Charlie Chan: A New Clue/The Double Murder Weapon (EP4714)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Episode Summary: "Charlie Chan: A New Clue/The Double Murder Weapon" (EP4714) Release Date: May 27, 2025

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Overview

In episode EP4714 of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," host Adam Graham delves into the intricate mystery surrounding the murders of Ellen Landini and Dr. Swann. Featuring the legendary detective Charlie Chan, this episode masterfully weaves suspense, character development, and classic detective work characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio. Through engaging dialogue and clever plot twists, listeners are invited to unravel the layers of deceit and motive alongside Chan and Sheriff Sam Holt.

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Episode Plot Summary

Setting the Scene

The episode opens at Pine View, where Sheriff Sam Holt discusses the perplexing murders of Ellen Landini and Dr. Swann with Leslie Beaton, a key witness and Landini's secretary. They grapple with the lack of concrete evidence and multiple potential motives among the household members.

Introducing Key Characters

• Charlie Chan: The astute detective from Honolulu, known for his sharp intellect and unorthodox methods.
• Sheriff Sam Holt: A dedicated lawman striving to maintain order in the absence of Chan.
• Leslie Beaton: Landini's secretary, whose insights become pivotal to the investigation.
• John Ryder: Landini's ex-husband, whose actions and alibis come under scrutiny.
• Louis Romano: Another ex-husband and the potential heir to Landini's estate.

Unraveling the Mystery

As the investigation progresses, Charlie Chan and Sheriff Holt interview Leslie Beaton, uncovering hidden aspects of Landini's personal life:

• Blackmail Revelation: At [10:52], Leslie reveals, “Madame Hatterstone. A lovely boy. Dudley she called him. He would have been 18 next January if... he was killed in an automobile accident three years ago.” This revelation uncovers that Landini had been paying Dr. Swann for his silence regarding her son’s existence, adding layers to the motive behind the murders.

• Bullet Confusion: At [14:17], Sam Holt informs Chan, “It was not fired from Landini's gun at all. It was fired from the same gun as was used to kill Dr. Swan.” This crucial piece of evidence suggests a connection between the two murders, complicating the case further.

• Motive and Opportunity: The discussion reveals that all four ex-husbands (Ryder, Swann, Ward, and Romano) had motives to harm Landini. However, Chan emphasizes the importance of combining motive, opportunity, and direct evidence to pinpoint the murderer.

Climactic Developments

In a pivotal moment at [24:56], Leslie discloses, “He was killed in an automobile accident three years ago,” unraveling the mystery behind the blackmail payments and raising questions about Landini’s true intentions and the real motive behind her murders.

Ongoing Investigation

As the episode concludes, Chan reflects on the newfound information, stating at [26:21], “Indeed, yes, Mr. Welch. I am thinking of people who have irresistible desire for things not owned by them.” The case remains unsolved, setting the stage for future episodes to explore these revelations further.

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Host Commentary

After the dramatic conclusion of the radio play, Adam Graham offers insightful analysis and personal reflections:

• Emotional Impact: At [27:50], Adam remarks, “What a heartbreaking revelation for Dudley Ward. Classic mystery novels from this era rarely have characters whose situations you emotionally empathize with, but that one just hits like a ton of bricks.”

• Plot Consistency and Adaptation Choices: He questions the plausibility of Landini’s continued blackmail after her son’s death, stating, “Why are you spending $3,000 a year on blackmail payments? My instinct is that it's not to hide the death of her son. Either the son is alive somehow, or there's some other reason for the blackmail.”

• Adaptation Differences: Adam highlights changes from the original novel, such as modifying character roles and interactions to better fit the radio format. For instance, he notes the addition of a deputy to streamline the cast and enhance romantic subplots: “Adding in a deputy adds in another extra character when you already have enough characters.”

• Engagement with Literature: He acknowledges the use of the novel’s dialogue in the radio play, enhancing authenticity: “There is a lot of dialogue that is taken verbatim from the novel and put into the radio play.”

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Listener Feedback and Community Engagement

Adam Graham shares and responds to listener comments, fostering a sense of community:

• Positive Reception: Listener Brains Benton expresses appreciation, “Thanks for the synopsis of the missing episode book plot. Must admit that this has not been a favorite series so far, but appreciate you reintroducing Charlie Chan to me. I didn't realize how popular he was and for so many years. Thanks so much. I hope you enjoy the series more as it goes along.”

