Broadway's My Beat: The Steve Courtney Murder Case (EP4715)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: Episode Summary - "Broadway's My Beat: The Steve Courtney Murder Case" (EP4715)

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Introduction

In Episode 4715 of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into the gripping mystery of "Broadway's My Beat: The Steve Courtney Murder Case." This episode, part of the Golden Age of Radio detective series, features Detective Danny Clover, portrayed by Larry Thor, as he unravels the suspicious death of Stephen Courtney. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Broadway, Boise, Idaho, Graham not only presents the classic radio drama but also enriches it with insightful commentary and listener interactions.

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Episode Summary

Opening Narratives and Setting the Scene

The episode begins with Adam Graham setting the stage for the adventure (00:01 - 01:28), briefly showcasing listener support and sponsorship messages before immersing listeners into the world of Danny Clover.

Introduction to Detective Danny Clover

At [03:31], Danny Clover narrates the bustling life of Broadway, painting a vivid picture of the city's contrast between glamour and underlying tension:

"There's a thing about Broadway it mixes well with the sunlight... The diversions were down there in the streets." [03:31]

The Mysterious Phone Call

As Detective Clover prepares his routine reports, he receives an anonymous call at [04:17]:

Alice Barnett: "Did you do what I told you?"

Danny Clover: "Who is this?"

Alice Barnett, a central figure in the unfolding mystery, insists that Stephen Courtney was murdered, challenging the official cause of death—heart failure [04:20 - 04:46].

Investigating Dr. Arthur Fulbright

Clover confronts Dr. Arthur Fulbright about the discrepancies in Stephen Courtney's death certificate [05:43 - 07:04]. Dr. Fulbright defends his diagnosis but arrives at conflicting statements that raise suspicion:

Danny Clover: "You have a right to know. On a phone call." [05:54]

Exploring the Courtney Estate

Detective Clover visits the opulent Courtney estate on Long Island, noting peculiarities such as the presence of a radio in Stephen's room, which contradicts prior instructions [07:04 - 08:27]. Here, he encounters Miss Lilla Courtney and Joseph O'Donohue, the trainer, whose interactions hint at deeper secrets:

Alice Barnett: "I once chartered a plane to take some people down to Baltimore... I was the only one who came out of it alive." [09:37 - 10:00]

Confronting Burl Courtney

At [11:07], Detective Clover meets Burl Courtney, Stephen's son, who exhibits evasive behavior and cryptic remarks about his father's death:

Burl Courtney: "I didn't know that about him. I thought he always picked his own time and place for everything." [12:05 - 12:14]

Revelations and Rising Tensions

As the investigation progresses, tensions escalate when Alice Barnett reveals her intimate connection with Stephen Courtney and her belief that his death was orchestrated for financial gain [20:04 - 21:08]. Detective Clover's suspicions heighten, leading to his arrest of Barnett on suspicion of murder [21:04 - 21:08].

Twists and Turns

The plot thickens with the discovery of a horseshoe weapon and further evidence pointing towards murder rather than natural death [26:20 - 26:53]:

Burl Courtney: "Considering the circumstances, my view is the man was murdered by a human wielding a heavy horseshoe." [18:28 - 19:00]

Detective Clover confronts Alice Barnett, exposing her motives tied to inheritance and thwarting murders to secure financial gain [19:20 - 29:05]. The climax features a dramatic confrontation involving a horse, Tia, symbolizing the chaos and danger inherent in the case.

Resolution and Closure

As the night unfolds, Detective Clover pieces together the evidence, leading to the revelation of Alice Barnett's culpability. The episode concludes with Craigslist unraveling the intricate web of deceit surrounding Stephen Courtney's death, reaffirming the detective's keen instincts and dedication.

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Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Danny Clover [03:31]:

  "There's a thing about Broadway it mixes well with the sunlight... The diversions were down there in the streets."

• Alice Barnett [04:17]:

  "Did you do what I told you?"

• Dr. Arthur Fulbright [05:43]:

  "Permit me to understand. You're questioning my diagnosis of the cause of Steve Courtney's death."

• Burl Courtney [12:05]:

  "I thought he always picked his own time and place for everything."

• Alice Barnett [20:11]:

  "Because it happened on my day off. Because I don't think he would have died if I'd been there."

• Burl Courtney [18:28]:

  "Considering the circumstances, my view is the man was murdered by a human wielding a heavy horseshoe."

• Alice Barnett [28:10]:

  "Me?"

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Host Commentary and Listener Feedback

After the drama concludes, Adam Graham provides a thoughtful analysis of the episode [32:47 - 36:26]. He discusses the intricacies of Detective Clover's investigation, highlighting the plausibility of Alice Barnett's initial call and the subsequent revelation of her involvement in the murders. Graham emphasizes the importance of corroborating evidence and the clever narrative twists that keep listeners engaged.

