Call the Police: The Porter Case (Encore) (EP4562e)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: "Call the Police: The Porter Case (Encore)"

Episode Information:

• Title: Call the Police: The Porter Case (Encore) (EP4562e)
• Release Date: December 1, 2024
• Host: Adam Graham
• Series: Call the Police

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Overview

In this gripping encore episode of "Call the Police," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a meticulously crafted detective drama. The story revolves around a complex case of blackmail, betrayal, and murder, unfolding in the serene setting of Porter Kennels. Host Adam Graham masterfully narrates the intricacies of the plot, delivering insightful commentary and humorous reflections post-episode.

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Plot Summary

Introduction to the Case

• Narrative Setup ([05:28] - [06:28]): Police Commissioner Bill Grant introduces the Porter Case, detailing how a blackmail attempt spiraled into murder. The episode begins with two men, Mr. Langford and Mr. Bliss, arriving at Porter Kennels with a sinister proposition: they demand $50,000 from Mr. Porter, hinting at compromising information about his wife, Mrs. Porter.

  Commissioner Bill Grant ([06:24]): "$50,000. And you better grab it at the price, pal. The kind of stuff we're marketing can jump 10,000 bucks overnight."

• Blackmail Revelation ([07:05] - [08:10]): Mr. Porter discovers that his wife, Ginny, holds the key to their predicament. In a heartfelt conversation, he confronts her about her mysterious past, uncovering her previous incarceration and the existence of a photograph in a police lineup.

  Mr. Porter ([07:32]): "It's day, Eric. I've never asked you any questions about your past. No, Eric, we've had kind of a silent agreement to let bygones be bygones. But I have to ask you now."

• Maid's Intervention ([09:22] - [10:12]): Mildred Connors, the Porters' maid, becomes a pivotal character by reporting suspicious behavior to Sergeant Maggio. Her testimony reveals Mr. Porter's threatening stance towards the blackmailers, deepening the mystery.

  Mrs. Porter ([09:44]): "He said he'd take matters in his own hands."

Investigation and Deadly Turns

• Tracking the Blackmailers ([10:28] - [12:04]): Commissioner Grant and his assistant, Libby Tyler, investigate the movements of Mr. Langford. Their search leads them to the Rex Hotel, where they encounter Mr. Langford in a card game, only to find him dead from a gunshot wound shortly after.

  Commissioner Bill Grant ([14:14]): "Mr. Lankford is dead. The man sat there with a dazed grin of pain on his face."

• Suspicions and Alibis ([15:02] - [16:52]): Confrontations ensue as Mrs. Porter admits to hiding during the discovery of the body, prompting Grant to consider the possibility of foul play. Conflicting alibis emerge when both Mr. and Mrs. Porter provide testimonies that seem to protect each other, leading Grant to suspect deeper layers of deceit.

  Commissioner Bill Grant ([16:29]): "Is it possible, Mrs. Porter, that your husband got to the wrecks before you did? That you found Lankford dead because your husband killed him?"

Climactic Resolution

• The Real Culprit Revealed ([20:25] - [28:57]): As tensions rise, a breakthrough occurs when Mr. Bliss, one of the original blackmailers, turns himself in. However, before a definitive resolution, Grant and Tyler deduce that neither the Porters nor Bliss are the true perpetrators. Upon further investigation, they uncover that Mildred Connors, the maid, orchestrated the murders to protect her own secrets. Her psychological instability, previously hinted at by Libby Tyler, makes her the unexpected antagonist.

  Libby Tyler ([28:04]): "Mildred's an obvious case. She's a very pretty girl. And very pretty girls this day and age get away with murder."

• Final Confrontation ([27:11] - [28:57]): In a dramatic showdown at Mr. Schmidt's photostatic shop, Mildred Connors confronts the Porters, revealing her motives rooted in personal vendettas and hidden truths. Her attempt to manipulate the investigation is thwarted by Grant and Tyler's keen insights, leading to her eventual arrest.

  Commissioner Bill Grant ([28:22]): "Libby Porter is legally guilty as an accomplice."

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Key Characters

• Commissioner Bill Grant ([05:28] - [28:57]): The astute and persistent leader of the investigation, Grant navigates through red herrings and conflicting testimonies to uncover the truth.

  Bill Grant ([07:52]): "Blackmail. Well, Jenny."

• Mrs. Ginny Porter ([07:32] - [27:54]): A seemingly innocent housewife whose past holds critical clues to the unfolding mystery.

  Mrs. Porter ([16:37]): "Because I killed him."

• Mr. Eric Porter ([06:05] - [17:15]): The kennel owner entangled in the blackmail scheme, whose protective instincts raise suspicions.

