Nero Wolfe: The Case of the Malevolent Medic

Summary

Old Time Radio Nero Wolfe: "The Case of the Malevolent Medic"

Host/Author: Adam Graham
Release Date: November 5, 2024

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Introduction

In this episode of Old Time Radio Nero Wolfe, host Adam Graham presents "The Case of the Malevolent Medic." This story navigates the intricate dynamics between Nero Wolfe, the renowned sleuth, his assistant Archie Goodwin, and a tangled web of deceit involving medical malpractice and hidden motives. The narrative weaves through the complexities of human emotions, jealousy, and the pursuit of truth within the confines of Wolfe's New York City brownstone.

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Plot Summary

Initial Contact and Suspicion

The story begins with Archie Goodwin receiving a call from Mr. Hal Horton of United Industries, seeking Nero Wolfe's detective services. Initially dismissive, Archie senses urgency as Mr. Horton mentions a possible murder rather than a mere accusation ([04:55]).

Interaction with Dr. Benjamin Sloan

Archie investigates Dr. Benjamin Sloan, the physician involved in the case of Leslie Horton, who died under mysterious circumstances. Sloan's office becomes the focal point as Archie delves deeper into the events leading to Leslie's death.

• Archie's Observation:
  "If you wanted to help your boss, Ms. Banks, you'd stop rushing around and answer a few questions." ([17:33])

Examining the Evidence

Archie inspects the medical records and interviews Nurse Grace Banks, uncovering inconsistencies in the treatment Leslie received. The utilization of a hypodermic needle labeled as containing thiamine chloride raises red flags about potential poisoning ([22:23]).

• Hal Horton's Accusation:
  "The woman was in pain. What's this? Head to feet." ([22:36])

Confrontation and Revelation

As tensions escalate, Hal Horton confronts Dr. Sloan, presenting evidence that suggests both Sloan and Nurse Banks have motives to protect each other, thereby muddying the investigation. Archie discovers a secret compartment in Leslie's handbag containing a hypodermic needle, which becomes pivotal in unraveling the truth ([30:21]).

• Archie's Insight:
  "A man can get annoyed by a note saying his wife never loved him, that all his money isn't enough and that she's going to another man." ([27:21])

The Twist and Conclusion

In a dramatic revelation, Hal Horton exposes that Leslie Horton committed suicide using the hypodermic needle due to a mental breakdown, dispelling the notion of murder. The supposed malevolence of Dr. Sloan is debunked, and the case is closed with Archie and Nero Wolfe reaffirming the innocence of the accused.

• Hal Horton's Final Deduction:
  "Mrs. Horton killed herself while in a confused state following a mental breakdown. The case of the Malevolent Medic is closed." ([30:41])

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Notable Quotes

1. Archie Goodwin on Suspicion:
   "If you wanted to help your boss, Ms. Banks, you'd stop rushing around and answer a few questions."
   — Archie Goodwin ([17:33])

2. Hal Horton on Evidence:
   "The woman was in pain. What's this? Head to feet."
   — Hal Horton ([22:36])

3. Archie's Tactical Insight:
   "A man can get annoyed by a note saying his wife never loved him, that all his money isn't enough and that she's going to another man."
   — Archie Goodwin ([27:21])

4. Hal Horton's Conclusion:
   "Mrs. Horton killed herself while in a confused state following a mental breakdown. The case of the Malevolent Medic is closed."
   — Hal Horton ([30:41])

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Host Commentary and Insights

After the conclusion of the episode, Adam Graham reflects on the narrative, noting an ironic twist in the titling as the medic in question, Dr. Sloan, was ultimately innocent. He commends the storytelling while expressing frustration over the misleading title, emphasizing the importance of accurate representation in mystery narratives.

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Listener Feedback and Interactions

Adam Graham engages with his audience by addressing listener comments and feedback:

• Eugene's Appreciation:
  Eugene expressed gratitude for the podcast and shared his excitement upon recognizing Sidney Greenstreet's voice, connecting it to iconic roles in The Maltese Falcon and Casablanca.
  "I know who Nero Wolf is... I felt smarter, but I still don't know the short guy's name." ([34:09])

• Angie's Enthusiasm:
  Angie shares her deep appreciation for the Nero Wolfe series, recounting her extensive reading and favorite books. She praises the show's insights and provides constructive feedback on voting issues on Podcast Alley.
  "I never miss an episode and I love your comments, always interesting and informative."
  "She wraps up by saying, wow, I'm long winded today." ([34:21])

Adam thanks both listeners, provides solutions for voice identification through resources like radiogoldindex.com, and encourages continued engagement through various platforms.

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Conclusion

"The Case of the Malevolent Medic" offers a compelling narrative that underscores Nero Wolfe's deductive prowess and the intricate interplay of personal motives and professional integrity. Adam Graham successfully captures the essence of old-time radio mysteries, delivering an engaging and thoughtful episode that resonates with both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

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Additional Information

For more episodes and listener interactions, visit radiodetectives.net or follow the podcast on Twitter at @radiodetectives. Engage with the community and explore premium content available through the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon platform.

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This summary is crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode, capturing essential plot points, character interactions, and listener engagements, while adhering to the guidelines of excluding advertisements and non-content segments.

