The Falcon 45-11-27 (062) Murder Is A Family Affair

Summary

Podcast Summary: "The Falcon 45-11-27 (062) Murder Is A Family Affair"

Introduction

In the January 27, 2025 release of Harold's Old Time Radio, host Harold takes listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with Episode 062 titled "Murder Is A Family Affair." This thrilling installment of The Falcon series, featuring Michael Waring as the titular freelance detective, delves into a complex family dynamic intertwined with murder, deceit, and unexpected revelations in a deserted New York City.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens on a rainy Tuesday evening in New York, setting a moody backdrop for the unfolding drama. A dark red convertible is parked at the curb with Brenda Sinclair at the wheel, accompanied by her beloved Pekingese, Wang Poo.

Family Tensions and Threats

Brenda Sinclair announces her intention to leave her husband, Ray Sinclair, to embark on a new journey with her child, Danny. The tension escalates as Ray confronts Brenda:

• Brenda Sinclair [02:02]: "Daddy's going to meet us shortly. Then you and Mama are going to go far, far away where nasty men can't find them."

Ray's anger surfaces as he warns Mike Waring to stay away from his wife:

• Ray Sinclair [02:24]: "I thought I warned you to stay away from my wife."

The confrontation culminates in a court scene where Ray is sentenced:

• Sergeant Gleason [02:57]: "Raymond Sinclair, it is the judgment of this court that you be confined to state's penitentiary, and on the night of November 27th, you shall be electrocuted there as provided for by state law. And may God have mercy on your soul."

Danny Sinclair's Struggle

Following Ray's sentencing, Danny Sinclair grapples with his emotions, revealing the family's strained relationships:

• Danny Sinclair [03:27]: "I still killed a man in cold blood. Well, we Sinclairs never did have much luck with our women anyway."

Mike Waring promises to keep an eye on Danny, highlighting his concern for the troubled youth:

• Ray Sinclair [04:28]: "I'm a little worried about Danny. I'm afraid he may go off the deep end after this."

The Murder Investigation Begins

As the story progresses, Brenda reports a suspicious attempt on her life by Danny, who she believes is tormented:

• Brenda Sinclair [05:46]: "We heard the flash on the radio. Where's Danny?"

Mike introduces the central mystery when Danny arrives seemingly unscathed but displays erratic behavior:

• Danny Sinclair [07:08]: "I'm sorry, Gloria."

Tensions rise as Danny reveals he accessed Mike's gun, hinting at impending violence:

• Mike Waring [07:36]: "Danny, I want you to give me that gun."

Confrontation and Revelation

The plot thickens when Sergeant Gleason informs Mike that Danny has murdered Brenda and attempted suicide:

• Sergeant Gleason [16:00]: "Danny just knocked off his sister in law."

Mike's investigation uncovers inconsistencies in Danny's confession, leading him to dissect the events meticulously:

• Mike Waring [26:07]: "That's just it. She wasn't dead then. That bullet didn't touch her. And her mind's crazy."

Through clever deduction, Mike reveals that the missing bullet struck Brenda's dog, Wang Poo, causing Brenda to faint rather than die initially. The true murderer is unveiled as Gloria Sinclair, Brenda's sister-in-law, who manipulated the situation to frame Danny and secure her inheritance:

• Mike Waring [27:11]: "That's right. She killed Brenda."

Climactic Confrontation

In the final act, Mike orchestrates a tense confrontation in his apartment, bringing Sergeant Gleason and Charlie De Silva into the fray. Using psychological tactics, Mike forces Gloria to confess her role in Brenda's murder:

• Mike Waring [28:42]: "It just goes to prove what a terrible thing a guilty conscience can be."

Gloria's motive is laid bare—her desire to eliminate Danny as a threat to her financial gains now that Ray is deceased:

• Mike Waring [29:10]: "When Ray went to the chair, Danny became a rich kid. If anything happened to him, his money would go to Gloria."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Gloria's confession, resolving the tangled web of family betrayal and murder. Mike Waring's keen investigative skills once again bring justice to the forefront, illustrating the timeless appeal of The Falcon series.

Notable Quotes

• Ray Sinclair [02:24]: "I thought I warned you to stay away from my wife."
• Danny Sinclair [03:27]: "I still killed a man in cold blood. Well, we Sinclairs never did have much luck with our women anyway."
• Sergeant Gleason [16:00]: "Danny just knocked off his sister in law."
• Mike Waring [26:07]: "That's just it. She wasn't dead then. That bullet didn't touch her. And her mind's crazy."
• Brenda Sinclair [27:26]: "My goodness. You said him. Then our murderer is a man."
• Mike Waring [29:10]: "When Ray went to the chair, Danny became a rich kid. If anything happened to him, his money would go to Gloria."

