Charlie Chan: Premature Corpse/Too Many Suspects (EP4672)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: "Charlie Chan: Premature Corpse/Too Many Suspects" (EP4672) Summary

Episode Overview

In episode 4672 of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," titled "Charlie Chan: Premature Corpse/Too Many Suspects," listeners are plunged into a perplexing murder mystery set at Pine View, a serene estate near Lake Tahoe. Hosted by Adam Graham, this installment features the iconic detective Charlie Chan as he unravels the enigmatic murder of renowned opera singer, Landini. The episode meticulously blends suspense, character development, and investigative prowess, offering a captivating listening experience for both aficionados of old-time radio dramas and mystery enthusiasts.

Plot Summary

The Murder at Pine View

The tranquil ambiance of Pine View is shattered by the murder of Landini, a celebrated opera singer. The absence of clear motives or immediate clues complicates the investigation. Suspects include several individuals connected to Landini through marriage and personal relationships: Pleasant Ward (the estate's owner), Ryder, Swan, Romano (all previously married to Landini), and Leslie Beaton, who harbored resentment due to Landini's involvement with her brother, Hugh.

Charlie Chan and Sheriff Holt Investigate

Inspector Charlie Chan teams up with Sheriff Don Holt to dissect the circumstances surrounding Landini's death. They discover a critical revelation: the gunshot heard by witnesses was not the fatal one. This insight shifts the investigation's direction, compelling Chan and Holt to adopt a more scientific approach rather than relying on initial impressions.

Key Developments and Interrogations

1. Revising the Timeline:

   • Chan reveals to Sheriff Holt that the audible gunshot was fired after Landini's death, suggesting the real shooter had time to stage the scene. This leads to questioning the timeline and movements of all suspects during the crucial moments before and after the murder.

2. Leslie Beaton's Statement:

   • Leslie Beaton becomes a focal point when she claims to have seen Mr. Ward, Mr. Romano, and Dr. Swan leave the study shortly before the fatal shot. This revelation introduces new layers of suspicion and potential motives.

3. Ah Singh's Suspect Behavior:

   • Chan scrutinizes Ah Singh, the housekeeper, noticing discrepancies in cigarette box arrangements. Singh admits to altering the cigarette lids, hinting at attempted cover-ups or redirections from the true murderer.

4. Confrontation with Mr. Ryder:

   • Mr. Ryder initially denies any knowledge but eventually confesses to seeing Ms. Beaton again, further entangling the web of suspects.

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps

• Charlie Chan on Investigation Method:

  • "[04:29] Charlie Chan: I deeply regret to say, Sheriff, that our investigations to this moment are about equivalent to opening of empty sacks."

• Charlie Chan on Adopting a Scientific Approach:

  • "[04:42] Charlie Chan: No, my young friend, we have been jumping to conclusions. Now we are finished. From now on, we become scientific."

• Sheriff Holt on Leslie Beaton's Credibility:

  • "[05:35] Sheriff Holt: He or she couldn't do that without being seen by Leslie Ms. Beaton as she left Mr. Ward's room."

• Charlie Chan on Persistence in Solving the Case:

  • "[07:17] Charlie Chan: You see, we have double incentive to solve murder. First, to catch criminals. Second, to do so rapidly to save Ms. Beaton."

• Charlie Chan on Success and Hard Work (Host Commentary):

  • "[30:27] Charlie Chan: Luck and opportunity alone are not the foundation of success. Success? Success is child born of hard work and comes to man who works calmly and well and knows for what he's working."

Character Analysis

• Charlie Chan: Depicted as a methodical and empathetic detective, Chan balances professional integrity with personal compassion, particularly evident in his reluctance to suspect Ah Singh, a respected housekeeper.

• Sheriff Don Holt: Acts as Chan's trusted ally, providing practical insights and emotional support during the investigation. His interactions reveal a deep respect for Chan's deductive methods.

