Broadway's My Beat: The Elaine Hill Murder Case (EP4649)

Summary

Summary of "Broadway's My Beat: The Elaine Hill Murder Case (EP4649)"

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode: Broadway's My Beat: The Elaine Hill Murder Case (EP4649)
Host: Adam Graham
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Based on Transcript Provided

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Broadway's My Beat, Detective Danny Clover, portrayed by Larry Thor, delves into the mysterious murder of Elaine Hill. Set against the vibrant and often perilous backdrop of Broadway, the narrative unfolds with intricate character interactions, revealing hidden motives and dark secrets that culminate in a classic old-time radio detective drama.

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The Murder of Elaine Hill

The story begins in an expensive hotel room where Elaine Hill, a beloved salesgirl from the perfume shop lobby, is found dead. Detective Danny Clover arrives at the scene to investigate the cruel strangulation of Elaine, marked by bruises and evidence of her chokehold death.

Larry Thor (Detective Danny Clover) [06:19]: "Choked to death."

Elaine's death sends ripples through the hotel's community, as everyone seems to have a connection to her, except for Milburn Jeffries, who vehemently denies any involvement.

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Detective Danny Clover's Investigation

Detective Clover begins his investigation by interviewing Milburn Jeffries, a longtime salesman from a peerless leather goods company. Jeffries claims innocence, asserting that he discovered Elaine after taking a shower and finding her lifeless on the floor.

Milburn Jeffries [06:27]: "I was taking a shower, Mr. Clover. That's all I was doing."

Clover remains skeptical, noting inconsistencies in Jeffries' account and the unlocked door to his room, suggesting potential foul play or hidden motives.

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Key Interactions and Interviews

Joe Graham's Involvement

Joe Graham, a hotel employee and bellhop, becomes a pivotal character in the investigation. Initially appearing cooperative, Graham eventually becomes the suspect after being found dead under mysterious circumstances, further complicating the case.

Joe Graham [05:03]: "Take your hands off the man. Mr. Jefferson."

His sudden death leaves Detective Clover with more questions than answers, pushing him deeper into the tangled web surrounding Elaine's murder.

Millie Starr's Testimony

Millie Starr, a coworker and roommate of Elaine, provides critical insights into Elaine's personal life. She reveals Elaine's reluctance to engage with anonymous letters and her desire to leave modeling for a more stable job.

Millie Starr [21:10]: "She got tired of modeling. Wanted to work steady, she said."

Millie's emotional connection to Elaine and her detailed account of the mysterious letters shed light on potential motives and suspects.

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Unraveling the Mystery

Detective Clover uncovers a significant clue when he discovers that the clothes found at the crime scene do not match Elaine's size, indicating that someone else may have been involved in the murder. This revelation points to a deeper conspiracy within the hotel staff.

Larry Thor [13:08]: "This part of it? Yeah, right here."

Sergeant Tartaglia, Clover's superior, introduces a new approach to solving the crime, suggesting leveraging media pressure to elicit a confession from the perpetrator.

Sergeant Tartaglia [13:15]: "Give out word to the newspapers that you will arrest the criminal at any moment."

As Detective Clover pieces together the timeline and the discrepancies in witness testimonies, the true culprit emerges, leading to a climactic confrontation that ties together all the threads of deceit and betrayal.

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Conclusion

The episode concludes with Detective Clover successfully identifying and apprehending the murderer, restoring order to the chaotic environs of Broadway. The resolution underscores themes of justice and the relentless pursuit of truth, hallmark traits of classic detective storytelling.

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Notable Quotes

• Detective Danny Clover:

  "You think about businesses that are selling through the roof like Ello or Allbirds or Skims, sure you think about a great product, a cool brand and brilliant marketing."
  [Note: Misattributed to an advertisement; excluded from notable content quotes.]

