Casebook of Gregory Hood: Murder in Celluloid (Encore) (EP4830e)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio – “Casebook of Gregory Hood: Murder in Celluloid (Encore)” (EP4830e)

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Episode Title: Casebook of Gregory Hood: Murder in Celluloid (Encore)
Release Date: October 26, 2025

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EPISODE OVERVIEW

This special “Sunday Encore” episode, hosted by Adam Graham, revisits a classic Gregory Hood installment: “Murder in Celluloid.” Originally produced during the golden age of radio, the story drops armchair listeners into the glamour and intrigue of 1940s Hollywood, following bon vivant Gregory Hood as he’s swept from a lunch at the Brown Derby into a tangle of studio intrigue, a child’s missing map, and a murder with espionage overtones on a film set.

The episode is a lively example of the “Casebook of Gregory Hood” series, blending humor, showbiz satire, and old-fashioned puzzle mystery. A precocious child actress, movie star egos, and international intrigue all intertwine, culminating in a reveal that could only happen in a Hollywood studio.

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KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & STORY HIGHLIGHTS

1. Setting the Scene: Hollywood Mystery

• Gregory Hood is called to Hollywood to assist his director friend Ray Hanson, who needs consulting help for a film about importing.
• Opening Flavor: Banter at the Brown Derby showcases the golden era’s Hollywood scene, with nods to real locations and the self-important, dramatic airs of actors and columnists.

"Metropolis Studios were making a picture called ‘Passport to Danger.’ My old friend Ray Hanson was directing it..."
— Gregory Hood (03:24)

2. The Child’s Map: An Innocent Problem Turns Suspicious

• At lunch, Hood meets young Anne Norwood, an 8-year-old movie star who comes to him with a “case”—her meticulously drawn map of forts and secret weapons has disappeared.
• There’s playful ribbing on her nickname for Hood (“Robin Hood”), and lighthearted sleuthing ensues as they head to the studio to search for clues.
• The map reappears, but with curious nail polish stains that implicate starlet Netta Mason.

“Somebody has stolen my map. My super map. I’ve been working on it for weeks… It’s full of forts and secret weapons and dockyards. And now it’s been stolen.”
— Anne Norwood (10:36)

3. A Hollywood Whodunit: Murder on the Lot

• Gregory’s investigation pivots from Anne’s missing map to a much darker crime—the murder of starlet Netta Mason.
• Suspicious characters abound: Philip Fremont (actor, possible spy), Major Courtney (mysterious army suitor), and Lou Latimer (publicity man).
• The murder weapon? Strangulation, and a clue left in Netta’s hand: a Sigma Xi fraternity key (later identified as a prop, not an actual member’s key).

“Ms. Netta Mason's lying in her dressing room. She’s been strangled.”
— Gregory Hood (19:04)

4. Sleuthing with Style: Gregory’s Deductions

• Hood checks alibis and educational backgrounds. Only Major Courtney majored in science and would have a genuine Sigma Xi key. The lack of a name on the key points to Fremont's acting prop.
• A thrilling confrontation on set with Fremont reveals his fascist sympathies and motives—espionage and a fatal quarrel.
• Fremont pulls a gun, but is knocked unconscious by accident (a falling paint bucket), hilariously dropped by Anne, who had been shadowing Hood from the catwalk.

“The absence of the name suggested that it was a dummy key. You were playing a scientist in your picture, Fremont, and so you were obviously wearing a prop key... Careless of you to let the dying girl wrench it off your watch chain.”
— Gregory Hood (26:46)

5. Anne Saves the Day and Epilogue

• Anne’s quick thinking saves Gregory’s life. The conclusion is light, heartwarming, and comically flirtatious, with Anne coyly telling Gregory to “keep on waiting” for the right woman.

“You told me at lunch that you’d never married because you hadn’t met the right woman… Keep on waiting, Mr. Hood. Please. Keep on waiting.”
— Anne Norwood (28:55)

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MEMORABLE QUOTES & MOMENTS (with timestamps)

• On Gregory’s sleuthing image:
  “I know, but I think you’re just like Robin Hood. And he was wonderful. And so I think of you that way.”
  — Anne Norwood (10:05)

• Gregory’s detective logic:
  “Any genuine key such as Major Courtney owned has the name on it, doesn’t it, Major? … The absence of the name suggested that it was a dummy key. You were playing a scientist in your picture, Fremont…”
  — Gregory Hood (26:46)

• The child hero:
  “Jeepers… It wasn’t an accident, Mr. Robin Hood… Anne, darling, how can I thank you?”
  — Anne Norwood & Gregory Hood (27:43)

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TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

| Time | Segment | |-------|-----------------------------------------------| | 03:24 | Gregory Hood sets out on his Hollywood case | | 07:44 | Introduction of Anne Norwood & missing map | | 14:00 | Gregory and Anne deduce possible suspects | | 19:04 | Discovery of Netta Mason’s murder | | 21:51 | Gregory investigates the Sigma Xi key | | 23:24 | Interrogation of Major Courtney | | 25:50 | Confrontation with Fremont on soundstage | | 27:43 | Anne saves Gregory; the mystery is resolved | | 28:55 | Touching conclusion between Gregory & Anne |

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TONE & STYLE HIGHLIGHTS

• The episode is witty and brisk, blending playful exchanges (especially between Hood and Anne) with sharper mystery mechanics and the occasional pulse of real danger.
• It affectionately spoofs Hollywood’s self-importance, making light of press agents, publicity schemes, and starlets’ moods.
• The dynamic between cynical adults and the earnest, clever Anne Norwood adds heart—and humor.

