Nero Wolfe: The Case of the Party for Death

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Nero Wolfe: The Case of the Party for Death"

Introduction

In the captivating episode titled "The Case of the Party for Death" from the Old Time Radio Nero Wolfe series, host Adam Graham brings to life the intricate world of Rex Stout's renowned detective, Nero Wolfe. Released on October 29, 2024, this episode features the only surviving 1940s episodes and all 25 Sidney Greenstreet New Adventures of Nero Wolfe. The story unfolds within the confines of Wolfe's New York City brownstone, where, alongside his astute assistant Archie Goodwin, Wolfe delves into a web of deceit, jealousy, and murder.

Plot Overview

The episode begins with Archie Goodwin receiving an unexpected invitation to a cocktail party hosted by Mrs. Collins. Despite Nero Wolfe's reluctance to attend social gatherings—stemming from his preference for beer over cocktails—Archie attends the soirée, setting the stage for a complex murder mystery.

As the evening progresses, tensions escalate among the party guests: Albert Collins, Joe Boyce, Georgia, and the enigmatic Janie Collins. The atmosphere is thick with underlying conflicts, particularly surrounding financial disputes and past relationships. An apparent confrontation between Albert and Joe hints at deeper malfeasance, culminating in Albert's ominous threat to expose Joe's fraudulent activities.

Amidst the cordial but strained interactions, Archie observes peculiar behaviors and overhears cryptic conversations, especially between Georgia and Janie. Nero Wolfe's foresight comes into play when he orchestrates the event, knowing a murder is imminent. True to his reputation, Wolfe meticulously analyzes the clues, leading to the revelation that Janie Collins attempted to commit murder under the guise of a suicide, manipulating poisoned drinks to frame Georgia unintentionally.

Key Characters and Interactions

• Nero Wolfe (Sidney Greenstreet): The brilliant and reclusive detective whose strategic planning sets the investigation in motion. Wolfe's intellect and unconventional methods drive the narrative forward.

• Archie Goodwin (Harry Bartel): Wolfe's sharp-witted assistant, whose observations and interactions provide critical insights. Archie's rapport with other characters adds depth to the investigation.

• Mrs. Collins (Janie Pearson): The hostess of the cocktail party, whose charming demeanor masks her sinister intentions. Her relationship with her husband Albert and partner Joe Boyce is central to the plot.

• Albert Collins (Bill Johnstone): Mrs. Collins' husband, embroiled in financial deceit with his partner Joe Boyce. His confrontations with Joe reveal the high stakes involved.

• Joe Boyce (Herb Butterfield): Albert's partner, whose forgery and financial manipulations make him a prime suspect in the unfolding drama.

• Georgia (Gigi Pearson): A striking redhead whose interactions with Archie and Janie add layers of personal tension and motive.

Investigation and Clues

From the onset, the party is rife with subtle hints suggesting impending doom. Nero Wolfe's cryptic instructions to Archie and the presence of a poisoned drink are pivotal. Key moments include:

• [06:28] Archie narrates his actions: "I helped the huge bulk that was Nero Wolf out of his specially built desk chair and walked with him to the elevator..."

• [11:27] Wolfe interrogates Archie about the expected murder:

  • Nero Wolfe: "Has it happened yet?" ([11:10])
  • Archie Goodwin: "Collins thinks his wife and his partner, Boyce have been stealing his dough..." ([11:31])

• [25:26] Revelation of the poison pellet found in Georgia's handbag:

  • Archie Goodwin: "I smelled it when I picked him up." ([25:26])

• [28:22] Wolfe explains his deduction:

  • Nero Wolfe: "Poison pellet was frozen in a certain ice cube. Mrs. Collins put that cube in her own drink..." ([28:22])

These interactions highlight Wolfe's deductive prowess and Archie's role in unraveling the mystery through keen observation and timely reporting.

Conclusion

In a masterful display of detective work, Nero Wolfe unravels the intricate plot orchestrated by Janie Collins. By substituting a benign vitamin capsule into the poisoned ice cube, Wolfe thwarts Janie's attempt to murder Albert while inadvertently exposing her malicious intent. The episode concludes with Wolfe reflecting on the case, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and strategic thinking.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nero Wolfe: "You could take your beer with you, couldn't you?" ([05:52])

• Archie Goodwin: "She brought back clean glasses. She poured the drinks out of bottles already open. And if anybody had put anything in or touched one of those glasses, I would have seen it." ([29:28])

• Nero Wolfe: "I knew there was going to be a murder last night because you said so." ([28:57])

• Archie Goodwin: "Good one. Mr. Boyce. What? How much do you weigh?" ([15:39])

• Nero Wolfe: "Because I might not tell you who killed Collins. Then you wouldn't know which one of these people to prefer charges against." ([23:12])

Episode Highlights

• Character Dynamics: The interplay between Archie and the party guests provides critical insights into motives and relationships, essential for solving the mystery.

