Bulldog Drummond: Porcelain Ming Cat (EP4552)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio – "Bulldog Drummond: Porcelain Ming Cat" (EP4552)

Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host: Adam Graham
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio by Adam Graham Radio Detective Podcasts

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Introduction

In episode 4552 of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into the intriguing world of Bulldog Drummond with the episode titled "Porcelain Ming Cat." Despite encountering a technical hiccup where the intended episode was a duplicate of a previous one, Adam proceeds to present this classic detective story, offering insightful commentary and engaging analysis for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Episode Overview

"Porcelain Ming Cat" centers around Captain Bulldog Drummond and his assistant, Denny, as they navigate a complex case involving a mysterious porcelain cat with dark secrets. The narrative unfolds with Virginia Norris (also known as Ginny) seeking Drummond's help to deliver an ancient cat figure, which is rumored to be cursed and potentially lethal.

Key Plot Points:

1. The Mysterious Car Encounter ([03:44] - [06:10])

   • Virginia Norris approaches Drummond in his new Buick, revealing that she holds a valuable Ming cat her brother Ralph obtained from China.
   • She explains that a man threatened Ralph's life if the cat isn't delivered to a specific address by 9:30 PM.

2. The Dangerous Delivery ([07:18] - [11:57])

   • Drummond and Denny attempt to deliver the cat to 22 River Street, only to be ambushed and shot at.
   • Virginia Norris reveals discrepancies in the story, leading Drummond to suspect deceit and ulterior motives.

3. Unveiling the Truth ([18:06] - [25:33])

   • Through investigation, Drummond discovers that the Ming cat is a smuggling vessel for narcotics, orchestrated by Frank Haynes.
   • The plot thickens as Drummond confronts Haynes, leading to a climactic revelation about the true nature of the cat and the deception surrounding it.

4. Climactic Resolution ([25:24] - [26:54])

   • Drummond outsmarts Haynes, exposing the narcotics scheme and neutralizing the threat posed by the cursed cat.
   • The episode concludes with Drummond reflecting on the events and the moral implications of tampering with such dangerous artifacts.

Notable Quotes:

• Virginia Norris (Ginny):
  "[00:05:07] Virginia Norris: Ralph brought this cat back from China. Since he said brother, he was there on business. Ralph said the cat was very valuable. He said it's hundreds of years old and he asked me to hold it for him."

• Captain Bulldog Drummond:
  "[00:10:15] Captain Bulldog Drummond: I'm sorry, sir. I was sure I had it hidden from dues. Well, the damage is done, Denny. This young woman and her automatic appear to mean business."

• Virginia Norris:
  "[00:24:18] Virginia Norris: Oh, that's you, Captain Dummy."

• Captain Bulldog Drummond:
  "[00:26:01] Captain Bulldog Drummond: This small parcel, Denny, contains $100,000 worth of narcotics by a prearranged plan that was smuggled into this country inside the Cat."

Host Commentary and Insights

Throughout the episode, Adam Graham provides valuable insights and commentary:

• Technical Glitch Acknowledgment ([01:27] - [03:25]):
  Adam expresses disappointment over airing a duplicate episode but reassures listeners of forthcoming exciting content.

• Analysis of Narrative Elements ([09:27] - [10:03]):
  He questions certain plot points, such as why Ginny was distracted when the gun wasn't loaded, highlighting potential inconsistencies in the storyline.

• Historical Context and Series Comparison ([29:16] - [35:52]):
  Adam discusses the Bulldog Drummond series' place within old-time radio, comparing it to contemporaries like Philo Vance and Boston Blackie. He notes that although Bulldog Drummond had a longer run, it's often underrepresented today.

  "But honestly, of those three series, I enjoyed Bulldog Drummond more. It's got a great adventure element, and it really moves at a solid pace." ([29:16])

• Revival Attempts and Legacy ([35:52] - [40:27]):
  He outlines various revival attempts of Bulldog Drummond across different media, including films and modern audiobooks, emphasizing the character's enduring appeal.

• Listener Engagement ([40:27] - [41:43]):
  Adam shares positive feedback from listeners, enhancing community engagement and encouraging new listeners to join the podcast.

  "TB in North Carolina writes best podcast out there. Adam does a great job and I love his wrap up notes." ([35:52])

Supplementary Features

The episode includes a special skit featuring Ronald Coleman and Cary Grant from "Command Performance", adding a nostalgic layer to the listening experience.

Notable Quote from Skit:
Captain Bulldog Drummond:
"What a pity. Tomorrow was to be his 83rd birthday. We'd baked a cake." ([30:31])

Conclusion

Adam Graham wraps up the episode by reflecting on Bulldog Drummond's significance in old-time radio detective dramas. He expresses appreciation for the series' adventurous spirit and promises exciting future episodes despite the earlier setback.