  Mr. Porter ([06:12]): "I'll raise the finest dogs in this county, that's all."

• Libby Tyler ([11:18] - [28:57]): The insightful police psychologist whose initial skepticism about the Porters' guilt proves pivotal in solving the case.

  Libby Tyler ([28:04]): "Mildred's an obvious case."

• Mildred Connors ([09:22] - [28:57]): The Porters' maid whose hidden motives and psychological instability make her the true culprit behind the murders.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Commissioner Bill Grant on Blackmail:

   [06:24] "The kind of stuff we're marketing can jump 10,000 bucks overnight."

2. Mr. Porter Confronting His Wife:

   [07:32] "I've never asked you any questions about your past. No, Eric, we've had kind of a silent agreement to let bygones be bygones. But I have to ask you now."

3. Mrs. Porter Revealing Her Secret:

   [16:37] "Because I killed him."

4. Libby Tyler on Mildred's Capacity for Murder:

   [28:04] "Mildred's an obvious case. She's a very pretty girl. And very pretty girls this day and age get away with murder."

5. Commissioner Grant on Legal Guilt:

   [28:22] "Libby Porter is legally guilty as an accomplice."

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Production Insights

• Writing and Music: The script, penned by Peter Barry, intricately weaves psychological elements with traditional detective tropes, enhancing the narrative's depth. The music, composed and conducted by Ben Ludlow, underscores the tension and suspense, elevating critical moments within the story.

• Acting:

  • Joseph Julian delivers a compelling performance as Commissioner Bill Grant, embodying the character's determination and intelligence.
  • Joan Tompkins portrays Libby Tyler with a blend of skepticism and empathy, adding layers to her character's role in the investigation.
  • Joan Tompkins also voices Mrs. Porter, skillfully conveying her transformation from a cooperative wife to a confessed murderer.

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Conclusion

"Call the Police: The Porter Case (Encore)" masterfully captures the essence of old-time radio detective dramas, blending intricate plotting with vivid character portrayals. The episode stands out for its unexpected twist, where the true villain emerges from within the household, challenging listeners' perceptions and expectations. Adam Graham's insightful commentary further enriches the listening experience, making this episode a standout in the series' extensive lineup.

Listeners new to the series will find themselves engrossed in the classic suspense and clever resolutions that define "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio." For aficionados of vintage detective stories, this encore episode reaffirms why these timeless narratives continue to captivate audiences.

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Additional Information

• Subscribe and Listen: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio offers a vast archive of over 1,000 episodes, available across multiple platforms. Fans can subscribe via their favorite podcast app or visit www.greatdetectives.net for more information.

• Community Engagement: Host Adam Graham encourages listener interaction through emails, social media, and surveys, fostering a vibrant community of mystery enthusiasts.

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This summary captures the essence of "Call the Police: The Porter Case (Encore)" while highlighting key moments, character developments, and notable quotes to provide a comprehensive understanding for both new and returning listeners.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Sunday Encore. From Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham. And today, in addition to our Monday through Saturday lineup, we are sharing a special Sunday Encore program from our archives. This program was played many years ago and so any offers or information included in the episode may not be valid unless it's reflected on our website www.greatdetectives.net. but now here is your Sunday Encore. Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, email it to me. Box 13. Follow us on Facebook, facebook.com Radiodet and I do encourage you to fill out our listener survey survey.greatdetives.net well, we launched a new series today called Call the Police and Call the Police was. And this will also be something it has in common with the next show we're going to do A life in your hands. It was a summer replacement show. Not only was it a summer replacement show, it was a summer replacement show that aired in three different summers. The first series featured Joseph Julian in the lead playing police detective Bill Grant and he's a veteran character actor character of Bill Grant, kind of a typical detective, but in this case he holds the rank and position of police commissioner in a not too big city. Joan Tompkins plays a police psychologist and we're going to get into the first episode. It aired on June 3rd of 1947. Before we do get started, I do want to encourage, if you've not already, to pick up your copy of All I Needed to Know I Learned from Colombo in this e book, we take a look at the careers of seven fictional detectives and what life lessons can be garnered from their lives and history. We have a lot of fun we writing this and it is available to you to read for the Kindle, for the Nook, for the iPad and if you have another e reader, you can purchase a [e-mail] alright, well, let's get into today's episode of Call the Police. The Porter Case.

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[Police Dispatcher]

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[Commissioner Bill Grant]

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[Rinsel Advertiser]

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[Commissioner Bill Grant]

This is Police Commissioner Bill Grant. In the files of the Ashland police headquarters are thousands of different case histories. One I just came across is listed as number 36 99. I remember that as the Porter case. That all started in a little place just outside of the city, a dog kennel run by a man named Porter. One rainy spring morning, a 1932 Packard touring car drove up to the porter house and two men got out.