• Leslie Beaton: Portrayed as a troubled and fearful suspect whose statements both illuminate and cloud the investigation. Her emotional state adds complexity to the narrative, making her a pivotal character in the unfolding mystery.

• Ah Singh: Despite being a suspect, Chan's perception of Singh remains unbiased, highlighting Chan's commitment to justice over prejudice.

Host Insights and Commentary

Adam Graham interjects thoughtful commentary throughout the episode, offering historical context and actor insights that enrich the listening experience:

• Air Date Clarifications:

  • Graham discusses the uncertainties surrounding the original air dates of the "Landini Murder Case" series, exploring the challenges in pinpointing its broadcast timeline due to inconsistent records across the United States and Australia.

• Actor Spotlight - Walter Connolly:

  • Graham delves into the career of Walter Connolly, the actor portraying Charlie Chan, highlighting his transition from stage to Hollywood and noting his notable roles, including his performance in "It Happened One Night" and the "Father Brown" series.

• Production Notes:

  • Insights into the production nuances, such as the use of Australian actors in syndicated versions of the series, provide listeners with a deeper appreciation of the show's production history.

Conclusion and Cliffhanger

As the episode progresses, the investigation reaches a critical juncture with conflicting testimonies and elusive clues. Chan's strategic questioning and attention to detail begin to peel back layers of deception among the suspects. The episode concludes on a suspenseful note, emphasizing unresolved tensions and setting the stage for future revelations. Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment, where Charlie Chan's persistent pursuit of the truth promises to bring the mystery to a satisfying resolution.

Final Thoughts

"Charlie Chan: Premature Corpse/Too Many Suspects" exemplifies the charm and intrigue of old-time radio detective dramas. With its rich character portrayals, intricate plotting, and thoughtful host commentary, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic mystery storytelling. Adam Graham's adept narration and analysis further enhance the experience, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts seeking both entertainment and a glimpse into the golden age of radio mysteries.

Transcript

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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 episodes of Charlie Chan, but I do want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. I also want to encourage you to check out our other podcast and I'm highlighting the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon. The the Snack Wagon is a great podcast for snackable bits of old time radio. If you're driving somewhere, to a doctor's office or taking a trip into the grocery store and want to experience some interesting aspect of the golden age of radio, you'll enjoy the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon. Each week we serve up a little sample size. Whether it's from a complete short program or an excerpt of a longer program, it's a great little sampling from the golden age of radio. You can check it [e-mail] or wherever you get your podcast now from 1935 or 36. Here is episodes 9 and 10 of the Landini murder Case, the Premature Corpse and Too Many Suspects.

[Narrator]

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

[Charlie Chan]

SA.

[Narrator]

Charlie Chan is engaged in one of the most baffling murder mysteries of his long career. At Pine View, near beautiful Lake Tahoe, Landini, the noted opera singer, has been murdered. Of clues there are none of motives. Plenty Ward, owner of Pine View, Ryder, Swan and Romano, all at various times married to Landini, hated her. Leslie Beaton, too, hated Landini because the singer had attached herself to to Leslie's brother Hugh, a promising young singer. The greatest advance made in arriving at a solution is the discovery that the shot heard by all was not the shot which killed Vandini. And while the doctor is examining the body, Chan and Sheriff Holt are in a bedroom discussing their discovery.

[Charlie Chan]

I deeply regret to say, Sheriff, that our investigations to this moment are about equivalent to opening of empty sacks.

[Sheriff Holt]

But Inspector, don't you think we might be jumping to conclusions?

[Charlie Chan]

No, my young friend, we have been jumping to conclusions. Now we are finished. From now on, we become scientific. Much as I dislike terms.

[Sheriff Holt]

You're absolutely satisfied that the shot they and you heard is not the shot that killed Landini.

