Charlie Chan: Killer has False Beard/Meeting Gerald Willoughby's Plane (EP4781)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Charlie Chan: Killer Has False Beard / Meeting Gerald Willoughby’s Plane (EP4781)

Host: Adam Graham
Air Date: August 19, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode features a classic serialized Charlie Chan radio drama from 1936, following the famed Honolulu detective as he investigates the interconnected murders of Colonel Willoughby and his butler, Simmons, in San Francisco. The drama is full of twists involving false clues, identity mysteries, and red herrings, with Chan methodically narrowing in on the possible culprit — potentially casting suspicion on Gerald Willoughby. Host Adam Graham bookends the episode with historical insight and commentary, reflecting on the broadcast’s narrative techniques and audience experience.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Series Context & Host’s Insights

• [00:58] Adam Graham introduces the episode, shares background corrections on the series, clarifies announcer (J. Donald Wilson vs. Don Wilson), and explains the structure and distribution of original radio serials.
• Notes how older episodes had gaps and duplications in archives, making it a treat to hear these chapters as complete as possible.
• Highlights the immersive, serialized approach to Golden Age radio mysteries.

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2. Drama Recap: The Charlie Chan Serial

The Investigation Intensifies

• [05:05–05:56] The murder of Colonel Willoughby is under investigation. Suspicion initially falls on Simmons the butler, who is evasive about his activities. Simmons promises to reveal key facts, but he is murdered before he can disclose them.
  • Notable Quote:

  "You’re sure he’s dead, Mr. Chan?"
  "No question. Shot right under heart. Gun was held close to body."
  — Sergeant Duff & Inspector Chan (06:04)

Clues and Deductions

• [06:57–08:35] The cast examines Simmons’s body. Chan notes Simmons grabbed at the killer’s beard during the attack, finding short black hairs under his fingernails.

  • Notable Quote:

  “The man who killed Simmons is man with beard. You note short black hairs caught in Simmons fingernails.”
  — Inspector Chan (08:18)

• [10:09–10:37] Forensic analysis reveals not only beard hairs but also traces of “spirit gum,” leading to the deduction that the beard was false.

  • Notable Quote:

  “So that was what you were after trying to say, Mr. Chan. He wore a false beard.”
  — Sergeant Duff (10:28)

Establishing the Suspect’s Method and Escape

• [11:35–12:23] Using a cast of a shoeprint and the recovery of a ship ticket with oily residue, Chan ties the murderer’s presence to specific times and locations, theorizing the killer traveled with the group from Chicago.

  • Notable Quote:

  “Murderer pulled this ticket receipt out of his pocket when he drew Gun to commit murder.”
  — Inspector Chan (12:25)

• [13:12–13:36] Chan articulates how the murderer was able to keep pace with detectives, steal notes, and set up traps for victims, emphasizing the killer’s cunning and mobility.

Organizing a Multi-pronged Search

• [13:40–14:38] Chan assigns tasks: checking hotels and passengers for men with (possibly fake) beards; shoe manufacturers to match the footprint; suppliers of theatrical beards.
  • Notable Quote:

  “You must check all taxicabs… check all passengers off train… check all who have moved to different hotels... check manufacturers of shoes to find make of last which corresponds to plaster cast…”
  — Inspector Chan (13:40–14:05)

Meeting Gerald Willoughby’s Plane

• [14:41–16:12] The detectives assemble at the airport, waiting for Gerald Willoughby’s plane from Chicago, with Chan explaining the need to leave no investigative avenue unexplored.

  • Notable Quote:

  “Arrival at plane will determine one thing, Sergeant. That one thing is whether or not Mr. Gerald Willoughby is aboard…”
  — Inspector Chan (15:05)

• [16:12–17:28] O’Brien updates on young Douglas Willoughby’s motives for hiding his identity, which are tied to shame and being wrongly accused.

Revelations and Suspicions

• [17:28–18:18] Gerald arrives and is quickly brought up to speed. The group reveals to him that not only is Douglas alive, but Simmons has been murdered.