Final Remarks:
"If you're enjoying the podcast, 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." ([38:52])

Key Takeaways

• Complex Narratives: The episode showcases Bulldog Drummond's knack for unraveling intricate plots involving deception and hidden motives.

• Character Dynamics: The interplay between Drummond, Denny, and Virginia Norris adds depth and suspense to the storyline.

• Host Expertise: Adam Graham's commentary enhances the listening experience by providing context, analysis, and personal reflections on the series.

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Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment we're going to get into this week's episode of Bulldog Drumming. I do want to encourage you to check out our other podcast and today I'm highlighting our World War II series, the War. You can find it at thewar.greatdetectives.net It's a 277 episode series telling the story of America through World War II, from staunch opposition to foreign involvement to America getting onto a war footing and the post war era. And we tell it not only through news programs, but through drama, comedy, song and so much more. Check it out. Thewar.greatdetctives.net Today I find myself in a somewhat embarrassing situation. I expected we would have two more episodes of Bulldog Drumming. However, listening to the episode, which I thought was going to be the second to last episode, it is actually a duplicate of something we played earlier in the series and Bulldog Drumming has been a challenging series to label quite honestly. So this is actually the very last episode I'm a bit disappointed in. But don't worry, we do have good plans for next week. I don't actually have an original air date for today's episode, although we do have something we can speculate on. But here now is the episode that was labeled the Porcelain Mink Hat.

[Narrator]

Out of the fog, out of the night and into yours comes Bulldog Drum.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

This story begins in a surprising way. Walked across the street to where my new Buick was popped the Surprise I mentioned was a blonde package done up attractively in a shimmering patina fox jacket. I opened the car door and there she was in the front seat.

[Virginia Norris]

Hello.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

As I said the car was new. I looked twice to make sure it was mine.

[Virginia Norris]

It's your car.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

You recall the dealer telling me you came with it?

[Virginia Norris]

The dealer has nothing to do with my danger.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Oh, well. What hat?

[Virginia Norris]

Get in and we'll talk about it. I've been waiting here for you.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Oh, you should have said. I would have gladly passed up dessert.

[Virginia Norris]

No. Captain Hugh Drummond.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

You know me?

[Virginia Norris]

Who doesn't? You help people in trouble in certain cases.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Tell me you're in trouble.

[Virginia Norris]

I am. Will you help me?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

It's possible. I don't believe I know your name.

[Virginia Norris]

Virginia. Virginia Norris, Miss.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

It's quite possible.

[Virginia Norris]

You're nice.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Well, Virginia.

[Virginia Norris]

My friends call me Ginny.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Then friend to another Ginny. Just what sort of trouble is it?

[Virginia Norris]

It's about the cat.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

The cat?

[Virginia Norris]

This one? He's no portion to go there alone. That's why I came to you. I didn't want him to see me going to your house. He warned me not to tell anyone. That's why I waited for you in the car. He will help me, Won't you?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

First you'll have to make some sense. What is this all about?

[Virginia Norris]

Ralph brought this cat back from China. Since he said brother, he was there on business. Ralph said the cat was very valuable. He said it's hundreds of years old and he asked me to hold it for him. That was six weeks ago. As I said, the next day Ralph left the house. I didn't hear from him until this evening.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

And your brother told you not to tell anyone about it?

[Virginia Norris]

No, no. It wasn't Ralph who said that. It was the other man. And he spoke to me over the phone after Ralph. Ralph just said a few words and then the man must have taken the phone away from him. He told me to bring the cat to him at 22 River street but he'd be in the doorway. I was to be there at 9:30. But you see, I was afraid to go there alone. So I came to see.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I was detained, sir. A phone call came in and. Captain Drummond. Ginny. This is Ms. Morris. Where did she come from? Believe it or not, she was waiting here in the car for me. Unlikely. Sorry. Ginny has asked my assistant. Oh, it's Ginny.

[Virginia Norris]

Yes, you gentlemen, we better hurry. He's said to be there by 9:30 sharp.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Come on, Danny, get in. You're sure I won't be Crowding you. You say the number was 22 River Street?

[Virginia Norris]

Yes, that's right.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

River street, sir. Why are we going to that wretched neighborhood? Because Ms. Morris's brother seems to be in some sort of trouble.

[Virginia Norris]

It's a matter of life and death.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Life and death? That's the usual story, isn't it, sir?