Transcript

[Advertiser 1]

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[Advertiser 2]

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[Unknown]

SA.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, send it to me. Box13REATDetectives.net Cast your vote for the show on podcastally podcast ally.greatdetectives.net and follow us over on Twitter adiodetectives. Well, I said yesterday that I would let you know something after the show about our upcoming program schedule, but I'll just go ahead and mention it before the show. After we finished Nero Wolf and before we did Rogues Gallery, we were going to play the Adventures of Christopher London. However, since then I found two more episodes of Rogues Gallery and if I go in that order, I will push the start of Candy Matson back longer than I want to. So when Nero Wolf when we do the last episode of Nero Wolf in I think it's eight more weeks, then the next Tuesday it'll be Rogues Gallery and we will play Christopher London after Candy Matson. Well, before we do get started with today's episode of Nero Wolf, I do want to let you know about Audible. Audible brings you a great world of audiobooks as well as radio play. Some great Doctor who and Poirot and Miss Marble radio plays produced by the BBC or available for your listening pleasure along with a wide variety of books, thousands of books on topics ranging from politics in the news to religion and science. You can try Audible out free for two weeks and get a free audiobook. Just go to audiblepodcast.com old timeradio now let's get into today's episode of Nero Wolf the Case of the Malevolent Medic.

[Geico Advertiser]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says, happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.

[NBC Announcer]

Stay tuned for Nero Wolf. Transcribed in 30 seconds. Tomorrow you're invited to a one hour concert by the renowned NBC Symphony. The orchestra will be under the direction of Bruno Walter for tomorrow's performance and celebrated violinist Joseph Zaghetti will be featured soloist. Selections for tomorrow include the overture to Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and the same composer's brilliant concerto for violin and orchestra. You're invited every Saturday to a concert by the NBC Symphony. Ladies and gentlemen, the ringing of that phone bell brings you mystery adventure.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nero Wolf's office. Archie Goodwin speaking.

[Hal Horton]

Who?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Hal Horton, United Industries. Oh, I see. Well, I must warn you, Mr. Horton, Mr. Wolf doesn't take kindly to big industrialists. Says their great wealth upsets his digestion. Why do you want to see him? The connection's bad.

[Unknown]

I don't hear.

[Hal Horton]

Who?

[Unknown]

Who?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Horton.

[Hal Horton]

Who?

[Archie Goodwin]

We're cut off.

[Hal Horton]

What is it, Mr. Goodwin?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Hal Horton called.

[Hal Horton]

I understand that. I won't see him. Tell him what money I have to invest I put into orchid plants.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Horton wasn't promoting anything.

[Hal Horton]

And what did he call you for?

[Archie Goodwin]

The great Horton needs a detective. Maybe just my occupational reflex. But I thought he said somebody had been murdered.

[NBC Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, it's that genius who is the bulkiest, balkiest, most ponderous and most brilliant detective in the world. Yes, none other than that chairborne mass of unpredictable intellect, Nero Wolf. Created by Rex Stout and brought to you in a new series of adventures over this NBC network in the person of Mr. Sidney Greenstreet.

[Archie Goodwin]

It turned out that what Horton had said had been murder, which became celebrated in the case of the malevolent. But its solution wasn't a simple matter of following up his accusation. It had false clues mixed all through it like raisins in a pudding. The man we came to know as the malevolent medic was young Dr. Benjamin Sloan. The case began on the sunny afternoon when Grace Banks, his nurse, came into his private office.

[Unknown]

Waiting room's finally empty, I take it.

[Advertiser 1]

Well, there's one more patient. Darling, I'm sorry, doctor. Mrs. Horton's here for another of the thymine chloride shots you ordered for.

[Unknown]

I said you could give her those. Grace, she doesn't have to wait to see me.

[Advertiser 1]

Well, she's hung up her mink coat, parked her orchid and her alligator bag and filled up all the ashtrays with lipstick, cigarette stubs. Mrs. Horton prefers to wait for you. She seems very upset.

[Unknown]

I hoped she'd get hold of herself.

[Advertiser 1]

Mrs. Hal Horton, with all that money, Whatever gives her such jitters? Darling, if I ever get in that condition after we're married, please shoot me.

[Unknown]

I've advised her to go to a specialist. Hers isn't a true medical case. Well, I'll do what I can. Get a needle ready, will you, Grace, and show Mrs. Horton in?

[Advertiser 1]

Yes, darling. I mean, doctor. Mrs. Horton, will you step in now?

[Leslie Horton]

Been in that waiting room for hours, Ben. I wrote you every day this week. Why didn't you answer me?

[Unknown]

You say your health hasn't improved, Leslie.

[Leslie Horton]

I'm worse. Much worse.

[Unknown]

Still chain smoking, drinking and the sleeping pills.

[Leslie Horton]

I have to take something. I can't walk the floor all night, can I? Thinking, thinking.

[Unknown]

Why are you so unhappy, Leslie? You have what you always said you wanted. Money, clothes, excitement.

[Leslie Horton]

You have the right to say that. But don't. Please don't.

[Unknown]

I'm only pointing out facts you should face. I told you from the beginning you need a nerve specialist.

[Leslie Horton]

I need you. Nobody else can help me at all.

[Unknown]

Leslie, you went over this the last time you were here. And in all those letters you've been sending. Now, let's cross it off for good, shall we?

[Leslie Horton]

Don't talk like that. You don't mean it.

[Unknown]

I'm no longer a lovesick dope. And you're the wife of one of the biggest industrialists in the country.

[Leslie Horton]

Yes, Hal Horton. I despise him. He thinks his money makes him God. He thinks he can buy anything that he bought me. He made me think I was getting the world with a fence around it. Everything I want is on the other side of that fence.

[Unknown]

You don't know what you do want.