  • Notable Quote:

  “Douglas? But why? Impossible.”
  — Mr. Blake (Gerald Willoughby) (18:18)

• [18:30–20:04] Suspicion grows on motives: could someone be impersonating Douglas for financial gain? Was Willoughby’s lifelong, obsessive search for his son dangerous enough to create enemies?

Returning to the Scene

• [20:33–21:54] The group returns to Mr. Blake’s home. Miss Evelyn Mitchell, the secretary, is introduced formally to Gerald; she provides case notes and expresses her emotional response to the murders.

Chan’s Reflective Analysis

• [22:10–22:55] Alone with his trusted aides, Chan wonders if all prior deductions have been wrong, only to conclude that every deduction, so far, has been correct, pushing the investigation forward.

  • Notable Quote:

  “I have been blind, stupid. I deserve metaphorical dunce cap placed on the head and pressed well down over ears.”
  — Inspector Chan (22:54)

• [23:53–24:18] The big twist: Even though Gerald was observed arriving on the plane from Chicago, Chan reveals he still suspects Gerald is the killer, planning to prove it via a critical, self-incriminating statement.

  • Notable Quote:

  “Do not fear, Sergeant. We shall not blunder. Gerald is guilty party — out of his own mouth, he condemned himself. We have only to prove it.”
  — Inspector Chan (24:18)

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3. Host Commentary & Reflection

• [27:27] Adam Graham reflects on Charlie Chan’s deductive style, the effect of Miss Evelyn’s “catastrophizing” in helping Chan refocus, and how Gerald Willoughby’s “fatal lie” has not yet been fully detected by the host or audience.
  • Notable Quote:

  “I love the setup that they are going to prove Gerald Willoughby guilty. And it sets up a great sense of anticipation for how they’re going to do this and what comes next.”
  — Adam Graham (27:27)

• Graham discusses the archival challenges encountered with this story and expresses appreciation for being able to present these segments without duplication or missing parts, despite incomplete overall archives.

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Memorable Quotes & Key Moments (with Timestamps)

• “The man who killed Simmons is man with beard. You note short black hairs caught in Simmons fingernails.”
  — Inspector Charlie Chan (08:18)

• “He wore a false beard.”
  — Sergeant Duff (10:28)

• “Murderer pulled this ticket receipt out of his pocket when he drew Gun to commit murder.”
  — Inspector Chan (12:25)

• “Arrival at plane will determine one thing, Sergeant… whether or not Mr. Gerald Willoughby is aboard…”
  — Inspector Chan (15:05)

• “Do not fear, Sergeant. We shall not blunder. Gerald is guilty party — out of his own mouth, he condemned himself.”
  — Inspector Chan (24:18)

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Important Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------|-------------------| | Host Intro & Series Background | 00:58–03:51 | | Drama Opening & Recap | 05:05–05:56 | | Simmons’s Death & Beard Clue | 05:56–10:01 | | Spirit Gum & False Beard Revelation | 10:09–10:37 | | Evidence Gathering (Prints, Ticket) | 11:35–12:25 | | Search Tasks Assigned by Chan | 13:40–14:38 | | Airport & Plane Arrival | 14:41–18:18 | | Gerald Willoughby’s Interrogation | 18:30–20:04 | | Chan Reflects & Doubts | 22:10–22:55 | | Chan Rebuilds Theory, Sets Trap | 23:53–24:31 | | Host Post-Episode Commentary | 27:27–30:32 |

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Tone & Style

• The drama maintains a classic "drawing room" detective tone, with Charlie Chan’s philosophical, proverb-laden speech grounding the investigation in slow, methodical logic.
• Host Adam Graham employs a warm, nostalgic tone with an emphasis on historical context and fandom.

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Summary

This episode masterfully weaves classic detective elements — physical clues (beard, spirit gum, ticket stub), shifting alibis, and false identities — into a tense narrative. Inspector Chan’s measured, almost Socratic progress toward the culprit contrasts with the impulsiveness of his colleagues, building suspense. The host’s commentary contextualizes the story’s enduring appeal and provides continuity for both fans and new listeners. The cliffhanger ending sets up the expectation that Gerald Willoughby’s fate — and the unraveling of his "fatal lie" — will anchor the next installment’s drama.