Listener Letters:

• From Beth: Expressing gratitude for the delightful stationery and the joy the podcast brings during her walks in rural Georgia.
• From Jim: Sharing his longstanding appreciation for the radio detective series and the meaningful impact the podcast has had on his life, especially during solitary house projects.

YouTube Comment:

• From Earl: Thanking the podcast for providing a wonderful recording of the "Cornell murder case" episode.

Patreon Support:

• Jennifer: Acknowledged as a Patreon supporter since March 2016, contributing at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month.

Graham appreciates all forms of support, acknowledging how listener engagement through donations, letters, and online comments enriches the community and sustains the podcast's longevity.

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Conclusion

Episode 4715 of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio masterfully intertwines classic radio drama with modern listener interaction, creating an immersive and engaging experience. "Broadway's My Beat: The Steve Courtney Murder Case" showcases Detective Danny Clover's relentless pursuit of truth amidst deception and intrigue. Through meticulous storytelling and authentic character portrayals, host Adam Graham brings to life the essence of old-time radio detective series, inviting both nostalgic listeners and new enthusiasts to revel in the art of mystery-solving.

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Stay Tuned

For those who haven't listened yet, The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio offers a captivating journey into the mysteries of the Golden Age of Radio. Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform or visit Great Detectives to explore more episodes and support your favorite old-time radio dramas.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

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[Alice Barnett]

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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 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, please follow us using your favorite podcast software, and today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can mail a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. box 15913. That's P.O. box 159 13, Boise, Idaho. And I just visited the P.O. box today and I've got a donation from James and from Beth. That way. Thank you so much. You can also become one of our Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. And I want to welcome Lewis at the Detective Sergeant level of $7, 14 or more per month, as well as Roger and Casey at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support. Now, from June 23, 1950, here is the Steve Courtney murder.

[Danny Clover]

Broadway's My Beat From Times Square to Columbus Circle, the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world.

[Larry Thor]

Broadway's My Beat with Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover.

[Danny Clover]

There's a thing about Broadway it mixes well with the sunlight. On a noonday of summertime, the concrete strikes silver glints and the mob is nicely proportioned with silken ankles and dachshunds and windblown hairdos. And an organ grinder plays background music for the big grin and the clown's funny nose. At headquarters, I stood watching it, pushing Away the time for the filling out of my routine reports. The diversions were down there in the streets. The girl and the yellow silk dress she wore. Both knowing about summer and loving the feel of it. Then I heard two things. The sigh that came from me and a phone ringing that came from the phone. Danny Clover speaking.

[Alice Barnett]

Did you do what I told you?

[Danny Clover]

Who is this?

[Alice Barnett]

Did you do it?

[Danny Clover]

Mr. Clover, I don't understand. Who am I talking to?

[Alice Barnett]

I wrote you a letter about Stephen Courtney.

[Danny Clover]

But Stephen Courtney's dead.

[Alice Barnett]

Yes, I know he's dead. What's the matter with you? Everybody knows he's dead.

[Danny Clover]

What's your interest in Courtney? Who are you?

[Alice Barnett]

Can't you see it doesn't matter who I am? Can't you understand? Stephen Courtney.

[Danny Clover]

Hello? Hello? Hello?

[Alice Barnett]

He was murdered.

[Danny Clover]

It started that way. The anonymous call impossible to trace. The sifting through the dust of a man's death. Stephen Courtney's dying had for a moment upset the delicate balance of many worlds. A finance of corporate bodies, of dynasties in oil and steel and the breeding of racing horses. The decay that for months had wasted his body had forced him finally down to the level of all old men who must die. The headlines wept, the commentators lamented. The memos came down from chairman of boards. There'd be a minute of silence for the death of Stephen Courtney. But now it was spoiled. Now a voice cried, murder. The policeman must listen. In the records bureau, I found Stephen Courtney's death certificate. Cause of death, heart failure. Date of death, June 16th. Attending physician, Dr. Arthur Fulbright. In his office, Dr. Fulbright was poised, curious and annoyed.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

Permit me to understand. You're questioning my diagnosis of the cause of Steve Courtney's death.

[Danny Clover]

We can put it that way if you want.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

On where do you base this sudden presumption?

[Danny Clover]

You have a right to know. On a phone call.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

From whom? Another doctor? Some quack who wants to destroy my reputation chooses to degrade me by having me questioned by the police.

[Danny Clover]

It came from a woman.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

Who?

[Danny Clover]

She didn't say. All she said was Stephen Courtney was murdered.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

That's preposterous. Steve Courtenay died last week as I had expected him to die of a coronary disorder. He knew he would die of it, as I knew it. His family, his servants, his enterprises.

[Danny Clover]

But you'll fill me in, huh, Doctor? Because I wasn't that privileged.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

Ah, the newspapers had it for months. Old Steve was bedridden. How he had chosen me, his intimate friend, to be his attending physician. How I kept him by sheer know how from death's door. Still he died There are things in.