[Virginia Norris]

That isn't a joke. I didn't finish what I started to tell you, captain Drummond. The man said to me that Ralph would be killed if the mink cat wasn't delivered tonight. Min cat, sir?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

That's it. That's just what he. The main cat. What are you talking about, Denny? The phone call which detained me. It was a man. He sounded Oriental. I thought it was just another one of those crank calls we saw. Denny, for heaven's sakes, come out with it. What is it? He said to forget about the Ming cat. It's evil, he said. To those who touch it, it brings only bad luck and death. Oh, I say, sir, this area is forbidding enough without having a pea Super. To make matters worse, Jenny, you can count this far for blessings up the street. Jenny. I'll take that china cat now.

[Virginia Norris]

But you said that as long as the cat was in our hand, you thought Ralph's life would be spared.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I'm least don't worry. I'm not letting go of it until your brother is brought back safe and sound. Better lucky hacked.

[Virginia Norris]

All right.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Thank you. Come on, Denny.

[Narrator]

Jack.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Captain Drummond, this gives me the creeps. Frankly, Denny, I know just how you feel. Anything to hear coming from you, sir. You know how I rely on you for moral support. Number 22 is the next building. Ready? Ready, sir.

[Adam Graham]

Excellent.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I'll do the talking. That dubious pleasure is all yours. What? No one's here. Perhaps he's inside. You'll have a look. Switch on your flash. Yes, sir.

[Virginia Norris]

Why, look.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

The entrance is boarded. Come, Jenny, quick. Cut the light, Denny. I'm all right. Her. That flashlight made us a perfect target for a moment there. Shot. Someone was lying in wait for us over there. We're certainly lucky. We certainly are, Denny. This mean cap didn't break when I dropped up. Maybe it isn't such bad luck after all. The devil with that confounded cat, sir. Look what it got us into. Well, now, let's see if it can get us out of it. What? We're getting back to Ginny in the car as quickly as our feet can carry us. With an armed killer across the street? I told you to fog as a blessing. It'll cover our retreat just as it did. Our advance. Let's hope. Get set to run for it. Follow me and take her by. We made it. Yes. Maybe you were right about that ring cat after all, sir. For slack so far, I hope it'll do as well for Ginny Morris, huh? What do you mean, sir? She's not in the car, Denny. I wish I knew what this was all about, sir. Why we were shot at, why this mother's disappointment disappeared, why she lied to us. What's the answer to it all, Denny? I haven't the slightest idea. But I'm sure everything will be made clear to us in time.

[Virginia Norris]

Do anything.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

This min cat will get us the truth. I think it will attract the fish we want. Now, let's go up to our apartment and wait for a nibble.

[Virginia Norris]

Stay right where you are.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Oh, sir, she. She has a gun.

[Virginia Norris]

Yes, and I'll use it if either one of you try anything.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

You see, Denny, what did I tell you? A bite, and we haven't even cast our wheels.

[Virginia Norris]

Give it to me.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I'm sorry. I don't understand.

[Virginia Norris]

I saw Woody in this car before. She gave you the cat, didn't she?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

The cat, Denny. I wonder what on earth this young woman is talking about. Well, I'm sure, sir, I hadn't the slightest notion.

[Virginia Norris]

The cat that's on your lap.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Oh, dear, dear. Clumsy.

[Virginia Norris]

Hand it over.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I'm terribly sorry, sir. I was sure I had it hidden from dues. Well, the damage is done, Denny. This young woman and her automatic appear to mean business. You better hand it over. Yes. Here you are.

[Virginia Norris]

Now, don't move. Stay right where you. Where did you get this cat, huh?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

You answered that question for yourself a moment ago. Yeah.

[Virginia Norris]

What'd you do with the other one?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

The other one?

[Virginia Norris]

You know what I'm talking about. Where's the other one?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Isn't this one satisfactory?

[Virginia Norris]

Now, you can't fool me. I know. I know all about it. I'll show you how much I know about it.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Here. What? Well, she broke it. She deliberately destroyed that relic.

[Virginia Norris]

Stop it. Stop acting. You know as well as I do that it was a fake. You know it wasn't worth $2.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Evidently, Denny, our bait wasn't as valuable as we thought. But it served the purpose.

[Virginia Norris]

You tell me where the real one is. Tell me or I'll kill both of you.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Well, that would be rather difficult, considering the fact that you neglected to release the safety on that gun you're holding. I'll show you what I mean. Don't you know it isn't stylist Protecting young women to support these things. Just as being done this season. There. Much better without it, really. Here. Fisherman always holds tight till he lands his poly. Right, Denny? Right, sir.

[Virginia Norris]

Please let me go. Let's go.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Oh, I wouldn't think of it. After all, if I hadn't tricked you out of that gun, you might have eliminated Denny and me.

[Virginia Norris]

Oh, no. You wouldn't have been harmed. Wasn't possible. Gun's empty. Not a cartridge in the chamber.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Look, sir, she's telling the truth. The gun is empty. Not a cartridge in the chamber. All right, Inspector. I'll be waiting for your call. Now go on with your story, Mrs. Haynes.