[Charlie Chan]

Even the certainty that at the end of road we shall lie with the bones of our forefathers is not more certain. Observe. Ms. Beaton is sitting in Mr. Ward's room. Shot is drowned by noise of Landini's plane over house. Murderer leaves study by balcony door locks same behind him or her and makes escape by room formerly used by Madame Landini.

[Sheriff Holt]

But Inspector, he couldn't or she.

[Charlie Chan]

Do not dismiss possibility of she. All right.

[Sheriff Holt]

He or she couldn't do that without being seen by Leslie Ms. Beaton as she left Mr. Ward's room.

[Charlie Chan]

Precisely.

[Sheriff Holt]

So that. So that.

[Charlie Chan]

Leslie, you must either accept my theory that at times shot was heard, Landini was already dead, or else accept fact that Ms. Beaton either is murderous or lies.

[Sheriff Holt]

And I can't believe that girl would do either.

[Charlie Chan]

Permit me to say, my young friend, that in this case I am fully prepared to eliminate my own number one rule. I do not believe that she did.

[Sheriff Holt]

Doggone it, Inspector, you don't. You can't know how good it makes me feel to hear you say that.

[Charlie Chan]

But I do. I am fully understanding the rapid growth of affection on your part for lovely lady. It would cause me much suffering and pain to be placed in distasteful position of having to arrest Ms. Beaton or Ah Singh. When person like Ah Singh has served honorably and long family like Mr. Ward, placing of handcuffs on same is heartbreaking duty.

[Sheriff Holt]

Yeah, I know how you feel, Inspector. Dad's told me more than once about some arrest he's made.

[Charlie Chan]

However, our problem is more than that. Do not forget that if we do not solve mystery, other police will come. And if findings are same as ours, which is necessarily so, then Ms. Beaton's arrest is inevitable result.

[Sheriff Holt]

Yeah, I know. I've been thinking about that and it worries me so.

[Charlie Chan]

You see, we have double incentive to solve murder. First, to catch criminals. Second, to do so rapidly to save Ms. Beaton. Torture of arrest and possible trial.

[Sheriff Holt]

One thing sticks in my mind, Inspector.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes?

[Sheriff Holt]

No one heard a cry, no quarrel, no sound of a scuffle. Now, Landini must have been killed almost without her having known it.

[Charlie Chan]

You are forgetting Madame Landini was shot from in front. Could not possibly have been killed without seeing murderer. No. I humbly submit. Different idea.

[Sheriff Holt]

Shoot. I'm listening.

[Charlie Chan]

Mr. Ward insists that Madame Landini could not possibly be in fear of bodily harm. Assume, if you please, that is so. Then murderer, being totally unsuspected by victim, could approach quite closely and murder would be committed without outcry, words or struggle.

[Sheriff Holt]

Yeah, that's true all right.

[Charlie Chan]

Unfortunately, yes. Face of false friend will not betray innermost workings of heart, any more than inexperienced eye of novice can detect the brass beneath the gold.

[Sheriff Holt]

But there's one thing not accounted for in your theory.

[Charlie Chan]

There are probably many things not accounted for in my theory. One of them brought to light will indeed be welcome assistance.

[Sheriff Holt]

Well, if, as you say, Madame Landini would not be likely to suspect the murderer, how come the murderer was able to use Landini's own gun?

[Charlie Chan]

How did the murderer use Landini's own gun? Sheriff, you have administered to this blundering Honolulu detective well deserved reproof, in the words of a young son of which I have many, one at present attending university of Vie. He would say you have said mouthful. Come, the doctor, he should have finished examination of body by now. We will go to study and investigate that statement you have just made, which is somewhat in nature of proverbial bombshell. Uh huh. There is our host, Mr. Ward. You were looking for us, Mr. Ward?

[Mr. Ward]

Yes, I was. The doctor has finished his examination. He asked if he could talk to you.

[Charlie Chan]

We were on way to study at this precise moment.

[Mr. Ward]

Tell me, Inspector, are you any nearer a solution?

