Broadway's My Beat: The John Webster Murder Case (EP4777)

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Broadway's My Beat: The John Webster Murder Case" (EP4777)

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Broadway's My Beat: The John Webster Murder Case" from The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham presents a riveting detective drama set against the vibrant backdrop of Broadway. This installment, part of the "Broadway's My Beat" series, delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of John Webster and the ensuing investigation led by Detective Danny Clover.

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Plot Overview

The narrative unfolds with the mysterious death of John Webster during the funeral services of Agnes Harper, sparking Detective Danny Clover's (Larry Thor) involvement. Initially presumed to be a suicide, John's death raises suspicions when it is discovered he was found with a knife in his back. As Clover delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of relationships, deceit, and hidden motives that point to foul play.

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Key Characters

• Detective Danny Clover (Larry Thor): The astute and determined protagonist tasked with unraveling the mystery behind John Webster's death and its connection to Agnes Harper's suicide.

• Mr. Emerick Krevlin: Proprietor of Kavelin Mortuary, who provides Clover with the initial information about John Webster.

• Ethel Harper: Agnes Harper’s distraught sister, whose grief and observations become pivotal to the investigation.

• Thomas Perry: The true love of Agnes Harper, whose past and connections play a significant role in the unfolding mystery.

• Elizabeth Webster: John Webster's ex-wife, who offers crucial insights during her interrogation.

• Mrs. Livingston: A member of the Lonely Hearts Club, her testimony adds complexity to the case.

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Detailed Plot Progression

1. The Funeral Discovery [00:00 - 03:19]:

   • The episode opens with the funeral of Agnes Harper, where John Webster is unexpectedly found dead in the Queen Victoria Chapel, holding a knife.
   • Mr. Krevlin informs Detective Clover about John’s suspicious behavior, noting that he stayed behind after the services concluded.

2. Initial Investigation [03:19 - 09:01]:

   • Detective Clover begins by examining John Webster’s background, discovering his residence in New Rochelle and his solitary attendance at the funeral.
   • He contacts Elizabeth Webster, John’s ex-wife, to gather more information about John's personal life and relationships.

3. Uncovering Relationships [09:01 - 17:22]:

   • Through conversations with Elizabeth Webster, Clover learns about Agnes Harper's deep affection for Thomas Perry and her tragic decision to end her life.
   • The investigation points towards a possible connection between John Webster and Agnes Harper, suggesting a motive rooted in love and betrayal.

4. The Lonely Hearts Club Connection [17:22 - 24:23]:

   • Clover explores the attendees of Agnes’s funeral, identifying members of the Lonely Hearts Club.
   • He discovers that many attendees were part of Thomas Perry’s social circle, indicating a potentially orchestrated setup.

5. Ethel Harper’s Desperation [15:31 - 19:47]:

   • Ethel Harper reaches out to Clover, expressing fear and claiming she is being watched by a man across the court window.
   • Upon arriving at Ethel’s residence, Clover finds her lifeless body, seemingly strangled, shifting the case from a possible suicide to murder.

6. Confrontation with Thomas Perry [19:33 - 27:30]:

   • Detective Clover confronts Thomas Perry, uncovering that Perry had been manipulating Agnes’s search for happiness through arranged relationships.
   • Tensions rise as Perry reveals that Agnes intended to marry John Webster, leading to Clover suspecting deeper involvement.

7. Revelation and Confession [27:00 - 28:05]:

   • In a climactic twist, it becomes apparent that Danny Clover himself is implicated in the murders.
   • The confrontation escalates, revealing Clover’s motive rooted in personal vendetta and manipulation, ultimately exposing his guilt.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Danny Clover's Inquiry on Motives:

  • "A man is polishing a brass sign on his marble facade. He moves to consider his work. You see that the sign reads Easy payments Inquire within. And within there's the scent of cut flowers..." [03:19]

• Ethel Harper’s Plea:

  • "You know my sister is dead. I don't want to be dead. Please." [15:31]

• Danny Clover’s Declaration:

  • "My sister was a woman who loved a man. He died for it. That's a woman's right." [09:06]

• Climax Confrontation:

  • "Why didn't you see him laugh?" [21:01]
  • "I can do things for myself." [27:25]

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Character Analysis

• Detective Danny Clover: Initially portrayed as a diligent investigator, Clover’s character undergoes a dramatic transformation as his true motives and actions come to light. His internal conflict and eventual confession add depth to the narrative, highlighting themes of obsession and moral ambiguity.