[Mr. Porter]

Morning, Porter. Yes? I'm Mr. Porter.

[Police Dispatcher]

My name's Bliss. This is Mr. Langford.

[Mr. Porter]

How do you do, Mr. Bliss? Mr. Langford?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Nice little place you got here, Porter.

[Mr. Porter]

I'll raise the finest dogs in this county, that's all. Matter of fact, we just got a new litter of Airedales. Make you a good price.

[Police Dispatcher]

Funny coincidence, Porter. We got a little information and we're gonna make you a good price.

[Mr. Porter]

What are you talking about?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

$50,000.

[Police Dispatcher]

And you better grab it at the price, pal. The kind of stuff we're marketing can jump 10,000 bucks overnight.

[Mr. Porter]

What are you trying to sell me?

[Police Dispatcher]

Like I said, information.

[Mr. Porter]

Nothing I want to know that's worth $50,000.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Yeah, but there's something we don't think you'd want other people to know.

[Mr. Porter]

Is this a joke?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I doubt if your wife would see it that way.

[Mr. Porter]

What's my wife got to do with this?

[Police Dispatcher]

Plenty, Mr. Porter, plenty.

[Mr. Porter]

Why, this is some kind of lousy blackmail racket.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Mr. Porter, please.

[Police Dispatcher]

Look, Porter, Langford and me are registered at the Rex Hotel. And we ain't gonna breathe a word to a Soul, if you drop in on us before midnight tonight.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

50 grand.

[Mr. Porter]

I haven't got that kind of money. And if I did have, you wouldn't get it.

[Police Dispatcher]

Your wife's got $50,000 in her own name. And don't kid yourself that we ain't gonna get it.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

As I got the story from Porter, he. He didn't know how to broach the subject to his wife. It wasn't until he finished his third cup of coffee that he worked up enough courage to say.

[Mr. Porter]

Ginny.

[Mrs. Porter]

Yes, dear?

[Mr. Porter]

I've never asked you any questions about your past. No, Eric, we've had kind of a silent agreement to let bygones be bygones. But I have to ask you now.

[Mrs. Porter]

What do you want to know to.

[Mr. Porter]

The names Langford and Bliss mean anything to you?

[Mrs. Porter]

Bliss? Langford? No, Eric.

[Mr. Porter]

Are you sure?

[Mrs. Porter]

What do you mean, am I sure?

[Mr. Porter]

Please, Jenny. I've never asked about your past until now. But Bliss and Langford are forcing my hand.

[Mrs. Porter]

How?

[Mr. Porter]

They want money. Lots of money. Every cent you have in the bank.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

For what?

[Mr. Porter]

Blackmail. Well, Jenny.

[Mrs. Porter]

All right, Eric, I've been in jail. I didn't tell you about it before because I never dreamed you'd have to find out I moved to another town and changed my name.

[Mr. Porter]

Then how could they have found you here?

[Mrs. Porter]

There's a photograph of me in the police lineup. I've tried for years to get hold of it, but I couldn't.

[Mr. Porter]

So that's what Bliss and Langford are trying to sell for $50,000. Jeannie, I know where they're stopping. I'll give them a chance to listen to reason.

[Mrs. Porter]

People like that never listen to reason.

[Mr. Porter]

Then I'll take matters in my own hands.

[Mrs. Porter]

Yes, Mildred. Ms. Porter, I want to get the breakfast dishes. I hope the cream wasn't sour, Ms. Porter, but that milkman never comes when he's supposed to. How long have you been standing in that door, Mildred? Just for a second, Mrs. Porter.

[Mr. Porter]

You heard what we were saying, didn't you, Mildred?

[Mrs. Porter]

No, Mr. Porter.

[Mr. Porter]

You sure?

[Mrs. Porter]

Yes, Mr. Porter. I didn't hear a single solitary word.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

The maid's name was Mildred Connors. She'd been in the Porter's employ for over a year. And she wasn't the kind of a girl to let grass grow under her feet. Ninety minutes later, she had persuaded Sergeant Maggio that her business was urgent. And she was in my office.

[Mrs. Porter]

And their names are Bliss and Langford, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

And you heard Porter say that he was going to kill them, is that it?

[Mrs. Porter]

Not in so many words, but that's what he meant.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

What did he say, Ms. Connors?

[Mrs. Porter]

He said. He said that if they wouldn't listen to reason, he'd. Oh, yes. He said he'd take matters in his own hands.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Uh huh. I see.

[Mrs. Porter]

Well, it scared me to death. When I walked into the room, I started talking about something else right away. And when they asked me what I'd heard, I said I hadn't heard a thing. Why, it's dangerous to know too much.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Mm. All right. Just keep this to yourself, Ms. Connors, and I'll get in touch with you.

