← The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas
The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas
Charlie Chan: A Test of Color/A Getaway/Murderous Revelation (EP4771)
01:15:13
Today's Mystery: Leslie Beaton has told Sheriff Holt damning information against one of the suspects, while Charlie Chan races against a self-imposed deadline to provide the killer's identity. Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1935 or 1936 Originating...
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- [00:00]
Charlie Chan
Sam.
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Adam Graham
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 bring you this week's episode of Charlie Chan. But first, I do want to encourage you to check out our other podcast and I'm going to go ahead and cite the great adventurers of Old time radio@greatadventures.in fox. Currently, we are playing Flash Gordon and Cloak and Dagger, and we have so many great heroes coming your way, including Buck Rogers, Counterspy, the Scarlet Pimpernel, and even more. Follow us on the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio for the best in all sorts of adventure stories from the golden age of radio. Well, now we are going to get into our final episode of the Landini murder case. Now, there are a total of 33 episodes of this serial in circulation, so we are going to play the last three. So this episode is going to be a bit longer. In addition to that, between the time that I recorded the last episode and the time I listened to the final three parts, I read the rest of the Keeper of the Keys, which was the Earl Durr Biggers novel on which this particular serial was based. So I will be able to talk after the podcast how this measures up and where the novel might have been different and offer my thoughts on both the novel and the serial. And of course, as I mentioned last week, I recorded my prediction for who did it, my solution to the case. And I will say that I recorded that prior to reading the rest of Keeper of the Keys. And the first half of that book did not really have a whole lot of information that wasn't included in the radio program. So it was mostly based on my observation of what we heard on the radio as opposed to anything I read the novel. But now let's go ahead and take a listen and when we come back after the mystery, you'll hear my solution and we can talk about how close I actually got.
- [03:15]
Charlie Chan
The most delightfully fascinating character in the realms of mystery, Charlie Chan. Sam the solution of the murder of Ellen Landini at Pine View draws near. Charlie Chan has promised that before night everyone shall know who committed the double murder. Leslie Beaton has just confessed to Sheriff Don Holt that she saw AH Singh leave the study by the balcony immediately after hearing the shot. And Inspector Chan, knowing that the confession would be forthcoming, had left the two lovers alone. And now the Honolulu detective, accompanied by Cecile, returns to the study to find Louis Romano standing before the fire. Be pleased, if you will, Cecile, step into study. Ah, Mr. Romano. I did not know that you were here. Ah, no. As I come to study, I meet Sheriff and Ms. Beaton. Going down to living room. If I'm in the way. What do you call the trope? Not at all. Not at all. Mr. Romano, the seal. Yes, Mr. Chan. On top of desk are two scarfs. Do you recognize them? May we? But yes, Monsieur L'. Esteu. One is the pink one belonged to Ms. Beaton. And the other, Cecile? The other? The other, Monsieur Chan, is the green one. The green one belong to Landini. The one belong to the green costume she wear the night she is killed. Correct. Cecile, be so kind, if you will, to examine the green scarf very carefully. Now, Mrs. Seal, what do you see? Nothing, monsieur. Not one single thing. If monsieur will tell me what he wants, I try to see what it is. Monsieur's eyes detect nothing, Cecile. That is all. Oh, monsieur, I do not what you say? Comprenez? No, Cecile, you do not Tell me, Cecile, is your husband, Mr. Ireland in the house? He is in the garage, monsieur, with Monsieur Ward. Tell him I wish to see him later. Thank you so much. I shall tell him. Monsieur Chen. Well, Signor Chen, how is the mystery murder progress? Rapidly, Mr. Romano. Quite rapidly. Perhaps. Yes, of course you can help me. I had discussion, Mr. Romano, about the opera score of Mikado. Also Prince of Pilsen. Ah, yes, yes, I know them both. Delightful. My favorite song from the Mikado. It always make me. What is the word? Oh, joyous. Yes, joyous. On a tree by a river a little tom tit sang willow, tit, willow, tit, willow. Yes, quite so, Mr. Romano. But it was not of the music that I had said discussion. It was on subject of binding of musical score. The Mikado, for instance. It is bound in brown paper with red lettering. Ah, but no, signor, not so. You are mistaken. Yes, Mr. Romano. Indeed. Yes, signora. The Mikado all the opera by Gilbert and Sullivan. She is bound in a light of blue paper with a heavy blue printing. I know, signora. I have them all in my library. Signora is good detective, but he is wrong on that statement. Or is it yes, Mr. Romano? Or is it that Signor Chen is try a little game on me like a test to see whether or not it is it. Yes, Cecile, you ask her to pick up a scarf. Why? To see whether or not you are clever. You make the test to see to see whether or not the Louis Romano is a colorblind. Quiet, Mr. Romano. Not one word. Yes, I admit. You have discovered reason for My questioning happy to say that you are no longer suspect. But please, not a word to anyone. You cannot trust to Louis Romano. I know nothing. I am very discreet. Ah, so it is there the secret lies. Please, Mr. Romano. Someone may come to study. In fact, yes, I hear voices. Come in, please, Mr. Ward, Mr. Ireland, Ms. Beaton and Sheriff. Come in, please. Inspector, I require a few things from Reno. Would it be possible for Ireland to take Cecile over there to get them for me? Certainly, Mr. Ward. Makes me feel very officious that you should ask me. Not at all, Mr. Chan. Naturally, I do not expect to be treated differently than the others. They will be back here before dinner? Sure, we will be back here before three o'. Clock. Before you go, Mr. Ireland, does this look like scarf Madame Landini was waving from balcony that fateful night? I couldn't tell, Mr. Chan. At that distance, I couldn't tell the difference between that green scarf and that pink one. Besides, I had my goggles, you know, and they give everything a sort of brownish tinge when it's as dark as it was at that time. Quite so, Mr. Island. It's really foolish of me to ask. Well, if there isn't anything else, I'll get along and get these