Final Thoughts

"Murder Is A Family Affair" masterfully weaves a narrative of familial discord, deception, and detective prowess. Michael Waring's portrayal of The Falcon navigates complex emotional landscapes, ultimately delivering a satisfying resolution that honors the investigative spirit of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Narrator]

How do you make an Airbnb a vrbo Picture a vacation rental with a host who's showing you every room like you've never seen a house before. Now get rid of them. There you go. No host ever. Now it's a vrbo. Make it a vrbo.

[Ray Sinclair]

Avoid five o'clock shadow.

[Advertiser]

Use gem blades. Use gem blades. Use gem blades, gem raisers and gem blades. Present the adventures of the Falcon.

[Mike Waring]

Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon. Oh, Nancy, I'm glad you called. What's on the program for tonight? Well, it sounds like an awfully dead evening, baby, but you can never tell. Tomorrow there may be morning.

[Advertiser]

Once again, gem blades. The razor blades that help you avoid five o'clock shadow bring you the adventures of the Falcon. The Falcon, as you know, is Michael Waring, freelance detective who's always ready with a hand for oppressed men and an eye for repressed women. So join him tonight when the Falcon learns murder is a family affair. It's a rainy Tuesday evening in New York, and the city streets are deserted, save for a dark red convertible which is parked at the curb. And at the wheel sits Brenda Sinclair, fondling her pet Pekingese Wang Poo.

[Brenda Sinclair]

No, no, no, baby. Don't be impatient. Daddy's going to meet us shortly. Then you and Mama are going to go far, far away where nasty men can't find them.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Brenda.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, Kenny, darling.

[Mike Waring]

Have you been waiting long?

[Brenda Sinclair]

It seemed like years.

[Ray Sinclair]

That's just the way I felt in that hallway.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Ray.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Sinclair. Fancy meeting you here.

[Ray Sinclair]

I thought I warned you to stay away from my wife.

[Mike Waring]

Brenda doesn't care about you. She hasn't for years.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Ray, I'm leaving you.

[Ray Sinclair]

Really?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Kenny and I are going away on a little trip.

[Ray Sinclair]

Maybe Kenny is Brenda, but not you.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Ray, put away that gun.

[Mike Waring]

What's the idea, Sinclair?

[Ray Sinclair]

I warned you to stay away from my wife, Kenny, but you wouldn't listen. Ray, maybe this is the only language you can understand.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Ray, don't.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Raymond Sinclair, it is the judgment of this court that you be confined to state's penitentiary, and on the night of November 27th, you shall be electrocuted there as provided for by state law. And may God have mercy on your soul.

[Danny Sinclair]

Sinclair.

[Ray Sinclair]

Yes, sir.

[Danny Sinclair]

Some visitors for you.

[Ray Sinclair]

Hello, Mike. Nancy.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Hello, Ray.

[Mike Waring]

Ray.

[Ray Sinclair]

Have you heard anything yet?

[Brenda Sinclair]

You better tell him, Mike.

[Mike Waring]

Ray, we just got back from seeing the governor.

[Ray Sinclair]

Bad news, Huck?

[Mike Waring]

I'm sorry, fellow.

[Ray Sinclair]

I wasn't very hopeful. No matter how you put it, I still killed a man in cold blood. Well, we Sinclairs never did have much luck with our women anyway.

[Mike Waring]

At least you'll be glad to know your brother Danny broke the jinx.

[Ray Sinclair]

Ah, good for him. Too bad I never got a chance to meet his wife.

[Mike Waring]

What.

[Ray Sinclair]

What do you think of her? Nancy?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Gloria is all right.

[Ray Sinclair]

I'm glad to hear that. Danny deserves the bestie. He's a good kid.

[Mike Waring]

One in a million. He and Gloria are waiting at my apartment.

[Ray Sinclair]

Mike, I wonder if you'd do me a great favor.

[Mike Waring]

You don't have to ask, Ray.

[Ray Sinclair]

I'm a little worried about Danny. I'm afraid he may go off the deep end after this. You know, he always felt that Brenda was responsible for this mess.

[Mike Waring]

I understand.

[Ray Sinclair]

He's just a kid, Mike. He's got screwy ideas. Will you keep an eye on him?