[Mrs. Porter]

You can depend on me, Commissioner. I came right straight here. I thought it was the safest thing to do.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Oh, Ms. Connors. Yes? The safest thing is not to listen outside of doors.

[Mrs. Porter]

Why? Why?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I'll get in touch with you, Ms. Connors.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Bus for me, Commissioner?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Yes, Margie. I want you to give every hotel in town a check.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Now what?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Name two of them. Bliss and Langford.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Bliss and Langford. Okay. Say, she wasn't bad. Huh?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Huh? Who?

[Sergeant Maggio]

That damned. It just came out of here. You mean you didn't notice her?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Would you believe it? I didn't.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Oh, ease up, Commissioner. Ease up?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I'll ease up, Maggio. And I've learned all the tricks of this police commissioner job they just handed me.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Could be better than the Marines, eh, Commissioner? Maybe it was nicer when we were stuck on Saipan with nothing to do but drink sake and duck chap mortars.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I don't know, Maggio. It's a tough routine, but on the other hand, it has its satisfactions.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Oh, that reminds me. One of the satisfactions is waiting outside.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Who?

[Sergeant Maggio]

That beautiful little thing that works down in the Criminal Psychology Department.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Oh, Libby Tyler.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Who else?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Tyler to come in.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Okay. I'll check on Bliss and Langford. You can come in, Ms. Tyler.

[Libby Tyler]

Thanks, Sergeant. Well, morning, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Hi, Libby. Sit down.

[Libby Tyler]

Thanks.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

How are things in the Criminal Psychology department?

[Libby Tyler]

Good enough for me to tell you that she's an overt hysteric.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Who is?

[Libby Tyler]

The girl who just walked out of here.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

What exactly does that mean, an overt hysteric?

[Libby Tyler]

Among other things. It means I wouldn't trust a word she says.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Well, she just said a lot of words, Libby. She told me that Eric Porter had threatened to kill a couple of men who were trying to blackmail his wife.

[Libby Tyler]

I bought my spaniel puppy from Mr. And Mrs. Porter, and I can tell you right now that neither one of them is psychologically equipped for. But, Libby, as a matter of fact, I wouldn't be surprised if you found that the Blackmailers she told you about are totally non existent.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Oh, excuse me, Ms. Tyler. I've located a Ralph Lankford registered at the Rex Hotel, Commissioner. Oh, yeah, room 809.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Thanks, Serge. Well, Libby, how would you like to come along with me and have a look at a totally non existent blackmailer in the flesh?

[Rinsel Advertiser]

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[Mrs. Porter]

Of course, that's rinse o white and rinse o bright. Till I tried Rinso, I never dreamed a wash could be so dazzling. Just look at my linens. They're like snow. And all my washable colored things are so fried and fresh, yet I've washed many of them dozens of times.

[Rinsel Advertiser]

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[Commissioner Bill Grant]

When Libby and I got to the Rex Hotel, we checked at the desk and found Langford was in. We walked up two flights and knocked. Langford. Langford, open up. I want to talk to you.

[Libby Tyler]

Try the knob.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

It's open. Come on, let's go in. Oh, there he is, Bill, having himself a card game. Sorry to interrupt your solitaire, Mr. Lankford.

[Libby Tyler]

Look, he's got the ace of diamonds in his hand and the king's open. He's missing a big chance.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

He's going to keep right on missing it.

[Libby Tyler]

What?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Take a look at his face, Libby. Mr. Lankford is dead. The man sat there with a dazed grin of pain on his face. When I touched him, he toppled sideways out of the chair. There was a powder burned bullet hole right under his left ear.

[Libby Tyler]

Oh, Bill, how awful.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

You know, Libby, the maid told me a straight story.

[Libby Tyler]

What are you looking for?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Letters, photographs. Mildred Connor said Lankford was blackmailing Mrs. Porter. Want to get a line on whatever it was he was holding over her head.

[Libby Tyler]

Wouldn't the murderer have taken it, Bill?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Maybe he couldn't find it.

[Libby Tyler]

Where could it be?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

On the desk here. Bureau.

[Libby Tyler]

Maybe in the suitcase or the closet. Right by the bed.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Take a look in there.

[Libby Tyler]

You know, Dr. Holzbein, the Viennese psychologist, says that the personality of settled people like the Porters is simply not completely.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

You better write Dr. Holzbein and tell him to think it over. Libby.

