Charlie Chan: A New Corpse/Fear in the Night (EP4696)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode: Charlie Chan: A New Corpse/Fear in the Night (EP4696)
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

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Introduction

In episode EP4696 of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into the intriguing world of Charlie Chan, a celebrated detective from the Golden Age of Radio. This episode, titled "A New Corpse/Fear in the Night," continues the suspenseful narrative adapted from Earl Derr Biggers' novel, "The Keeper of the Keys." As the fifteenth season progresses, Graham provides insightful commentary, bridging the gap between the original literature and its radio adaptation, enhancing the listener's understanding of the unfolding mystery.

Host’s Preparatory Commentary

Before immersing listeners into the episode, Adam Graham addresses a significant oversight in the radio serial adaptation. Recognizing that the initial episodes abruptly plunged audiences into the middle of the story, Graham acknowledges the confusion this may have caused. He shares his realization that the radio series, unlike the novel, lacks the foundational background necessary for a seamless narrative flow.

Adam Graham [01:28]: "I really threw listeners in at the deep end on this series.... I missed a key point in my research."

To rectify this, Graham recounts purchasing "The Keeper of the Keys" to provide a concise summary of events leading up to the pivotal murder, ensuring new and returning listeners can follow the complex plot without feeling disoriented.

Synopsis of the Episode

The episode opens with Charlie Chan receiving an invitation to Pineview, California, from Dudley Ward, a wealthy man with a vested interest in Charlie's detective prowess. The invitation leads Charlie to an unusual dinner party comprising Ellen Landini's ex-husbands: Dudley Ward, John Rider, Dr. Swan, and Luis Romano. Ellen Landini, a famed opera singer, is in the process of divorcing Romano to marry a younger singer, raising suspicions about her motives and the dynamics between the ex-spouses.

As the evening progresses, Ellen prepares to leave by private airplane. However, chaos ensues when she is found shot during the plane's approach—a murder that sets off a chain of investigations. Charlie Chan, alongside Sheriff Don Holt, begins to unravel the layers of deceit and hidden motives among the attendees.

Key Characters and Suspects

1. Ellen Landini: The murder victim, a successful opera singer whose multiple marriages hint at underlying tensions and potential motives for her ex-husbands.

2. Dudley Ward: The first husband, who remains cordial with his exes but harbors secrets about Ellen's alleged son, whose existence is denied by Ellen.

3. John Rider: Ellen's second husband, characterized by a short-lived marriage and a cold demeanor towards Ellen's death.

4. Dr. Swan: The third husband, previously involved in an affair with Ellen's chauffeur, Michael Ireland. He is implicated in the blackmail subplot.

5. Luis Romano: The fourth husband, a stern business manager responsible for Ellen's disciplined career, leading to marital strife.

6. Leslie Beaton: Sheriff Don Holt's sister, whose jealousy towards Ellen's influence over her brother becomes a focal point.

7. AH Singh: The family's longtime servant, whose mysterious background and knowledge raise suspicions.

Plot Developments and Investigations

As the investigation unfolds, Charlie Chan and Sheriff Holt scrutinize each suspect's alibi and motives. The narrative intricately weaves through personal vendettas, financial disputes, and secretive affairs. A critical revelation occurs when Dr. Swan, the blackmailer, is found dead—mistakenly killed by Sheriff Holt during their pursuit. This twist not only eliminates a primary suspect but also complicates the investigation, leaving Charlie and Holt to reassess their theories.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Throughout the episode, several pivotal moments are punctuated by memorable dialogues that highlight character intentions and plot twists. Here are some of the standout quotes:

• Charlie Chan [19:05]:
  "The most delightfully fascinating character in the realms of mystery. Charlie Chan at Pine View."

• Sheriff Don Holt [19:12]:
  "I think wisdom dictates that tomorrow morning you get a warrant for his arrest."

• Charlie Chan [29:06]:
  "He's got on a big overcoat. I don't recognize it as Dr. Swan."

• Sheriff Don Holt [30:22]:
  "Night of murder... He accidentally is witness of killer."

• Charlie Chan [33:08]:
  "Then you go one way and I'll go the other. And we'll find out where he stepped back onto the shore."

• Sheriff Don Holt [34:08]:
  "Then in order to pursue his nefarious trade, it is necessary to have persons worth blackmailing."

These quotes not only advance the plot but also provide deeper insights into the characters' motivations and the complexities of the case.

Host’s Insights and Reflections

Adam Graham intersperses his commentary with reflections on the adaptation process, noting discrepancies between the novel and the radio serial. He appreciates how certain investigative details were rearranged to fit the radio format, ensuring each episode culminates in a compelling cliffhanger.

