past 10 years.

[Fern Collier]

There's always the chance though, that he may have turned unscrupulous in John Martin's case. There's a lot of money at stake now, Fern.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Don't jump the hurdles before we come to them.

[Fern Collier]

This was Wally's Cottage Gin. 12:15. That was the number. Oh, there she is in the garden. Hello, Miss Wylie. Oh, hello.

[Edith Wiley]

I wasn't expecting to see you so soon. Won't you come in?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Why, no, we haven't time. We've just come from White Ridge.

[Edith Wiley]

Did you see John? How is he, Mr. Brandon?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I don't know. They wouldn't even let me inside the place.

[Edith Wiley]

But you're connected with the police. You could have forced them to let you see him.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, but I understood you wanted this matter handled quietly.

[Edith Wiley]

I do.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Then I suppose I'll have to wait until Sunday to see him.

[Edith Wiley]

You know, there is one way you could talk with John without their knowing it.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Oh, what's that?

[Edith Wiley]

Well, the patient's rooms are all on the second floor in the back of the house. John's room is the one right next to the fire escape. After dark, you could climb up there and talk with him through the bars without anyone knowing it.

[Fern Collier]

That sounds like a good idea, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, I think I'll do that very thing tonight. Thanks, Miss Wylie.

[John Martin]

And that's the whole story, Mr. Brandon. When every other method to get control of my money failed, Tobias framed me into this place. You see, while I'm in here, he has complete control of the Martin Steel Mills and is able to collect the dividends on all my holdings.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

You think Tobias and Dr. Falco are in this thing together, then?

[John Martin]

Well, what Else can I think. Dr. Falco examined me and declared me mentally incompetent. You can judge for yourself whether that's true.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, John, my opinion is all in your favor, but I'm not a doctor, and a layman's judgment in a case of this kind doesn't amount to anything. Only a physician's verdict would stand up in court.

[John Martin]

Well, then go to Dr. Stanley Myers. He's been my doctor since childhood. Less than a month ago, he gave me a complete going over and told me I was in perfect condition. He has a complete case history on me from the time I was six.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That's exactly what we need. I'll go to see Myers first thing in the morning.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

You.

[John Martin]

You think I'll be out of here by tomorrow, then?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, it may take a few days to straighten out the technicalities. You see, I want to make certain your exit from here is strictly legal. Otherwise we might run into trouble when we bring charges against your brother.

[John Martin]

All right, I'll try to be patient. But work as fast as you can, will you, Brandon? This place is worse than a prison. Sometimes. Sometimes I think this Dr. Falco is really trying to drive me mad. All right, Dr. Falco. Now that you know the police are interested in John Martin's case, maybe you'll give us some straight answers.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Oh, of course, Inspector. When Mr. Brandon came here. Yes, the beat.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

He did not.

[John Martin]

Go ahead, Jim. Let's get to the bottom of this.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Dr. Falco, when you examined John Martin two weeks ago, just what did you find wrong with him?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Well, to put it as simply as I can, his symptoms indicate that he is suffering from acute mania. And he has constant hallucinations that border on delusional insanity.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

In other words, you pronounced him dangerously insane and recommended his commitment here at Whiteridge for treatment.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Yes, I. I am sure that any reputable psychiatrist would agree with me in regard to John Martin's symptoms.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Then you won't mind if we take a look at your records, doctor?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

My records, Mr. Brennan?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes. Also the commitment papers bearing the signature of Tobias Martin.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Oh, of course. Naturally, everything was handled in the proper manner. You will not find any irregularities here at White Ridge.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

The papers, please.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

They're in a safe in the adjoining room. I'll get them.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, Inspector, what do you think?

[John Martin]

It's pretty hard to say offhand, Jim. We know Dr. Myers is on the level, and he's willing to swear there's nothing wrong with John Martin. But this Dr. Falco is something else again. He's a smooth operator.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

All right.

[John Martin]

We're Going to have our troubles pinning anything on him, even if he is mixed up in this.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

If tobias Martin brought Dr. Falco out, we'll find some way to prove it, Inspector.

[John Martin]

Yeah. Say, this is some layout. He's got to accommodate three or four patients in.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Here are the papers.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, thank you. Oh, here's the one we're after, Inspector.

[John Martin]

It's signed by Tobias Martin. All right.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Uh huh.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

How many times have you seen Tobias Martin, Dr. Falco? Who?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Only twice. First when he brought John here to be examined, and then again when he committed him.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Take charge of these papers, Inspector. Tobias Martin has a little explaining to do.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

But I tell you, Mr. Martin is ill.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

He can't see anyone.

[John Martin]

Hello. Who are you?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Well, I'm Charles Burton, confidential secretary to tobias Martin.