[Charlie Chan]

So sorry, Mr. Ward, but if truth were known, we are farther from solution.

[Mr. Ward]

Well, I'm afraid I don't quite understand.

[Charlie Chan]

You in privacy of study. I shall explain. I note, Cecile, our singing passage. Better for a moment that this remain our secret.

[Sheriff Holt]

Hello there, Doc. Finished?

[Mr. Ward]

Yes, yes, do come in, please. Well, I've made an examination. Although the coroner would of course want to make another. Poor Landini. I knew her as a young bride in this house and she comes back to it to die. Oh, well, the bullet Gentleman entered about 4 inches below the shoulder and pursued a downward course. Perhaps the person who fired stood over her. Perhaps she was on her knees. On her knees? But what on earth would Ellen be doing on her knees?

[Charlie Chan]

Answer to that question, Mr. Ward, or any other array of puzzling questions might be solution we so ardently seek. Tell me, doctor, was death, in your opinion, instantaneous? Or could lady have taken a step or two after being wounded?

[Mr. Ward]

Well, I. I can tell you that better. After we probed for the bullet, all I can say is there is a chance that she did move after the shot.

[Charlie Chan]

I understand, doctor. Thank you so much.

[Sheriff Holt]

Goodbye, doc. See you later.

[Mr. Ward]

Yes, Dominic. Bye, Mr. Ward. Goodbye, doctor.

[Charlie Chan]

Mr. Ward, we sheriff and I Have made somewhat significant discovery.

[Mr. Ward]

Yes.

[Charlie Chan]

Shot which we heard is not shot which killed Madame Landini.

[Mr. Ward]

What?

[Charlie Chan]

Sorry, but that seems to be case. Must now revise our findings.

[Mr. Ward]

But I. I fail to grasp the situation. If the shot we heard, that shot.

[Sheriff Holt]

Mr. Ward, was fired to mislead everyone as to the time the murder was committed.

[Charlie Chan]

Precisely. Now we find ourselves in position of having to question everybody as to activities previous to sound of shot. Be so good as to ask Ms. Beaton, also Cecile to step into study.

[Mr. Ward]

Certainly.

[Charlie Chan]

Observe, if you please, Mr. Hall, any hesitancy of either Miss Beaton or Cecile in answering very simple questions that I shall ask.

[Sheriff Holt]

Well, watch, Inspector.

[Charlie Chan]

We are dealing with very short interval of time. Time taken by me, in fact, to walk from this room to Mr. Ryder's room. And until arrival of plane, possibly four minutes, not more. Come in, please.

[Mr. Ward]

Miss Beaton and Cecile.

[Charlie Chan]

Cecile. Madame Landini sent you for a blanket for a little dog trouble. You went to backstairs past. Mr. Ward. How long before you heard shot?

[Leslie Beaton]

Monsieur? Inspector, let me think. Perhaps. May we? But yes.

[Charlie Chan]

Five minutes. Perhaps it took you five minutes to go from here. Oh, surely not.

[Leslie Beaton]

No, monsieur, I. I stood on the back stairs listening to my husband make fool of himself in that plane. He what you call make big show for Landini.

[Charlie Chan]

Miss Beaton, did you see Cecile pass the door to the room in which you were seated before mirror?

[Leslie Beaton]

Yes, Mr. Chen.

[Charlie Chan]

She did not return.

[Leslie Beaton]

I did not see her.

[Charlie Chan]

Miss Beaton, answer this question, please, very carefully. Did you see anyone else pass the door to that room immediately previous to hearing of shot?

[Leslie Beaton]

Do I. Must I answer that, Inspector?

[Sheriff Holt]

I'm sorry, Miss Beaton, but you must.

[Leslie Beaton]

Monsieur, I.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Cecile?

[Leslie Beaton]

Nothing, monsieur. Inspector.

[Charlie Chan]

Miss Beaton.