• Thomas Perry: Acts as a catalyst in the story, representing false promises and the deceit associated with orchestrated relationships. His manipulative nature becomes a key element in understanding the broader implications of Agnes Harper’s tragic decisions.

• Ethel Harper: Her role underscores the impact of grief and the fragility of the human psyche, serving as a poignant reminder of the personal costs behind the unfolding mystery.

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Themes and Insights

• Love and Betrayal: Central to the episode is the exploration of how love can be twisted into betrayal, leading to tragic outcomes. Agnes Harper’s love for Thomas Perry juxtaposed with her connection to John Webster creates a complex emotional landscape.

• Deception and Manipulation: The orchestrated relationships and the use of the Lonely Hearts Club illustrate themes of manipulation and deceit, questioning the authenticity of human connections.

• Psychological Descent: Ethel Harper’s deteriorating mental state and eventual death highlight the psychological toll that grief and obsession can take on an individual.

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Host's Commentary

Adam Graham provides insightful commentary post-episode, drawing parallels between the narrative and classic radio shows like "John's Other Wife." He reflects on the episode’s references to golden age radio tropes and its incorporation into contemporary storytelling. Graham also engages with listener feedback, discussing the authenticity and originality of the plot mechanics in relation to other detective series.

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Listener Feedback

The episode garnered positive reactions from listeners, with commendations on the engrossing script and authentic performances. Comments highlighted the gritty portrayal of the mystery and the effective homage to old-time radio dramas. Critiques touched upon the sound quality issues but acknowledged that the story's strength overcame technical imperfections.

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Conclusion

"Broadway's My Beat: The John Webster Murder Case" stands out as a compelling detective story that seamlessly blends classic radio storytelling with intricate character development and suspenseful plotting. Through Detective Danny Clover’s investigation, the episode delves deep into themes of love, betrayal, and the haunting consequences of deceit, making it a memorable installment in The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio series.

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Transcript

[Danny Clover]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[Larry Thor]

Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Danny Clover]

Could you be more specific?

[Larry Thor]

When it's cravinient.

[Danny Clover]

Okay.

[Adam Graham]

Like a freshly baked cookie made with.

[Larry Thor]

Real butter available right down the street at AM pm. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can.

[Danny Clover]

Grab in just a second at AM pm. I'm seeing a pattern here.

[Adam Graham]

Well yeah, we're talking about what I.

[Danny Clover]

Crave, which is anything from AM pm.

[Larry Thor]

What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. Too much good stuff.

[Danny Clover]

