Broadway's My Beat: The Dr. Robert Stafford Murder Case (EP4613)

Summary

Podcast Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode: Broadway's My Beat: The Dr. Robert Stafford Murder Case (EP4613)
Release Date: January 29, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Featuring: Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Tartaglia, Howard McNear as Eddie Amboy and Dr. Robert Stafford

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Introduction

In this enthralling episode of Broadway's My Beat, Detective Danny Clover delves into the mysterious murder case of Dr. Robert Stafford. Set against the vibrant yet shadowy backdrop of Broadway, the narrative weaves a tale of deceit, hidden motives, and unexpected alliances. Hosted by Adam Graham, the episode not only showcases classic old-time radio drama but also includes insightful commentary that enriches the listening experience.

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Plot Overview

Opening the Case (00:28 - 05:02)

The story begins with Detective Danny Clover receiving a distressing call about a murder at the Ramsey Apartments. Upon arriving, he discovers the lifeless body of an unidentified, well-dressed man in an elevator. Detective Clover muses over the victim's lack of identification, suspecting foul play beyond a simple robbery.

Interview with Eddie Amboy (05:02 - 14:22)

Clover interrogates Eddie Amboy, the elevator operator, portrayed by Howard McNear. Eddie recounts the events leading up to the murder, describing how the victim entered the elevator seemingly in pain and was later found dead. Suspicion arises as Eddie mentions fixing the elevator just before the murder, raising questions about his involvement.

Investigating Mrs. Amboy (14:22 - 21:22)

Detective Clover shifts his focus to Mrs. Eddie Amboy, who exhibits signs of bitterness and frustration. Her evasive behavior and cryptic comments hint at deeper familial tensions. A critical clue surfaces when Mrs. Amboy presents Clover with an empty wallet containing a photo and an identification card belonging to the deceased Dr. Robert Stafford.

Confrontation at the Psychiatrist's Office (21:22 - 27:23)

Clover's investigation leads him to Dr. Stafford's office, where he discovers psychiatric records indicating that Mrs. Amboy is considered a homicidal maniac. This revelation adds complexity to the case, suggesting that Mrs. Amboy may have had both personal and psychological motives for the murder.

Climactic Revelation (27:23 - 28:14)

The tension culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Mrs. Amboy, driven by rage and despair, threatens Detective Clover with a gun. The truth unfolds as Clover deduces that Mrs. Amboy orchestrated the murder to avenge perceived wrongs, utilizing the elevator as her instrument of vengeance.

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Key Characters

• Detective Danny Clover (Larry Thor): The astute and determined investigator unravelling the layers of deception surrounding the murder case.

• Sergeant Tartaglia (Charles Calvert): Clover's supportive yet weary colleague, providing both assistance and comic relief during the investigation.

• Eddie Amboy / Dr. Robert Stafford (Howard McNear): Portrayed by Howard McNear in dual roles, Eddie is the elevator operator entangled in the murder mystery, while Dr. Stafford is the victim whose professional background adds depth to the plot.

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Major Developments

1. Initial Discovery: The murder of Dr. Robert Stafford in an elevator raises immediate suspicions due to the victim's lack of identification and the circumstances of his death.

2. Eddie Amboy's Testimony: Eddie's account of the events places him at the scene, but inconsistencies in his story and his delayed call to the police trigger Clover's skepticism.

3. Mrs. Amboy's Involvement: Mrs. Amboy's complex relationship with her husband and the introduction of psychiatric records point toward a possible personal vendetta.

4. Psychiatric Insights: Dr. Stafford's role as a psychiatrist treating violent and unpredictable patients suggests that psychological factors may have played a role in the murder.

5. Climactic Showdown: The confrontation between Clover and Mrs. Amboy serves as the turning point, revealing her true motives and the depth of her involvement in the crime.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Detective Danny Clover on Receiving the Murder Call (02:06):
  “The telephone told me there’d been a murder. It told me just now. It told me where. It told me to climb six flights of steps at the Ramsey Apartments and I'd find death waiting for me in an elevator near the head of the stairs.”

• Eddie Amboy Describing the Incident (04:35):
  “The guy buzzes. I bring the car up. I open the door. This guy gets in. He’s holding his tummy like it aches... Turns out to be caused by a bullet.” [04:35]

• Detective Clover Interrogating Mrs. Amboy (17:30):
  “Eddie was murdered.” [17:30]

• Confrontation with Mrs. Amboy (26:24):
  “You're from the police? You want to see me? About what?” [26:24]

• Final Revelation by Clover (24:51):
  “Eddie Amboy, he was the key to Daglia. To the murder of Dr. Robert Stafford.” [24:51]

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Insights and Analysis

This episode masterfully blends suspense with intricate character dynamics. Detective Clover's methodical approach highlights the investigative techniques of old-time radio detectives, emphasizing deductive reasoning and attention to detail. The portrayal of Mrs. Amboy adds psychological depth, showcasing how personal grievances can escalate into violence.

The dual role played by Howard McNear enriches the narrative, providing a nuanced depiction of both the victim and the perpetrator. The dialogue-driven storytelling, complemented by a moody musical score, effectively captures the noir ambiance central to Broadway's depiction.