[Leslie Beaton]

Yes, Inspector? I did see someone leave the room.

[Charlie Chan]

Before or after Cecile?

[Leslie Beaton]

Afterwards.

[Charlie Chan]

Who, if I may press the question, Mr. Ward.

[Mr. Ward]

Oh, you must be mistaken, Miss Beaton. I left before CCU. Mr. Chan himself knows that.

[Charlie Chan]

Please, Mr. Ward.

[Leslie Beaton]

Thank you, Inspector. I had not finished. I saw Mr. Ward, Mr. Romano and Dr. Swan all leave the room after Cecile.

[Charlie Chan]

Thank you so much.

[Narrator]

Well, that certainly is a revelation. But can pretty Leslie Beaton be mistaken in the time we know that Mr. Ward left the room before Cecile did? We'll have to leave it to Inspector Chan as to whether Leslie Beaton's statement confuses or clears the issue in doubt. After you have heard from your sponsor, Inspector Chan will be with us again.

[Leslie Beaton]

It.

[Narrator]

Mr. Chan, we all admire your ability to pick the apt Chinese phrase to suit the occasion. What do you have for us tonight.

[Charlie Chan]

Mr. Wilson, I've been thinking about Ms. Beaton's remark. And when I am ready to question same, I will be thinking of ancient Chinese advice. Yes. Advice has it that there are three things the wise man does not do. He does not plow the sky, he does not paint pictures on the water, and he does not argue with the woman.

[Narrator]

Good advice that. Indeed, Inspector Chan. Thank you and good night. The most delightfully fascinating character in the realms of mystery, Charlie Chan. At Dudley Ward's home, Pine View at Lake Tahoe, Charlie Chan is engaged in trying to find the person who murdered Landini, the opera singer. Suspicion points with equal force to Ward, Romano, Swann and Ryder all at one time or another. Married to Landini. Leslie Beaton, too, falls under suspicion because of her intense dislike of Landini, who had been engaged to Hugh Beaton. Leslie Beaton is being questioned by Inspector Chan and Don Holt, the sheriff, when she makes the statement that immediately previous to hearing the shot, she saw Mr. Ward, Mr. Romano and Mr. Swan all leave the study.

[Charlie Chan]

Sit down, Ms. Beaton, please.

[Sheriff Holt]

Yes, here in this chair.

[Leslie Beaton]

Thank you.

[Charlie Chan]

Your statement, Ms. Beaton, if I may say so without reflection on your veracity, is most extraordinary. You say that immediately previous to firing of shot, you saw Mr. Ward, Mr. Romano and Dr. Swan all leave study.

[Leslie Beaton]

That's correct, Inspector James.

[Charlie Chan]

Then if you remember in what order who was first?

[Leslie Beaton]

Oh, please, please, Inspector, must I answer these questions?

[Charlie Chan]

So sorry, but I. We. Sheriff and I must insist.

[Sheriff Holt]

Half a minute, inspector. Tell me, Ms. Beaton, what's the trouble? I know you're upset. That's natural. Now, you look frightened. Don't you think so, Chan?

[Charlie Chan]

Indeed I do. If little lady feels like confused confiding in us, I am sure that what she says will be held in confidence always, provided it does not materially alter Kate.

[Leslie Beaton]

You're right. I am afraid. Dreadfully Afraid.

[Charlie Chan]

Of what, dear lady? Afraid of what?

[Leslie Beaton]

You ask me that? Here we are, living in this gloomy house, virtually locked up until. Until a few minutes ago. A body lying in this very room somewhere in this same house. A murderer, one of us. A killer who killed for no reason that you've been able to discover.

[Sheriff Holt]

But, my dear Leslie. Miss Beaton, you. You really don't want to feel this way.