[Virginia Norris]

You're telling me the truth. But you don't believe me, do you?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I'll be able to judge better just as soon as Inspector Kelly calls me back from headquarters. In the meantime, go ahead.

[Virginia Norris]

I didn't know you were Captain Drummond. I thought you were in with them.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Suggested there's something to find.

[Virginia Norris]

My husband.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Frank, dear. Another mysteriously missing mail. This routine is being a bit overused tonight, eh, sir? To the point of boredom.

[Virginia Norris]

It's the truth. Just as I told it to you. Frank was to meet me when my boat died. I was bringing the mink tent back from the Orient. Frank had a bio fort here.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

You went through that before. That plumb girl who calls herself Ginny Morris met you at the dock. She was supposedly taking you to your husband. Instead, you were taken to a hotel room where you were drunk. Yes. And when you awakened, the mean cat was gone. You were unable to locate your husband. Then you received a phone call this evening. A man told you that if you waited in front of this apartment house tonight, you'd find both your husband and the Ming cat. Yes.

[Virginia Norris]

Yes. That's how I happened to see that woman and Captain Drummond in the car.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

A fascinating tale, but completely unbelievable. It's usually customary to report such things to the police.

[Virginia Norris]

I suppose you. I did report my husband's disappearance.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Yes. So you said. Mrs. Haynes. Yes, Captain Drummond, on two occasions you've mentioned the fact that you surmised that I was involved with them. Now we know of the girl who calls herself Dinny Morris. What do you mean by them? Who are the others?

[Virginia Norris]

I don't know who he is. When I was taken to the hotel room, there was a man there.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

He said he was a friend of Frank's, but he wasn't.

[Virginia Norris]

I never saw him before in my life.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I'll get it, Denny. Hello? Oh, yes, Inspector. I see. There is. Huh? Where? Well, thank you very much, Inspector. Good Bye. Well, sir, evidently, Denny, Mrs. Haynes here has been telling the truth. She did report her husband's disappearance to the police. Recally tells me they found him, Frank.

[Virginia Norris]

They found him. Well, where is he?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Haynes.

[Virginia Norris]

What do you mean? What's wrong?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

A man identified as Frank Haines jumped from an eight story window of a downtown office building at this apartment. Evening.

[Virginia Norris]

What?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Your husband, Mrs. Haynes, is in the morgue. I'll return in a moment to continue our story. Frank Haynes was dead. He supplied the police with a description of the blonde young lady who called herself Jimmy Moss. Then Denny and I accompanied Mrs. Haynes to the morgue.

[Virginia Norris]

Captain Thomas.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Haynes, but identification of your husband's body is necessary. Number five then. Yes, sir. All right, Captain John. Mrs. Haynes.

[Virginia Norris]

Captain John.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

It has to be done, Mrs. Haynes. Now just floss and then we can leave.

[Virginia Norris]

All right? Captain Cummins.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

What is it?

[Virginia Norris]

This body. It's my friend, Captain Gunman. This isn't my husband.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Now right here, Denny, is the window he was supposed to have jumped out of. But it wasn't a suicide. Well, how do you know, sir? Well, it stands to reason. The death of the unidentified man was another part of another act. Someone wanted Mrs. Haynes to believe that her husband was dead. They thought that a fall from an eight story window would smash the body beyond recognition. They missed their guess at that point, yes. But the elevator man told us that the man came up to this floor alone last night. He came up alone, Denny. But he wasn't alone when he stood at this window. I'm convinced he was pushed out by whoever stood here with him. How are you going to prove that? Come along. Let him out. I'm going to cover every floor of this building. Five stories above this and seven below. You work from here down and I'll work up. And what do I look for? I want to know the nature of every business in this building. Maybe just a waste of time, but it's worth it. Possible. I mounted the dim lit stairs. Then he went down to check the floors below. Nothing of unusual interest on the 9th. 10th. The 11th. Then as I walked along the 12th floor corridor, I stopped suddenly. I stood before the door where the black letters on the dusty glass panel spelled out JR Andrews, importer of Oriental Antiques. I opened the door and walked in. Good afternoon, sir. Good afternoon. What is your pleasure? Why, I've taken a recent and intense interest in Ming porcelain. Oh yes, Ming. Well, you see, workmanship in porcelain reached a great and glorious climax under the Ming dynasty. Genius was in the fingertips of the hands of the lowest worker as he sat at his molding field. Your acquired interest, sir, is a demonstration of taste of the highest work. I'm particularly interested. Mr. Is it Andrews? Yes, I understand. Mr. Andrews, I'm particularly interested in one. What is that, may I ask? The figure of a cat. A cat? With a rather enigmatic grin on its face. Oh, sir, your taste is not only excellent, it is superb. Thank you. You select the perfect Jew among jewels. The Ming Cat. You have one in stock? In stock, sir? One does not stock the Ming Cat. Oh, I'm only an amateur, but I perceive you are a man of good intelligence. Attention's notwithstanding, I'm sure I can obtain the object for you. You have been told the price. Yes, Jesse, the price is agreeable. The warm pleasure of understanding mine, sir. This way, please. Virginia, my dear, our buyer has arrived earlier than expected. Well, hello. His stupid fool. Virginia, what's wrong?