Adam Graham [42:19]:
"I also do feel at this point that the request by Leslie and Mr. Romano to leave is kind of reasonable.... But genre conventions don't generally hold much water with most people."

Graham also appreciates moments where the radio serial faithfully mirrors the novel, particularly in character dialogues that reveal deeper psychological layers, adding authenticity to the adaptation.

Conclusion and Forward Look

As the episode concludes, Charlie Chan and Sheriff Holt reassess the situation in light of Dr. Swan's untimely death. Their collaborative efforts signify a turning point in the investigation, with new leads emerging from the chaos.

Sheriff Don Holt [38:43]:
"What is our first duty tomorrow morning?... To find out who had keys to the empty house. That person is the murderer."

Adam Graham hints at future developments, suggesting that the investigation will intensify as more secrets are uncovered.

Adam Graham [39:02]:
"After the night's adventures, we feel that both Leslie Beaton and Romano have some justification for their fears. Will Inspector Chan be able to find who had the key to the empty house? Only time will tell."

Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next episode, where Charlie Chan and Sheriff Holt will continue to unravel the intricate web of deceit surrounding Ellen Landini's murder.

Host’s Final Thoughts

In his closing remarks, Adam Graham emphasizes the challenges and rewards of adapting classic literature into engaging radio dramas. He expresses enthusiasm for upcoming series, including the Amazing World of Radio Summer series focusing on Robert Louis Stevenson’s adventure stories.

Adam Graham [47:11]:
"I hope you'll be with us then.... In the meantime, send your comments to [e-mail]."

Graham encourages audience engagement through various platforms, fostering a community of mystery enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into old-time radio dramas.

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Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, promotional content, and non-essential segments to focus solely on the narrative and analytical aspects of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both seasoned listeners and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

You can make a difference in someone's.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

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[Charlie Chan]

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[Sheriff Don Holt]

Retirement options, and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply.

[Adam Graham]

That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Charlie Chan]