[Leslie Horton]

I want us the way we used to be.

[Unknown]

Happy.

[Leslie Horton]

In love together.

[Unknown]

Leslie, please be quiet.

[Leslie Horton]

Why?

[Unknown]

Ms. Banks is in the laboratory. She can hear you.

[Advertiser 1]

What of it?

[Leslie Horton]

I'm not ashamed. I'll tell her. I'll tell everybody. Imagine Hal's face when he finds out I'm leaving him. But I'm coming back to you. He already knows about you. I told him you were in love with me, that you're jealous. He doesn't like Leslie.

[NBC Announcer]

You're raving.

[Unknown]

Now, stop it.

[Leslie Horton]

You always said I was the most attractive woman in the world.

[Unknown]

You made your choice. Now get this into your head. I'm really in love. Now, in a few weeks, I'm going to be married. Now, I'll get your medicine.

[Advertiser 1]

So it's really true. You are going to be married.

[Hal Horton]

Yes.

[Leslie Horton]

I heard it, but I didn't believe it. Going to marry a nurse all my friends have known and been laughing at me.

[Unknown]

Please, now, that's enough.

[Leslie Horton]

I made a plan. A wonderful, beautiful plan about us. Ben, you love me. Ben, say you love me.

[Unknown]

Mrs. Horton, that is all over.

[Leslie Horton]

Don't love me no longer.

[Unknown]

You're here as my patient, and that's all. After this treatment, I must ask you to get another doctor.

[Leslie Horton]

Wonderful, beautiful plan for us. And now she threatens to step in and spoil it. Well, maybe I'll spoil a few plans. How would you like that?

[Unknown]

Threats will accomplish nothing.

[Leslie Horton]

I can ruin things for you, Ben. All those fancy ideas of yours about having a fine practice, being a great doctor. Do you want to give those up? I can arrange it so that maybe there won't be any wonderful future for you. Are you prepared to face that possibility? Because I'm prepared to make it a reality. And I mean it. You'll regret this day as long as you live.

[Unknown]

I'll get your medicine, Mrs. Horton.

[Leslie Horton]

Hand me my bag. Thank you. Oh, I hate you, Ben. I hate you both.

[Unknown]

Sorry to have kept you waiting, Mrs. Horton. Ms. Banks had to do a repair job before she could use the sterilizer. Alcohol, Miss Banks?

[Advertiser 1]

Yes, Dr. Sloan. Now, Mrs. Horton, may I help?

[Leslie Horton]

Thanks. So nice of you.

[Advertiser 1]

There. Bright side, for the hypo this time, isn't it? Just touch with his cotton.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Ready?

[Advertiser 1]

Now, Doctor. What's the matter, Mrs. Horton?

[Leslie Horton]

I'm just cold.

[Advertiser 1]

Alcohol.

[Unknown]

After this, I advise you to go home and rest. These massive doses are a little painful, but they give results. There, that's all. Just relax here and you can leave in 10 minutes. Come, Ms. Banks, I want to talk to you.

[Leslie Horton]

Doctor.

[Advertiser 1]

Doctor.

[Archie Goodwin]

I feel sick.

[Leslie Horton]

I feel very sick.

[Unknown]

You might as well stop acting.

[Leslie Horton]

I can't get up. My feet.

[Advertiser 1]

Ben, look at her. Something's happened.

[Unknown]

Hysteria.

[Leslie Horton]

No.

[Advertiser 1]

Her face. Ben, she's falling. Mrs. Horton, hold on to me.

[Leslie Horton]

I've got you.

[Unknown]

Hold her up. Leslie, what is it?

[Leslie Horton]

Pain. Terrible pain.

[NBC Announcer]

Where?

[Unknown]

What from?

[Advertiser 1]

Sick.

[Hal Horton]

Everywhere.

[Archie Goodwin]

Pain.

[Leslie Horton]

Everything's pain. Pain in my head.

[Advertiser 1]

Pain in my feet.

[Leslie Horton]

My feet.

[Advertiser 1]

My feet. Doctor, she. She's dead.

[Unknown]

Yes. Grace, get a card from the files. I I want to study it from the first day Mrs. Horton came here.

[Advertiser 1]

What was it, Ben? What happened to her?

[Unknown]

Symptoms are of a heart condition from which it seems the patient has just expired. Then you must call her husband. Grace, did you Hear me?

[Advertiser 1]

Yes, Dr. Sloan.

[Hal Horton]

Well, I discourage your visit here, Mr. Horton. I do have a sort of curiosity about the operation of so called big business. Maybe. Have you a glass of beer and hear an explanation of the rise and fall of this morning's stock market.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

You don't think I've come here socially? I wish to engage your services for not available. You're a detective, aren't you?

[Hal Horton]

Specializing in cases that interest me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sherry, Mr. Horton?

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

I don't need it, thank you.

[Archie Goodwin]

But Mr. Wolf says he specializes in cases that.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

I just got here. I haven't told my story. I don't believe you even know who I am.

[Hal Horton]

Oh, yes, we do. We do indeed. A millionaire.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Did I offend you by speaking of a fee?

[Hal Horton]

No, on the contrary. It is that portion of your conversation which interested me most frankly. I planned to spend the evening examining the first edition of Henry James I'd like to purchase. And the word fee suggested a possible way. Now what have you done, Sir?

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

What have I done?