• Online Discussions: Comments from platforms like YouTube reflect nostalgia and enthusiasm, such as Ranzer's, “Great to hear Charlie Chan back on the radio, except it's the 21st century Internet,” and another listener’s “Love Charlie Chan stories. Thank you.”

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Supporting the Podcast

Adam takes a moment to acknowledge and thank Patreon supporters, emphasizing the community's role in sustaining the podcast:

• Patreon Appreciation: “I want to go ahead and thank you, Kevin. Kevin's been one of our Patreon supporters since October 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the Showmas level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support.”

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Closing Remarks

Adam Graham wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to stay connected and tune in for future installments:

• Future Episodes: “We'll be back next Tuesday with another installment of the Landini murder case, but join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat...”

• Call to Action: He encourages listeners to follow the podcast on various platforms, engage with content on YouTube, and support through Patreon to continue enjoying and contributing to the series.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Leslie Beaton on Landini’s Son:
  [10:56] “Madame Hatterstone. A lovely boy. Dudley she called him. He would have been 18 next January if... he was killed in an automobile accident three years ago.”

• Charlie Chan on Detective Work:
  [26:21] “Indeed, yes, Mr. Welch. I am thinking of people who have irresistible desire for things not owned by them.”

• Adam Graham on Blackmail Motive:
  [27:50] “Why are you spending $3,000 a year on blackmail payments? My instinct is that it's not to hide the death of her son.”

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Conclusion

Episode EP4714 of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" offers a compelling blend of classic detective storytelling and modern narrative analysis. Through Charlie Chan's nuanced investigation and Adam Graham's engaging commentary, listeners are treated to a rich auditory experience that honors the legacy of old-time radio dramas while inviting contemporary audiences to delve deeper into timeless mysteries.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options, and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com Sam welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to get into this week's episode of Charlie Chan. But first, I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I also want to tell you about our new season of the Amazing World of Radio. Starting tomorrow, please check it out. We will be bringing you the Summer of Albert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island, A strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, kidnapped, and so much more. We'll be covering Radio Adaptations of 11 Robert Louis Stevenson short stories and novels over the next 13 weeks. Check that out at amazing.greatdetectives.net and check out all of our podcasts at the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio website. Well, now it is time for chapters 19 and 20. A new clue and the double murder weapon.

[Sam Holt]

The most delightfully fascinating character in the realms of mystery, Charlie Chan.

[Adam Graham]

Sam.

[Sam Holt]

In his efforts to trace the murderer of Ellen Landini and Dr. Swann, Charlie Chan, the Honolulu detective, finds himself facing a problem of no mean proportions. Motives include every guest in the house. Clues are intangible, that is, accepting one clue. The revolver used by the murderer to kill Swan that Charlie Chan has found. It is morning at Pine View, and as Sheriff Holt comes down the stairs to the living room, he comes face to face with pretty Leslie Beaton.

[Leslie Beaton]

Oh, good morning, chair.

[Sam Holt]

Good morning, Ms. Beaton. Well, we had one night of undisturbed rest.

[Leslie Beaton]

Yes. Although you and Inspector Chan were abroad early.

[Sam Holt]

Yes. The inspector's gone off to Reno with Mr. Ward. Dad's going to meet them there.

[Leslie Beaton]

And you were left behind as guardian of law and order?

[Sam Holt]

Not so much. That is. Well, after Swan's death, we neither Chan nor myself believe that Pine View should be left completely unguarded.

[Leslie Beaton]

Then you don't think at our fears? Mr. Romano's, my brother's and mine are entirely unfounded. I mean, there is the possibility that. That something might happen to us.