[Danny Clover]

Heaven and earth that tell me about his dying.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

Normal. I had a call from his estate on Long Island. I cancelled all other calls, went out there, found old Steve lying sprawled on the floor, dead. Peacefully dead.

[Danny Clover]

You said he was bedridden. Why was he.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

Why was he on the floor? I confess the question occurred to me at the time. But then I rejected it. Like everything else, old Steve chose his own way of dying.

[Danny Clover]

Describe it to me exactly how you found him.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

I have. He was sprawled in the middle of the room. He had knocked over a radio on a. Hmm. That's strange.

[Danny Clover]

What is?

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

The radio. I'd left explicit instructions nothing of the sort. Was to be in the room with him. Too exciting? What do you know? Old Steve defied me.

[Danny Clover]

Yeah, I guess he did at that. Sometimes it slips out of our hands, doesn't it, Doctor? It took about an hour to drive to Long island in the estate of Stephen Courtney. And enough time driving through the estate to make an observation. The grass is always greener in a rich man's backyard. And plants that are only supposed to grow in the tropics will blossom on Long island as long as they're nurtured by thumbs turned green by association with money. The plenipotentiary of the hibiscus beds told me he didn't know whether there was anyone in the house or not. But try at the track, he said. You have a racetrack way down there. Miss Lilla would probably be there. She always was. Then some more of the tour to the private track of the late Stephen Courtney. When I got there, the decor was still intact. A golden girl riding a black racing stallion and a man leaning over the rails holding a stopwatch.

[Alice Barnett]

He did fine, Ms. Leland.

[Burl Courtney]

Just fine.

[Alice Barnett]

Whoa, Sun Prince. Steady, boy. Steady. That's the boy. How did he do, Joseph? 101 and two fists for the five furlongs. I'll help you down, Miss Lily. All right. Who's your friend? Huh? Your friend. I didn't notice any. Hey. What are you doing here, mister?

[Danny Clover]

My name's Danny Clover.

[Alice Barnett]

I didn't ask you that. Danny. Cool off. Sun prints. Freddy. What can we do for you, Danny?

[Danny Clover]

I'm from the police.

[Alice Barnett]

Fine. I'm Lilla Courtney. This is Joseph O' Donohue, our trainer.

[Danny Clover]

How do, Mr. O' Donoghue?

[Alice Barnett]

What's the police want with Miss Lilla? Joseph takes care of me.

[Danny Clover]

I see he does.

[Alice Barnett]

The old man said I should. The old man said that, Ms. Lilla. Joseph. That day he died the next morning from that, his voice said to me Joseph, you see that Miss Lilla is all right. When did my father tell you that? The morning after he died. Your daddy still talks to me the way he always did. I'm glad things like that happen to Joseph, Mr. Clover. Once.

[Danny Clover]

Well, no. Tell me about it.

[Alice Barnett]

I once chartered a plane to take some people down to Baltimore. Last year's Preakness. Joseph said, don't go. A voice came to him while he was sleeping and said, tell Miss Lilla not to go. But I went. Plane crashed. I was the only one who came out of it alive, even at that. Here, feel my knee, Danny. Well, go ahead. You'll see. The doctor said I'd be a cripple for life.

[Danny Clover]

Dr. Fulbright?

[Alice Barnett]

Oh, you know him?

[Danny Clover]

We just met.

[Alice Barnett]

Don't go back to him, Danny. I think he's incompetent.

[Danny Clover]

But he diagnosed your father's sickness as heart disease.

[Alice Barnett]

I know. I suppose I'm being malicious. Of course, Daddy had trouble with his heart. Of course, Dr. Fullbright is competent.

[Danny Clover]

What about the radio in your father's room?

[Alice Barnett]

What did you say, Danny?

[Danny Clover]

The radio. Your father wasn't supposed to have a radio in his room. He did.

[Alice Barnett]

On the day he died, he did now. I don't understand either. Why are you here? Why is a policeman asking me questions about Daddy?

[Danny Clover]

Call it routine.

[Alice Barnett]

Don't talk to him, Miss Lily. Joseph, I got a feeling about it. I say don't talk to him. Danny. Danny, I'm sorry. I've got to go now. You'd better talk to my brother. He's around someplace. Try the house. I just can't talk to you. Danny.

[Burl Courtney]

You admire our graveyard of dead animals?

[Danny Clover]

Yeah. Quite a trophy room.

[Alice Barnett]

Yes.

[Burl Courtney]

That stuffed specimen you're looking at. Bengal tiger. Many brave souls lie asleep in the deep Hindu jungle. All because old Steve wanted to bring home a pussycat.

[Danny Clover]

Old Steve? Your father.

[Burl Courtney]

My father. Brandy?

[Danny Clover]

No. Then you're Burl. Yep.