• Millie Starr:

  "Because you're a policeman. You think you understand."
  [Timestamp: 20:27]

• Sergeant Tartaglia:

  "Or hang himself. What do you think of it?"
  [Timestamp: 13:42]

• Detective Danny Clover:

  "Like Elaine. You couldn't get near Elaine, so you killed her."
  [Timestamp: 26:31]

• Millie Starr:

  "She's my girl, so she likes to be with me, so she's helping."
  [Timestamp: 09:31]

These quotes encapsulate the tension, character motivations, and pivotal moments that drive the narrative forward.

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Insights and Highlights

• Character Depth: The episode masterfully portrays complex characters, each with their own secrets and motivations, enhancing the intrigue and suspense.

• Clue Integration: The use of subtle clues, such as the mismatched clothing sizes, demonstrates the meticulous nature of Detective Clover's investigation.

• Atmospheric Setting: The vivid depiction of Broadway sets a moody and immersive atmosphere, crucial for the storytelling in old-time radio dramas.

• Thematic Elements: Themes of identity, reputation, and the facade of respectability are explored, adding layers to the narrative beyond the central mystery.

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Final Thoughts

"Broadway's My Beat: The Elaine Hill Murder Case" stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of old-time radio detective stories. With its rich storytelling, engaging characters, and intricate plot, this episode captivates listeners, inviting them to follow Detective Danny Clover through the shadowed streets of Broadway in his quest for justice.

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. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Broadway's My Beat. But first, if you are enjoying the podcast, I do want to encourage you to follow us using your favorite podcast software. Our listener support and appreciation campaign continues. You can support the show using the Zoom Zellapp to [e-mail] and I want to thank Connie for supporting the program that way. And you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month by going to patreon.greatdetactives.net now from April 21, 1950, here is the Elaine Hill 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 Danny Clover. Broadway. It's a marketplace of the wanderers, the displaced. A glittering bazaar where the stalls are lighted in neon and you can buy, you buy an identity or a reason or a memory that was stolen from you. You think it belongs to you, but you're wrong. The hawkers of the night sold it, but only for the minutes of the night. More you must buy all over again. It's Broadway, my beat. Your squad car stabs tears, rips through the city, and its wail is a piece of broken glass that slashes across the city's face. And you see the terror, silent and quick in the blur of the city making way for you. And finally you're there in the place of the violent dead. It's an expensive room in an expensive hotel. And a dead girl lies sprawled on the floor like an exhausted child. And her dress makes a blob of crimson. In the room there are shadows in attendance. Then one detaches itself and clutches onto you and screams. You'll believe me, won't you, mister? I don't know who you are, but you'll believe me. Someone's got to.

[Joe Graham]

Take your hands off the man. Mr. Jefferson.

[Larry Thor]

Don't pay any attention to him, mister. He's greedy. He just wants it all cut and dried. The girl murdered. And he says.

[Joe Graham]

I said take your hands off the man.

[Larry Thor]

All right, I'll sit down. See, I'm cooperative.

[Joe Graham]

You sit down and shut up. Mr. Jeffries? That's right. That's a good boy. You must be Clover. I've seen your face, heard your name.

[Larry Thor]

Oh, and you?

[Joe Graham]

Joe Graham. Hoss. Detective. Don't get me wrong, Clover. I'm usually gentle as a kitten without paying guests, but. Mr. Jeffries.

[Larry Thor]

Are you from the police, Mr. Clover? I'm glad. I'll tell you exactly how it happened. I'll tell you everything.

[Joe Graham]

Back in your chair, Mr. Jeffries. I'll tell the detective.

[Larry Thor]

I'd rather hear it from Mr. Jeffries.

[Joe Graham]

Oh, to each his own. Go ahead, Mr. Jeffries. Tell the man the way you told it to me.

[Larry Thor]

I was taking a shower, Mr. Clover. That's all I was doing. I was getting ready to go out to dinner. I'm a salesman, peerless leather goods company. And I've been with the company for 10 years. Badge of merit for my enterprise. Stick to it. If, miss. You were taking a shower, Mr. Jeffries? Yes, well, I dressed. I come out of the shower, and there she was, just like that, lying on the Floor. Well, I was shocked. I tried to wake her, throw her out, but she was dead.

[Nicky Laszlo]

Choked to death.

