Broadway's My Beat: The Francie Green Murder Case (EP4625)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: Broadway's My Beat: The Francie Green Murder Case (EP4625)

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of Broadway's My Beat, Detective Danny Clover, portrayed by Larry Thor, delves into the mysterious and violent underbelly of Broadway following the gruesome murder of Francie Green. Set against the vibrant yet perilous backdrop of 1950s New York City, this episode masterfully intertwines suspense, intricate character dynamics, and classic detective tropes to unravel a compelling tale of deceit and murder.

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Plot Overview

Initiation of the Case

The episode opens with Detective Danny Clover receiving a distressing call from Dr. Sinski at the hospital. Francie Green, a 20-year-old cigarette girl at the Oasis nightclub, has been severely injured in what appears to be a deliberate hit-and-run incident. Dr. Sinski reveals that Francie's condition is critical and hints at a premeditated attack aimed at killing her, suggesting a deeper motive behind the assault (03:40).

Connecting the Dots

As Detective Clover investigates Francie's case, he uncovers a connection to Joe Padgett, a bricklayer who was killed in a shooting at the same nightclub a week prior (07:20). Tartaglia, portrayed by Charles Galvan, assists Clover by providing insights into Joe Padgett's life and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. The plot thickens when it's revealed that Francie's attack followed Joe's murder, hinting at a retaliatory motive or a related vendetta.

Suspect Identification

The investigation leads Clover to Ray Fennell, the projectionist at the Outpost Theater, who initially provides a strong alibi by claiming to have been in jail the night of Joe Padgett's murder (08:27). However, inconsistencies in his story prompt Clover to dig deeper. A crucial turning point occurs when an unidentified body is found in the East River, later confirmed to be Ray Fennell (26:16). This discovery suggests that Fennell may have falsified his alibi to cover his tracks.

Confrontation and Resolution

Clover confronts Fennell at the Oasis nightclub, leading to a tense and dramatic showdown. Through intense interrogation and critical evidence presentation, Clover exposes Fennell's deceit. It becomes clear that Fennell orchestrated both murders to eliminate witnesses or threats to his illicit activities within the nightclub. The episode culminates in Fennell's acknowledgment of his crimes, driven by desperation to protect his secrets (26:42).

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Key Characters

• Detective Danny Clover (Larry Thor): The astute and determined protagonist who navigates the complexities of Broadway's criminal underworld with grit and intelligence.

• Tartaglia (Charles Galvan): Clover's insightful colleague, whose personal turmoil adds depth to the narrative and underscores the emotional toll of their investigative work.

• Francie Green: The young cigarette girl whose tragic fate serves as the catalyst for the unfolding mystery.

• Ray Fennell (Everett): The projectionist whose fabricated alibi and ultimate exposure as the murderer highlight themes of deception and the facade of appearances.

• Mrs. Padgett (Various voices): Joe Padgett's wife, whose interactions with Clover provide critical insights and further entangle the web of relationships surrounding the case.

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Investigative Insights

Alibi Verification Clover's meticulous approach to verifying Fennell’s alibi demonstrates classic detective work. The discovery that Fennell's supposed time in jail conflicts with the timeline of the murders is a pivotal moment, showcasing the importance of skepticism and thoroughness in investigations (08:22).

Interpersonal Dynamics The interplay between Clover, Tartaglia, and other characters adds layers to the narrative. Tartaglia’s personal struggles and strained relationships highlight the emotional burdens detectives bear, enhancing the story's realism and emotional resonance (16:15).

Evidence and Motive The significance of the nightclub photograph as a motive is critically examined. Clover’s realization that eliminating Francie Green was necessary to protect Fennell's position underscores the calculated nature of the crimes (31:42). The use of sound effects, such as Francie’s labored breathing during her injury, heightens the dramatic tension and immerses listeners in the unfolding mystery.

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Climactic Turn and Resolution

The climax of the episode occurs when Clover connects the dots between the murders of Joe Padgett and Francie Green. The revelation that Fennell killed both to eliminate threats solidifies the narrative's resolution. Clover's confrontation with Fennell is intense and satisfying, providing closure to the listeners while highlighting the triumph of justice over deceit (27:50).

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Host’s Analysis and Insights

Adam Graham, the host, offers a thoughtful analysis post-episode, commending Broadway's My Beat for avoiding clichéd motives and showcasing flawed investigative strategies. He praises the nuanced portrayal of murder motives and the effective use of sound effects to convey suspense and emotional weight. Graham also appreciates the unique approach to character development, particularly Clover’s ethical considerations and personal connections to the case.

