Framed for Murder – Detailed Summary

Podcast: Relic Radio Thrillers (Old Time Radio)
Episode: Framed For Murder by The Chase
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com

1. Introduction

Framed For Murder is a gripping episode from The Chase, an NBC series from the early 1950s, brought to life by Relic Radio Thrillers. This thriller delves into themes of obsession, betrayal, and the dark consequences of deceit, all woven into a narrative of crime and suspense. Set against the backdrop of the bustling corporate world, the story revolves around Elliot Preston, his entanglement with Barbara Mitchell, and the calculated murder of her husband, Archibald Mitchell.

2. Characters

• Elliot Preston: A 41-year-old private secretary with a deep obsession for wealth and Barbara Mitchell. Intelligent and manipulative, he orchestrates a plan to murder his employer to claim both Barbara and Archibald's fortune.

• Barbara Mitchell: The beautiful and cunning wife of Archibald Mitchell. She is complicit in Elliot's schemes, motivated by greed and a desire for financial security.

• Archibald Mitchell: President of the Intercontinental Banking Corporation. Trusting and seemingly oblivious, he becomes the victim of Elliot's murderous plot.

• Otto Holcher: A brutish seaman recruited by Elliot to execute the murder. Lacking intelligence but possessing immense physical strength, Otto becomes an unwitting pawn in Elliot's plan.

• Sergeant Prague: A police sergeant who becomes involved in the investigation following Archibald's murder.

3. Plot Summary

A. Elliot Preston's Ambitions and Employment

Elliot Preston, driven by his twin obsessions for wealth and Barbara Mitchell, secures a position as the private secretary to Archibald Mitchell. From the outset [00:55], Elliot exhibits his assertive nature, quickly taking charge of Mitchell's office operations within his first six hours [02:57].

Notable Quote:
Elliot Preston: “Six hours and 20 minutes, sir. And if I'm to get any discipline out of the office staff it's essential that I show my authority now.” [03:02]

B. The Introduction of Barbara Mitchell

Elliot's aspirations are further complicated with the introduction of Barbara Mitchell, Archibald's new wife. Their interactions hint at underlying tensions and mutual contempt.

Notable Quote:
Barbara Mitchell: “I just dropped by to hold you up.” [04:26]

C. Developing the Affair and the Plot

Over the course of a year, Elliot's relationship with Barbara deepens, leading to mutual confessions of love [05:47]. However, Barbara expresses skepticism about their relationship's viability due to Elliot's financial instability [06:15].

Notable Quote:
Barbara Mitchell: “If I didn't, you think I'd allow myself to be chained to that old imbecile I married?” [06:16]

Elliot, desperate to eliminate Archibald and secure his position, devises a plan to murder him. He recruits Otto Holcher, a physically imposing but intellectually deficient seaman, to carry out the act [08:18].

Notable Quote:
Elliot Preston: “With a work I have in mind. Your qualifications are perfect.” [10:00]

D. Executing the Murder

On March 1, 1953, Elliot puts his plan into motion. After manipulating a series of events to isolate Archibald, he confronts him with a revolver, forcing Archibald to his death. Otto, present at the scene, is killed quickly to eliminate any witnesses [14:00].

Notable Quote:
Elliot Preston: “I'm going to kill you.” [14:09]

Elliot meticulously frames Otto for the murder, ensuring that the evidence points directly to him. He presents a convincing testimony during the trial, leveraging his position and credibility to secure Otto's conviction [16:11].

E. The Trial and Conviction

The trial is swift, with circumstantial evidence overwhelmingly favoring Otto's guilt. Despite Otto's denials, Elliot's testimony and the physical evidence lead to Otto's sentencing to death [16:20].

Notable Quote:
Elliot Preston: “You prove it, Barbara. Don't be coy with me, darling.” [06:07]

F. Barbara's Doubts and Elliot's Paranoia

As Otto awaits execution, Barbara begins to have doubts about the true nature of Archibald's death. Elliot, now feeling insecure, grows increasingly paranoid about Otto's potential escape and vengeance [17:48].

Notable Quote:
Barbara Mitchell: “I never realized you'd go that far. I. I never knew.” [26:10]

G. Otto's Escape and Elliot's Desperation

On the day of Otto's execution, news breaks that Otto has escaped custody, reigniting Elliot's fears. The supposed escape turns out to be a fabrication, but Elliot, already on edge, becomes convinced of Otto's impending threat [21:56].

Notable Quote:
Elliot Preston: “Otto's as strong as an ox. And he's only got one thing on his mind. Me.” [22:38]

H. The Final Confrontation

As Elliot and Barbara attempt to flee, their plans unravel. The relationship deteriorates as Barbara confronts Elliot with the truth of his manipulations and murders. In a climactic showdown, Elliot's guilt and Barbara's betrayal come to light, leading to his ultimate downfall [25:47].

Notable Quote:
Barbara Mitchell: “Elliot, you're hurting me.” [25:33]

4. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Elliot Preston:
  “Six hours and 20 minutes, sir. And if I'm to get any discipline out of the office staff it's essential that I show my authority now.” [03:02]

• Barbara Mitchell:
  “I'm not going to take up too much of your time, darling. I just dropped by to hold you up.” [04:26]

• Elliot Preston:
  “How do you mean? Suppose Mitchell didn't stand between us.” [07:12]

• Barbara Mitchell:
  “I must admit you're fascinating, Elliot.” [06:26]

• Elliot Preston:
  “I'm going to kill you.” [14:09]

• Barbara Mitchell:
  “I didn't realize you'd go that far. I. I never knew.” [26:10]

• Sergeant Prague:
  “We thought Mrs. Mitchell might know where you were. But the phone wasn't working, so I came over here.” [27:59]

• Host of Relic Radio Thrillers:
  “Next week, a frightened woman frantically tries to stop a juggernaut of death which she herself has begun on the Chase.” [28:00]

5. Conclusion

Framed For Murder masterfully intertwines elements of suspense, psychological manipulation, and dramatic tension. Elliot Preston's descent from a seemingly competent secretary to a desperate murderer showcases the destructive power of obsession and greed. Barbara Mitchell's transformation from a silent accomplice to a confrontational figure underscores the complexities of their relationship. The episode culminates in a tense and dramatic resolution, leaving listeners enthralled by the intricate plot and the moral quandaries faced by its characters.

Next Episode Teaser:
Next week on The Chase, a terrified woman tries to stop a relentless force of death that she inadvertently set in motion. Stay tuned for more thrilling adventures on Relic Radio Thrillers.

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