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

Summary

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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

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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.

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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

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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)

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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

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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.

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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)

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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.

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Transcript

[Gregory Hood]

What do you think makes the perfect snack?

[Lieutenant Valdez]

Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.

[Gregory Hood]

Could you be more specific? When it's cravinient. Okay. Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at AM pm. I'm seeing a pattern here.

[Adam Graham]

Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.

[Gregory Hood]

Crave, which is anything from AM pm. What more could you want?

[Radio Advertiser]

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[Radio Advertiser]

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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 [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, email it to me. Box13reatetectives.net Follow us on Twitter radiodetectives or become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com radiodetactives well, before we do get started, today's program is brought to you by the financial support of our listeners and our three week listener support campaign continues. You can support the show at support.greatdetectives.net all donations of $7 or more will receive access to our premium site. And for a donation of $20 or more, you'll receive a free ebook, either All I Needed to Know, I Learned from Columbo or one of my three superhero comedies. Plus, you'll receive an additional thank you gift. Among the options we have are some great Audiobooks. At the $20 level, we'll send you the Doc Savage Novel audiobook Novel the Forgotten Realm. And at the $100 level, we'll send you your choice of any Nero, Wolf or Agatha Christie novel that is available on audible.com but we have a lot of choices, so just let us know what you like. If you support the show at support.greatdetectives.net well, folks, it's time now for today's episode of the Casebook of Gregory Hood. Today's episode is entitled south of the Border.

[Harry Bartel]

Tonight, the Petrie family, the family that took time to bring you good wine, invite you to listen to the story of south of the Border, another exciting adventure from the Casebook of Gregory Hood. And I'd like to ask you if you know one sure way to turn a simple meal into a regular feast. Just serve that meal with a good Petri dinner wine. Let's say Petri California Burgundy. Petre Burgundy, you know, is the perfect companion for any kind of meat or meat dish. It's a red wine, just as rich in flavor as it is in color. And if you want to know how really good it is, serve that Petri Burgundy with a hamburger cooked the way you like it, tender, delicious. Or try that Petri Burgundy with a savory beef stew or with pork chops. And of course, if you can wankle it, try Petri Burgundy with a thick, juicy steak. Ah, believe me, that's eating.

[Prince Pavlo]

Eating.

[Harry Bartel]

That's. Well, it's out of this world. And believe me, Petri Burgundy is a wine that's clear, fragrant and delicious, a wine that you can serve to your friends proudly, of that you can be sure. Remember those five letters, P, E, T, R, I. They spell the proudest name in the long history of fine win. Well, it's Monday night in San Francisco and we have a date with Gregory Hood and his friend Sanderson Taylor. Tonight's rendezvous is at Gregory's apartment, high on Nob Hill and overlooking the Golden Gate. Let's join him there, shall we?

[Gregory Hood]

Harry Bartel, how are you?

[Harry Bartel]

Evening, Sandy.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

Where's Gregory?

[Gregory Hood]

Can't you hear him?

[Adam Graham]

Oh.

[Gregory Hood]

Hello, Harry.

[Harry Bartel]

Evening, Greg. That sounds.

[Gregory Hood]

Well, it is nice, isn't it?

[Harry Bartel]

Your latest composition?

[Gregory Hood]

No, this isn't mine, Harry. I wish it were. This is one of Richard Gump's compositions. He calls it Un Broken Heart.

[Harry Bartel]

Seems to me he's something of a rival of yours, Greg. He's a famous importer. And now it turns out he's an amateur composer of distinction, too.

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, Harry, but don't imagine there's any rivalry between them. They're the best of friends. All those distinct rivalry between us on the golf course, Andy. We played this afternoon. If I hadn't hooked my drive on the 13th, I swear I'd have beaten him. Oh, on the way home, he took me by his store and gave me a private showing of his wonderful collection of Stuben glass. It's a must on your list, Harry.

