Tonight At 9-30 45-02-02 Ep04 Murder Of William Latham

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Murder Of William Latham" - Harold's Old Time Radio Ep04

---

Introduction

In Episode 04 of Harold's Old Time Radio titled "Murder Of William Latham," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a gripping murder mystery set in San Francisco. Released on February 23, 2025, this episode masterfully weaves suspense, deception, and revelation, showcasing the talents of a stellar cast including Jim Garthwaite, Lou Tobin, Ray Lewis, Everett Glass, Phyllis Newman, and Earl Lee.

---

Characters

• Henry Beale (Jim Garthwaite): An employee of William Latham, initially suspected of the murder.
• Barlow Moxon (Lou Tobin): A mysterious figure who claims to know the murderer.
• District Attorney Robert Doyle (Ray Lewis): The determined prosecutor leading the investigation.
• Lawrence Murdoch (Everett Glass): Another employee of Latham, under suspicion due to financial motives.
• Betty Murdoch (Phyllis Newman): Lawrence Murdoch's teenage daughter, inadvertently caught in the investigation.
• Old Stage Doorkeeper (Earl Lee): The narrator who sets the scene for the drama.

---

Plot Summary

Setting the Stage (00:01 - 02:02): The episode opens with the Old Stage Doorkeeper introducing the night’s play—a district attorney drama titled "The Murder of William Latham." He reminisces about notable actors who could have portrayed the characters, setting a nostalgic tone before diving into the mystery.

The Accusation (02:21 - 06:25): Henry Beale visits Barlow Moxon with anxious anticipation. Barlow accuses Henry of murdering William Latham, asserting, "Henry Beale murdered William Latham" (00:34). Despite Henry’s initial skepticism and insistence on his innocence, Barlow details his firsthand observation of Henry murdering Latham with a revolver butt (09:16).

Confrontation and Twists (06:25 - 12:21): Barlow reveals his pursuit of Henry after witnessing the murder, leading to the discovery of the murder weapon incriminating Henry. Surprisingly, Barlow demands half of Lawrence Murdoch's mortgage money as a price for his silence, hinting at a deeper conspiracy (11:10). This revelation shifts suspicion towards Lawrence Murdoch, especially after the District Attorney receives an anonymous letter implicating him.

Lawrence Murdoch’s Interrogation (12:21 - 22:16): District Attorney Doyle interrogates Lawrence Murdoch, revealing his detailed interactions and financial struggles with Latham. Notably, Lawrence recounts his family's collective effort to pay off the mortgage, emphasizing the tension: "He dominated me. Domineered and kept my nose to the grindstone" (14:43). Discrepancies in Lawrence's statements about his whereabouts the night of the murder emerge, leading Doyle to doubt his innocence.

Henry Beale’s Deception (22:16 - 26:10): Further interrogation exposes that both Lawrence Murdoch and Henry Beale were present at Latham’s office on the night of the murder, contradicting their previous statements. Henry attempts to deflect suspicion onto Barlow Moxon, claiming Moxon had motives and evidence against him, but Doyle remains skeptical and proceeds to summon Judge Baker (25:46).

Climactic Revelation (26:10 - 28:19): As tensions peak, Henry Beale returns with Lawrence and Betty Murdoch. District Attorney Doyle unveils the evidence collected by Henry, including the incriminating $5,000, the $10 bill from Betty, and the revolver, all linked to Barlow Moxon. Confronted with undeniable proof, Barlow is arrested, revealing his manipulative scheme to frame Lawrence Murdoch and eliminate Latham for financial gain. The episode concludes with Doyle ensuring justice is served, while Henry asserts his desire to see justice done.

---

Key Scenes and Notable Quotes

1. Initial Accusation:

   • Barlow Moxon (02:43): "I have positive knowledge who murdered William Latham."

2. Henry’s Defense:

   • Henry Beale (05:05): "I have only to say that this mad story you have concocted proves itself a lie from beginning to end." (08:53)

3. Mounting Suspicion:

   • Barlow Moxon (11:17): "I have sent for you to come all the way to my office."