[Hal Horton]

One doesn't have to be a detective to recognize you're in trouble, Mr. Horton.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Look, Mr. Wolf, I have done nothing. But I've got a question I've got to have answered. I need facts. They tell me you're the man who can give them to me if Nero.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wolf can't get them for you. They're not facts, they're fancies.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Mr. Horton, my story's involved, but the.

[Hal Horton]

Gist of it is your beautiful wife, a former model, died last week. Death certificate indicated a heart attack. You suggest she was murdered.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

How did you know?

[Hal Horton]

Never mind how I came to my conclusions. How did you come to yours?

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Leslie had been going to a Dr. Benjamin Sloan. She said he was a specialist some friend had recommended. She'd been upset he was giving her vitamin B shots, she told me.

[Hal Horton]

You doubt that was true?

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Dr. Sloan informed me after she died in his office. There had been a heart condition from the beginning. Well, I don't believe it. Leslie was a very emotional girl. She'd have been quite frightened of a heart ailment. She'd have told me about it.

[Hal Horton]

Maybe she didn't comprehend it. Seriousness.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Dr. Sloan did. Why didn't he get in touch with me at once about it? Then when I went to clear up Leslie's room, I discovered something. Leslie didn't go to Sloan through a friend. She'd known him when she was a model and he was a hospital intern. She'd kept letters he'd written to her then. Love letters.

[Hal Horton]

Deep.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Well doesn't that give you an idea, Mr. Wolf? Sloane lost Leslie to me. No man who had been in love with Leslie would ever get over it. Would a man be jealous enough kill a woman he loved rather than have her belong to another man?

[Hal Horton]

An interesting theory, Mr. Horton, one frequently advanced in fiction. Shall we investigate and see how it works out?

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

In fact you'll take the case then?

[Hal Horton]

The intricacies of the feminine nature are challenging if you do not have to come in contact with the creatures. The practical research in such matters I leave to Mr. Goodwin here. It is a field in which he specializes.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

But it's you I want.

[Hal Horton]

Our method of operation is not under your control, Mr. Horton. You'll be so kind. Archie, get a first hand report of Dr. Benjamin Sloan and the women in his life.

[Archie Goodwin]

Just came to ask a few routine questions, Doctor.

[Unknown]

I don't understand your interest in the Horton case. Mr. Goodwin, is it?

[Archie Goodwin]

That's right.

[Unknown]

The death certificate was signed and a report made to the medical inspector.

[Archie Goodwin]

Detectives are a snoopy lot. Detectives?

[Unknown]

Are you from the police department?

[Archie Goodwin]

No, I'm employed to note some details before we close up the Leslie Horton estate. Sudden deaths have to be double checked.

[Unknown]

I'm afraid I can't add a thing to what I've already reported.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, thanks for seeing me anyhow. Been a pleasant visit. Ever have a patient die in your office before, Dr. Sloan?

[Unknown]

No, but I've seen similar cases in the hospital. Of course.

[Archie Goodwin]

Was Mrs. Horton warned about her heart condition, Dr. Sloan?

[Unknown]

I discussed her case with her fully and frankly.

[Archie Goodwin]

And her husband? Wasn't Mr. Horton alarmed?

[Unknown]

He didn't know Mrs. Horton's ailment was. Well, not to bore a layman with medical details was not a fatal one necessarily. She might have gone on for years.

[Archie Goodwin]

Just played in bad luck.

[Unknown]

The worst.

[Archie Goodwin]

When did you first meet her?

[Unknown]

Several weeks ago.

[Archie Goodwin]

And you saw her how many times?

[Unknown]

It's all on the record. She was nervous. I prescribed thiamine chloride. Her medical report card shows that. You read it for yourself.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I guess that's all. Dr. Sloan won't bother you further.

[Unknown]

Ms. Banks will show you out.

[Advertiser 1]

Yes, Dr. Sloan.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sort of a modern Aladdin arrangement, isn't it? I wish I could press a buzzer and have a beautiful girl like you up here.

[Unknown]

Mr. Goodwin is leaving.

[Advertiser 1]

This way, Mr. Goodwin. You can use the side door. The waiting room is full of patients.

[Archie Goodwin]

So long, doctor.

[Advertiser 1]

This way, through the lab. There's a door from it into the corridor.

[Archie Goodwin]

Cozy place. All those bottles. I suppose there's enough stuff in here to kill an army to cure one. Ms. Banks, may I say that you're the kind of a nurse that patients dream about. Make it a pleasure to go to a hospital. Blonde hair, blue eyes, winkers an inch long. Are they real?

[Advertiser 1]

If you'll excuse me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Who do I have to come down with to persuade you to take care of me?

[Advertiser 1]

I don't take cases. I'm a technician. Good day, miss.

[Archie Goodwin]

So you work just for Dr. Sloan. That's too bad. The way he's involved in this Horton case looks serious.

[Advertiser 1]

Mrs. Horton simply died of a heart attack in Dr. Sloan's office.

[Archie Goodwin]

If you wanted to help your boss, Ms. Banks, you'd stop rushing around and answer a few questions.

[Advertiser 1]

I'm sure Dr. Sloan gave you the necessary information.

[Archie Goodwin]

Guess he doesn't realize the trouble he's in. If you can supply any details that will change the picture. You'll be doing him a great favor. He's a nice guy. I want to help.

[Advertiser 1]

What is there to say? The report.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let's get it in your own words. Just what really happened here that day?

[Advertiser 1]

Well, Dr. Sloan gave Mrs. Horton the vitamin B shot. That was routine. But she didn't get up afterward. She said she was sick and then she fell and I caught her.