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HOST COMMENTARY

• Adam Graham reaffirms his affection for the Gregory Hood series, enjoying the presence of a clever child sidekick.
• He highlights the show’s blend of charm, subtle humor, and strong detective plotting.

“We don’t get enough precocious child actors in these mystery dramas...This is definitely an underrated series and I hope you’re enjoying it as well.”
— Adam Graham (32:37)

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SUMMARY

This encore episode offers a prime slice of Golden Age radio: a glittering Hollywood backdrop, sharp banter, a delightfully precocious child character, and a murder mystery with a dramatic finish fit for the silver screen. Gregory Hood’s casebook is as charming as ever, with the star detective outfoxing not just murderers but the foibles of Tinseltown itself.

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Transcript

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[Gregory Hood]

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[Gregory Hood]

Sam.

[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 [e-mail] 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, send it to me box [e-mail] and follow us on Twitteradiodetactives and you can also leave us a voicemail. The number is 208-991-4783. Today's episode is brought to you by the financial support of our listeners and I especially want to thank Chris for his support. I'll be sending along access to our premium site which we do with all donations of $7 or more. Alright, so it's time now to open up the Casebook of Gregory Hood. And the title of this episode is Murder and Celluloid.

[Gregory Hood]

Pet Rewind brings you the Casebook of Gregory Hood. Tonight, the Petrie Family family that took time to bring you good wine Invite you to listen to the story of Murder in Celluloid. Another exciting adventure from the casebook of Gregory Hood. As for me, I'd like to know if you're planning to have chicken for dinner any night this week. Because no matter how you like that chicken, roasted, fried or in a stew with dumplings, you like it a lot better served with a glass of Petri California Sauter. Now there's something to talk about. Chicken and Petri Sauternes. Petri Sauternes is a clear white wine, delicately fragrant. And what a flavor that Petri wine has. It's. Well, all I can say is it's the wine you've been looking for. A wine that brings you the luscious flavor of big, plump, sunripened grapes. And say, Petri Sauterne is not only great with chicken, but you like it served with fish or any kind of seafood, too. So try a bottle of. So turn. Get Petri S. Turn those letters. P, E, T, R. I always spell good wine. Petri Wine. Well, it's Monday night in San Francisco and we have a date with Gregory Hood. Tonight's rendezvous is at his apartment, high on Nob Hill and overlooking the Golden Gate. Let's join him there, shall we? Hello, Gregory. Harry Bartel. Come on in. I was expecting you. Where's Sandy Taylor tonight, Greg? He flew up to Vancouver today. There's some legal business he had to attend to for me on a shipment coming in from the orientation. He'll be back in a few days. Glass of sherry, Harry? Thanks. Well, Siamese cat. A new addition to the mainage gr. Oh, no, no. Sam's an old retainer. Been up at my place at Russian River. I flew him down with me this morning. Mighty friendly. What did you say his name is? Well, officially it's Sing Low. But his host of friends decided it was too dignified a name for such a whimsical character. So he was christened Sam Ferber. Greg, am I crazy or is Sam cross eyed? Oh, yes, yes, he's cross eyed and his tail's broken. But he has a delightful, dusky little soul, haven't you, Sammy? Well, Sam has another fan now. Yes, you should, Sheri. Thanks, Greg. And now I know, I know. You have that Monday night look in your eye. You want a story out of my casebook? Correct. And from the hints you gave us last week, it sounded as though you had quite a special one lined up. Well, it was a strange business, Harry. The whole thing happened in Hollywood. What were you doing down there, Greg? Metropolis Studios were Making a picture called Passport to Danger. And my old friend Ray Hanson was directing it. The story was about a girl who inherits an importing business and gets into a struggle between her private life and being a career woman. And you were called in as a technical advisor? Well, not quite that, Harry. Ray called me one night and said that he had some headaches on the importing business angle of the picture. So the next morning I hopped into my beach craft and flew down to the city of celluloid. As you know, I'm something of a gourmet. How well I know. So it was only natural that my lunch that day was eaten at the Brown Derby in Hollywood. As I entered that star studded home of good food, I was greeted by Bill Chileas. Mr. Gregory Hood. It's good to see you back in town. Hello Bill. It's good to be back. I have a usual table for you. This way please. Thanks. Oh, by the way, Bill, I hope that on this trip you'll break down and give me the recipe for that Cobb salad. I don't know if Mr. Cobb would like me to. Oh, come on, Bill. Bob Cobb and I are old friends. He'd approve. Well, Mr. Hood, here's your table. I know you start off with three kinds of letters. Romaine, chicory and iced lettuce. Break it up very, Mr. Hood. Then you slice up some bacon in tiny stripes, some chopped chives, and then comes the cheese. Yeah. Oh, excuse me, Bill. Who's that girl sitting two booths away? Ms. Sheila Graham, one of our best movie columnists and radio commodator. I thought it was. I must go and talk to her. I'll get the rest of that recipe from you before I go there. Very well, mister. Honestly. Sheila Graham, how nice to see you again.