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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, I do want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is also brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis using using the Zelle app to box [e-mail] I want to thank Raymond for supporting the program. That way you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net Now I do want to give you a heads up that the audio quality of today's program is not the best. It's not horrible, but it's not great for Broadway's My Bait. So a little bit below our NORMA expectations. But here from October 20, 1950 is the John Webster 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 is my beat, with Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover. Broadway, where you walk through the October evening and hold close the things you want to save for memories. Then Broadway is as innocent and nostalgic as music drifting from a carousel. And you move on. You get hit in the face by a guy fishing for nickels under a grating. Whatever you are pursuing is gone now, lost, and Broadway trails off into the side streets. Walk them like I did and try to close your eyes against the pattern of stars in the street of the tenement. The kids with the torn deck of cards under the lamppost, the dogs at the trash cans. The wide eyed girl who lurched against me. That's all right. The spectacular center, the neon wink you pick through the litter of darkness and you buy. Because on Broadway there's nothing else. And at the edge of Broadway, about where it touches the morning, the night has been in partnership with death. Their place of business, the Kavelin Mortuary. A man is polishing a brass sign on his marble facade. He moves to consider his work. You see that the sign reads Easy payments Inquire within. And within there's the scent of cut flowers and another man who leans against a marble pillar whose brow is lighted with a pink spotlight that's sweetly hidden in the foliage of a potted palm. And he inhales the faint music of an electric organ. He sees you firmly, detaches himself from his reverie and attaches himself to you with a moist hand. In this hour of your grief, in this hour of your loneliness, we are here but to lead you through the maze. Someone called. They said. Please, please. I understand you have been recommended to us. You will not find us wanting. You didn't let me finish. They said a man was dead here. Naturally, we are dedicated to. They said he was murdered. Oh, for that, then you must be of the police. Welcome. Where is he? Just sitting there in the Queen Victoria Chapel. With a knife in the back of his. The reason I noticed him is that he remained after the funeral services of Agnes Harper. I am Emerick Crevillum, sole proprietor. And I. Take me to the Queen Victoria Chapel. Of course, you love it. It is the chapel we reserve for ladies of lavender like dignity, such as Ms. Agnes Harper, deceased. It suits their essence to the idea observed. Who was it? I meant you to observe the Victorian elegance of this room, the exquisite Victorian vows in which are the ashes of Agnes Harper. This man, who was he when the others filed out? This man remains. So I quickly took the liberty of Removing whatever bits and pieces of identity he had on him. Give them to me. Here, take them. You would see, all he adds up to from his driver's license, etcetera, is someone called John Webster of 1976. Laden Place, New Rochelle. I've been to New Rochelle. He came here alone? I couldn't possibly know. I was so engraved, arranging things I couldn't possibly know. The others who attended the services, would you know that? Of course I would. I have each guest sign our guest book as they enter. It's one of our more delicately thoughtful services. It also supplies us with a gratuitous mailing list. We must be on our toes. In this position. Here, this page. All these were gifts, all of them. Quite a catch, wouldn't you say? I'll take it. Please. How dare you tear the page in the book? Those people were about to receive our most recent literature on this. I have deprived them of it. Can you ever forgive me, Mr. Kravlin? There wasn't much more after that. The boys from technical came, and Mr. Krevlin watched their manner of considering death with professional jealousy. Mr. Krevlin took it out on me. He measured me with his eyes, handed me a brochure and smiled sadly. I left. I called headquarters and told them to find out what they could on a man named John Webster. Then the consideration of the page torn out of the guest book, the names written down by Polypo to furnish proof positive that they had come only to witness the funeral, not to contribute themselves to it. First name, Ethel. Harper. Family, it says. Address? Summerfield Apartments on Madison Avenue. Go there, right up to the seventh floor on a noiseless elevator. Walk down the carpeted hallway, rap on the panel door.

[Danny Clover]

Have you brought flowers? My sister is dead. You see? People have been bringing flowers.

[Larry Thor]

I'm from the police. My name is Danny Clover.

[Danny Clover]

And I've been telling them to deliver the flowers to the Marsh Terrace mechanism. Come in.

[Larry Thor]

Yes? I'm from the police.

[Danny Clover]

I've never talked to a policeman. Defender. Isn't that strange? You said you were a policeman. I remembered that. Never in my whole life have I done what I'm doing now.

[Larry Thor]

It's about a man named John Webster.

[Danny Clover]

Hi, Jordan. Mm. In here. My sister loved it so much.

[Larry Thor]

Here.

[Danny Clover]

Right from this window.

[Larry Thor]

What?

[Danny Clover]

My sister jumped right from this window. Everybody who comes here wants to see what window Agnes jumped from.

[Larry Thor]

Your sister was a suicide.

[Danny Clover]

Don't say that about her. My sister was really not to live.

[Larry Thor]

I see. Now perhaps you can tell me about a man named John Wesley.

[Danny Clover]

My sister was a woman who loved a man. He died for it. That's a woman's right.

[Larry Thor]

What man?

[Danny Clover]

My sister loved Thomas Perry. Truly loved him.

[Larry Thor]

Thomas Perry?

[Danny Clover]

You know him? No, but I didn't know him. He loved him. He was a child about love, the way a woman should be.

[Larry Thor]

What about a man named John Webster?

[Danny Clover]

John Webster?

[Larry Thor]

Oh, of course. Of course what?

[Danny Clover]

You have the wrong address. I never heard of a man by that name.