things for Mr. Ward. Certainly, Mr. Island. Nothing else at all. If you don't need me, Mr. Chan, I'll see them off and give my final instructions. Quite so, Mr. Ward. Nothing that I desire of you at this moment. Oh, hello, John. Coming into the study? Just bringing old Sam up to see Chan. Honored, Mr. Holt. Come into study. Your son and Ms. Beaton are on window alcove, oblivious to everything but each other. Mr. Ryder, can you spare a moment, please? I suppose so, Jen. Provided it's important. Oh, did someone say something to me? Not exactly, Sherrit. Hello, dad. Cash in and bring you over. Yes, son. Here, sit beside me, Mr. Holt. Thank you, Leslie. Mr. Ryder, you are engineer, Mining engineer, are you not? Yes. Chan, you know that without asking. What I was going to ask was, have you ever mined gold? I thought, being in California, perhaps I've mined gold rather successfully here in California. Tell me, Mr. Ryder, how does one recognize gold? Subject fascinates me. What are, shall we say, physical characteristics of gold? Well, its characteristic color is yellow. That yellow is, however, affected by other metals. A high percentage of silver tends to lessen the yellow color. Whereas copper tends to heighten it. When the gold's finally divided, as in purple of Cassius or one say it's precipitated from solution, the color's red. Ruby red. And then in thin sheets, it has a greenish tinge. A sort of greenish light. Then much of your success depends upon recognition of very fine dividing line between colors. To a certain extent, of course, these are only rough suggestions. Chemical analysis is the final word. Yes, quite so, Mr. Rider. Thank you very much for information. My knowledge of chemistry and metallurgy is very, very limited. Not nearly as expansive as my knowledge of trees. Anything else you wanted? Not a thing, Mr. Ryder. Thank you so much. Mr. Ryder is certainly not colorblind. Nor is Romano, for I have just tested him. Cecile has no difficulty in picking out green from pink scarf. I didn't want to say anything when we first came in. You do not have to tell us that, Sheriff. You were quite busy. Tell me, Ms. Beaton, is date for wedding arranged for as yet? Why? Well, how did you know? That is what Don and I were discussing. We. You see, we wondered. Yes, Ms. Beaton, I suppose Don should be the one to speak of it, but we wondered if you. If we held the wedding early enough, would you be the honored guest? My dear Ms. Beaton. Leslie, it is honor which overwhelms me to feel that I have made such friends in murder mystery that they should desire my presence at their marriage. I shall be delighted. Oh, God, Inspector, I'm sure glad to hear that. I feel that I owe you such a lot for. Well, for solving this case. Alas, the case is not as yet. But, Leslie, we. As I said, I didn't want to say anything in front of the rest, but Leslie, just. Oh, God. What's the matter, Dad? I just forgot. Cass Shannon is standing downstairs waiting on you. He wants to ask something. I told him I'd tell you. I wonder what he wants. Come on, Leslie. We'll go down and see. All right, Don. In another minute, Mr. Chan, it'd have been too late. A what? What is that? Mr. Holt, Leslie has been and told dawn about seeing R. Singh come out of the study onto the balcony after the shot. I thought she would when I absented myself from study. And Don hasn't had time to tell you? No, Mr. Holt. And until someone does tell you, you don't have to know that R. Sing was seen leaving by the balcony window. Technically, you are correct, Mr. Holt. I have only my guesswork upon which to base an opinion. Mr. Chan, I'm. I'm 78 years old. An honorable age. A happy one, too, because I'm here among my own folks in the country. I've always known. But now, just supposing I was in Some foreign country. What would I want more than anything you would wish to see again your native village. To tread the self same soil wherein you will be laid to rest. You're a smart man, Mr. Chan. You got me right away. Inspector dawn ain't never made you a deputy. You ain't got no real authority here. Quite so, Mr. Holt. I am but regent in authority. You ain't got no authority. You ain't under oath. And Mr. Chan, I'm I'm blind. Thank you, Mr. Holt. I speak in broken voice for my entire race when I say I thank you. You'll pardon me now. I know I have little errand to perform. Of course you have. And, and if it should happen and I don't never meet a certain old friend of mine again, shake his hand, give him my love, and tell him I'm proud to have knowed him. I I I cannot speak, Mr. Holt, but thank you. A quick handshake, a few emotional words of thanks, and Charlie Chan slips down the back passageway, finds his way to AH Singh's room. And in Cantonese, with many gestures, signifies to AH Singh that he is to accompany him quietly and as invisibly as possible to the garage in a few minutes. Pine View is behind them as the car speed down the roadway. Charlie Chan gripping the steering wheel. While AH Singh sits silently by his side. Supposing now maybe catch him jail. You are a very wicked man. In China, your head would have been struck from your aged body. Here in this foreign land, you would have been placed like wild animal in cage with steel bar. Jail is what you richly deserve. To the contrary, you are to catch boat for China. All righty, boss. All right. Is that the extent of your remarks? We are doing you great favor with tremendous kindness. And you reply, all right, courteous man. AH Singh would not stop at that. Or me very much oblige. That is better. Still appears inadequate, but it is slightly better. Two warring emotions I see stir within me. Gladness for you, ancient one, that you are to return to the land of your birth. But I see torments of indecision tear at my breast. After all these many years on police force in Honolulu. Years are sing beset by temptation. Promises from wealthy merchants whose wares are frowned upon by island police. Promises from others that I too should be wealthy. Would I but close my eyes to certain facts. These years I sing are set at naught. Since I am assisting you in your escape. Oh, me very sorry, boss. I sing in number one. A very old man. Usually not so much live. Now, suppose American policemen Hang, I think. All right. No can help no care very much. We go back upon view apart from your erroneous impressions and duty of American policeman, seeing there are other things as please. I am not greatest driver in world. Now I require attention to be concentrated upon operations of this not too youthful vehicle. We have only sufficiency of time to arrive coincident with arrival of train at San Francisco. You have money, Ah Singh. And you will purchase your own ticket. I am sorry, but we do not also