[Mike Waring]

It's a promise, Mike.

[Ray Sinclair]

What time is it?

[Mike Waring]

Almost nine.

[Ray Sinclair]

They say the last 60 minutes are the toughest. Got a cigarette?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, sure. Have one, Nancy.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Yes, please.

[Ray Sinclair]

No, I'm not. Three on a match, Mike. You're. You're gonna stick around for the. I'd like you to very much.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, back already?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, it's all over, Gloria. I know.

[Brenda Sinclair]

We heard the flash on the radio. Where's Danny? In the living room.

[Mike Waring]

How's he taking it?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Not so good, Mike. If he'd only yell or cry, I could understand it. But he just sits there and looks at the wall. He won't even talk to me.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Danny.

[Danny Sinclair]

Hello.

[Mike Waring]

How's the boy?

[Danny Sinclair]

Great.

[Mike Waring]

Danny. I. I can't tell you.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Mike. Mike, maybe Danny would like some coffee.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, that's a swell idea, darling. Why don't you make some?

[Danny Sinclair]

No, don't bother, Nancy.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Danny, for heaven's sake, stop it.

[Danny Sinclair]

I'm sorry, Gloria.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Danny, you've got to stop tormenting yourself. We know what you're going through.

[Danny Sinclair]

No, I don't think you do, Nancy. Mike, did you make all the funeral arrangements?

[Mike Waring]

No. You see, kid, it was kind of taken out of my hands.

[Danny Sinclair]

What do you mean?

[Mike Waring]

Your sister in law, Brenda claimed the body.

[Danny Sinclair]

Oh, good old Brenda. She doesn't miss a trick, does she? I hope there were plenty of sob sisters around to catch her act.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Yes, she ought to get a headline.

[Danny Sinclair]

Out of it and without any effort.

[Mike Waring]

All right, Danny, spill it. What have you got on your mind?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Murder, Danny.

[Danny Sinclair]

That's right, Gloria. I got an appointment with Brenda tonight and I'm afraid she doesn't know about it yet.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Danny, you're not being funny.

[Danny Sinclair]

I didn't intend it to be.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Why don't you get wise to yourself?

[Danny Sinclair]

What?

[Brenda Sinclair]

It's time you grew Up. Try to be a man for a change and not a sniveling brat.

[Danny Sinclair]

Oh, I'm glad to find out what you think of me, Flora.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, Danny, don't you see she's only telling you that for your own good. Don't argue with him, Nancy. It isn't worth the effort. He'll go along all his life feeling sorry for himself, wondering why everybody picks on him. I've seen kids of 10 with more stuff than he's got.

[Danny Sinclair]

Anything else you'd care to add?

[Brenda Sinclair]

No, I've said my piece, Danny. Anytime you want to go, it's perfectly all right with me.

[Danny Sinclair]

Thanks for your permission, dear.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Right. Don't let him.

[Mike Waring]

Danny, we're. Where'd you get that gun? It's yours.

[Danny Sinclair]

I got it out of your desk drawer.

[Mike Waring]

Let me have it.

[Danny Sinclair]

I'm sorry, friend, no can do.

[Mike Waring]

Danny, I want you to give me that gun.

[Danny Sinclair]

Now, Mike, you've been swelling me so. Please don't make me do something I'll be sorry for. Now, stay where you are.

[Mike Waring]

Are you going to give me that gun?

[Danny Sinclair]

I'll come closer next time, Mike.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Danny, listen to me.

[Danny Sinclair]

I have Gloria and I've taken it very much to heart. So I'm just a kid making big talk, am I? Well, watch me change to a man of.

[Advertiser]

Well, now we have to worry about Danny and hope he'll realize that Brenda's not worth shooting. Well, there isn't anything I can do about that. But here's something I can do to help a lot of you who have five o'clock shadow. I can tell you that nine out of ten men will stay face neat right around the clock by shaving the gem way, that is, with a gem razor and a genuine gem blade. I know it takes a definite effort on your part to change your shaving method, but I promise you that if you shave the gem way, your effort will be repaid every day of your life. Gem razors are again available at your dealers. Get one if you haven't won already. And begin immediately to enjoy gem's famous features, such as the clever face fitting bevel which compels you to use the master barber's long gliding stroke. And two, you'll like the way the super keen gem blade gets the beard at skin level so close, clean and comfortable. So try the gem way, won't you? Avoid five o'clock shadow with a gem razor and gem blades. Now back to the adventures of the falcon. It's a few minutes later and in Mike's apartment, the fish falcon and Gloria Listen anxiously while Nancy makes a call.