Notable Quotes Highlighted by Adam:

• "Francie's breathing stopping as the brake came on," highlighting the eerie effectiveness of sound design (31:42).

• "Killing the decoy was also a mistake," emphasizing the narrative's departure from predictable plot devices (31:42).

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Conclusion

Broadway's My Beat: The Francie Green Murder Case stands out as a quintessential Old Time Radio detective story, blending suspense, character depth, and meticulous plotting. Through Detective Danny Clover's pursuit of truth, the episode captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, offering listeners an engaging and immersive mystery that resonates with timeless themes of justice, deception, and the relentless quest for answers.

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This summary encapsulates the intricate narrative and character dynamics of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Transcript

[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 get into this week's episode of Broadway's My Beat. But first, I do want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I'd also like to let you know about Fulton Fish Market. When it comes to seafood, freshness makes all the difference. And that's what's special about getting seafood straight from the [e-mail] for over 200 years, Fulton Fish Market has been the most trusted name in seafood, supplying top chefs, restaurants and now home kitchens across the country. Their expert fishmongers carefully select every order, ensuring you get seafood at peak freshness, whether it's wild caught salmon, succulent scallops or perfectly tender shrimp.

[Tartaglia]

Shrimp.

[Adam Graham]

And because you're a listener of this podcast, you can enjoy 17% off your entire order by using the promo code box 13 at checkout. That's the best discount they offer and I do earn a commission when you use my code, so it's a win win for great seafood and supporting the show. Are you ready to bring restaurant quality seafood to your table? Visit FultonFishMarket.com and use the promo code BOX13 and taste the difference for yourself. Now from March 24, 1950, here is the Francie Green 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, My beat. With Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover. Broadway. It's a time and a place with a fury that beckons with a blinking eye, then reaches out and hunts your clothes and you're caught up in it. The seesaw color, the riot of noise and night sound, the mottled jolt in the spectacular that drips over you and you try to hold it, but your hands clutch a pinch of dust, a handful of ashes. That's Broadway. My beat. Shattered. In the streets there are cubes of silence spotted so that the roar of the city rolls against them. Heads. Municipally designated hospital zone. Quiet. Do not blow horns. Pain creates its own sound. It doesn't mix well with the voice from outside. And in the hospital corridors you walk as if on a knife blade because the balance is that thin between you and the people on the other side of the wall. A man was waiting for me at the end of the corridor.

[Tartaglia]

Hello, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Dr. Sinski. I got your call, doctor. You made good time.

[Dr. Sinski]

The hospital got in touch for me to get here. So I did likewise to you.

[Larry Thor]

Why?

[Dr. Sinski]

They'll be wheeling a girl down to the operating room in a few minutes. Her name is Francie Green. It's the name of a lifetime, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Now she dying.

[Dr. Sinski]

She might live, Danny. She was hit by an automobile. Someone hit her and ran away, huh? This accident, this hit and run away was preconceived. This of trying to kill a 20 year old girl with the name of Francie Green. This had a plan to it.

[Larry Thor]

I don't understand you, Doctor.

[Dr. Sinski]

Last Saturday morning, the same girl I treated an emergency ward man with a handkerchief tied over his face tried to beat her to death. She screamed and the man ran away. I gave her compresses and kind words, but her lips were trembling. I couldn't stop that. She was terrified.

[Larry Thor]

Go on.

[Dr. Sinski]

Tonight, Danny. I talked to her. She said someone tried to push her in front of a subway train yesterday. She just felt this someone's hand on her back.

[Larry Thor]

Tell me, Danny, who could meet the.

[Dr. Sinski]

Death of a 20 year old girl to make him happy?

[Larry Thor]

The girl. What about her?

[Dr. Sinski]

Sell cigarettes at a place called the Oasis. She's coming now, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Francie. Francie. You'll be all right. I'm a policeman, Francie. I'm Danny Clover.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Find out who wants to be dead.

[Larry Thor]

Find out. The girl turned her head away from me, shuddered and let the pain wash over her. Because the flow of pain was better than the brutal touch of death. Then she turned back and her eyes were restless. Shadows of fear that wouldn't sleep, that nothing could make sleep. Her begging now was silent. My promise to her was silent. Then I got out. The Oasis was one of the caves on 52nd street where the shriek of trumpets was chained to the walls. Where loneliness was started for the lament of saxophone. Or a voice was close to your ear because you wouldn't have heard it otherwise. All our own, kid. Yeah. Did you pick this hole or did it just come on? You like something? You've been dreaming. I picked it from the police. Yeah. Don't apologize, kid. We've had your type before. What kind of police? New York, Elmira secret. You got your badge from saving boxed up. You want to see my credentials, is that it? That would be a good bit.