[Larry Thor]

How do you know she died that way? What? The marks on her throat. Bruises. Didn't you see them? You must have seen them. Who was she? I never saw her before in my life. May I?

[Joe Graham]

Thank you.

[Larry Thor]

Girls.

[Joe Graham]

Elaine Hill. Works in the perfume shop in the lobby. Won a prize for being such a good sales girl. A week on the town. A plush room in this plush hotel. Everybody in the hotel has seen her, knows her. But not Mr. Jeffries. A beautiful girl like Elaine never saw her. And Mr. Jeffries?

[Larry Thor]

Never. How did she get into your room? The door was unlocked. Oh, yes. Well, that doesn't mean anything, does it? I. I left it unlocked because I'd ordered. A drink was brought to you. Yes, and that's how I can prove I didn't do it. Just at the moment the bellboy brought the drink. He just walked in. Just at that moment I was coming out of the shower. We found the girl again. Just ask him. That's all you have to do. He can prove I didn't do it. The bellboy, Graham, who was he?

[Joe Graham]

Fred Chandler. He's at your disposal anytime you want him.

[Larry Thor]

Keep him that way. Where's the girl's room?

[Joe Graham]

Down the hall.

[Larry Thor]

I'll go with you. Just give me the pass. Then you believe me. You believe I didn't do it. You'll have to be taken to headquarters. Oh, you can't. You can't do that to me. My reputation, my business, all the years I've worked. You can't. I won't go. It goes like that. Violent death produces its own after images. The people who are suddenly thrown against it are scared. They're cooperative, they're uncooperative. It bores them. Depending upon their own attitude toward violence and their own conscience. Milburn Jeffries was screaming when the police let him out of the room. Joe Graham was grinning when he gave me the hotel pass. Key me. The sense of sorrow for a dead girl is a luxury that a policeman allows himself in the moments in between. It took a moment to walk down the corridor to Elaine Hill's room.

[Joe Graham]

She ain't here anymore, mister.

[Larry Thor]

Yeah, I know. So. Bye.

[Joe Graham]

Bye.

[Larry Thor]

On your feet, friends. What are you doing here?

[Joe Graham]

Gaze at me and you shall know. I'm sitting here smoking a cigarette. You gaze. I'm on your way.

[Larry Thor]

Police.

[Joe Graham]

Oh, a magic word. You see, I get up, I stand at attention. Have a whim. Go ahead, have one. I'll make it come true. Bellhops get paid for making whims come true. They stick in his uniform and.

[Larry Thor]

Yeah. Enchant me with your name.

[Joe Graham]

Fred Chandler Bellhouse.

[Larry Thor]

Who is it? Fred?

[Millie Starr]

Fred, who are you talking to?

[Joe Graham]

Oh, police.

[Larry Thor]

My Name's Danny Clover, Ms. Lee. I'm Anna Lee.

[Millie Starr]

I work here, you see.

[Larry Thor]

You're a maid?

[Millie Starr]

Oh, no. The cigar counter is where I really work. Downstairs in the lobby. I'm on my supper hour.

[Joe Graham]

A supper hour? She's my girl, so she likes to be with me, so she's helping.

[Millie Starr]

Yes, I'm helping Fred.

[Larry Thor]

Helping him do what?

[Joe Graham]

Oh, I get it. You're collecting information to help you solve a mysterious crime. I'll unfold it for you. Helping me do what you say. Helping me pack Ms. Hill's clothes.

[Larry Thor]

Who told you to do that?

[Joe Graham]

Lane Hill. She was checking out. She said, see that my clothes are packed. She give me a dollar. Puts me on the obligation. Personal obligation. Now that she's dead, my work still goes on.

[Larry Thor]

Leave her clothes alone. Officer Florio will take care of them. One more thing, Fred.

[Joe Graham]

Quiz me.

[Larry Thor]

Were you in the room when Mr. Jeffries discovered the girl? The dead girl?

[Joe Graham]

Jeffries said that? He said that, huh? He fib. He told a big, big fib. I brought in his drink and there he was, standing over Miss Hill.