• Strategic Planning: Wolfe's decision to host the cocktail party showcases his ability to foresee events and manipulate circumstances to uncover the truth.

• Climactic Reveal: The ingenious substitution of the ice cube serves as a testament to Wolfe's attention to detail and understanding of human psychology.

Final Thoughts

"The Case of the Party for Death" is a quintessential Nero Wolfe adventure that seamlessly blends suspense, character development, and intricate plotting. Adam Graham's adept narration and faithful portrayal of the characters ensure that listeners are engrossed from start to finish. This episode not only entertains but also exemplifies the enduring appeal of Rex Stout's detective tales.

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For those eager to delve deeper into the world of Nero Wolfe, tune into Adam Graham's Great Detectives of Old Time Radio series, available on Radiodetectives.net and various podcast platforms.

Transcript

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[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 Be sure to cast your vote for the show on podcast alley podcastalley.greatdetectives.net and become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com Radiodetectives well, coming up after today's show, we are going to have some thoughts on Harry Bartel, who in this episode becomes the next Archie Goodwin, the last of the line and he lasts the longest for a whole 10 episodes. But before we do get started with today's show, I do want to let you know about Audible. Audible is a fantastic service where you get one audiobook a month plus a free access to an audio version of either the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal. Through Audible, I've been able to listen to such Nero Wolf stories as Some Buried Caesar and Be a Villain as well as Not Quite Dead Enough. However, there's also a whole world of radio dramas, including some great BBC productions and fiction and non fiction lists. With more than 90,000 items to choose from, Audible offers you a great range. You can try the service out free for two weeks and in the process get a free audiobook by going to audiblepodcast.com oldtimeradio now let's go ahead and we will take a listen to the case of the Party for Death.

[Fred Meyer Advertiser]

Save big on your Thanksgiving feast. All in the Fred Meyer app. Buy two get three free on 12 packs of delicious Coca Cola, Pepsi or 7Up with your card. Then get a juicy frozen Grade A Jenny o Turkey for 127 a pound limit, one with your card and a digital coupon. Shop these deals at your local Oregon Fred Meyer today or click the screen now to download the Fred Meyer app to save big today. Fred Meyer fresh for everyone. Prices and product availability subject to change restrictions apply. See site for details.

[Nero Wolf Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the ringing of that phone bell brings you mystery adventure.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nero Wolf's office, Archie Goodwin speaking. No, I'm sorry. Mr. Wolf is busy planning a menu. I'll see if he can talk to you. What's the name again? You want to talk to a dame named Mrs. Collins?

[Nero Wolf]

Hang on, Margie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Do we know a Mrs. Collins? No, I don't suppose you care, but I think her voice is very charming.

[Nero Wolf]

Doubtless every female has a charming voice to you. Hang up.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay. I'm sorry, Mrs. Collins, but at the moment Mr. Wolf is too involved with his digestive system to be interrupted. However, if I may introduce myself. Archie Goodwin, Mr. Wolf's assistant. If I can be of any help, Archie. Yes, Mrs. Collins. I'll ask him. Cocktail party.

[Nero Wolf]

Hang up, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mrs. Collins, I'm afraid it would be better if you didn't expect Mr. Wolf. Goodbye. Cocktails Foy.

[Nero Wolf]

Sad, Beverly. I'm sad.

[Archie Goodwin]

She says you promised to come to her cocktail party. And why aren't you there?

[Nero Wolf]

Because you are going to attend the cocktail party and the probable unpleasant ending.

[Nero Wolf Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, it's that genius who is the bulkiest, balkiest, the 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]

Mr. Wolf and I refer to this as the case of the party for Death. Nero Wolf really should have gone to the party since he'd accepted, but I was delegated. I can't complain now, since it was there that I met Georgia. The most beautiful redhead. Well, that's my weakness. Redheads. Yeah, blondes and brunettes. Well, anyway, Mr. Wolf was adamant about going to the party.

[Nero Wolf]

I've never been to a cocktail party in my life. You know, I drink nothing but beer.

[Archie Goodwin]

You could take your beer with you, couldn't you?

[Nero Wolf]

I could not.

[Archie Goodwin]

Do we know a Mrs. Collins whose cocktail party you said you'd go to?

[Nero Wolf]

The phone rang and I picked it up.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where was I exactly? Okay, so a Mrs. Co with a beautiful, seductive voice conned you into accepting an invitation to a cocktail party that you knew you Weren't going to.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, master?

[Nero Wolf]

Just a little less sarcasm, perhaps.

[Archie Goodwin]

Sarcasm?

[Nero Wolf]

Call it impertinence, then.

[Archie Goodwin]

Impertinence, master?

[Nero Wolf]

Exactly. Less of that. Much less.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, continue. Now, where was I?

[Nero Wolf]

You were reading the duck recipe.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, yes, the duck. Oh, here we are. Dodin de canard. The dodine is one of the oldest dishes in the repertory of French cooking, being mentioned in books of the 14th century. Le grand cousinier de tout cousinie.