[Tartaglia]

You show them to me.

[Larry Thor]

I believe him. You can have fun in the house. Right on the house. Here, take a look. I believe him. Have fun. You said on the house. You can say that. Henry Miller, proprietor, master of ceremony, caller of the day. Time magazine says of me, and I quote, colorful owner of perhaps the worst nightclub in America. But without doubt, the best time in the world. What do they say about Francie Green? The cigarette girl? They didn't get around to her. You got a bit with Francie? I asked because most of the time I'm like a father to me. Then you know she's in the hospital. The doctor says she might die. But you'd know that, being like her father. All right, I'll split hairs with you. When she stops showing up for work regularly, I'll stop being fatherly. I became the irate employer. What made you like that, Frances? Excuses. She was beaten up. A subway train chased her. These are excuses. To a colorful, cultured employer. You didn't believe it. Why? I'll tell you. The lazy girls that work for me dreamed up such bits to get out of slavery, you wouldn't believe it. They wait. You said France is in a hospital, dying. The truth. Not an act. Not an act, Henry. Remind me to make a note to send the flowers. Flowers with a sweet smell to them. And France is a good girl. Sweet. She wanted me to find out who wanted her dead. Any ideas, Henry? No. No ideas.

[Tartaglia]

Unless.

[Larry Thor]

Unless what, Henry? Unless Francie, my innocent cigarette girl somehow got innocently mixed up in last week's murder. That's right. There was a shooting here. Yeah. Joe Padgett, a very steady customer. Last Friday it happened. And you haven't solved it yet? Don't you guys have a department for.

[Tartaglia]

The solution of cr. Good morning to you, Danny. May your day be merry and bright.

[Larry Thor]

What's the matter with you, Titaglia?

[Tartaglia]

Lack of sleep, Danny. The pink eye were over last night.

[Larry Thor]

The who?

[Tartaglia]

Where? The pink eye. Mr. And Mrs. Pincus.

[Larry Thor]

Plural.

[Tartaglia]

Pink eye.

[Larry Thor]

Latin. And the pink eye kept you up.

[Tartaglia]

Late Making canasta after canister salt to the wound. As Father Salvatore said, it's the luck of the peak oil. Father Salvador said that and demanded a new deck laughingly. Oh, yeah?

[Larry Thor]

Then did you get that memo I left?

[Tartaglia]

Yeah, yeah, I got it, Danny. The girl, Francie Green, the operation this way and that way. Dr. Sinski doesn't know yet.

[Larry Thor]

Go on.

[Tartaglia]

The solution of the murder of Joe Padgett who was found shot to death in the men's powder room at the Oasis nightclub last Friday night.

[Larry Thor]

To whip.

[Tartaglia]

Solution of crime is being undertaken by Detective Mugaman.

[Larry Thor]

Yeah, I know. What? Progress.

[Tartaglia]

Progress through wit. Joe Padgett was a bricklayer by profession with a wife by marriage. Good union man, home lover, 100% substantial. It is his wife who concerns us at the moment.

[Larry Thor]

She concerns us How?

[Tartaglia]

Well, she had a Perfect alibi. The night of the shooting, she was playing hostess to a sewing bee on her block. But there's something strange.

[Larry Thor]

Yeah, you did that Good. Now tell me what's strange.

[Tartaglia]

At the time Motherman questioned her, Danny. The next morning, there was a guy there who held her hand and wiped away her keys.

[Larry Thor]

What guy?

[Tartaglia]

A guy who the police also questioned. A guy named Ray Fennell.

[Larry Thor]

Ray Fennell. Now it's Ray Fennell who concerns us at the moment, as indeed it did.

[Tartaglia]

This Fennel, when interviewed, said he was a projectionist. Ran the movie camera to close the pictures onto the screen at the Outpost Theater.

[Larry Thor]

This check alibi.

[Tartaglia]

You should have such a strong alibi. At the time of the murder, Ray Fennel was in jail.