[Millie Starr]

Yes. Yes, that's the way it was, Mr. Clover. That's just the way Fred told me it was. Fred's telling the truth. He's not in trouble, is he? Fred's not in trouble, Mr. Culver.

[Larry Thor]

Don't worry, Ms. Lee. Fred's not in trouble. But keep an eye on him. Keep an eye on each other. The girl's hand touched Fred's sleeve and he flicked it away. Then he crossed the room ahead of me, opened the door and bowed me out. Around Elaine Hill's death, there already grew the fungus of lies, of half truths, the weeds of a new violence. To tear them out. I needed to know more about Elaine. How she lived, how she worked. There was a man who could tell me part of it. A man named Nikki Laszlo, dealer in perfumes in the lobby.

[Nicky Laszlo]

All I know of Elaine, Mr. Clover, is beauty. She was employee of myself, but nevertheless beauty sheer, exquisite. In my spare time, I coined new English words.

[Larry Thor]

Mr. Laszlo, pardon me.

[Nicky Laszlo]

I want this would be put in the official records. You keep such records? Of course you keep. In this country, everybody keeps. I want you should put down salt on the person of Elaine Hill. The perfumes of Nicky Lashworth smelled better than on person of any other person. That, you see is my eulogy. Over my poor dead Elaine for publication.

[Larry Thor]

Touching.

[Nicky Laszlo]

Change smelled to had more fragrance that has more sorrow in it. Agreed?

[Larry Thor]

Agreed. There could be sorrow in it for you too.

[Nicky Laszlo]

Mr. Laszlo is already I deserve more.

[Larry Thor]

If you don't answer questions directly without coining new words. Agreed.

[Nicky Laszlo]

This is your country. I am only here on good behavior. Question me, Mr. Clawer.

[Larry Thor]

Think back. Did Elaine ever say anything to you? Do anything that might show that she.

[Nicky Laszlo]

Was afraid of being killed?

[Larry Thor]

Of being killed?

[Nicky Laszlo]

No, not once. Except only once. But not I think of being killed.

[Larry Thor]

Of what?

[Nicky Laszlo]

She didn't tell me.

[Larry Thor]

Didn't tell you what? Answer me, Laszlo, before I.

[Nicky Laszlo]

Before you hurt me. I tell you. Last week came call from room 302. Wanted Elaine to exhibit perfume personally. This 302 Elaine took quickly atomizers went and came back with atomizers. But with tears in her eyes. I asked her what she told me. Nothing. Just cried and blow her nose. That's all.

[Larry Thor]

That's all?

[Nicky Laszlo]

That's all, Mr. Clover. The whole thing. All.

[Larry Thor]

And it goes on. Elaine Hill had been called to room 302 to style perfume. And she returned with a tear. I went back upstairs to the lobby and spotted Joe Graham. I told him to find out who occupied room 302 last Thursday. It would take some doing, Joe Graham said, because the books were snugged away for the night. But he was just the boy who could find out. Anyhow, he assured me because he had influence around here. I assured him that was dandy to let me know. He winked and I went back to headquarters. I got as far as sitting at my desk.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

I shadowed you into your office, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

I see you did. Tataglia. Why did you?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

To offer you the hand that helps.

[Larry Thor]

All right. Help me. Titaglia. Who killed Elaine Hill?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Huh?

[Larry Thor]

Who killed Elaine Hill?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Danny, you're fighting me. You know, I. I have a new approach in the solution of, as it were, crimes. You want to hear, tell me. Give out word to the newspapers that you will arrest the criminal at any moment. Only don't say what moment. This makes an emotional person like a criminal. Emotional. Nervous. And seeing that the die is cast and the vice is turning, he will.

[Larry Thor]

Give himself up, pardon me today.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Or hang himself. What do you think of it?

[Larry Thor]

Danny Clover speaking.

[Joe Graham]

Joe Graham. Here's one, Danny. Nobody registered in room 302 last Thursday. The room was empty.

[Larry Thor]

You're sure?

[Joe Graham]

He asked me to find out and I found out. Sure I'm sure. Don't look the way you're looking, Danny. I got juicy news.