4. Lawrence’s Financial Struggles:

   • Lawrence Murdoch (14:43): "He dominated me. Domineered and kept my nose to the grindstone."

5. Climactic Evidence Unveiled:

   • District Attorney Doyle (27:08): "These things were found in the safe of one Mr. Barlow Moxon in the Herald building."

6. Final Confrontation:

   • Henry Beale (25:33): "I'll not argue. I'm willing to wager that if you search Barlow Moxon's Office, you'll find paper to match the paper on which your anonymous letter was written."

---

Conclusion

"Murder Of William Latham" is a quintessential Golden Age radio drama that intricately builds suspense through character development and unexpected twists. The episode skillfully navigates themes of deceit, financial desperation, and the quest for justice. With memorable dialogues and a well-crafted plot, it captivates listeners, ensuring that those unfamiliar with the episode will find the summary both comprehensive and engaging.

Tune in next Friday night at 9:30 for another enthralling radio drama from Harold's Old Time Radio, where nostalgia meets mystery in the heart of San Francisco.

---

Notable Contributors:

• Jim Garthwaite as Henry Beale
• Lou Tobin as Barlow Moxon
• Ray Lewis as District Attorney Robert Doyle
• Everett Glass as Lawrence Murdoch
• Phyllis Newman as Betty Murdoch
• Earl Lee as Old Stage Doorkeeper

---

Produced and directed by Samuel Dixon, "Murder Of William Latham" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic radio dramas.

Transcript

[Old Stage Doorkeeper]

Tonight at 9:30, a radio drama from San Francisco, the City Theater people call the best theater town in the country. Now here's dad, the old stage doorkeeper, to tell you about tonight's play.

[Narrator]

Well, sir, we got the kind of a district attorney drama tonight that used to be mighty popular on the Rialto. And in all the one night stands from Albany, New York to the Baldwin Theater down on Market street just off of Powell. I was thinking going through the rehearsal of tonight's show, what a fine, outstanding job William Lakai would have turned in on it. Or maybe Walker Whiteside or Holbrook Blinn. I remember when he. Holbrook Blinn used to live in the Montrose Hotel on Van Ness Avenue with his ma. That was in the days before he got to be leading man for Mrs. Fisk. Theodore Roberts was around the city in those days too Horrifying. His respectable family because he wanted to be an actor. Wanted that ever since he was a schoolboy in boys High school that later got called Lowell High School. Well, he got to be a mighty fine actor. I saw him in to have and to hold at the old Columbia and a great show it was. But then like a lot of others, he shifted to Hollywood and we sort of lost touch. But now I want to tell you about tonight's drama. It's a murder mystery. Henry Beale murdered William Latham. Now you want to keep that clear in your mind all the time. Henry Beale did murder William Latham. Latham loaned money on second mortgages and had plenty of enemies. But Henry Beale murdered him. Then one night he, Henry Beale got a straight from the shoulder command to come to a certain office in the Herald building.

[Barlow Moxon]

Come in.

[Henry Beale]

Mr. Moxon?

[Barlow Moxon]

Yes. I'm Barlow Moxon.

[Henry Beale]

I am Henry Beale.

[Barlow Moxon]

Yes. Have a chair, Mr. Beale.

[Henry Beale]

Thanks.

[Barlow Moxon]

Will you smoke?

[Henry Beale]

Thanks. I'm anxious to hear what information you have, Mr. Moxon. I came over as quickly as I could.

[Barlow Moxon]

As I told you on the telephone, Mr. Beale, I have positive knowledge who murdered William Latham.

[Henry Beale]

It will be a great relief. The police have made no progress.

[Barlow Moxon]

And while Latham was a hard man and may have had many enemies, he nonetheless was a prominent businessman.

[Henry Beale]

The public won't be satisfied until at least a motive for the crime is discovered.