[Anne Norwood]

Gregory Hurd. I heard you were in town.

[Gregory Hood]

You did? I only flew in this morning. You get your news passed, Sheila?

[Anne Norwood]

My spies are everywhere, Gregory. In this case. I met Ray Hansen at a beach party at Malibu last night. He told me you were coming. What brings you to town, Gregory?

[Gregory Hood]

Said she whipping out her golden ever shaft.

[Anne Norwood]

Certainly you're news, Gregory. Famous importer man about town and amateur detective flies into Hollywood. I mentioned it on my radio show.

[Gregory Hood]

I heard you had a new show, Sheila. What time is it? I must catch it.

[Anne Norwood]

Sunday night, 8:45 on Mutual.

[Gregory Hood]

Nicely spoken. I shall listen.

[Anne Norwood]

Thank you kindly. And now Greg, which of our starlets is responsible for your being in town?

[Gregory Hood]

Well, it isn't a girl this time, Sheila. I came down to give Ray Hanson a little help on the importing business for Passport to Danger.

[Anne Norwood]

Oh yes, that's the Nedda Mason Ann Norwood opus. Funny thing, Ned is having luncheon with me today. Have you met her?

[Gregory Hood]

No, no, but I hear she's what is known technically I believe as a dish.

[Anne Norwood]

A little too highly spiced a dish for my liking. But she's good copy.

[Gregory Hood]

I did meet Ann Norman.

[Anne Norwood]

Isn't she sweet?

[Gregory Hood]

I fell hopelessly and head over heels in love with her. Seems impossible that an 8 year old girl can be a movie star and yet be so utterly unspoiled.

[Anne Norwood]

Here comes Nedda Mason.

[Gregory Hood]

Now.

[Anne Norwood]

Watch her switch on the personality. Hello, Nedda dear. Darling.

[Gregory Hood]

Oh, I'm so terribly sorry I'm late.

[Anne Norwood]

They simply mobbed me for autographs. Do you know Gregory Hood? Ms. Netta Mason.

[Gregory Hood]

So you're the famous Gregory Hood.

[Anne Norwood]

Ray told me you were flying down. You're going to help us on the picture, aren't you?

[Gregory Hood]

If I can.

[Anne Norwood]

It's a marvelous script and I've got.

[Gregory Hood]

A dream of a part.

[Anne Norwood]

And Sheila darling, the clothes all. Adrian's dyed me the most heavenly outfits. I think I must be narcissist, my dear.

[Gregory Hood]

I just can't keep away from mirrors these days. Excuse me, Mr. Hood. Oh yes, Bill? There is a young lady waiting for you at the table. There is? Excuse me, Sheila. See you again before I leave.

[Anne Norwood]

Fine, Greg.

[Gregory Hood]

Nice to have met you, Miss Mason.

[Anne Norwood]

And I'll see at the studio.

[Gregory Hood]

Well, well, Miss Ann Norwood.

[Anne Norwood]

Hello, Mr. Hood. You didn't mind me sitting down at your table, did you?

[Gregory Hood]

I'm very flattered, Anne.

[Anne Norwood]

I had to see you alone. That's why I didn't come over to the other table. I saw Ms. Netta Mason was there.

[Gregory Hood]

And you don't like her?

[Anne Norwood]

Oh, it isn't exactly that. Though I do think she talks awfully loudly, don't you?

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, anne, I do.

[Anne Norwood]

Mr. Robin Hood. You're a detective, aren't you?

[Gregory Hood]

In an amateur way. And incidentally, Anne, the name is Gregory, not Robin.

[Anne Norwood]

I know, but I think you're just like Robin Hood. And he was wonderful. And so I think of you that way.

[Gregory Hood]

I'll admit that my prices might be called stealing from the rich and I do give to the poor. But that's where the resemblance ends, I'm afraid, Anne. But I'm very flattered that you think of me that way. I do, Mr. Hood.

[Anne Norwood]

That's why I've come to you for help. You see, my daddy's dead and I do so miss having a man to talk to.

[Gregory Hood]

Of course you Do, Anne, you go ahead and talk.

[Anne Norwood]

I have a very. A very serious problem. I need a detective.

[Gregory Hood]

Dear me, Anne, whatever's the matter?