[Mike Waring]

Well, Nancy.

[Brenda Sinclair]

No, the operator couldn't give me the number, Mike. Now, how are you going to warn Brenda? I really don't see why you people are so concerned. Danny won't do anything.

[Mike Waring]

You're wrong, Gloria.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Look, Mike, I'm married to him. I know how he reacts. Why, Danny could no more kill her than I could. Basically, he's just a sweet kid.

[Mike Waring]

Just a sweet kid bent on murder.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Well, then you think he meant what he said?

[Mike Waring]

Every word.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Well, then why don't you do something?

[Mike Waring]

I'm trying to, Gloria. Now, let me think.

[Brenda Sinclair]

You do that, Mike. But I'm not gonna sit around and wait any longer. I'm going after Danny. Gloria, come back here.

[Mike Waring]

Let her go, darling. It'll give her something to occupy her mind.

[Brenda Sinclair]

But shouldn't we phone the police or something?

[Mike Waring]

I'd rather not. If it ever gets out that Danny's gunning for his sister in law, it'll make a Roman holiday for the newsboys.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Well, what do you think Danny will be doing meanwhile? In case you've forgotten, darling, that boy is wired for sound.

[Mike Waring]

Then suppose we attempt a little short circuiting. Maybe we can still beat him to our apartment. Get your coat, baby. It's worth a try.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Dog. You did miss Brenda, didn't you, baby? Come on, let's see who it is. Darling. Oh, it's you, Da Silva. What do you want?

[Mike Waring]

How can I talk to you when all the time you got that lousy dog in your lap?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Don't speak that way about Wang Poo.

[Mike Waring]

Excuse me, please. Brandon, in the last month you borrowed close to 12 grand from me.

[Brenda Sinclair]

You'll get your money back.

[Mike Waring]

Sure, but when, Brenda?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Any day. As soon as they settle Ray's estate.

[Mike Waring]

I got news for you, darling.

[Brenda Sinclair]

What are you talking about?

[Mike Waring]

Papa didn't leave you a cent.

[Brenda Sinclair]

He. How do you know?

[Mike Waring]

It's my business to know, the dirty double crosser.

[Brenda Sinclair]

And after I gave him the best years of my life.

[Mike Waring]

You know, for a smart dame, Brenda, you don't use your head so good. 12 grand don't mean so much to the silver. Now you like me to call him off, huh?

[Brenda Sinclair]

What's the catch, De Silva? You never gave away anything in your life.

[Mike Waring]

No catch. Just marry me.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Are you kidding?

[Mike Waring]

You could do worse.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Why, you fat slob. I wouldn't have you for all the gold in your teeth.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that same Boots in hockey. You're awful fussy.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Don't make me laugh. Now, go on, get out.

[Mike Waring]

You want to watch your mud, girly. Nobody Ever talks to De Civil like that.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Are you threatening me, you big ape? Come on in.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Brenda.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, why, sugar plums, this is a surprise. It was awfully sweet of you to call. Isn't it Sweet of me, too. Oh, Nancy, I didn't see you.

[Mike Waring]

Are we interrupting something?

[Brenda Sinclair]

No, nothing important. Mr. De Silva was just leaving. Weren't you, fatso?

[Mike Waring]

Have you a little joke? Maybe when you think him up, they won't be so funny.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, there, there, there, darling. Did nasty man frighten mama's big baby? Isn't she sweet, Michael? She's pedigreed, you know. Takes after her mother, doesn't she? Yes. What did you mean by that crack you exactly what you think? Well, Nancy never liked me, Michael. You were the only one who ever understood me.

[Mike Waring]

Yes.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Why, sugar plum.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, come now, Brenda. This is Sugar plum, remember? He knew you when.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Very funny. Well, what do you want? I don't suppose you came around to offer your condolences.

[Mike Waring]

No, but I came around to offer some advice. Your brother in law Danny's gunning for you.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Look, Mike, if that's all you've got to say, you can beat it. Little Brenda can look after herself. All right, darling, let's go.

[Mike Waring]

Okay.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, sugar plum, did Ray leave all his money to Danny?

[Mike Waring]

Why, nothing.