[Barlow Moxon]

That is exactly the way I feel about it, Mr. Beale. You were in William Latham's employ for many years. You'll pardon my asking questions, but I believe you'll feel I'm justified when you hear what I have to tell you.

[Henry Beale]

I hope you won't hesitate to ask me anything you wish. Anything I can do to help clear up the mystery.

[Barlow Moxon]

How long did you work for Latham?

[Henry Beale]

I was in Mr. Latham's employ for 15 years. I went to work for him when I was 20.

[Barlow Moxon]

And in that time you doubtless have met many men who might have desired his death.

[Henry Beale]

Yes and no. I mean by that and as I said before, Latham had enemies.

[Barlow Moxon]

Exactly. Then no doubt you have thought of numerous men who might have done the murder.

[Henry Beale]

No, I wouldn't say that. I have known and do know men who are antagonistic toward him. But I wouldn't think of even naming them unless there was something concrete on which I might base a suspicion. It wouldn't be fair.

[Barlow Moxon]

It's a broad minded attitude, entirely commendable.

[Henry Beale]

I only do as any other would do in my place. After all, life is a struggle and I believe in helping my fellow men when I can instead of making life harder for them.

[Barlow Moxon]

It's too bad more men don't take that attitude.

[Henry Beale]

I wouldn't say that. By and large, I think humanity isn't quite as bad as it's cracked up to be. But you didn't send for me to listen to me discuss mankind. You said, I believe that you had information that might lead to the apprehension of the murderer.

[Barlow Moxon]

I said I have positive knowledge of who murdered William Latham.

[Henry Beale]

Thank goodness.

[Barlow Moxon]

I was sure you'd say that.

[Henry Beale]

I am Tremendously interested, Mr. Moxon. Are you willing to tell me what you know?

[Barlow Moxon]

That is why I sent for you, Mr. Beale. You murdered William Latham. You say you murdered William Latham.

[Henry Beale]

Is this a joke or. Of course it's not a joke. Men don't joke about such things.

[Barlow Moxon]

I quite agree with you.

[Henry Beale]

Then why you're mad. Mad? Oh no, I shouldn't say that. Obviously you've come by some piece of knowledge that has confused you.

[Barlow Moxon]

Just take my advice and keep cool. Mr. Beale.

[Henry Beale]

I assure you I am cool. That is as cool as a man could be expected to be after listening to the absurd statement you've just made. I. I hardly know what to say.

[Barlow Moxon]

I would advise your saying nothing.

[Henry Beale]

Mr. Moxon, I am a highly respected citizen of this city. I've always tried to do my duty to my fellow men in the 15 years that I have labored honorably.

[Barlow Moxon]

Beale, stow it. You'll make me feel sick when you spout that stuff. Come here.

[Henry Beale]

What do you mean?

[Barlow Moxon]

You understand English, don't you? Come here.

[Henry Beale]

Am I to understand that you are threatening me?

[Barlow Moxon]

No, you're not to understand anything you don't want to understand. Just come here while I pull up this blind. I object to this object and be hanged. Beale, I want you to look out of my window.

[Henry Beale]

I suppose one humors a madman.

[Barlow Moxon]

You're showing a flash of wisdom. Now listen to what I have to say. Three weeks ago tonight, I sat at this window, thinking. You see, I'm like you, Beale. I like to meditate about mankind now and then, too.

[Henry Beale]

Please get to the point, Mr. Moxon.

[Barlow Moxon]

With pleasure. I sat at this window meditating. My lights were out. I meditate best in the dark. And as I sat here, Beale, it must have been about 3:00 in the morning, I became interested in the fact that my neighbor. In that window across there. No, the one directly in front of us. The fact that my neighbor was also meditating at 3 o'clock in the morning. My neighbor was William Latham. You mean to say I watched William Latham and realized that he'd fallen asleep? I knew he was asleep, not dead, because now and then his hand would lift to brush a fly from his nose. There was one very persistent fly. I was amused watching it. But my dear man, picture my surprise when I saw the door in back of William Latham open. Open very slowly. I almost expected to see a ghost come in. But it wasn't a ghost, Biel. It was you. You see, thinking about mankind. I have noticed you very often in the past years. I knew you at once.