[John Martin]

Now, Mr. Burton, we're the police. Step aside.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

We're coming in. Liso. Oh, why didn't you say?

[John Martin]

Now, where is Martin?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Well, the room at the top of the stairs. I'll tell him you're coming.

[John Martin]

We'll be right behind you.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Come on, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

It looks like Tobias intends to give us the runaround, Inspector.

[John Martin]

Sick and bad. You think he'd cook up a better dodge than that? Well, have you announced this burden?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Mr. Martin will see you.

[John Martin]

I'll say he will.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

In here, please.

[John Martin]

Ah, Tobias Martin?

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

Yes. What is all this?

[John Martin]

I'm Inspector White. This is Jim Brand. And we'll hear about your brother John.

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

What's he up to now?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

At the moment, he's rather anxious to be released from Dr. Falco's sanitarium.

[John Martin]

Oh, so that's where he is.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Look, Mr. Martin, let's not waste time. You know where your brother is and how he got there. And you probably know what the penalty is for falsely committing a person to an institution of that kind.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

What?

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

What are you talking about?

[John Martin]

This. John Martin's commitment papers, signed by you.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Preposterous.

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

I never signed this paper.

[John Martin]

You deny that's your signature?

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

Well, no, I can't very well deny that.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

It's my writing. All right.

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

To the best of my knowledge, I never laid eyes on this document before.

[John Martin]

Now, what about you, Burton? Do you deny all knowledge of this too? Well, I certainly do.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

That signature must have been Ford's.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

There's one way to prove whether you signed that paper or not, Martin.

[John Martin]

How?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

The signature was witnessed by Dr. Falco. It's just a matter of bringing you two face to face.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

But Mr. Martin is too ill to leave his bed. The doctor left him in my care and I.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, I can't take them. Then we'll bring Dr. Falco here. We'll soon find out who's lying.

[Fern Collier]

Sam.

[Public Service Announcer / Advertisement Voice]

The sun shining, birds are singing, and all feels right in the world.

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

Until the season changes and suddenly you lose your motivation to get out of bed. In fact, one in five people experience some form of depression, no matter the season or time of year.

[Public Service Announcer / Advertisement Voice]

At the American Psychiatric association foundation, our vision is to build a mentally healthy nation for all. Because we want you to live your best life and be your best you all year round.

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

Please visit mentallyhealthynation.org to learn more.

[Podcast Host / Advertisement Voice]

This episode is brought to you by Spreaker, the platform responsible for a rapidly spreading condition known as podcast brain. Symptoms include buying microphones you don't need, explaining RSS feeds to confused relatives, and saying things like, sorry, I can't talk right now, I'm editing audio. If this sounds familiar, you're probably already a podcaster. The good news is Spreaker makes the whole process simple. You record your show, upload it once, and Spreaker distributes it everywhere. People listen. Apple podcasts, Spotify, and about a dozen apps your cousin swears are the next big thing. Even better, Spreaker helps you monetize your show with ads, meaning your podcast might someday pay for, well, more microphones. Start your show [e-mail] spreaker because if you're going to talk to yourself for an hour, you might as well publish it.

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

Now back to the Avenger and the Cradle of Doom.

[Edith Wiley]

You and your secret experiments. You see where they've landed us? Under the surveillance of the police.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Will you keep quiet, Joanna? My experiments have nothing to do with it. The police are merely checking on John Martin.

[Edith Wiley]

That's what you say, Marcus. But how do I know? For years you've kept your experiment a secret from me. That room in the tower that is always locked. And what of that big mortar in the basement, Father, they used?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

I have told you. Just part of my experiment. A wonderful experiment that may be the salvation of all the mental unfortunates in the world.

[Edith Wiley]

I do not believe you, Marcus. I think that you have bartered science or gain. Either that or you yourself are mad.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Joanna.

[Edith Wiley]

Hear me out, Marcus. All these years I've labored at your side. For that I believe to be a great and humane cause. My faith in you was quite complete, but it was all so blind. And you have failed me in it.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

No, I haven't.

[Edith Wiley]

I'm warning you, I will not stand beside you now. The faith. I do not know what they.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Joanna, stop and listen to me for A moment. I have nothing to hide from you or anyone else. It is only that my experiment is in its infancy, and I wish to keep it a secret until its worth was proved. Come to the tower room with me. I will show you. The mind becomes unbalanced. It can no longer cope with the problems and the complexities of life. Therefore, to heal it, one must work backward, smooth away the burdens, lighten all the pressures that experience has inflicted. Let the mind revert to the tranquility and do the peace it knew in babyhood. Then it must be built up again from there. Stronger, firmer, more assured.