[Anne Norwood]

Somebody has stolen my map. My super map. I've been working on it for weeks. And I'm good at maps, too. At least my teacher says I am.

[Gregory Hood]

But what kind of a map was it?

[Anne Norwood]

It's something I invented. It's full of forts and secret weapons and dockyards. And now it's been stolen.

[Gregory Hood]

And when did you see it last, Anne?

[Anne Norwood]

This morning. It was in my portable dressing room in the studio. I was working on it between scenes. When I came back just before lunch, it had gone. Oh, dear, here comes Mommy. Ellen, darling, you frighten me. Why did you slip away like that while I was parking the car? I had to see Mr. Hood. Mommy, this is Mr. Robin. I mean, Gregory Hood. How do you do, Mr.

[Gregory Hood]

Hood? How do you do? Do sit down, won't you?

[Anne Norwood]

Well, just for a moment. And you haven't been bothering Mr. Hood, have you?

[Gregory Hood]

Not a bit of it. She knew that I was an amateur detective and she came to me with a problem. I'm very flattered.

[Anne Norwood]

You see, Mummy, the missing map, I suppose. Of course. And Mr. Hood's going to find it for me, aren't you?

[Gregory Hood]

I'll do my best. Anne, who do you think might have stolen it?

[Anne Norwood]

I think it was Miss Netta Mason. It must have been either her or Major Courtney. They were the only two people in my dressing room today, except Mother.

[Gregory Hood]

Major Courtney. That name seems familiar. Who is he?

[Anne Norwood]

Well, I suppose you might say he's a suitor of mine. He's terribly stuck on money. Anne, dear, that's not very nice.

[Gregory Hood]

What branch of the army is he in, Mrs. Norwood?

[Anne Norwood]

Honestly, I don't know. And if I did, I shouldn't care. It's all some terrific secret. He doesn't even wear a uniform.

[Gregory Hood]

Hmm. Well, I'll tell you what. Let's do you both have lunch with me, then we'll drive over to the studio and see if we can find that map for you. Anne.

[Anne Norwood]

Oh, Mr. Hood, you're so wonderful. This is my dressing room, Mr. Hood. Do you like it?

[Gregory Hood]

Very much, Anne.

[Anne Norwood]

You don't think it's a little young for me, do you? Mother had it decorated.

[Gregory Hood]

Anne, I think it's perfect for your personality. Clean and fresh and cool.

[Anne Norwood]

Mr. Hood, you say the loveliest things. Are you married?

[Gregory Hood]

No, Anne. I've always been waiting for the right girl.

[Anne Norwood]

Keep waiting, Mr. Hood. She'll come along. I just know she will.

[Gregory Hood]

Very well, Anne. But while I'm waiting, let's see if we can track down that map for you. Where did you last see it?

[Anne Norwood]

It was on the dressing room table here.

[Gregory Hood]

When you leave this dressing room and go before the cameras do, you lock the door?

[Anne Norwood]

Always. Mommy never forgets.

[Gregory Hood]

And the arrangement of the door and window in here is such that no one could have slipped in a hand through here or sneaked in and stolen it.

[Anne Norwood]

Then it must have been Ms. Madam Mason or Major Courtenay.

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, it looks like it. And yet, Anne, I can understand someone wanting one of your maps. But if he did, he'd ask you for it. He wouldn't steal it. But if the person, whoever it was, thought it was one of Major Courtenay's maps, it would be different.

[Anne Norwood]

Why would it be different, Mr. Hood?

[Gregory Hood]

Your mother hinted that he might be in special service for the army. You said your map had force and secret weapon sights on it. Now do you see, Anne?

[Anne Norwood]

Yes, Mr. Hood. And that of me, Ms. Ned. Amazing. The spy. Oh, goody, this is fun.

[Gregory Hood]

No, no, darling. You mustn't go around saying she's a spy. I'm just dreaming up a very wild part. The chances are that a gust of wind came through the window and blew your map out into the studio.

[Anne Norwood]

Oh, no. I like it so much better the other way, Mr. Hood.

[Gregory Hood]

Frankly, Anne, so do I.

[Anne Norwood]

Come in.

[Gregory Hood]

Hello, aunt darling.

[Anne Norwood]

Hello, Mr. Fremont. This is a very great friend of mine, Mr. Gregory Hood. Mr. Philip Fremont.

[Gregory Hood]

How do you do?

[Anne Norwood]

He's carrying the lead in another picture on the lot.

[Gregory Hood]

Say, Annie, isn't this yours? I found it on the studio floor.

[Anne Norwood]

It's my map. It's my super map.

[Gregory Hood]

Oh. You see, Anne, it wasn't stolen after all. Stolen? Annie, did you think someone had stolen your map?

[Anne Norwood]

Yes, I did. It's an awfully good map.

[Gregory Hood]

I. I hear that you're an amateur detective, Mr. Hood, in an unobtrusive way. Why? Well, I was wondering where Annie dreamed up the idea that her map had been stolen. I guess you put her up to it. Do you?