Adam Graham's commentary further enhances the experience by offering behind-the-scenes insights and historical context, bridging the gap between contemporary listeners and classic radio dramas.

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Conclusion

Broadway's My Beat: The Dr. Robert Stafford Murder Case is a quintessential example of old-time radio detective storytelling. Through compelling characters, a tightly woven plot, and atmospheric presentation, the episode captivates listeners, inviting them to step into the shoes of Detective Danny Clover. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the genre, this episode promises intrigue, intellectual stimulation, and a nostalgic journey back to Broadway's golden age of radio mysteries.

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For those interested in exploring more episodes, subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your favorite podcast platform.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio from Orlando, Florida. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Broadway's My Beat. If you are enjoying the podcast, I do want to encourage you to follow us using your favorite podcast software. If you are listening to the podcast on Spotify, be sure to stay tuned after our episode commentary for a brief announcement before we get to listener comments and feedback. Now, for all our listeners, I do want to share a special offer from the iconic Fulton Fish Market in New York. The Fulton Fish Market has been in operation since 1822 and has a reputation for providing the best quality fish. And now you don't have to be in New York to enjoy that iconic taste. Whether it's wild caught salmon, scallops, shrimp or swordfish, every product is inspected, super frozen and shipped to your door at peak freshness, giving you restaurant quality in every bite. You can get a 17% discount on your order when you go to FultonFishMarket.com and enter the code box13 at checkout. And I get a commission. So I encourage you to check it out and I'll talk a little bit more about why we're offering this after the show. But now, from March 10, 1950, here is the Dr. Robert Stafford murder case.

[Larry Thor]

Broadway's my beat. From Times Square to Columbus Circle. The gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world. Broadway's my beat. With Larry Thor as detective Detective Danny Clover. Broadway. It's an enchanted island or a prison cut off from the rest of the world. It all depends upon the mood you're in. The sudden sounds that dart from doorways. Call them fury or make yourself believe their promises dimly heard. Or con yourself that the stare that just trailed by you had nothing to do with hung. You can kid yourself on Broadway because that's what it's here for. It's Broadway, My beat. To a policeman, a telephone is an instrument of mayhem. It carries the after images of violent death with the speed of sound. The telephone told me there'd been a murder. It told me just now. It told me where. It told me to climb six flights of steps at the Ramsey Apartments and I'd find death waiting for me in an elevator near the head of the stairs.

[Howard McNear]

Right over here, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Hi, Mugman.

[Howard McNear]

In here. In the elevator. There he is, Danny on the floor.

[Larry Thor]

Who is he?

[Howard McNear]

No identification. Person unknown. Shot to death by person unknown. Whereabouts of the shooting is a moot point.

[Larry Thor]

This man's too well dressed to go around without a wallet or some kind of identification.

[Howard McNear]

Maybe he was heisted.

[Larry Thor]

Who are you?

[Howard McNear]

Elevator man. Yeah. Danny runs the elevator. He called in the precinct. I got the call. Maybe the guy's wallet was heisted. Robbery, huh? With a deadly weapon. You funny man.

[Larry Thor]

What's your name, elevator man?

[Howard McNear]

Eddie Amboy, 1212. He's 54. You walk up too. Turn right, turn left. Then walk up a half till there's nothing but a door. Eddie Amboy, my butt.

[Larry Thor]

Okay, Eddie. Tell me about it.

[Howard McNear]

About what?

[Larry Thor]

Book him, Mugavin. I'm tired.

[Howard McNear]

Oh, about the guy here. I already did that. Ask this Mugavan here. I did the story to him. Mr. Clover's tired. Do the story again. I am. The guy pushes a buzz on the first floor.

[Larry Thor]

Where were you?

[Howard McNear]

In a sub basement. Little things wrong with this elevator. I was fixing it. I'm conscientious.

[Larry Thor]

Go ahead.

[Howard McNear]

The guy buzzes. I bring the car up. I open the door. This guy gets in. He's holding his tummy like it aches. Him. He says, sixth floor, please. I close the door. I turn the handle. We ride. Now comes the sixth floor. We stop. I open the door. I look around. The guy's on the floor, dead. Tommy ache turns out to be caused by bullet.

[Larry Thor]

The story he told you, Mugaman.

[Howard McNear]

Same. If it gets too complicated, I'll be glad to do it again. Start all over in the sub basement.

[Larry Thor]

You did good.

[Howard McNear]

Thanks. Can I have my elevator back now?

[Larry Thor]

It's not yours anymore, kid. When a man gets murdered on an elevator, the elevator suddenly belongs to the world. A man's dying takes many shapes, occurs in many places. It's rare that he has a choice. But the unknown, unnamed man, whose face was now gaunt against the pressure of his chee, whose eyes held no reflection of the light shining into them, seemed to have made one. He chose not to die in the street, but to crawl within the metal walls of an elevator. And to play in the prosaic words, the dying words on his lips. He must have chosen too, because for him, they had meaning. It was my job to find out their meaning. At headquarters, we put tracers out on the murdered man. Who was he? If we knew that, maybe we'd know why he had to D And in the morning, I went back to the sixth floor he'd wanted. I had Mugavin's list of the tenants in the three apartments on that floor. I rang the first bell on the list.