[Edith Wiley]

But how can that be done, Marcus? What part did this tower room have in that expense?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Look about you, Joanna.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

This would seem to be an ordinary room. It is furnished so that it would look that way. But it is not. This room is a large sized cradle where my tired patients were rocked into a state of complete relaxation.

[Fern Collier]

Hey. A cradle?

[John Martin]

Yes.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

This entire room is suspended from that ridge pole in the roof. A huge belt line is hooked to that and runs down through that chimney to the motor in the basement. When the motor is turned on, the patient can be rocked without his being conscious of it. And that swaying movement of everything about him produces the same soothing effect as rocking an infant in the crib.

[Edith Wiley]

But what are the furniture?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

It is all clamped to the floor.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Come.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

I. I will show you.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Here.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

This heavy bureau.

[Edith Wiley]

Why, Marcus, those clamps have been broken.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

What?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Yes. Help me examine the other furniture, Joanna.

[Edith Wiley]

Max, someone has closed the door.

[Fern Collier]

Locked it.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

That cannot be.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

The patients are all locked in the rooms. It's locked, all right.

[Edith Wiley]

What are we going to do?

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

I don't know. I can't understand this. Who would want to lock us up in here?

[Edith Wiley]

I'm afraid, Marcus. What if someone turns the motor on? This heavy furniture would mangle us.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Joanna, the cradle. The cradle is rocking. Someone has turned the motor on full force.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Be careful. If you're all.

[Fern Collier]

Help.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Help.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, this place seems to be deserted. Where do you suppose the Falcos are?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I don't know, Fern, but one of them must be around somewhere.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Dr. Falco. Dr. Falco.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Come on, Fern. I don't like the looks of this. We'd better see if John Martin's all right.

[Fern Collier]

Maybe Tobias got word to Dr. Falco and warned him to leave. That way Tobias couldn't be identified as the one who signed the paper.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, we've got Tobias where we want him anyway.

[Fern Collier]

You left the inspector guarding his house, didn't you?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes. He can't get away. Ah, this is John's room. John. John, are you all right?

[John Martin]

Yes, I'm okay.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

What's the matter?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

This is Brandon, John. Have you any idea where the doctor kept his keys?

[John Martin]

Well, no. In his pocket, most likely.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Did Mrs. Falco have a set?

[John Martin]

I suppose so.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

She delivered all our meals.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Run down to the kitchen, Fern. She probably kept them there. If not, look in the library.

[Fern Collier]

Right.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

John, the Falco seem to have fled.

[John Martin]

Fled? Well, that's strange. Up until five minutes ago, I heard terrible noises coming.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

The tower. I'll have a look up there as soon as I get you out of here.

[Fern Collier]

Here, Jim, I found the set of keys in the kitchen.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Good.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Let's see.201. This is the one for John's room. All right, John, come on out.

[John Martin]

What in the world's going on here, Mr. Brandon?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

We don't know yet, John. I think the best thing for you to do is to get out of here. Go down to eat its place.

[John Martin]

Whatever you say, Mr. Brandon. Our way to the editor's for you.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Right.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Now, Fern. Our first stop is the tower.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

Up these stairs.

[Fern Collier]

I can't understand how Tobias and Dr. Falco ever expected to get away with a thing like this.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Jim, everything is beginning to add up a little too neatly. Ah, here's a door. Let's try this.

[Fern Collier]

The key's on the outside, but the door isn't locked. Jim, it's Dr. Falco and his wife.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Don't come inside. Pernicious. I'll see what's happened here. The whole place is a shambles.

[Fern Collier]

Shall I call headquarters, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, not yet. I'd like to investigate this place first. Well, the doctor and his wife are dead all right. Battered to death by this furniture.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, look. That whole room leads to one side.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, and there are clamps on the floor where the furniture belongs. Why, this whole room is suspended from that rich pull. Come on, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, now that you've discovered that motor in the basement and you know how the Falcos were killed, why do you want to examine the rest of the house?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

To find out if any of the patients could have left their rooms.

[Fern Collier]

But they couldn't have. All their rooms have special locks that can only be locked and unlocked from the outside. It must have been suicide, Jim.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, as soon as we finished here in John's room, we'll report.

[Fern Collier]

This doesn't seem to be anything unusual here.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

No, it's exactly like all the others, Jim.

[Fern Collier]

It stands to reason that if the Falcos had been murdered, the tower room would have been locked from the outside. That door Wasn't locked. They could have gotten out if they'd wanted to.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, unless the murderer unlocked the door after they were dead.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, what was that you just picked up?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

A small piece of cellulose tape. It was sticking to the floor here by the door.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I thought it might be a clue.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

It is. Fern, drive into town and call the inspector. Tell him to bring a squad of men out to 1215 Larkspur Road.