[Sam Holt]

I don't know what to say about that. The whole thing is, well, more than mysterious. So far, we haven't yet found a definite clue pointing toward anyone in particular. And the people here, mano Swan Ryder, yourself and your brother all have motive enough as far as police are concerned. But to find motive, opportunity and direct evidence all combined in any one person, well, there just isn't any such combination. Hello, Sheriff. Did you see Ward before he left? Yes, I did, Mr. Ryder. I wondered if you remembered to take Ah Singh's glasses to the optician's to be fixed. I believe he did say something about that. By the way, I didn't know that AH Singh wore glasses. He hasn't recently broke them. About a month ago, Dudley said. And, well, you know AH Singh, he wouldn't think of getting them fixed himself. No, I suppose not. By the way, if it isn't asking questions not to be answered by the law, what does Chan expect to find in Reno? Well, that's hard to say, Mr. Ryder. A detective never passes up any opportunity of learning something. They've gone to Reno to question Landini's secretary. Ms. Meecher won't learn anything from her. He's as close mouthed as a clam. Yes, I've noticed though that Mr. Chan invariably does find out what he wants to know. Well, it doesn't seem to be getting him any nearer a solution in this case. I think Mr. Tanner's found out a great deal more than you think, Mr. Ryder. Yes. Then why doesn't he do something about it? Make an arrest? Making an arrest, Mr. Ryder, is nothing but a technical move. Obtaining the evidence that will lead to a conviction is a real job. Plenty of detectives have known before who the murderer was in a case like this. But making an arrest without evidence to convict is, well, silly, that's all. You think that Chan does know who the murderer is? I didn't say that, Mr. Ryder. But Mr. Chan and I know that besides the murderer, three people were alive. Sooner or later, one, if not all of these people will trip themselves up. And when they do, the net will close and close fast. Well, I wish you luck. The net can't close in too fast for me. Well, if you want me for any more questioning, I'll be down on the lakefront. If I need you, I'll find you, Mr. Ryder.

[Leslie Beaton]

Disagreeable, isn't he, Sheriff?

[Sam Holt]

In some ways. Sarcastic. I'll bet he's a good engineer. And a pretty good fellow underneath.

[Leslie Beaton]

Then I take it, Sheriff, but you don't think Mr. Ryder is guilty?

[Sam Holt]

I'm a poor sheriff. I go on the belief that everybody's a good fellow till I find them different.

[Leslie Beaton]

Well, I think you're a good sheriff.

[Sam Holt]

Oh, you do?

[Leslie Beaton]

Yes. Don't Ask me why. I just do, that's all.

[Sam Holt]

Well, I've sure learned a lot from Mr. Chan. I wouldn't have known where to start with this murder case. Doggone it. Think of the situation. Four men. Rider, Swann, Ward and Romano. All ex husbands of Landini, all hating her. Then your brother, heir to her fortune, Ireland her pilot. Jealous of the Dickens of your brother. Cecile jealous of Landini because of Ireland Nassing mad at Landini about her not telling Dudley Ward about his son.

[Leslie Beaton]

I really don't see how you make anything of it.

[Sam Holt]

Oh, well, let's forget this murder mysteries for a while and take a walk. There's a place up on top of the hill there I want you to see.

[Leslie Beaton]

Wait till I change my shoes and I'll be with you right away.

[Sam Holt]

Meanwhile, over in Reno, Inspector Chan and Mr. Ward get out of Ward's car and cross the street to the hotel where Sam Holt, the sheriff's father, stands waiting them.

[Charlie Chan]

I perceive Mr. Sam Holt waiting.

[Sam Holt]

With all the patience.

[Charlie Chan]

Those who live in perpetual darkness must of necessity possess.

[Sam Holt]

Yes, I feel so sorry for old Sam.

[Charlie Chan]

Greetings, Mr. Holt. I hope we have not kept you waiting.

[Sam Holt]

Nary a bit, Mr. Chan. We got here a few minutes ago. Cass Shannon, Don's deputy, drove me over.

[Charlie Chan]

Have you inquired is Ms. Meecher in hotel?

[Sam Holt]

Yes. Cash. Ask at the desk.

[Charlie Chan]

Then we will go directly to her room. I note several gentlemen whose appearance leads me to believe they are members of Portis State. I would avoid their questioning until such time as we have more plentiful information to impart to the press.

[Sam Holt]

Well, it's number 29, so I guess we don't have far to go. Somehow, Mr. Chan, now that we're here, I'm almost dreading this interview. By the way, Mr. Chan, I did what you asked me to about the gun. I left word for them to call me here.