[Charles Calvert]

What do you want?

[Larry Thor]

You, Ms. Conrad?

[Charles Calvert]

What do you want?

[Larry Thor]

I'm from the police.

[Charles Calvert]

I want Martha. Who is it?

[Larry Thor]

Don't you think you'd better tell her?

[Charles Calvert]

Martha. How dare you not answer me? Who is it? And don't tell me it's no one, because I heard you whispering. Who is it, Martha? It's the police. Oh. Oh, how wonderful. The police. But isn't that the end? Show them in, Martha. No, no, wait, darling. First I want to paint my face. Come in. It's all right. She's already done her face. Come in. Down this hole, please. No, sir. Don't come any closer. I want you both to. To stand right where you are. Especially you, policeman.

[Larry Thor]

You, Miss Conrad.

[Charles Calvert]

Mary Conrad. You may call me Mary, because Mary's a grand old name. Martha. Yes, Martha. Get the policeman and me something. A libation, a morning martini. Anything the policeman wants.

[Larry Thor]

Don't go away, Martha.

[Charles Calvert]

Are you afraid to be left alone with me, policeman?

[Larry Thor]

Miss Conrad, a man was murdered in this building last night.

[Charles Calvert]

Murdered in this building? That's the inn. Martha. Did you hear what the beautiful man said?

[Larry Thor]

He got in the elevator and asked for the sixth floor. Was it you? He wanted to see, Miss Conrad.

[Charles Calvert]

The policeman must want a drink. No, Mary. He wants to do as I say, Martha. Don't be angry with me, darling. Just always do as I say. No. Where were we? Oh. Oh, yes. The murdered man. Who was he?

[Larry Thor]

We don't know. But I have a picture.

[Charles Calvert]

A picture. How wonderful. Gimme, gimme, gimme.

[Larry Thor]

Here.

[Charles Calvert]

Very distinguished. So dead. So horribly dead.

[Larry Thor]

Do you know him?

[Charles Calvert]

Would it make it easier for you if I didn't? Policeman.

[Larry Thor]

Do you know him, Miss Conrad?

[Charles Calvert]

I'm sorry. Dreadfully sorry. We don't know this man, do we, Martha? Do we? No. No, we don't know him.

[Larry Thor]

Where were you last night, Miss Conrad?

[Charles Calvert]

I was here all day, all evening, all night. I didn't go out once, did I, Martha? No.

[Larry Thor]

The commotion in the hall when the man was found. It didn't wake you, did it wake me, Martha?

[Charles Calvert]

No. You slept very soundly.

[Larry Thor]

You sleep in the same room with Miss Conrad, Martha.

[Charles Calvert]

Well, I. Policeman, you talked them off as if she were a servant.

[Larry Thor]

But that's dreadful.

[Charles Calvert]

Of course, Marv is not a servant. She's my sister, isn't she? The end.

[Larry Thor]

Maybe I said something after that. I don't remember. What I do remember is waving my jaw a few times and trying to smile and give the impression of. Of course she's your sister. What else? Then I left. The apartment door across the hall had a nameplate that said Jonathan Quill. And was equipped with a door Knocker, a brass dragon sticking his tongue out at me. I lifted him up, pushed his face against the door, and then it happened. The door swung open. I stepped inside. How was I to know I was standing in the middle of a train crossing?

[Charles Calvert]

Jump over it, boy.

[Tartaglia]

Jump over it.

[Charles Calvert]

You want to get hit by a train?

[Howard McNear]

Oh, yeah. You sure had a narrow scheme, now, didn't you?

[Charles Calvert]

Could they take it off a tow?

[Larry Thor]

Yeah. Hey, what goes on?

[Charles Calvert]

Look at it go. The exact replica of the Super Chief.

[Howard McNear]

And almost as fast. Always wanted to be a brakeman, boy. Became a millionaire, sir.

[Charles Calvert]

What did you want?

[Larry Thor]

To become A millionaire. I got to be a policeman instead.

[Charles Calvert]

Glad you came.

[Howard McNear]

Never had a policeman watch me train. Never thought about arson.

[Larry Thor]

Well, now that you're delighted, Mr. Quill, I hope I won't do anything to break up your fun. I'm a policeman come to see about a murder.

[Tartaglia]

Murder? Wait, a switch, boy.

[Charles Calvert]

Wait.

[Howard McNear]

A switch. Here, just wheedle. It's the murder. You mean the one down the hall. The elevator murder. I didn't do it. And I'll prove it to you, Mr. Quill.

[Tartaglia]

You better prove it to you.

[Charles Calvert]

You want an alibi, don't you?

[Howard McNear]

That's why you came here. I know all about policemen. You want alibis.

[Charles Calvert]

Harold. Harold.

[Larry Thor]

Yeah? Come in there, Harold.

[Tartaglia]

That's a policeman.

[Charles Calvert]

You know what to do.

[Tartaglia]

Harold.