[Harry Bartel]

I'll go there tomorrow. Now, Greg, how's about tonight's story?

[Gregory Hood]

It's coming right up there. You see, Dick Gump and I work very closely in the importing business. On this particular occasion, we crossed swords with a very slimy dealer by the name of Severin Stackpool. It was to Forestall Stackpool that I decided recently to fly down to Mexico City. I'd heard that the Royal Jade Collection of Grozny was for sale, so I decided to be in at the bidding on the ground floor.

[Harry Bartel]

The royal collection of Grozny and jade. Sounds pretty impressive, Greg, but I don't want to appear stupid. Where is Grozny?

[Gregory Hood]

It's one of the more obscure Balkan countries. The royal family, complete with the priceless jade collection which four generations of Groznian rulers have been assembling, left the country and came to Mexico City. But I'll come to that in a moment. As soon as I heard about the jade collection, I naturally got in touch with Dick Gump. As you know, he has one of the finest collections of jade in the world. But Dick was tied up, so he arranged to purchase the stuff jointly. Sandy and I lost no time in hopping the next plane south. When we landed in Mexico City, it was one of those cool, fresh days, bright sun. But no, A very smooth trip, Frederick.

[Prince Pavlo]

Very, very.

[Gregory Hood]

You know, Sandy, I haven't been to Mexico City for a couple of years. It's good to be back. It's a great spot. Yes. I've always liked it, in a way. It isn't Mexican any more than San Francisco is purely American. It's a city for citizens of the world. And very attractive. Some of those citizens are, too. I wondered how long it'll be before you spotted that girl standing at the barrier. No, she's coming over to Earth.

[Maria Kregg]

Dobredin Gregory.

[Gregory Hood]

I beg your pardon.

[Prince Pavlo]

No.

[Maria Kregg]

You do not wish to speak before your American friend? Very well. You will come with me. No.

[Gregory Hood]

You're right. I'm afraid the answer is no. She spoke in Grosnian. Did you know we were coming about the jade? I sent Count Pavlo a wire. He's the official guardian of the royal collection. Are you an emissary of his, young lady?

[Maria Kregg]

I do not understand this talk of Count Pavlin. I only know that my orders are that you must come with me.

[Gregory Hood]

Who gave you those orders?

[Maria Kregg]

I cannot answer that question.

[Gregory Hood]

Well, normally I'd be delighted to join you, but I'm here on urgent business. But if you'll give me your phone number, I'll call you when I'm in the clear.

[Maria Kregg]

Do not make fun of me. I'm going to make you come with me.

[Gregory Hood]

I don't see how. Darling, we're two great big husky men and you're just a wisp of a girl. Even if you're a judo expert, I think you'll find it's tough sledding.

[Maria Kregg]

You will come with me. Alone.

[Gregory Hood]

I rather think I will at that. So long, Sandy.

[Harry Bartel]

Wait.

[Gregory Hood]

Gregory. What on earth. Hey, young lady.

[Harry Bartel]

What do you want?

[Gregory Hood]

Don't yell, Sandy. She might conceivably lose control of the revolver that's fitted so snugly in my ribs.

[Harry Bartel]

Goodbye, Sam. But.

[Gregory Hood]

But this is.

[Maria Kregg]

This is kidnapping.

[Gregory Hood]

In broad daylight? It's not possible. Where's your chauffeur driving us?

[Maria Kregg]

To the house of Prince Petro Perusal, where else?

[Gregory Hood]

Who is he and why are we going there?

[Maria Kregg]

You know as well as I do. Was not this mainly your idea?

[Gregory Hood]

Look, darling, you must have me mixed up with someone else I've never heard of. Prince Philosoph. My name is Gregory Hood and I'm an importer from San Francisco.

[Maria Kregg]

You're still a playboy at heart, are you not, Grigarou?

[Gregory Hood]

Sure, but I'm not your Grigarou. By the way, what's your name?

[Maria Kregg]

You know it as well as your own.