[Nero Wolf]

What time is it, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Almost 6:30.

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, in that case, you gonna get up here. On this card are your instructions, Archie. If you are still alive tomorrow, you may make your report.

[Archie Goodwin]

I helped the huge bulk that was Nero Wolf out of his specially built desk chair and walked with him to the elevator that would take him upstairs to his orchids. I stepped back to the desk and found the card which bore my instructions. In his small, perfect handwriting, I read, Mrs. Albert Collins, Empire Towers arrive at seven. Say I sent you after the murder. Telephone me before the police Arrived at exactly 7, I rang Mrs. Collins. Doorbell. Mrs. Collins?

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

I'm Mrs. Collins.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm Archie Goodwin. We talked on the phone a little while ago.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Oh, yes. Well, come in. Mr. Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf begs to be excused at the last moment. He was unable to attend.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Well, I'm glad you could come.

[Archie Goodwin]

You're not disappointed?

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

No, I don't think so.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

I'm rather upset. I'm afraid, Mr. Goodman. For my life. That's why I called, Mr. Wolf. Oh. Oh, just drop your hat and coat there, Mr. Goodman.

[Archie Goodwin]

May I tell you something, Mrs. Collins?

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Well, of course, Mr. Goodman.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie will do. Archie, when I spoke to you on the phone, I thought I knew what you'd look like. And you do.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Well, is that good?

[Archie Goodwin]

It's not bad, Mrs. Cullen.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Janie will do.

[Archie Goodwin]

Janie will do.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Archie, I think it would be best if I say you're an old beau of mine.

[Archie Goodwin]

From where?

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

In Hollywood, when I went to Hollywood High School and you went to usc.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, but don't expect me to remember much about it.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

I'll be flattered if you remember anything about it. I want you to keep your eyes and ears open. Observe everything tonight. Well, now, shall we join the party? Oh, Albert, this is Archie Goodwin. Archie, this is my husband, Albert.

[Archie Goodwin]

How do you do? Hello.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

And this is Joe Boyce, my husband's partner. Boys, I've told you about Archie, Albert, but I guess you probably don't remember, do you?

[Albert Collins]

No, I don't.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

When I was in high school and he went to usc.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh.

[Albert Collins]

Oh, yeah, sure. What'll you have? Good one.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'd like a plain lime and soda.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Oh, not really a teetotaler now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, I. Well, I used to overdo it, remember?

[Albert Collins]

So you knew my wife in Hollywood.

[Archie Goodwin]

Quite a while ago, though.

[Albert Collins]

Uh huh. Been here long?

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, a while.

[Albert Collins]

Did you and my wife run into each other again just lately? Yeah, a few days ago.

[Archie Goodwin]

About.

[Albert Collins]

Joe Boyce here is my partner. Chemical business. Makes this sort of an old home week, doesn't it, Joe?

[Joe Boyce]

In a way, Al, I guess it.

[Albert Collins]

Does it that Joe knew my wife back in those days, too. And they're still very friendly. Yeah. Yes, indeed. You two have got something in common to talk about, haven't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Good one, Mrs. Collins. You mean we never knew each other very well? No.

[Albert Collins]

Okay, Goodwin, let it go.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why?

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Look.

[Georgia]

Look what I found. A new man. That's what I need. I'm Georgia.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie.

[Georgia]

Archie, dear, will you fix up my drink, please?

[Archie Goodwin]

Anything for a lady.

[Georgia]

Let's go to the bar. Hey, Archie.

[Albert Collins]

I'm determined, Joe. You are only the money. Our only Jane. I might listen.

[Joe Boyce]

Oh, Al, can't we talk about it later?

[Albert Collins]

I like talking about it now, Joe.

[Joe Boyce]

You're going to be sorry about this, Al.

[Albert Collins]

I am already. You will have 20 years or so in prison just being sorry. I've got the papers you forged right here.

[Joe Boyce]

You're hysterical, Al. Let's face it. The firm went broke, but I suffered too, so let's forget it.

[Albert Collins]

Yes, Joe, the firm went broke, but you didn't. I don't think my wife did either. The two of you had everything figured for yourselves. Well, I'm turning the papers over to the DA tomorrow.

[Nero Wolf]

Nero Wolf speaking.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, what do you know about this expected murder, if anything?

[Nero Wolf]

Has it happened yet?

[Archie Goodwin]

No, but who's supposed to get killed?

[Nero Wolf]

I haven't the faintest idea, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then why don't you stop it?

[Nero Wolf]

That is impossible. I don't even know who's there.

[Archie Goodwin]

You want me to tell you?

[Nero Wolf]

Not in the least.

[Archie Goodwin]

How am I supposed to prevent it if I don't know what I'm looking for?

[Nero Wolf]

You're not supposed to prevent it, Archie. I don't think you could. I don't think anybody could.

[Archie Goodwin]

You want to hear what I found out already?