[Burl Courtney]

Mother and I got along fine. But old Steve said the boy is hard to handle, so he called me Burl. He thought that would make Mother angry. But Mother fooled him. She died a long time ago. First of the day, it says here.

[Danny Clover]

You know who I am? I'm here. No.

[Burl Courtney]

The domestic staff is agog with it.

[Danny Clover]

A woman called me. Said your father was murdered.

[Burl Courtney]

It's a free country. They have the vote. They can say people were murdered. Even my father. Maybe it proves something.

[Danny Clover]

Like what?

[Burl Courtney]

That the old man was human enough to die when someone killed him. I didn't know that about him. I thought he always picked his own time. And Place for everything.

[Danny Clover]

Then you think he died because he was ready to die?

[Burl Courtney]

What does it matter? He's dead and I'm rich. We're all rich.

[Danny Clover]

It'll be easier if you try to stay sober.

[Burl Courtney]

Sober? When was that? All right, all right, I'll stay sober.

[Danny Clover]

You said you're all rich. Who? Lilla.

[Burl Courtney]

I watched you from a window. An exciting thing, Lilla, Wouldn't you say?

[Danny Clover]

Lilla? Who else?

[Burl Courtney]

You wouldn't say.

[Danny Clover]

Well.

[Burl Courtney]

Well, there's o' Donoghue. He got a big hunk. And the cook and the maids and the nurse. And a man at Iowa who shined my father's shoes once.

[Danny Clover]

The nurse? Who was she?

[Burl Courtney]

Alice Barnett. Nursed the old man for years. It paid off.

[Danny Clover]

Where is she?

[Burl Courtney]

Who knows? Old Steve dies, nursey goes somewhere to cry. Leaves this nice big cozy mausoleum. No nursing anywhere.

[Danny Clover]

She lived here?

[Alice Barnett]

Mm.

[Burl Courtney]

Bed and board and street dresses.

[Adam Graham]

Who cares?

[Danny Clover]

We do. I'll phone headquarters to find her.

[Burl Courtney]

Good hunting.

[Danny Clover]

O' Donohue. The trainer, he told me your father talks to him even now.

[Burl Courtney]

My father? Joseph hears voices all the time. About a month ago, he had a three way conversation with Orville and Wilbur Wright.

[Danny Clover]

There was a radio in your father's room when he died. How did it get there?

[Burl Courtney]

You know I wouldn't know.

[Danny Clover]

But he was dying. Surely you.

[Burl Courtney]

I was a most unfilial son. Look, why don't you ask Nursi when you find her? See, she knew about things like that. Yeah. You just ask Nursey. I earned this.

[Adam Graham]

Now.

[Tartaglia]

Welcome back to the Doldrums, Danny.

[Danny Clover]

Huh?

[Tartaglia]

I was just leaving headquarters for the day. I thought it would be nice of me to welcome you back to them in the Doldrums.

[Danny Clover]

What are you talking about?

[Tartaglia]

Well, Danny, since you have been cavorting with society and munching scones with the blue bloods, I wondered if you would be the same old Danny.

[Danny Clover]

And am I?

[Tartaglia]

Did you bring me your scone, Danny?

[Danny Clover]

Uh, no scones. Tell me one thing. What about the nurse, Alice Barnett? Did you find her?

[Tartaglia]

She is being as scarce as a. As a.

[Danny Clover]

You didn't find her as a. As a. Danny Clover speaking.

[Burl Courtney]

You'd better get up here, Mr. Clover.

[Danny Clover]

Who is this, Burl? What's the trouble?

[Burl Courtney]

It's your business to find out. Get up here. Somebody just got beaten to.

[Adam Graham]

Over here.

[Danny Clover]

Over here.

[Alice Barnett]

He's in there with. Get him out. Get him out.

[Danny Clover]

It was a design in horror, done in grotesques. The horse rearing, screaming, clawing its hooves against the stall. The girl disheveled, twisted with terror pleading with it.

[Alice Barnett]

Tia. Tia. Leave him alone. No more. Leave him alone. Tia.

[Danny Clover]

Pearl Table Helpless, sodden with fright, with drunkenness, the blazing moon setting fire to the web of blood that reached out from under the stone gate.

[Alice Barnett]

Tia. No more.

[Danny Clover]

Tia. Harold, help me. Help me get that horse out of there. I can't hide, vagina.

[Burl Courtney]

I can't.

[Danny Clover]

Tia's a good girl. Help me. Help me.

[Adam Graham]

All right.

[Danny Clover]

Don't try me anymore. All right, I'll open the gate. You grab her mane.

[Burl Courtney]

Come on.

[Danny Clover]

Now.

[Burl Courtney]

Come on, Tia. There's a good girl.

[Danny Clover]

Come on.

[Adam Graham]

I can't hold her.

[Danny Clover]

I can't let her go.

[Alice Barnett]

Joseph. Oh, poor Joseph. Poor dead Joseph. Dear Joseph.