[Larry Thor]

But she had heard of a man named Thomas Perry. A man her sister truly loved, she said. A man her sister had died for. Also a man whose name was on the funeral list. Address? West 51st. A brownstone building converted to offices. Staircase with chips. White enamel signs on each stair. Asking chip personal questions. Lonely. Fair question. Friendless. The next. Ask in search of true happiness. Probe the next. And at the landing the answer to all the questions. Consult Thomas Perry. Please. Follow arrow. The arrow leads you into a dismal room hung with Japanese lanterns and twisted crepe, arrayed with a three piece orchestra and church sleeves plotted with somber couples dancing to its respectable rhythms. You tap a dancer on the shoulder and ask for a Thomas Perry. She giggles and points him out. He's the man on the platform presiding over it all. I saw you ask Mrs. Gilbert to point me out. You don't need to ask permission. Just find a partner and join the fun. You're Thomas Perry. You already know that. And you? Danny Clover, police. Well, I wouldn't think you fellas ever got in this condition. I want to talk to you somewhere quiet. This is quiet. Besides, I can't leave my people. They'd be lost without me here to stir up things. What do we talk about, Danny? Agnes Harper. She loved me. Loved me truly. Pale hands I love beside the Shalimar at darning. That kind of love. She killed herself for it. She shouldn't have done that. She should have known the kind of man I am. What kind is that? I'm a businessman, Danny. Agnes came to us in search of happiness. I saw the sign we sent her. Various sizes and shapes of hand sorted happiness. Good, steady, respectable male counterparts. I chose them for her myself. But they didn't do. You took over. You're quick, Danny. I took over personally. Agnes was dignity personified. Aristocracy personified. $50,000 personified. And I jilted her. That makes you a businessman. It makes me adult jerk to you. Agnes just wasn't for me, that's all. I prefer something gayer, younger, you know. Yeah. Thomas, did Agnes ever say anything to you about a man Named John Webster. The name John Webster never destroyed anything between Agnes and me. Could it have, Danny? He was murdered at her funeral. He chose the most appropriate setting. Ms. John Webster. Anything else, Danny? Mrs. Gilbert is beckoning. She wants my arms around her. So, this list of the people who attended Agnes's funeral. Do you know them? Let me see this. I know. And this. And this. And this. All members of my club. All clients, all ladies and gentlemen. Agnes met at my tea dances. We make it a point to return courtesies. Rendered the others utter strangers. And now, if you please, Mrs. Gilbert is really biting her lips. Back to routine. Stop at headquarters and find out that the background of John Webster was still being checked. Leave with Detective Mugaban the names of the members of the Lonely Hearts Club who had attended the funeral. Then more legwork with the rest of the list. And another name. Rose Livingston. West 58th Street. And Mrs. Livingston is happy you dropped in.

[Danny Clover]

Yes. I like a man in my parlor, Ms. Clover.

[Larry Thor]

I'm glad.

[Danny Clover]

A man in my parlor with a teacup on his knees. A picture of an artist in my room.

[Larry Thor]

Now we can talk about the funeral.

[Danny Clover]

Yes. It started when Mr. Livingston passed on.

[Larry Thor]

What started when Mr. Livingston passed on?

[Danny Clover]

The bug bit me. I was sitting there at your services and suddenly I said to myself, my, my, how nice. How restful. And I've been doing it ever since.

[Larry Thor]

That's his loving story.

[Danny Clover]

Every morning I read your pick up the nicest rum in my opinion. I know. You'd be surprised how many of us.

[Larry Thor]

Mrs. Livingston.

[Danny Clover]

Oh, Mercury.

[Larry Thor]

This morning you attended Agnes Hartford.

[Danny Clover]

I wept. And I always weep just a little, you know, as far as how easy it gets after a while.

[Larry Thor]

There was a man there, Mrs. Livingston. A man named John Webster. Did you? John Webster? He was wearing a dark blue suit. He was bald. He was wearing eyeglasses. He had a small mustache. Did you notice him?

[Danny Clover]

I knew.

[Larry Thor]

Are you sure?

[Danny Clover]

Of course I'm sure. I always give my undivided attention to what's going on up front. I didn't notice a bald headed man. Why should I? Martine? Ms. Clover. Hi, Danny.

[Larry Thor]

Oh, hello, Gino. Come on in.

[Danny Clover]

Thanks.

[Larry Thor]

I was just wondering, Danny, tonight Mrs. Tartaglia is dishing up chicken cacciatore, pizza and generous servings of spamoni. All to be topped off with the performance of the new Corey dishwasher which I have purchased for her. Care to join us? Oh, thanks, Gino, but I can't. Work, huh? Work. Well, then let's get with it, Danny. Item. To wit, we have Crackdown information on John Webster.

[Danny Clover]

Deceased.