[Nero Wolf]

No.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'll tell you anyway. Collins thinks his wife and his partner, Boyce have been stealing his dough and he's threatening to send Boyce to the clink.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah?

[Nero Wolf]

You're wasting our time. Go back to the party. There is nothing you can do to prevent the murder. But I want you to Be there when it happens.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now that all the guests have gone, let's sit down here, Georgia.

[Georgia]

When Janie was in Hollywood, she must have had more good looking boyfriend.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let's get personal about this, Jordan.

[Georgia]

Yeah, let's.

[Archie Goodwin]

When you say good looking, do you mean me?

[Georgia]

I don't mean anybody else, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

You know, I think you're pretty too.

[Georgia]

You better not let Jane hear you say that.

[Archie Goodwin]

You think she'd care? I thought you knew Jane only slightly. You don't like Jane too well, do you?

[Georgia]

Why?

[Archie Goodwin]

Why? Why what?

[Georgia]

Why don't you tell the truth about it? No man as attractive as you ever knew Jane slightly. Either they knew her or they didn't know her. Maybe you think I'm getting a little tipsy.

[Archie Goodwin]

The idea never occurred to me.

[Georgia]

No? Well, it has to me.

[Archie Goodwin]

Refill your glass.

[Georgia]

I'll come with you to the bar.

[Archie Goodwin]

Here's your drink, George. Aunt, I find there's no ice left in the ice bucket.

[Georgia]

Janie. Hey, Janie. No ice.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Oh, well, I'll get some. Here, give me the bucket.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mrs. Collins. Janie. I mean, yes, Archie? May I use the phone in the bedroom again?

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Oh, of course.

[Archie Goodwin]

Excuse me for a minute.

[Georgia]

Georgia, I'm coming with you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why don't you just stay here until Jane brings the ice? Well, why don't you go talk to Joe Boyce?

[Georgia]

I don't want to talk to Joe Boyce. I don't want to talk to Joe Boyce ever.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now, look, Georgia.

[Georgia]

I'm coming with you, Archie. Is that clear?

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, come on.

[Georgia]

Here's where the phone is.

[Archie Goodwin]

I could have found it myself.

[Georgia]

You don't want me with you, do you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Just sit down here on the edge of the bed and listen, if that's what you want to do.

[Nero Wolf]

Needle Wolf speaking.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, Boss.

[Nero Wolf]

Well, Archie. What?

[Archie Goodwin]

Just a bit of a report.

[Nero Wolf]

Go on.

[Archie Goodwin]

At this moment, I am sitting on the edge of one of two twin beds in the apartment of Mr. And Mrs. Albert Collins. Sitting next to me is a gorgeous redhead named Georgia. Georgia? What then, Boyce? You mean you're the wife of Joe Boyce?

[Georgia]

Of course. Didn't you know?

[Archie Goodwin]

I am sitting next to the gorgeous redheaded wife of Albert Collins partner, Joe Boyce.

[Nero Wolf]

Audrey, you annoy me.

[Archie Goodwin]

From what I just learned, I can see there's another friction going on.

[Nero Wolf]

You mean Georgia and Jane?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yep. Fireworks between them. This one? No, like other ones.

[Nero Wolf]

Anything more to say?

[Archie Goodwin]

When I called, I was gonna ask if there's any reason why I shouldn't come home now.

[Nero Wolf]

I wrote your instructions for you, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

After the murder call you?

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah, that's perfectly clear, isn't it?

[Archie Goodwin]

But what if there isn't any don't call me?

[Nero Wolf]

Simple, isn't it?

[Archie Goodwin]

Hello? He hung up.

[Georgia]

Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

What?

[Georgia]

That was a strange conversation.

[Archie Goodwin]

Do you want me to explain it to you? Honey?

[Georgia]

What was that business about murder?

[Archie Goodwin]

Shall we join the party?

[Georgia]

Murder? Archie, wouldn't you be surprised if there was one?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah. Who's going to do what and to whom?

[Georgia]

I don't know. Maybe I will elucidate.

[Archie Goodwin]

Honey, do you intend to figure as the killer or the corpse?

[Georgia]

I don't intend to figure as anything, but you never know. Archie, do you think Jane Collins is better looking than me?

[Albert Collins]

Nope.

[Georgia]

Honestly?

[Archie Goodwin]

Honestly.

[Georgia]

Then what's the matter with me?

[Archie Goodwin]

Nothing. Nothing at all.

[Georgia]

Oh, yes, there is. Look, do you want to kiss me?

[Archie Goodwin]

I. Well, I'll tell you. When I graduated from Sunday school, I took a vow.

[Georgia]

That's what I mean. But if I were Jane, you'd want to kiss me, wouldn't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

No. Frankly, no.

[Georgia]

Why not?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, when I graduated from Sunday school.

[Georgia]

Okay, Archie, go back. You boys have such happy faces. Where's Jane?