Transcript

[Geico Gecko]

When it comes to home insurance, Geico works for you. And since I'm the Geico Gecko, I'm here working for you too.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Hey, Gecko, can you record my voicemail greeting?

[Geico Gecko]

No problemo. You've reached the Amazing Rita. She's probably busy right now teaching music theory to neighborhood birds or telling a total stranger how they can bundle home and car insurance with Geico to get the discounts they deserve. But rest assured, she'll get back to you once she's done brightening her little corner of the world.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Does that sound all right? Nailed it. No notes.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Let Geico work for you. Get more with Geico.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment we are going to bring you this week's Charlie Chan serial, but if you are enjoying this podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I want to encourage you to check out our other podcast and I'm highlighting the amazing world of [e-mail] where we are currently playing our Summer of Robert Louis Stevenson, which is quickly nearing its conclusion. We've had a great season and you can go and catch up on all of the great Robert Louis Stevenson action in stories like Kidnap, Treasure island and the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as well as lesser known or lesser remembered stories these days such as Treasure of the Franchard and the Bottle. Again, check that [e-mail] or wherever you get your podcast from. Now one quick note on Charlie Chan I did actually find a document which kind of corrects some of the things I thought about the series. Now the announcer from the series I said was Don Wilson, known for the Jack Benny show, but it was actually J. Donald Wilson. He went by started going by the J. Donald as Don Wilson became famous, not to be confused with him. And that makes sense because the voices were different. I thought he just may have been speaking somewhat differently for a mystery program, but it was an entirely different person. J. Donald Wilson and I also found out that this was a 78 episode series and each station was required to sign up for at least 39 episodes. Now, I'm not certain whether the Landini Murder Mystery was a required serial or if stations could choose. Okay, I want the bunch of serialized stories, but I don't want the 39 episode series. That's just one story and I think both types of serials would serve different audiences, so it makes sense to have that choice. At any rate, we Are heading back to 1936. Killer has false beard and meeting Gerald Willoughby's plane.

[Narrator]

The most delightfully fascinating character in the realms of mystery. Earl Durbiger's Charlie Chan.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Ram.

[Narrator]

Colonel Willoughby, visiting Mr. Blake's home in San Francisco, is murdered in the darkened hallway of the house. Charlie Chan and Inspector Duff, also guests at the house, are convinced that none of the other guests could have committed the murder. And so suspicion falls upon Simmons, the.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Butler, who is evasive as to his.

[Narrator]

Actions the night of the murder. Inspector Chan, however, is building a case upon the supposition that the colonel's death has some connection with his search for his son. And the finding of a newspaper clipping showing that Simmons had served in the murdered man's regiment lends color to the theory. Simmons is about to disclose facts which will lead them to the murderer when the doorbell rings. He answers the door but does not return. And when Inspector Chan and the others go to the front door, they find the butler breathing his last. The Honolulu detective bends over the body as the others crowd about him in the open doorway.

[Sergeant Duff]

You're sure he's dead, Mr. Chan?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

No question. Shot right under half. Gun was held close to body, but.

[Mr. Blake]

We didn't hear a sound.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Murderer probably used gun fitted with silencing device. Sergeant, you are only one in the official capacity here. Shall we leave him here or move him inside?

[Sergeant Duff]

Let's move him inside. Or better still, you move him inside. I'm going down the street.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

No, Sergeant, you are not. Murderer is either far away by now or else. Or else he is hiding in some corner Awaiting some such move as that which you contemplate.

[Sergeant Duff]

Well, I'm not afraid of him.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

No, Sergeant. But police force can ill afford to lose men in such manner. Your services will be more valuable in tracking down criminal. Than in falling a third victim to his lust to kill.

[Sergeant Duff]

Well, just the same, this gets me mad.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Quite so, Sergeant. But getting mad, as you call it, only dulls the ability to think. What is it, Dad?

[Sergeant O'Brien]

I saw somebody move across the street. Oh, no. Sorry. It's only a dog.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Prophetic saying, that is what murderer is a mad dog. Come, let us lift Simmond in the house. I. I'll take his feet. You handle his head, Duff. This way, Sergeant. Where is Sir Reginald?