[Larry Thor]

The alibi of Ray Fennell was something I had to find out for myself. Because of the promise I've made to the girl Fancy. Because. Because I had to find out for myself. The Outpost was one of the Movie cribs on 42nd Street. Converted from a legitimate theater to a burlesque house to a grind house. What it was grinding out now, the posters yippeed, was four sagas of the Golden West. Not a double feature, not a triple feature, but four for the price of one. Four Apollos with golden spurs riding four silver stallions into the sunset. And a snack bar just inside the lobby. Even the ticket taker was bow legged. He looked at my badge, digested it, shifted the wad of bubble gum in his mouth, inclined his head to a stairway. This very hop along, the whole thing. The door on the projection booth. Bad. Keep Out. I didn't pay it no mind. You can read, mister. The sign says Keep Out. Somewhere they must have taught you how to read. Two little words like that. You, Ray Fennell, projectionist, The way you said that, you could be a deuce collector. But you don't look like a deuce collector. More like a cop. You Ray Fennell? Yeah, I am he. Wait till I turn out the speaker. I'll tell you about Ray. Fellow Mr. Up here in the projection booth, he is king. He pushes a button, magic pictures appear on the screen. The client's down there. They might not understand why a cop loused up their magic. Unless the cop states his business. They tell me you were in jail last Friday night, Ray. Why? I got a better why. Why don't you goons leave me alone? All week you've been dirtying up my days and my nights. Why did they put you in jail, Ray? It don't register. Insults don't register on you guys. Huh? It's on the book. Mr. Ray Fennell. Drunk and disorderly. I get one lousy night off the week. The clients put me in the drunk tank. All you clients make me sick. A man was murdered last Friday night, Ray. Do tell. They tell me you know his wife. Do tell. It's your turn. I'll tell you like I told the others. Yeah, I know his wife, Mrs. Padgett and me. Very friendly. I know her for a long time. Even before Mr. Padgett. The cold and dead Mr. Padgett. And you've been consoling her for his death. They're much better than a consolation prize. Ask Mrs. Paget. You could almost say she's happy her husband's dead. And you? How about you, Ray? What's good enough for Mrs. Padgett's good enough for me. Oh, now look what you made me do. I don't pay no attention, the film breaks. You won't mind if I take myself away from you to fix this? Yeah, I mind. Ray. Leave it alone. You'll square this dereliction of duty with the management, with the union, with the client. The clients get restless. They listen to them. They'll understand. All of us clients understand things like that, but some things we don't. You don't say. Like what? Like about a girl named Francie Green. You know her too, Ray. Never heard the name. Never laid eyes on her. You're building something, aren't you, mister? Yeah. We want to know why somebody wants her dead. Easy, mister. Everybody wants somebody else dead. Take my good friend Mrs. Paget, for instance. And you, for instance. Let's go. Are you crazy? I can't leave this boo. Yes, you can. Call your relief or whatever you have to do. Then let's go. Why?

[Tartaglia]

Why?

[Larry Thor]

You goons got nothing on me. I've been over it a thousand times. I got the alibi. It's all down in your little dime store notebook. Don't get excited, Ray. Now you've heard the name Francy Green. All I want you to do is look at her, and I want her to look at you.

[Dr. Sinski]

Danny. Danny here.

[Larry Thor]

Hello, Dr. Sinsky. How is she?

[Dr. Sinski]

Couldn't come to the phone when you called that you were coming down because I had to help in the operating room.

[Larry Thor]

I took Frenzy back.

[Dr. Sinski]

Another operation this morning. Emergency, huh? She's still in there. We can't move her here. Slip this robot. We'll go into the operating room. You'll see her.

[Larry Thor]

This is Ray Fennell, Dr. Sinski.

[Dr. Sinski]

Take a robe off the hook, Mr. Fennel.

[Larry Thor]

Yeah, yeah, all right.

[Dr. Sinski]

Just this morning, Danny. She started the hemorrhage.

[Larry Thor]

You ready?

[Dr. Sinski]

Through this door. We're feeding her oxygen.

[Larry Thor]

I. I don't feel so good.

[Dr. Sinski]

Such a sweet girl.

[Mrs. Padgett]

I bet.

[Larry Thor]

No good at all.

[Dr. Sinski]

Francie Green. Such a nice name.

[Larry Thor]

Riot.

[Dr. Sinski]

20 years old.

[Larry Thor]

You are listening to Broadway Ways, my beat, Written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin and starring Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover. How would you like to improve your position in your unit? Or perhaps you'd like a change in classification. Well, a step in the right direction would be a course with the United States Armed Forces Institute. Yes. A course with USAFI is an indication of your desire to improve yourself. In the past 20 years, you, Safi has proved conclusively that men who use their off duty time constructively are more proficient in their military duties. See your education officer about a USAFI course. Of all the shrill, insistent voices on Broadway, the voice of death is sometimes the hardest to hear. But it's there. And finally it will be heard. As Broadway heard the whisper of the dying of Francie Green to Broadway. The fact that Francie had been a cigarette girl in a nightclub gave her shroud some glamour. But the fact that her dying was the final sum of the brutal violence committed upon her. Broadway shrugged off a girl like that, they said, what can you expect? At headquarters, we felt differently about the dying of Francie Green. D'Argentino, Tortaglia. He felt different about it, too.