[Larry Thor]

Right over there.

[Charles Calvert]

That's a policeman right there.

[Larry Thor]

Hello. My name's Harold Blake. Jonathan's partner, Danny Clover. You seem to have gotten Jonathan excited. Jonathan gets excited.

[Howard McNear]

Tell him, Harold. You know what to do now. Hate it.

[Larry Thor]

Well, ever since the elevator boy was in here last night, he didn't say anything about that. I didn't know. He came in the apartment where he reported the murder from here. You mean he used your phone to call the police? Yes, that's right. To call the police. I was here visiting with Jonathan. I live in the next apartment, you see. I see. Pretty late for visiting, wasn't it? By some standards. By some standards, frankly, Mr. Clover. And you've probably never gotten an alibi like this in your life. We wanted to watch the trains on what we call the milk run. That's our alibi.

[Howard McNear]

Tell him what else, Hal. Go ahead.

[Larry Thor]

Oh, I don't think that's. Go ahead, tell me what else. It's about the elevator operator. About Eddie. Jonathan thinks Eddie is the murderer.

[Charles Calvert]

That's what you think.

[Larry Thor]

Oh, why?

[Howard McNear]

Because Eddie is mean and spiteful and tried every which way to make an unhonest dollar. He's the type that murders other types.

[Larry Thor]

What else?

[Tartaglia]

Need there be anything else?

[Howard McNear]

Eddie is the killer. It's a hunch. I have.

[Tartaglia]

I have made a million dollars with my hunches.

[Larry Thor]

You see how it is, Mr. Cloven? No, I don't see. But I'm going to try where there's peace, gentlemen. And quiet away from trains. Gentlemen.

[Tartaglia]

Hey, Danny. You in the mood for heap beat?

[Larry Thor]

Pow wow, huh? Say that again. Tataglia.

[Howard McNear]

Powwow.

[Tartaglia]

That's Indian talk. A throwback.

[Larry Thor]

Try me once more. Tataglia.

[Tartaglia]

Well, a throwback to last night. Every night I play cowboys and Indians with Mrs. Tataglia and my six boys. And I am always an Indian. Hey, you should see my teepee, Danny. Surplus army blanket.

[Larry Thor]

There must be a string of beads around here somewhere. Tataglia. Go play someplace else.

[Tartaglia]

Danny, please be serious. We got work to do.

[Larry Thor]

Oh, well, who makes medicine first, you or me?

[Tartaglia]

Huh?

[Howard McNear]

Oh, oh, oh.

[Tartaglia]

Me, Danny. Me.

[Howard McNear]

Why?

[Tartaglia]

This is a very grave matter. The technical boys say the signal system on the elevator where deceased unknown was found murdered. You follow me? They say said signal system was disconnected when they went over it.

[Larry Thor]

So?

[Tartaglia]

So, what makes the mystery into a big pile is that somewhere there is a discrepancy.

[Larry Thor]

Like what?

[Tartaglia]

Like a discrepancy in time. Detective Mugavan received a murder call at his precinct at 2:55 in the a.m. he noted it down.

[Larry Thor]

So?

[Tartaglia]

So Dr. Sinski says after examination of said unknown deceased, that said unknown deceased was deceased for at least two hours when found, which would place the time of his murder, considering the here and there of police routine, at about 1 in the morning. Not at 2:55, as was called in by the elevator operator. Now, this means the boy cut off the signal system. He should not be disturbed. Danny.

[Charles Calvert]

Danny.

[Tartaglia]

I ain't finished. I can never get a word out edgewise.

[Charles Calvert]

Danny.

[Larry Thor]

The dormant. You told me I'd find you here, Eddie.

[Howard McNear]

Oh, well, it's the hard, hard detective, huh? Where else would you find this elevator boy blood, huh? I'll answer that. In the sub basement. Fixing this stinking elevator last night, Eddie.

[Larry Thor]

Did you have to fix the elevator before you called the police?

[Howard McNear]

That's a very interesting question. Because I can't figure out what it means. Very mystical.

[Larry Thor]

I'll explain it to you, elevator boy.

[Howard McNear]

Now, go back, bloodhound. You come under here with me. You might get your throat caught in a steel cable or something. Under here is for exports from here.

[Larry Thor]

Then the call you made to the police, Eddie, how come it was almost an hour late? That's a long time. An hour.

[Howard McNear]

Hey, you're good boys Are real good to find out a thing like that.

[Larry Thor]

We got experts too, Eddie. So maybe you better put your elevator away someplace and come out here and talk to me expert to expert.

[Howard McNear]

Yeah, yeah, I'll do that. One more tap in its tummy. Hi to Eddie.

[Tartaglia]

Get out.

[Charles Calvert]

Get out. I can't.

[Larry Thor]

My foot is caught. No, no, no. You are listening to Broadway's My Beat, written by Morton and David Friedkin and starring Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover. Broadway is a place that mourns the dead only in passing. The cold whisper of death winds its way through the neon chasm and Broadway notes it shudders and huddles in on itself. To the murder of an anonymous man in an elevator, to the crushing out of another man's life by that same elevator. Broadway reacted true to form. It read the headlines, shrugged, and flipped them neatly into the nearest trash can. But at headquarters, it isn't that easy. Even Sergeant Tartaglia didn't think so.