[Libby Tyler]

What do you mean?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Look who's here in the closet. Libby's jaw dropped a foot when she saw Mrs. Porter step out of the closet. Naturally, Mrs. Porter protested her innocence to the housetops, but we took her in anyway. 20 minutes later at headquarters. Yes, Commissioner Maggio. I don't want to be interrupted until I buzz you back.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Okay, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Now then, Mrs. Porter, let's have it.

[Mrs. Porter]

I've told you, Commissioner Grant. I've told you twice. Just the way it was.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

You walked into Lankford's room at the wrecks and found him sitting there dead. Is that it?

[Mrs. Porter]

You've got to believe me.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

And then you heard Miss Tyler and me at the door and you ran into the closet. Why?

[Mrs. Porter]

I knew I'd look guilty being there.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Mrs. Porter, I'm afraid you've got a servant problem.

[Mrs. Porter]

Servant problem? What do you mean? I've had the same maid for over a year.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Her name's Mildred Connors, isn't it?

[Mrs. Porter]

How did you know that?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Look, Mrs. Porter, Langford was murdered around 11:00 this morning. A few minutes before 11, Mildred Connors walked into this office and told me that you and your husband were discussing the fact that two men, Lankford and Bliss, were trying to squeeze you for blackmail.

[Mrs. Porter]

She told you that?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

And she specifically heard your husband say that if the blackmailers didn't listen to reason, he'd take matters into his own hands.

[Mrs. Porter]

No.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Is it possible, Mrs. Porter, that your husband got to the wrecks before you did? That you found Lankford dead because your husband killed him?

[Libby Tyler]

No.

[Mrs. Porter]

No, it's not possible.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Why not?

[Mrs. Porter]

Because I killed him.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

You want to sign that?

[Mrs. Porter]

Yes.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

What did you do with the gun?

[Mrs. Porter]

I threw it out the window.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Into the courtyard or the wrecks?

[Mrs. Porter]

That's right.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Yes?

[Sergeant Maggio]

Maggio speaking.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Commissioner. Somebody here? I said I didn't want to be interrupted, Mr. Porter. Well, tell him to wait. I just got a confession out of his wife. You're kidding. Why?

[Sergeant Maggio]

Rogers got a confession out of him.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

What?

[Sergeant Maggio]

He says he killed Langford.

[Mr. Porter]

Commissioner Grant.

[Mrs. Porter]

Eric, what are you doing here?

[Mr. Porter]

I walked into langford's room at five minutes after 11 this morning.

[Mrs. Porter]

Commissioner, you mustn't believe him.

[Mr. Porter]

It's no use, Ginny.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I did it.

[Mrs. Porter]

He's lying. I did it, I tell you.

[Mr. Porter]

Commissioner, I Insist that you release my wife at once.

[Mrs. Porter]

No, I won't listen to you.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Take it easy, Mrs. Porter. Take it easy. Now, nobody is guilty yet. We just have to hold somebody for the record. And it might as well be your husband. Take him, Maggio.

[Libby Tyler]

Eat your lunch, Bill.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I'm not hungry. Too much breakfast, Too many confessions.

[Libby Tyler]

It's hard to know which one of them is telling the truth.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I don't know.

[Libby Tyler]

Have you thought that maybe neither one of them is?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Yeah. Still, we found Mrs. Porter on the scene of the crime.

[Libby Tyler]

And you let her go?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Not far, Libby.

[Libby Tyler]

Is she being followed?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Naturally. Besides, I can't be too definite about any of this until we find the murder weapon.

[Libby Tyler]

Any idea where it can be?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Mrs. Porter says she threw it out of the window of Langford's room. So Maggio's detailed a few of the boys to have a look for themselves.

[Libby Tyler]

And if they find the gun?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

We let Porter go. Wrap up his wife for murder.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Hey, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Oh, Maggio. Have a cup of coffee?

[Sergeant Maggio]

No, but I could use a bottle of aspirin.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

What's the matter?

[Sergeant Maggio]

I just heard from the boys.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Yeah?

[Sergeant Maggio]

There's a closed courtyard at the Rex, Commissioner. There's an iron door that hasn't been open since six this morning. Anything thrown into that court from six on would have to still be there. Well, the boys went over every inch of it.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

No gun?

[Sergeant Maggio]

No gun.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

And that's it.

[Mrs. Porter]

That's what, Bill?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Mrs. Porter was lying to shield her husband.

[Libby Tyler]

And you think he murdered Langford?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I think he probably loves his wife, Libby. I think that he probably figured that she would kill Lankford if he didn't beat her to it.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Is this the Go ahead, Commissioner?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Yeah. We'll get back to the office and indict Porter for murder. Hello? Miguel Esco's lunch room. Just a minute.

[Police Dispatcher]

It's for you, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Oh, okay, Mike. Thanks. Hello, this is Mrs. Porter. Yes.