[Sergeant Duff]

Calling for a doctor. Trying to get the district attorney on the phone.

[Mr. Blake]

I'll get the door.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Let's take him to the library.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

All right. Just a second, till I get a better grip. Oh, poor devil. We can't hurt him now yet.

[Mr. Blake]

The district attorney, Sir Reginald. Yes, he's coming over at once with the police surgeon.

[Miss Evelyn Mitchell]

What happened? I heard voices. Oh, Simmons. Is he badly hurt?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

So sorry, Miss Evelyn. He is dead.

[Miss Evelyn Mitchell]

Oh, poor Simmons. Killed because he knew too much. Because he could lead us to the murderer.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Precisely, Miss Evelyn. Ah. We put him down here on couch. There. That is it. Yes. You will excuse me, I know, but I suggest that you return to your own room.

[Miss Evelyn Mitchell]

Miss Evelyn. I shan't break down.

[Adam Graham]

I.

[Miss Evelyn Mitchell]

If there's anything I can do.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Nothing now, thank you.

[Mr. Blake]

Come along, Miss Mitchell. You run along to your own room like a good little girl. This is a job for men who are used to it.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Sergeant, where is that magnifying glass you were using?

[Sergeant Duff]

I've got it right here in me pocket. Here it is. What's on your mind, Inspector?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

I will show you. Have you also tweezers?

[Sergeant Duff]

Yes. Here you are.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

What is it, Charlie?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Observe, if you please, position of right hand. Hold it steady, Sergeant. Yes, Sergeant. Is it? Yes, it is. The man who killed Simmons is man with beard. You note short black hairs caught in Simmons fingernails.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

By Jove, you're right, Charlie.

[Sergeant Duff]

It's a mortal certainty that you are.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Inspector, the killer, whoever he is, certainly is a cold, calculating brute. How could he dare to take a chance like this with us in the house?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Killer must have been hiding outside house. He saw a messenger arrive with telegram, saw Simmons answer the door. Then he rang doorbell. Simmons answered second time, saw no one there, stepped outside, and murderer quickly placed gun against his heart and pressed trigger.

[Mr. Blake]

Then Simmons more or less involuntarily struck out and caught the man's beard with his fingernail.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Probably so.

[Sergeant Duff]

Well, we know the murderer's approximate weight. We have a pretty good idea of his height. We know he wears a beard.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Perhaps, Sergeant? Perhaps.

[Sergeant Duff]

What do you mean, Inspector?

[Mr. Blake]

Oh, here's Holbrook. Come right in, Holbrook.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Into the library.

[Mr. Blake]

Come along, Doctor.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Sure he's dead, Blake?

[Mr. Blake]

No question about it. In here, doctor.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

This is Dr. Guthrie. Hello. Dr. Chan, Honolulu Police.

[Mr. Blake]

How do you.

[Narrator]

Dr. Dove, Scott and Yard, O' Brien, you know.

[Mr. Blake]

And of course, Mr. Blake. How do you do? Mr. Blake must have died within a few minutes. Will he speak?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Yes, but not enough to give us any help. He muttered something about record.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

I've been wondering about that myself. What on earth could he mean by that?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Possibly records in connection with trial of young Willard.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

But there weren't any. I thought of that, too.

[Mr. Blake]

Quite possibly there's no connection between these dying words in your case at all. Men in their last few moments will say things that have no Meaning they just talk, but what they say means nothing.

[Sergeant Duff]

At least we know that the killer wears a beard. Or does he? Inspector Chan was going to say something when Mr. Holbrook entered.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Look here, Doctor. Examine dead man's fingernails with this magnifying glass. Tell us, what do you find? Yes.

[Mr. Blake]

Yes, it's from a beard.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

But on the underside of the nails themselves. Here. Here are tweezers.

[Mr. Blake]

Mmm. Dried flakes of spirit gum.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Spirited gum.

[Sergeant Duff]

So that was what you were after trying to say, Mr. Chan. He wore a false beard.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

That is reasonable supposition in view of findings, is it not, Doctor?

[Mr. Blake]

I believe that is justified, Mr. Chan.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

You have plaster caster footprint made in soft earth. Knight of colonel's murder, sergeant.