[Anne Norwood]

Well, it's a bad guess, Mr. Seamont. And my name isn't Annie. It's Anne.

[Gregory Hood]

Okay, honey. Don't get mad at me. I was just trying to be funny. Mr. Fremont. Yes, Charlie? On the set, please. Rehearsal of the next scene. Okay, Charlie. See you later, Anne. Nice to have met you, Mr. Hood. Goodbye, Mr.

[Anne Norwood]

Hood.

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, Anne.

[Anne Norwood]

You know, I'm sorry my map was fine so easily. Why, dear, you won't detect it for me anymore. And I was having such fun.

[Gregory Hood]

So Was I?

[Anne Norwood]

Supposing it really had been stolen, Mr. Hood, why would Mr. Fremont have brought it back?

[Gregory Hood]

Well, since I dreamed up a hypothetical case in the beginning, I might as well give you a hypothetical solution.

[Anne Norwood]

You use such lovely words. What does hyper. What does it mean, Mr. Hood?

[Gregory Hood]

I meant that we were still playing at let's pretend the map was stolen. Let's suppose the thief thought there were plans of Major Courtney's and he stole them. When he examined them, he found they were harmless, so he threw them away. Mr. Fremont found them, knew that you were quite a mapmaker and brought them back to you.

[Anne Norwood]

Oh, you're so clever, Mr. Hood. I bet that's what happened.

[Gregory Hood]

I wouldn't take the bet, Anne. Let me look at the map, will you?

[Anne Norwood]

Of course. I'll do one for you, if you like.

[Gregory Hood]

Oh, naturally, I'd like it very much. That's odd.

[Anne Norwood]

What is it, Mr. Hood?

[Gregory Hood]

There are red marks on the corner of your map, Anne. They're made by nail polish that haven't quite dried. Nail polish of a peculiarly horrendous shade of purpley crimson. The exact shade that Ms. Netta Mason was wearing at the Brown Derby today.

[Anne Norwood]

Perhaps she is a spy after all.

[Gregory Hood]

Perhaps. Look, Anne, even though you've got your mat back, I might as well follow this business through. There's something funny going on here.

[Anne Norwood]

I think so too, Mr. Head. I just know Ms. N's a spy. Just you look at those eyes of hers.

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, Anne, I got the slant. Let's go to her dressing room and talk to her, shall we?

[Anne Norwood]

This is her dressing room, Mr. Hood. You better knock.

[Gregory Hood]

I always knock, Anne. It's lucky.

[Anne Norwood]

Oh, hello, Mr. Latimer.

[Gregory Hood]

Ah, it's my dream boat, Annie. How are you, darling?

[Anne Norwood]

Mr. Lou Latimer. Mr. Gregory Hood.

[Gregory Hood]

Glad to meet you, Mr. Latimer. Oh, just call me Lou. Say, you're Greg Hood. I know about you. You sell old hunks of ivory for Big Doe in San Francisco. And you're an amateur sleuth who can show up the pros. And you're a wolf in good standing. Listen, Lou, I also pack a mean lift. Clean it up a little, can't you? Oh, little Lord Fauntleroy. Character. Okay, beat me to a pulp and call me Juicy. Get it? Pulse. Juicy. Don't overplay it, Lou. It gives me ideas. Character. But death. Listen, I'm handling the publicity on this little super duper colossal hunker picture. I've got an idea. It'll slay you, Greg. I'm mortal, just like the next man. But I'll listen to it later. Right now, Ann and I want to see Netta Mason. Is she in her dressing room?

[Adam Graham]

Oh, Death.

[Gregory Hood]

She went in about half an hour ago, and I've been sitting here ever since, dreaming up ideas. Anyone else been in to see her? Natchez Philip Fremont, the alleged actor, went in. Also Major Courtney, the man of mystery. They both left now, though. Oh, Ann, I'm going in alone. Stay here with Mr. Latimer, will you?

[Anne Norwood]

Why can't I go with you, Mr. Hood?

[Gregory Hood]

You know how it is, Anne. You're a sophisticated girl. When you go to see a beautiful spy, you go alone.

[Anne Norwood]

I know. It's just like in the funniest. As if she was a dragon lady. You wouldn't want another woman like me along.

[Gregory Hood]

That's right, Anne. You're very understanding. I'll be back in a moment. Ah, Cherokee. Greg Hood is a definite character. But in dube, I love Mr.

[Anne Norwood]

Hood.

[Gregory Hood]

Why, Nat Janny. Oh, by the way, Greenboat, I've got a terrific angle for you on this picture.

[Anne Norwood]

Oh, no, Mr. Lavender, not again.

[Gregory Hood]

Oh, this one's a natural, honey child. We give you a big balloon, see? It has Passport to Danger printed on it. Now, passport spelled backward is Trop SAP, see?

[Anne Norwood]

No, Mr. Lass, I don't see.