[Charlie Chan]

Splendid, Mr. Holt. Oh, I perceive this is number 29.

[Leslie Beaton]

Oh, it's you, Mr. Ward.

[Sam Holt]

Yes, Miss Meecher. And this is Mr. Holt and Mr. Chan from Honolulu.

[Leslie Beaton]

I'm glad indeed to meet you both.

[Charlie Chan]

Ms. Meecher, I note from papers spread on desk that you are busy. I shall be brief as possible. How long have you been secretary to Madame Landini?

[Leslie Beaton]

Over seven years.

[Charlie Chan]

Have you ever heard at any time Madame Landini say anything that might lead you to believe that she considered her life in danger?

[Leslie Beaton]

Never. Of course, she carried a revolver. But that was because of possible robbery. I'm sure she was not afraid. She had no reason to be.

[Sam Holt]

I'm sorry I don't want to interfere with Mr. Chand's questioning, but I must know. I can't wait. I have heard it rumoured that my wife, my former wife, had a son. My son, about whom she never told me. Do you. Oh, you can understand my feelings. I. I want you to tell me, was there any truth in this rumor?

[Leslie Beaton]

I. I'm sorry, I don't know. Madam never mentioned the matter to me.

[Charlie Chan]

There was no correspondence. It might have led you to suppose any such condition to exist.

[Leslie Beaton]

None, Chad.

[Charlie Chan]

There are three, or rather four men I should like to question you regarding John Ryder, Madam's second husband. I know she never corresponded with him.

[Leslie Beaton]

I don't imagine she thought of him any more.

[Charlie Chan]

Have you the slightest idea why she separated from him?

[Leslie Beaton]

Well, I can give you a notion. Madam has had scrapbooks of news clippings from all over the world. I ran across this one the day before yesterday. Yes. Yes, this is it.

[Charlie Chan]

Ellen Landini Snowdin, recently divorced singer, in a cabin up in the ravine. Ellen Landini, formerly the wife of Dudley Ward, California millionaire, but who was recently married to John Ryder, is snowed in for the winter at Calico Mine.

[Sam Holt]

Yeah, yeah, I remember that. Snow was 25 foot deep that year. Remember John saying they burn candles all day?

[Charlie Chan]

It has aspects of romantic situation rather than grounds for divorce.

[Leslie Beaton]

That's exactly what I said to Madam when I read it. Oh, I. I was somewhat younger then. Madam burst into laughter. Romantic, she cried. Romantic. To be shut up in one room for eternity with the most colossal bore since the world began. A sullen egoist with the conversational powers of a mummy. In a week, I loathed him. In another, I despised him. In a month, I could have killed him and he me.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, yes, quite. Now to proceed. And in course of proceeding, we arrive at Mr. Louis Romana.

[Leslie Beaton]

Oh, Mano. Haven't seen him in months. You mean to say that he's in the neighborhood?

[Charlie Chan]

He was guessed that Mr. Ward's the night Madam was murdered. What, if you please, was her attitude toward him?

[Leslie Beaton]

Oh, she tolerated him, a harmless idiot. Why she married him, I don't know. I don't think Madam did either. She soon sent him on his way.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, after making some sort of settlement. Tell me, did she ever make that new will leaving her estate to Mr. Beaton?

[Leslie Beaton]

She did, but it was never signed.

[Charlie Chan]

Then Louis Romano inherits her estate?

[Leslie Beaton]

I'm afraid he does.

[Charlie Chan]

Do you think he knew?

[Leslie Beaton]

If he didn't, it wasn't his fault. He kept writing, trying to find out. He wrote me privately I did not tell, but he may have written her lawyers in New York. No, I'm certain, Mr. Chan, that Louis Romano knew he was her heir.

[Charlie Chan]

Indeed, it seems to be very much that way.

[Leslie Beaton]

Yes? Oh, Mr. Sam Holt. One minute, please.

[Sam Holt]

Hello? Yes. Yes. What? Yeah. Does Kinder. Yeah. Thank you. What is it, Sam? Mr. Chan, that was the Bureau of Investigation at San Francisco.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes. About the bullet which killed Madame Landini.