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, but as my name seems to be a matter for discussion, it would be simpler if you told me yours.

[Maria Kregg]

My name is Maria. Maria Kregg.

[Gregory Hood]

And your nationality? Maria.

[Maria Kregg]

What game do you play, Gregory? I am Graznian, of course. Just as you are.

[Gregory Hood]

As I am. This begins to make Alice in Wonderland look like a whodunit. Now, listen, Mario.

[Maria Kregg]

We arrive at Prince's house. Follow me and no tricks, please. As you remember, I am not an amateur with a revolver. Ah, Prince Fearsor is waiting at the door. He will be so happy to see you again.

[Prince Pavlo]

Gregory, my dear, dear boy. Come in. I've been waiting your arrival with such anxiety.

[Gregory Hood]

You mean you recognize me, too?

[Prince Pavlo]

What rubbish are you talking? How could I fail to recognize you, Grigorou? Come in, my boy. Come in. I have so much to tell you. We will go into my study.

[Maria Kregg]

You wish me to stay, Prince Firzon?

[Prince Pavlo]

No, Maria. You may leave us. And you have done well, my child. We brought him here most speedily. I am pleased with you.

[Maria Kregg]

Thank you.

[Prince Pavlo]

And now, my dear Gregory, let me look at you. It warms my old heart to see you. You must allow me an embrace.

[Gregory Hood]

Look, this is all very touching, but will you give me some faint idea of what goes. You have me kidnapped at the airport.

[Prince Pavlo]

What that pain needs to have. Do that, my dear Grigoro, but I could take no chances. You know how difficult it has been for me to handle you in the past.

[Gregory Hood]

Let me ask you one simple question, Prince. Who the heck do you think I am?

[Prince Pavlo]

Who should I think you are? I, your old and trusted prime minister.

[Gregory Hood]

Prime minister?

[Prince Pavlo]

Who should you be but Gregory the 16th Hereditary King of Groznia.

[Gregory Hood]

Lieutenant Valdez, how many times do I have to tell you? My friend was kidnapped before my very eyes.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

But, Mr. Taylor, how can you expect me to take your story seriously? It's perfectly true, my dear Mr. Taylor. I am interested in matters of criminality. I know the activities in Mr. Gregory Hood. And I also have heard of his, shall I say, his extracurricular activity.

[Gregory Hood]

What do you mean, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Valdez]

He is notorious lady killer. I understand.

[Gregory Hood]

Well, what's that got to do with any?

[Lieutenant Valdez]

A great deal, I am sure. You have told me. He neglects his business to go off with a beautiful girl and then invents the absurdly thin story that he is being kidnapped. Should I concern myself or my men with your friend's love life, I insist.

[Gregory Hood]

That you try and locate him, Lieutenant. I'll appeal to the consulate.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

I doubt if Mr. Hood will thank you for your interference. Now, Mr. Taylor, I'm afraid I must say goodbye to you. I have serious work to attend to.

[Gregory Hood]

But, Prince Parasol, I tell you. My name is Gregory Hood. I'm an importer and I live in San Francisco.

[Prince Pavlo]

Ah, yes, Grego. We are used to your many ingenious disguises and alter egos. But the time has come when you can shirk your royal responsibilities no longer. Your life as a playboy must finish.

[Gregory Hood]

Oh, so I've been a playboy.

[Maria Kregg]

Hammer, you have left a trail of.

[Prince Pavlo]

Broken hearts from Paris to Buenos Aires. But this must seize, Gregor. It is an unfortunate necessity of politics that a monarchist party must offer the people a monarch. That, Gregoro, is why I've had you brought here.

[Gregory Hood]

But how did you find me? I mean, Grigorou. Only, of course you hadn't found him. What I mean is, what makes you think I am he?

[Prince Pavlo]

We knew you would come here to Mexico City for a very good reason. Anitra is in town. He's dancing at the Gato Azul. We know that for all your wanderings, you always return to her.