[Archie Goodwin]

And Dr. Sloan administered emergency treatment. What did that consist of, Ms. Pine?

[Advertiser 1]

All that is in the office record.

[Archie Goodwin]

What would bring on such an attack?

[Advertiser 1]

It could have been several things.

[Archie Goodwin]

Could it have been something she ate? Acute indigestion affects the heart. Maybe Mrs. Horton would be here now if the doctor thought to use a stomach pump.

[Advertiser 1]

He did use one. He did everything there was time to do.

[Archie Goodwin]

He certainly went in a hurry. Suffer a lot.

[Advertiser 1]

She said she was in pain.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where? Her stomach?

[Advertiser 1]

No, not her stomach.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where then?

[Advertiser 1]

She seemed to be in pain all over.

[Archie Goodwin]

Reflex, maybe. When it was over, what did you do, Ms. Banks, call Mr. Horton. Must have been a blow to the great man. I understand she was younger than he is and quite a sultry girl.

[Advertiser 1]

I've talked to you professionally because you said it was necessary to help Dr. Sloan. Is that all, Mr. Goodwin?

[Archie Goodwin]

I guess it is for now. Unless you'll have dinner with me.

[Advertiser 1]

Thank you, no.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm handsome, hard working and harmless. I'll bring you references from my employer. What do you say?

[Advertiser 1]

The express elevator's the one on the right?

[Archie Goodwin]

Must be. There's another man. Wouldn't Be the doctor, would it? Well, you'll fit better in a Pullman kitchen than here among the test tubes at that. My reluctant congratulations. Verde got you innocent as lambs, both Sloan and the nurse.

[Hal Horton]

Evidence to prove it.

[Archie Goodwin]

My unfailing sensibilities not to murder a type. Nice couple, doctor and the nurse. I suspect they're engaged. She's so much in love with him. I could have been you and she wouldn't have known the difference.

[Hal Horton]

Very flattering. Records?

[Archie Goodwin]

The usual medical record. Mrs. Horton's first visit, symptoms, subsequent visits. Here are the notes on it.

[Hal Horton]

Hmm. Vitamin B shots. No chance they brought this on, huh?

[Archie Goodwin]

Dr. Sloan says absolutely not. I checked that with other doctors. But Mrs. Horton did go into this right after the hypo.

[Hal Horton]

There's the story he jives with Sloan. Mm.

[Archie Goodwin]

A little more detail. She says. He did everything. Even used a stomach pumpkin.

[Hal Horton]

The woman was in pain. What's this? Head to feet.

[Archie Goodwin]

My way of saying pain all over.

[Hal Horton]

What other papers did you examine?

[Archie Goodwin]

Only the medical record.

[Hal Horton]

Get back to Sloan's office late tonight and examine all the papers in his desk.

[Archie Goodwin]

Can't you trust me? I tell you, there's no reason even to suspect these two.

[Hal Horton]

When you have one of your adolescent's infatuations on. Blood dripping from a dagger in a girl's hand would look to you like crushed rose petals. With this grace bangs out of the way maybe you can recognize evidence.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sounds like a long bleak evening.

[Hal Horton]

Hand me that medical book and then be on your way. I want to think.

[NBC Announcer]

Well, good evening, Mr. Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, good evening, Dr. Sloan. This is a surprise to us both. I didn't anticipate that you'd be keeping office hours after midnight.

[Unknown]

What are you doing in my office at 2:00 in the morning, Mr. Goodwin?

[Archie Goodwin]

Reading your mail and having a ghoulish time surrounded by all these shiny instruments of yours.

[Unknown]

You've been rifling my desk.

[Archie Goodwin]

I wouldn't do that if I were you. I put things back very neatly. Even the letters from this little secret compartment. Which isn't secret at all to anybody who knows about desks. I've kept only.

[Unknown]

Give me that.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's the my darling mind first. Shan't ever give you up one way or another one remember? I'll bet that nice little nurse you're engaged to never wrote that, did she?

[Unknown]

What do you intend to do with it?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mark it exhibit A in the Horton murder case. Maybe you'd like to come with me and explain it to Nero Wolf.

[Hal Horton]

Very moving. Very flattering. Very interesting. If you like women, but also very incriminating. Dr. Sloan, what does it prove?

[Unknown]

A silly woman with a nervous breakdown imagined she was infatuated with me, a.

[Hal Horton]

Woman who is now dead. You must remember, under, shall we say, unusual circumstances, you signed a death certificate which stated Mrs. Horton died of a heart attack as you signed it. Dr. Sloan, did you remember she had threatened you and even sigh of relief that fate had done you such a good turn.

[Unknown]

I didn't bear Leslie any ill will. I was sorry for her.

[Hal Horton]

You felt adequate to the situation. You called another doctor, though there are several in your building.

[Unknown]

My first thought, of course, was that it was some extraordinary allergic reaction to the vitamin dose.

[Hal Horton]

It was not until an hour or two after she was dead you decided she expired from a heart attack?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes.

[Hal Horton]

How did you explain the pain?

[Unknown]

I. I reported no pain.

[Archie Goodwin]

Miss Banks said Mrs. Horton had pain from her head to her feet.

[Unknown]

Grace said that?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, not in those words, but that was the General.

[Hal Horton]

Dr. Sloan, why did you use a stomach pump on a heart case?

[Unknown]

Why? I told you, I tried everything. Sometimes an acute digestive disturbance.

[Hal Horton]

I suggest you did it because to you, as to any qualified physician, the pain in the feet suggested poisoning. Particular kind of poison? An inorganic poison.