[Mrs. Porter]

I want you to release my husband at once, Commissioner.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

We've been all over this before, Mrs. Porter.

[Mrs. Porter]

Yes, but we haven't been over this. What time was Langford murdered?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Sometime between 10:30 and a little after 11.

[Mrs. Porter]

It couldn't have been later or earlier?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Only by a few minutes one way or the other.

[Mrs. Porter]

Good. I want you to call Judge Hartley in the Chamber of Commerce building.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Why?

[Mrs. Porter]

Because he'll tell you that my husband was there with him from 9:00 this morning until noon.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Well, Maggio?

[Sergeant Maggio]

Huh? Just let Porter go?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

The alibi checked?

[Sergeant Maggio]

Tight as a new pair of shoes. First Mrs. Porter's guilty, then Mr. Porter's guilty and all of a sudden neither one of them is guilty. And we're holding nobody.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Stop pacing.

[Sergeant Maggio]

It's a wonder I ain't out cutting paper dolls. I'm going outside where I can pace in peace.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I know just how he feels.

[Libby Tyler]

I don't.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

What do you mean?

[Libby Tyler]

I'm not surprised at all.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Oh, Libby.

[Libby Tyler]

Face the facts, Bill. No two people who try to confess to a crime in order to protect each other are very likely murder suspects.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Well, whom should we suspect? Libby? The city council?

[Libby Tyler]

We should suspect the only one true criminal type left in the picture.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

You mean Bliss?

[Mrs. Porter]

Yes.

[Libby Tyler]

Langford's pal. Nobody thinks of him.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I've had a squad out looking for bliss since 11:30 this morning. Libby.

[Mrs. Porter]

Oh, whoa.

[Libby Tyler]

I was wondering why.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Yes, Maggio.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Guess who's here, Commissioner?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Who?

[Sergeant Maggio]

Bliss.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Who brought him in?

[Sergeant Maggio]

Nobody. He came in on his own steam.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Send him in. Looks like we have a caller. Commissioner Bliss? Yeah.

[Police Dispatcher]

I want to see you.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I've been wanting to see you. As I understand it, you drove into the Porter Kennels this morning with a fifty thousand dollar blackmail proposition. Is that right?

[Police Dispatcher]

Langford talked me into it. He said it was going to be easy money.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Didn't turn out to be so easy for him, did it?

[Police Dispatcher]

You can say that again.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

And you're afraid you'll be next?

[Police Dispatcher]

That's the idea.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

What do you want me to do about it?

[Police Dispatcher]

I got the evidence we was going to use to blackmail the Porters over in my room.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

And you're willing to let it go for less than 50,000?

[Police Dispatcher]

I'm willing to let it go for nothing. I want to turn it over to you fast so you can tell the killer, whoever it is, that I'm out of business.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Okay, Mr. Bliss. It's a deal.

[Police Dispatcher]

This is my room here, Commissioner.

[Libby Tyler]

Dog.

[Police Dispatcher]

It's on a 2x4 air shaft, lady.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Come on. Matt. Joe.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Hey, how about some lights, huh?

[Police Dispatcher]

Wait till I strike a match. I ain't been here long enough to find the switch by hand.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

The slugs cut Bliss down so fast, the match in his fingers was still lit when he hit the floor. I grabbed for the light switch, but before I could get it, the killer was out of the window and Maggio was after him down the fire escape. Libby found the switch and together we bent over the buddy.

[Libby Tyler]

Who could have done it, Bill?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Somebody we know, Libby. Looking for something they don't want anybody else to see.

[Libby Tyler]

The blackmail evidence.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

What else?

[Libby Tyler]

You think they took it?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Maybe they took it and maybe they burned it.

[Libby Tyler]

What do you mean, Bill?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

The ashes in this fireplace are still warm. Notice.

[Mrs. Porter]

Oh.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Empty that pitcher into the washstand, will you?

[Libby Tyler]

Why? Go on.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Go on.

[Libby Tyler]

Okay.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Now give it to me. Thanks.

[Libby Tyler]

Anything else I can do?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Yes. You can help me see to it that Bliss's death doesn't break print for 24 hours.

[Mrs. Porter]

Why?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Reasons are there.

[Libby Tyler]

Reasons for you to be putting those ashes into that picture, Bill.

[Adam Graham]

Mm.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Want to take them back to the laboratory for the boys to play with?

[Libby Tyler]

How much can they tell you?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I don't know exactly, but I'll have the report tomorrow morning. I didn't see Maggio until the next day. Whoever went out of that window at Bliss's place had led him a wild goose chase that landed him nowhere. When he walked into my office, he looked a little worn.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Oh, commissioner, this thing's got me punch drunk.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Is that so?