[Henry Beale]

I went there to check up on some unfinished business.

[Barlow Moxon]

I have no doubt of it. However, when the coroner questioned you and the other employees, you stated that you had not been in the building after 6:00 the night of the murder.

[Henry Beale]

Well, Mr. Moxon? And what else did you see?

[Barlow Moxon]

Practically nothing. I saw you awaken William Latham. I watched the two of you talking and regretted that I couldn't hear what you said. Then I saw you draw a revolver, Beale. I saw you pointed at Latham. I saw him go to the small wall safe, open it and take out a fat wad of cash. That was the night, incidentally, of the afternoon on which Lawrence Murdoch paid Latham $10,000 in cash, in full settlement of the mortgage on his home. Murdoch acknowledged to the coroner's jury that he'd paid the money, but it was missing when the office was searched after the murder.

[Henry Beale]

Are you finished?

[Barlow Moxon]

Not quite. I saw you kill Latham.

[Henry Beale]

And now are you finished?

[Barlow Moxon]

Yes, now I'm finished.

[Henry Beale]

And I have only to say that this mad story you have concocted proves itself a lie from beginning to end. Why I'm interested because notwithstanding the fact that you say I had a gun, William Latham was Not shot to death. He died by a blow with a blunt instrument hit behind the ear, according to the coroner's finding.

[Barlow Moxon]

Certainly you were taking no chances of a bullet being traced. With your gun held to his head. You, Mr. Beale, in cold blood, walked around the back of William Latham and felled him with the butt end of your gun.

[Henry Beale]

If everything you said was. Was true, no man on earth would believe you.

[Barlow Moxon]

Not without proof.

[Henry Beale]

And I suppose you have proof?

[Barlow Moxon]

Certainly. Unless I had definite and tangible proof, I never would have dreamed of bothering you, Mr. Beale, by asking you to come all the way to my office.

[Henry Beale]

Just leave out the sarcasm.

[Barlow Moxon]

Very well. When I saw you strike that blow from behind, frankly, my blood boiled at the inhumanity of mankind. I went immediately to the street. I stood in the shadow of the entrance to your building. I saw you come out, walk quickly away. I followed as quickly. Fortunately, on shoes with rubber heels and soles, I followed you two miles beyond the city limits. I almost lost you once. But in the end, I was successful. You came into a field and tossed the revolver among a mass of undergrowth. I again made use of shadows until you turned in your tracks and started back for the city. Then I recovered your revolver, Mr. Beale. The revolver with the blood of William Latham on the butt. And that revolver, Mr. Beale, bearing no doubt your fingerprints and easily traceable to you, is now in my possession.

[Henry Beale]

Very well. Go ahead. Send for the police.

[Barlow Moxon]

You amaze me, Beale. I have no intention of causing your arrest. After all, I tried to think what I would do if I was in the other fellow's shoes. It's a matter of humanity, Beale.

[Henry Beale]

Just what is your game? What do you want of me? I have no game, to put it bluntly. What is your price?

[Barlow Moxon]

To answer you just as bluntly, one half of Lawrence Murdoch's mortgage money. $5,000.

[Henry Beale]

And if I humor this absurd aberration of yours and pay give you $5,000.

[Barlow Moxon]

Then, Mr. Beale, inasmuch as Mr. Lawrence Murdoch was also an employee of William Latham's, as well as being in his debt for many years and no doubt constantly in dire worry on account of that debt. And in as much as I also chanced to see Mr. Lawrence Murdoch enter William Latham's office just three hours before you did.

[Henry Beale]

You mean to say.

[Barlow Moxon]

I mean to say that while I sat at my window meditating at midnight, I saw Lawrence Murdoch enter the office and enter into a heated discussion with Mr. William Latham. Inasmuch as I saw that, Mr. Beale, I feel quite sure that Lawrence Murdoch will be arrested for the murder of Latham within 24 hours after you have handed me $5,000. Will you have another cigarette?