[Virginia Norris]

This isn't a buyer. Oh, this is Drummond.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Roman. Oh, no, I don't believe it. He was such a gentleman. Sorry to disappoint. Ms. Maris is quite correct, Ginny. I've been looking forward to our meeting again. Oh, the world is filled with deception. Each day more of my faith in mankind is washed away.

[Virginia Norris]

Keep quiet. You got nothing to apply for.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I rather enjoy it. How long can it last? Oh, that's a talk.

[Narrator]

And Annabelle 45.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

You're feeling your back busting. I thought this incident was unpleasantly familiar. Yes. Sid, my boy, you are an angel. Sure, sure. I come to hear this guy say his prayers. As they say in a comic book. Strumming. Get on your runners, you're doing some skating. I say, Captain Drummond, you've no idea how shocked I was when they called me to come down. Well, Denny, no more shocked than I was when I awoke and found myself alive in that wrecked car. You know, sometimes, sir, I feel that you have more lives than a cat. A mean cat then. Oh, dear, please don't mention that. It's got you into enough difficulty already. Nothing compared to Ginny Morris and a Mr. Andrews. You found Ginny Morris only sleeping eggs. The police made a more permanent find. Ginny and Mr. Andrews were located by the police in Andrews office in the Packer Building. They both stopped dead. I don't understand, Sir. Who is Mr. Randall and what was Jimmy Morris doing in his office? I'll explain later, Denny. Just now we're going to pass. What do you mean you're dropping off into the men's shop just ahead. Oh, but I don't need anything in the way of apparel, sir. You will only stay in there until he passes. He? What the deuce is this about the man who's been following us since we left the hospital. I'm not following that. Don't turn around. I won't scare him off. I'll meet him in my own fashion. There. There's the men shot coming up. Keep your eye on me, but stay at a distance. Is that that? Yes, sir. All right, take your oblike now. Good luck, sir. I continued walking. The man in the dark suit followed. I quickened my pace, he quickened his. I slowed, he slowed. Then I came to the corner, turned the corner quickly and slid up to the building. Stood there, my back pressed against the stone wall, and waited. I beg your pardon. How careless of me. Hey, let go. What shall I do? I was about to ask you the same question. Look, mister, I ain't looking for no rough stuff. There, you see? I'm just in the mood for it. You were following me. Why, I was tailored. You're coming, ain't you? Go ahead. Ms. Panama wants to talk to you. So he sends me out to Eagle Idea. His friend says I should bring you with me before. She says I should make positive you. So now you should come with him. Okay. Just like that, huh, Joe? My friend says you'll come quick as a funny. What made him think so? On account of my friend says you're out floodhound informing for him. My friend whose name is Frank Payne. Angry shacks in a room on the top floor. Anybody else live in this house? My friend Frank asked me to get him a private layer. The old lady used to run a stump for a fortnight. Here's Frank. Come in.

[Virginia Norris]

Here he is. Frank. I flung him like your ass.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Oh, hello, Drummond. I've been looking forward to this meeting, Haynes. However, I must admit it surprised me to have it develop in such an easy fashion. Well, I knew you'd find me sooner or later. Just thought I'd save you time. Well, that's thoughtful of you. Well, I'm that kind of guy. Of course, you realize your wife is eager to see you too. So I hear. By the way, I saw your stand in down at the moor. I know you get around fast. Sometimes I'm slowed down by unexpected obstacles. I ran into a rather troublesome one this afternoon in the importer's office in the Packer building. I know. You seem to know quite a bit about what goes on. I married. I went downstairs.

[Virginia Norris]

Frank.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Now, wait a minute, Al.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Frank, I promised to Pay you off after you brought him here. Didn't I? Am.

[Virginia Norris]

Oh, sure, sure, Frank.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

But you're good for.

[Virginia Norris]

I can wait till.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Nah, I want to pay you off in front of Dummy. What is she doing? I hear those things. Okay. Okay, Frank. Just like you said. Yeah, like I say. Don't move. Drummond.

