Relic Radio Thrillers: “The Angel With Two Faces” by The Clock

Originally broadcast November 13, 1947

Main Theme and Purpose

This episode delivers a suspenseful tale of crime, deception, and dark psychology, as crime reporter Eddie Evans is sent to interview Francine Moulton—a beautiful socialite who has recently been acquitted for her husband’s murder. Initially believing in her innocence, Eddie becomes entwined in Francine’s world, only to discover her true, deadly nature. The narrative explores themes of public perception versus private truth, manipulation, and the ambiguity of guilt.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage (01:05–05:46)

• Eddie Evans, a jaded reporter, is called in by his city editor, McLean, to secure an exclusive interview with Francine Moulton, newly acquitted for her husband's death.
  • The paper is paying $500 for her story, targeting public curiosity surrounding Francine’s notorious acquittal.
  • Eddie is reluctant but is told to “use your noodle. Try to make her talk. You may run up against a brand new gimmick.” (03:36, McLean)

2. Meeting Francine—Charm and Suspicion (06:57–09:04)

• Francine is introduced as an “angel”—poised, beautiful, and composed—a woman wronged by both her late husband and the press.
  • Francine says: “Perhaps, Mr. Evans, it will present my case in a little better light to the public and help clear my reputation completely.” (08:05)
• Eddie is taken aback by her dignity; the photographer, Joey, just wants “cheesecake” shots, but is rebuffed.

3. The Interview’s Fallout (09:04–10:51)

• Back at the office, McLean chastises Eddie for delivering a “dull” interview that fails to capitalize on scandal:
  • “You’ve got this thing looking like the lyric of a hymn… Mrs. Moulton happens to be a lady." (09:32–09:56)
• Eddie’s refusal to sensationalize costs him his job—he is fired.

4. A Growing Relationship—and Threat (10:51–14:58)

• Eddie visits Francine to warn her: “He wants more dirt. They may send someone around for another try. Well, don't see him.” (11:21)
  • Francine shows warmth toward Eddie, inviting him to dinner.
• Eddie receives an anonymous, ominous note: “Even a lady can wash her hands in blood.” (13:44)
• Eddie’s internal monologue: "As inevitable as it is that the seconds will grow into hours... so is it inevitable that a seed of suspicion will ignite..." (14:40)

5. Romance and Revelations (15:24–17:57)

• Eddie and Francine’s relationship blossoms into romance.
  • Eddie confides: “I’ve never met a woman like you before… after meeting you, I remember [what a lady looks like] again.” (12:02)
• Francine subtly reveals her difficult marriage—and hints at abuse:
  • “Sometimes when he became really angry, he’d use his hands.” (17:07)
  • Eddie expresses outrage on her behalf.
• Francine asks: “Are you falling in love with me?” Eddie replies: “No, I'm not falling in love… I already fell.” (17:34–17:41)

6. A New Threat Emerges (18:00–21:29)

• Eddie courts Francine in earnest. Plans for marriage arise.
• McLean reappears, offering Eddie his job plus a bonus for new evidence implicating Francine, showing him a second anonymous letter: “Her husband didn’t fall. He was pushed.” (20:46)
  • Eddie refuses the bribe and throws McLean out.

7. On the Brink—Confession and Confrontation (21:29–25:48)

• Eddie proposes to Francine, but his lingering doubts surface.
  • He presses her for the truth about her husband’s death.
• Francine attributes the blackmail notes to her maid, Sally, whom she claims she’s just dismissed for attempted blackmail.
  • “She said she had evidence against me and I called her bluff... I made her leave my house this afternoon.” (23:41)
• An emotional reconciliation; they plan to elope that night.

8. Deadly Revelation (25:08–27:56)

• On the drive out of town, their car gets a flat tire. Eddie discovers Sally’s corpse in the trunk.
  • Francine, coldly: “Don’t bother to touch her. She’s dead.” (26:16)
  • Francine confesses to killing Sally—and that she killed her husband for his fortune.
  • “I like money, Eddie. In fact, I can't do without it.” (27:12)
• Francine turns a gun on Eddie, intending to kill him, but Eddie seizes control. In a desperate move, he threatens to crash the car: “Go on—pull the trigger… see how it feels to go into a ditch at seventy miles an hour.” (27:49)
• The car crashes.

9. Resolution and Irony (27:56–29:57)

• Eddie survives and, gravely injured, phones the city desk with his story and a parting shot at McLean: “I’ll be up to collect that thousand bucks… you know how I’m gonna use it Mac?... a burial place… has just acquired a distinguished client. If you go past there sometimes at twilight, you’ll notice… the name Lady Moulton. Nobility? Not exactly. It’s just Eddie Evans’s way of spending a thousand dollars.” (29:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Francine, on public perception:
  “Yes, from the jury. But what about the public? During the trial, the newspapers were very unfair to me. They pictured me in a sordid way.” (07:47)

• Eddie, on his cynicism:
  “I’ve been covering criminals for that cheap tabloid so long I think I’ve forgotten what a lady looks like. But after meeting you, I remember it again.” (12:02)

• Anonymous threat note:
  “Even a lady can wash her hands in blood.” (13:44)

• Francine, confessing:
  “Don't bother to touch her. She's dead.” (26:16)
  “I'm afraid, Eddie, I'll have to kill you too.” (26:42)

• Eddie, at the climax:
  “Go on—pardon me. And then see how it feels to go into a ditch at seventy miles an hour.” (27:49–27:53)

• Eddie, in closing:
  “If you go past there sometime at twilight, you’ll notice a handsome monument inscribed with the name of Lady Moulton... Nobility? Not exactly. It’s just Eddie Evans’s way of spending a thousand dollars.” (29:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Assignment & Setup: 01:05–05:46
• First Interview with Francine: 06:57–09:04
• Eddie Fired: 09:04–10:51
• First Warning & Growing Affection: 10:51–12:29
• Anonymous Note Received: 13:44–14:58
• Romantic Development: 15:24–17:57
• McLean’s Blackmail Offer: 18:36–21:29
• Proposal & Truth Revealed: 21:54–25:48
• Sally’s Murder Discovered: 26:07–26:48
• Francine’s Confession & Attempted Murder: 26:48–27:56
• Eddie’s Call for Justice: 27:56–29:57

Tone & Atmosphere

• Classic noir: Sardonic, hard-boiled, and laced with distrust and cynicism.
• Francine oscillates between vulnerability and icy lethality, keeping both Eddie and listeners off-balance.
• Eddie’s transformation—from jaded reporter to genuine romantic to nearly fatally deceived victim—underscores the dangers of trusting appearances.

Summary for New Listeners

“The Angel With Two Faces” delivers a twisty, character-driven story merging classic noir suspicion with Old Time Radio melodrama. Eddie Evans’ pursuit of the truth brings him dangerously close to death—and shows that even the most angelic face can hide a killer’s heart. Lovers of vintage crime and psychological thrillers will find much to savor in this fast-paced, dialogue-heavy drama.