Plan on flying it's time to upgrade to a real ID because in order to board domestic flights, your driver's license or state issued ID must be a real ID or you'll need another acceptable form of identification. So don't wait. Find out how to get your Real [e-mail] RealID that's tsa.gov RealID or visit your local DMV and then you'll be cleared for takeoff.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In just a few minutes, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Charlie Chan. But first, I do want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I also want to encourage you to check out our other podcast and I want to take this opportunity to announce our Amazing World of Radio Summer series, which begins on May 28th every Wednesday at amazing.greatdetectives.net we will be bringing you the Summer of Robert Louis Stevenson. We are going to feature some of the greatest adventure stories ever written, among them Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, kidnapped, and of course Treasure Island. But there is so much more. There are some really interesting stories that he wrote, both short stories and novels, and there were so many great old time radio adaptations. We're going to be playing so many series. I'm going to really have a blast bringing this to you and I hope that you will be listening again starting on Wednesday, May 28 at amazing.greatdetectives.net for the summer of Robert Louis Stevenson. Now we turn to Charlie Chan and a bit of a mea culpa. I really threw listeners in at the deep end on this series. It's just like, you know, we have got the next 33 parts of this story and we can cut what happened in the first six parts. And you kind of can do that, but should you have to? I assumed that we really didn't have a choice about it. I missed a key point in my research. I had heard once that this serial was based on a novel, but that point didn't take with me until I once again was reading a resource that said that the serial was based on a novel. Then it occurred to me, why didn't I read the novel and read the beginning part so then I could describe what happened so that listeners weren't leaping into the series blind and kind of having to figure out who everybody was. And so I purchased a copy of that novel and I've prepared a summary of it up to the point of the murder. Now, I will say that I'm not going to discuss a whole lot lot of the aspects of the investigation after the murder, even though we didn't come in at the beginning of the investigation. I will discuss one point that I think was kind of unclear from the episodes we've heard so far. But the thing is that the novel and the audio version are set up very differently and so events are happening in a different order. For example, you'll recall that the very first episode we had involved a late night encounter between the sheriff, Charlie Chan, and AH Singh, and the last episode we shared involved a conversation between Charlie Chan and Sheriff Beaton's dad. In the book, those two events happen in the same chapter. The novel was written in 1932, and the title of the novel was the Keeper of the Keys. It's worth noting that of the Charlie Chan books, Keeper of the Keys is the only one that hasn't been adapted to film in any form. It was adapted as a stage play that ran on Broadway for a month in the fall of 1933 and starred William Harrigan as Inspector Chan. Doubtless, both the book and the play served as source material for the writers of the radio serial, but they faced different challenges. A stage play may have attempted to condense the events of the novel. However, as each episode had about 10 minutes of story time, a total of 390 minutes, the radio play may have had to expand, band on some elements of the book or tell them in different orders to get 38 cliffhangers. Now, I will say that this will take a few minutes and I'm also going to go back and edit the first episode of the Charlie Chan serial, which I can't do on YouTube, but I will do for the podcast so that we might save future listeners a little bit of confusion. Now, I do intend to come back and edit this one once it's been sufficient time that someone would not likely have heard the shorter or different first episode. But if you have heard the longer one, and I haven't fixed that yet, just feel free to fast forward through the next 10 minutes. The keeper of the Keys begins with Charlie Chan on a train to California, where his place in society as a celebrated detective is established. He's in California mostly as a vacation, but also had an intriguing invite to visit a wealthy man named Dudley Ward. Ward has called an unusual dinner party where, except for Inspector Chan, all the guests have one thing in common. They were married to the same woman, the famed singer Ellen Landini. She's currently in the process of divorcing husband number four, Luis Romano, so she can marry a young singer 15 years her junior. Ward was the first husband and none of them really bear any acrimony towards each other. He has called the others together along with Charlie Chan, because he was told that Landini had a son within a few months of leaving him and gave the son to a family to raise to spot him and hid the child's existence. Ward had hoped that maybe she'd accidentally let something slip to one of the other ex husbands or they'd accidentally seen something about the existence of his son. But all of them disclaim any knowledge of this child. However, their visit isn't entirely in vain because he's invited another after dinner guest, Ellen Landini, who is over in Reno completing the required wait in order to get her divorce from Mr. Romano. Ward determines to put the question directly to Landini to show that he's serious about this. He's reached out to the other husbands and he's engaged the great detective Charlie Chan. He's going to pursue this and it would just be easier for everyone and far more pleasant if she just told him where his son was. However, Landini denies that she had a child ever and intimates that Ward had been fed false information by his maid Cecile. More on that in a minute. Ward had assumed that Landini would be in a hurry to leave. The way the book interprets Nevada law is that if Landini was outside of the state of Nevada after midnight, that her entire wait period for divorce would have to start all over again. However, Landini is perfectly fine to linger because she will be back in Nevada and has planned a dramatic exit from her ex husband's estate by private airplane. However, that's not what happens while the plane is making its approach. At around 11 o'clock at night, Chan hears a shot, runs up to where Landini was and finds that she has been shot. And pretty soon the whole household is there and he begins a preliminary investigation with the intent of handing matters over to the local officials authorities. What he finds are a whole lot of suspects and potential suspects. Of course, there are the four X's. Ward had an acrimonious breakup with Landini over her decision to pursue her singing career, although he seems to be over that and killing her would invalidate his stated purpose of finding his lost son. Husband number two was John Rider. But the book, at least in the early stages before the murder occurs, doesn't tell us a whole lot about their marriage, other than it was the shortest of Landini's marriages. Before she died, Landini had sent Chan to ask Ryder to come talk to her, and Ryder declined, and the book described Ryder regarding her body coldly and without any sort of pity or feeling. Husband number three was Dr. Swan, whose breakup had been precipitated by Landini having an affair with her chauffeur. However, in a twist, Landini didn't get what she want as the chauffeur was stolen away by a maid, and she ended up marrying Ramono. The chauffeur, Michael Ireland, had come to be a charter airplane pilot and was in fact the pilot who was picking up Landini. And his wife was Cecile, the maid for Ward. What a very likely coincidence. Romano viewed himself as key to Landini's career, taking off and maintaining success as he brought discipline and structure to it. That allowed her to succeed and continue to thrive and be professional. But trying to be a stern business manager and a spouse is a horrible combination. And so I'm kind of sympathetic to why Lambdini might have wanted to end the marriage. In a noteworthy scene where Landini meets Hugh Beaton, he asked him how many cigarettes he allows Landini to smoke. Beaton responds that how much she smokes is her own affair and that he's only interested in love. Romana responds that if Landini smokes too much, it will ruin her voice and career and that she needs to have rules and limitations. And then, without Beaton asking for it, he goes upstairs to write down a list of rules for the young man to enforce on Landini. In addition to this, Romano had a major financial beef with Landini. She had signed a financial settlement and had failed to provide him with the required support. Part of the reason he agreed to come out and meet Ward was because Ward offered him money and he needed it desperately. Ward's longtime family servant, AH Singh, who's been with the family since Ward was a boy, was also in the house at the time of the killing. We're told that Ah Sing is in his 70s, but as was not uncommon for many people born in the mid 19th century, he wasn't exactly sure how old he was. It's obvious that Ah Sing knows more than he's letting on, which makes him a suspect, although figuring out an exact motive is kind of hard. The other suspect is Leslie Beaton, Hugh's sister. And I feel like the surviving episodes are not clear on why she suspected or what her motive might be, although it's hinted at she suspected for a couple reasons. First, a scarf belonging to her was found near Landini's body. Second, she was in a room near where the murder was committed, although she claimed to be unable to hear much because of the thickness of the walls. Her motive is referenced at one episode briefly as her thought that Landini was ruining her brother. But it was a little vague as to what that actually mean. Novel was clear. Her family grew up in poverty. She'd always seen everyone in her family struggle. Her brother cobbled together a little musical career and was maybe getting to a point where he might be able to have a break as a singer. But then along came landini, a woman 15 years his brother's senior. She feared that Landini would ruin any chance her brother had of success. Landini had been quite clear that was not going to offer any help to Hugh. She would be about herself and her own career. And you get the idea that Hugh would be subsumed in Landini's shadow. And not only that, because of her age, while Landini wasn't quite a has been, her career was headed for an inevitable decline. Leslie pleaded with Landini, but to no avail. She even laughed at her. And according to Dr. Swann, Leslie told him that she wished Landini were dead. It should also be noted that present in the house at the time of the murder were Jim Dinsdale, a tavern owner who was also a friend of Landini who drove her from Reno, as well as Mr. Ward's cook. However, the novel doesn't treat either of them as suspects, and it should be noted that the Broadway play actually omits them entirely. Now, while Chan was ready to hand the case off to local law enforcement, local law enforcement was not quite so ready as it was represented in the person of young county Sheriff Don Holt. Holt was the son of the longtime sheriff who had gone blind and really never had a murder case and is more than happy to have chance help in solving the case if Holt is also immediately taken with Leslie, beaten from the very first scene they share. Now we are ready to listen to this week's episode of Charlie Chan. Here now is a new corpse and fear in the note.