[Sergeant Duff]

Sure thing, Mr. Chan. I've got a cast of a shoe exactly like the one the murder of war right here in the hallway.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Splendid. We shall compare it with prints outside. Although I am certain they will agree. But we shall check sure same time as we look for further clues. Which to this point we have neglected to do. Showing outside. Yes, Sir Reginald. We continue search for clues.

[Mr. Blake]

Right. I suppose we should have done that before.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Miss Evelyn is resting.

[Mr. Blake]

Yes, I tried to talk to her and get her settled down. She's hardly accustomed to this sort of thing.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Of course not. We who are connected with police are prone to forget that murder is almost severe shock. To persons not accustomed to dealing with it every day.

[Sergeant Duff]

Here is the cast, Inspector.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Splendid, Sergeant. Thank you so much.

[Sergeant Duff]

There is where he stood, all right. Half a dozen footprints. The cast fits snug like into the footprint.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Now search so carefully for cigarette stuff perhaps. Ejected cartridge maybe.

[Mr. Blake]

Here's the cartridge.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

38American manufacturer. Yes.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Still thinking of the other. You're on the wrong track there, Charlie.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

What is that by your feet, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Duff]

Just a piece of pasteboard. A ticket for a ship.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Quickly, Sergeant. Let me have it. Ah.

[Mr. Blake]

What, Chan?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Smell it, Sir Reginald. But keep opinion to self while we make tests.

[Mr. Blake]

Hi there.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

You Mr. Blake?

[Mr. Blake]

Well, I'm not very keen on sense of smell.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

You, Sergeant, what do you say?

[Sergeant Duff]

Yes, sir. Mr. Chan, I get you. You're right. It smells of oil and fouling.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Are we agreed?

[Mr. Blake]

That's my guess.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Then. Murderer pulled this ticket receipt out of his pocket when he drew Gunn to commit murder. Look at date, same day as it not when you Duff left Chicago.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Yes, Charlie.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

You see how case now fits together? I said in the beginning that murderer knew when colonel sent for you and Sir Reginald. That colonel had made discovery regarding whereabouts of son the murderer. Duff traveled on the same train as you from Chicago stayed at same hotel as you did. That is how he was able to steal note which you wrote to Sir Reginald. Note which he afterwards used to lure Colonel to his death.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

I said then, Charlie, that you built a strong case. Now I am certain of it.

[Mr. Blake]

He may still be staying at the hotel.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Perhaps. But I do not think so. He is too smart, our murderer, to remain long in one place.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

However, if he has stayed on at the hotel, he'll move when he discovers that he's lost this ticket.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

In which case our search will be over. Harvard. Come. We have plans to lay a campaign to map. Mr. Holbrook, can we have all possible resources of your department to assist?

[Mr. Blake]

Certainly.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Listen carefully, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Duff]

I'm all ears. And that I am.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

You must check all taxicabs to find out which carried man wearing beer at the hotel at which Inspector Duff and Sir Reginald are stopping.

[Sergeant Duff]

What if the man wears a false beard?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Fight, Sergeant. So you must in addition check all passengers off train to said hotel. You must then check all who have moved to different hotels. In meantime, I'm on.

[Sergeant Duff]

I look after that part of the job myself.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

You must then check manufacturers of shoes to find make of last which corresponds to plaster cast. You have made a footprint.

[Sergeant Duff]

Sure. What a dumbbell. I am not to have thought of it myself?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Not at all, Sergeant. I only thought of it this moment. Yet it was obvious thing to do. Truly. Is it said that he who runs cannot at same time read signposts?

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Better check all the places that sell wigs, false beards, theatrical makeup. Yes, better check them. Although the man may have bought his false beard. And Chicago.

[Sergeant Duff]

I'll have them checked anyways, Mr. Duff.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Now, gentlemen, who will accompany me to airport?

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Accompany you to the airport?

[Mr. Blake]

What on earth for?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

I wish to satisfy myself that it is Mr. Gerald Willoughby and no one else who gets off plane from Chicago.

[Narrator]

Charlie Chan and o' Brien arrive at the landing field where they await the arrival of Inspector Duff.