[Larry Thor]

Like what?

[Joe Graham]

Tell you what. Have A shave with me and I'll tell you.

[Larry Thor]

A shave? What are you talking about, Joe?

[Joe Graham]

In the barbershop, in the hotel.

[Larry Thor]

But it's after midnight. The shop's closed.

[Joe Graham]

Sure, but I got influence, like I told you. Look, Danny, I'm going off duty. I got a date. I gotta shave myself. Join me, huh? For the juicy news, huh?

[Larry Thor]

For the juicy news, huh? He said, and he hung up. It took 10 minutes for the squad car to get me to the hotel. In the early hours, the building stood like a sullen pile against the night. The nighttime was beginning to die. In the lobby, the dimness had started the talk more hushed. There was no laughter downstairs. The light bled through the lowered blinds of the barbershop onto the tile floor. Somewhere far away in the world at the bar, a band had settled down to a waltz temple. I walked to the door of the shop, opened it. Joe Graham was standing there, back toward me, propped against a corner, a hand resting on a tray of tonics and towels and brushes. Joe, what's the matter with you? Joe? What was the matter with Joe could never be fixed. The unfelt pain forever stamped on his face told me that. And the unseeing stare. And the blood. Joe Graham was dead. There's a thing about Broadway at lunch hour. It takes its murder spliced between nibbles and a hot dog and washes them down with cream soda. The deaths of Elaine Hill and Joe Graham were spectacularly headlined. So Broadway nodded approval and reached for the onions. It's these usual things that gives Broadway assurance all's right with the world. The only thing Broadway has to worry about is the hours between now and quitting time. In my office at headquarters, Sergeant Dattaglia stood in the center of the room, shifted his position a few times, cleared his throat, then asked me a pointed question.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

What time is it, Danny?

[Larry Thor]

Why?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Well, no particular reason. This question was just an opening gambit for the conversation which is about to ensue.

[Larry Thor]

You tricked me, huh, Titaglia?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

But, Danny, I've been standing right here before. You're trying to catch your attention for 10 minutes as the crow flies.

[Larry Thor]

Okay, what is it?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Reports gathered from hither and yon into the here. To wit, the boys from Technical are even now examining the clothes of Elaine Hill for possible clues as to the reason for her decease.

[Larry Thor]

Go on.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

In the matter of Milburn Jeffrey, the leather goods salesman apprehended at the scene of the crime, also to witness he is now under the excellent care of Dr. Sinski.

[Larry Thor]

Oh, what's the matter with Milburn Jeffries.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

The occupational disease of all those who are arrested as suspects for murders. He's screaming to let him out of jail. He's screaming he ain't guilty. He's screaming he's a victim of cruel fate. So the other tenants are complaining about all this screaming. So between Jeffrey screaming and the others complaining, our pokey is indeed a veritable mishmash.

[Larry Thor]

Uh huh. Now tell me what's news about Fred Chandler of Fred Chandler the bellhop.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

I have the following report. Fred Chandler has been employed at his current place of business for nigh onto six years. No complaints as far as can be determined. His story checks.

[Larry Thor]

And his girlfriend from the cigar counter.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Anna Lee, to wit, Anna Lee is his girlfriend. Has enjoyed this status quo for nigh on to two years.

[Larry Thor]

One more item. Tartaglia. What about the owner of the perfume shop?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

His name is Nicky Laszlo Tartaglia. Where Lazlo spent his time amongst the perfume at the time of the crime. Check. But I know something maybe you don't know, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Like what?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Elaine Hill shared an apartment with a lady who ran the photography salon at the hotel. A lady named Millie Starr. Did you know that, Danny?

[Larry Thor]

Goodbye to Taglio at the photographer's salon. They told me Millie was on the hotel roof taking publicity stills. On the hotel roof, Millie was doing just that. A small camera dangled from her throat and her mouth was full of pins. A tall girl shivering in a swimsuit or rompers or something or other had her back to her. And Millie was pinning up something or other. Tuck here, tuck there. Three other models tried to arrange their photogenic little features on the cold asphalt of the rooftop. They were outfitted for a summer in the city on top of a hotel. One strummed a badminton racket, the other waved a canoe paddle. And the third ran languid fingers through the hair of a wax dummy dressed in McGregor clan shorts and McTavish clan dinner jacket. When the dummy turned out to be a man, I thought it was time to break it up. Which I did by tapping Millie on the shoulder.