[Brenda Sinclair]

It just dawned on me that my brother in law isn't such a kid at that. He's got possibilities. The right woman could do a lot for him. Maybe the right woman could. But if I were you, I'd forget it, Brenda. But then you're not me, dear. Because what I've forgotten, you'll never learn. Good night, you lovely people. Oh. Oh, there, there, there, sweet. I come to Mama. That's the sweet thing. Mama's little baby was so hungry and I'm going. All right, all right, I'm coming. Danny, darling, I'm so glad you dropped in.

[Danny Sinclair]

Nothing could keep me away.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Here, let me take your coat.

[Danny Sinclair]

Never mind.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Now, Danny, don't be mean to Brenda. Now that poor Ray has gone, that just the two of us left, we've got to look out for one and Danny. Danny, put away that gun. As soon as I finish, you're frightening Wang poo.

[Mike Waring]

What about you, Danny?

[Brenda Sinclair]

You've got to believe me, it wasn't my fault.

[Mike Waring]

You're quite fooled.

[Brenda Sinclair]

You're crazy, Danny. You're crazy. You'll never get away with it. They'll fire you like they did, right?

[Danny Sinclair]

I don't think so.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Danny, please.

[Narrator]

How do you make an Airbnb a vrbo? Imagine trying to get your four best friends to agree on the perfect vacation house. Aisha wants spacious, Abby wants a cowboy tub, and Sophia keeps sharing one that's not available that weekend. Now imagine you have a property comparison tool that makes it easy to compare different houses. Suddenly, four friends who can't agree on an appetizer quickly agree on the perfect house for their trip. Because now it's a vrbo. Wish it was simpler to plan a vacation. Make it a vrbo. How do you make an Airbnb a vrbo? Picture a vacation rental. Now imagine that every time you stay there, you earn rewards toward your next trip. Congrats. Now you're in a vrbo. Make it a vrbo. One keycash is not redeemable for cash and only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.

[Mike Waring]

Mike, I'm worried, but there's no reason to be, Nancy.

[Brenda Sinclair]

When I think of Danny roaming the streets with a gun.

[Mike Waring]

Well, don't you worry about Brenda. That baby can take care of herself.

[Brenda Sinclair]

And don't you know it.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, and don't I know.

[Brenda Sinclair]

And just how well did you know her before she met Ray, darling?

[Mike Waring]

Aha. Saved by the bell. Come in.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Mike. Mike, did you find Danny?

[Mike Waring]

No. Didn't you?

[Brenda Sinclair]

No, I. I looked everywhere. I even went up to Brenda's apartment. Well, there was no answer. Mike, I'm scared.

[Mike Waring]

But there's nothing to be scared about. Excuse me.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Hello, Falcon?

[Mike Waring]

Yes?

[Sergeant Gleason]

This is Jerry Gleeson down at headquarters.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, hi Sergeant. How's tricks?

[Sergeant Gleason]

Well, outside of a couple of twinges in my back, I can't complain. Say, Falcon, you were a friend of Ray Sinclair, weren't you?

[Mike Waring]

That's right.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Then it might interest you to learn that murder runs in the family.

[Mike Waring]

What are you babbling about?

[Sergeant Gleason]

Danny just knocked off his sister in law.

[Mike Waring]

No, there must be some mistake.

[Sergeant Gleason]

There's no mistake. He tried to kill himself afterwards, but he lost his nerve.

[Mike Waring]

Listen, Gleason, hold everything. I'm coming right down.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Take your time, Falcon. There's no hurry. The way it looks now, your friend's gonna be with us for a long, long time. Now check me if I'm wrong, Danny. After you pulled the rod, your sister in law tried to move away from you.

[Danny Sinclair]

That's right.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Whereupon you made a couple of more speeches and then you let fly at her. What'd you do after that?

[Danny Sinclair]

I turned the gun on myself.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Then you passed out?

[Danny Sinclair]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Well, I think that takes care of everything. Now if you'll just sign this. Now what?

[Mike Waring]

At least and tell him to let Me in.

[Sergeant Gleason]

All right, George.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Danny.

[Danny Sinclair]

Hello, Mike.

[Mike Waring]

How do you feel?

[Danny Sinclair]

Oh, all right, I guess.

[Mike Waring]

I want you to tell me exactly what happened.

[Sergeant Gleason]

If you don't mind, Falcon, I was here first. Now, go ahead, kid, sign it.

[Mike Waring]

What's that?

[Sergeant Gleason]

His confession.

[Mike Waring]

Hold it, Danny. Gleason, have you seen Charlie Da Silva?

[Sergeant Gleason]

You mean the loan shark?

[Mike Waring]

Yes. He had a fight with Brenda tonight. She was in hock to him.