[Larry Thor]

Very uninteresting. No friends, no enemies. He was a divorcee, having at once upon a time been married to one Elizabeth Webster. We'll want to talk to her. At this very moment, she is being looked for, Danny. Good. And what else? Detective Muggerman has made a check of the people off the list who were members of the Lonely Hearts Club. What did they find out? Nothing, except they all want to get married. Here's the phone, Danny. Pardon me. Don't mention it. Thank you. Danny Clover speaking.

[Danny Clover]

Please. Please come quickly to me.

[Larry Thor]

Who is this?

[Danny Clover]

Ethel Harper. You know my sister is dead. I don't want to be dead. Please.

[Larry Thor]

What's the matter with you, Mr. Man.

[Danny Clover]

I've seen him before. He looks at me all the time when I look out of the window from the building across the court. All the time. Please.

[Larry Thor]

I'll be right down, Miss Harper. It took 10 minutes to get there. On the way to thought that intruded. Miss Harper was imagining things. The man she saw was part of the hysteria of a mind that somehow I felt was no stranger to hysteria. And up the elevator, down the hall. Miss Harper. Miss Harper, It's Danny Clover. Ms. Harper. The door was open. I went in. Living room, empty bedroom, empty Kitchen, not empty. Miss Harper was there. Miss Harper with a rope around her throat. Miss Harper strung from a ceiling light fixture beneath her space. Fluorescence of the light gleamed on a knife blade on the tabletop. I picked it up, grabbed the kitchen stool and stood on it and cut Miss Harper down. She's breathing fitfully, as if life, then death, held her close for a brief second, then deferred to the other. The next color returned. Her eyes came alive. They flitted over my face. Not understanding, begging, bewildered. All at once, understanding.

[Danny Clover]

He killed me. He hung me. He's trying to kill me.

[Larry Thor]

There's a thing about Broadway. It offers a bag full of free illusions. Every color, every size, guaranteed against fading. Also a warranty against shrinkage. It's reaching the bag. There's more where that one came from. Consider, for instance, the one that says Broadway can break its heart. Or, for example, the classy all plastic fall 1950. Laboratory tested one that says Broadway can shed a tear. That's the one for a man who was murdered in a mortuary. Only who weeps, who sheds a tear. The current found, the one I was most familiar with at the moment was offered by a woman, Ethel Harper, lately cut down from a noose.

[Danny Clover]

I'm feeling much better now, Mr. Clover.

[Larry Thor]

The doctor should Be here soon. Right now, the important thing for you to do.

[Danny Clover]

I said I felt all right. I don't need a doctor. What did you call a doctor for?

[Larry Thor]

Because you were almost dead.

[Danny Clover]

People think of dying, Mr. Clover.

[Larry Thor]

But you think you can tell me what happened?

[Danny Clover]

Jesus, happened. Everything so bad. Where one piece stopped and the other began.

[Larry Thor]

Let me help you. You saw a man looking at you across the court from a window. Which window?

[Danny Clover]

Yes. Yes, that's right. From that window, directly across.

[Larry Thor]

Then you called me. Then.

[Danny Clover]

Then. Well, I don't know. And right after that he walked in.

[Larry Thor]

The man from the window?

[Danny Clover]

Yes. Oh, I can remember him sitting seat with rough material. I feel it now against my cheek. Right here. Right here, Mr. Clover.

[Larry Thor]

All right, go ahead.

[Danny Clover]

I don't know.

[Larry Thor]

Did you fight with him?

[Danny Clover]

I don't know.

[Larry Thor]

Do you remember screaming?

[Danny Clover]

I don't know.

[Larry Thor]

Did he ask you for money? Did he ask you for anything?

[Danny Clover]

I don't know. He was big and the suit was rough.

[Larry Thor]

Did he talk to you first? Did he just come in?

[Danny Clover]

Oh, I don't know. I don't know. If my sister were here, you wouldn't do this. It wouldn't have happened. It's Agnes were here.

[Larry Thor]

Take it easy.

[Danny Clover]

Oh, you didn't know Agnes, did you?

[Larry Thor]

No.

[Danny Clover]

My sister Agnes is dead, you know.