[Millie Starr]

Whoever you are, go away. We're busy. Okay, Teffy. You look real sexy now. Go drape yourself on a ledge and I'll shoot you from here.

[Larry Thor]

I'm from the police, Ms. Starr.

[Millie Starr]

Take the pins out of my mouth if you want to talk to me.

[Larry Thor]

Huh? Oh yeah. Pardon me.

[Millie Starr]

Thanks. That's good, Taffy. Little more dreamy. That's it, that's it. I'll keep it. You take this reflector and hold it just like this.

[Larry Thor]

Huh?

[Millie Starr]

The reflector the reflector. Like this?

[Larry Thor]

Oh, like this.

[Millie Starr]

Ichi Keen. You were born to it, Taffy. Take a deep breath. Hold your stomach in. Good. Now relish it. Got it. Now dream somebody else.

[Larry Thor]

Maybe you didn't hear me, Millie. I said I was from the police here.

[Millie Starr]

Did you? Get into your uniform and I'll take your picture. You can put the reflector down now.

[Larry Thor]

Thanks. Elaine Hill. Millie. They tell me you shared an apartment with her.

[Millie Starr]

Oh, Elaine. Take a break, slaves. You may smoke. That's right. It's just what you think. The law wants me for murder. You want me for Moodoo, Mr. Policeman.

[Larry Thor]

Maybe. But first let's just talk about Elaine.

[Millie Starr]

Been trying not to do that. I've been trying not even to think about him.

[Larry Thor]

Why, Millie? Tell me why.

[Millie Starr]

Because you're a policeman. You think you understand.

[Larry Thor]

I can try.

[Millie Starr]

Try hard, Mr. Policeman. How do I tell you what Elaine was to me? A child. Like a daughter. Sometimes, you know. There's nothing written down anywhere that gives you the right to probe into me like this.

[Larry Thor]

We want Elaine's murderer. You want that too, don't you?

[Millie Starr]

That'll bring her back. You making. Making me an offer? Catch the murderer and that'll bring Elaine back.

[Larry Thor]

How long did you know her?

[Millie Starr]

Not long enough. She came to me about six months ago. Wanted to be a model. I wanted to help her. She liked my apartment and I invited her to stay with me.

[Larry Thor]

And?

[Millie Starr]

She got tired of modeling. Wanted to work steady, she said. So I got her the job in Laszlo's perfume shop. Maybe I shouldn't have done that.

[Larry Thor]

Why do you say that?

[Millie Starr]

She hadn't worked there a week when she started getting letters.

[Larry Thor]

That's unusual.

[Millie Starr]

Not for a beautiful girl like Elaine. You know the kind of letters. Anonymous words written in basic English. Some circles I hear they call them love letters.

[Larry Thor]

You saw them? No.

[Millie Starr]

Elaine always burned them, then washed her hands.

[Larry Thor]

You didn't try to trace them? Didn't report them?

[Millie Starr]

No, that was my fault. I told Elaine it wasn't important. Told her it was a kind of flattery. She was so lovely.

[Larry Thor]

The postmark. You must have seen that. Where were they from?

[Millie Starr]

This hotel? Hotel stationary. You think?

[Larry Thor]

Call your slaves back, Millie, or you'll run out of daylight.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Hey, Danny. Hey, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Hey, Danny. Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Okay, okay, here I am. What do you want to take there? I'm in a hurry.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

I'm catching my breath. I'm glad I caught you, Danny. John Gordon and Technical's been buzzing your phone all the time you are out.

[Larry Thor]

Let's go find out what he Wants? Did he tell you what he wants?

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

No. Just called. I answered the phone. He said, was you there? I said, no. He hung up. I've been spending half the afternoon listening to a stupid conversation like that.