[Danny Clover]

What happened? Lila, what happened?

[Alice Barnett]

I don't know. I was coming back from a moonlight ride. I heard Joseph scream. T was standing over him when I found him. Trampling him with her hooves. I tried to pull her away. I called Pearl. We tried.

[Danny Clover]

Tia must have kicked him. He fell and then she.

[Alice Barnett]

Till he died. Tia.

[Danny Clover]

No. Not like that, Burl. Joseph died because he was murdered.

[Larry Thor]

You are listening to Broadway's My Beat, written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin and starring Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover. Don't let a rainy day find you unprepared. Start saving for that rainy day right now by buying United States Savings Bonds. If you hold on to your bonds until they mature, you'll get back $4 for every $3 you invested. Buy United States Savings Bonds, Reg.

[Danny Clover]

In June, Broadway bursts out all over. It lulls in the breezes of the air conditioned movie. Compares postcards from the family in the Catskills. It drinks deep of the neon scented summer air. Sighs and wishes mom and the kids would stay there because Broadway's having a wonderful time. 60 girls. 60 will pass a given point at any given hour. The music drifting out of the diamond dance pavilions is like partaking of an open air band concert. And the drama on the front pages. A movie. A sheer unadulterated drive in movie. Consider a tycoon dies. Someone calls up, says it's murder. A horse trainer is kicked to death by a horse gone crazy with the moonlight. The police say it's murder. Where else but on Broadway can you spend a summer in such a way? And in the technical lab, a man in shirt sleeves wipes the sweat off his lips, breathes on a magnifying glass, wipes it on his pants. Invites you to hold it to a photograph.

[Burl Courtney]

Have a look. Mr. Clover, I suppose congratulations are in order. All because you made a lucky guess. Come, come. It was only A guess, was it not? You're saying this Joseph o' Donoghue was murdered? Well, anyway, the photographs, my analysis quite bear you out.

[Danny Clover]

They do?

[Burl Courtney]

Oh, yes. This one in particular. See the back of the skull? It's quite plain on this one that o' Donoghue was beaten to death. But not by a horse. By a weapon. To make it look like a horse.

[Danny Clover]

A horseshoe, I'll bet.

[Burl Courtney]

But not of the type affected by thoroughbreds. By race horses. More like one off a truck horse. Or one that pulls a milk wagon.

[Larry Thor]

Ergo.

[Burl Courtney]

Considering the circumstances, my view is the man was murdered by a human wielding a heavy horseshoe.

[Danny Clover]

He?

[Burl Courtney]

Technical con. Reed speaking. Yes. Yes, he is. Yeah. Yes, as I will tell him. Tell me. There is a woman waiting for you in your office. A Ms. Alice Barnett. Lucky guess, huh? Mr. Clover?

[Danny Clover]

Yeah. I didn't even have a magnifying glass. Ms. Barnett?

[Alice Barnett]

Yes.

[Danny Clover]

We've been looking for you.

[Alice Barnett]

Yes, I thought perhaps you were. I've come to give myself up.

[Danny Clover]

You're the one who called me. Who told me Steve and Courtney had been murdered.

[Alice Barnett]

Yes. I wrote you a letter, too. But there must be many things you want to ask me.

[Danny Clover]

There are. Why'd you hide?

[Alice Barnett]

Because I was foolish. Because I was frightened. Because. I don't really know. It's all mixed up. You see, Stephen and I were going to be married as soon as he got well. It was all planned. It would have been exciting to be married to Stephen. Not for the money, just for Stephen.

[Danny Clover]

He was much older.

[Alice Barnett]

Was he? I loved him. I didn't notice.

[Danny Clover]

I see. Why do you think he was murdered?

[Alice Barnett]

Because it happened on my day off. Because I don't think he would have died if I'd been there.

[Danny Clover]

Where were you?

[Alice Barnett]

In town. Shopping. Walking in the park. Feeding the pigeons in St. Patrick's for a while. It was quiet there. Restful.

[Danny Clover]

But no place we can check.

[Alice Barnett]

No, I don't think so.

[Danny Clover]

On your days off, who took your place?

[Alice Barnett]

We had an arrangement with the nurses registry. I don't know who it was that day. It was usually a different nurse each week.

[Danny Clover]

I'll check. Where?

[Alice Barnett]

On Madison, at 49th. It's in the book.

[Danny Clover]

You think Stephen was murdered? In your opinion, who would have a reason?

[Alice Barnett]

Whoever wanted all the money. The money Stephen would have settled on me as his wife. Miller, Burl o' Donoghue.

[Danny Clover]

But o' Donoghue has been murdered. That makes the jackpot bigger for the rest of you, doesn't it?

[Alice Barnett]

It does. It means another 50,000 for me. I don't know about the others.

[Danny Clover]

Or were you the night o' Donoghue was murdered?