[Larry Thor]

She turned her back to me, arranged the folds of the freshman. We laundered lace curtains on the window her sister had jumped from, shook her head, slowly rearranged them, then turned back and smiled at me helplessly, apologetically. The curtains just wouldn't fall. Right then the doorbell rang. A shadow scurried across her face, found her lips, parted them against a new terrace. It was Dr. Sims. I told him what happened. He went over to her, took her hand, spoke quietly to her. The shed shadow darted back inside her. There were things to check. The apartment across the court, for instance, from which the man had watched her. The apartment was empty, hadn't been occupied for a week. Its door opened so the people could wander in, look at it, stare through its window, and then back to headquarters and Detective Muggerman, handing me a slip of paper on it, the address of Elizabeth Webster, divorced from wife of the murdered man. I went there. She thought I should have come at another time.

[Danny Clover]

You see, you shouldn't just burst in on a girl like this. Not even if you are from the police. A girl must have time to prepare herself, to make herself presentable, attractive.

[Larry Thor]

I just want to talk to you about your husband, Ms. Winston.

[Danny Clover]

My late husband, My divorced husband.

[Larry Thor]

He was murdered.

[Danny Clover]

Good for Him. Now, if you'll just sit over there and watch the expression of my face, I'll tell you anything you want to know. All you have to do is be sweet about it.

[Larry Thor]

When were you divorced?

[Danny Clover]

On October 17th at 1:35 in the PM in the year of our Lord 1941.

[Larry Thor]

Nine years ago.

[Danny Clover]

Nine years without John. I'm just lucky, I guess. Watch me, Mr. Crow. I always start my make up from the mouth.

[Larry Thor]

Why?

[Danny Clover]

Because it makes me more attractive. More, you know, the boys like you.

[Larry Thor]

I meant why did you divorce him?

[Danny Clover]

Oh, well, that's his. Look what you made me do. You made me mere My lipstick.

[Larry Thor]

You haven't answered me.

[Danny Clover]

You want to know why? Because he never loved me. Because even on our honeymoon I woke up one night and I. I found him looking at me and calling me Agnes. Agnes. I slapped him hard? You bet. Good and hard. He never thought of me as Agnes again. Not to my face. You bet.

[Larry Thor]

Agnes Harper.

[Danny Clover]

Agnes Harper. John's other girlfriend. John's other wife. Except he never married her. He married me. Look what it's got.

[Larry Thor]

Why didn't you see him laugh?

[Danny Clover]

October 17th, 135 in the PM the year of our Lord 1941. The day we were divorced. Goodbye, Mr. Clover.

[Larry Thor]

Oh, hello. I see you're back again. That's right, Mr. Perry. See, all the lonely hearts have gone home. They come here, meet people, go home to think about it. And that leaves just you. Tell me something, Danny. Am I a murder suspect? That's right. You are. I told you I never met the man. But Agnes did. Are you going to Talk to me, Mr. Perry? Are you going to phone your lawyer and say you're going to jail to please hurry up and meet you there because you're being held for suspicion of felony. Felony being murder. Quick, Mr. Perry. Then all but lonely hearts would lose faith in old Tom Perry, wouldn't they? Let's face it. Sit down, Danny. You want to know why I never married Agnes? That's where you want to start. Why I didn't marry her was this. There was something there, Danny. I can't tell you what the setup was. Well, it wasn't nice. Agnes, her sister. Then there's the other thing. What other things, Agnes? And here's where old John Webster comes in. Agnes was going to marry him. Didn't. At the last minute, she didn't. Left the boy standing there right at the altar with Agnes. That's what I want to know about. What happened? Agnes didn't tell me exactly. Just didn't show up for the wedding. Something happened. Something important, I guess because Agnes didn't show up. You want to know something else? You'll tell me when Agnes and I were going to get married. Well, I have a friend that does weddings at a pretty nice rate for a friend. But Agnes wanted to use the same justice of peace who named Harrison Ingersoll. Anything there, Danny? I wouldn't know, but I'll find out. Thanks, old Tom.

[Danny Clover]

Here's my husband, Mr. Clover. Did the marriage go well, Harrison?

[Larry Thor]

Wait till I look in this envelope, then I'll tell you. Martha.

[Danny Clover]

$10 didn't go as well as we'd counted on. Bitters, Harrison.

[Larry Thor]

Mother.

[Danny Clover]

Worry about him, Harrison. He's only a policeman. Nothing to him but a lot of questions. Right, Mr. Clover, please. Martyr. Ask away, young man.