[Sergeant Gleason]

I heard all about it. We had him on the carpet an hour ago.

[Mike Waring]

How come you let him go without informing me?

[Sergeant Gleason]

Look, Falcon, I was under the impression the new mayor's name was O'Dwyer.

[Mike Waring]

Well, can't you give me a little time to get all the angles?

[Sergeant Gleason]

Why do you want to give the kid false hopes? We know who killed the dame.

[Mike Waring]

He admits it.

[Danny Sinclair]

He's right, Mike.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Gleason]

And this is the gun you used, ain't it?

[Danny Sinclair]

Yes, sir. I took it from Mike's apartment.

[Mike Waring]

Let's see that.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Anything to waste time.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, that's mine. Only when he took it, it was fully loaded. Say, wait a minute, Danny. How many shots did you fire at Brenda?

[Advertiser]

One.

[Mike Waring]

And one at yourself. Is that right?

[Danny Sinclair]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

And before you left my place, you took a pot shot at me.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Oh, he did, did he?

[Mike Waring]

Now? That's not the point, Gleason. How many shots in all does that make?

[Sergeant Gleason]

Don't tell me. 3.

[Mike Waring]

All right, Einstein, look at this chamber. There are four exploded shells in there. How do you explain that?

[Sergeant Gleason]

It's easy. He shot the girl twice.

[Mike Waring]

Did you find two slugs in her?

[Sergeant Gleason]

Well, no.

[Mike Waring]

Then what happened to the other bullet?

[Sergeant Gleason]

It went wild.

[Danny Sinclair]

No, it didn't. I only shot her once, and then I turned the gun on myself.

[Sergeant Gleason]

You're lying.

[Mike Waring]

Use your head, Gleason. He's admitted killing her. What motive would he have to lie about that missing bullet?

[Sergeant Gleason]

It must be somewhere in her room.

[Mike Waring]

Did any of your boys find it?

[Sergeant Gleason]

What was the point of looking?

[Mike Waring]

And you can't have any objections if I do.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Falcon, will you stop trying to complicate matters?

[Mike Waring]

Come on, Sergeant, be a sport. Give me an hour to look over Brenda's apartment. If I can't find the shell by that time, I'll advise Danny to sign the confession.

[Sergeant Gleason]

There'll be no more horse in the room.

[Mike Waring]

I give you my word.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Okay. Here's the key.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Mike. How much of that hour have we got left?

[Mike Waring]

About 20 minutes.

[Brenda Sinclair]

We'll have to work a lot faster.

[Mike Waring]

Well, there's one sure thing. That slug isn't anywhere on this floor.

[Brenda Sinclair]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Suppose we try to reconstruct what happened How? I'll play Danny and you play Brenda.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, this ought to be fun. What do I do?

[Mike Waring]

Well, according to Danny's story, he was standing over by the sofa. Now, you back away from me as if you were afraid.

[Brenda Sinclair]

You mean light like this?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, that's perfect. I pull out the gun.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Mike, put that thing away.

[Mike Waring]

It's all right, dear. I just want to make this as realistic as possible.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Let's not overdo it. You don't have to point it at me.

[Mike Waring]

Don't haggle, Nancy. Get on with your act. Pretend you're Brenda. Now, what would you say?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Now, you wouldn't shoot poor little me, now, would you, sugar plum?

[Mike Waring]

I certainly will if you continue with that sugar plum routine. Where'd you pick that up?

[Brenda Sinclair]

From Brenda. Oh, the question is, where did she pick it up?

[Mike Waring]

Now, darling, stick to your script. Where were we? Oh, yes. You just finished pleading for your life.

[Brenda Sinclair]

And it's availed me nothing.

[Mike Waring]

Right. So now I shoot. Bang.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Am I dead?

[Mike Waring]

Very. Just crumpled gracefully to the floor. Ah, that's the way.

[Brenda Sinclair]

How do I look as a corpse?

[Mike Waring]

Not so good.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, and I thought I gave a wonderful performance.

[Mike Waring]

No, no. Something's missing.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Did I leave out a sugar plum?

[Mike Waring]

Say, wait a minute. I think I've got it.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Sure.

[Mike Waring]

You know what's wrong with this picture? You didn't have Mike. I heard it. Maybe someone's coming in here. Just stay quiet. Hello, De Silva.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Huh?

[Mike Waring]

I said hello. Now, shut the door and come in. What are you doing here? Since one I gotta answer your questions. Might be smart if you did. See this? Pour that right away. Falk. You're not frightening anybody except me. Nancy, phone Sergeant Gleason. Tell him I'm taking da Silva over to my apartment. Ask him to bring Danny there.