[Narrator]

Now, as I said, Henry Beale murdered William Latham. And three weeks after Beale's talk with Moxon, the District attorney, Robert Doyle, received an anonymous letter incriminating Latham's employee, Lawrence Murdoch.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You will understand, Murdoch, that I am quite within my authority in sending for you. At the same time, I have done so with no idea that you are guilty, but simply to give you every opportunity to explain certain details that need explanation.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I see.

[District Attorney Doyle]

I received, as I told you, an anonymous letter.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Yes.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Now, it is a fact that when sensations such as the Latham murder excite a community, there almost always follows in their wake a flood of anonymous letters. Letters from cranks, letters from publicity seekers. Often letters from innocent people who claim to be guilty. You follow me?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

May I see the letter?

[District Attorney Doyle]

Presently.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

You see, I'm completely in the dark, naturally.

[District Attorney Doyle]

And I don't want to make this any harder for you than necessary. But first I am going to ask you to tell me something about yourself.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

What do you want to know?

[District Attorney Doyle]

I want to know about your background.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

If you'd tell me what you want me to tell you.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You are married, I know that.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I've been married for 20 years. I have four children. Two boys and two girls. You may have heard of my boy Ralph. He made somewhat of a sensation on lady last month.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Yes, yes. Ralph Murdock. Ace Flyers.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

The paper said Ralph is the oldest. Then There's Betty. She's 17. She wants to be a wave. That's what she says. And Bob is 14 and the baby is 10.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Still call him a baby, eh?

[Henry Beale]

It's a girl.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Ruth. Oh, we've never quite got over calling her the baby. Mother and I. I'd call that a.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Very fine American family.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

We've been very happy with them. Of course, we've had our share of troubles.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Money.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

There's always been money worries, you see. Even when things were going well 10 years ago. Well, I guess it was our own fault things were going well. So we built a bigger house than we had a right to.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You were in William Latham's employ at that time?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Yes. And so, naturally, when I had to mortgage the house, I got the money from Latham.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Yes.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

He held the debt before me always. He dominated me. Domineered and kept my nose to the grindstone.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You doubtless could have killed him more than once.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Never a day. But I wished he was.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Go ahead.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Nothing.

[District Attorney Doyle]

What were you going to say, Murdoch?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I wished he was dead. I shouldn't have said that. But it's true. Absolutely true. It was an obsession with me. Even the children hated him. When they were younger, they used to play games about old skinflint Latham, as they called him.

[District Attorney Doyle]

I wonder if it was wise for you to let your children know so much about your personal affairs.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

We're that way. Mother and I never had secrets from them. Now, won't you please tell me. Let me see that anonymous letter.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Just one or two more questions. First, you paid off the mortgage Latham held against you.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Every cent on the day he was killed. I told the coroner that.

[District Attorney Doyle]

I know. The thing that puzzles me is why did you pay so large A sum, $10,000 in currency? An unusual procedure for a businessman. Why not a check?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I can explain. I can explain that all of us were saving the money. It was a fight of the Murdochs against latham. Ralph earned $100 the summer before he enlisted. Gave me $50, half of it. Even Bob earned $10 gardening and added his share. We used to sit around the living room table every day, ever so often. Mother and I and the four children count the money. We were like misers with our hoard. Even Betty. Betty gave me the last $10. That completed the amount. Just $10 she'd won in a magazine contest. First money she'd ever earned. She had mounted it. Mounted it, pasted on a piece of cardboard and framed it. And when we had 9,000, $990, then we had a ceremony. Betty placed her $10 on top of the pile. And that was the night before Latham was killed.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You went to work the next day at the usual time?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Earlier, at 8:30. I was so anxious to hand Latham the money.

[District Attorney Doyle]

And you remained until.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Until 6:00.

[District Attorney Doyle]

And then you went home?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Then I went home.