[Charlie Chan]

The most delightfully fascinating character in the realms of mystery. Charlie Chan at Pine View. Dudley Ward's Home. Landini, the famous opera singer, has been murdered. Charlie Chan had gone to Pineview to assist Ward in persuading Landini to tell of the whereabouts of a son born to her after she had left Ward. And now the Honolulu detective finds himself involved in a baffling murder mystery. Suspicion has fallen on everyone in the house, but now points very definitely at Dr. Swann, ex husband of Landini and accused by Ireland of having blackmailed Landini. Inspector Chan and young Don Holt, the sheriff, are discussing the situation. And Holt says that he believes a warrant for Swann's arrest is their next move.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I am much in agreement with you, Sheriff. I think that some definite step should be taken against Dr. Swann.

[Charlie Chan]

In the first place, he insists on denying that he was near the study. Well, two people saw him. And if he wasn't trying to hide something, why should he deny it?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Precisely, Sheriff. Aware of him whose denials precede his accusations. And we are compelled to admit that man who practices blackmail will find step to murder a victim not very big one. Yes, I believe that wisdom dictates that tomorrow morning you get warrant for his arrest.

[Charlie Chan]

Come in.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yes, I sing. Oh, anything you like to have before bedtime. Or maybe you know, Covid you all the time awake. I do not think there's anything sing. You've taken admirable care of our needs during Mr. Ward's absence. Oh, yes, yes, yes. And the bossy he speak.

[Adam Graham]

Me I sing.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

You're not taking number one care of Mr. Chen? Me boxy your ear when I come back.

[Charlie Chan]

When will Mr. Ward be back?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Oh, maybe tonight, maybe tomorrow. Who can tell? I sing. Do you know anything at all about the son, Mr. Ward and Landini? Me? No. I think bossy crazy. I know. Think Landini have son Sicini. She mad, that's all. She tell a bossy, not a crazy story. Because she mad at Landini, perhaps. Well, thing I do not think there's anything else. We will go to bed in a few minutes. Oh, ye.

[Charlie Chan]

Oh.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Oh, me forget Mr. Lyder. He likes speaking with you, he says. Then ask him to come to study. That will be all. Thank you so much. Good night. Oh, hello, Miss Eddie. Would you like to come in study? Thank you.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Austin. Well, I rewrote these notes, Mr. Chand.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

As well as my memory serves me. You left them where?

[Charlie Chan]

Lying on the writing table in my room.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Blanded we shall see whether or not one of the oldest known tricks in catching criminal will in this instance be successful.

[Charlie Chan]

It's getting pretty late, don't you think? You Ought to be getting to bed.