furnish fare. We have three or four minutes. I see. I desire to impress upon you certain facts. Government has fallen upon evil times. It cannot even afford to squander a small piece of rope upon man like you, old man. Who is to die soon in any case. Though it says return to China. To China and nowhere else. All right, I will go. I envy you, honorable citizen. You will again sit before the children of your village. You will supervise the selection of your own burial place. I myself will see that your trunk is prepared and sent to you. Where shall I send it? For the establishment of my brother Tsingao in Jackson Street. The fish shop of delicious odors. It shall be done for you. The past dies this afternoon. The future is born here. Now. You understand me? Understand? I am honored bearer of affectionate message for you, ancient one. Mr. Sam Holt has sent it. He is proud to have known ah, an honorable man. May the four nails of his coffin be of purest gold to match his heart. Yes, I think. Ah, we alight here. You still limp? Your knee still troubles you? On a very bad knee there. Pentasaur need all ideology. Yes, indeed. Yes. The wound you acquired when you bumped into dressing table bench in Landini's old sitting room. Sure, sure. After me. Shoot. Enough, enough. Sing. Do not poke your finger through your own paper lantern. Luck is running high for you today. I sing. Be cautious, lest the heart of the law ye harden against you. Here is the train. Make purchase a ticket on way. It will avoid sight of two Chinese gentlemen at ticket office. What you say, boy? Goodbye. May your entire journey be on sunny side of Louis. Goodbye. Oh, oh. Me forget you take it ease belong Bossy. You tell them. So much work in this house. I shall tell him. Back at Pine View, Charlie Chan's disappearance passes unnoticed until Dudley Ward and John Ryder going to the wine cellar find it locked and start looking for A Singh. Strange, John. A Singh doesn't generally hide himself away like this. Come to think of it, I haven't seen him since lunchtime. He may be with Chan or you. You mean Chan May have arrested him? No. That is, I. I hardly think so, John. I don't believe Chan would arrest him without talking to me. Chan to do anything he felt like doing. Well, we look for him in the living room. He may be there. I don't understand it, Leslie. I searched the whole house and I can't find him any place. Has anyone seen our Singh? Not a single. Not Shattai, Mr. Ward. He was in the kitchen when I was taking a walk after lunch. I haven't seen him, Mr. Ward, or Inspector Chan either. I've looked all over the place for him, too. I saw our scene at the garage about 2 o', clock, I think it was. I left Inspector Chan in the study with dad and I came down to talk with K. Shannon. When I, Wesley and I returned, Chan had stepped out for a minute. So dad said, that's right, son. But I wouldn't worry about Inspector Chan. He can look after himself. I'm not worried about Chan, but I am anxious about A. Singh. Well, I dunno as I'd worry much about Sing. He's pretty able to look after himself too. Well, Mrs. O' Fell hasn't seen him for a couple of hours. And of course, Cecile and Ireland have been gone all afternoon. Here is a car approaching. An owl. Ireland and Cecil, I think it is. Yes, it is. Yes. Oh. Oh, yes, yes, certainly. For you, Sheriff. Thanks. Hello? Oh, yes, Rankin. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, Gleason dead, huh? Yeah. All right. Yeah. Yes, it's all right. Goodbye. There you are, Mr. Ward. All that stuff from Reno. And by the way, we just overtook Inspector Chan driving the old car. Where? Down the road a little way. He'll be here in a minute. Good. I'm going to the study. Tell Chan I want to see him there. Come on, Leslie. You too, dad. What's the matter, Don? You. You seem upset. I am upset. Who was that on the phone? Don Raichen of the Chronicle. He said that Gleason was over at the depot and saw Chan and AH Singh there. Yes, yes. And Gleason said that he saw Chan put AH Singh on a train for San Francisco. Well, now, don't get all head up about it. Wait till Mr. Chan gets here. Don't get all head up about it. Doggone it. After what Leslie told me about seeing Ar. Singh come out of the study onto the balcony after hearing that shot. Well, now, sit down. S. Quit storming. There's an explanation for everything. Here, Mr. Holt. Sit down by the fire. I wouldn't worry about it, Don. Mr. Chan isn't likely to do anything wrong. Well, I don't get it at all. He just disappears. Doesn't say anything about it to anyone. Then I got this call from Rankin. I had to pretend to Rankin that it was all right. Try to act as if I knew all about it. Well, you probably know all about it in a few minutes. Mr. Chan said that he who the murderer is before the day was out. And it's getting pretty well on the dinner time now. Ah, sir. Mr. Ward said that you awaited me in study. Yes, Inspector. I had a phone call from Bill Rankin. He tells me that you just took our thing over to the train at Truckee. I suppose that was a favor, eh? Now hold your horses, Don. I've been double crossed. Made a fool. Oh, well, now, if you have. I done it. I told Mr. Chan to take Ar Singh to Truckee. I told him to help R. Sing get away. To China. Who? To China? And all the time you knew he was guilty of Sam Hill. You knew he came to this room and found Landini. I know all that, son. One moment, please. I cannot allow you, Mr. Holt, to shoulder responsibility for all blame. How could you let me down like this? You know I'm a sworn officer. I've taken my oath to uphold the law. Now, we know all that, son. But there ain't any. I'm not going to stand here and talk. I'm going. Going, Sheriff? Going where? To San Francisco. But for what? For what? To get Ah Singh to fetch him back. Arrest him for the murder of Landini. One moment, Sheriff. You are making grave mistake. AH Singh did not murder Landini. But what was that you said? I remarked, my dear Sheriff, that Ah Singh did not kill Madame Landini, nor did he kill Dr. Swan. Surely, Sheriff, you do not think that I am so little concerned in seeing justice done? That I should deliberately assist in escape of murderer? Well, I. I just didn't get it at all. But now to the immediate business of making good our promise to arrest murderer before this day has joined all other days in antiquity. We must all leave study. I have little rearrangement of death here to do. Then we proceed to dining room as though nothing more important than evening meal were in our minds. You delivered my message to old Ah Singh, Mr. Chan? Yes, indeed. Yes, Mr. Holt. Ah Singh's eyes filled with tears. And he remarked that he wished the four nails of your coffin to be the purest gold. It was highest