[Leslie Beaton]

I can't help it. I can't rest. I. I was in the next room, remember that. And the murderer, whoever he is, knows that I must have seen the murderer leave. And the murderer knows that, too. You, both of you, have me here questioning me. The murderer knows that if. If he thinks for a moment that I have disclosed anything that will lead to his discovery. Do you think that he'll spare me? No, he won't. He'll kill me as he killed Landini. And you both know it.

[Charlie Chan]

So sorry, Ms. Beaton, that you should have endured this mental anguish. Must plead guilty to not having thought of your extreme dangerous position. I fear that you have justification for your alarm.

[Sheriff Holt]

You're doggone right she has, Inspector. The fellow who killed Landini won't draw the line at killing anyone who is likely to know too much.

[Leslie Beaton]

And don't forget my scarf and the dead woman's hand. My brooch beside her body. I don't want to be unjust, but I can't help but feel that someone put them there to implicate me.

[Charlie Chan]

You have every justification for these thoughts, Miss. Will you listen to suggestions from me proffered in all humility?

[Leslie Beaton]

Certainly, Mr. Jones.

[Charlie Chan]

It is no false truth to say that solitude is good for the soul. Placidity is offspring of solitude. And I humbly suggest that you retire to your own rooms. Perhaps to read. I have some books and they are yours. And you are welcome.

[Leslie Beaton]

You both of you are so kind.

[Charlie Chan]

Even policeman underneath gold badge has heart with speech. Do as I suggest. Sheriff will gladly accompany you to your room while I question Ah Singh who is listening outside door.

[Sheriff Holt]

What's that?

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Ah Singh. Send him in, please, while you take little lady to room.

[Leslie Beaton]

Thank you, Mr. Chan, for being so understanding.

[Charlie Chan]

That Ms. Beaton is my pleasure. Well, a Singh, what were you doing? Maybe minding my own business. Listen to me. This is murder case. You answer question number one. Time or a sheriff locked you in big jail. Danny, Donny, Horty, he may lock me up. Little boy. Little boy represent law. You understand? This is very serious. Ah Singh. You understand? You last person to see Madame Landini alive. Not me. I understand. No can help sing. You are holding something back. Not telling all you know. Oh, you're all the same as crazy. Me telling you everything thing. Uh huh. I want you to look. See these two cigarette boxes? The one me look and see they've been changed. Lids are on proper boxes.

[Sheriff Holt]

Sure.

[Charlie Chan]

Me changing me find them. You were told to leave things as they were. Oh, I suppose if you're no lucky me change it back. No thing. There's no need. Now that is all. Please send Mr. Ryder to see me. And Sheriff, if you will be so kind. So I see he changed lids on Fox. What is matter that I cannot grasp? What is that? Something which my Friend Inspector Duff of Scotland Yard would call essential clue. Where is missing link? What is meaning of pink scarf in dead woman's hand? What is meaning of red lid on yellow box? Come in, Sheriff. You find me talking to self searching for a reason of failure.

[Sheriff Holt]

We've got to get this thing cleared up for her. For Ms. Beaton's sake and for both our reputations.

[Charlie Chan]

Reputation is not even secondary consideration. Wise man makes difficulty to be overcome first business success is only following consideration. Did you meet Ah Singh?

[Sheriff Holt]

No. Why?

[Charlie Chan]

Observe, if you please, cigarette boxes.

[Sheriff Holt]

Hmm. Lids back on the proper boxes.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes. Ah Singh blandly admits he made the change.

[Sheriff Holt]

And for what reason?

[Charlie Chan]

I did not press for answer. It would be useless to question Ah Singh in present mood. Ah Singh is lying. Alas, too many people besides murderer are lying.

[Sheriff Holt]

You mean someone is trying to cover up? Trying to help the murderer?

[Charlie Chan]

Impossible at present moment to say. Possibly that someone thinks someone else murderer.

[Sheriff Holt]

I get you. Young Beaton thinking his sister did it. Leslie, Ms. Beaton thinking her brother did. Swan trying to throw the blame on Ms. Beaton. And then Cecile hating Landini because she was making up to her husband. Cecile has as good a motive as any of the others.