[Virginia Norris]

Why'd you go and do that fight?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

You said we was friends. The only good friends are dead ones. Ah, take a look at them, Drummond. Take a good look. That's the way you're gonna be. And after you. That wife of mine gets it. You're busy with that gun, aren't you? Hang. I don't leave loose ends around. Bad my business. Andrew, Jimmy Morris. They were part of your business too, weren't they? That's right. They muffed on you this afternoon. I don't muff. That's rather evident. This is what you were looking for, Drummer. This is the McCoy cat. I've suddenly lost all interest in that porcelain figure. A hundred thousand dollars. Worth it. That's all mine. 100,000 smack. No more trouble about it. And your gun. No more trouble. Well, I'm sorry. Oh, you all. Yes, Denny. Except for my nervous system. Oh, thank heavens I got up those stairs in time. It certainly was a lucky thing you had me follow you. Lucky is much too mild a word, Denny. You've no idea how I felt when I saw you standing there in the doorway with that gun in your hand. I say, sir, look. Haines isn't moving. Wait a moment, he said. Then I aim for his leg. And that's where you got him. Oh, but that shot couldn't have killed him. It wasn't that shot, Denny. It was the one that entered here at his heart. This is the one that killed him.

[Virginia Norris]

Oh, that's you, Captain Dummy.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Maybe. Come in, Mrs. Haynes.

[Virginia Norris]

Oh, yeah, of course. I just can't believe it, Captain Drummond. I. I can't believe it.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

It's true, Mrs. Haynes. Everything I told you over the phone about your husband is true.

[Virginia Norris]

But why couldn't he? Like that?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

No. Yes, He. He was a mad dog, Mrs. Haynes. After Captain Drummond, he was going to kill you. Luckily, he was intercepted by me and an unknown assailant. Well, it's all over now. His murder rampages with an end.

[Virginia Norris]

Why? Why do those things?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I brought the reason with me. It is this mink hat. The way I see it, your husband had this figure stolen from you so that he could reap the pocket for himself. Then he faked his own death to steer you off the track. Not what it amounts to now. The main cat is yours, Mrs. Haynes.

[Virginia Norris]

Mrs. Yeoman says bad luck and death. It's cursed.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

It still worth a great deal of money.

[Virginia Norris]

What does money mean now?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I suppose, all right, it would be far better to destroy it. Probably would. And then there's only one thing to do. Wipe out its curse forever.

[Virginia Norris]

Captain Drummond.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Yes?

[Virginia Norris]

What are you going to do?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Smash this evil cat. The poop.

[Virginia Norris]

All right. Don't you? No.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

As we said, Mrs. Haynes is the only moral course to take. Destroy the curse.

[Virginia Norris]

Oh, you frightened.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Get away from those pieces, Mrs. Haynes. You're wasting her time.

[Virginia Norris]

You fool. You rotten, stupid interference.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

You said you had that mini cat applies. You were told it was a fraud.

[Virginia Norris]

You said.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

You were almost sure Mrs. Hines knew it was a fraud. And so she does, Denny. But the cat's great value is not in the porcelain. What's this about?

[Virginia Norris]

It's gone. Where is it?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

What is she raving about? This package, Denny.

[Virginia Norris]

You have it. You want to steal it from me?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

You want it for yourself. This small parcel, Denny, contains $100,000 worth of narcotics by a prearranged plan that was smuggled into this country inside the Cat by Mrs. Haynes. And then greed prompted the double course and the triple cross. Triple Cross? Yes. Mrs. Haynes was in the house when you shot her husband. It was she who fired the fatal book. How did you know? I wasn't sure. Just a point I had in mind. I went through the theatrics of smashing the cap to bits. Just to prove the point. I had the package removed from the cap when I learned that the porcelain figure was valued at $3 and 75 cents. Speaking of felines, Denny. Now Mrs. Haynes will learn that justice has one sure way of skinning attack. That is a murderous one.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. So in that one scene where Bulldog Drummin was able to fool her with the hold the safety these offline. Why did she get so distracted if the gun wasn't loaded? I didn't get that. Overall, though, it's another not really twisty adventure mystery. Now, while the file we found was titled the porcelain main cat, the reference to a stand in does make me suspect that this might have been the episode that aired July 14, 19, 1948. The deadly stand in, which is in Jerry Hendiga's log and the online file that was labeled as the stand in was actually a duplicate for the subway murder case. So just in terms of logic and logs, that makes sense. But I can't say 100% for certain. So we might have been able to Actually bring you those six episodes in a row, like I hoped. Overall, I've really enjoyed the Bulldog Drum and radio series. It is underrepresented in the circulating radio programs. It was syndicated for many years by Ziv, who also syndicated Philo Vance and Boston Blackie. And there's, you know, around 200 episodes of Boston Blackie. There's around 90 episodes of Philo Vance. However, Boston Blackie only ran four years. Philo Vance only ran two years. But Bulldog Drummond ran for eight years. And honestly, of those three series, I enjoyed Bulldog Drumming more. It's got a great adventure element, and it really moves at a solid pace. Now, today's episode was actually a bit short, and, of course, the audio quality wasn't great. But I was searching and I found a little treat to bring you. The first actor to play Bulldog Drummond in a sound film was Ronald Coleman. And we actually have a clip where he reprised the role. It's from Command Performance in a most unusual skit that will feature at least one actor you'll probably recognize. So let's go ahead and listen to Command performance from July 22, 1944.