[Tartaglia]

It ain't easy, Danny. 20 years into business and it still ain't easy.

[Larry Thor]

What isn't, Tartaglia?

[Tartaglia]

To be in a business where the product is dead bodies, where the clients are murderers. I've often commented thusly to Mrs. Tartaglia.

[Larry Thor]

Does she comfort you then? Tartaglia?

[Tartaglia]

Like an angel. She goes to the mixmaster, beats up a recipe and presents me with a confection. I happen to have one here now, Danny. Homemade challava. Here, have a piece.

[Larry Thor]

Go on. Thanks. Mmm. Good. Okay. Tataga. Brief me.

[Tartaglia]

Oh, this hollabaugh. It's like chewing on a dream, huh, Denny?

[Larry Thor]

My compliments to the missus. Brief me, Todaglia.

[Tartaglia]

Yeah. Well. Item. The unknown man found dead in the elevator of the first part is still, to all intents and purposes, unknown.

[Larry Thor]

Yeah, but you'll keep after it at the tiger.

[Tartaglia]

Oh, like an old hound dog. Item. The death of the elevator operator, Eddie Amboy. The boys in technical concur with your opinion that he was indubitably. Indubitably murdered.

[Larry Thor]

Well, it's generous of them.

[Tartaglia]

Yeah, they thought so. They said the hacksaw you found on the roof of the apartment building, plus the evidence that the elevator cable had been saw through. This made it murder.

[Larry Thor]

What else To Taglia?

[Tartaglia]

Well, we have checked on the background of Eddie Amboy. Found he ran an elevator and in his room had a wife, Mrs. Eddie Amboy.

[Larry Thor]

She there now?

[Tartaglia]

Oh, yeah, Danny. Yeah. The boys are even now keeping tabs on her.

[Larry Thor]

To Taglia. Give me the rest of that halva. I may need it for comfort.

[Charles Calvert]

Yeah.

[Larry Thor]

Mrs. Amboy who are you? I'm from the police. Danny Clover. Well, may I come in?

[Charles Calvert]

You're from the police? You want to see me? About what?

[Larry Thor]

About Eddie. About your husband.

[Charles Calvert]

He's dead. You're late. You should have come months ago. Eddie's dead? Last night he got married to an elevator.

[Larry Thor]

Eddie was murdered. Mrs. Amboy.

[Charles Calvert]

Who'd want to take the trouble? Come on in. Sit over there if you want to.

[Larry Thor]

Thanks. You said I should have come months ago. Why?

[Charles Calvert]

Could have arrested him. Could have had him sentenced for every little petty crime he committed. I edited it up one night. Come to 157 years that way, huh? This way, Mr. Clover. I could have visited him in jail. Brought him pineapple upside down cake. He liked pineapple upside down cake. The dream I had to watch him eating pineapple upside down cake behind bars.

[Larry Thor]

You sound bitter enough to want to kill him and erect.

[Charles Calvert]

That dream I told you about myself, uh, that was Eddie's department.

[Larry Thor]

You were around when Eddie was killed.

[Charles Calvert]

Still doubt me, Mr. Clover? Don't doubt me. I've been on vacation, mister. To Washington, the District of Columbia, to our nation's capital. 2 day all expense tour by bus to gawk at the White house. Lincoln's memorial.

[Larry Thor]

Ms. Amboy.

[Charles Calvert]

Eddie sent me away. He had a girl.

[Larry Thor]

When did you get back, Mrs. Amboy?

[Charles Calvert]

This morning. Time to read the papers. Time to know that Eddie was dead. Time to come back here and sniff perfume. I never had another woman.

[Larry Thor]

We'll check then. About the trip to Washington, I mean. Yeah, sure.

[Charles Calvert]

You know what I was just thinking, Mr. Clover?

[Larry Thor]

What?

[Charles Calvert]

Six years. I get my first two day vacation in six years and becomes a matter for the police. How long will it be before Eddie leaves me alone? Ah, you've seen women like me before, mister. Help me out. How long will it be?

[Larry Thor]

We'll just check about on that bus trip. No longer than that.

[Charles Calvert]

Wait a minute. Don't go yet, Mr. Clover. I got it right here. Here, take this wallet.

[Larry Thor]

What about it?

[Charles Calvert]

Before I burn Nettie's clothes. This morning I went to through him. Maybe. He left me $5 insurance money. I found his wallet. Eddie never had no wallet like this. Anyhow, it's empty.

[Larry Thor]

Not quite empty. A picture of a man. An identification card.

[Charles Calvert]

You know him?

[Larry Thor]

Not really, Mrs. Amboy. But I know about him. He's a man who didn't get off an elevator. He tried, but he didn't make it. Mrs. Amboy's eyes glittered through the shadows of the room. Filled with shadows. And all that was in them was the Hard crust of a hatred finally resolved. It was not only Eddie's clothes she had burned, but his touch, his gaze on her whispered night words. There was nothing more I could ask her about Eddie that she would answer. So I got out the picture. The identification card and the wallet she gave me belonged to the man who had been murdered and found in the elevator. Now I knew who he was, but I needed more than that. There was an address on the card. I went to it.