[Charlie Chan]

That, my dear Sheriff, we do not know. We are only guessing, which, as I said, is expensive habit. So far nothing connects Cecile with murder. And yet, as you say, she is possible selection Note, if you please. Peculiar situation. Perhaps not peculiar to you, but to me. Up to this moment, unheard of. Five people not accounted for at time of murder. And of five, no one offers alibi.

[Sheriff Holt]

By the way, we didn't ask Ms. Beaton about the order in which we saw Ward, Romano and Swann leave the study.

[Charlie Chan]

It is immaterial at this moment. So far we have failed to approach any more closely.

[Sheriff Holt]

Murderer, yes, I agree.

[Charlie Chan]

But person who fired misleading shot, what of him or her?

[Sheriff Holt]

I see what you mean. The person who fired that second shot is also the murderer.

[Charlie Chan]

Either the murderer or the accomplice.

[Sheriff Holt]

Accomplice? I hadn't thought of that.

[Charlie Chan]

I am thinking of saying that secret shared by two people is no longer secret. Perhaps. While we may face possibility of matching our minds against two brains instead of one, we also have on our side greater opportunity to observe differences in stories. Be pleased to come in. Oh, Mr. Ryder.

[Mr. Ward]

Yes, Chan? Another inquisition, I suppose.

[Charlie Chan]

Inquisition is a very harsh word, Mr. Ryder.

[Mr. Ward]

No more harsh than your high handed treatment in keeping us here. Me, for instance. You were with me when the shot was heard. I couldn't possibly be guilty.

[Charlie Chan]

Quite so, Mr. Ryder. And being so certain that blame cannot attach itself to you, why do you continue in disagreeable manner to refuse to benefit us with your assistance?

[Mr. Ward]

I'm no stool pigeon. Let the police find their own criminals.

[Charlie Chan]

I have to certain extent in past overlooked your attitude, Mr. Ryder.

[Mr. Ward]

Naturally, since you were with me when the crime was committed. And so you couldn't possibly browbeat me into any semblance of fear.

[Charlie Chan]

So sorry, Mr. Ryder, that you placed that interpretation on my effort solving brutal murder. But now situation has changed. You have no more alibi than anyone else.

[Adam Graham]

What?

[Mr. Ward]

What's that?

[Charlie Chan]

Since you so much desire to always have things said by properly constituted authorities, I will ask Mr. Sheriff to explain.

[Sheriff Holt]

You see, Mr. Ryder, the shot we heard didn't kill Landini.

[Charlie Chan]

No.

[Mr. Ward]

I suppose there was more than one shot.

[Sheriff Holt]

There was. Landini was already dead when the shot you heard was fired. She was killed possibly four minutes before you heard the shot.

[Charlie Chan]

And she was killed very probably standing on balcony outside window. You were looking out other window at times of approach of airplane noise of which covered up shot. Who did you see?

[Mr. Ward]

I refuse to say.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, but you admit that you saw someone.

[Mr. Ward]

I admit nothing, Mr. Ryder.

[Sheriff Holt]

If you persist in this attitude, I'm sorry, but I'll have to arrest you.

[Mr. Ward]

Very well. If you will have it, you will. I saw.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes? Mr. Ryder, we are waiting.

[Mr. Ward]

I. I saw Ms. Beaton again.

[Narrator]

Suspicion is directed against pretty Leslie Beaton. But from the look on Don Holt's face, we gather that he believes that it is only Ryder's effort to divert suspicion from himself. After you have listened to your sponsor's message, Inspector Chan will be with us again with another of his quaint philosophical sayings. Mr. Chan, you said something about success being only secondary to the difficulty to be overcome. Can you enlarge upon that?