[Joe Boyce]

In the kitchen getting some ice. Where have you been?

[Georgia]

With Archie.

[Joe Boyce]

Is he an old school chum of yours, too?

[Georgia]

Do you care, Joe?

[Nero Wolf Narrator]

No.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Boyce. What? How much do you weigh?

[Joe Boyce]

187.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why? Then I'll be giving you five pounds. Shall we step outside?

[Georgia]

This I have got to see.

[Joe Boyce]

Shut up. Mr. Goodwin, you seem angry.

[Archie Goodwin]

Just terribly, terribly hurt.

[Joe Boyce]

Would it do any good if I apologized today? I'm a little upset. If I said anything to offend you, I do apologize. Now, if you still want me to give you a boxing lesson, I'm at your service.

[Archie Goodwin]

Let's forget it. I'm sorry, too. Jane Collins came in from the kitchen with a bucket of ice cubes, a tray of fresh glasses and the strapless gown she'd been wearing there.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

I never thought I'd make it. Now I'm going to mix my own drink and you can take care of yourselves. Ice first. Whiskey and soda. It's a simple recipe, isn't it, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

All it needs is the ingredients.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

I drink to the ingredients.

[Georgia]

Mmm.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Ah, nice.

[Georgia]

Janey, darling.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

What, dear?

[Georgia]

Would you mind very much if I took Archie away from you?

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Haven't you done that already, dear?

[Albert Collins]

To listen to those girls? You'd think, wouldn't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Good one. Me, I never think.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

What do you do, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

I concentrate.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

On what?

[Archie Goodwin]

On not thinking. I did some serious concentrating on not thinking about Nero Wolf or about the conflict of the partners. Albert Collins and Joe Boyce about the jealousies of Jane and Georgia. The next five minutes hardly seemed an hour. Jane and Boyce murmured to each other. Collins drank gently but firmly.

[Georgia]

Why can't you be honest, Archie? What's the matter with me?

[Archie Goodwin]

What?

[Georgia]

Georgia, you weren't listening, were you?

[Archie Goodwin]

To every gorgeous word you said.

[Georgia]

What did I say?

[Archie Goodwin]

I want to hear it again. Just the way you said it before.

[Georgia]

I said, why shouldn't there be a murder? Why not? It's an order.

[Archie Goodwin]

It's just not considered the thing to do.

[Georgia]

Thing to do? Can you think of anything better?

[Archie Goodwin]

No.

[Georgia]

Frankly, I can. My glass is empty.

[Albert Collins]

My glass is empty, too. Jane. Jane.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm not much of a hostess, am I? Don't answer that. Oh, you're all empty. But I've only drunk half of mine.

[Albert Collins]

You don't usually drink so slowly, Jane.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Well, I'm just not in the mood tonight. I usually drink faster to keep you from drinking mine. See, Albert always gulps his and then reaches for mine.

[Joe Boyce]

What's a bit different?

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

And I'll fix you some fresh drinks. But put my drink over there by you, Georgia, and lay off, Albert. I only had about three swallows of it. Besides, you don't need any more.

[Georgia]

I suppose we know what dear Jane is going to do, don't we?

[Joe Boyce]

Lay off, will you?

[Georgia]

Lay off? It's my husband who said that. Archie. Archie, meet my husband, Mr. Boyce. I will now explain why dear Jane took our glasses away to the kitchen when she could afford a drink right here.

[Joe Boyce]

Listen, George.

[Georgia]

Mr. Boyce is speaking. Archie. What? Mr. Boyce.

[Joe Boyce]

Ah, nuts.

[Georgia]

Mr. Boyce says nuts. Mr. Goodwin. What do you say, Mr. Collins?

[Albert Collins]

I think Joe has covered the field.

[Georgia]

We were talking, weren't we, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Possibly.

[Georgia]

We were talking about dear Jane. She's got to be always the prettiest, always devastating. Right now she's putting on a completely new face, and in about 20 minutes when our tongues are hanging out, she'll come back all horsed up and bright and smiling with another tray of drinks.

[Albert Collins]

Yes, you'll take all night to fix them.

[Georgia]

Well, I'm going to get some air on the balcony.

[Archie Goodwin]

Don't jump off, Hal.

[Joe Boyce]

You're drinking too much lately.

[Albert Collins]

Why should it worry you, Joe?

[Joe Boyce]

Especially now when you start drinking not only your drinks, but everybody else's too.

[Nero Wolf]

Well.

[Joe Boyce]

Ah, Jane's right.

[Albert Collins]

Is that what worries you? Slide Jane's glass down. Hmm. The ice is all mellowed.

[Joe Boyce]

You see what I mean?

[Albert Collins]

Okay, Joe, let's not be nasty until Tomorrow. That gives me an idea. Think I'll propose a toast. Until tomorrow. You know, it may be rather fitting that I should drink a toast from the glass that Janey left. Until tomorrow.

[Archie Goodwin]

Go.

[Joe Boyce]

Al.