[Sam Holt]

Yes? It was not fired from Landini's gun at all. It was fired from the same gun as was used to kill Dr. Swan. Back at Pine View, John Ryder, also an ex husband of Landini, walks into the living room where Leslie Beaton, Sheriff Holt and Romano are discussing the case. Sheriff, it doesn't seem to have struck either Chan or you that some outsider may have come in and killed Landini.

[Leslie Beaton]

You mean a passing Chan, a burglar, someone like that, Mr. Rider?

[Sam Holt]

Yes. Happened before, you know. Suppose for a minute that happened, Mr. Ryder. How did the murderer get away? What do you mean, get away? Get away as easily as he got in. Everybody was watching for the landing of a plane. Pardon me, Mr. Ryder, you yourself admitted seeing Swann and Romano leave the study. Cecile was on the back stairs. So the murderer couldn't have left that way without being seen. But a sheriff, not one single person was near the front door.

[Charlie Chan]

The murderer could have come in and.

[Sam Holt]

Left by that door.

[Leslie Beaton]

But to do that, Mr. Romano, the murderer would have to pass the room either way. And I saw all the others. I would have seen the murderer too.

[Sam Holt]

But it is possible, nevertheless, that your attention might have been directed elsewhere at that moment, Ms. Beaton.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, yes, that is true, Mr. Ryder.

[Sam Holt]

But steel. To reach the front door, the murderer would have to pass Mr. Ward, Mr.

[Charlie Chan]

Ireland and Mr. Beaton as they came.

[Sam Holt]

Up the main stairs.

[Charlie Chan]

Not very much afraid.

[Sam Holt]

My own suggestion is not what you say in America such a hot one. Well, we don't seem to be of much assistance with the local gendarmes in this case. Let's take a walk down to the lakefront, Romano. Walk then, Signor Rider, be serious. Walk on such a ground as these. Wet, cold. Is it to catch the call that you would deliberately go out? Oh, all right. Let's go to the billiard room. Give me 25.

[Charlie Chan]

And that's your $1 up.

[Sam Holt]

Ah, that is the parental the game or the chance or the gamble.

[Charlie Chan]

I will what you call it?

[Sam Holt]

Chocolate pew with you. But walking is a weather.

[Charlie Chan]

No, no, senor.

[Sam Holt]

It is unthinkable. This is your first real stay in the country, isn't it, Ms. Beaton?

[Leslie Beaton]

Yes, it is. Yes. Longer than I expected to.

[Sam Holt]

Yes. You find it kind of slow here, don't you?

[Leslie Beaton]

Well, not exactly. I'm not accustomed to being involved in murder, mislead.

[Sam Holt]

But I mean, quiet of the country itself. No shows, no excitement. This is dead after city life.

[Leslie Beaton]

But the beauty of the scenery more than made up with a lack of shows and whatever other disadvantages you might think of.

[Sam Holt]

Yeah, it is pretty. I don't think I could live in the city. I imagine anybody from the city would.

[Charlie Chan]

Find it too difficult to.

[Sam Holt]

Well, get used to.

[Leslie Beaton]

A lot of people I know would gladly give up the city to the country if they could make a living. I have to go back to the city and have no idea how I'd rather.

[Sam Holt]

But you don't have to, you know.

[Leslie Beaton]

I have my living to me.

[Sam Holt]

But. But little brother Hughie will have to.

[Leslie Beaton]

Make a whole lot more in the future than he has in the past before I can rely on him.

[Sam Holt]

But he's heir to Landini's estate. You forget that.

[Leslie Beaton]

I don't forget it. And I wouldn't touch a penny of her money. I don't think you will either.

[Sam Holt]

Oh, Grarnet, I'm glad to hear you say that. There's no real reason why you shouldn't, of course, but I'm glad just the same. Leslie. You don't care if I told you, Leslie?

[Leslie Beaton]

Certainly not. I. I rather like it.

[Sam Holt]

You don't have to call me sheriff.

[Leslie Beaton]

Very well.

[Sam Holt]

That's very. Feels more friendly. Like folks in the country. Mostly call one another by their first name.

[Leslie Beaton]

Is that the only reason you want to call me?

[Sam Holt]

No, of course not. I. Well, I. I like you. I have liked you from the very first moment I saw you sitting there in that living room, scared to death.