[Tartaglia]

Danny, it frightens me. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and it frightens me.

[Larry Thor]

What does Tartaglia?

[Tartaglia]

Everything.

[Larry Thor]

His job.

[Tartaglia]

This metropolis we call a metropolis. This young girl, Francie, who shouldn't have died, but died anyway. Ah, wait. Let me finish, Danny. Let me spill it out. Otherwise I'll. I'll be right to fall into the clutches of a psychoanalyst or some other professional man. Even my domestic relations with Mrs. Pataglia have become strained. Oh, yeah, Danny, I screamed at her last night. I raised my voice to Mrs. Tartaglia in front of the Tartaglia children. All she was doing was hoovering around me.

[Larry Thor]

Hoovering?

[Tartaglia]

Yeah, with a hoover. She was performing the necessary domestic duty, like vacuuming the Tartaglia rug. And I scream at her just because I am so internally upset about this murder of Francie Green.

[Larry Thor]

Feel better now, Tartaglia? All right to go ahead? Yeah.

[Tartaglia]

Yeah, Danny, I have told you my feelings on the matter. So now let us proceed to the chores of the Dayton.

[Larry Thor]

Anytime you're ready.

[Tartaglia]

Detector the alibi array. Fennel, the projectionist has been checked and rechecked as per your command. The records show he was veritably in the drunk tank the night of the murder of the bricklayer Joe Padgett, arrested by Patrolman's Danish.

[Larry Thor]

It doesn't get us anywhere, does it?

[Tartaglia]

That's not my department, Danny. To get us anywhere, I'm only a cog in this infernal machine we call living.

[Larry Thor]

There's a connection somewhere, Tartaglia. There has to be. Padgett was killed last Friday night. The attacks on Francie began right after that.

[Tartaglia]

Well, whatever you say, Danny. I also have here an item that might or might not be of interest to you.

[Larry Thor]

Huh? What is it?

[Tartaglia]

The body of an unidentified man was washed up in east river last night. The consensus is that he was murdered. You want it?

[Larry Thor]

Give it to Detective Kenny. Anything else?

[Tartaglia]

Nothing, Danny, except I am filled with a great sorrow over the death.

[Larry Thor]

Yeah, I know. I know. To ride with you if I leave now.

[Tartaglia]

Whatever you wish. Where you going?

[Larry Thor]

Go on. Mrs. Joe Padgett. I want to know how she feels about all this event.

[Tartaglia]

You succeed in success, Danny leave me now. How it comes out. I'll add it to the record. Oh, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Danny.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Guess. Oh, yes. A half a dozen hot cross buns.

[Larry Thor]

You're Mrs. Patchett?

[Mrs. Padgett]

Yes. What are you?

[Larry Thor]

I'm not selling anything.

[Mrs. Padgett]

That bakery truck parked across the street. You're the man.

[Larry Thor]

I'm Danny Clover. I'm from the police.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Oh. Oh, I see. We'll see in the parlor. Please sit down.

[Larry Thor]

Thank you, Mrs. Patrick.

[Mrs. Padgett]

I haven't dusted in here or anything since Joe died. Since my husband Joe had that accident. I think I'll move away from here.

[Larry Thor]

I'm sorry about your husband.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Of course you are. I know you are. Everyone's so kind. The girls have been wonderful girls. My neighbors. Baking me things and comforting. Such kindness.

[Larry Thor]

Tell me about Joel, Mr.

[Mrs. Padgett]

I told about Joe two times. Three times. So please me, I want to cooperate. But I've told already. It takes time to tell. Dusting around the house, straightening up. Girl must take hold. Tragedy comes to everybody and the girl can't let herself go.

[Larry Thor]

How did you and your husband get along?

[Mrs. Padgett]

There was a difference. I read books, magazines. The better quality. Joe came home from laying bricks too tired to be friendly. And husbandry he didn't discuss. He ran out of talking about things a long time ago. The other girls have the same trouble now.

[Larry Thor]

What, Mrs. Patrick? Now that Joe is dead.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Now that Joe's dead, is another fellow, Mr. Clover. The girls don't blame me. The other fellow, Ray Fennel. He reads and he laughs and he knows nice things to talk about. Here's Ray Fennel. He says, love, like in the movie.

