Old Time Radio Nero Wolfe: "The Case of the Calculated Risk"

Podcast Information

• Title: Old Time Radio Nero Wolfe
• Host: Adam Graham
• Episode: "The Case of the Calculated Risk"
• Release Date: October 7, 2024
• Description: Join Adam Graham, host of the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, as he presents all existing old-time radio episodes of Nero Wolfe, including rare 1940s episodes and the 25 Sidney Greenstreet Adventures of Nero Wolfe. Follow Rex Stout's renowned detective, Nero Wolfe, and his assistant Archie Goodwin as they solve intricate crimes from the comfort of Wolfe's New York City brownstone.

Introduction

In "The Case of the Calculated Risk," listeners are plunged into a gripping narrative where justice, revenge, and deception intertwine. This episode showcases Nero Wolfe's unparalleled deductive skills alongside Archie Goodwin's resourcefulness, unraveling a complex plot that spans decades and continents.

Plot Overview

The episode commences with Dave Caffrey, a desperate man intent on avenging his friend Mitch's murder. [03:17] Caffrey approaches Nero Wolfe with a chilling confession: "Tomorrow morning, Mr. Wolf, I'm going to kill a man with these two hands." [04:55] He elaborates on a past partnership gone awry, involving three businessmen—Carl, Mitch, and himself—that led to Mitch's untimely death. Caffrey reveals his mission to eliminate Carl, asserting, "This guy deserves to die. I plan to kill him with these two hands." [05:27]

As Caffrey disappears from Nero Wolfe's office, tragedy strikes when he is found murdered himself in a subway washroom—victim to a brutal mugging [11:44]. Wolfe and Archie are thrust into the mystery, prompted by Caffrey's cryptic instructions to safeguard justice should anything happen to him. The duo embarks on a relentless pursuit to locate Carl, uncovering a web of lies and deceit.

Key Characters

• Nero Wolfe: The brilliant, eccentric detective who rarely leaves his brownstone but possesses an uncanny ability to solve the most perplexing cases.

• Archie Goodwin: Wolfe's witty and proactive assistant, instrumental in field investigations and liaison with law enforcement.

• Dave Caffrey: A man burdened by revenge, whose quest to avenge his friend's murder sets the episode's events in motion.

• Carl McLean (a.k.a. Philip Tesreau, J.P. Tinsley): The primary antagonist, a cunning and evasive individual with a murky past and multiple aliases.

• Helen Tunis: Carson McLean's secretary, whose witness testimony becomes pivotal in unraveling the truth.

Main Discussions and Climax

The investigation reveals that the partnership between Dave, Carl, and Mitch collapsed under financial strain. A pivotal scene involves card manipulation and betrayal, where Carl marks the cards to secure his position, leading to Mitch's murder [08:05].

As Wolfe and Archie sift through possible suspects, they narrow down Carl McLean's identity, deliberating his background and alibis. The tension escalates when Helen Tunis, linked to McLean, is found strangled, deepening the mystery and implying a pattern of calculated eliminations [23:33].

The climax unfolds in Wolfe's office, where McLean confronts Wolfe and Archie, brandishing a silenced gun and attempting to flee with $90,000 and a plane ticket to Buenos Aires [24:12]. In a masterful exchange, Wolfe and Archie outmaneuver McLean, ensuring his capture without resorting to violence. Archie leverages his wit to stall McLean, culminating in the antagonist's surrender [29:35-30:02].

Themes and Insights

"The Case of the Calculated Risk" delves into themes of vengeance, justice, and the complexities of human morality. Dave Caffrey's unwavering desire for retribution contrasts with Nero Wolfe's methodical and rational approach to solving crimes, highlighting different facets of seeking justice.

The episode also explores deception and identity, as characters like Carl McLean use aliases to mask their true selves, presenting a challenge for Wolfe's keen observational skills.

Conclusion

In the resolution, Carl McLean is apprehended, bringing closure to both the immediate tragedy of Mitch's and Caffrey's deaths and the broader pattern of unaddressed killings. Wolfe's ingenuity and Archie's tenacity underscore the duo's effectiveness in maintaining order and delivering justice in a chaotic world.

Notable Quotes

• Dave Caffrey: "Tomorrow morning, Mr. Wolf, I'm going to kill a man with these two hands." [04:55]

• Archie Goodwin: "I've been told strange things across this desk, Mr. Gaffery. This is the first time a murderer has confided his intention to me in advance." [05:02]

• Carl McLean: "I'm buying time, Wolf. I've 90,000 in small bills in that bag there. Plus a plane ticket to Buenos Aires." [25:58]

• Nero Wolfe: "We are going going to find Carl, Archie. We are going to find him. If he takes him now till doomsday." [12:38]

• Archie Goodwin: "A better choice, but still a dubious one. I am fat, exceedingly fat, and for perhaps the first time in my life I am thoroughly grateful for that." [28:17]

• Carl McLean: "You actually think he can knock the two of us off?" [26:27]

Conclusion

"The Case of the Calculated Risk" stands out as a testament to Nero Wolfe's detective prowess and the dynamic partnership with Archie Goodwin. Through intricate plotting and compelling character interactions, the episode captivates listeners, delivering a satisfying blend of suspense, intellect, and timeless detective storytelling.

Listeners who revel in classic detective tales will find "The Case of the Calculated Risk" a compelling addition to the Nero Wolfe saga, showcasing the enduring appeal of Rex Stout's beloved characters.