compliment of which unemotional Ah Singh was capable. Sheriff. Yes, Inspector? Remember why guests came to Pine View at request of Mr. Ward, who desired information concerning son he believed had been born to Landini after her separation from him. Yes, yes, of course. And the fact that Romano said that he had heard of that son. Correct, Sheriff. But not so important as one other thing. Sensual clue. Had we but realized it was such. I very much fear that my friend Inspector Duff of Scotland Yard, to whom I am indebted for phrase essential clue. Yes, I am certain Inspector Duff would have realized it. I don't. I can't even guess. You got me there, Mr. Chance. I think I know. A letter. Correct, Sheriff. Letter addressed to John Ryder. Will you be so kind as to take my arm, Mr. Holt? Yes, thank you. Right with you, Inspector. Leslie trying to smile, Dom, but it's hard stay very much in background, if you please. When we reach living room. One so small slipped may rob us of necessary truth to seek. Right, Inspector. Better have some coffee, John. I guess so, since our things disappeared with the keys to the sideboard as well as the cellar. Oh, There you are, Mr. Chan. We missed you this afternoon. Sorry, Mr. Ward, that I had business which could not wait. Something strange has happened, Mr. Chan. Ah Singh has disappeared. Yes. Perhaps Chan can throw some light upon the disappearance of Sing. I can. I am grieved to tell you, Mr. Ward. All evidence uncovered so far indicates with painful certainty that our Singh is person who fired that shot which sent us hurrying to study to find Landini's dead body stretched upon floor. I don't believe it. I don't care where the evidence points. Singh never killed Landini. But if Sing himself admits that he did. Where is he? I'll go to him at once. Poor Sing. Why, that I fear is impossible. Sheriff was about to arrest him when. When he dropped from sack. Then he got away. For the time being, he may yet be apprehended. I am so sorry, Mr. Ward. This must be a great shock for you. I have stopped in dining room for only one moment to say I appreciate your hospitality. I leave this house at once. There is nothing more I can I. I suppose not. But you must not go until one thing is settled. I promised you a thousand dollars to undertake the search for my son. But Mr. Ward, the search was so brief. No matter. There was nothing about that in our agreement. Wait just a moment, please. I will write you a check. So ah Singh got away. Me too, Mr. Ryder. I. I can't help it. I am what you call elated. Please. You, Mr. Ryder, find only pleasure in escape of our Sing. Need I conceal that Chance Tsing was very good friend to you. One of the Best friends I ever had. I said before, Sing was one of the real Chinese. Then, Mr. Chen, the mystery is solved. I cannot go. You say you are leaving this house an hour. I will go with you. Not the one or the minute will I stay. Landini's money burning holes in your pockets. Romano. Ah, poof. You think you make me angry? You think your words hurt Louis Romano? Aha. No. But no, I consider myself justify you, all of you other husbands. What do you do for that glorious voice, eh? Only stifle it. That is what you do. But me, Louis Romano, I make of the famous prima donna. Ay, the giver, the greatest singer. Here you are, Mr. Chan, your shank. Thank you so much. Won't you have a farewell drink, Chan? Oh, I remember. You don't drink, do you? And anyway, Sing went off with the keys. John and I have been sitting here all evening with parched throats. Thank you so much for reminding me. I'm so sorry, but I have been on point of forgetting. Here are keys entrusted to me by our Sing just before his escape. Well, that is a bit of luck. Here, John, help yourself to a cordial with your coffee. I will assure you won't Change your mind, Mr. Chan. I am a great believer in ceremony. In old days in China, refusal to drink parting libation would be slur on hospitality of the host. Small taste. If you will be so good. Fine. Here is an extra glass. Oh, John, help the inspector to whatever he desires. A little port wine, please. One thing more. China. In old days, refusal of host to poor parting libation himself might well have been regarded as slur on departing guest. But I do not press the button, you understand? I recall my first dinner at your table. I recall how courteous you were, how you served the cocktails yourself. How nothing. Mr. Ward was too much trouble until that tray of decanters was placed before you. Then how you shouted for Ah Singh. How Sing had to return from kitchen before cordials could be served. Ah, these little things. How they register in detective's mind. How I was to recall them. Later I said to myself, can it be that Mr. Ward. Mr. Ward is colorblind. Ward. What are you raving about, Ken? It was interesting question. I observed in study on writing desk two kinds of ink. Black on right side, red on left. A moment ago, before I left study, I took liberty of changing their respective positions. Mr. Ward, check which you gave me is written in red ink. So you are colorblind after all. And what if I am? Night of Landini murder. Landini was heard to say. Oh, it's you, is it? Get my scarf from bedroom. The green one. Landini was found with pink scarf and dead hand. Also Landini sent me in great hurry to Mr. Ryder's room. Matter of life and death. She say he was seated at desk writing letter. Letter addressed to John Ryder. Later that letter was found burned, but it had been opened. Mr. Ryder maintained that he had never received said letter. And I still say so. Ken, I never saw that letter. Quite correct, Mr. Ryder. It was letter to inform you, Mr. Ryder, of death of Dudley Ward's son. And request that after Landini had left pine view, you, Mr. Ryder, were to break the news to Mr. Ward. But Mr. Ward found said letter. In a fit of rage, he killed Landini. Are you mad, Inspector? No, it was you who were mad. After murder, you saw confusion on table. He tried to straighten things, placing red lid on yellow box and yellow lid on red. I was with you in John Ryder's room when the shot was fired. Shot which we heard. Yes. Shot which was fired to mislead. But alas, Landini was killed in noise and confusion of plane's arrival. AH Singh. Good old AH Singh. One of the real Chinese. He found you there with smoking gun in your hand. He hurried you from studying. Then he fired misleading shot into pine trees. You can't arrest my friend on theories like these. Dr. Swann was also witness's murder. You removed him in preference to paying blackmail. I am not sorry for killing Swann, Dudley. Why, what's the use, John? It. It's true. All of it. I don't care. I've got nothing to live for. Please, Mr. Walter Ward. You are not required to