[Adam Graham]

I. I suppose I should, but I.

[Charlie Chan]

Can'T drive away that fear, that horrible.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Feeling that something is wrong, that something is going to happen. Be pleased to come in.

[Charlie Chan]

I'll go now. I'll see you in the morning.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Please don't go on my account, Miss Beaton.

[Charlie Chan]

What I have to say can be said before anyone. Tim, sit down. Stay a few minutes. Perhaps it'll help calm you down.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yes, Mr. Ryder. What can we do for you?

[Charlie Chan]

You can do a lot. I've got to get back to my business.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I'm so sorry, Mr. Ryder. Conversation along these lines is impossible.

[Charlie Chan]

You mean that we've got to stay here until this mystery is solved? Either solved or given up altogether.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

You do not find Miss Beaton complaining yet I'm certain that she has as much real necessity for getting away from this place as you, Mr. Rider. Tell me, as long as you are here, do you still say that you know nothing of Mr. Ward's son?

[Charlie Chan]

I told Dudley that first night when he asked me. I never heard of his son.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I thought perhaps that possibly from something you knew, you were sparing his feelings. No, most emphatically, no.

[Charlie Chan]

I never heard of his son.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

That's all. I'll bid you good night. It is all present, Mr. Ryder. I think perhaps our thing was right. Time for all to go to bed.

[Charlie Chan]

I know I'm plenty tired. Come along, Miss Beaton. I'll see you to your room. Good night, Inspector.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Good night, Miss Beaton. Good night.

[Charlie Chan]

Oh, Inspector Chen.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yes, Mr. Romano? Can I do something for you?

[Charlie Chan]

Is it possible that I can see you in your room for a moment?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Indeed, yes, Mr. Romano. Step inside, please. One moment. I find light switch. Ah, there.

[Charlie Chan]

Do you not objectify a closed door?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Certainly not, Mr. Chen.

[Charlie Chan]

How far is this a matter of a solution of a murder trouble?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

So far we have been ringing wooden bells. Although tonight we have made decisions of importance.

[Charlie Chan]

You mean. Yes, one.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yes, Mr. Chen.

[Charlie Chan]

Wherever I go, I am a watch. Every corner I turn of prying eyes. Is it? Can it be that I have given you valuable clue? Clue which you yourself do not realize points to guilty person?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

It is within bounds of possibility, Mr. Romano.

[Charlie Chan]

Please, please hurry. I know if you do not find the murderer quick, it will be too late. Someone else will be killed.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I indeed. I think you are unduly nervous, Mr. Romana. However, do not fear. We shall use all possible speed in apprehending murderer. That is all you wish to say? Yes.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, that was all. Well, I bid you goodnight.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Wait.

[Charlie Chan]

I hear someone outside. The door.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

You are mistaken, Mr. Romano. There's no one here. Good night. Good night, Mr. Chan.

[Charlie Chan]

Leisurely, Charlie Chan begins to remove his clothes. The old fashioned grandfather's clock on the stair landing chimes to him. Outside, a high wind drives the whirling snow in countless eddies. But inside the house, warmth quiet.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

What was that? Back door closing. Unless my ears deceive me.

[Adam Graham]

Perhaps.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Perhaps better that I again dress in vestibule. Yes, better that I invest in a few moments.

[Charlie Chan]

Charlie Chan is dressed. A few running steps down the back stairs. And he opens the back door.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Now, if only flashlight works. Ah, footprints in newly fallen snow. Shall I awaken sheriff or no? I will report in detail to him in morning. Footprint quite clear. Going in direction of roadway. Well, whoever it is does not have very great style. Ah, light house. Old house pointed out to me by Mr. Ward is unoccupied. Yes. Yes. Footprint lead to back door.

[Charlie Chan]

Quietly, Charlie Chan opens the door. His flashlight shows a muddy footprint on the bottom step of a flight of stairs. Quickly, silently, keeping close to the wall, he runs up the stairs. He pauses on the landing. Here's the sound of heavy breathing. Someone standing in the hall beneath him. For a moment he hesitates. Then, his mind made up, he throws himself upon the shadowy figure standing in. Good heaven. Inspector Chan.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Alas, Sheriff, at night all cats are black.

[Charlie Chan]

I'm sure sorry about this, Inspector, because I. I never guessed. I hope I haven't hurt you much. How do you feel?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

How does Sparrow feel who has been hit by cannonball? Little disturbed. I shall survive. I am delighted that we met. Although much disparage manner of our meeting. This is something strange going on here in this house tonight.

[Charlie Chan]

I reckon there is. I was sound asleep when I heard that.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Quickly, follow me. I have flash.