[Howard McNear]

Oh, well, I'm afraid you'll have to come back some other time, sir. Dr. Stafford is not in.

[Larry Thor]

I know that. I'm from the police. Danny Clover. And you the attendant.

[Howard McNear]

I helped Dr. Stafford. We have a small hospital here. Only Dr. Stafford myself.

[Larry Thor]

Police? Yes. I want to.

[Howard McNear]

Well, I'm afraid you'll have to take up whatever it is you want with Dr. Dr. Stafford. I'm not in a position. What is it you want, Mr. Crawford?

[Larry Thor]

Something like this. How is it you don't seem to know that Dr. Robert Stafford is dead?

[Howard McNear]

He often takes trips away from here.

[Larry Thor]

For two or three days at a time.

[Howard McNear]

I never quit. Dead?

[Larry Thor]

Murdered.

[Howard McNear]

That's impossible.

[Tartaglia]

For he was so hail and hardy.

[Howard McNear]

When he left here.

[Larry Thor]

He was murdered.

[Howard McNear]

I knew it would happen someday. I knew it and I told him so many times.

[Larry Thor]

Why? Why did you tell him that?

[Howard McNear]

Because of the nature of his profession. Dr. Stafford was a psychiatrist. A very competent one. Some of the people he treated were mad. Murderous and mad. You've only to read of their records of calling.

[Larry Thor]

Where are they?

[Howard McNear]

Where?

[Larry Thor]

The records. Where are they?

[Howard McNear]

Oh, in his office, in there.

[Tartaglia]

But you've no right. You've no right.

[Howard McNear]

Those are.

[Tartaglia]

Dr. Stafford, please.

[Larry Thor]

Mr. Clover. These papers here on the desk, are these records? Yes.

[Tartaglia]

Dr. Stafford was studying those the night he went away.

[Howard McNear]

I. I haven't touched them.

[Larry Thor]

Dr. Stafford didn't like history, Conrad. Doesn't make sense. I can't understand what's written here.

[Howard McNear]

Psychiatrist records are like that, Mr. Clover.

[Tartaglia]

Mr. Clover, you can't take those with you. They belong to Dr. Stafford.

[Howard McNear]

Welcome, Danny. Welcome to the office that Freud built with the taxpayers money down.

[Larry Thor]

Dr. French, how are you?

[Howard McNear]

All right, Danny, all right. What brings you to the city? Psychiatrist problem.

[Larry Thor]

A problem.

[Howard McNear]

Off the record.

[Larry Thor]

On it. Doctor, I've got a file here. It's filled with words and parts of words that I don't understand. A file about a sick woman.

[Howard McNear]

Illness requires a special language. Danny. Let me take a look here.

[Larry Thor]

Anything, Doctor.

[Howard McNear]

Gently, Danny, gently. This is quite a history.

[Larry Thor]

Sum it up for me, Doctor. Tell me so I can understand.

[Howard McNear]

Can the lay mind understand insanity.

[Larry Thor]

For.

[Howard McNear]

The woman named Conrad? It says here that she's insane.

[Larry Thor]

How insane?

[Howard McNear]

The insanity of the headlines, Danny. The sensational insanity. The woman named Conrad is a homicidal maniac.

[Larry Thor]

Yeah? Yeah.

[Howard McNear]

This woman needs attention. According to these notes, she was going to be committed.

[Larry Thor]

I know, but which one?

[Howard McNear]

I don't understand.

[Larry Thor]

Which one, Doctor? Which, Conrad? Martha or Mary? Which is a homicidal maniac?

[Tartaglia]

Which?

[Larry Thor]

Get in here.

[Tartaglia]

Yeah, Danny. Yeah, I was just in the. Hey, what are you doing with your gun, Danny? The old ammunition don't please you?

[Larry Thor]

Something like that. Tataglia. I've got a thing for you to do.

[Tartaglia]

Always a pleasure, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Tell the boys in the press room we've captured a homicidal maniac.

[Tartaglia]

Oh, that's nice, huh? Hey, where Danny? Where is he?

[Larry Thor]

A woman, Tataglia. A mad woman named Conrad. Tell the reporters we're holding her for the murders of Dr. Robert Stafford and Eddie Amboy.

[Tartaglia]

You have spoken, Danny, but.

[Larry Thor]

But what? Ted Aglia.

[Tartaglia]

Well, me, a policeman. It makes me ashamed to confess it. But I don't know what's going on in the police department.

[Larry Thor]

I'll whisper it in your ear, then you'll know. Eddie Amboy, he was the key to Daglia.

[Tartaglia]

The key to what, Danny?

[Larry Thor]

To the murder of Dr. Robert Stafford. To his own. Because he saw the Conrad woman kill Stafford, then blackmailed her in his own special way. Eddie had special ways?

[Tartaglia]

If I could only understand it, it would explain something.