[Gregory Hood]

I can see that I might have certain tastes in common with myself. But, Count Firasul, this game's gone far enough. It's a case of mistaken identity. Let me call the American Consulate and prove to you who I am.

[Prince Pavlo]

No, Gregor. We dare not let you near a telephone as yet. Not until you have agreed entirely to our plan.

[Gregory Hood]

Oh, look here, this is crazy. You can't hold me here against my will.

[Prince Pavlo]

Oh, yes, we can, my dear boy. And if you have any notions of trying to escape, I might remind you that Maria will be guarding you. Come, let us discuss this in the morning. You'll have a clearer mind then, and see my reasons. And now I will show you to your room, Queen Helena. Your wife is waiting for you there.

[Gregory Hood]

My wife? You are comfortable in our hotel, Mr. Taylor? Yes, thanks. As comfortable as a man can be when his best friends disappeared.

[Maria Kregg]

Haven't been any messages, have there?

[Gregory Hood]

No, Mr. Taylor.

[Prince Pavlo]

You have reported his disappearance to the police?

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, and they won't take me seriously. Nor will the consulate. Ah.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

Excuse me. Hotel Sevresoria, San Francisco. Mr. Gregory Hood. Just a moment, please.

[Gregory Hood]

San Francisco is calling, Mr.

[Prince Pavlo]

Hood.

[Gregory Hood]

I'll take the call. You can take it in the booth over there. Very well. Sanderson Taylor speaking. Hello, Sandy. This is Richard Gump. Oh, hello, Dick. Is Greg there? Dick, he's been kidnapped by a girl. By a girl? Sandy, is that Mexican sun a little too hot for. I'm not kidding, Dick.

[Harry Bartel]

The girl had a revolver in his ribs.

[Gregory Hood]

I've been going absolutely frantic. Neither the police nor the consulate will take me seriously. Well, look, Sandy, the vice consul is a friend of mine. I'll call him as soon as I hang up. But in the meanwhile, I have news for you. I just got a tip that Severin Stackpool got wind that you and Greg left on that Grozny and Jade deal. He flew out on a chartered plane four hours ago. You must find Greg and tell him to close the deal as soon as it's humanly possible.

[Prince Pavlo]

And now Grigarou, I shall leave you and Queen Elena together. Such a handsome couple. How splendid the pair of you would look standing on a balcony with your cheering people below. You talk some sense to him, Yelena.

[Gregory Hood]

Well, Gregory, let's settle this down charade once and for all. You're supposed to be my wife. You should know whether I'm me or not.

[Maria Kregg]

I do not know what you mean, Grigor. All I know is that you are my husband and that I love you very much. Heaven help me.

[Gregory Hood]

Holy smoke. Not you, too. Now, look, darling, what's the game? Knowing me as well as you must?

[Maria Kregg]

Knowing as well as any stranger in your harem.

[Gregory Hood]

Oh, do they have harems in Groznia?

[Maria Kregg]

I have loved you, Gregory, even though my father arranged our marriage purely as a political move. I shall probably always love you. And you will undoubtedly never be under the same roof with me, save when protocol demands it. I should hate you, Gregory. Yet in my heart I find nothing but love and pity for us both. And now, will you kiss me good night, or is that asking too much?

[Gregory Hood]

No, Elena, I don't think that's asking too much. Good night.

[Maria Kregg]

Must it be good night, Gregory?

[Gregory Hood]

I'm afraid so, Elena. I. I have a busy time ahead of me.

[Maria Kregg]

Ah, then au revoir, my love.

[Gregory Hood]

Au revoir. This is becoming embarrassing.

[Harry Bartel]

I've got to get out of here.

[Gregory Hood]

What? The window's unlocked. Maybe I can. Oh, hello, Maria. I was afraid you might be out there.

[Maria Kregg]

There was a time when you were glad of my company. Take it over.