[District Attorney Doyle]

And remained home the rest of the night.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I remained home the rest of the.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Night and did not return to Latham's office.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I said I remained home the rest of the night.

[District Attorney Doyle]

This. This anonymous letter says, ask Lawrence Murdoch what he was doing in William Latham's office at midnight the night of the murder.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Well, I wasn't there.

[District Attorney Doyle]

The letter says I will present at the proper time definite proof that Lawrence Murdoch was in William Latham's office at midnight the night of the murder.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

But I tell you, man, I. I.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Tell you, I. Murdock, I don't believe you.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

You have no right.

[District Attorney Doyle]

I. Ms. Brown, please send Ms. Murdock in.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Do you mean my daughter? Do you mean Betty is here?

[District Attorney Doyle]

I felt she might be of value to this discussion.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

You had no right to drag my children into this.

[District Attorney Doyle]

I had Every right. I would suggest that you keep yourself as much under control as possible. And I must insist that when your daughter comes in, you do not talk.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

You mean I'm not to talk to her?

[District Attorney Doyle]

I mean, if you make a single false move or try in any way to guide her in any answers she may make to my questions, then you will make it necessary for me to prefer formal charges against you. Come in, Ms. Murdock.

[Betty Murdoch]

Daddy.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Sweetheart.

[Betty Murdoch]

Dad, you look awful. Is anything wrong?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Darling, this is District Attorney Doyle.

[Betty Murdoch]

Hello.

[District Attorney Doyle]

How do you do, my dear?

[Betty Murdoch]

I'm fine, Gaddy. What is all this, sweetheart?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Mr. Doyle. Mr. Doyle wants to ask you a few questions. He thinks. Mr. Doyle thinks he may have some clue that may lead to the arrest of the murderer of Mr. Latham.

[Betty Murdoch]

I hope he doesn't get him.

[District Attorney Doyle]

That, my dear, is the wrong attitude.

[Betty Murdoch]

I don't give a whoop if it's wrong or right.

[District Attorney Doyle]

But you must give a whoop. You have certain duties as a citizen. You can't take the law in your own hands. No man can. You may have disliked this Mr. Latham. Your father has given me every reason to believe you did dislike him. But just so long as a criminal is at large, there is. Yes.

[Betty Murdoch]

Sit down. You look awful.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I will. And you sit on the arm of my chair.

[District Attorney Doyle]

No, that would not be wise. You sit over there, Miss Betty. Yeah, that's better. Now, I'm not going to bother you very much. I'm just going to ask you one or two questions.

[Betty Murdoch]

Okay.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Your father has been telling me about the debt he owed to William Latham. He has also told me that with the splendid aid of every member of his family, debt was paid on the afternoon of the day Latham died.

[Betty Murdoch]

What do you want me to say?

[District Attorney Doyle]

Your father came home as usual for dinner that night.

[Betty Murdoch]

I'll say he did. We had a celebration.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Burned the mortgage and everything.

[Betty Murdoch]

No, we didn't burn it because Daddy hadn't brought it home yet. But we celebrated. All right, then.

[District Attorney Doyle]

I suppose after dinner, to complete the celebration, you went to a show or something.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

You can't do.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Keep still, Murdoch. Go ahead, please, Miss Betty. You went to a show?

[Betty Murdoch]

No, Mother was too tired. She went to sleep in front of the fire and we kids played gin rummy and dad went to the office to. Oh, what are you trying to make me say?

[District Attorney Doyle]

Your father went to the office.

[Betty Murdoch]

No, he didn't. No, he didn't. Daddy stayed home. Daddy stayed home and he didn't go out. I tell you he didn't.

[District Attorney Doyle]

I think that'll be all, Miss Benny. You Run along now. And don't worry. If there's anything more we need you for, we'll send for you.

[Betty Murdoch]

Oh, Daddy, what have I done? What have I done?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Nothing, darling, nothing. Do as Mr. Doyle says. Don't worry. Run along home now. I'll be right along.