[Alice Barnett]

At a movie? It's a feeble alibi, isn't it?

[Danny Clover]

I'm holding you, Ms. Barnett, on suspicion of murder. Ms. Barnett accepted it. She folded her hands in her lap and waited patiently until a man in uniform nudged his head through the door, got the signal from me and gave the signal to her. Somehow I got the idea that as long as she would stay in jail, people would spend their time apologizing to her. It was a time for thinking about things. Too many people had been unconcerned about the death of Stephen Courtney. And in the murder of Joseph o' Donohue, the man who heard voices there, that was the first thing to think about. Somehow, the first death necessitated the second. And in the matter of the nurse sent by the registry that also needed looking into, I did.

[Alice Barnett]

The receptionist said you were a policeman.

[Danny Clover]

That's right.

[Alice Barnett]

You wish to hire a nurse? Maternity. Your wife?

[Danny Clover]

No, it's not that at all. We're conducting an investigation.

[Alice Barnett]

And you want to see me.

[Danny Clover]

That's right. It's about one of your nurses.

[Alice Barnett]

One of the newer ones, I suppose. If you would have seen the crop that just graduated that just registered with us. Some of them are pretty.

[Danny Clover]

I wouldn't know. I want some information about the nurse assigned to the case of Stephen Courtney.

[Alice Barnett]

There were several of them. I'm afraid you'll have to help me if you want me to help you.

[Danny Clover]

The relief nurse assigned to Mr. Courtney on June 16, the day he died.

[Alice Barnett]

Facts. That's what I like. Now we shall see. Courtney. Courtney. You see, we have them cross filed. Patient's name, nurse's name, doctor's name, name of the illness. Courtney. Courtney, J. Courtney, S. Samuel. Courtney, S. Steven. Here we are. I said, here we are.

[Danny Clover]

Tell me about it. I was never much good with charts.

[Alice Barnett]

Each little line has a meeting all its own. As you see here, there is no line at all opposite the date of June 16th. So we turn the chart over, naturally, and we see the reason why written in longhand. On June 16, there was a phone call from the Courtney household telling us not to send a replacement on that day.

[Danny Clover]

Oh? Who called and said that?

[Alice Barnett]

Why, I wouldn't know. For information like that, you'd have to go straight to the source. Naturally.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

Perhaps if I'm more explicit, Mr. Clover, you'll understand. No one is to go into Ms. Lilla's room, not even the police.

[Danny Clover]

Those are your orders, Doctor.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

Precisely mine.

[Danny Clover]

Then you won't mind justifying them to.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

The mere police justify what presumption you people have. However, Ms. Liller is quite ill. Psychotic shock. Two people she loved very much are dead. She tried to stave off the inevitable by riding gaiety, Etc. Etc. But it's. It's caught up with her natural in a woman of Ms. Lillard's. Sensitive fiber.

[Danny Clover]

Yeah, I guess it is. Doctor, who gave the order that no replacement nurse was needed the day Stephen died? You?

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about. No nurse? Well, that's preposterous. Surely not.

[Alice Barnett]

Get out of here. Get out of here.

[Dr. Arthur Fulbright]

Why, whatever could.

[Danny Clover]

Psychotic shock, sensitive fiber. Doctor, you're a vicious pearl.

[Alice Barnett]

You're ugly and vicious and drunk.

[Burl Courtney]

Oh, no, little sister. Don't throw anything else. It'll only bring on a relapse. Come on now. Poor, sick little sister, out of bed.

[Danny Clover]

Leave her alone, Burl. Are you all right, Lilla?

[Burl Courtney]

Are you all right, Lilla? Sure you're all right. Everybody thinks you're so sick, little sister.

[Danny Clover]

Shut up, Earl. You can't say that to me.

[Burl Courtney]

I am the master here. Now you. L. Donahue, old Steve, I crack the.

[Danny Clover]

Whip and I.

[Alice Barnett]

Burl. Burl, are you hurt?

[Danny Clover]

He'll be all right. Just let him sleep it off.

[Alice Barnett]

I'm sorry. Sorry you had to see us like this, Danny. It's all so ugly. So like they want us to be in the papers, isn't it?

[Danny Clover]

You're not really sick, are you?

[Alice Barnett]

No, Danny. Just tired. I fixed it up with Dr. Fulbright so they'd leave me alone. I don't know. Doing it this way, maybe it proves I really am sick. You think?

[Danny Clover]

Lilla, listen to me. The day your father died, there should have been a nurse here. Why wasn't there?

[Alice Barnett]

I don't know. We thought maybe things got all mixed up down at the Nurses Registry.

[Danny Clover]

No one showed up because they were called and told not to. Who did that, Lilla?

[Alice Barnett]

Someone called. I don't know. I don't know who it could have been. Danny. I told you, I don't know. I told you. Get out. Get out. I can't take anymore.