[Archie Goodwin]

Al.

[Nero Wolf]

Jane.

[Archie Goodwin]

Janie.

[Georgia]

Albert. Oh, Alber.

[Nero Wolf]

Yellow. Wolf speaking.

[Archie Goodwin]

May I come home now?

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, hello, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

I said, may I come home now?

[Nero Wolf]

Have you sent for the police Inspector Kramer?

[Archie Goodwin]

Of course.

[Nero Wolf]

Who was killed? Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Albert Collins.

[Nero Wolf]

How Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't know. You were right though, weren't you actually?

[Nero Wolf]

About what?

[Archie Goodwin]

Murder.

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, that. We can talk about it tomorrow. Good night, Audrey. Come home when you can.

[Archie Goodwin]

What do you mean, come home when I can?

[Nero Wolf]

You'll be held as a witness, won't you? Try not to wake me with the elevator when you come in.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, Inspector Kramer, you've had me here at headquarters for a long while. For quite a long while. Haven't you asked me enough questions?

[Joe Boyce]

Goodwin, you say you never saw these people before. Collins or Boyce or their wives. Yet when all the other guests had gone, you were still there.

[Archie Goodwin]

I guess I just don't know how to say goodbye.

[Joe Boyce]

You didn't know they were partners in a chemical company. You didn't know that Boyce had forged a lot of papers with Colin's name.

[Archie Goodwin]

All I know is what you tell me.

[Joe Boyce]

Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir.

[Joe Boyce]

I'm trying to be nice. Yes, sir. Now I know, of course, that you went to that party because Nero Wolf told you to.

[Archie Goodwin]

Do you?

[Joe Boyce]

My question is, how did Wolf know it was going to happen?

[Archie Goodwin]

Why don't you ask him?

[Joe Boyce]

I already have.

[Archie Goodwin]

He told you.

[Joe Boyce]

He says he never heard of Collins. Orr voice.

[Archie Goodwin]

Did he say he'd ever heard of me?

[Joe Boyce]

He says he isn't responsible for you or your shady friends. Maybe he knows I found a poison pellet in George's bang.

[Archie Goodwin]

Inspector, may I make an important call? Go ahead.

[Nero Wolf]

Founded Light. Hello?

[Archie Goodwin]

What time is it, master?

[Nero Wolf]

And found it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Arji, I'll tell you what time it is. It's a little after 4am I'm at Central headquarters and Inspector Kramer has been chatting with me about my shady friend.

[Nero Wolf]

Kramer is a jackass.

[Archie Goodwin]

Just a second. Pick up the other phone, will you, Inspector? Sorry, Mr. Wolf. What was that you were saying about Inspector Kramer?

[Nero Wolf]

I said Kramer is a jackass.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you.

[Nero Wolf]

Wait a minute, Wolf. Oh, eavesdropping in speaker.

[Joe Boyce]

I was just talking about bringing you down here for a little questioning, Wolf.

[Albert Collins]

Whoie.

[Joe Boyce]

What's that?

[Nero Wolf]

Phooey. It can be spelled in several ways. I spell it P, F, U, I.

[Joe Boyce]

You think I won't bring you down here? As a material witness?

[Nero Wolf]

Yes. I think you won't. I think you'd be making a great mistake if you did.

[Joe Boyce]

A great mistake? Why?

[Nero Wolf]

Because I might not tell you who killed Collins. Then you wouldn't know which one of these people to prefer charges against. Now send Archie home. Even he needs an occasional night's sleep.

[Joe Boyce]

He hung up.

[Archie Goodwin]

So it seems busy. He's probably left the phone off the hook, Inspector, by now. He's probably asleep again.

[Joe Boyce]

You know I can go out there, don't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Sure you can. More important men than you have tried it. And where are they now?

[Joe Boyce]

Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes, sir.

[Joe Boyce]

I'm going to let you go.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm sure Mr. Wolf and I are very grateful, Inspector.

[Joe Boyce]

You want to know why I'm letting you go.

[Archie Goodwin]

I know why. Why? Because if you're nice and cooperative and don't make too much trouble, Mr. Wolf will solve this case for you and tell you whom to prefer charges against. Goodwin, sir.

[Joe Boyce]

Get out.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thank you, Inspector. Good morning, Inspector. At 3 o'clock the next afternoon, I was rearranging the furniture Nero Wolf's office, while the great man sat behind his desk watching me perspire.

[Nero Wolf]

How you finished now, rj?

[Archie Goodwin]

I guess so.

[Nero Wolf]

And tell me where.

[Archie Goodwin]

They said there were two couches like this in front of a fireplace. Collins and Boyce were sitting together on one couch when Georgia and I came in. They were looking at some canceled checks.

[Nero Wolf]

Where was Mrs. Collins?

[Archie Goodwin]

I told you. She was getting ice and fresh glasses.

[Nero Wolf]

Why was she getting fresh glasses, Archie? Where were the empty ones?