[Larry Thor]

Come on. Hello, Gordon. Something I can do for you, Lieutenant? But Taglia said you've been trying to get in touch with me. Well, no. Am I going to have trouble with you, Gordon? Why is it you're never around, Lieutenant? What do you do all day long? You've been calling to find that out, huh? I'll tell you why I've been calling. Here, look at this. Go ahead, read it. So? It's an autopsy report from Dr. Sinski on Elaine Hill. I've already seen it, Gordon, and I know it almost by heart. This part of it? Yeah, right here. You Elaine? Gordon was 5 foot 3, blonde hair, no birthmarks, weight 119. My congratulations on your memory. You really proved it to me. Then why did you send these dresses down here? For usual reasons. Follow standard operating procedure, kid. Maybe you'll come up with an interesting fact that'll tell me why Elaine Hill was killed. These are not Elaine Hill's clothes. Somebody on your detail loused up, Lieutenant. I thought you should know. Somebody mixed up somebody's clothes with Elaine Hill's clothes. These dresses on my desk would fit a woman who weighed about 160, I'd say. Would be about 5:1, I'd say. What are you talking about? Don't make me repeat myself. These dresses cannot belong to Elaine Hill. Who brought these dresses back to headquarters? To Taglia.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Officer Florio. Daniel.

[Larry Thor]

Get him. Get him quick. In 10 minutes, Florio was standing in the middle of my office wiping a crumb off his chin. He was just having a bite, he told me at the hamburger stand across the street. Yes, he packed Elaine's clothes all himself, neatly. No, he hadn't stopped anywhere for a bite or for anything. He brought the suitcase with the clothes right to headquarters, right to Technical, as I ordered. I thanked him, sent him back to finish his bite. Got on the phone someone else had handled Elaine's clothes. I needed to talk to him. At the hotel, he told me he wasn't in Try his rooming house. I did. At his rooming house, they told me he wasn't in Try Anna Lee's rooming house. I did. On the fourth floor landing, I heard the sobs that came from Anna's room. I knocked. No one answered, so I walked in.

[Joe Graham]

You knocked, Clover, that was nice of you. But walking in, how do you know what can happen to you if you just walk in.

[Larry Thor]

What's the matter, Anna? Why are you crying?

[Millie Starr]

Because.

[Joe Graham]

Because I'll tell you. Because, Clover. Because I come to take her out. Dinner, a movie, dance. Anything. A little heart desires. That's why she's crying. My little Anna is overcome with it all.

[Millie Starr]

Not that, Fred. You know it isn't that.

[Joe Graham]

I want you to look good, honey. I want to be proud of you. Walk into a restaurant, I want to be proud. Too much to ask?

[Larry Thor]

Get away from her, Fred.

[Joe Graham]

She's my girl. Clover makes you jealous I'm so close to her.

[Larry Thor]

Get away from her.

[Joe Graham]

A pleasure.

[Larry Thor]

Tell me why you're crying in it.

[Millie Starr]

Sissy wants me to look good. You know how Mr. Clover, he brought over a girl's clothes? He wants me to put them on. He won't go out with me unless I put them on. He won't kiss me unless I put them on.

[Larry Thor]

Don't come near, Fred. The clothes. Where are they, Anna?

[Millie Starr]

Over there on the bed, wrapped in the newspapers.

[Larry Thor]

Elaine Hill's clothes, Fred.

[Millie Starr]

A dead girl's clothes. And you wanted me to put them on. Oh, Fred. Fred, what's the matter with you? What?

[Larry Thor]

Elaine's clothes.

[Joe Graham]

Fred bought them in a hock shop. For my girl, Anna. Because Anna's my girl. I want it to look nice, to look classy, like a dream.

[Larry Thor]

Like Elaine. You couldn't get near Elaine, so you killed her. You wrote her letters and she never answered. So you killed her. And Joe Graham, because he found out it was you who called Elaine to room 302. Was it like that, Fred?

[Joe Graham]

You're frauding at the brain, Clover. That makes you a mad dog.