[Tartaglia]

Look at it, Denny.

[Danny Clover]

The boys found it, huh? Not pretty.

[Tartaglia]

A horseshoe nailed to a club. They dug it up back at the far turn of the Courtney track. Murder weapon, Danny. The thing to beat o' Donohue to death.

[Danny Clover]

I'd say so. Totaglia.

[Tartaglia]

You know, it's not enough. I'm up to my elbows in the solution to this case with horses. But I had to go to the movies last night.

[Danny Clover]

Poor You.

[Tartaglia]

Comes the newsreel. And more horses. The running of the Westfall Handicap. Nip and tuck. Nip and tuck all the way home. Oh, Danny, That Sun Prince. What a horse.

[Danny Clover]

Who?

[Tartaglia]

Sun Prince. The horse had almost won the Westfall Handicap. I'm telling you, I almost had heart failure.

[Danny Clover]

Why?

[Tartaglia]

Well, look. Here was this horse six lengths out in front. He stumbles, throws his jockey.

[Danny Clover]

This Westfall Handicap, when was it run?

[Tartaglia]

Oh, Danny, I can see you are a man who is not smitten by the bobtails. This handicap was run last Saturday. Let's see. June 16th.

[Danny Clover]

Gino, you went and did it. You put two and two together, and.

[Tartaglia]

I got four, huh?

[Danny Clover]

Not only that, Gino, you got a murder. There was no hurry after that. Took my time driving out to the Courtenay estate. I didn't even have to go to the house. I saw what I was looking for on a small knoll that overlooked the grounds. Lilla. Lilla, holding the reins of a black stallion, standing against the early evening. A precise composition, sculptured to catch the eye. There was a flaw to it. Lilla had seen me coming. And the post she'd struck was too studied, too pat. But it held until I walked to her, touched her arm. Oh, you've recovered, Lila.

[Alice Barnett]

Not really. Look at me. How do I look?

[Danny Clover]

The same. You've got some more clothes on than the last time I saw you outside of that. The same.

[Alice Barnett]

I'm glad. But I need this. The quiet, the evening riding. Do you want to ride with me, Danny?

[Danny Clover]

No.

[Alice Barnett]

I expected you to come. I thought sometime soon you'd come back and use the gamut of let's ride together. Lilla and I made it easy for you. Now I don't understand you at all.

[Danny Clover]

I'm trying to make up my mind about you.

[Alice Barnett]

Oh, how can you? You're not really trying.

[Danny Clover]

Whether murder becomes you or not.

[Alice Barnett]

It made me ill for a while. You saw that?

[Danny Clover]

You're faking, Lilla. It's how you reacted to committing murder.

[Alice Barnett]

Me?

[Danny Clover]

Your father's murder. Donahue's.

[Alice Barnett]

You're a fool, Daniel.

[Danny Clover]

Your father's murder. By attending him yourself instead of a nurse. By turning on the radio when his prize horse raced. The excitement when the horse stumbled stopped your father's heart and brought you a lot of money.

[Alice Barnett]

Is that murder because a horse stumbled? Because my father's heart stopped. Eventually it'll happen to all of us.

[Danny Clover]

Donahue. Because you were afraid of him. Because you really believed he heard voices. Because you thought one day your father's voice might tell Joseph who killed him.

[Alice Barnett]

Ride with me, Danny.

[Danny Clover]

No. Come on, Lila.

[Alice Barnett]

You're a fool, Sun Prince.

[Danny Clover]

Get off that horse.

[Alice Barnett]

Up, Prince.

[Danny Clover]

Up.

[Alice Barnett]

Kill him. Kill him, Prince. Kill him.

[Danny Clover]

The stallion reared high, pawed at the gathering darkness, his jowls flecked with foam. Then a hoof caught me, spun me, and again I looked up from the ground. He was a monster, poised on his haunches. Suddenly, he lost balance, fell to his back, recovered, and in an instant, he was a fleeting shadow. When I got to the girl and I got to Lilla, she was small, huddled. She didn't move. Only in her eyes was there life. And it held briefly. Then it stopped. When the night turns into Broadway, the streets burst into fragments of electric flame, fling reflections hard into the shadows. It's a piece torn out of a jagged dream. The twisted concrete, the blare that ebbs then screams again. The faces that dart and waver and are lost forever. It's Broadway. The gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world. Broadway, My Beat.

[Larry Thor]

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 tonight's cast were Joan Banks, Mary Lansing, Florence Lake, Francis X. Bushman, Elliot Reed and Junius Matthews. For more adventures with Danny Clover and Broadway Is My Beat, CBS invites you to make a date with them for Monday evening, July 3rd. Yes. After tonight's broadcast, Broadway's My Beat moves to Mondays for the summer starting July 3rd. Next week at this time, you'll hear the premiere broadcast of a new CBS show called Songs for Sale featuring Jan Murray, Tony Bennett and Ray Blair. Fox Orchestra celebrities from the music world will meet songwriters with unpublished music on Songs for Sale. And you'll find it's full of fun and tunes of all kinds. Be sure to join us Monday, July 3rd for the next broadcast of Broadway's My Beat. Joe Walters speaking. This is cbs, where the Goldbergs are. Every Saturday night, the Columbia Broadcasting Service system.