[Leslie Beaton]

And you were smoking. It helped a lot to me.

[Charlie Chan]

Sheriff.

[Sam Holt]

Mr. Holter? Yes, what is it? For you. I'll be right there. Come on, Leslie. We'll see who it is and what he wants. Meanwhile, over in Reno, at Ms. Meecher's hotel room, Charlie Chan Ward. Sam Holt and Ms. Meecher look at one another, amazed, as Sam Holt repeats the information he has received. There can't be no mistake about it. The deputy at San Francisco had the bullet removed from Mandini's body. Was fired by the same gun as was used to kill Swann. But that neither one bullet nor t' other came from Landini's gun. That's nonsensical. Impossible. Well, As I told Mr. Chan before, I ain't got Much use for science. But somehow that kind of fits in with what I expected.

[Charlie Chan]

Quite so, Mr. Holt. Now that first shock imparted information is passed. Facts take on more reasonable placement in steam, Singh.

[Sam Holt]

But the idea is fantastic. Why, we all of us, yourself included, Mr. Cham, thought that Van Dee had been killed by her own gun.

[Charlie Chan]

By so, Mr. Ward. Only goes to prove that detectives should be most careful about jumping to conclusions. No matter how reasonable said conclusions appear to be. More of this later. Presently confine attention to Ms. Meecher, whom we are depriving of most valuable time.

[Leslie Beaton]

I'm glad to be of assistance, Mr. Chair.

[Charlie Chan]

Passing from Mr. Rose Manno, who you feel assured knew that he was still heir to Landini estate to come to Mr. Ireland.

[Leslie Beaton]

I'm afraid I cannot tell you much about Mr. Ireland.

[Charlie Chan]

But you have seen him?

[Leslie Beaton]

Yes. Met him several times.

[Charlie Chan]

You knew, of course, that he was Swann's chauffeur when he was. That is, when Swan was married to Landini. And that Swan accused him of making love to his wife behind his back.

[Sam Holt]

It ain't very often that they make love to a fellow's wife afore his eyes, Mr. Last.

[Charlie Chan]

No, Mr. Holt. Plum blossom, which because it is raised behind high wall, always seems more beautiful. Is stolen when master is absent and marks the trade. This island, Ms. Blecher. He was in love with Landini?

[Leslie Beaton]

No. I believe there was some sort of love affair between them. It was before my time. Since she came here, she's enjoyed riding about, mislaid. But it was all over, at least on her side. I'm sure of that.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Like a turbulent sleeve. Unhampered and unpamed, we swept on in new pack. But Ms. Meecher, was it all over on his Mr. Ironside?

[Leslie Beaton]

Eliza, I suppose I must tell everything. I did overhear him making love to her one evening, but she only laughed at it.

[Charlie Chan]

Oh, she laughed at him?

[Leslie Beaton]

Yes. Told him to stick to his wife, Cecile. She reminded him that when first she saw him, he had just returned from the war and was in uniform. It was a uniform, Michael. I heard her say I fell in love with every man who wore one.

[Charlie Chan]

He was flyer?

[Leslie Beaton]

I do not think so. I believe he was an infantry regiment.

[Charlie Chan]

Oh, war service. Steady hand, a clear eye, good shot. Ah, but we will consider that phase later. Now to proceed to our next gentleman, Dr. Fuan. So I've gathered. Madame had no dealings with him since the divorce.

[Leslie Beaton]

Oh, but she has.

[Charlie Chan]

Since you have come to Reno. He has visited, madam.

[Leslie Beaton]

Most definite.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, he lied to us about that Then that is not surprising. One cannot disregard the dragon's fiery breath. Even though he speak honeyed words. His visits, of course, must meet. You were necessary if he were to follow his trade.

[Leslie Beaton]

You mean his profession as a doctor?

[Charlie Chan]

La. No, I mean his nefarious trade as a blackmailer.

[Leslie Beaton]

Who told you that matter?

[Charlie Chan]

We know it, do we not, Mr. Holt?

[Sam Holt]

Ay, Ms. Meecher. We know about Dr. Swann. Need not worry any more. We might as well tell her.