[Charlie Chan]

Sounded like it came from the back of the house.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I'm certain of it. Ah, through his back door, which I entered. Footprint was here. Now gone. Door is locked. And outside?

[Charlie Chan]

Yeah, the front door is locked too. I know it. I tried it. We could get out from the balcony upstairs. It's only a jump to the bank on the west end.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Come then. We must hurry. I followed footprints up these stairs, came to stairs. Note that none came down then.

[Charlie Chan]

Somebody's still up there.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I'm fearful of that. Ah, thought. See. Footprints lead up to door. And door is locked.

[Charlie Chan]

Well, we already owe the owner for that lamp we smashed downstairs. Might as well do a little more damage. Stand by. So, someone lying on the floor?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Afraid not. Someone, Mr. Holt something.

[Charlie Chan]

Who is it? He's got on a Big overcoat. I don't recognize it is Dr. Swan.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

He is dead. Yes, Quite dead.

[Charlie Chan]

Yeah. Swan all right. Must have been killed instantly. Well, exit Swann from this murder case. I wonder what it means.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

It means, I believe that the blackmailer has met with obvious.

[Charlie Chan]

Yeah, but it kind of upsets our calculations. Yeah, we were all ready to arrest him for the murder of Landini. And doggone if he doesn't go and get killed himself. Shows that we were all wet.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Not exactly, Sheriff. Facts be analyzed, they tend in directions as proving that we were very close to edge of being right.

[Charlie Chan]

Well, I'm sure glad to know that we were near right.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Admit me too. What? What the French call reconstruct murder of Landini.

[Charlie Chan]

I'm listening.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Night of murder. Swan hovering in hall, waiting to go to study to have last word with former wife. He accidentally is witness of killer, if not of killing. Suppose he learned who killed her. Would such man go to police? I think not. He sees instead new delightful pathway of blackmail opening before his dazzled eyes.

[Charlie Chan]

Sounds reasonable. All right.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I think it happens so. Suppose then that he comes down here tonight to receive first installment of his wickedly earned money and receives instead bullets from desperate person who cannot pay. Or who, knowing that demands will be endless, will not pay.

[Charlie Chan]

Yeah, yeah. That's what happened, all right.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yeah. From murderer's point of view, that would be wiser cost. I cannot truthfully say that I disagree. Cannot altogether say that I regret untimely passing Dr. Swann.

[Charlie Chan]

Neither do I. I never did like him. And a blackmailer. Now the world's better off without him. By the way, what started you off to come down here?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

In process of removing clothes. I heard back door closed. I followed footprints in snow.

[Charlie Chan]

Back door?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yes.

[Charlie Chan]

And I followed footprints from front door.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

One of us followed murderer, the other followed Swan. Quickly, Sheriff, we must go. We are again guilty of carelessness.

[Charlie Chan]

I don't get you.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Inspector, quickly, a little kakua.

[Charlie Chan]

Kakua.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Little kukua. Help to open this window. While we engage in death struggle in hallways. Murderer was standing, listening, watching. Perhaps we slipped through our fingers and ah, not very big jump to bank, as you said. Come. I shall hold flashlight.

[Charlie Chan]

Okay?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yes, my friend. If you follow murderer, then I follow Swan. Or vice versa. Let us place large orders for sackcloth and ashes. You and I, my boy, walk within few feet of murderer we so hotly teach.

[Charlie Chan]

Yeah, and he's got a fine start on us too.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Man inclined to exercise would not have to look further for a nice pair of dumbbells. Pardon? Vile slang. Which I acquire from my children now being beautifully educated in American schools. Come, we must search for returning footprints.

[Charlie Chan]

There they are. It'll have to be a quick job. It's starting to rain. Spring coming and I can't get overjoyed at the prospects at all.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

This spring will be happy one for you nevertheless. Look, Sheriff. Footprints. They do not go to roadway. They go to.

[Charlie Chan]

To the edge of the lake. Yep. And they disappear. The fellow must have had a boat.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Sorry to be in disagreement, Sheriff. Murderer, no matter how powerful, could not carry boat on back. Not boat which would stay afloat in waters of such turmoil. Disease tonight? No. He went into water and walked along edge shore.

[Charlie Chan]

Then you go one way and I'll go the other. And we'll find out where he stepped back onto the shore.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Afraid not, Sheriff. Murderer has too much time. Besides, my somewhat ample girth precludes that lengthy waft in water. No, afraid not.

[Charlie Chan]

It seemed like the only chance.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Do not worry. There will be other chances. No matter how often this fox returns to his den after raiding chicken coop, in the end he is killed by watchful farmer. Our murderer has now two crimes dogging the footsteps of his conscience. We shall win.