[Larry Thor]

Did he tell you Joel was dead? Did he break the news to you?

[Mrs. Padgett]

No. It was simple how I found out. I got out of the cab and went in and Gene told me.

[Larry Thor]

Out of the cab I went to.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Meet my husband at the Oasis on Friday nights. We meet there. We used to meet there. Joe got paid on Friday. My insistence we stepped out on Fridays.

[Larry Thor]

Who is Jean?

[Mrs. Padgett]

Jean is Jean Bradley. She's pretty. She's such a pretty girl. She's a photographer that takes pictures of couples at the Oasis. He met me at the door and told me. Oh, find me Mr. Clover. The door. Yes. Oh, yes. A half a dozen hot sauce buns. And.

[Larry Thor]

There was nothing. Nothing. After that. She offered me a slice of cinnamon cake and I said no. I asked her whether there was anything else she could tell me. She said no. So I left. Left to the idea that Mrs. Padgett was one of the girls, one of the million housewives. And because I'm a policeman, the idea was clouded with the fact that there are files on housewives who have committed murder. Mrs. Pageter told me a story. It was a story that needed checking. I called headquarters for information on Gene Bradbury, photographer at the Oasis. They came up with her hotel address. I went there. I guess I disturbed her.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Go away. Go away. Can't you understand? Get away from here. Go away.

[Larry Thor]

I've got to talk to you.

[Tartaglia]

Go away.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Go away. Go away.

[Larry Thor]

And from the police, Ms. Bradbury. You want to talk out here?

[Mrs. Padgett]

How do you say no to a police? How do you tell a cop you don't want to talk to him?

[Larry Thor]

Sometimes, like now, you can't. What about it? Here or inside?

[Mrs. Padgett]

Coming. I don't know a thing. I'm. About the murder of Joe Paget, huh? But I don't know what's been.

[Larry Thor]

You get up pretty late, else you'd know. Else you'd read the papers and know Francie Green is dead.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Dead.

[Larry Thor]

Murdered. Ms. Bradbury. Francie Green was murdered. She sold cigarettes at the Oasis while you took pictures. You passed her a hundred times a night. Now she's been murdered.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Dead, Francie.

[Larry Thor]

What do you know about her dying?

[Mrs. Padgett]

What's the matter with you, being a cop? Does it kill you inside? Look at me. I'm trying to scream. I can't do it because you embarrassed me.

[Larry Thor]

I'm a cop, Ms. Bradbury. Sometimes I've got a mentality that doesn't go beyond motives for murder. And why after one murder was done, another one follows it. Listen to me. Something happened last Friday night.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Joe Padgett was killed.

[Larry Thor]

He was killed. Then later, a week later, a kid named Francie Green was run down and killed. What's the connection, Ms. Bradbury?

[Mrs. Padgett]

How do I know? I take pictures. A commission job and run fast. How do I know anything?

[Larry Thor]

What happened Friday night? Why was Francie killed? Because Joe Padgett was killed. Help me, Ms. Bradbury.

[Mrs. Padgett]

I don't know what thing. I took pictures all night. All night, mister? All night.

[Larry Thor]

What? What are you thinking about?

[Mrs. Padgett]

All night except the 10 minutes. Francie relieved me.

[Larry Thor]

She relieved it? How?

[Mrs. Padgett]

I broke the heel on my shoe. I went to the dressing room to fix it. I gave Francie the camera. A guy was hollering to have his picture taken. Francie knew how to take a picture.

[Larry Thor]

Go on.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Nothing else. She took one picture. She brought it to me to develop. She handed me the camera and said. We know such characters in this place.

[Larry Thor]

She said that for any special reason?

[Mrs. Padgett]

After she took the picture, some character came up and offered her 50 bucks for the negative.

[Larry Thor]

The man she took the picture of? No.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Some character, I said. And he brushed him, gave me the film. I developed it, gave it to the customer. He liked it so well, he bought the negative too.

[Larry Thor]

The customer? You know him?

[Mrs. Padgett]

Jewelry's in every Friday night. Little guy with a candy store on grand street comes in every Friday night for a ball. Has his stick to take him. He pays by check signs at Menasha Nmi Neston on Grand Street.

[Larry Thor]

Huh? Thanks. Will you.

[Tartaglia]

In a minute, mister. At this moment, an attorney. I'm busy.

[Larry Thor]

It's all right, man. I should take it by.