[Charlie Chan]

Mr. Chan. Yes, Mr. Holt. It will be only fair. Miss Meecher doubtless has wondered whether or not Swann would turn his attentions to her. Now that Landini is beyond his avaricious advantages.

[Sam Holt]

You see, Ms. Meecher, Swann was murdered.

[Leslie Beaton]

Dr. Swann dead.

[Sam Holt]

Yes.

[Leslie Beaton]

Well, I'll be forgiven, I hope, but I'm not sorry.

[Charlie Chan]

Now, we know that Madden paid Swan $250 a month as the price of his silence. For what, Miss Meecher?

[Leslie Beaton]

I really don't know.

[Charlie Chan]

So sorry to be placed in the embarrassing position of contradicting a lady. But you do know.

[Leslie Beaton]

Oh, really, Mr. Chan. If I knew.

[Charlie Chan]

Ms. Meecher, you know that Madame Landini paid Swann that money. Because somehow Swann had become aware of the birth of her child. She paid it because Swann threatened that if she did not. He would impart the information to Mr. Dudley Ward, the child's father. Come, my dear Miss Nature. This is not the time for double dealing. I want it too.

[Sam Holt]

And I want it too. I must know. Can't you see?

[Leslie Beaton]

I'm sorry. When you first came in, I wasn't sure I wanted time to think. I have. It really doesn't matter now. Suppose you may as well know. Yes, Madame Hatterstone. A lovely boy. Dudley she called him. He would have been 18 next January if. If?

[Sam Holt]

If what, Miss Mitchy?

[Leslie Beaton]

If he had lived. He was killed in an automobile accident three years ago. Why, I'm so sorry, Mr. Wall.

[Sam Holt]

He and I. I. So from this unexpected source. Comes the answer to the problem Charlie Chan had originally come to Pine View to solve. There still remains, however, the question of who killed Dandini and Dr. Swan. And just how much this latest discovery will advance. The solution of that mystery remains to be seen. When you have heard your sponsor's message, Inspector Chan will be with us again. Well, Inspector Chan, you have something for us this evening?

[Charlie Chan]

Indeed, yes, Mr. Welch. I am thinking of people who have irresistible desire for things not owned by them.

[Sam Holt]

Yes, Mr. Chan.

[Charlie Chan]

Honorable Mandarin once said, if you would try man's honesty. Send him first to buy vegetables in marketplace or he who takes that which is valueless cannot be trusted with key to treasure vault. But he who is honest in little things will prove a good guardian of his master's honor.

[Sam Holt]