[Gregory Hood]

Look, baby Trops App is the name of a cereal, see? Now, we get them to ask you why you're so healthy. And you say you always breakfast on Trops App. Because backwards it spells passport. And that's in the title of your super dupus natural. You get it, Annie?

[Anne Norwood]

No, Mr. Latimer, I don't eat Trop SAP. I've never even heard of it. I wouldn't tell a lie.

[Gregory Hood]

A lie, she says, yet. Listen, honey chop, you're not getting a point. It's a big balloon. Maybe we fill it up with the hydrogen. But you see, it's got this billboard on each side of it, see? And when they ask you or Ed.

[Anne Norwood]

Hello, Mr. Hood. I'm glad you are back.

[Gregory Hood]

Your mother left a message. She wants you to call her. She's back at the Brown Derby. It's quite important.

[Anne Norwood]

All right, Mr. Hood. Wait here for me, won't you?

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, and I'll wait. What's the matter, pal? You look as if you'd seen a ghost. I have. Close the studio gates and send for the police. Police? What's wrong? Plenty. Ms. Netta Mason's lying in her dressing room. She's been strangled. You'll hear the rest of Gregory Hood's story. In just a second. So I'm going to tell you about a red wine that's really marvelous with any kind of meat or meat dish. The wine is Petri California Burgundy. Petri Burgundy is a rich, full flavored wine. A wine so unusual that it can turn a simple meal into a real feast. For proof, next time you have hamburgers or your favorite kind of stew for dinner, serve it with a glass of Petri Burgundy. Your whole dinner becomes more colorful. And as for the wine itself, well, Petri Burgundy will make you smack your lips for fair and just sigh with pleasure. Be sure you get Petri Burgundy because Petri is always good wine. Well, Gregory, so you found that a Mason strangled in their dressing room, huh? What happened when the police got there? Well, Lou Latimer, the publicity man, persuaded me not to send for them right away. He probably figured that you could solve the case, hand the killer over to the police, and so avoid as much publicity as possible. Correct, Harry and I somewhat grudgingly agreed. And so, having gotten little Anne Norwood safely out of the studio, Lou Latimer and I went back to the dead girl's dressing room, where I began to search for any clues. Find any clues, Greg? Not so far, Lou. Except that the thumb marks show she was strangled from behind. No chance of identifying them, I'm afraid. Gee, Greg, how do you figure this killing? It's a hard one to figure. Maybe the explanation I had lived at the studio for Ann Norwood's benefit might fit the killing at that. Well, it looks simple enough to me. I saw Netta walk into her dressing room. I was sitting outside it until you came out. Now, apart from yourself, only two people went in. Major Courtney, the man of mystery, and that ham actor, Philip Fremont. It must be one of them. Hello? Hello? Now we've got a clue. Look what's clenched in her right hand. Huh? It looks like some kind of pin. It's a Sigma Z key. What? Sigma's Eye. An honorary fraternity for science. A sort of scientific equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa. But there's no name on this key. So you still don't know which one of the two it is. Which one of the three, huh? How do you figure three, Greg? Proving it's two only rests on one thing, Lou. Your word alone. That makes you my friend. The third suspect.

[Anne Norwood]

Sheila Graham? Speaking.

[Gregory Hood]

I'm Gregory Hood.

[Anne Norwood]

Hello, Gregory. What's on your mind?

[Gregory Hood]

I need some help, Sheila. Can you give me any facts on Philip Fremont's educational background?

[Anne Norwood]

Yes, I can. I did a piece on him the other day. He's a college man. Got into acting through the Hasty Pudding Club at Harvard. Majored in English.

[Gregory Hood]

No, science, Sheila?

[Anne Norwood]

No.

[Gregory Hood]

Greg. I see. Do you know Lou Latimer, Publicity man at Metropolis?

[Anne Norwood]

Know him? He pesters me almost daily. Why, Gregory?

[Gregory Hood]

Well, how about his educational background?

[Anne Norwood]

Well, Lou claims that he graduated from high school. Personally, I'd say that if he ever got beyond the fifth grade, I'd want to see the proof.

[Gregory Hood]

Oh, thank you, Sheila. You're a remarkably well informed girl. I'll call you later. Goodbye. Mrs. Norwood. Why did you bring Ann back here to the studio?

[Anne Norwood]

I simply couldn't keep her away, Mr. Hood.

[Gregory Hood]

Where is she now?

[Anne Norwood]

In her dressing room talking to Major Cossack.

[Gregory Hood]

Oh, I'm anxious to meet him.

[Anne Norwood]

Oh, well, come along then.

[Gregory Hood]

Let's go in.

[Anne Norwood]

Robin Hood, where have you been? I've missed you.

[Gregory Hood]

Well, I had a little business to attend to. Anne.

[Anne Norwood]

I wanted to meet Major Courtney. Mr. Gregory.