[Narrator]

No show with a predominantly British cast would be complete without England's favorite diversion, the shilling shocker. And so tonight we proudly present our own thriller, done in the very best Alfred Hitchcock tradition. At the lonely country estate of the 10th Earl of Birmingham, four people are grouped about a card table, engaged in a friendly game of bridge. They are completely unaware that an impending doom overshadows one of the players.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

It's your bid, George. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes.

[Narrator]

One club, I purp.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

One spade, I.

[Narrator]

Good evening, everyone. Who the deuce are you, sir? I am Bulldog Drummond at your service. Have some trouble?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

No, thank you. We've just had some.

[Narrator]

I say, Drummond, we're looking for a fourth for our bridge game.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Do you play?

[Narrator]

Well, I do play, but. Excellent. Push the earl off the chair and sit down. Oh, no, no, thank you. I'm here to catch the man who shot the Earl of Buffingham.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Oh, come, come, come.

[Narrator]

A little bridge never hurt anyone. No, it doesn't seem to run the earl any good. Drummond, I understand you've just returned from America, right? Yes, that's correct.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Oh, America. Oh, Mr. Drummond, tell me, is it true what they say about this Frank Sinatra?

[Narrator]

Yes, yes, madam. Fortunately, unfortunately, it is Frank Sinatra. Who the deuce is Frank Sinatra?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

He's a species of American crooner, my dear. Seems to have a tremendous appeal for the elements who favor Robert Stockings.

[Narrator]

Robert Stockings?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Yes. I believe in America they're called bobby socks.

[Narrator]

Well, all of this is getting us nowhere with our mystery. The scoundrel must be in this very.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Wait.

[Narrator]

Who opened that door? There's no door, my dear fellow. I was just crossing my legs. Well, there's only one way to solve this case. We must reenact the crime exactly as it occurred. Sir George, I'll take your place and you occupy the victim's seat.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Very well.

[Narrator]

All right. Now let's get on with the game. I bid one club. I passed.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

One spade. I bid.

[Narrator]

Seems to be an unlucky seat tonight.

[Virginia Norris]

Is he?

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Are you sure? You know, it's rather hard to tell with Sir George.

[Narrator]

I'm quite sure. He's done for.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

What a pity. Tomorrow was to be his 83rd birthday. We'd baked a cake.

[Narrator]

Really?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Yes. Even hired a man to blow out the candles.

[Narrator]

To tell the truth, I'm a bit unnerved. There's something about being rubbed out that's awfully irritating.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

You poor boy. Perhaps a little sherry would do us all good. I'll ring for Hastings.

[Narrator]

You rang, madam?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Hastings, is the sherry at the proper temperature?

[Narrator]

Yes, madam. Body temperature.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Body temperature?

[Narrator]

Yes, madam. My body. One moment, my man. Haven't I seen you someplace before? Confound that memory of yours. Drummond. Yes, I'm Bailey, all right. I thought so. The man who was cashiered out of the 5th Scottish Highlanders in 1931.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Mrs. True. Hastings, were you cashiers from the Scottish Highlanders?

[Narrator]

Yes, madam.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

But why?

[Narrator]

Have you ever seen me in a skirt? Well, we're going to reenact the crime once more. Hastings, you take the fatal chair. Oh, no, no. What's the matter?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Haven't you heard of the health problem? Let me sit there.

[Narrator]

Very well. Now we'll begin the game again. I bid. One club. I pass. One spade.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I bid. Oh, oh, oh.

[Narrator]

This can only lead to solitaire. What was that? Third floor made. What was that? The second floor maid. What are they screaming about? I'm on the first floor.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Aha.

[Narrator]

Is there anything between you and the third floor maid? Yes. Two floors.

[Virginia Norris]

To your.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Serve Mum. I said to you, serve Mum. Don't look now.

[Narrator]

But Mum is mum.

[Virginia Norris]

Oh, dear. The madam, the master and the Earl. Someone's been at them.

[Narrator]

Yes, they've been tampered with.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Oh, this is horrible. I've already sliced their lemon.

[Narrator]

Come here, my girl. Haven't I seen you someplace before?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

No, Governor.