[Unknown]

There wasn't any in her stomach.

[Hal Horton]

You maintain that? Archie, get the medical examiner on the phone. Tell him the body of Miss Hal Horton must be examined for any evidence of poisoning.

[Unknown]

I know you think Mrs. Horton was murdered, but it's impossible. There'd been no one near her.

[Hal Horton]

Miss Banks.

[Unknown]

Miss Banks couldn't have done it. She was working with me constantly.

[Hal Horton]

That's what I thought you'd say. Dr. Sloan.

[Advertiser 1]

Mr. Wolf, I had to see you. This is the most dreadful thing I've ever heard of. Trying to accuse Dr. Sloan of murdering a patient.

[Hal Horton]

It appears he had a reason to want Mrs. Horton dead. Ms. Banks. She was that thing the poets write about. Her woman scorned. She had sent him this hysterical letter threatening scandal if he rejected her. He couldn't control her. She kept coming back to his office, making scenes.

[Advertiser 1]

He gave her nothing but thiamine chloride. I know. I fixed the shop myself.

[Archie Goodwin]

Don't start covering for her.

[Advertiser 1]

I'm not. I tell you. I filled a needle and I didn't put anything but thiamine chloride in it. You haven't any reason to think anybody did. Except for that letter you stole.

[Leslie Horton]

If it wasn't for that letter. Give it to me.

[Advertiser 1]

Give it to me.

[Hal Horton]

Shove it, RG Quick.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now, drop it.

[Hal Horton]

Baby.

[Archie Goodwin]

Come away from that fireplace. Why, you little tiger kitten. I Didn't think you had it in you.

[Hal Horton]

Come on.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let go of it. Let go. Give it to papa. Now look what you did. You almost got Nero Wolf out of his chair.

[Hal Horton]

Destroying evidence is a serious offense, young woman.

[Advertiser 1]

She kept coming to the office, writing.

[Unknown]

And pestering in my.

[Advertiser 1]

I heard her from the laboratory.

[Hal Horton]

You read her letters too, didn't you? You knew if something didn't stop her, Dr. Benjamin Sloan was a ruined man.

[Advertiser 1]

But he didn't kill her. I know he didn't.

[Hal Horton]

I don't believe he did.

[Advertiser 1]

You don't? Well, then who?

[Hal Horton]

You've just provided an excellent motive for having done it yourself. Ms. Banks pears in. Wait. Wait. Cold, luscious, exotic. Excellent, Fritz. Excellent.

[Archie Goodwin]

Best thing that's happened today. I don't like this Sloan case. If you ask me, I think Ed Horton Dangawa was coming to it.

[Hal Horton]

Those are not the words of abstract justice nor the phrases of a gentleman of culture. A good detective never plays favorites. Good night's rest and you will find your attitude more normal by morning.

[Archie Goodwin]

You expect to have this case solved by morning?

[Hal Horton]

Solve? Now, thanks to the expedition I sent you on this afternoon, the arrest can wait. No one will escape.

[Archie Goodwin]

I feel like a murderer myself. If I hadn't wormed it out of grace about the Horton woman complaining of pain. And if you hadn't jumped at the word feet.

[Hal Horton]

That art you, my dear fellow, is the purpose for which you exist to discover pertinent facts. Have we quite finished? Copy in the study.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then here's the door. I'll go.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Mr. Wolf in.

[Archie Goodwin]

He isn't seeing anyone. This eating Mr. Horton.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Well, he's seeing me.

[Hal Horton]

Archie. If that's Mr. Horton, I'll see him.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

You'd better.

[Hal Horton]

Sorry you found Mr. Goodman so impossible. Mr. Horton, he. He came to pay you a call this afternoon. I sent him. But he didn't find you in, did you, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

No, but I made myself at home. I knew anything that would help to solve his case, you'd want us to.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

What do you mean? You were in my house. What did you take?

[Hal Horton]

Nothing of monetary value, I assure you. That will not be returned in due course. But before I announce the solution of a case, I like to have all my little props in place. I appreciate a well rounded performance, Mr. Wolf.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

I've had enough of this foolishness, this. This delay. I hired you to convict Sloan, not to play parlor games.

[Hal Horton]

You must be patient, Mr. Horton. Don't force me.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

I want action.

[Hal Horton]

Well, I had planned to wait until the morning, but if you insist, these papers here may interest you. Mr. Horton. Mr. Goodwin here collects them. Your wife's letters.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Leslie's.

[Hal Horton]

You recognize the script? These are addressed to Dr. Sloan.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Do they prove anything against him?

[Hal Horton]

The lady's correspondence should be kept private. This other letter, however, was sent to you.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

To me? Leslie's. Give it to me, Izzy.

[Archie Goodwin]

Horton, easy. Don't grab.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

But that letter's mine. You stole it from my desk.

[Hal Horton]

There is a point In a case, Mr. Horton, where letters cease to be personal property and become evident.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

What evidence can that letter provide?

[Archie Goodwin]

It seems you had reason for wanting to kill your wife, Mr. Horton. A man can get annoyed by a note saying his wife never loved him, that all his money isn't enough and that she's going to another man.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

You accusing me of murder?

[Archie Goodwin]

It could have been the perfect crime. Poison in one of those pills she was forever taking. Or on the tip of the cigarette she chain smoked and a doctor's office to die in. If you hadn't been fool enough to try to pin it on Sloan, you might have gotten away with it.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

If I had known while she was alive what Leslie was, I might have done anything. But that letter you stole from me was one she left under my pillow. I didn't find it until after she was dead. I didn't kill her. Sloane did.