[Tartaglia]

Thank you. Making up an order of confections for the shindig. Mrs. Ozenblad going for his son. Baby David's bar mitzvah tomor confirmed, you know.

[Larry Thor]

Should be with Glick.

[Tartaglia]

I will relate to Mrs. Rosenblatt's compliments today. It'll only take a minute. Five pounds. Chocolate covered cheese. I got to weigh up and already in the sack. 4 pounds, 12 ounces.

[Larry Thor]

There.

[Tartaglia]

5 pounds to the penny. Who is this Mrs. Rosenblad getting fancy chocolate covered cherries. I remember when a dime's worth a penny. Licorice was this.

[Dr. Sinski]

How often do you have a son?

[Tartaglia]

If I mix that now, I can wait on you. What is your pleasure in the land of perfection, sister?

[Larry Thor]

A friend of yours, Jean Bradbury. She says you took her picture at the Oasis last Friday.

[Tartaglia]

Every Friday.

[Larry Thor]

Last Friday.

[Tartaglia]

Come to think, of it last Friday.

[Dr. Sinski]

No, it was painful.

[Tartaglia]

Anyhow, every Friday have an anniversary with a different girl. Celebrate some charming thing that has happened to us during the week. Pardon me, mister, but you have a right to talk to me intimately like this.

[Larry Thor]

I'm from a police man. Usher. Danny Clover.

[Tartaglia]

Oh, then maybe I better explain to you about my name. That NMI in the middle. Menashe nmi Master. This NMI is an affectation. I picked it up in the army. I wasn't blessed with a middle initial. I didn't mean no harm by it.

[Larry Thor]

May I see the picture you had taken last Friday? Menashe Natural.

[Tartaglia]

I got them all pinned in the wall. Which one was sided? Oh, this one right there. Remember? Because the girl is last Friday's girl.

[Dr. Sinski]

D?

[Larry Thor]

Yeah, the man behind you in the background. You know him?

[Tartaglia]

I never had the pleasure. As a matter of fact, now that you point them out, this is the first time I noticed them.

[Larry Thor]

Mind if I take the picture with me, Manisha?

[Tartaglia]

He gives me such glamour. It's absolutely necessary. You should take it.

[Larry Thor]

It's necessary, Manisha.

[Tartaglia]

Excuse me. That's Kenny Storm. Yeah, he's here. See you, Mr. Grover.

[Larry Thor]

Thanks. Danny Clover here.

[Tartaglia]

You're a tough man to track down, Danny. Hey, Danny, guess what?

[Larry Thor]

What, Pitaglia.

[Tartaglia]

The guy they fished out of the river I told you about. You said give it to Kenny. Maybe you should take him.

[Larry Thor]

Why?

[Tartaglia]

Because the arresting officer who arrested him in the first place for being drunk and disorderly, has identified the body as belonging to Ray Fennell, the projectionist. Interesting, huh, Danny?

[Larry Thor]

It was infrastructure. Interesting enough to make me go back to headquarters to look at the broken body that the river had washed back, the body that had been identified as Ray Fennell. And then it all fell into place. That meant going back to a movie grindhouse called the Outpost, to a projection booth. I don't even have to turn around to know who it is. I got a feeling up my back the minute you open the door. Turn around anyway. Ray. Yeah? I hear you've been calling a Mrs. Paget. Rake's a nice girl for a man, huh? I called at the morgue, too, Ray. There's a man there with a tag around his toe. The tag says it's Ray Fennel, but the tag's wrong, isn't it? Yeah, but then maybe only you and me know that. So what is it, Bill? Murder you committing? Same you killed your alibi for last Friday night. But like you say, so far only you and I know that. So let's go and tell the people, huh? You Got corny dialogues for a policeman here. I'll prove it to you. I'll flick the switch and prove it to you, Everett.

[Mrs. Padgett]

Cancer. There's no call on you to do this for me.

[Larry Thor]

Well, there is, ma'am, cuz I. Cause it's my duty to get the variants. Who killed your father, Russell? Your cattle. Who's Cor? You or the cowboy? I give you choice. The man in the moray. The same one you hired to get drunk and disorderly enough to be put in jail. Your bills, your identification. Enough to establish you positively among a hundred weekend drunk. You're more fascinating than movies pictures, John. Why would I do that? You have created a certain suspense in me for an alibi. Police proven your alibi for the time you needed to murder Ray Padgett because he stood in the way of Mrs. Paget. Very funny. Shut up, Ray. I'm not through. Then you had to murder Francie because she took a picture that you were in. You made a mistake though. Yeah. You talked to her about the picture. You tried to buy the negative from her. That way you're registered on Francie. You couldn't afford that because you were supposed to have been in jail. So you had to kill her. I had to do that, huh? Sure you should have let it alone, Ray. Who cares about a picture taken in a nightclub? Let's go. It's not going to be that easy. Ray Pennel is not going to let it be that easy for you. Don't be a fool. Kill you. Kill you and run. What if they cost me a little more time left for living? Give me that gun. A little more time. Give it to rub it.