[Gregory Hood]

I don't doubt it, Maria, but on those occasions, I imagine you didn't tote a shiny automatic. I also doubt whether you perched yourself outside my windows. Won't you come in? I'm sure it's getting chilly out there. I want to talk to you.

[Maria Kregg]

Very well, but not Rick. What do you want from me?

[Gregory Hood]

Complete honesty. Count Ferrisul and Queen Elena went all emotional over me. You at least have played the thing straight.

[Maria Kregg]

Yes, Gregory, I think I've played my cards well.

[Gregory Hood]

Now, look, Maria, one thing we have to get straight right away. I'll swear on any convenient stack of Bibles that I am not King Grigorou xvi.

[Maria Kregg]

Of course I know that.

[Gregory Hood]

At last somebody's making sense.

[Maria Kregg]

Who should know better than I that you are not the king?

[Gregory Hood]

Oh, I'm delighted, Marty. But what makes you so positive?

[Maria Kregg]

For the most obvious reason, did I not help you murder him?

[Harry Bartel]

You'll hear the rest of Gregory Hood's story in just a second. Just time enough for me to say a good Word about a good white wine. Petri, California Sauterne. Petri Sauterne is a delicate wine, golden in color with a marvelous subtle flavor. One sip and you'll know that you've discovered the kind of wine you've long looked for. And wait till you sample that Petri Sauternes served with chicken. Ah, what a combination. And Petri Sauterne is not only great with chicken, but it's well with any kind of fish or seafood too. You just taste that Petri Sauterne and see what I mean. To be sure you get a good wine. Be sure you get Petri wine. Well, Greg, this is one of the screwiest stories I ever heard.

[Gregory Hood]

It sounds it, doesn't it Harry? Yet it's perfectly true.

[Harry Bartel]

It seems to me like a double case of mistaken identity.

[Gregory Hood]

That's the way it seemed to me at the time. I figured that Maria had had a boyfriend who was a double for the real king. They had murdered the king and placed me, that is the boyfriend, in his stead. Now they were deliberately letting me, I.e. him, be found by the monarchist party to go back to Groznia and Vrain.

[Harry Bartel]

As pretty a little mix up as ever I heard. How did you get out of it?

[Gregory Hood]

Well, as Maria made her remarkable statement, I had a sudden inspiration, Harry. I saw a way to play the impossible.

[Maria Kregg]

Of course I know you're not the real king. Did I not help you murder him?

[Gregory Hood]

You helped me to.

[Prince Pavlo]

Maria.

[Gregory Hood]

You may be right at that.

[Maria Kregg]

I may be. Whatever may have happened to your memory, I can assure you that I have not forgotten.

[Gregory Hood]

I can't understand myself. My mind, it's been confused lately. I can't seem to remember things properly. Do you suppose. Could I really be the man you think I am? Am I suffering from amnesia?

[Maria Kregg]

You poor darling. Of course. That explains why we've been acting so strangely.

[Gregory Hood]

That must be what's wrong. Maria, you have to help me regain my memory.

[Maria Kregg]

Of course. But what can I do?

[Gregory Hood]

I've often heard that a sudden shock can do the trick.

[Maria Kregg]

Perhaps if I fire this revolver and scream that you're trying to escape?

[Gregory Hood]

No, no darling, that's a little too violent. I feel that a more psychological treatment might be better. Tell me, Maria, I gather that my past has been a trifle sticky. Which of the women in my life are the closest to me?

[Maria Kregg]

That is not hard to answer. Anitra, the dancing girl.

[Gregory Hood]

Oh yes, yes. Prince Fit us all mentioned her and she's in Mexico City at the moment, I understand.

[Maria Kregg]

Yes, she's dancing at the Gato Azur. We know that you would not be able to keep away from her always. In whatever country you have been and with whatever women you have always come back to.

[Prince Pavlo]

Anitra.

[Gregory Hood]

She sounds sensational.