[Narrator]

Yes, I have. You're the famous Limehouse pickpocket. Nimble Fingered Annie. Is she really Nimble Fingered Annie? Yes, the Only girl in the kingdom who can milk a cow without the cow knowing about it.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Amazing.

[Narrator]

Well, let's reenact the crime once more. Now, who will sit in the fatal chair?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Not me.

[Narrator]

Not me.

[Virginia Norris]

Not me.

[Narrator]

Well, that leaves me, doesn't it? Yes, but we'll try some other way. No, no, that won't be necessary. I've solved this case myself, Drummond. Hey, haven't you noticed that I don't drink, don't smoke, don't play cards and don't go out with women. Who are you? Why, I'm the Saint, you silly boy.

[GEICO Advertiser]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, that was one way to end the sketch, I guess. But there you go. For the first time on the great detectives of Old Time Radio, Ronald Coleman and Cary Grant. My favorite gag in there was the one about them hiring someone to blow out the candles on the birthday cake. Nah, slid on. Now, I did want to talk a little bit about Bulldog Drumming post radio series and post original film series and sort of the revival attempts that were had. The longest running Bulldog Drum and film series was with Paramount and it ended in 1939. But there were actually two revival attempts while the radio show was going. There were two 1947 films that starred Ron Randell, released by Columbia. And then there were also two films released by Fox starring Tom Conway, who starred as Sherlock Holmes for a season, also starred as the Saint and in film played the role of the Falcon. And then There was a 1951 British film starring Walter Pigeon as Bulldog Drummond. Now, over radio, this series ended in early 1949. In 1951, there was a series commissioned starring Rex Harrison called the Private Files of Rex Saunders that we played back in seasons seven and eight. And while I didn't really catch it or fully get it was a bit of a ripoff of Bulldog Drummond. It even had the Foghorn opening. You've got the British adventurer, you do have an American sidekick with a different name. But honestly, it would not have surprised me if they reused scripts for Bulldog Drumming and slapped Rex Saunders on them. They were that close to the spirit of the original. There's also a proper new Bulldog Drumming series that starred Cedric Hardwick and aired in 1954, but none of those episodes survive. There was a television episode of a TV series called Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Presents which featured Drummond in an episode called the Ludlow Affair. The episode was broadcast over British television and it has the feel of a back door pilot, but it was not picked up. Then there were two in name only Bulldog Drummond films from the 1960s which were not based on the character at all, just kind of took the name as sort of James Bond knockoffs in the 60s. The original bulldog Drama novel entered the public domain in 1996 and there have been a few attempts to take on the character. The comic company Moonstone did a modern takeoff in 2004 and more recently Radio Archives has actually published a couple of audiobooks written with modern reboot of bulldog drumming by I.A. watson and read by Paul. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we have a comment over on our listener survey. And TB in North Carolina writes best podcast out there. Adam does a great job and I love his wrap up notes. Well, thank you so much tb. That will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, 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. Now, as I mentioned, we had planned to have another episode of Bulldog Drumming next week, but since we won't, join us back here for an extra special, it'll be an enjoyable episode. And then the week after that we'll get to the previously uncirculated episode we've been planning to bring you. Join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat, where?

[Narrator]

Don't press me, Kapelheim. I could forget. It says in the book I'm a gentleman.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

I know nothing about this, Mr. Clover. Why? Why don't you? Inquisition. My clerk, he closed the shop. He was here all evening. I've never trusted him. Never.

[Narrator]

Nice boss you got, huh, Mr. Austin? The feeling mutual. There is mistrust and fright and kindness in all, Mr. Clover. Has it not been written in the book? Yeah, yeah. What time did you close the shop, Ms. Drost? At 11. I always close it for Mr. Kuppelheim at 11. And this girl, we've found her to be a Ms. Joan Gale of the Dunhill Apartments. Does that mean anything to you? Nothing, I'm afraid. If she were a customer, I'd know it. I wait on people and deliver. And I have a good memory. Mr. Clover, this lady was never in our shop. Why should someone bring her here to kill?

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Oh, yeah, that's a wonderful question, Mr. Clover. I wonder you hadn't thought of it before. May I go home now?

[Narrator]

It hurts me to say this, but no. Your primroses will need you.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box13GreatJectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram. From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[GEICO Advertiser]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says, happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So, yes, Happy Friday, random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico coming up this.

[Adam Graham]

Week on the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon.

[Narrator]

Well, boy. Yes, Mr. Finley.

[Captain Bulldog Drummond]

Where are you, boy?

[Narrator]

What about my house? Well, I'll tell you, Mr. Finley. Where's your word? You said you'd be over with a down payment. What do you mean of boy, rock, meat or pint? Something has come up, Mr. Finley. I got 15 people after this house.

[Adam Graham]

Listen to the Old Time radio snack wagon, snackwagon.net or wherever you get your podcast.