[Brenda Sinclair]

But, Mike, isn't that highly irregular?

[Mike Waring]

Highly. But then, dear, this is a most unconventional murder. You know something, Fulgan? I got a hunch you're gonna be very sorry about this. And I got a hunch De Silva, you may be right. Nancy. That must be Sergeant Gleason. Will you let him in?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Mm. Hello, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Hiya, Nancy.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, and you brought a friend along. How nice.

[Danny Sinclair]

Hiya, Nancy.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Fine. Guess who's here.

[Mike Waring]

What?

[Danny Sinclair]

Gloria. Gloria.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Danny, darling. Now, don't ogle Gleason. It's not polite. Oh, Sergeant, I believe you know Mr. Da Silva.

[Sergeant Gleason]

We've met.

[Mike Waring]

Nancy, will you lock the door, please?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Certainly. Um, what will I do with the key?

[Mike Waring]

Put it where no one can get it.

[Brenda Sinclair]

I know just the place.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Hey, don't do that.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, I'm sorry, Sergeant. It slipped.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Very comical. I know a good one, too. Suppose I tossed you all in the clink?

[Mike Waring]

Relax, Gleason. I'll tell you why Nancy did that.

[Sergeant Gleason]

It better be good.

[Mike Waring]

It is. The killer of Brenda Sinclair is in this room.

[Sergeant Gleason]

You don't have to tell me. I brought him here.

[Mike Waring]

Well, if you did, he's not getting out alive.

[Sergeant Gleason]

What are you talking about?

[Mike Waring]

Why do you think I had Nancy lock that door?

[Sergeant Gleason]

You expect to sweat a confession out of someone?

[Mike Waring]

More than that, Gleason. Give me half an hour and that someone will be sweating blood. Only this time it'll be his own.

[Advertiser]

Well, all I can say is that the Falcon's going to find it slightly grim if he doesn't make good. You know, that's one thing that never worries me when I make statements about the gem way of shaving. Gem always makes good. And now the gem razors are once more available at all dealers. More men than ever before can shave the gem way, and so avoid five o'clock shadow. You know, of course, that to get the best out of your gem razor, you must use gem blades. They fit precisely, shave perfectly. Their super keen deep wedge edge gets the beard at the base clean and close, no topping the beard, no little islands of stubble left on your chin. You get incredibly close smooth shaves, which naturally last much longer. That's why we can say that a gem shave will keep your face socially acceptable right around the clock. So try the gem way of shaving. Avoid five o'clock shadow with a gem razor and gem blades. Now back to the adventures of the falcon. 25 minutes have passed since Mike Waring made his promise to reveal the killer of Brenda Sinclair. And now in the Falcon's apartment.

[Mike Waring]

Well, how about it, folks? Anybody feel like confessing? How about you, Da Silva? They say it's good for the soul. You can go razy. Easy now, fellow.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Look, Falcon, a joke's a joke. But.

[Mike Waring]

But what?

[Sergeant Gleason]

If you don't open that door.

[Mike Waring]

I'm sorry, Gleason. You saw Nancy lose the key. No one's leaving until the murderer confesses.

[Sergeant Gleason]

But Danny killed her, didn't you, kid?

[Danny Sinclair]

Well, I'm not so sure now.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Say, what goes on here?

[Danny Sinclair]

I only fired three shots out of that gun.

[Mike Waring]

So you did. But the chamber shows that four were fired. Maybe you'd like to know what happened to that missing bullet.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Did you find it in Brenda's apartment, Falcon?

[Mike Waring]

No. That's what put me on the right track.

[Sergeant Gleason]

You didn't. So it did. Oh, why didn't I Learn a trade.

[Mike Waring]

Try to visualize this scene, Sergeant. Because this is what must have happened after Danny shot Brenda.

[Sergeant Gleason]

We know she keeled over dead.

[Mike Waring]

That's just it. She wasn't dead then. That bullet didn't touch her. And her mind's crazy. No one ever saw Brenda unless she was caring about that pet Pekingese of hers, Wang Poo. The only thing she was fond of.

[Sergeant Gleason]

So what?

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's where your missing bullet went. It hit the dog.

[Brenda Sinclair]

What?