[Danny Clover]

You can make a difference in someone's.

[Alice Barnett]

Life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, healthcare, retirement.

[Danny Clover]

Options and free training.

[Alice Barnett]

They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I think she was probably right about the first murder. There was no way Danny could have prepared prove that. Probably the easiest thing she could have said was that Mr. Courtney told her to bring the radio and she did as he said. And it's kind of hard to argue that you have a legal duty to disregard the opinions of a fully competent adult about what they'll do. That's perfectly legal, even if it's against doctor's advice, particularly if you're not actually a nurse. But the fact that she committed the second murder meant that that didn't really matter. Well, Listener Comments and Feedback now we start off with some letters that were included with the donations. This first one is from Beth and I will say that my son really loved Beth stationery with all these different cats on it. I left it on the table and he was very taken with it. So. So thanks so much for the cute stationary. On the stationary she writes, I so enjoy listening to your Great Detectives podcast as I take my walks in my rural Georgia neighborhood. Keep up the good work and blessings for many more years of continued success. Well, thanks so much, Beth. And then we have this from Jim who writes Dear Mr. Graham, several years ago I discovered your Old Time Radio Detectives. At this time, a house painting project on my house was in my immediate future. It occurred to me that if I downloaded your show to a small iPad my son had given me, I could have something to keep me occupied throughout my painting chore. It worked. My gratitude to you knew no bounds. Subsequently, your presence in several other ways has been a fairly large part of my life. Thank you very much for the pleasure you have brought me. I'm an old guy now. I grew up with Old Time Radio when the shows were new. My favorites of all the shows I've collected, and the collection is not a huge one, are the Old Time Radio Detectives and Gunsmoke. Your replaying of these shows is a treasure for folks like me, which I'm certain you've been told many times. I've wanted to send you a little something in appreciation. The check that enclosed is quite small, but it is tended to be a tangible way to express my gratitude. You often bring a bright light on a cloudy day. Well, thank you so much and I do appreciate your kind note and so glad that I could be of help and every donation and bit of support that people send is truly appreciated. Then we have a comment on YouTube from Earl regarding the episode the in Cornell murder case and Earl writes, thank you for providing this wonderful recording. Thank you so much Earl. And now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day and I want to go ahead and thank Jennifer patreon Supporter since March 2016. Currently supporting the podcast at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Jennifer. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you are enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. We'll be back next Wednesday with another episode of Broadway's My Beat. But join us back here tomorrow for life in your hands.

[Danny Clover]

Where see the headlines now? Assistant prosecutor's kid brother takes bribe. Right? Notorious hoodlum family. Won't that be just dandy when I run for prosecutor?

[Alice Barnett]

Why? Why? You're not thinking about Wally one bit? Only yourself. Your precious political career. Anyway, Wally's only your stepbrother.

[Danny Clover]

I won't have you marrying Wally.

[Alice Barnett]

So this is what the big Randall is really like. All you care about is winning an election.

[Danny Clover]

Ask you not to shout, my neighbors, the Ellsworth may be home.

[Alice Barnett]

Oh, the wonderful big brother is nothing but a kin God after all. Time, Randall.

[Danny Clover]

Mar.

[Alice Barnett]

And Wally's going to learn how to stand up to you.

[Danny Clover]

I've known Wally all my life.

[Alice Barnett]

How's he going to feel when he knows it's only your future? You're interested in Wally.

[Danny Clover]

He'll drop you cold when he finds out about your distinguished connection.

[Alice Barnett]

Don't bother to tell him. I'll tell him myself.

[Danny Clover]

You haven't got the nerve.

[Alice Barnett]

Will you just wait? I'll put him wise to what a stout, kicking fraud his wonderful stepbrother is.

[Danny Clover]

District 30 man answering description of Eddie Phillip seen tampering with a parked car in 1300 block on north. Carry patrols in District 30 investigate. Repeat patrols in District 30 investigate.

[Alice Barnett]

Life would be a lot simpler for a lot of people if Eddie Phillips phone.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box13GreatDetectives.com. 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.

[Danny Clover]

Packages by Expedia. You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less. Expedia Made to Travel Trip planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tub. Expedia Made to travel.

[Adam Graham]

Anyone's a hero come in to save the day.

[Danny Clover]

Hey, what's up, everybody?

[Adam Graham]

This is Kurt Daimer.

[Danny Clover]

My new album, and so It Begins, is out now. Check it out wherever you stream by.

[Adam Graham]

Clicking the link here.