[Betty Murdoch]

Oh, Daddy, please, sweetheart. Okay, okay, I'll go. You come right home. Dad. I'll go.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Wilmerdock. Yes.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Yes.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You did go to the office the night of the murder?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Yes.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You were there at midnight?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Yes.

[District Attorney Doyle]

When did you leave there?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

12:15.

[District Attorney Doyle]

The body was found at 8:30 the next morning. The autopsy showed Latham had been dead five hours. That would have meant he was killed at three. Where were you, Murdoch, from midnight until three in the morning?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Home. I can prove it.

[District Attorney Doyle]

I trust you understand the situation. You lied in your statement to the coroner's jury. Under those conditions, I have no alternative but to ask that a warrant be issued for your arrest. Meanwhile, if you can, Murdoch, explain what you went to Latham's office for.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I can explain that he refused to return the mortgage to me until I paid a certain item of interest amounting to $700 that I didn't consider I owed him. That just made me mad. I went to the office to take to steal the mortgage because I considered it belonged to me.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You got there and found Latham?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I didn't know he'd be there. I demanded the mortgage. We argued and he threatened me. And then I threatened him. Then I told him I would never pay him another dollar. And I considered my job with him at an end. And I left.

[District Attorney Doyle]

And nobody saw you come and nobody saw you go?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

You know the offices were in the wholesale district. There's practically no activity in the neighborhood after dark.

[District Attorney Doyle]

And you saw no one?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Go ahead.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

It's not important.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Let me be the judge of that. Who did you see?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

As I was leaving the office, I saw Latham's other clerk, Henry Beale, go into the building.

[District Attorney Doyle]

He did not see you?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I don't think so.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Why didn't you tell me this before? Why didn't you tell the coroner's jury?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I didn't dare. Can't you see I wouldn't dare? The moment I acknowledged I was in the building the night of the murder, I knew to tie me into it in some way. I didn't dare.

[District Attorney Doyle]

But you saw Henry Beale go in as you left.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

I did.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Ms. Brown, get me Henry Beale on the phone.

[Narrator]

Henry Beale murdered William Latham. But the anonymous letter came to the district attorney incriminating Mr. Lawrence Murdoch. The District Attorney cross examined Murdoch and learned that Both him and Henry Beale had been at the murdered man's office at midnight the night of the murder. So the District Attorney sent for Henry Beale.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Mr. Beale, we don't seem to be getting anyplace.

[Henry Beale]

I've told you everything I know.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You say you knew about the trouble Murdoch had with Latham. You knew Latham was in his office the that night, so you went to remonstrate with him.

[Henry Beale]

I only did what any man would do. For another, I feel if we don't do what we can to help our fellow workers.

[District Attorney Doyle]

A very commendable sentiment, Mr. Beale.

[Henry Beale]

It was nothing. Anyone would have done it.

[District Attorney Doyle]

And how soon after you reached the office did you leave it?

[Henry Beale]

I arrived there at approximately 12:15. I left at 12:40.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Bule you've been fairly consistent in your story. What you have told me will, I believe, completely absolve Mr. Lawrence Murdoch of any connection with the crime. However, Mr. Beale, it would appear that it now places you in the position that Mr. Murdoch was in. According to your own statement, you were the last person known to us to have seen William Latham before he was murdered.

[Henry Beale]

Well, that was just my bad luck.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You told the coroner's jury you were not in the office after six o'clock the night of the murder. That was your sworn statement.

[Henry Beale]

Well, certainly no man is going to testify against himself in a crime that he had nothing to do with. Why, the moment I had acknowledged that I would have been incriminated.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Then you agree that your having been in the office that night makes things look bad for you, don't you? I do. In fact, I so assuredly do, that I don't mind telling you, I believe I will have to place you under arrest.

[Henry Beale]

Under arrest?

[District Attorney Doyle]

Under arrest? Unless.

[Henry Beale]

Unless what?

[District Attorney Doyle]

Unless you can think of any other person who might have been responsible for the crime.