[Sergeant Maggio]

What are you feeling so good about? What is this stuff in the box here?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Ashes.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Ashes?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Yes, sergeant, ashes. Looks like whoever murdered our two blackmailers burned the evidence in the fireplace at Bliss's just before we walked in yesterday.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Then we're through.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Unless they're copies of that evidence.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Well, you think they are?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I don't know. But the other side doesn't know either. Maggio, give me that pad.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Here. What are you writing?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Write them for the personal column. Here we are.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Notice, Mr. Bliss, your photostats are ready.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Put that in the noon edition.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Oh, I get it. You figure they'll come looking for the photostats.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Why shouldn't they? After two murders, they wouldn't want any loose copies kicking around.

[Sergeant Maggio]

But this ad ain't got no address, commissioner.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

What about it?

[Sergeant Maggio]

Well, there's a half a dozen places in town that make photo stats.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Whoever is sufficiently interested, Maggio will make all the rounds.

[Sergeant Maggio]

Oh, and all we gotta do is be in half a dozen places at once, huh?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

No, we'll just pick one of the half dozen places and wait. Old man Schmidt, for instance, he's got a nice back room over at his photostatic service. And he's also sharp enough to understand an angle.

[Sergeant Maggio]

I see.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

So I'll tell you what. I'll meet you there at 12:30. And, Maggio, bring along a deck of cards. When we got to Schmidt's photostatic shop, we primed the old man and then we played cards stashed in the back room where we could have a full view of the proceedings. At 2:14, the door opened and who walked in But. Mrs. Porter.

[Mrs. Porter]

I've come for the photostats, Mr. Schmidt.

[Mr. Porter]

Photostats?

[Mrs. Porter]

Yes.

[Mr. Porter]

Mr. Bliss sent me oh, yes, Mr. Bliss.

[Mrs. Porter]

May I have them, please?

[Mr. Porter]

Well, now, I'm afraid I can't give them to you without a note from Mr. Bliss.

[Mrs. Porter]

But you've got to. I mean, would it be all right if I could describe the content?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Yes.

[Mr. Porter]

After all, if you know what they are, Mr. Bliss has probably taken you into his confidence.

[Mrs. Porter]

It's a photograph, a police photograph of the lineup in Detroit, Michigan. There's a woman in a white dress, third from the left.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

I see.

[Mrs. Porter]

May I have it now, please?

[Mr. Porter]

I'm afraid not.

[Mrs. Porter]

But you said if I could describe the content.

[Mr. Porter]

But you haven't. My dear woman, I don't have a Photoshop of any such photograph. However, there are a couple of gentlemen in the back room who would like to talk to you.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Mrs. Porter saw us sitting in that back room. She was petrified. But when we explained the operation to her, she calmed down a little. And then not 10 minutes later, the door opened again and in came another customer for the non existent photostats.

[Mr. Porter]

And you say Mr. Bliss sent you?

[Mrs. Porter]

Yes, he said I should pick them up for him.

[Mr. Porter]

Well, now, could you describe the contents?

[Mrs. Porter]

You seen them yourself?

[Mr. Porter]

I had to, my dear. I made the copies.

[Mrs. Porter]

Well, well. And then. You know I'm the girl Mr. Porter wrote the letters to. I'm Mildred Connors.

[Libby Tyler]

I see.

[Mr. Porter]

And what is the nature of the letters, Ms. Connors?

[Mrs. Porter]

Do I have to go into that?

[Mr. Porter]

Well, if you want the photostats, otherwise I might.

[Mrs. Porter]

Okay, okay. They're love letters. We. Mr. Porter and I were planning to run away together. Correct?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Correct.

[Mr. Porter]

There you are. In this envelope.

[Mrs. Porter]

Thanks. And now I've got something for you.

[Mr. Porter]

What?

[Mrs. Porter]

That kind of a. I can't help myself, Mr. Schmidt. You made me describe the letters and now you know too much.

[Mr. Porter]

You wouldn't kill me in cold blood.

[Mrs. Porter]

I'm afraid I have to. You know, as much as either Bliss or Langford knew. And I had to kill them. All right, Mr. Schmidt, back into that room. What is this?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Let me go. Oh, Miss Connors, I'm afraid we're going to have to hold you on a charge of murder.

[Libby Tyler]

I'm awfully proud of you, Bill.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Oh, that was a walk away, Libby.

[Libby Tyler]

But how did Mr. Schmidt know that Mrs. Porter's description of the photostats was wrong?

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Because Mrs. Porter was describing a photograph. And the lab report showed there was no trace of emulsion in those ashes.

[Libby Tyler]

Oh, I see. Poor thing. She thought Bliss and Langford had that picture of her all the time.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Sure, her husband saw to that. He played on her guilt to make her think the blackmailers were hounding her instead of him. And his Mildred.