Thank you, Mr. Chan, and good night. You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options, and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. What a heartbreaking revelation for Dudley Ward. Classic mystery novels from this era rarely have characters whose situations you emotionally empathize with, but that one just hits like a ton of bricks. That said, I'm not 100% sure that I believe it's true. So let me get this straight. Landini continued to pay blackmail to Dr. Swan to keep the existence of her son a secret after the son had died. Why? I think the reason she would have hid it in the first place is out of spite, obviously. But what's the point after the kid is dead and buried? If Dr. Swan told Ward, then Ward would get to know that he had a son who lived and had a childhood, and he never, ever got to meet him. I mean, that would just be twisting the knife in deeper. The only argument that you could make is she might have thought better of trying to hurt Ward with the death of their son. But I can't imagine her spending 250amonth, $3,000 a year, which was a very large sum in 1932, on blackmail payments just to preserve Dudley Ward's feelings. It doesn't strike me as her nature, particularly when you take in a fact which I think was in the book, but not mentioned so far, is the reason why Landini wasn't making her settlement payments to Romano. She was not poor, but she had a cash flow problem. Her money was tied up in real estate. So again, you have liquidity issues. Why are you spending $3,000 a year on blackmail payments? My instinct is that it's not to hide the death of her son. Either the son is alive somehow, or there's some other reason for the blackmail. At least that's my instinct. Now, I should say, in the interest of full disclosure, I've not finished reading the novel. I made a conscious decision to do that, nor have I listened to the end of this serial. So I could be totally off base. Or the author, Earl Durbigers, might just have written a plot that was nonsensical and falls apart when you think about it. But I am only looking at the novel as in small bits as we come to pieces that are covered. Most of this occurred in chapter eight of the last two episodes and once again there is a lot of dialogue that is taken verbatim from the novel and put into the radio play. There was one detail left out and one change that I'll talk about. I'm not gonna go through everything because might be covered in a future episode. In the novel before they left, Romano actually asked Chan to find out if the will had been changed in Hugh Beaton's favor. Now of course it is possible that was a blind nevertheless, in the novel they were far less certain that Romano knew that he was still the heir to the estate. The other big difference is that in the novel Don did go ahead and go to Reno. He did not stand around and just make time with Ms. Beaton. He left a sheriff's deputy in charge of the estate. I do think the change is justified. In the novel it feels like he was kind of a third wheel at best. He's able to point out that he's the sheriff on the other side of the state border, which doesn't mean anything in Nevada. He has no official jurisdiction and is relying totally on the cooperation of local law enforcement, and his dad could probably obtain that just as easily given that he had served as a sheriff for a long time. And while his dad couldn't be sheriff due to his loss of sight, this was not a duty that required one BE in order to fulfill it. So there wasn't a whole lot of reason for dawn to be there. Didn't do a whole lot. And adding in a deputy adds in another extra character when you already have enough characters. And I suspect there's some doubling and tripling up going on with the cast and they viewed it more, I guess, as an opportunity to develop the romantic subplots. So it's an interesting adaptation decision, but I think totally justifiable listener comments and feedback now and we start on Instagram where Brains Benton writes Thanks for the synopsis of the missing episode book plot. Must admit that this has not been a favorite series so far, but appreciate you reintroducing Charlie Chan to me. I didn't realize how popular he was and for so many years. Thanks so much. I hope you enjoy the series more as it goes along. And then we also have a couple of comments on YouTube. Ranzer writes, Great to hear Charlie Chan back on the radio, except it's the 21st century Internet and another listener writes, Love Charlie Chan stories. Thank you. Well, thank you so much. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day, and I want to go ahead and thank you, Kevin. Kevin's been one of our patreon supporters since October 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the Showmas level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. We'll be back next Tuesday with another installment of the Landini murder case, but join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's.

[Sam Holt]

My Beat, where the old man said that Ms. Lilla.

[Charlie Chan]

Joseph. That day he died the next morning from that, his voice said to me.

[Sam Holt]

Joseph, you see that Ms. Lilla is all right.

[Charlie Chan]

When did my father tell you that?

[Sam Holt]

The morning after he died.

[Charlie Chan]

Your daddy still talks to me the.

[Sam Holt]

Way he always did.

[Charlie Chan]

I'm glad things like that happen to Joseph.

[Leslie Beaton]

Mr. Clover.

[Charlie Chan]

Once.

[Sam Holt]

Well, no. Tell me about it.

[Charlie Chan]

I once chartered a plane to take some people down to Baltimore. Last year's picnic. Joseph said, don't go. A voice came to him while he was sleeping and said, Tell Ms. Lilla not to go. But I went. Plane crashed. I was the only one who came out of it alive. Even to that. Here, feel my knee, Danny. Well, go ahead. You'll see. The doctor said I'd be a cripple for life.

[Sam Holt]

Dr. Fulbright?

[Charlie Chan]

Oh, you know him?

[Sam Holt]

We just met.

[Charlie Chan]

Don't go back to him, Danny. I think he's incompetent.

[Sam Holt]

But he diagnosed your father's sickness as heart disease.

[Charlie Chan]

I know. I suppose I'm being malicious. Of course Daddy had trouble with his heart. Of course Dr. Fulbright is competent.

[Sam Holt]

What about the radio in your father's room?

[Charlie Chan]

What did you say, Danny?

[Sam Holt]

The radio. Your father wasn't supposed to have a radio in his room. He did.

[Charlie Chan]

On the day he died, he did now.

[Leslie Beaton]

I don't understand either.

[Charlie Chan]

Why are you here? Why is a policeman asking me questions about Daddy?

[Sam Holt]

Call it routine. Don't talk to him, Ms. Lily.

[Charlie Chan]

Joseph, I got a feeling about it. I say don't talk to him. Daniel. Danny, I'm sorry. I've got to go now. You'd better talk to my brother. He's around someplace. Try the house. I just can't talk.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13greatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.