Summary of "Broadway's My Beat: The Ann Cornell Murder Case" (EP4685)

Podcast Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Broadway's My Beat: The Ann Cornell Murder Case
Host: Adam Graham
Release Date: April 23, 2025

Introduction

In episode 4685 of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," host Adam Graham delves into "Broadway's My Beat: The Ann Cornell Murder Case," an enthralling detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio. Set against the vibrant and often perilous backdrop of Broadway, this episode follows the relentless pursuit of justice by Detective Danny Clover as he unravels the mysterious strangulation of a young music student, Ann Cornell.

Plot Overview

A. Initial Murder Witness Report

The episode commences with Joseph Goodwin (Joseph Curtin) storming into the police headquarters, breathless and insistent that he witnessed a murder on a Broadway sightseeing bus. Despite Detective Danny Clover’s (Larry Thor) initial skepticism, Goodwin's fervent recounting captivates him.

Joseph Goodwin [03:20]: "I saw a murder with my own two eyes. I saw a man strangle a woman. He was furious. She was dying. I saw it."

B. Detective's Investigation

Detective Clover begins piecing together Ann Cornell's background, discovering she hailed from London, Iowa, and was studying piano at the Spence School of Music. Goodwin provides critical details, including a distinctive clue: the murderer wore thick eyeglasses.

Detective Danny Clover [03:36]: "What did you see?"

C. Connection to Arthur Walker

As the investigation unfolds, another murder surfaces—Arthur Walker, a shoe salesman from the same hometown, murdered under similar mysterious circumstances. Clover connects Walker’s case to Ann’s, noting their shared origin and involvement in the Acme sightseeing tour.

D. Mrs. Doris Beeler's Revelation

Mrs. Doris Beeler (played by Florence Ravenel) emerges as a key figure. Upon meeting Detective Clover, she reveals troubling insights about her relationship with the victims, leading to the startling confession that she is the perpetrator behind both murders.

Mrs. Doris Beeler [26:54]: "I didn't mean to hurt you. Anne. Anne."

E. Climax and Resolution

In a tense climax, Mrs. Beeler confronts Clover, exposing her motives rooted in jealousy and unresolved emotional turmoil. Her confession unravels the intertwined mysteries of Ann Cornell and Arthur Walker, bringing closure to both cases.

Key Characters

• Detective Danny Clover (Larry Thor): A dedicated detective navigating the complexities of Broadway's underworld.
• Joseph Goodwin (Joseph Curtin): A pivotal witness claiming to have seen Ann Cornell's murder.
• Mrs. Doris Beeler (Florence Ravenel): The central antagonist whose hidden motives drive the narrative.
• Arthur Walker: A shoe salesman whose murder parallels Ann Cornell's, linking the two cases.

Notable Quotes

• Detective Danny Clover (Larry Thor): "Broadways might be from Times Square to Columbus Circle, the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." [02:13]
• Joseph Goodwin (Joseph Curtin): "I saw a murder with my own two eyes. I saw a man strangle a woman. He was furious. She was dying. I saw it." [03:20]
• Mrs. Doris Beeler: "I didn't mean to hurt you. Anne. Anne." [26:54]
• Detective Danny Clover: "I want to talk to you about one of your pupils." [09:19]

Host's Commentary

Following the dramatization, Adam Graham offers insightful commentary on the episode's narrative structure and character motivations. He reflects on the common trope where murderers manipulate police investigations to appear cooperative, drawing parallels to classic detective stories like those of Sherlock Holmes.

Adam Graham: "Sometimes murderers do help the police out like that. Today's death of a witness is probably one of the more frustrating ones."

Graham also engages with listener feedback, addressing questions about voice actors and character portrayals. He clarifies misconceptions and sheds light on the talents behind the voices that bring these classic dramas to life.

Adam Graham: "Virginia Gregg is very subtle about it, which also might be why she was so often called upon to play multiple parts."

Conclusion

"Broadway's My Beat: The Ann Cornell Murder Case" masterfully combines suspense, character development, and the iconic allure of Broadway to deliver a captivating detective story. Detective Danny Clover's unwavering pursuit of the truth amidst misleading testimonies and hidden motives underscores the timeless appeal of old-time radio mysteries. Host Adam Graham's thoughtful analysis and engagement with the audience further enrich the listening experience, making this episode a standout in the podcast's extensive lineup.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key plot points, character dynamics, and notable dialogues, while providing insights from the host to enhance understanding for new listeners.