[Larry Thor]

Well, it explains Eddie's delay in calling the police. He had to fix it up with a murderer. It took him an hour. When he finally convinced her, he called us. He didn't know he was playing games with a mad woman.

[Tartaglia]

Oh, and this Conrad was the woman who sawed through the cable and thereby dropped an elevator on him.

[Larry Thor]

Yeah.

[Tartaglia]

Hey, but wait a minute, Danny. There are two Conrad's. Mary and Martha. Now, don't play hard with my emotions, Danny. Which one was it? Mary or Martha?

[Larry Thor]

How would I know? Another thing to take. The one of the Conrad sisters is in her apartment now. I checked. Tell Mugavan not to let the other sister get to her. Under no circumstances is one sister to contact the other. You got that?

[Tartaglia]

Got it.

[Larry Thor]

Daniel, One more thing. If anyone wants me, anyone, they can reach me at home. Is it all clear? Now to take Lea. So I went home. I tapped on the landlady's door, told her I was expecting visitors, told her to send them up in my apartment. I hung my shoulder holster with a gun across a chair, then sat facing the window Trying to hold on to at least one of the answers that kept nudging themselves through my mind. But they were fleeting and of no consequence. A murderer might come calling tonight. This was the thought that crowded out the rest of the thoughts. And then, below me, captured in the pool of light spread by the street lamp, a silhouette. A woman. A woman who looked for a house number, found it. Walked to the door beneath me, found me. Good evening, Miss Conrad.

[Charles Calvert]

May I come in?

[Larry Thor]

I want you to. Over there, Miss Conrad. Sit down.

[Charles Calvert]

No, no, I'd rather stand.

[Larry Thor]

All right. Why did you come here?

[Charles Calvert]

What have you done with her? Mr. Clover, what have you done with my sister?

[Larry Thor]

Martha, you've seen the newspapers. The police have her. She'll see the psychiatrist in the morning. You know that. Ms. Conrad. You know she needs medical attention.

[Charles Calvert]

I know. I know that. But you'll put her away. You'll put her away like an animal. She'll die in a cage. My sister.

[Larry Thor]

Your sister murdered two men.

[Unknown Character]

Yes.

[Charles Calvert]

Yes.

[Larry Thor]

Why didn't you come to the police? You KNEW she murdered Dr. Stafford, knew about Eddie Amboy.

[Charles Calvert]

She'll die in the cage, crawling in the cage.

[Larry Thor]

Come in.

[Charles Calvert]

Martha. Martha, what are you doing here? I don't understand that. He. That policeman, he said. The papers said, holding you.

[Howard McNear]

Mary.

[Charles Calvert]

I thought they'd finally caught you. Finally. Oh, Mary. Mary, it's a trick. It's a trick. Let's run. Let's get out of here. No more running. No more. You see? Let's go. Sake, Marion. Huh? Don't you know that? Huh? I tried to help, but mend this killing. Oh, Mary. Don't touch me. You've turned on me. Now he knows. Now he knows. And you. I'll kill you, boy. Mary, put down that gun. I'll kill you. Kill you.

[Larry Thor]