[Sergeant Duff]

What do you really expect to find by meeting the plane? Inspector Chan, I haven't had time to be in on all of your planning.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Arrival at plane will determine one thing, Sergeant. That one thing is whether or not Mr. Gerald Willoughby is aboard before. I have remarked that journey of a thousand miles is made a step at a time. And more difficult the journey, the shorter the step.

[Sergeant Duff]

Me. And I suppose that the harder the case is, the steps taken to solve it should be slow but certain.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Correct, Sergeant. You see, both Reginald and Duff think that I am foolish to even for one brief moment suspect Gerald that they are wrong. Sergeant, if to quote example, I do not satisfy myself that it is Gerald who arrives upon plane from Chicago. Then, at some future date, when this unsolved case comes to memory. I should always feel that in the one avenue of search which we have not explored. We had lost the solution.

[Sergeant Duff]

Well, now, Mr. Chan, just supposing that the old man's nephew is aboard the plane. What theory are you going to start on next?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

The answer to that, Sergeant, is very simple. If this theory fails at crucial tests, I do not know. Ah, here is that giddy over there.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Charlie. I see I did arrive in time. Lake drove us down to the jail to have a few words with our prisoner. I left Ms. Mitchell, Blake and Sir Reginald there. And came on to the airport by taxi.

[Sergeant Duff]

Did young Willoughby say anything?

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Yes, Sergeant, he did. He told us why he'd never revealed that he was Colonel Willoughby's son. In fact, he admitted that he had been angry at his father. For believing he was guilty to begin with. And that he was just not going to let anyone know that he was even alive.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

You pointed out to him, Duff, that with the murder of Simmons. It would be impossible to keep his identity and the story of his disappearance during the war a secret any longer.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Yes. Yes, he realizes that.

[Sergeant Duff]

Here comes the plane. We'd better stand where we can get a full view of everybody getting off.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Quite a few passengers alighting. Yes. Oh, and there's Gerald, the heavily built gentleman in the tweed overcoat.

[Sergeant Duff]

Yes.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Come on. We'll go over Jelly over there.

[Sergeant Duff]

Gerald.

[Mr. Blake]

By Jo, I didn't expect to see you at the airport.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

I know you didn't. Gerald, this is Inspector Chan of the Honolulu Police. And this is Sergeant o', Bland, one of San Francisco's finest.

[Mr. Blake]

Very glad to meet you both, I'm sure. Tell me, has any progress been made in the solving of my uncle's murder?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Nothing, I'm sorry to say, Mr. Willoughby. We are facing blank wall which stretches in every direction as far as I can see.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Here's a taxi. Got any luggage, Gerald?

[Mr. Blake]

Yes. One suitcase and a briefcase.

[Sergeant Duff]

I'll take care of them. Jump in, Mr. Blakes.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Russian. Hail, driver. You know the place?

[Mr. Blake]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Now, Gerald, the only thing we found out is that your cousin is still alive.

[Mr. Blake]

My cousin? What are you talking about?

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Douglas is alive.

[Mr. Blake]

Douglas? But why? Impossible.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Afraid not impossible, Mr. Willoughby. It is fact which cannot be denied.

[Mr. Blake]

But can you be certain that it isn't some imposter?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

What do you mean, Mr. Willoughby?

[Mr. Blake]

Well, several people in all odd corners of the world. Knew that my uncle was always searching for his son. My uncle always believed that his son was still alive. Don't you think it possible that one of them might be trying to get some money for himself by impersonating Douglas?

[Sergeant O'Brien]

It's a perfectly good thing theory, Gerald. But not only did Chan surmise that the man we found was young Douglas, but, well, Simmons, your uncle's old sergeant major, was the one who invited him to Blake's house.

[Mr. Blake]

Simmons. Simmons. Oh, yes, I remember. Old Tubby Simmons. And Tubby Simmons identified this fellow as my cousin.

[Sergeant Duff]

Sure, and he did. But Simmons is dead now too.

[Mr. Blake]

What happened to Simmons?

[Sergeant Duff]

Murdered. Just the same as your uncle. And by the same man. At least that's Inspector Chan's theory. I can't think of a better one.