[Maria Kregg]

She's a devil. She knows that you killed the king, and yet she gave her heart to you before even his funeral had taken place.

[Gregory Hood]

I'm even more of a cad than I thought. But look, Maria, you want to help me get my memory back, don't you?

[Maria Kregg]

I will help you.

[Gregory Hood]

Well, you're my bodyguard now. You escort me to the Ghatasul and let me take a gander at Anitra. Maybe my memory will come back.

[Maria Kregg]

Perhaps I will, Grigorous. But I shall keep this revolver handy.

[Gregory Hood]

Okay, Maria. By the way, you still call me Grigorou. If we are supposed to have bumped off King Grigorou, how come I still have his name?

[Maria Kregg]

Because it was agreed you would adopt the name. Your real name, when you served the prison term in 1937, was Stefan Radnick.

[Gregory Hood]

Something new has been added. So I served a prison term, did I? Curiouser and curiouser. What was my crime?

[Maria Kregg]

Perhaps it will help your memory if I show you a copy of your police record. Gregory. I have a photostatic copy made from the file.

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, well, I. The photograph is an exact likeness. Hello. Hello. See these fingerprints on the record? Are these supposed to be mine?

[Maria Kregg]

But of course.

[Gregory Hood]

Then this, my sweetheart, is an occasion when you're in line for something of a shock. Now, here's my driving license. I want you to compare the two prints. I'm very much afraid you'll find there's a slight discrepancy.

[Maria Kregg]

No, Gregory, the prints are identical.

[Gregory Hood]

What? Let me see that. You must be quite mist. Holy smoke. They are the same.

[Maria Kregg]

Of course they are.

[Gregory Hood]

I'm beginning to wonder myself who I am. Well, there's only one way to clear this up, Maria, and that is you and your revolver must take me to see Anitra, my great love. Come on, darling, Stop glowering at me and let's go.

[Harry Bartel]

Lieutenant Valdez, this is the fourth time.

[Gregory Hood]

I've come to you tonight.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

And this time, Mr. Taylor, I must apologize. Perhaps I was unduly skeptical. The American Consulate have officially asked us to conduct a search for your friend.

[Gregory Hood]

Thank the Lord. Dick Gump could pull some strings. Well, let's go.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

But where, my friend?

[Gregory Hood]

I have no clues. But I can tell you one thing. If you were right in thinking that Mr. Hood was not being held captive, then I'd know where to look for him.

[Harry Bartel]

Where Mr. Taylor in the spot that.

[Gregory Hood]

Has the best food, the best wine and the most attractive dancer in Mexico City.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

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.

[Maria Kregg]

You like the Gato Aztool Kriegero.

[Gregory Hood]

Very shiny, very smooth, very nice. While we're waiting for Anitra to appear, could I interest you in a Roomba?

[Maria Kregg]

Not this time, Gregoro. You are too full of tricks. If we do not anti retain better control of my revolver.

[Gregory Hood]

A very conscientious escort, aren't you, darling? It's lucky I'm fairly scrupulous. My old father used to say that. Jumping Jehoshaphat.

[Maria Kregg]

What are you staring at?

[Gregory Hood]

Look who's sitting at the table across the floor. It's Sandy Taylor.

[Maria Kregg]

So it is your American friend from the airfield.

[Gregory Hood]

And from the cut of his companion, I'd venture the opinion that he's a minion of the law. Mario, my love, I'm afraid the honeymoon is over.

[Maria Kregg]

Sit down, Gregory.

[Gregory Hood]

I've got some overdue business to attend to.

[Maria Kregg]

The lighting here is discreet. Your friend has not seen you. If you leave this table, I shall fire.

[Gregory Hood]

Maria, give me that revolver.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

No.

[Maria Kregg]

Sit down, Gregory.

[Gregory Hood]

Give me that revolver, darling. Thank you.

[Maria Kregg]

I'm a weak fool. I could not do it. I could not shoot you even when they.