The smoke from the gun curled up and mixed with her hair. And behind the smoke, her face, fury, disintegrating, dissolving into disbelief. She stood there, her body taut, her mind clutching for one fleeting instant of sanity, that it was through, over, done with the simple recognition that the gun had been harmlessly loaded. Then she rejected everything. A little while later, some men came, men who knew about these things. They picked her up and carried her away. Broadway is deserted now, except for those who never quit, those who wear peepholes for eyes. The dreamwalkers, the people who want to laugh. They search behind doors, in alleys, through shuttered windows. And they never go home because they can't. It's Broadway. The gaudiest, the most violent. The lonesomest mile in the World Broadway My Beat Broadway's My Beat stars Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover with Charles Calvert as Tartaglia. The program was produced and directed by Elliot Lewis. The musical score was composed and conducted by Alexander Curry. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I think the Elevator Man's Widow was a little bitter, just a little bit. I'm all for characters who have feelings and emotions, but I don't like characters who are just kind of brought on to provide bitter angst. So I don't think she was particularly necessary. Somebody else could have talked to her and just told Danny about the clue or given it to Danny and we got to skip that old scene. Now this also featured an interesting way to play two parts for Howard McNear, as he played both the very eccentric millionaire train collector and the officious secretary to the psychiatrist. More often when it comes to double, you'll have actors have their voice higher or lower or give their voices different accents or different class distinctions. Here McNear just uses personality to create a separate character who's very different than the one he played before. Now, as we were talking about at the top of the podcast, for those of you who use Spotify, Detective Video Theater is now on Spotify. And this of course, is the video companion to this podcast which features public domain television detective shows and movies. Previously, the video theater was available on YouTube and it was also available on those few services that allowed video podcasts to be played off of RSS feeds, namely Apple Podcast as well as PodBean and PodChaser. There may have been one other, but now it'll be available on Spotify. Now unfortunately we're not just able to put the RSS feed into Spotify, so we're going to have to fill up the back catalog which is around 180 episodes over time in getting those loaded over to Spotify, having had experience with copying a bunch of shows from one service to another, I can say it's not a good idea to copy all 180 at once. So this is something that will be done over time. And we are actually starting with the Bulldog Drummond films which were so popular on YouTube. And so that series which had Ray Milland as Drummond in the first film and then John Howard in the rest of the films, will be the first block of public domain movies that were posting on Spotify with my commentary after each film. And then we'll post our latest video theater after that. And then for a good while we're going to be posting two episodes per week on Spotify, including posting all the new episodes, as well as going into our back catalog. So over the next few years you should be able to see everything over there on Spotify and all of the new videos that are being posted on YouTube and Apple Now. This is the first podcast I'm recording post podfest. I haven't gone back to Idaho yet. We finished up on Sunday, but just kind of the vagaries of plane schedules. I'm staying just a little bit longer, but a couple things I need to wrap up at a really good time at podfest, I picked up some interesting ideas, met some great people, had a conversation or two about collaborations, and have a lot to think about after this whole conference. And I appreciate podfest and the whole Pod fam and the work they did to make this happen. So if you are a podcaster or you're interested in being a content creator, I heartily recommend the PodFest Expo. And they actually have a series of one day events that they did last year and eventually they're going to get scheduled for this year called Pod Tour. And you can check that [e-mail] they're not paying for anything, just spreading the word for those who might be interested. Now, one company that was there had a new income model for podcasters. Essentially they partnered with around 40 companies and the podcaster gets to decide who they'd like to partner with and promote and they can offer their listeners a discount. And if the listeners buy using the promo code, the podcaster gets a commission. And I found this intriguing because it's a win win, as you're not just supporting me, but getting a discount on something that you like. And this is different than many other sponsorships we done where they have a discount code, but whatever, I get paid just a flat amount for the ad. Last year I did an advertising survey asking you what sort of products you'd be interested and food ranked very high. And so that was the category I looked at. And then when I saw Fulton Fish Market, I was immediately impressed because this is such an iconic name and has such a great reputation and I didn't know that you could get fish delivered from the Fulton Fish Market right to your door. That intrigues me. And so this was the first one I chose. I chose another company and we're going to give this model a try and we'll see how this goes. Now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we have some wonderful reviews on the Apple Podcast Store and we start out with Breathe Joy, if you like. Old Time Radio. If you like great detectives, look no further. I've been hunting around for various podcasts and certainly there are others that present some of the wonderful shows of the golden age of radio. But there is nothing that compares to Adam Graham's wonderful commentaries. Adam presents more information about the shows, about the golden age of radio, about history of all these, and it's such an amazing feature to add to listening and enjoyment of these wonderful stories. Now, listening to just the shows is no longer an acceptable way to hear them. Without Adam's commentaries, I feel like I'm missing a huge part. Thank you so much, Adam, for all that you bring to your listeners. I appreciate your kind review and I will say that it kind of goes both ways in terms of the commentary. It's actually a little odd for me listening to audio dramas that I'm not going to give a commentary on. It's just what I'm used to doing. Sometimes I have to say to myself, okay, this is a copyrighted audio drama from Big Finish. You're not going to do a commentary on it. Or even some of the other audio dramas I play or various programs I just imagine sharing with you and talking to you guys about them. And this one's from Swin and Jogen. I hope I pronounced that right. Look, I'm gonna be honest, Big Adam does have a weird voice, but it grows on you and eventually you'll really dig it. He does a great job reuploading these classic stories and giving interesting context at the start of each episode. Shout out Bigadog for Iowa. Thank you for the review and for being the second person in my entire life to call me a dog. And that dog is spelled D A W G. And then finally, love old time radio. And it's great to hear past radio shows. I also dig the old commercials. Well, thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time to leave those reviews. It's really appreciated. Now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to thank Chris. Chris has been one of our patreon supporters since February 2019, currently supporting the podcast at the Seamus level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Chris. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. We'll be back next Wednesday with another episode of Broadway's My Beat. But join us back here tomorrow for Mr. And Mrs. North where what do.

[Unknown Character]

You want to well, for me sake.

[Larry Thor]

What are you so jumpy about?

[Unknown Character]

Mr. Roso, if you have daughter like Marcella, you'll be jumpy too. That girl have changed completely overnight.

[Charles Calvert]

In what way?

[Unknown Character]

In every way. Since she come here to work for me. She like Mr. Hyde and Dr. Jaquel. Every night she tried to kill me. First with loose board downstairs, then with chandelier. She tried to cast fix it with a stone. Oh, she tell you about that?

[Larry Thor]

She told us you were trying to kill her, Mr. Rousseau.

[Unknown Character]

How I can kill her? My son. Just a minute, Mr. Russo.

[Charles Calvert]

Maybe somebody's trying to kill both of you.

[Unknown Character]

What would you even have done? Somebody wrong?

[Larry Thor]

Just the same, it's a distinct.

[Charles Calvert]

What's the manager?

[Larry Thor]

As I said, Mr. Russo, there's a distinct possibility that someone's out to kill you both. And that someone may caught. Well, Marcella, come right in. You can hear much better inside.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box [e-mail]. follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram. Com. Great. Detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.