[Mr. Blake]

But what reason could anyone have for murdering my uncle to begin with? And why Simmons? I don't know why. Yes, I'd actually forgotten Simmons existence.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

We were hoping to get an answer from you on that point. Mr. Willoughby. Have you no possible suggestion to give us as to who might wish to kill your uncle?

[Mr. Blake]

Not a glimmer of an idea. But I received word that the old.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Gentleman had been killed.

[Sergeant Duff]

Murdered?

[Mr. Blake]

I couldn't grasp it. It didn't seem possible. He hadn't an enemy in the world.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

But he might have made one in his insistent search for his son.

[Sergeant Duff]

Who?

[Mr. Blake]

Uncle's search for Douglas was harmless enough.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

We.

[Mr. Blake]

Well, naturally, we felt sorry for Uncle. His only son charged with cowardice. Then his suicide. There was nothing in that to make anyone want to kill my uncle.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

We shall not attempt to pursue that course further. You must be tired from your trip. We will leave questioning until we reach Mr. Blake's home. If you'll be so kind. Think of anything which has occurred in past years. Which might lead us to one small vestige of clues.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Here we are.

[Sergeant Duff]

I'll pay the taxi. This goes on the expense sheet.

[Mr. Blake]

Oh, come now, sir.

[Sergeant Duff]

That's all right, sir.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Ah, our host, Mr. Blake. Sir Reginald. And Miss Evelyn returned yet? Yes, both in the library going over.

[Mr. Blake]

The notes on the case. Oh, hello, Gerald. Hello, Reggie. Awfully glad to see you, old man. Yes. Sorry about this. I hadn't heard any particulars. Just what deaf Inspector Chan told me on the way over. Where did it happen?

[Sergeant Duff]

Right here, sir. At the bottom of the stairs. The murderer must have slipped into the hallway and killed your uncle. Slipped out of the house? All within three minutes.

[Mr. Blake]

After all the travelling, my uncle did all his adventurous life to come here.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

To deliver a lecture. Ah, but you must not dwell upon that thought.

[Mr. Blake]

But it seems so senseless I can't help but think of it. The old gentleman full of life. Still fired with the search for Douglas. Coming face to face with his murderer in this hallway.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Please, Mr. Gerald. Better, I think, that we all retire to library.

[Narrator]

I have some sherry for you.

[Mr. Blake]

It's a bit cold outside. Can't think of anything better. Ah, Miss Evelyn, this is Gerald, the colonel's nephew. How do you do, Ms. Evelyn? Ms. Mitchell was your uncle's secretary. Yes, yes, of course. I've corresponded with her, although we haven't met.

[Miss Evelyn Mitchell]

I'm very glad indeed to meet you, Mr. Chan. I have all those notes transcribed for you, if you.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Yes, Miss Evelyn. We shall go to work on them now. You will pardon us, I know, but Miss Evelyn and Sergeant o' Brien have some work to do with me.

[Mr. Blake]

Oh, certainly, old chap. Dinner will be in about 45 minutes.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Thank you.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

Anything I can do to help, Chan, just call me.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Certainly. Well, Inspector, Find in your tone of voice, echo in my own mind, Sergeant. We seem, after considerable thought and effort to have arrived nowhere.

[Sergeant Duff]

I was watching you. It was a bit of a shock to see Mr. Gerald getting off that plane. He put the case on the wide open list again.

[Miss Evelyn Mitchell]

You feel that all your efforts have been in vain. All your deductions were wrong.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

All our deductions wrong? No, Sergeant. I have been blind, stupid. I deserve metaphorical dunce gap placed on the head and pressed well down over ears.

[Sergeant O'Brien]

What?

[Sergeant Duff]

What are you talking about?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Doris? Clothes. Yes. There is no use appealing to Duff or Sir Reginald for help in this. They will find it hard to believe when we prove it. Ms. Evelyn's remark. All our deductions wrong. Gave me courage. Were our deductions about young man found robbing colonel's room wrong? No. We said he was colonel's son. We were right.

[Miss Evelyn Mitchell]

And you maintained that Simmons had seen service with the colonel. That was also right.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Precisely, Ms. Evelyn. We also believed that without proper protection, Simmons life was in danger. Despite our beliefs and our care, the murderer stuck the second time and Simmons life was fought.