make any statement without benefit of advice of Laura. I'm so sorry. Take him away. Sheriff, I. I'm going with you. Why, Miss? Speaking, Leslie. I can't help it, Lord. Why? I can hardly believe it. But this is not occasion for tears think it is. First, a long succession of triumphs for young sheriff in whose success you must feel echo of pride. I. I suppose you're right. Yes, I am right. From first moment young sheriff's eyes lighted upon you, I knew this was inevitable outcome. You really are a good detective, aren't, Mr. You Before I have said three things the wise man does not do. Does not plow the sky, he does not paint pictures on the water. And he does not argue with a woman. After you have heard from your sponsor, Inspector Chan will be with us again. Well, Mr. Chan, what parting thought have you for us this evening? Conclusion of mystery of murder of Landini brings to my mind ancient saying. The road may seem endless, the hills insurmountable, the night black and starless. And the end of the journey lost in fearsome shadows. But the wise man knows that daylight comes, that no road is so long. But that it reaches at the last, its destination. Thank you, Mr. Chan, and good night.
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Adam Graham
Welcome back. Who killed Ellen Landini and Dr. Swan? This is my theory after listening to episode 36 of 39. I start with the fact that Au Sing has done things that implicate himself in the crime. He has refused chances and overtures from Charlie Chan to clear himself. And Inspector Chan doesn't believe he's the killer. So my question would be, why would all Sing do this? My answer is that A Sing is covering up for someone. The only person in that house that A.O. singh would try to shield is Mr. Dudley Ward. Why did Dudley Ward kill Landani and Dr. Swan? My answer would be that he already knew the son that he and Landini had together was already dead. Remember that we learned that Dr. Swann had been blackmailing Ellen Landini. Presumably because he knew about her son. And also remember the fact that Landini was having trouble paying her bills. And even paying her commitment to Romano. Because her money was tied up in real estate. What are the odds that she was keeping up her blackmail payments to Dr. Swann? I think she was failing to make the payment. So Dr. Swann told Dudley Ward because he's a blackmailer, and blackmailers are generally awful people. Then Dudley Ward decides he's going to go through the motions of an investigation. To find out where his son is. He invites the other husbands and the Beatons. And of course, he had already hired Cecile. I wouldn't be surprised if that firing decision wasn't part of this plot. Depending on how far back it was going. And I wouldn't be surprised if he had helped Landini land Ireland as the pilot. Thus creating a situation where the murder could occur. And there could be an entire house full of suspects. All of whom had reasons to kill Landini. And all of whom had their own reasons for wanting to hide their secrets. And thus making it unlikely that he would be called out. In addition, the fact that he was looking to Landini to tell him where his son was. Would also be a point against him being considered an actual suspect. Now, I do admit one big flaw in this plan. Is that he went ahead and he committed a murder. With the famous Honolulu detective Charlie Chan present. Which would be a very foolish thing to do. But certainly not unprecedented in the Annals of Detective Fiction Anyway, that's my theory and now here is my present self to tell us whether I was right or or wrong and provide the analysis of this final episode. Okay. In terms of my solution, I actually came pretty close. I got the murderer right and I think I got the motive right. The big failing in my thinking was my conclusion that this was some cleverly planned and executed cold blooded plot by Dudley Ward rather than, as it turned out, a crime of passion that Al Sing very quickly did his best to cover up and protect his boss. There was a reason they sent him to China, because even though he wasn't the murderer, he really was an accessory after the fact. And it would have been very difficult for him not to get charged with anything. And so they decided to spare him that sort of inglorious fate. Overall, I did enjoy this. I thought it was a really engaging mystery. A lot of twists, a lot of character relationships, many different sort of secrets and lies being played out in the course of the story. It was a bit talky at times and the pace was not particularly quick, but I enjoyed that. I enjoyed just being able to take the time to kind of experience this whole murder mystery. It's very different. It's a whole lot like reading a classic murder mystery book as opposed to a radio drama. And there's just not a whole lot around like this. So I appreciate it for its rarity and there was also some depth to the story, to its characters. Now, in terms of comparing it to the book, I think this is a pretty solid adaptation in its solution. It sticks with the novel and there are passages of dialogue that are ripped right from the novel. The radio program diverts from the book in several ways, but I think most of those are justified by the needs of the radio production and also might have been influenced by the stage play. Probably the biggest one that the way some events played out in the book as opposed to the audio drama and when they happen. For example, the death of Dr. Swann on the radio occurs in episode 16. And the huge revelation until in Landini's diary about the killer being colorblind doesn't happen until towards the end of the serial. In the book, the revelation about the killer being colorblind actually occurred 2/3 of the way through the book and Dr. Swann's murder, it comes about 75% of the way through the book essentially ends the book second act and sets up the third act. And in fact, Charlie Chan wanted to find out whether Dr. Swan was colorblind. So in the book he gets Leslie Beaton to ask for them to go to a gambling house. And they drive to Truckee, which apparently had some legal gambling, and went upstairs to a poker game and played a couple of hands, then left. And in the course of this, Chan was able to find out, because Dr. Swan recognized the color of the chips, that he was not colorblind. And so that eliminated Dr. Swan as a suspect, and then he was murdered. And, I mean, you can do that in a novel, and I think it was fine. But as people making a radio play, you're like, okay, why are we going to do this whole scene and introduce this whole location just to have Chan prove that someone who is going to be killed anyway is innocent? So they just went ahead and they had him killed before the