[Charlie Chan]

But I. I don't see a starting point at all, Inspector. Just as far from a solution as ever. And another murder to solve to boot.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

But we do have starting points where.

[Charlie Chan]

I can't see it.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

We are dealing with murdered man who was blackmailer.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Then in order to pursue his nefarious trade, it is necessary to have persons worth blackmailing.

[Charlie Chan]

I get you had to be someone with enough money to make it worthwhile.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Most assuredly. Otherwise Swan would have reported murder. This is always predicated upon thought that our theory is correct. 1. Here we are at Pine View. Hope the murderer did not lock the door behind him when he returned to the house.

[Charlie Chan]

He didn't. The door is open.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Quietly now. I open bedroom doors as we go to study. Quick flashes light to see whether or not any. Wait.

[Charlie Chan]

Our murderers had plenty time to get into bed and pretend to be asleep.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Unfortunately. Yes. Quietly.

[Charlie Chan]

Who's that?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Mr. Ryder. Awake?

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, I'm awake.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

It's very late, Mr. Ryder. Or early perhaps, is more correct. I know perfectly well what time it is. I've been awake for an hour. What's the idea of scaring the wits out of everybody? This way. What do you mean, Mr. Ryder?

[Charlie Chan]

You halt leaving the house in the middle of the night.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

So sorry, Mrs. Ryder. The detective is not in control of sleeping hours. Does a detective's job call for leaving the Doors open so that the wind.

[Charlie Chan]

About blows the house inside out. What door, Mr. Ryder? The front door. I close the front door.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Mr. Ryder, will you join Sheriff and me in study?

[Charlie Chan]

You'll have plenty of company there without me.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Precisely what do you mean, Mr. Ryder?

[Charlie Chan]

You'll find Ms. Beaton, Romano and Oz thing shivering in their boots, scared to death.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I do not insist that you join us, Mr. Ryder. Good night. Thank you so much. When entering study, Sheriff, look for signs of wet feet.

[Charlie Chan]

Don't worry, Inspector, I will.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I observed in light study door in Hilton. Oh, John.

[Charlie Chan]

Sheriff, I.

[Adam Graham]

We.

[Charlie Chan]

We wondered what on earth had happened. I should say so, Inspector Chan, Before I tell you tonight that some things happen in this house.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yes, Mr. Romano. And what has happened?

[Charlie Chan]

Oh, Ms. Beaton, sit down beside the fire.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yes, Mr. Romano, what has happened?

[Charlie Chan]

You asked me what to happen. I am awake when a bedroom door burst open.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I get out of a bed.

[Charlie Chan]

I admit I am a stare.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I light a light. I find Mr. Ryder in a hall.

[Charlie Chan]

Miss a bit north.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

We go together down the stairs and find a front door open. Mr. Rider, he goes to your room. No.

[Charlie Chan]

1, Inspector Chen. Then we go, Sheriff room no Sheriff.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Ah Singh, you have said nothing. Tell me, Ah Singh, how did you get your feet wet? Wanna watch the Mario make? My feet are wet outside. What do you think? Obviously, Ah Singh, you get your feet wet outside. But what were you doing outside? Wanting me go outside. Look see where a man who leaves front door open.

[Adam Graham]

Koto.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Plenty snow outside, I think. Or around the house. Wet feet. Plenty wet. Quite so, I think. Plenty wet feet got. You will all have to be told sooner or later. We Sheriff and I have been down roadway to unoccupied house adjoining Pine view. We found Dr. Swan matted.

[Adam Graham]

Oh.

[Charlie Chan]

Oh, I knew something was going to happen. I see. What did I say? It is not safe to keep us here in this house with a murderer ready to kill us one by one.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

What did I say before policemen come trip the zone work for policeman. He come too. Or more better. I go telephone right away. Quick. Mr. Ward. He has returned from Reno. Oh, sure, sure. Why did he come back? Little while ago. May think he maybe he leave a front door open. I said to him, he said no. He said some good when he come in. There is no need to disturb him now. I think he's probably tired and waking him will not help solve murder. Dr. Swan, please do not worry. From now on, sheriff or self will mount rigid guard upon all staying in this house.

[Charlie Chan]

Better to make arrangements to get us all away from this Place not one of our lives is safe. And you, Inspector Chen, the closer you come to finding murderer, the more chance there is of your being another of his victims. Yes. And are you too, Sheriff?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

No, no, don't say it.