[Gregory Hood]

How do you do, Major? Hello, Mr. Hood. Anne's just been telling me about you. She's a rabid friend of yours, as I am of hers. In fact, I've quite lost my heart to her.

[Anne Norwood]

Doesn't he say the most beautiful thing?

[Gregory Hood]

Major Courtney, I wonder if you and I could take a step. I'm most anxious to speak to you alone. Why, yes, I suppose so.

[Anne Norwood]

I want to come with you, Mr. Hood. Darling, you heard Mr. Hood say that he wanted to speak to Major Courtney alone.

[Gregory Hood]

Now, don't worry, Ann. We'll be back in a few minutes.

[Anne Norwood]

Please don't be long.

[Gregory Hood]

You're being very mysterious, Hood. I didn't want to talk in front of Anne. You knew about Neda Mason? Of course. Mind if I ask you some questions? No, fire away. Would I be right in thinking you're a government technician? That's a question I can't answer, Hood. Then would you tell me if you studied science in college? Yes, I majored in it. Then doubtless you're a member of Sigma Xi. Yes, I am. May I see your fraternity key? Well, I don't wear it often. I don't know where it is right now. Look, Hood, I don't know what you're driving at, but I'm not used to being cross, questioned blankly. Sorry, but I'm going on with it. Why did you call on Neda Mason in her dressing room this afternoon? That is none of your business. Then let me do a little guesswork, Major. I think you suspected Nedda Mason of being involved in espionage activities. Perhaps she displayed too much interest in your briefcase. And you went in to Talk to her about it. Listen, Hood, if you must know, when I went into Neda's dressing room, I found her murdered. Found her or left her that way, Major? You're barking up the wrong tree, my friends. And if I were free to explain a few things to you, which I'm not, you'd believe me. Gregory, there you are. I've been looking all over the lot for you. How you coming? I think we're on the last laugh. Lou, tell me one thing. Sure, what is it, pal? Is Philip Fremont's picture shooting this afternoon? Oh, yeah, they're on stage eight. They're shooting a big gun battle scene right now. I just left there. You want to come over? Yes, Lou, I do want to very much. All right, all right, that's all for today. We'll pick up the reverse shop in the morning. Hey, Gregory, we can catch Fremont before he gets back to his dressing room. Yes, let's go on the set and talk to him. Come on, Major Courtney. Keep a weather eye open, Hood. And maybe leading with our chin. I know, Major, but we have the advantage of surprise. I hope. Oh, hello, Mr. Fremont. Well, Gregory, Hood. Didn't know you were on the set. It's too bad you weren't here earlier. We were shooting some good stuff. Say, by the way, can you get here in the morning? I've got several terrific scenes then. Too bad that you won't be playing them. Fremont, I. What do you mean? Hood? Call the police. Lou. Philip Fremont, Your murderer. Philip Fremont. That was my hunch too, Hood. Stay right where you are, Lou. And that goes for the rest of you. Don't you see I'm still carrying my revolver? Yes, a revolver containing blanks. You have just used it in the scene. Oh, no, no. I have another one in my pocket. A revolver containing live shells. I've switched them and I shoot expertly through the pocket, despite the tailor's bills. You're not getting me arrested. I'm clearing out. Why did you strangle Nedda Mason? Because she was stupid and she quarreled with me. In any case, a girl who can mistake the map of an 8 year old child for a valuable map such as the Major carries deserves to die. She was no more use to us. Us being your pasha. Superiors, of course. Correct, Major Courtney of G2. You didn't think fascism was dead, did you? Just because you and your boys killed a few Germans. All the words dead. All right, we'll never call it fascism again. But you'll be hearing from us. From you? We'll only hear a Faint squeal from the gas chamber, Fremont. Yeah, you'll never get me. Oh, by the way, Hood, I knew you were pretty smart, but I didn't think you'd spot me. What mistake did I make in leaving that Sigma Xi key in the dead girl's hand? But, Greg, you said the key didn't have any name on it. Exactly. That was the point, Lou. Any genuine key such as Major Courtney owned has the name on it, doesn't it, Major? Yes, invariably so. The absence of the name suggested that it was a dummy key. You were playing a scientist in your picture, Fremont, and so you were obviously wearing a prop key to give authenticity to the part. Careless of you to let the dying girl wrench it off your watch chain in the struggle. Yes, wasn't it? I must watch blunders like that in the future, Gregory. Hood, I don't like you. Gunfire is pretty common on this set. And I think I'll give you a little treatment. Fremont, you haven't a chance of getting out of this studio. You should know that. And think of the publicity it'll give us. Phil, it'll be terrific. It'll be sad. Shut up. Woo. You little rat. What do you say, Mr. Gregory? Ought to mind your own business, Hood. I'd say. Look out above you. You expect me to forfeit my mouth? He got him. A falling paint bucket. Oh, boy. Knocked him out cold. Gee, but you're lucky, Greg. Fine detective I am. Saved from being shot only by a freak accident.

[Anne Norwood]

It wasn't an accident, Mr. Robin Hood. Jeepers.