[Henry Beale]

Do you mean that?

[District Attorney Doyle]

Certainly. I mean that.

[Henry Beale]

Well, I can.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You mean to say that you can?

[Henry Beale]

I mean to say I would never make trouble for any of my fellow men. But when it comes to my being put on the spot for a crime I never committed, then I'm certainly not going to protect a man who I always felt might be guilty.

[District Attorney Doyle]

I'm waiting.

[Henry Beale]

Go ahead, Mr. District Attorney. William Latham had one enemy who was always trying to get him. A man in a Herald building named Barlow Moxon. His window faced our window in the next building.

[District Attorney Doyle]

You are making a serious accusation.

[Henry Beale]

I make it in the name of humanity.

[District Attorney Doyle]

And to save your own neck.

[Henry Beale]

I'll not argue. I'm willing to wager that if you search Barlow Moxon's Office. You'll find paper to match the paper on which your anonymous letter was written. I'm willing to wager you'll find other things.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Mr. Beale, I am a man of few words and I waste no time. If there is anything in what you say, it will go hard with Barlow Moxon. If there is not, then I assure you, you will have made the case against yourself much more serious. Ms. Brown, get me Judge Baker on the phone.

[Narrator]

Six hours later, Henry Beale, the murderer of William Latham, was in District Attorney Doyle's office with Lawrence Murdoch and Murdoch's daughter Betty.

[Betty Murdoch]

Do you think he's ever coming, dad?

[Lawrence Murdoch]

He'll be here any minute. He. He said we should wait for him. Betty.

[Henry Beale]

Your daughter is getting to be quite a young lady, Murdock. I remember her when she was no bigger than that.

[Betty Murdoch]

Yes, I remind lots of people of that time.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Don't be jumpy, sweetheart.

[Betty Murdoch]

Oh, I'm not. But I wish he'd come. Oh, he's coming.

[District Attorney Doyle]

I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. And I'm glad you're here, Miss Betty. I wish to apologize for leading you into that trap.

[Betty Murdoch]

Oh, I was dumb.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Mr. Doyle, we're all very nervous. Won't you tell us what you've learned?

[District Attorney Doyle]

That is why I've sent for you. Out of fairness to all of you. Mr. Murdoch, I am happy to tell you that your story has been substantiated even to the ten dollar bill your daughter contributed to the mortgage payment.

[Betty Murdoch]

My $10 bill?

[District Attorney Doyle]

It was found with the others. $5,000 of the money, including a $10 bill smeared with paste. Also the revolver with which William Latham was felled. Also the paper on which the anonymous letter was written.

[Lawrence Murdoch]

Where? Can't you tell us?

[Barlow Moxon]

Gosh.

[Betty Murdoch]

My ten dollar bill.

[District Attorney Doyle]

Thanks to the assistance of this gentleman, Mr. Henry Beale. These things were found in the safe of one Mr. Barlow Moxon in the Herald building. Mr. Moxon blustered and made absurd statements to shield himself when confronted. But he has been arrested and will go to trial for the murder of William latham. Thank you, Mr. Beale.

[Henry Beale]

Mr. Doyle. Deep in my heart is only one desire, and that is to see justice done.

[District Attorney Doyle]

I am sure of that, Mr. Beale. I am sure the judge will be interested to hear you say that. The judge, when you and Barlow Moxon appear before him charged with the murder of William Latham.

[Old Stage Doorkeeper]

You have just heard the radio drama the Murder of William Latham, written and directed by Samuel Dixon. In the KPO drama repertoire. Tonight at 9:30. The cast included Jim Garthwaite as Henry Beal, Lou Tobin as Moxon Ray Lewis as the district attorney, Everett Glass as Mr. Murdoch, Phyllis Newman as Betty Murdoch and Earl Lee as the old stage doorkeeper. Be listening next Friday night at 9:30, 30 for the old stage doorkeeper with his memories of the theater in San Francisco as told in these radio dramas. Tonight at 9:30, coming to you from San Francisco's radio.