[Libby Tyler]

That was a great trick of his, confessing to the murder.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

He's a slick customer. He knew he was safe. He was certain somebody would establish that alibi of his before we went on trial.

[Libby Tyler]

Well, I must admit he fooled me a little.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

That's okay. You're looking awfully pretty tonight, Libby. What?

[Libby Tyler]

Thank you, sir.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Anybody who's as pretty as you are, young lady, doesn't have to be right all the time.

[Libby Tyler]

Well, thank you.

[Mrs. Porter]

Well, what do you mean?

[Libby Tyler]

Bill Grant, I was right from the start.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

You were?

[Libby Tyler]

Of course. I said in the first place that Mildred was an overt hysteric. Which implies psychologically that she's capable of pulling a trigger. And you see, she committed both the murders. Whereas Mr. Porter is psychologically completely innocent.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Libby Porter is legally guilty as an accomplice.

[Libby Tyler]

Now, Bill, you've got to admit I'm right. You'll spoil my dinner.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Okay, okay, I admit it.

[Libby Tyler]

Mildred's an obvious case. She's a very pretty girl. And very pretty girls this day and age get away with murder.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Yes, sweetheart, they certainly do.

[Rinsel Advertiser]

Police Commissioner Bill Grant will be back in just a moment with the Lever Brothers Police Award of Valor. But first, rinse all white and rinse so bright Rinse o gives a dazzling wash every time. But you know, ladies, a smart detective checks his sources of information. And maybe you'd like to know how. I'm so sure. Rinse tups.

[Mrs. Porter]

I, for one, would. Mr. Simms, where do you get your information?

[Rinsel Advertiser]

From two authoritative sources. One, from the fact that millions of American women prove their preference for Rinso by asking for it time after time. Two, from the fact that only Rinseau has the recommendation of the makers of 33 leading washers. And no wonder, for Rinso's Triple action formula contains a special soapy, rich base, an amazing suds booster and a marvelous grease chaser. So you can be sure Rinso will give you dazzling results. A Rinso Wipe Wash with ease. A Rinso Bright wash with safety.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Commissioner Grant. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to present the Lever Brothers Award of Valor to an outstanding policeman. And the Lever Brothers Plaque of Honor to his police department, selected by Chief Peter J. Sicardi, lifetime member of the executive board of the International association of Chiefs of Police. Tonight, the Award of Valor goes to motorcycle patrolman Robert A. Barrons of the Cleveland, Ohio, Police Department. While on patrol duty, Barron spotted smoke and flames leaping from a neighboring house. Rushing to the scene of the fire, he attempted to enter the front door and two side entrances, but each time he was driven back by the fire. But in spite of the flames and at the risk of his life, he finally forced entrance through the rear door and he was able to save the lives of the entire family. To you, Patrolman Robert A. Behrens, for your outstanding heroism and unselfish devotion to duty goes $100 and this week's Lever Brothers Award of Valor. And to the entire police department of Cleveland, Ohio, under the able direction of Chief George J. Matowitz, goes the Lever Brothers plaque of honor for their unfailing efforts in protecting the people of their.

[Rinsel Advertiser]

Call. The police stars Joseph Julian as Bill Grant and Joan Tompkins as Libby.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

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[Rinsel Advertiser]

Be sure to be with us next Tuesday night when Lever Brothers company, the makers of rinso, bring you another exciting, realistic police case next week. The case of the kidnapped Killers. Tonight's script was written by Peter Barry. Music was composed and conducted by Ben Ludlow. J. Sim speaking.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.

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[Adam Graham]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance?

[Narrator]

It's like going to work on one.

[Adam Graham]

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.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

Discover today is actually Friday.

[Adam Graham]

So yes. Happy Fri. Yay, random stranger in the elevator. Happy Fri. Yay indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that. Get more with geico. Welcome back. Well, this one had kind of a nice twist ending with the servant as the guilty party psychology gets kind of criminal psychology kind of gets tweet here. Interestingly enough, I did love the Lifebuoy commercials with that bo. That's just classic. You know, I wish Clipper Craft had ads like that. Obviously not with the bo, but you know, something that memorable that, you know. There's some ads like Clipper Craft that not big fans of, but Life boy. Oh, they're, they're very good.

[Commissioner Bill Grant]

All right.

[Adam Graham]

Well, that'll do it for us today. Join us on Wednesday for Let George do it and then join us back here on Tuesday for Call the Police. In the meanwhile, send your comments box [e-mail] follow us on Twitter at radiodetactives and fill out our listener survey survey.greatdetives.net From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.

[LifeLock Advertiser]

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