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't know. Maybe they were the same ones she brought back washed and polished.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, I trust your powers of observation. Absolutely. That's why I sent you to Mrs. Collins cocktail party.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay. How did you know there was going to be a murder? If it was a murder?

[Nero Wolf]

It was a murder, Archie. But isn't it? Obviously.

[Archie Goodwin]

How is it obvious? Suppose Colin slipped a few drops of the poison into his drink himself.

[Nero Wolf]

It's very strong, very deadly poison with a remarkably strong odor.

[Archie Goodwin]

Like almonds. I know. I smelled it when I picked him up.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, was anything found on the body that might have contained the poison? A fountain pen, whatever?

[Archie Goodwin]

Not even that.

[Nero Wolf]

Inspector Kramer found a poison pellet in Georgia's handbag. He thinks he poisoned Collins's drink.

[Archie Goodwin]

Say, could be. But it wasn't his drink. It was his wife's. Then Georgia was trying to kill Jane and Collins got it by mistake.

[Nero Wolf]

We shall soon see. Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

I was expecting a murder because you told me to expect it. I watched every move that everybody made. There Is no possibility that Jane's glass, the glass with a poison in it, was tampered with by anybody?

[Nero Wolf]

Yes, I believe.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie. You're so. Aren't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Have you ever spent the night with Inspector Kramer? He's really a good man, too. Why did you say he was a jackass?

[Nero Wolf]

Because he didn't know who killed Collins.

[Archie Goodwin]

Do you?

[Nero Wolf]

Of course. Was there ever any question about it?

[Archie Goodwin]

Just a moment, please.

[Nero Wolf]

The only trouble is it may be difficult to prove. That's why we are giving this little cocktail party this afternoon. With the help of Inspector Kramer, by the way.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yes?

[Nero Wolf]

Call Mrs. Collins and tell her to bring a bucket of ice from her refrigerator.

[Archie Goodwin]

Why?

[Nero Wolf]

Because our refrigerator has broken down.

[Archie Goodwin]

No, it hasn't. I was just out in the kitchen a minute ago.

[Nero Wolf]

Our refrigerator has broken down. And it'd be very helpful if Mrs. Collins would bring a bucket of ice cubes.

[Archie Goodwin]

What makes you think she'll do it?

[Nero Wolf]

She will. Call her.

[Archie Goodwin]

6:45. There we were in Wolf's office doing a repeat performance of last night's smash hit. Two couches faced each other, a cocktail table between them. On one couch, redheaded Georgia and me on the other couch. It was a big one. Joe Boyce, Jane Collins, widow of the lately defunct Albert and Nero Wolf. Jane had been drinking a little slower than the rest of us. Our glasses were empty. Hers was still half full. Wolf said Margie. Yeah?

[Nero Wolf]

At this point in last night's party, Mrs. Collins got up and left to get some fresh drinks.

[Archie Goodwin]

Repeat what she said approximately.

[Nero Wolf]

Approximately will do.

[Archie Goodwin]

I think she said something like this. She said, put my drink over by you, Georgia. Lay off, Albert. I've had about three swallows of it. Besides, you don't need any more, Albert. Am I right, Jane?

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Close enough, Archie, but what of it?

[Joe Boyce]

No. What is this nonsense all about, Wolf?

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Mr. Wolf is trying to make something out of nothing.

[Georgia]

I think Mr. Wolf is going to turn up something mighty interesting. Don't look so perturbed, Joe.

[Nero Wolf]

Since I am playing the part of the late Mr. Collins, pass me Jane's glass.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

I'll keep my glass, Mr. Wolf. I haven't finished my drink.

[Nero Wolf]

You're a very clever woman, Mrs. Collins.

[Archie Goodwin]

Would it be too much if I ask what this is all about?

[Nero Wolf]

What is? You, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

You make it sound as if that drink she's holding is poison. But it can't be, because as yesterday, she's already drunk half of it herself.

[Nero Wolf]

When our freezer broke down, she was more than willing to bring a bucket of ice cubes, wasn't she? So what would happen, Archie, if you froze a gelatine coated pellet of poison in the center of one particular ice cube? Mrs. Collins hasn't finished her drink. Notice the ice is all melted now. She hasn't taken one sip since the ice melted completely. She came prepared in case she was exposed. Smell it, Archie.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

No, Archie. Stand back. I can easily swallow this before you can reach me, Mr. Wolf. In a few seconds, I'll drink it. Tell me something. First, tell me how you knew.

[Joe Boyce]

Jane. Jane, listen to me.

[Nero Wolf]

I knew there was going to be a murder last night because you said so. I knew that it was you who would commit the murder because it was you who invited me. You hoped an expert witness would prove that you couldn't have killed your husband. So I sent Archie Goodwin, whose observations are always exact, even when he doesn't know the import of what he's observing.

[Archie Goodwin]

She brought back clean glasses. She poured the drinks out of bottles already open. And if anybody had put anything in or touched one of those glasses, I would have seen it.