[Charlie Chan]

Don't even think of it. Come, come, Ms. Beaton. Leslie Romano's making things out worse than they are.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I agree with Sheriff. Better that you all go back to bed. One word with you, Sheriff, before you go.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Inspector?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

What is our first duty tomorrow morning? This morning for I see it is almost daylight to find out who had keys to empty house. That person is the murderer.

[Charlie Chan]

After the night's adventures, we feel that both Leslie Beaton and Romano have some justification for their fears. Will Inspector Chan be able to find who had the key to the empty house? Only time will tell. After your sponsor has delivered his message, Inspector Chan will be with us again. It. Well, Inspector, what do you have for us this evening?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Untimely death of Dr. Swan still uppermost in my mind, Mr. Welsford.

[Charlie Chan]

Naturally you have something along the lines of that thought.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yes, Mr. Welch. Animal that lives in caves and only ventures forth to prey upon sheep in valley cannot expect help of sheep herders when attacked by larger animals desirous of possessing said cave. Though with criminal who goes against laws of society, he cannot expect society's protection when at the last he desires things.

[Charlie Chan]

Thank you, Inspector Chan, and good night.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care.

[Charlie Chan]

These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply.

[Adam Graham]

That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Charlie Chan]

Plan on flying. In order to board domestic flights, your driver's license or state issued ID must be a real. Learn how to get your Real ID [e-mail] RealID or visit your local DMV.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, a bit of uncharacteristic action for Charlie Chan. The ending part with the keys does give a hint as to why the novel and the play were called the Keeper of the Keys. I will say that since reading a sing is 70, it does change a whole lot how I view the character. I mean, I hope that a Singh was telling some joke. Sincerely hope that Dudley Ward is not threatening guy in his 70s. I also do feel at this point that the request by Leslie and Mr. Romano to leave is kind of reasonable. Only good reason to stay. And it's not a good reason really is genre conventions this is an old house mystery. You have to stay near the old house. But genre conventions don't generally hold much water with most people. It seems like they could all go stay in hotels around Lake Tahoe, you know, not leave the state or anything. But there's no reason for them to hang out around the house. Though of course, if they are all off at their individual hotel rooms, would be possible for a killer to pick any one of them off. Although I don't know how comfortable I would be if I were one of them with Inspector Chance and that he and the sheriff will take terms guarding everyone. If, you know, I'd known that they just kind of keystone copped each other out in the snow. Now, as I'm recording this, this is the first episode I recorded since I started reading the Keeper of the Keys. Of course, I gave initially a long synopsis which if I remember, I'll go back and delete after amount of time as I'll add that to the very first episode. At least here the podcast. I did have some additional impressions on the novel and what we've heard on the radio show. While a lot of investigative details and the way they were explained were changed, I think that there was a pretty big rearrangement of a lot of details of the investigation fit the radio format. There were actually a few passages of the book that we actually hear completely word for word as they were written in the novel. And so much of the conversation between Charlie Chan and former Sheriff Holt were verbatim, including Chan's musing about his own place in the world, which I think reflects the sort of person that Earl Durr Biggers was in that he created this character and he wondered about him, he wondered how he related to the world and felt about his place in it. I will say, as I think about it, I wonder about that scene in the novel. I've not actually finished the book. I'm going to be reading through it a little bit of the time. I don't want to read the final chapters until we really are getting towards the end. But I will have some thoughts on what I read in the book. I will say that where I got to in the novel was before Dr. Swan was murdered. Although reference had been made to the blackmail, Dudley Ward in the book seems to think that the blackmail was tied into his son. But it occurs to me that Landini is the type of person who might have had many reasons that she might be being blackmailed, not just one. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. I want to go ahead and thank RB Patreon supporter since September 2024. Currently supporting the podcast at the master detective level of $15 or more per month. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube. Be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. All great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We will be back next Tuesday with another episode of Charlie Chan, but join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat. Where?

[Charlie Chan]

This way. Danny. That car parked over there. What happened? Boy and a girl. You'll see him. How bad? I'm no doc, Danny. Ambulance is on its way. Lost a lot of blood. When I found him, the car was open. The boy's position, like he was trying to get out of the car. What about the girl? Four shots from up pretty close. Looks like dead motive. Like I said, I'm not a doc. But it wasn't robbery. Here. Wallets from both. With just the amount of money, you'd expect neatly dressed kids like that to have identification, too. Let's see. Boy's name, Ted Forstack. Girls? Ruth Ballard. Both kids. Both of them just touching 20. There's something else, Danny. What? Other side of the road. Come on. Somebody picked a nice secluded place for killing. Yeah, this road's blocked off, Danny. But kids slip around wooden roadblocks. That makes it a lover's lane. Makes it more thrilling.

[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 greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.