[Larry Thor]

And the clothes? You stole them after you killed her. Because that was all of Elaine you could own. You stole them and palmed some others off from the police.

[Joe Graham]

They told me the girl was found in a salesman's room. I was there when they told you put her there.

[Larry Thor]

You strangled her and put her there. Because you knew the door to Jeffrey's room was unlocked. That he was taking a shower and couldn't hear you. Anna, give them to me.

[Millie Starr]

Give me your clothes.

[Larry Thor]

I'll show you how I wear them. Fred. Leave alone.

[Millie Starr]

Leave alone.

[Larry Thor]

Drop a knife, Fred. Drop. No. No more killing, Fred. No more.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

You need me anymore tonight, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Go home, Taglia.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Come have dinner with us, Danny. With Mrs. Tartaglia. There's always plenty.

[Larry Thor]

Go home. Tataglia.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Yeah, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Broadway. Where the April evening sighs down on the city like a phosphorescent dream. You walk it slowly because it's a twilight land Then fingers claw at your elbow, A face leans close to yours and the words it whispers are a shriek. It's suddenly night and the world's exploded. It's Broadway, the gaudiest, 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 Courage. Included in the cast tonight were Virginia Gregg, Joyce McCluskey, Elliot Reid, Jack Cruchen, Ed Max, and Anthony Barret.

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Had a good hunch as to who did it. Then the house detective was killed. So there went that. Actually, my theory went out the window the moment the meeting was called. I've listened to this show enough to know what was going to happen next. I like the key clue in this because the detail about the size of the clothes is something that a lot of men, myself included, would probably miss, particularly if the clothes are sitting flat. But it also ends up revealing a lot about the motive and making the crime make sense. Also, wearing two tartans at once is something that you can do according to some people, though there is some controversy over that. Not certain why a fashion photographer would have McGregor shorts with a MacTavish jacket. To be fair, I doubt the writers knew either. Alright, well, listener comments and feedback now. And we start with Connie who writes really enjoy your show. It is my go to when I walk the talk. Well, thank you so much Connie. Then we turn to YouTube where Mechanic 6682 comments not much mystery being that the friend described an old man and a young man both wanting the same girl. It was immediately obvious who it was when he was introduced. Well, that's a fair point. And then we have A comment from jakku71, who writes, I really enjoy listening to the show. I've been binge listening to this the last month or more. It helps me get through the workday, especially when I'm stressed out. Well, so glad to be of help. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Sean. Sean's been one of our Patreon supporters since June of 2021, currently supporting the podcast at the Psalmist level of $4 per month. Thanks so much for your support, Shawn. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We will be back next Wednesday with another episode of Broadway's My Beat. Join us next Tuesday for Hot Copy, but join us back here tomorrow for Mr. And Mrs. North. Where?

[Joe Graham]

That's Pam. Pam.

[Larry Thor]

Sounds like she's in that hall closet.

[Joe Graham]

The key's in the door.

[Larry Thor]

Pam, darling, are you all right? Just hold me for a minute, darling. Oh, darling. I've never been so frightened in my life.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

What happened, sweetheart?

[Larry Thor]

I was talking to you. I. I heard something. I started to turn around. Someone grabbed me from behind and dragged me into this closet and locked me in. Did you see who it was?

[Millie Starr]

No.

[Larry Thor]

It was a man. That's all I know. Where's Clark Handle? In the living room. Well, let's go in and.

[Sergeant Tartaglia]

Jerry.

[Joe Graham]

Bill. Hey, what's all the excitement?

[Larry Thor]

Didn't Jerry tell you on the phone? I had Ms. Brown call while I got over here, pam. And all Ms. Brown said was for me to get to this address right away. There's been a murder, Bill. It's Clara Kendall, a friend of mine in the women's club. She's been strangled. Bill. I found her body. It's on the couch in the living room. Let's have a look. This way. There she is. On the couch over by the wind.

[Millie Starr]

Bill.

[Larry Thor]

Jerry, she's gone.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box13GreatDetectives.net follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram, instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[Larry Thor]

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