[Nero Wolf]

Exactly. Poison pellet was frozen in a certain ice cube. Mrs. Collins put that cube in her own drink, drank it until the ice had almost melted down to the poisonous pellet center, and then. Then she took all the other glasses away, leaving only hers half full. And as usual, her husband drank it.

[Archie Goodwin]

No.

[Joe Boyce]

No, Jane, don't. Don't.

[Mrs. Collins (Janie)]

Too late, Joe. Too late.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, boss, Jane didn't get away with the suicide try. That was clever thinking you did.

[Nero Wolf]

I prepared a cube of ice in which I had frozen a gelatine capsule containing nothing more than a vitamin compound. I substituted for the cube in which Jane had placed the poison for herself.

[Archie Goodwin]

I wonder why Jane Collins wanted to have Joe. He'd stolen practically all the money in the company. He's just a crook.

[Nero Wolf]

Perseverance. I don't believe Joe Boyce had any idea that Jane was planning a murder. And he still had all the money.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, the forgeries will put him away for a long time. And poor Georgia could have had it pinned on her if it hadn't been for me.

[Nero Wolf]

Yes. Yes. You knew all along, didn't you, that Jane had planned to have Georgie accused? By planting another pellet of the poison in Georgie's handbag, Jane would have gotten rid of her husband and Joe's wife in one stroke. You knew all that, didn't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, I. How about a bottle of beer, boss?

[Nero Wolf]

Could you spare the time, Georgia?

[Archie Goodwin]

Beautiful redhead. Wonder where she is tonight?

[Nero Wolf]

I'm sure I haven't the slightest idea. But in case you do well, just be quiet with the elevator door when you come in.

[Nero Wolf Narrator]

You have been listening to the new Adventures of Nero Wolf starring Sydney Green Street. Tonight's transcribed story by Mindwrit Lord 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 Gigi Pearson, Herb Butterfield, Peter Leeds, Evelyn Eaton and Bill Johnstone. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the malevolent medic. Don Stanley speaking. Three chimes mean good times on NBC.

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, I had to admit there were times it was a different performance with Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin. I started him to I expected him at any moment to start pitching Petri wine. Those who've been listening to the show, back to the Basil Rathbone episode on Sherlock Holmes, who kind of know what I'm talking about. But he was actually quite a character actor in the world of radio. Dennis at Digital Deli puts his total number of appearances over radio at 10,000. And among these, he did 180 guest spots on Gunsmoke, 60 episodes of Escape, 30 plus episodes of Dragnet, 20 times on Let George Do It, 45 times on Suspense, 120 times on Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, and more than 60 times on have Gone Will Travel. Bartel loved radio. Actually, when PBS was doing a series, Horizons west in the late mid to late 60s on the Lewis and Clark expedition, he went ahead and starred in it. And he also played a pretty big role in radio preservation. He recorded some audio sets where he would host and introduce the episodes went to several Old Time Radio conventions. I've read anecdotal accounts where he actually went to one Old Time Radio convention and they recreated a Nero Wolf sketch with him playing Archie Goodwin and Larry Dobkin playing Nero Wolf. He was also pretty big on television as well. He played in a lot of episodes of Dragnet, the episode the Big Little Jesus. He played the role of Father Rojas, one of radio's true great character actors. And I will try and be careful not to just think of him as the Petri Wine guy. Well now we turn to listener comments and feedback. We have this from Chris who writes, I love your show. I'm listening to Old Time Radio since a couple years now. I used to download a lot of different shows from the archive.org and helped me getting through the time of my diploma thesis. Now I just listen to your podcast. It's so interesting to hear all the great background infos and also your opinion on the shows. I'm restoring a 65 El Camino right now and to listen to you and them old shows while working in the garage is the best thing I can think of. So keep up the great work and I hope you never get bored of it. Thanks a lot. And that's from Chris from Bissell, Switzerland. Well, thank you so much Chris. And Chris also left a nice tip in our donation jar. Much appreciated. We went ahead and we sent him access to our premium site. Finally we have this comment from over on Podcast Alley. Just a nice keep up the good work. Thank you so much. That'll do it for today. We'll be back tomorrow with Let George do it. A reminder, if you subscribe to this show through itunes, please rate the show a five star. Also, if you have a comment, send it to box13reatdetives.net Become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com RadioDetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham signing off.

[Geico Advertiser]

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[Adam Graham]

Week on the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well boy. Yes, Mr. Finley? Where are you boy? What about my house?

[Nero Wolf Narrator]

Well, I'll tell you Mr. Finley.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where's your word.

[Nero Wolf]

You said you'd be over with a down payment. What do you made of boy rock? Meeple Pint?

[Archie Goodwin]

Something has come up, Mr. Finley.

[Nero Wolf]

I got 15 people after this house.

[Adam Graham]

Listen to the old time radio, snack wagon, snackwagon.net or wherever you get your podcasts.