[Mike Waring]

That's right. And Brenda fainted from sheer fright. As anyone might. But Danny didn't know that. He turned the gun on himself. Next, our murderer enters. He sees bending Danny out cold. So he takes the gun out of Danny's hand and pumps a shot into Brenda. And he exits. But not before he removes the dying dog.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Why?

[Mike Waring]

He had to. Otherwise it would give the whole show away. Am I right, De Silva? How would I know that? That's right, you wouldn't. Come to think of it, you had no real motive to kill Brenda. You wanted either Brenda or the money you loaned her. Well, with her dead, you were out of luck on both counts. So if we want to find our killer, we'll have to look elsewhere for him.

[Brenda Sinclair]

My goodness. You said him. Then our murderer is a man.

[Mike Waring]

That was a figure of speech to her. As it happens, our killer is a woman. Isn't she, Gloria?

[Sergeant Gleason]

What?

[Mike Waring]

That's right. She killed Brenda. What?

[Danny Sinclair]

The whole thing's crazy.

[Mike Waring]

I killed her. No, you only thought you did, Danny. Isn't that right, Gloria?

[Brenda Sinclair]

What am I supposed to do? Break down and confess?

[Mike Waring]

It might help if you want to get out of here.

[Brenda Sinclair]

I'm in no hurry. I can stay all night. I hope your guest room is comfortable.

[Mike Waring]

I'm afraid you'll never live to use it. I see you've got a band aid on your hand. Is that where Wang Poo nipped you when you picked him up?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Will this go on much longer?

[Mike Waring]

Not much. I had some of the blood on Brenda's carpet analyzed. It was dog's blood. And the vet told me that the hound had rabies and whoever handled it was bound to get hydrophobia. Do you ever have hydrophobia, Gloria?

[Brenda Sinclair]

You're not frightening me.

[Mike Waring]

He must have gotten that bite around 10 o'clock. That means the incubation period is almost over. Maybe a half hour more, they tell me, unless you get to a doctor fast. It starts off with a burning sensation. By the way, Gloria, how does that hand feel? Kind of itchy.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Stop. Stop it, Mike. You're not funny.

[Mike Waring]

There's an Awful temptation to scratch it, isn't there? Better watch out for that, darling. That spreads the infection all the faster.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Cut it out. For heaven's sake, cut it out.

[Sergeant Gleason]

Why, Gloria, where are you going?

[Mike Waring]

That door's locked, remember?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Let me out of here. Let me out. I've got to get to a doctor.

[Gloria Sinclair]

Please.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Please let. Michael, there wasn't any blood on Brenda's carpet.

[Mike Waring]

That's right.

[Brenda Sinclair]

And that pooch didn't have rabies.

[Mike Waring]

Of course not. Was a nice touch, though, wasn't it?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, lovely.

[Mike Waring]

It just goes to prove what a terrible thing a guilty conscience can be.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Yes, but I still don't understand why Gloria killed Brenda.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, she didn't intend to. Originally, she thought Danny was going to do it for her. But when he fumbled the ball, she had to do the job herself.

[Brenda Sinclair]

I don't follow you.

[Mike Waring]

Well, Gloria knew the cops would grab Danny for the murder.

[Brenda Sinclair]

You mean she wanted to get rid of him?

[Mike Waring]

That was her fondest desire. When Ray went to the chair, Danny became a rich kid. If anything happened to him, his money.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Would go to Gloria.

[Mike Waring]

Natch. Could you ask for a better motive?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Then when she bawled Danny out before he left.

[Mike Waring]

She was just trying to goad him on.

[Brenda Sinclair]

But, Mike.

[Mike Waring]

Now, darling, I've told you everything.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, no, there's one thing you forgot.

[Mike Waring]

What?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Brenda called you sugar plum. How do you explain that?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, Nancy, let's not go into that now. It's a long story.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Oh, but that's the kind I like best.

[Mike Waring]

Come here, darling.

[Brenda Sinclair]

Now, Michael, stop it. You're not going to get out of it like that.

[Mike Waring]

I didn't intend to, dear. You wanted to hear the story of Brendan Sugarplum?

[Brenda Sinclair]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Well, what you got just then was the prologue.

[Advertiser]

Murder is a Grave Situation. Murder is a Grave Situation. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon, when Mike Waring learns that even those with double trouble can only die once. So be sure and listen next week at this same time to another gay, exciting adventure of the Falcon. And in the meanwhile, avoid five o'clock shadow with a gem razor and gem blades. The Adventures of the Falcon are based on the famous character created by Drexel Drake. James Meehan was starred as the Falcon. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Gloria Sinclair]

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