[Gregory Hood]

Hey, look up there in the catwalk. It's little Ann Norwood. Anne, darling, how can I thank you?

[Anne Norwood]

Take me out to dinner, Mr. Hood, and then we can go dancing together. Is it a date?

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, darling, it's a date. And you dance beautifully.

[Anne Norwood]

So do you, Mr. Hood. I'm afraid I'm a little short for you, though.

[Gregory Hood]

Not a bit of it, Anne. I like my women petite. By the way, young lady, perhaps you'll tell me how you happened to be up on the catwalk this afternoon.

[Anne Norwood]

Well, Mr. Hood, when you went out of my dressing room with Major Courtney, I could see by your face that something was wrong. I got scared for you, so I stepped out of the dressing room and.

[Gregory Hood]

And shadowed me, huh?

[Anne Norwood]

Yes. I got to stage eight ahead of you and climbed the ladder to the catwalk so that I could see what was going on. Did I hurt Mr. Seamont when I toppled that paint bucket over on him?

[Gregory Hood]

Not seriously, Anne, but you stunned him and probably saved my life. How can I Ever repay you?

[Anne Norwood]

Well, there. There is one way, Mr. Hood.

[Gregory Hood]

What is it, Anne?

[Anne Norwood]

You told me at lunch that you'd never married because hadn't met the right woman.

[Gregory Hood]

That's right, Ann.

[Anne Norwood]

Keep on waiting, Mr. Hood. Please. Keep on waiting.

[Gregory Hood]

Drag out was really a swell story, but what a detective you turned out to be. Why, Harry, what do you mean? I solved the case. What more do you want? Oh, I know, Greg. But to overlook the fact that that gun might have real bullets. Well, if it hadn't been for. I know, I know. It was a slight oversight on my part. But, Harry, I can make a little mistake now and then, can't I? I suppose. Now, Harry, don't stand there and tell me you never make a mistake. Not when it comes to choosing a wine, I don't. Because I always choose Century Wine. I don't know why I bother talking to you. Oh, yes, you do. You like to hear about good wine just as much as the next fellow. And I like to talk about Petri wine because Petri wine is good wine. Well, it's just got to be. After all, the Petri family has been making wine for generations. Winemaking is their heritage. A heritage passed on down from father to son, from father to son, from generation to generation. It's easy to understand why the Petrie family knows so well that the art of turning luscious, sunripened grapes into fragrant, delicious wine. And it's easy to understand why the Petri business has grown and grown so that today the Petri family are America's largest independent winemakers. Yes, the making of Petri wine is a family affair. And the Petri family intends to keep it that way. Because by so doing, they can be sure that every bottle of wine that bears the name Petrie is and always will be, good wine. Well, Gregory, which particular story from the casebook do you have lined up for us next week? Next week, Harry, I'm going to tell you about a strange woman who claimed to be able to see into the future. She predicted two violent deaths with frightening accuracy. The third death she happened to prophesy was my own. See you next Monday, Harry. The Casebook of Gregory Hood is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Boucher. Original music composed and played by Dean Fossler. Gail Gordon plays the part of Gregory Hood. The Petri Wine Company of San Francisco, California, invite you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. The Case Book of Gregory Hood comes to you from our Hollywood studio. This is Harry Bartel saying good night for the Petrie family for A solid hour of exciting mystery dramas. Listen every Monday on most of these Same stations at 8 o' clock to Michael Shane, followed immediately by the Casebook of Gregory Hood. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Liberty Mutual Narrator]

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[Gregory Hood]

Is that guy with the binoculars watching us.

[Liberty Mutual Narrator]

Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com Savings Fairy underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company affiliates, excludes Massachusetts.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, I have to say that is a fantastic way to tease a next week's show and gives away less than the Nick Carter teases that we get. And I enjoyed the story as well. We don't get enough precocious child actors in these mystery dramas. And I'm just continuing to enjoy this series. And you have Harry Bartel, very charming and decent cases every week. This is definitely an underrated series and I hope you're enjoying it as well. Well, we'll be back tomorrow. We are continuing on with the alder matter and next week join us for another episode of the Casebook of Gregory Hood. In the meantime, send your comments to me, box [e-mail], become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com RadioDetactives and follow us on Twitter @RadioDetactives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.

[Liberty Mutual Narrator]

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[Gregory Hood]

You know that big bargain detergent jug is 80% water, right? It doesn't clean as well.

[Anne Norwood]

80% water. I thought I was getting a better.

[Gregory Hood]

Deal because it's so big. If you want a better clean Tide pocket, the pods are only 12% water. The rest is pure concentrated cleaning ingredients.

[Anne Norwood]

Oh, let me make an announcement. Attention shoppers, if you want a real.

[Gregory Hood]

Deal, try Tide pods. Stop paying for watered down detergents. Pay for clean. If it's gotta be clean, it's gotta be Tide pods. Water content based on the leaning bargain liquid detergent.