[Larry Thor]

Ask him. You shall receive me about Agnes Harper.

[Danny Clover]

You see, I told you, Harrison. I told you someone would come snooping around here before long. I told you so. You did, Martin. I told you. Yes, Martha?

[Larry Thor]

What is it about Agnes Harper, Mr. Clover? As suicide.

[Danny Clover]

I know nothing of it save what I read in the paper. That's all we know, Harrison and I.

[Larry Thor]

All you were going to perform the wedding ceremony for her. For her and John Webster. It didn't come off. Can you tell me why? Agnes was a friend of ours.

[Danny Clover]

I don't feel it now. If you won't tell him, I will. I won't have our lives messed up by these sniffers.

[Larry Thor]

Why didn't they get married? Missing it, Paul?

[Danny Clover]

Because just the night before Agnes was to be married, someone tried to kill her. Murderer. Anyhow. That's the hippos that men around. Anyhow, Harrison didn't marry them both.

[Larry Thor]

Tried to tell her.

[Danny Clover]

I tried to find out, but I couldn't. He hushed up. Don't look at me like that, Harrison. The man asked, so I told him. You're too loyal, Harrison. Goodbye, Mrs. Silver. Oh, hello, Mr. Clover. I'm glad you came back. I knew you'd want to know I was feeling just fine. Please come in.

[Larry Thor]

Thanks.

[Danny Clover]

Yes, Dr. Stinsley is a very gentle man.

[Larry Thor]

Yes.

[Danny Clover]

Yes, it's a lovely Indian summer night. Come out on the terrace and look at it with me.

[Larry Thor]

All right.

[Danny Clover]

Oh, my, it's beautiful, isn't it?

[Larry Thor]

Agnes would have enjoyed a night like this.

[Danny Clover]

Yes. Yes, she would.

[Larry Thor]

How would you know what you've told me about her? From what other people have told me.

[Danny Clover]

What other people, Thomas?

[Larry Thor]

Perry.

[Danny Clover]

What did he tell you?

[Larry Thor]

He said he didn't marry your sister because he was afraid.

[Danny Clover]

Afraid? What did he have to be afraid?

[Larry Thor]

Of I don't know.

[Danny Clover]

What did he know about being afraid?

[Larry Thor]

But you know, don't you, Miss Popper?

[Danny Clover]

What?

[Larry Thor]

Tell me who tried to kill your sister the night before she was to marry Joan Webster.

[Danny Clover]

You said I knew about being afraid.

[Larry Thor]

You are. Right now, this minute. Because your sister is gone from you forever.

[Danny Clover]

Agnes is in it, you know.

[Larry Thor]

My sister finally succeeded in killing her.

[Danny Clover]

I do very well without her. I can do things for myself.

[Larry Thor]

She was going to marry John Webster. You tried to kill her.

[Danny Clover]

Boo. No, it was someone else.

[Larry Thor]

It was you.

[Danny Clover]

So what difference does it make? She didn't hurt herself. She didn't want John Webster anyhow. He told me so. The whole day of the wedding, we sat together. And she told me over and over again how wrong she'd been.

[Larry Thor]

It was different with Thomas Parry this time. She knew she wasn't wrong. So you killed her. Pushed her out of the kitchen window.

[Danny Clover]

Watch her fall. Watched her fall.

[Larry Thor]

Now you're alone.

[Danny Clover]

Even if she wasn't going to marry Tom Perry, she was going to leave me. If she told me that, too.

[Larry Thor]

Stabbed John Webster because he knew you'd killed your sister. He knew you'd try to do it once before.

[Danny Clover]

You didn't think I could do things like that. You. None of you know the things I can do.

[Larry Thor]

Aren't you afraid when you hung yourself? Afraid I might come too late?

[Danny Clover]

I'm clever. I waited till you knocked on the door. The thing you people don't know Only the confidence. No, the thing you people don't know. I'm going to watch you for watch.