[Hal Horton]

You hired me to prove that, Mr. Horton. Suppose you let me go about my business.

[Archie Goodwin]

Near a Wolf's office, y'all. Oh, you did? Good boy. We'll expect you. I'll tell Mr. Wolf at once. Medical examiner's officer. Just as you thought. They found poison in the body.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Listen to me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Inspector Kramer's picking up Dr. Sloan and Grace. They'll be here any minute. Kramer's set to make an arrest.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

I told you, the police know it's Sloan.

[Hal Horton]

Put the letters in Mrs. Horton's bag on my desk. Archie.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

Leslie's alligator bag. You stole that from my house this afternoon, too. Those things are mine.

[Hal Horton]

Inspector Kramer will want to take them with him.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

But you think I want it made public what Leslie did to me? Kramer can't have them.

[Archie Goodwin]

Maybe the inspector will want to take you too. Mr. Horton doesn't mean Archie. Come in. Inspector Kramer, Dr. Sloan, Ms. Banks. Wolf asked me to bring them here.

[Hal Horton]

First before I locked anybody up.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mrs. Horton was murdered. All right.

[Hal Horton]

I'm sending a man for Horton too.

[Archie Goodwin]

You won't have to. Mr. Horton's waiting here to join the party. Come into Mr. Wolf's office.

[Hal Horton]

Good evening, Inspector. Good evening, Wolf. Will you all please range yourselves around the room as I indicate Ms. Banks here? Dr. Sloan Mr. Horton. Archie, you stand between the two men, if you please.

[Advertiser 1]

Mr. Wolf, this is a dreadful mistake.

[Leslie Horton]

I swear the doctor didn't stop thinking about the doctor.

[Hal Horton]

What about you?

[Unknown]

If you're accusing Ms. Banks, I might as well tell her.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hold it, Dr. Sloan. From herein, anything you say will be held against.

[Unknown]

That's what I want. Let Grace go home and I'll.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

For heaven's sake, why don't you arrest the man? Isn't it obvious he's guilty? You and your trumped up charges against me.

[Hal Horton]

I'll do the talking now, Mr. Horton. Mrs. Horton died from a certain inorganic poisoning. Poison administered in your office, Dr. Sloan. With a hypo syringe.

[Unknown]

Let's get it over with. I gave her the hypo, but I fill the needle.

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

There you are.

[Hal Horton]

They're both guilty. Which would solve the case if they weren't lying. Ms. Banks believes Dr. Sloan killed Leslie for her sake. Dr. Sloan thinks Ms. Banks put poison in the hypo to save him from professional ruin. They're trying to protect each other. The fact is, the hypo they gave was perfectly harmless. It did not kill Mrs. Horton.

[Unknown]

Then what did?

[Hal Horton]

Mrs. Horton came to your office in desperation, Dr. Sloan. But she came prepared for the worst. You see this handbag? Can any of you identify it?

[Unknown]

Yes.

[Advertiser 1]

It's hers.

[Hal Horton]

Is it, Mr. Horton?

[Dr. Benjamin Sloan]

It's Leslie's.

[Hal Horton]

The bag she carried to the office the day she died. Open it, Archie. You will see. It contains her change purse, bill fold, cigarette case, matches her handkerchief. Nothing more. That is not unless you look closely. Then you will observe this lining has a double fold.

[Archie Goodwin]

A secret compartment.

[Hal Horton]

Exactly. We open it this way. And there we find it. A hypodermic needle with which the unhappy woman committed suicide. Ms. Banks, Dr. Sloan. You can stop protecting one another, Mr. Horton. The world need never know you were a betrayed husband. Mrs. Horton killed herself while in a confused state following a mental breakdown. The case of the Malevolent Medic is closed.

[Archie Goodwin]

How did you ever get the hunch about the handbag? Mr. Wolf?

[Hal Horton]

I know nothing about women. But on my occasional trips abroad, I have been forced to observe their handbags. Monstrosities. They hold anything and everything.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now that our guests have gone, Fritz is bringing coffee to the study. Would you like some beer?

[Hal Horton]

I believe I would. Somehow I feel I've earned it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Ah, here you are, poor fellow.

[Hal Horton]

I'm very sorry for you.

[Archie Goodwin]

How so?

[Hal Horton]

This is one case in which there is no falsely accused, unattached young lady for you to squire about. Well, here's to your better luck next time.

[NBC Announcer]

You have been listening to the new Adventures of Nero Wolf starring Sidney Greenstreet. Tonight's transcribed story by Ruth Adams Knight was based on the characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edwin Fadiman program produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin and Gene Bates, Vic Perrin, Bruce Payne, Bill Johnstone and Mary Lansing. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolfe and Archie will bring you the case of the Hasty Will. Don Stanley speaking. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's music and mystery for you every Saturday evening on NBC. For music tomorrow, your hit parade brings you the top tunes of the land with Snooki Lanson, Eileen Wilson and Raymond Scott's orchestra. And for mystery, Herbert Marshall stars as the man called X, a man in search of adventure who travels wherever there is intrigue, danger and romance. More good mystery at Sam Spade next on NBC.

[Geico Advertiser]

How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday, random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico coming up this.

[Adam Graham]

Week on the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, boy. Yes, Mr. Finley.

[Hal Horton]

Where are you, boy?

[Archie Goodwin]

What about my house?