[Sergeant Duff]

I begin to see what you're getting at. All the deductions to date have been right. And there is no reason now to be thinking anything different.

[Miss Evelyn Mitchell]

But, Mr. Gerald, you suspect him. And he's been on the plane from Chicago.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

So we think. So we think. Logical course of thinking and drawing conclusions. Brings us to Mr. Gerald Willoughby as killer. Very well. We must prove it. Can I rely upon your assistance?

[Miss Evelyn Mitchell]

Certainly, Mr. Chairman.

[Sergeant Duff]

Well, I hate to make any blunders.

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

Do not fear, Sergeant. We shall not blunder Gerald is guilty party out of his own mouth. He condemned himself. We have only to prove it.

[Narrator]

What exactly does the inspector mean? What did Gerald say that condemned him? After you've heard from your sponsor, Inspector Chan will be with us again. Well, Mr. Chan, what have you for us this evening?

[Inspector Charlie Chan]

I have been thinking of statement made by murderer which while not proof of guilt in court, is proof to me. Yes, Mr. Chan, it is more easy for a man to build in one day a temple than to expiate in one life a lie.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I love how the secretary catastrophizing was able to help Charlie Chan get centered and focus and look at the whole case and the chain of deductions. And I love the setup that they are going to prove Gerald Willoughby guilty. And it sets up a great sense of anticipation for how are they going to do this and what comes next. And I think even Charlie Chan's Chinese proverb at the end of the the second episode helped with that. I didn't catch Gerald Willoughby supposedly fatal lie. So it'd be fascinating to see how Inspector Chan is able to solve this thing. I should note that for years and years, the second half of this episode where Chan goes down to the airport to meet the plane was actually the first episode of the story that was available. This and the next three chapters have been around and circulating for as long as I've been involved in Old Time Radio. Now, these chapters were known of. In fact, there were several sets online that claimed that they had the three episodes that we heard prior to the episode at the airport. But if you actually download them, you would find out that they just duplicated episodes from the four. So you would get. You would listen to an episode and then you'd listen to another one. And then as you went through, you'd realize that they put some of these episodes in there multiple times to claim the hat. All six, seven. So not my best experience. So it's nice to listen to this one all the way through and have even though we don't have all the episodes to at least have the episodes that are there there. And I hope you find this complete enough to be meaningful even though we don't have the full story because I'm enjoying it so far. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Donna, patreon supporter since March 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Donna. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. All those 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.

[Detective]

Mrs. Clark, it's the police. Ms. Clark, I've got.

[Mrs. Clark]

Please come in. Excuse the way I look.

[Detective]

Of course, Mrs. Clark.

[Mrs. Clark]

What do you want me to say to you? Excuse the way I look? Excuse the way the apartment looks, the way my husband looks lying out there in the hall in his undershirt? What else can I say to you? I'm sorry about it.

[Detective]

I've got to ask you some questions.

[Mrs. Clark]

I know all about that. Here, see? Right here. Detective, did you ever own a gun, suspect? No, sir, I did not. Detective, did you shoot this man? Suspect? No, sir, I did not. Just like in these true type detective story magazines. I read them all the time. I know all about what you've got to do.

[Detective]

All right, then. It'll make it a lot easier.

[Mrs. Clark]

If you're going to ask me did I shoot my husband, I'm going to say, no, sir, I did not.

[Detective]

We know you didn't.

[Mrs. Clark]

Don't be too sure. I was in Lloyd Ramey's apartment when it happened.

[Detective]

Oh, tell me about it.

[Mrs. Clark]

I went across the hall to borrow some tea bags from Mr. Ramey because my husband likes tea. I must have stayed more than 10 seconds because my husband got panicky and came after me. He knocked on the door. Mr. Ramey didn't even answer. He pulled out a gun and shot.

[Detective]

How well did you know Ramey?

[Mrs. Clark]

For teabags with my husband, teabags means I'm not being true blue.

[Detective]

Your husband was wrong, wasn't he?

[Mrs. Clark]

My husband is dead. I guess.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to to box [e-mail]. 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.