whole colorblindness thing became a point. They did quite a bit of that in this story. The radio drama is very claustrophobic. The vast majority of it takes place at Pine view. In the 33 episodes, we have the scenes outside of Pine View that we actually get to observe are those in Reno where Charlie Chan and Dudley Ward and Mr. Holt are questioning Landini's secretary. Then the scene where Chan drops off Sing so he can catch the train to San Francisco. The book had a bit more. There was a bit more in Reno. In addition, many of the inhabitants upon view actually were allowed to leave and relocate to a tavern that was actually where Dr. Swan was staying when he was murdered and Romano then moved into his room. I think that they again made a production decision, let's go ahead and consolidate locations as much as possible. And they really do get away with it. The stuff that happened outside of there wasn't necessary. Or you have situations where people call or were exposited that somebody told something. And by doing that, they could really just have this core cast of actors keep the story together. And I'd be fascinated to know the behind the might details. I suspect that there was at least a little doubling up with at least a couple of actors voicing more than one character. Also, in something that I think was a logical arrangement, the proposal didn't actually happen until after the murder was solved in Keeper of the Keys. Probably the more important stuff in Keeper of the Keys is that I think that the novel was a bit more clear on the relationship between Ward, Ryder and Aucing. Ryder's friendship, or at least acquaintanceship with Ward, predated his marriage to Landini. And Ryder had hung out at the house when he was much younger.
- [49:58]
Charlie Chan
And.
- [49:58]
Adam Graham
And he actually taught Singh how to read English. And there's actually a scene in the book where A Sing makes a special dish that he knows that writer's going to enjoy because he's known him that long. And I think I might have been a little less confident in my prediction had I read the book and saw that as it was written in the book, the relationship or writer's view of A Singh wasn't just some sort of racial sentiment, but it was based on an actual relationship. And also it very well could be a situation where I could imagine Osseying covering up if Ryder had been the murderer. The book also went into more details on Ward as a person. Sam Holt revealed after the arrest that when Landini had left, Ward had been trying to beat her. A Sing had locked Ward in his room, allowing Landini to make her escape from from Pond View. While I viewed her actions in hiding their child from Ward as spotful in the book, Holt defended it because he thought she had done it because he knew Dudley wasn't fit to raise a child. Of course, even if true, some people would still debate the morality of her decision. Holt also stated that despite Dudley war, he was very civil, very polite throughout both the radio play and the book to the end. Sam stated that Dudley was bad tempered from his youth and a quote unquote narrative natural drunkard. In fact, Ward actually caused a mysterious wound to Sing after killing Landini. Ward wanted to get drunk and this is a house full of guests with the body of Landini there. And Sing recognized this was a bad idea and refused to give the keys. And that was why Ward struck him, which was something he did not want to admit when he was arrested. And to me, reading the end, it gave me some insight into the title of the book because I thought that when they found that the neighbor had left the keys to his place with Sing, that that was what the whole Keeper of the Keys thing was about. But it was actually all the keys, particularly to the liquor cabinet. Au Singh had spent the last 60 years saving Ward from himself, holding the keys like a household designated driver to keep Ward and his family reputation on the road, so to speak. And AH Singh would have gladly gone to the gallows in order to continue that. And while there are some ways in which Chan's conversation with Ah Sing when taking him from Pine View can seem a bit weird and contradictory, I think that Chan had some admiration and respect for Ah Sing. But he also wanted Ah Sing to believe that they had decided that he was the killer and so therefore Ward would be in the clear, which may have been the only way that Austin could have been gotten to go away. The revelation about Ward's character being very different from his public self. Revealed a key fact that often pleasant and polite veneers. Hide dark secrets behind closed doors. Which many people who have suffered from domestic abuse. Which is part of this story. Have found out in their lives. And similarly, I think that it's very tempting. And certainly would have been in the 1930s. To be very harsh in the judgment of Ellen Landini. But Chan actually found, as he went through her memoirs. That he actually liked her. Didn't think she was perfect. But a big part of her problem was that she had made some very unfortunate matches when it came to her husband. Again, this is not the type of stuff that you think about when you read 1930s literature. Or when you think about 1930s literature. And it didn't make it to air. Speculate that some of the plot elements would have limited the ability of this program to air in many markets. And this was a series that not only aired or was syndicated around the United States. But it would also be syndicated in other countries, including Australia, before the importation of American radio dramas to Australia was effectively illegal. And given that it came at the end. It's also hard to fit into the neat structure of the radio drama. It also has to be said that even in the context of the book, it presents a problem. Because Sam Holt not sharing this until after the arrest. Is kind of inexplicable. He had definitive opinions of Dudley Ward. He had knowledge of the facts of their marriage. He had knowledge of A sing's past relationships with Ward and with Landini. I mean, he went as far to say that every family tree has its rottenness apples. And Dudley Ward was the rottenness of his family. And his whole reason why he didn't share any of these observations with Chan or with his son during the investigation. Is that Ward's name hadn't come up. I mean, a woman is murdered in the house of a man who she fled from in terror. And you spend half the book or the radio drama. With the prime suspect being the man who actually aided her escape. And you don't think that's relevant to mention. And the fact is that if Sam Holt had provided the information. Then Dudley Ward's name would have come up. So while I appreciated the thematic revelation. I'm