[Unknown]

Well, I'll tell you, Mr. Finley.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where's your word?

[Hal Horton]

You said you'd be over with a down payment. What are you made of, boy? Rock, maple or pineapple?

[Archie Goodwin]

Something has come up, Mr. Finley.

[Hal Horton]

I got 15 people after this house.

[Adam Graham]

Listen to the Old Time radio snack wagon, snackwagon.net or wherever you get your podcast. Welcome back. Well, a fairly happy mystery ending to this mystery, all things considered. I do have to say this is one episode where I remembered the plot very well because the actual plot of the story contradicts the title. There is nothing malevolent about the medic in this story at all. So a bad choice of titling on behalf of the writers. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback. First of all, I'd like to say thank you to Eugene who gave the show a twenty dollar tip. That's much appreciated and I'll go ahead and forward on the premium access information to them. I can access our premium site with all the extras we mention as being on the app. For those of you who don't have an ipod or an Android phone and actually includes all the extras for both great detectives and old time Dragnet. Well, Chris noticed something and he begins by saying, by now, you know, I think I recognize his voice. Recognize voices from your podcast. You know also that I'm usually wrong. However, I know who Nero Wolf is. Granted, I'm still. I'm still not sure of a few things, but I want to say thank you. Last week he posted an extra or perhaps filler podcast featuring Sidney Greenstreet. I really enjoyed the story and I thought I recognized a few voices. The reason they sounded familiar is because I'm a huge fan of the Maltese Falcon and Casablanca. When I heard Sidney's voice and the voice of the short guy from the Villains, a light bulb went off in my head. I knew who Sidney Greenstreet was and therefore I knew who Nero Wolf was. I'm certain that you knew this already, Oliver. I felt smarter, but I still don't know the short guy's name. The guy I'm thinking of got shot in Casablanca after he slipped Humphrey Bogart the fake visa. What is his name? The answer and you are correct. You are correct. This is the guy. This is kind of a Casablanca mini reunion. And on the premium side on the app we actually threw in across the Pacific which featured the rest of the cast of Casablanca. Or not Casablanca, but Maltese Falcon with Green Street Bogart and Mary Astor. But it is Peter Lore you're thinking of. Also, thank you for answering my random voice questions, even though I could simply google it. Well, thank you Chris. And if you are ever curious about who a voice is on the show, I Recommend checking out radiogoldindex.com it does not have every show listed, but it's got voice credits for a lot of old radio programs. So you just find the program, go down to the date and you can find who's on the show. Regarding our separate our Pat Novak for Hire series, Being a San Francisco area native, I really, really love the Pat Novak series. I also really dig the insights and behind the scenes commentary Adam brings to the show. His voice definitely has a twine to it. I dig that too. Well, thank you. And we got. Well, we do have an email here from Angie who writes. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your podcast. I never miss an episode and I love your comments, always interesting and informative. I did try to go to Podcast Alley and vote for you, but no matter how many times I searched great detectives or radio detectives, I could not find yours on the list. I did find the Dragnet show, but no Johnny Dollar or George Valentine. That definitely can be a problem if you directly search on Podcast Alley, but I encourage folks to go to podcastalley.greatdetectives.net will get you to exactly where you need to go to vote for us because yeah, the search function doesn't work too well anyway, she said On a separate note, several years ago I went through a Nero Wolf phase. I think I probably checked out and read every Wolf book my library had. I think my favorite one, and you'll have to check the synopsis to figure out the Tyler Spoil Alert. One of Wolf's men is the culprit. By men I mean the extra help he sometimes hires. Saul Panzer is the only one I can remember his name right now, but there's a guy, Fred I think, and a young handsome guy and a woman I know. There's Fred Durkin and Orie Cather and he says I've been watching reading mysteries since my mom turned me on to Dame Agatha at around third grade, so I'm pretty good at sniffing out the villain. This one totally blew my way. I won't tell you more because I know you are making your way to canon also, but I could not believe one of our guys. I was flabbergasted. I'm aware of the title. It's actually the last Nero Wolf book written by Stout during his lifetime. I've not read it yet. It's A Family Affair. In terms of chronology of the Wolf books, you don't necessarily have to read them in order. I have not, but I am saving A Family Affair until I've after I've been through all of the other books in the series, I think the only ones that you need to do in some sort of order is the Arnold Zeck trilogy, which is and Be a Villain, the Second Confession and in the Best of Families. Then there are also two books and I've read about the synopsises. One is called Too Many Cooks and a Right to Die, which has Wolf helping out one of the characters he met in Too Many Cooks. And while that character has aged more than 20 years since that book was released in 1938 and A Right to Die was released in the 60s. Wolf and Goodwin are still the same age they were, but other than that, as far from what I've learned, it doesn't matter the order you read in. Though I think you're probably best starting out with the first two, Fear de Lance and League of Frightened Men. She wraps up by saying, wow, I'm long winded today. I did not know you did Superman. I love the capes. It is going in the queue today and if you'd like to listen to Superman just go to laser and sword.com we post new episodes every Sunday and Wednesday and just search for old. You can also search for old time Radio Superman, she says. Thank you so much for all your time and effort, Angie who writes from Jacksonville, Florida 75 and sunny today, Boise Brown 52 degrees overcast well, thanks so much Angie and thank you for all the comments and feedback. We will be back tomorrow with Let George do it. In the meanwhile, send your comments to box13reatdetectives.net follow us over on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com radiodetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham signing off.

[Geico Advertiser]

How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.