The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Casebook of Gregory Hood: "South of the Border" (Encore) (EP4855e)

Aired: November 30, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Original Radio Drama Cast: Gregory Hood (Gil Gordon), Sanderson Taylor (Carl Harbor), Maria Kregg, Prince Pavlo, Harry Bartel, Lieutenant Valdez

Episode Overview

This entertaining episode from The Casebook of Gregory Hood delivers a classic Golden Age radio mystery with a twist of international intrigue and mistaken identity. Gregory Hood finds himself embroiled in a bewildering adventure in Mexico City, where he’s mistaken for a Balkan king, kidnapped, and drawn into an elaborate deception—all over the sale of a priceless jade collection. The story blends suspense, humor, and clever plotting, culminating in a satisfying, logical resolution that sidesteps murder in favor of an ingenious con.

Detailed Breakdown of Discussion & Key Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Hood and the Jade Capers

[06:24-07:25]

• Hood and his associate Sanderson Taylor head to Mexico City with the aim of acquiring the Royal Jade Collection of Groznia.
• Gregory recounts:

  “It was to forestall Stackpool that I decided recently to fly down to Mexico City… I decided to be in at the bidding on the ground floor.” — Gregory Hood, 07:15

2. An Odd Welcome: The Kidnapping

[08:34-09:57]

• Upon arrival, a mysterious woman (Maria Kregg) greets Hood in Groznian and forcefully insists he come with her.
• Memorable moment: Maria, while holding Hood at gunpoint:

  “You will come with me. Alone.” — Maria Kregg, 09:22

3. The Impostor Drama Unfolds

[10:00-14:03]

• Hood is taken to Prince Pavlo, who—despite Hood’s protests—insists he is King Grigorou XVI, the missing monarch of Groznia.
• Prince Pavlo’s insistence:

  "Who should you be but Gregory the 16th, Hereditary King of Groznia." — Prince Pavlo, 12:10

• Gregory is told his “wife” Queen Helena awaits, and he is locked into the role of king against his will.

4. Sandy’s Dilemma: Seeking Help

[12:27-14:40]

• Sanderson Taylor tries to get local police help, but they dismiss his story, chalking it up to Gregory’s “lady killer” reputation.
• Lieutenant Valdez jokes:

  “He neglects his business to go off with a beautiful girl and then invents the absurdly thin story that he is being kidnapped.” — Lieutenant Valdez, 12:52

5. The Queen’s Confession and Hood’s Amnesia Bluff

[17:01-19:17]

• Alone with “Queen Helena,” Gregory tries to clear up the mistaken identity, but she plays along, insisting they are married and she loves him.
• Maria Kregg (later privately):

  “For the most obvious reason, did I not help you murder him?” — Maria Kregg, 19:20

6. The Plot Thickens: Hood’s Brilliant Play

[20:26-21:55]

• Realizing the web of intrigue, Hood pretends to have amnesia to further confuse his captors and buy time.
• Hood:

  “Do you suppose… Could I really be the man you think I am? Am I suffering from amnesia?” — Gregory Hood, 21:15

7. Clues and Confrontations at the Gato Azul

[22:04-23:43; 25:02-26:53]

• The conspirators believe “King Grigorou” is infatuated with a dancer, Anitra, appearing at the Gato Azul club. Hood insists on being taken there.
• Meanwhile, Sandy and Valdez finally take his disappearance seriously and converge on the club, seeking Gregory.
• Notable exchange:

  “If you are correct as to your friend's taste, I think we will find him. If not, we shall at least spend a pleasant evening for ourselves.” — Lieutenant Valdez, 24:43

8. The Reveal: All an Elaborate Con

[26:53-28:48]

• Gregory reunites with Sandy and Valdez. It is uncovered—thanks to Maria’s confession—that:
  • The entire escapade was staged to keep Hood away until rival Severin Stackpool could secure the jade.
  • It was orchestrated by Stackpool's friend, a mystery writer, Antonio Serendio, who created the wild mistaken identity plot specifically to ensnare Hood.
• Maria Kregg explains:

  “We were paid handsomely to play our part… Antonio knows your weakness for peculiar plot and whim.” — Maria Kregg, 28:13

9. The Final Twist: Fingerprints and Forgery

[23:14, 28:50]

• Gregory’s fingerprints match those on a police record provided by Maria—but he realizes this is forged, likely copied from his own driving license to bolster the deception.
• Hood:

  “It was mathematically impossible that any double could have my exact print. So it was clear that someone had framed the whole thing...” — Gregory Hood, 28:50

10. Epilogue: All’s Well—And a Hint of Romance

[29:38-30:24]

• Hood offers to become Maria’s bodyguard, since she may be at risk for failing her mission.
• Light banter follows between Gregory and Harry, revealing Hood’s fondness for the kingly role—and emphasizing the podcast’s blend of mystery and wit.
• Gregory:

  “From here in, Maria, our roles are reversed. From now on, I am your bodyguard, day and night.” — Gregory Hood, 29:56

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Maria’s gunpoint demand:

  “You will come with me. Alone.” (09:22)

• The mistaken royal:

  “Who should you be but Gregory the 16th, Hereditary King of Groznia.” — Prince Pavlo (12:10)

• Maria’s dark confession:

  “…did I not help you murder him?” — Maria Kregg (19:20)

• Hood’s own confusion:

  “I’m beginning to wonder myself who I am.” — Gregory Hood (23:51)

• The final reveal:

  “We were paid handsomely to play our part… Antonio knows your weakness for peculiar plot and whim.” — Maria Kregg (28:13)

• Hood’s chivalrous turn:

  “From here in, Maria, our roles are reversed. From now on, I am your bodyguard, day and night.” — Gregory Hood (29:56)

Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• Episode begins, Hood and Taylor discuss Gump and jade collection: 06:24
• Hood kidnapped by Maria Kregg: 08:34
• Confrontation with Prince Pavlo, 'you are the king': 12:10
• Police skeptical of Taylor's kidnapping claim: 12:27
• Queen Helena’s confession and amnesia ploy: 17:01, 21:15
• Discovery of fingerprint “evidence”: 23:14
• Café Gato Azur, Sandy and Valdez close in: 25:02
• Resolution, the con explained: 26:53—28:48
• Epilogue, Hood and Maria: 29:38—30:24

Episode Tone and Style

Full of sharp wit, playful banter, and cloak-and-dagger plot turns, the episode nods to the era’s fondness for elegant mystery and international adventure. Gregory Hood remains his urbane, tongue-in-cheek self even under duress, and the resolution—eschewing violence for cunning—is a hallmark of the show’s charm.

Host's Closing Thoughts

Adam Graham closes by noting the logic and nonviolent solution at the story’s core:

“Not only doesn’t anyone die in this episode, but it really turns out that something logical is happening…a simple yet eloquent solution…” — Adam Graham (34:08)

For fans of classic mystery, this episode demonstrates the clever possibilities of radio drama—delivering suspense, light romance, international flavor, and sparkling dialogue, all with an ingenious twist. Perfect for sleuths who prefer brains to brawn.