[Gregory Hood]

We'll talk about them later. Come with me, Mario. You're a good girl. And if what I think is true, you may not be too safe. Come on, we'll cut through here. Hi, Sandy. Gregory. Great Scott, man, I've been worried to death about you. I've been a little worried about myself too. Sandy, this is Lieutenant Valdez of the police.

[Maria Kregg]

Mr.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

Hood, I'm proud to meet you.

[Gregory Hood]

And I'm very relieved to meet you, Lieutenant. I need a little police protection.

[Maria Kregg]

Please introduce me greater.

[Gregory Hood]

There's no time for that, darling. Right now we're all going over to the talk to Count Pablo and see if we can buy some jade. Then we'll come back here and do a little celebrating. Well, Gregory, it's turned out all right. You closed the deal with Count Pavlo.

[Prince Pavlo]

And the jade is out.

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, but I only got it in the nick of time. You saw that large black lives in drive up to the Count's house as we left. That was Mr. Savon Stackpool. More champagne, Mario?

[Maria Kregg]

Thank you, Grigoro.

[Gregory Hood]

How about you, Lieutenant Valdez, since I.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

Am no longer on duty. Thank you, Mr.

[Prince Pavlo]

Hood.

[Gregory Hood]

Gregory, I've got a million questions to ask you. Yes, I thought you might be curious, Sandy.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

And I, Mr. Hood, as a humble member of the police force, am a little curious too. Here we are back again in the catul. And still I do not know what happened. Your friends tell me that this charming young lady kidnapped you. What am I to believe?

[Gregory Hood]

Officially, nothing, Lieutenant. I don't propose to prefer charges. But Gregory, this girl pulled a gun on you. I know, Sandy, but with so much charm. Maria, darling, how about an explanation? Oh, by the way, is your name really Maria?

[Maria Kregg]

Oh, yes. And I really am a grasp.

[Gregory Hood]

Who was at the back of this elaborate hunk of play acting tonight? Was it Severin Stackpool?

[Maria Kregg]

Yes, Severin Stackpool. Employers. He know that he have to prevent you seeing Count Pavlo until he arrived here and closed the deal. So he devised these plans.

[Gregory Hood]

But listen, Maria, I know Savron Stackpool. His mind isn't capable of dreaming up such a wild and woolly plot as this.

[Maria Kregg]

No, but his best friend here in Mexico City, Antonio Serendio, the crazy mystery writer. Antonio knows your weakness for peculiar plot and whim.

[Gregory Hood]

You're getting an international fame, Gregory. I know. Quite flattering. So Antonio dreamed up this crazy plot full of excitement and danger in girls, in the hopes that it'd keep me occupied until Stackpool got here and closed the jade deal, I suppose.

[Maria Kregg]

Yes. Queen Spherosol, Queen Yelena and I are all professional actors. We were paid handsomely to play our part.

[Gregory Hood]

Prince Ferasaw, Queen Elena.

[Maria Kregg]

What's this all about?

[Gregory Hood]

Greekaroo, Gregory. Characters in a fantastic plot. But you can tell Antonio that he overdid it. One double I might have swallowed. But when I was also supposed to be the double of the king's double, it was a little too much.

[Maria Kregg]

That is when you know it was a conspiracy.

[Gregory Hood]

Yes, darling, and the thumbprints were the clincher. It was mathematically impossible that any double could have my exact print. So it was clear that someone had framed the whole thing, had printed up that description, probably from my driving license, and wire photoed a photostatic copy. It was obvious that the whole affair was a pretext to get me out of the way. And who was the logical person? Sabrin Stack Pool. QED Well, I barely know what you're talking about, Gregory, but at least we've closed the deal. Yes, yes, and we have some prize treasures for the Gump collection. And some only moderately colossal stuff for my regular customers. Lieutenant Valdez, you're not asleep, are you? Just drowsy, Mr.

[Maria Kregg]

Hood.