[Larry Thor]

You for I lungs at me threw the weight of her frail body against me her face leaned close to mine and the frowns she made I took her arm held themselves to her side and watched her melted into the darkness of the night Broadway screaming Now it sneers and makes a big fist at the night the carnival is boiling and it's the clown and the jack in the box that leap from dark doorways and it's the geek with no arms, no legs and no heart It's Broadway the thoughtiest, the most violent the lonesome mile in the world Broadway mighty 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 composed and conducted by Alexander Courage. Included in tonight's cast were Jeanette Nolan, Peggy Weber, Marjorie Bennett, Francis X. Bushman, Ted Osborne and Stan Waxman.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. It's not all that wild that a funeral parlor would have a sleazy practice of using funeral guest books for solicitations. It's a bit much to think that they would reveal it to the police. And of course, Danny is going to just frustrate the effort because the conversation with the ex wife was interesting because she made this point of saying John's other wife. And that was actually a reference to a 1936-1942 soap opera called John's Other Wife. It was produced by our old friends the Hummers, and it was about the wife of a department store owner whose name was John, who was suspicious that her husband was having a relationship with either his secretary or his assistant. Personally, I'd be suspicious why he needed both a secretary and an assistant, but I'm more likely to be an auditor than a jealous wife. I suppose it was, in essence a golden age of radio precursor to that current millennial and Gen Z phrase work wife. I was kind of surprised when I looked it up that this only lasted six years because the title John's Other Wife is referenced all over the golden age of radio. And you'll even see it in cartoons, you know. And when this episode aired, John's Other Wife had been off the radio for eight years. You'll hear it referenced in all sorts of comedic materials with Bing Crosby, Red Skelton, Bob Hope. And it's probably more to the point the title that was so catchy and it was popular for a while, that it kind of stuck around in pop culture. It's probably one of those titles that. That was memorable even by people who didn't listen to the series. And I suspect that was true of Fine and Friedkin. It really is a stretch to work in the phrase John's other Wife. I'm kind of suspicious that Fine and Friedkin might have named the murdered man John just so they could do that. Though I suppose it could have worked in reverse that they had a character named John, they had his ex wife, and she had been jealous and. And so they just decided to use the phrase. I don't think it ever was common or would have been something most people would have done to call someone they suspected was having a relationship with their husband the other wife. So a bit of an interesting usage and a big stretch for a pop culture reference to something that had been off the air for eight years. I did enjoy this story, and I think the solution took me by surprise, as did the final struggle. I think we as an audience tended to underestimate her. So overall, another solid case, despite the sound quality hiccups. Now we turn to listener comments and feedback. And we start with Raymond, who along with his donation sent a note in the memo line, thanks for all the great podcasts and your low key but informative commentary. Well, thank you so much, Raymond. And then we have some comments on YouTube regarding the Mary Deming murder case. We start with Reinzer, who writes, johnny Dollar did this case too. I don't think so. While Fine and Freakin did write some Johnny Dollar scripts, this doesn't really feel like one of them. They because the whole key to the case in that particular episode was using the yearbook to solve the crime. And I cannot recall any episode of Johnny Dollar that took that tact as the featured point of the story, and certainly not in one that Fine and Friedkin wrote. Although it's easy to get confused because there is a lot of similar tropes and approach approaches that were used during the golden age of radio. Not everything was as original as we might have liked sometimes. And then we have a comment from Cinzano, who writes, excellent script, well acted and really gritty. And then another one, I am Zadok says, I love these old radio mysteries detectives. They make modern television look terrible. Well, modern television does a good enough job of that without any help, but appreciate the comment. And Lucy writes, thank you. Well, thanks so much. Appreciate all your comments. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Adrian, patreon Supporter since January 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month there. Thanks so much for your support, Adrian. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We'll be back next Wednesday with another episode of Broadway's My Beat, but join us back here tomorrow for Dragnet wear.

[Larry Thor]

I see by the stickers on your bag you've been through Arizona. Yeah, that's right. Must be nice weather down there, huh? Yeah, it's all right. This way, sir. Thank you. Let me open a window for you, sir. A little fresh air in here. All right. Okay, thanks. Here you go. Thank you very much, sir. Help you with your bags? Yeah. All right. Oh, I'm sorry, sir. Something dropped out on the floor here. You better let me have that. Sorry. Very sorry that happened. That's all right, Mr. Edwards. While you're in town here, if there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to let me know. Yeah, okay. I couldn't help but notice that little package there that I dropped. Yeah, well, like I say, I know my way around here in this town. If you need anything, you know, anything at all, sir. I tell you what. Now, here's five bucks. You never saw anything fall out of my bag there, right? Anything you say, sir.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box 13. Great. Detectives.net 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.