kind of glad it didn't work its way into the radio drama. Because it really raises some plot issues. One thing that was in the radio drama and not the book. And which I think actually the book was Better for not having. It was a scene where Chan was doing these quick fire color tests to eliminate suspects and you essentially had them eliminated on the air. And I. I don't think that having the suspects trimmed back by that was particularly helpful dramatically. I mean, it filled time, but it probably just served to make it more obvious who actually did it. And I guess one final thing that was interesting in Being different is in the radio drama, Romano states that he was the best of the husbands. But in the book that was actually Charlie Chance as well. That he was the kindest of the four husbands. And honestly, looking back, I think a lot of stuff that felt like he was being too clever by half. Really, he wasn't. I think Romano's somebody who had been through a bit of an emotional wringer. A divorce is always difficult, but he'd gotten to a point of accepting that this was going to happen. They'd reached the settlement. And so you not only have the divorce, you've got all of this financial stress that comes from promises not being fulfilled and him not being taken care of as the more dependent spouse. So I think that Romano's whole thing was just that he mourned the marriage. He hadn't wanted Landini killed, but he was really ready to move on with his life and get past what had been a really miserable chapter. The book also has more details on Charlie Chan's character. Ford decides to plead guilty so the check won't be needed at trial. And Chan is offered the check to go ahead and cash it. And he actually destroys it because he doesn't want to get money from someone whose life was ruined as a result of his investigation. The book shows how human and how much Charlie Chan is engaged with a very empathetic approach. He doesn't even really take pleasure in solving the case. It's a matter of duty and justice because he knows what the consequences will be for the killer. Like with the serial, I really enjoyed Keeper of the Keys. It is not a great book, but I think it's a good one. I do feel like there are a few really great detective books from different subgenres. Whether you're talking. Talking about the Hard Boiled stories with the Big Sleep or the Maltese Falcon, or you're talking about something like Murder on the Orient Express or Death on the Nile. After that, you've got some really well written stories that may not be classics but are really good examples of their particular genre. And that's where I'd put this one. I enjoyed both because I think that it did a good job exploring Chan as a character, both the book and the audio drama. I think the film's very well beloved, but in many of them he could practically be sidelined by the antics of his kids. And of course the sidekick Birmingham Brown. Here we really get a measure of the man and the depth of character that Earl Durr Biggers gave him and he really is such an appealing character and it has been a lot of fun to bring this to you. And of course we have another shorter serial left and then some self contained episodes as well, but this is really a special and unique treat as far as I'm concerned. Well, Listener comments and feedback now and we start out on YouTube where listener agreed with my comment in regards to the whole issue of a non white actor playing Chan and offered his own thoughts on the portrayal as an ESL teacher for 25 years in many different countries including including 12 years in mainland China, people have their own accents and issues with English grammar and vocabulary. From my point of view, Charlie Chan's speech pattern is rather typical of someone who hasn't had too much formal English training and just learned rather poorly from just being in society and picking up the language as he goes along in his daily life. A little closer to home. My aunt married someone from Spain in the 60s and his English never improved from the day he entered the USA till today. Although he was a very successful OBGYN in South Florida, it's just that no one could understand him. He is a walking stereotype. Likewise to my Spanish ex, Uncle Charlie tries to make sense of what he's hearing in this channel Chinese mime by translating something any decent ESL teacher will prohibit before it becomes habit because what comes out isn't very natural sounding. This is typical of adult students today and apparently nothing much has changed in a hundred years. The point that Charlie Chan doesn't really fit in is spot on and that's how Warner Olin played him as well as the this radio actor. I contend that Charlie Chan is not an Uncle Tom character, in fact quite the opposite. He is a full fledged three dimensional character. His broken English adds to the realness of his character. It's authentic. He's authentic. I agree with the great Key Luke that he's a Chinese hero. I would go further. He's a hero and a very human character and so identifiable on so many different levels. Look at all the actors who have had the privilege of portraying Charlie Chan. This radio actor, Walter Connelly. I should give our star some billing here. Olin, Toller, Winters, Nash, Luke and then Peter Ustinov in a parody and Ross Martin. Not sure if I left anybody out. One thing's all the these actors had for the character of Charlie Chan respect and that that I think is definitely a fair point. And I also appreciate getting the ESL perspective. That's one of the great things about doing this podcast is I have just lived my life with the sort of limits of experience that I have. So it's great to hear from the experience and perspectives of others and that's certainly not one I would have been familiar with. And then I have a comment on the website from Raymond regarding the Charlie Chan radio programs being aired. It's good that a series of such vintage exists, although I find these overly laden with dialogue which lessens their listenability to negatively compare Adopting Chinese characteristics for a role by a non oriental actor is foolish. After all, actors are supposed to act. K Luke, for instance, was a talented Chinese performer, but would he have equaled Warner Olin or Sidney Toller as Chan instead of an acting one of his children? I think not. I would add that King Caleb did actually play Charlie Chan or voice him in the 70s Charlie Chan filmation cartoons. In addition, he did play a detective lead. He took over for Boris Karloff, who had starred in the first five Mr. Wong films and appeared in the last one, the Phantom of Chinatown in 1940. And he equated himself quite well. It was a Poverty Row film, so didn't make a whole lot of money. But it is actually a really solid film that's in the public domain. I will say that he probably couldn't have believably played Chen until maybe the very end of the run. And that would have required like some physical changes. When you hear about actors, you know, going through weight gaining diets, it would have had to been something like that, plus some makeup. I think you can be fair and honest and say that the racial politics of America at the time really made it impossible that you could have an actor cast as Charlie Chan who was of Asian descent. You would not have had this sort of film series. With the more than 40 films, they did have Charlie Chan films that featured actors of Asian heritage, but those films weren't particularly successful and they tended to make him a secondary character. So really you had to have a white actor in the lead. That's the only way it would work commercially. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy and appreciate the media productions that came out of them. You make the, you know, if you're making something commercial, you have to operate on the rules of the society as it exists and what the market will actually pay for. And on the positive side, the Charlie Chan films gave work to so many young actors who just would not have gotten these type of roles. And certainly it helped K. Luke have the amazing career that he had. And of course it brought the wonderful all American antics of the Chan children. And I think you can definitely appreciate the actors who played Charlie Chan, but I don't think it's necessary to pretend that this was just, ah, it was just a merit but base decision. No, no, this was the 1930s and Hollywood dealing with the racial sentiments of the time in the only way that it could to put out profitable films. Raymond goes on regarding the idea put forth in the Walter Connelly series of all the suspects being in the fact the murderer. This device had been employed earlier earlier by the late Agatha Christie, one example being a tour de force second only to her 1939 classic and then There Were none, which the writing, she admitted, gave her much trouble. And while the solution to the former strains credulity, it is remarkable, especially as put forth in impressive detail by Accup Poirot. Christie's mystery output more often than not falls short of her finest works, the Miss Marple entries of lesser quality than those featuring her Belgian sleuth, possibly the result of her prolificness, but she is reportedly now the world's most successful writer. Well, thanks so much. Appreciate the comment, Raymond. Then we turn to Holly's email, who has a couple of random thoughts. Normally I prefer. And the first is on Jeff Regan. Normally I prefer orchestral scores, but Jeff Regan's organist is phenomenal. It's like a little writing commentary mirroring the reactions of the audience many times. She also shared her predictions for the possible outcomes of the Charlie Chan mystery. We know A Singh didn't do it, we know none of the other ethnic characters did it, and we know Ryder didn't because he's a nasty jerk. A sing knows who did it and also knows that Dudley Ward's son is still alive at Pine View and may have been the person to shoot Landini or not. Dudley Ward's son is either Harold Beaton or based on some odd hints by the old sheriff, young Sheriff Holt, who. Who was never told the truth about his real mother. Okay, maybe that's a bit out there, but. But if Harold Beaton is Landini's heir, then wouldn't he have the motive to shoot her? Or if he's really telling the truth and saying he doesn't care about inheriting her money, then I Say that it's the person I've suspected all along for pretty Leslie Beaton because, well, maybe she'd want her brother to inherit the money she owes. All sing will cover for her and she'll avoid suspicion because she's Pretty Leslie beaten. And what's funny about this particular email, a lot of things funny, I will add, is that this email came to me before last week's episode went out on the podcast and I asked for someone to explain why they might suspect Leslie Beaton and her brother at this point. And there we go. Seriously, I'm really enjoying Charlie Chan and the fact that it includes the issue of racism and adds some unexpected death to some of the characters makes it that much more engaging. As always, I enjoy all of your programs and fun, informative commentaries. Thank you, Hollywood. Well, thank you so much, Holly. And now that brings us at last to our Patreon support of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Robert patreon supporter since July 2022, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Robert. And that will at last do it for today. This has been fun. I enjoyed talking about it, but I am conscious that this is probably one of the longest commentary portions and listener feedback portions I've ever done. So if you are listening this far, I really appreciate it. Also appreciate everyone who shared their feedback and comment. We'll be back next Tuesday with a new shorter Charlie Chan serial. This one will only take three, three weeks to get through, but join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat.
- [73:19]
Charlie Chan
Where I don't know who. Tell me who I am. I'll just take it easy. That's better. What were you looking for? Pocketbook.
- [73:30]
Adam Graham
I remember I had it.
- [73:33]
Charlie Chan
I think I had it when I was rocking right over there. I fell down. Let's go see. How long ago did you miss your pocketbook?
- [73:43]
Adam Graham
A little while, I think.
- [73:45]
Charlie Chan
I don't know. An hour? No, no, just a few minutes ago. I can't remember when.
- [73:53]
Adam Graham
Here's where you fell.
- [73:54]
Charlie Chan
Yes, I remember because when it happened, I stretched out my arm so I wouldn't hit the trash can. Uh huh. Is this it, miss? Yes, yes, that's it. I can remember that. Let's open it. Yes, yes. Here, wallet. Here's a driver's license made up to Linda Arnold. 1912 West 54th Street. 5 4. Blonde hair, green eyes. That fits. And this. In case of accident, notify Helen Carroll. Address. The same. Helen Carroll. Aunt Helen. Yes, that's right. My name's Linda Arnold, and Helen Carroll's my aunt. Uh huh. Something else in this purse, Ms. Arnold. Recognize it? What? Why, that's a letter opener. Aunt Helen's. And there's blood on it. That's right, Ms. Arnold. It's sticky with blood.
- [74:52]
Adam Graham
I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box 13@greatdetectives.net. follow us on Twitter at Radio Detectives, and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.
- [75:05]
Charlie Chan
Com.
- [75:07]
Adam Graham
Great. Detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.