[Fern Collier]

What for, Jim?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

The Avenger will deliver a murderer to them there.

[John Martin]

I told you not to worry, Edith. Everything worked out exactly as we planned it. Tobias goose is cooked.

[Edith Wiley]

Now, let me get things straight, John. In order to make the Falco's death look like suicide, you went back after they were dead, unlocked the tower door and left the key on the outside.

[John Martin]

That's right.

[Edith Wiley]

That motor in the basement could be set to stop automatically, couldn't it?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes.

[John Martin]

When I turned it on, I set the automatic stop for 15 minutes. I knew it would take Brandon longer than that to drive to White Ridge from Tobias place.

[Edith Wiley]

The theory the police will go to work on is that when the Falcos realized their complicity, Tobias was known to the police. They took the easiest way out.

[John Martin]

Right. That leaves Tobias holding the bag with a signature to explain and a suicide that the police will explain for him

[Edith Wiley]

and you and I in complete control of the Martin millions. Wonderful, John. Except for one thing.

[John Martin]

You mean Burton?

[Edith Wiley]

Yeah, he's strung along with us all the way so far. But when you're in control of the money, what's to prevent him from trying to blackmail us?

[John Martin]

How can he? We've got too much on him. He not only impersonated Tobias in making all the arrangements with Dr. Falco, but he managed to get Tobias signature on the committal papers by placing it among a stack of form letters. He could get a stiff sentence for that.

[Edith Wiley]

I suppose you're right. John, did you hear a strange noise just now?

[John Martin]

Yes. Seemed to come from that hall door. There's no one there.

[The Avenger (voice or thematic interjection)]

There is someone here. John Martin.

[Fern Collier]

Who is it, John?

[Edith Wiley]

I can't see anyone.

[The Avenger (voice or thematic interjection)]

You can't see the Avenger? Edith Worthy, the Avenger?

[Fern Collier]

Yes.

[The Avenger (voice or thematic interjection)]

I came to inform you of a forgotten clue, but you have obliged me with a complete confessional.

[Dr. Marcus Falco]

A clue. What clue?

[The Avenger (voice or thematic interjection)]

A little strip of cellulose tape. But I think our jury will find it quite big enough to hang you.

[John Martin]

Peters, quick, get the car. We've got to get out of here.

[The Avenger (voice or thematic interjection)]

It's much too late for flight, John. The police have an appointment with you here. And those sirens should tell you that they have arrived to Clif.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Fern. Did you send those notes of Dr. Falco's to the Medical Society?

[Fern Collier]

Yes. Jim, do you think his theories may prove valuable in the treatment of mental cases?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

I'm afraid not, Vern. About the greatest tribute we can pay the old gentleman is to say that he was sincere and idealistic and that his treatments didn't do his patients any harm.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, am I right in believing this case almost had you crying, Uncle?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Well, now that John, Edith and Burton are safely in jail, I think I can risk admitting that it was that

[Fern Collier]

cellulose tape that tipped you off to the whole thing, wasn't it?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes. Up until then, the case against Tobias was practically airt and ingeniously clever. Edith's coming here pleading for help, John obviously sane in the asylum, Tobias signature on the papers, his denial of writing it, and finally, what looked like the suicide of the doctor and his wife.

[Fern Collier]

Yes, but just what did that little piece of tape mean?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

It meant that John Morton had figured out a way to keep the doctor from locking his door whenever it suited his purpose to do so.

[Fern Collier]

But how? Well, John was locked inside his room when he got there.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Of course, it was part of his plan to be found locked inside then. But when he wanted the door to remain unlocked, he stretched the cellulose tape across the part of the door frame that the lock fitted into. It wasn't noticeable and it prevented the lock from catching. When the doctor tried the door, John stood tight against it and held it. And the doctor thought it was locked.

[Fern Collier]

Then all John had to do when he wanted the lock to catch was remove the tape.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Right, Vern.

[Fern Collier]

The but how did John know exactly when to kill Dr. Falco?

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Burton called Edith and told her I was on my way to bring the doctor to identify Tobias. She went to White Ridge and warned John from the fire escape.

[Fern Collier]

And John pretended he was insane when Burton, impersonating Tobias, took him to Dr. Falco to be examined.

[Jim Brandon / The Avenger]

Yes, even the best psychiatrist can sometimes be fooled by a clever patient.

[Fern Collier]

Well, that makes it all clear. Oh, Jim, before you go, will you sign that stack of mail? And you'd better form the habit of reading all your letters before you sign them.

[Narrator / Story Narrator]

All characters, names, places and plots used in the Avenger program are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[The Avenger (voice or thematic interjection)]

This is a thought. A thought, A thought. Remember. Listen for another adventure of the Avenger.