[Lieutenant Valdez]

The music is good. The conversation makes no sense. And the champagne is excellent. Please continue to talk nonsense. It is so soothing.

[Gregory Hood]

A very sound point of view. How about you, Maria?

[Maria Kregg]

I'm worried about Severance Tackpool. He's a dangerous man. And when he knows that I have failed.

[Gregory Hood]

Very true, Mario. He isn't going to like you a bit, I'm afraid. I have a duty to you for the rest of my stay in Mexico City.

[Maria Kregg]

A duty to me? What is it?

[Gregory Hood]

From here in, Maria, our roles are reversed. From now on, I am your bodyguard, day and night. Oh, Grego.

[Harry Bartel]

Oh, Greg, I don't know how you do it. You know, your stories get better all the time, but you a king, Harry.

[Gregory Hood]

When you say that, don't smile, but I was beginning to like the idea.

[Harry Bartel]

Ah, Greg, I don't know. I just can't visualize you as a king.

[Gregory Hood]

Oh, I think I'd look quite dashing with a crown on my head and a queen by my side.

[Harry Bartel]

I'd look kind of dashing myself in that setup.

[Gregory Hood]

Maybe so, but as my old father would say, he who gets crowned is not always king.

[Harry Bartel]

Yeah, well, that's what your old father would say. But did I ever tell you what my old father said?

[Gregory Hood]

No. What did he say?

[Harry Bartel]

You can't go wrong with a Petri wine. Yeah, he said it and he was glad.

[Gregory Hood]

And right too.

[Harry Bartel]

You said it. Because Petri wine is always good wine. Why, it's got to be. Look at the long years of skill and experience that go into its making. The Petri family has been making wine for generations. Winemaking is their heritage. A heritage handed on down from father to son, from father to son. So you can take it for granted that the Petri family really knows how to turn luscious sun ripened grapes into clear, fragrant, delicious wine. You can take it for granted too, that the name Petri on a bottle of wine is more than a trademark. It's the assurance of the Petri family that every drop of wine in that bottle is good wine. You just can't go wrong with Petri wine because Petri took time to bring you good wine. Well, Greg, which story out of your casebook are you going to tell us next week?

[Gregory Hood]

Next week, Harry, I'm going to tell you of a strange adventure that Sandy and I had last fall when we flew up to Yosemite on a fishing trip. It concerns some brook trout that I cooked under the starlight. An uninvited guest and a sudden tragedy. See you next week, Harry.

[Harry Bartel]

The Case Book of Gregory Hood is written by Dennis Green and Anthony Anthony Boucher. Original music composed and played by Dean Fossler. Gil Gordon plays the part of Gregory Hood and Sanderson Taylor is played by Carl Harbor. The Factory Wine Company of San Francisco, California invite you to tune in again next week, same time, same station. The Casebook of Gregory Hood comes to you from our Hollywood studios. 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.

[Radio Advertiser]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, I like this episode. Not only doesn't anyone die in this episode, but it really turns out that something logical is happening. And that is such a nice feature I think, because when I first listened to it I was expecting something really convoluted and it was just a simple yet eloquent solution and I really appreciated it. Alright, well I do want to remind you to encourage you to support our listener support [e-mail] among the available thank you gifts we have are some of the great movies that we show the radio version over at on the War, which is a very interesting podcast. If you want to learn about World War II and get a feel for those times, just go to the war.greatdetectives.net but several of those movies, including Casablanca, My Favorite Blonde and others are available and Casablancas with a donation of $50 or more. Some are a little more than that, just depending on the price to purchase. But you can take a look at all the available movies we have. Support.greatdetactives.net alright, well that will do it for today. We will be back tomorrow as we continue on with the Kraensberg matter. And join us back next Tuesday for another Case in the Case Book of Gregory Hood. In the meantime, send your comments to Box 13@Great Detectives.net follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com radiodetactives from Boise, Idaho this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.