[Charlie Chan]

Delighted, Mr. Wilson. Luck and opportunity alone are not the foundation of success. Success? Success is child born of hard work and comes to man who works calmly and well and knows for what he's working.

[Narrator]

Thank you, Inspector Chan, and good night.

[Charlie Chan]

It has been honor, Mr. Wilson. Good night.

[Grainger Advertisement]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I have to give this to all Singh, it takes nerve to be listening at the door and respond to questioning about your actions. With Minding my own Business, by definition you're not. Overall, I think the series is doing a good job of going through that investigative depression process and really getting a feel for the witnesses. A lot of mysteries don't spend a whole lot of time on it, but certainly the serial format gives it the space it needs to develop. Now it should be noted that on various websites where you'll find these episodes there are dates attached, but there's just no reason to believe them to be correct. The assumption those dates is that this serial was airing weekly and at the pace of this story, I don't think that would work. I found another website saying that these were aired daily, suggesting lost episodes in between the ones we have, but that doesn't appear to be the case either. I did find reviewing newspapers announcement for the series to air through three times a week. Now in terms of dating the series actually after last week, I was able to narrow it down just a little bit. I found an Australian newspaper listing for the Landini murder case and this was before the time when Australia tamped down and required that radio serials being broadcast in Australia had to be made using Australian actors. At a later point, what would have happened would have been that an Australian syndicator would have purchased the scraps and re recorded them with Australian actors. That was not happening in 1936. If you were an American radio syndication company, why not sell the same story in Australia? That happened with the Air Mail mystery as well as its sequel series. The serial actually concluded airing in Australia in 1936 in June. There's not really a way to say when it started in the United States, but it's safe to say that it would have been airing in the US at the same time or earlier than it was in Australia. So now one other note I want to talk a little bit about the actor who plays Charlie Chan, Walter Connelly. Connelly was one of those actors who spent most of his acting career on stage before making a mark in Hollywood. His career in films only lasted seven years, but he left a definite impression. His most well known role was as the father of Claudette Colbert's character in the classic screwball comedy It Happened One Night. If you watch that film, you have an idea of a lot of the sort of roles that Connolly did, though Connolly did also play other parts. He was in an adaptation of Huckleberry Finn. He also played a couple of detectives. He was in the very first Father Brown movie, in the lead in Father Brown detective in 1934. And he also took over the role from Edward Arnold of Nero Wolf in League of Frightened Man. And he had played Father Brown before he played Charlie Chan, so who knows? That might have actually factored into him getting the part of Inspector Chan. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day, and I want to go ahead and thank Sheila. Sheila's been one of our Patreon supporters. She Since February 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Sheila. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, do 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 will be back next Tuesday with another installment in this Charlie Chan serial. But join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat, where I release her.

[Marvin]

See, he did it again, Mr. Clover. He's been doing that for an hour or so, and she won't come out of it. Some of the bears who have been studying hypnotism tried it, too. But still, she won't come out of it because she is not hypnotized. She is dead. Any fool can see that. Did you not see it, too? You from the police? Yeah. Yeah, I'd say poison. The color of her lips, the blue tinge. Wait, her eyes. I'd say poisoned. Wouldn't you, Marvin? How the girl dies is beyond my realm. Who is she?

[Charlie Chan]

Huh?

[Marvin]

Oh, I have her name here on my list. Just a moment, please. Here it is. This one is Jane Arnold. Check. And Jane Arnold. The other entertainers were. Give me that list, mister. Over. Of course.

[Sheriff Holt]

Of course.

[Marvin]

How long have you been working with a girl, Marvin? Two years, maybe three. You knew her well, then? Only as a girl I hired to give femininity to my act. I only knew her well enough to call her on the telephone and tell her I had a job for her. Someone wanted her dead. Who would that be? Beyond my realm. One moment, please. I'm thinking. Huh? I'm thinking. I. I've got it. What? The murderer tell me too, Mr. Oh, you say she was.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box [e-mail] follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.