[Tartaglia]

No use. Rachel.

[Larry Thor]

Hey, ma'am. Got to be a ride. Like I said. Let's go tell the people. In its midnight fury, Broadway is a mirage, a fragment. People with phantoms who might be men or women. You touch some, they vanish. You touch others, they snarl and slink away. It's real earth is slam count out of a dream, you never know which. It's Broadway. The gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world. Broadway, My beat. Foreign stars Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover. With Charles Galvan 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. So this story has one of those solutions I'm always going on about. And of course that's the nightclub photo as murder motive Here though I have to give Broadway's my beat credit for acknowledging that this focus on the nightclub photo was a mistake. When Danny said no one cares about a nightclub photo, I felt like applauding because I can't tell how many programs did this as a motive, but never addressed how pointless killing for that reason was. I should also add that killing the decoy was also a mistake. Because of what exactly happened, there was a big chance of police recognizing it as the person who had claimed to be the actual murderer. Now the one flaw in his plan, and I kind of wonder about this, is didn't they take booking photos for drunken disorderlies? It seems like Danny would have been able to look at the photos in terms of sound effects, I have to admit that there have been few sound effects I've heard during the golden age of radio that have been more chilling than Francie's breathing stopping as the brake came on. Now, of course in more modern dramas you have that sound, the horrible sound of when the heart monitor reflects that the heart has stopped beating. But I don't think that's quite as haunting as what we got in this episode. It's just great effects work. I also have to appreciate the effort that went into that fake cowboy scene that they had going on at the same time as the climactic fight. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we start on YouTube where listener writes thank you for the new episode. Enjoy all of your content. Many blessings. Well thank you so much. And then we turn to our listener survey. We start with a listener in Oklahoma writes. So enjoy all your shows. Though I have my favorites, I never not listen to any that you post. Thank you for all your work and look forward to your videos for years to come. Well thank you so much. Hedvig writes, My husband and I have been listening for a year. We are a British Swedish couple living in Germany. Well thank you so much. It's always fun to hear from people listening all over the world. We actually tend to have quite a few listeners from Germany. It's often one of our biggest sources of download outside of the big four English speaking countries of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. And that's just in order of the downloads we get. And then Kelly from San Diego writes, love exploring different genres of old time radio and keeps me company throughout my day and even on the road thanks to a new car and fancy app. Well, thank you so much. And then we have a new review on The Apple Podcast Store 2 Trido PN writes, thanks Adam. I've been listening since the early days. Keep up the good work.

[Larry Thor]

Work.

[Adam Graham]

Well, thank you so much. And now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Deborah. Debra's been one of our Patreon supporters since October, currently supporting the podcast at the psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support. And that will 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'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?

[Larry Thor]

Mr. Mrs. North, this is Gilbert Spire, Mr. Stefano's manager. Oh, how do you do?

[Tartaglia]

How do you do?

[Larry Thor]

I'm glad you were able to get here, Mr. North. Although I don't understand why you weren't here before. But we were when? I told you on the phone. We were here just before you called up.

[Tartaglia]

Are you sure you were in this apartment, Mr. Knopp?

[Larry Thor]

Why, of course. Mrs. Stefano answered the door.

[Tartaglia]

Oh, she did, did she?

[Larry Thor]

What'd she say to you? Well, she acted very peculiar, Bill. She wouldn't let us in. Did she say why? Well, she.

[Dr. Sinski]

Bill, what is this?

[Mrs. Padgett]

Why are you cross examining us? Don't you believe we were here? Of course they weren't, Lieutenant.

[Larry Thor]

I told you they were lying. What? I don't know what they're trying to do, but it's a good thing you had me waiting in the other room.

[Mrs. Padgett]

To hear their story. What story? This lie you're telling about being here, talking to Mrs. Stefano.

[Larry Thor]

Yes. Why are you lying, Mr. North? Who's lying? If you don't think we're telling the truth, just get Mrs. Steffano and we'll prove it. Mrs. Stefano, are you crazy?

[Mrs. Padgett]

I am.

[Larry Thor]

Mrs. Stefano.

[Adam Graham]

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