Charlie Chan: Proclamation/Landini's Diary (EP4761)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas

Episode: Charlie Chan: Proclamation/Landini's Diary (EP4761)

Release Date: July 22, 2025

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Overview

In this engaging episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into the intricate murder mystery surrounding Madame Landini. Set in Pine View, Detective Charlie Chan collaborates with Sheriff Don Holt to unravel the truth behind multiple suspicious deaths linked to a missing opera impresario, Louis Romano. This summary captures the key plot developments, character interactions, and the host’s insightful commentary, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for a comprehensive understanding.

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Plot Summary

Investigation at Pine View

The episode unfolds with Charlie Chan and Sheriff Don Holt methodically interrogating Louis Romano, a prime suspect in the murder of Madame Landini. Through strategic questioning, Chan maneuvers Romano into revealing inconsistencies in his alibi, emphasizing the potential danger Romano faces if the real murderer is still at large.

• Protective Detention: Chan persuades Romano to remain at Pine View as a material witness to protect him from the active murderer, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

  Charlie Chan [04:44]: "But Mr. Romano, that would be very dangerous for you... we must request that you remain at Pine View in order to protect you."

Witness Interrogations

As the investigation progresses, Chan and Holt interview other key individuals, including Mr. Ward and Leslie Beaton. Discrepancies in their testimonies begin to surface, particularly concerning the presence of a blanket that becomes a crucial piece of evidence.

• Discrepancies in Alibis: The conflicting accounts about the blanket’s presence lead Chan to deduce the involvement of Ah Singh in the murders.

  Charlie Chan [19:57]: "Leslie Beaton: ...he was carrying it as he went toward the studies. Aha. Thank you so much."

Breakthrough and Revelation

Charlie Chan discovers a pivotal clue in Madame Landini's autobiography, which points directly to the murderer. This revelation solidifies the case against Ah Singh, despite Chan's reservations about the compelling motive.

• Autobiography Clue: Chan’s discovery in the diary provides the final piece needed to confirm the murderer’s identity.

  Charlie Chan [24:31]: "Green terraces of orange and lemon trees rising a hundred feet above the lake... I must see Sheriff. I must show him this."

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Key Characters

• Charlie Chan: The astute Honolulu detective whose methodical approach and keen intuition drive the investigation forward.

• Sheriff Don Holt: The dedicated sheriff of Pine View, assisting Chan and showcasing his own prowess in law enforcement.

• Louis Romano: The opera impresario implicated in the murders, whose interrogation reveals critical information.

• Leslie Beaton: A key witness whose observations about the suspects provide essential insights.

• Mr. Ward: Another suspect whose evasive behavior raises suspicions among the investigators.

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Notable Quotes

• Charlie Chan on Protecting Witnesses:

  "You see, Mr. Romano, I should feel very guilty about permitting you... we must request that you remain at Pine View in order to protect you."
  (04:44)

• Sheriff Holt’s Confidence in the Investigation:

  "I think you're right, inspector. And I'm ready to obtain a warrant holding one Louis Romano as a material witness..."
  (06:13)

• Chan on the Art of Observation:

  "Romano is... Possessor of 100% poker face. He has lived long by outguessing his opponent."
  (07:46)

• Revelation of the Final Clue:

  "What in Landini's diary can point out the murderer?... It is a fair thing to do."
  (24:43)

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Host Commentary and Insights

After the dramatic conclusion of the investigation, Adam Graham provides insightful analysis of the episode, highlighting the strategic interrogation techniques employed by Charlie Chan. He emphasizes the importance of questioning witnesses separately to prevent collusion and to maintain clarity in testimonies.

• Interrogation Techniques:

  "There's a really good reason to question witnesses separately. For clarity and also to avoid collusion..."
  (27:33)

Graham also praises the performances, particularly Walter Connolly’s portrayal of Chan, noting the detective's compassionate yet resolute demeanor.

• Performance Appreciation:

  "Walter Connolly as Chan... played it with a really sort of tenderness, compassion and respect."
  (27:33)

He raises intriguing questions about the authenticity of the language used in the dialogues, pondering whether it was actual Cantonese or Mandarin or simply actors’ improvisations.

• Language Authenticity:

  "I do wonder whether the use of language was actual Cantonese or Mandarin or if the actors ad libbed it..."
  (27:33)

Graham also touches upon character motivations, particularly Leslie Beaton’s potential ulterior motives tied to her husband’s career, adding depth to the narrative complexity.

• Character Motivation:

  "Leslie... knows the importance of solving the case not only in general, but also to the credibility of her future husband's career."
  (27:33)

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Conclusion

This episode masterfully weaves together suspense, strategic investigation, and character-driven storytelling, culminating in a satisfying resolution that leaves listeners eager for the next installment. Adam Graham’s thoughtful commentary enriches the listening experience, offering deeper insights into the mechanics of old-time radio detective dramas.

As the mystery of Madame Landini's murder unfolds, the episode exemplifies the enduring appeal of classic detective storytelling, blending meticulous plot development with nuanced character portrayals.

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Listener Feedback

The episode received positive feedback from listeners, appreciating the variety and clear recordings. One notable review from a listener named Failed Communication commended the show's diversity and encouraged others to embrace the host's unique dialect.

"Love the show. Lots of variety and clear recordings. Those who don't like the host dialect should get over yourselves. We all have one. Maybe spend more time being grateful than critical."

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Support and Subscription

The podcast continues to thrive with dedicated supporters like Jameson, a Platinum Patreon member since June 2016, who sustains the show's production through consistent patronage.

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Upcoming Episodes

Listeners are encouraged to tune in next Tuesday for another thrilling episode of Charlie Chan and to join the discussion on other featured detective series like Broadway's My Beat.

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Stay connected with The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio by subscribing through your favorite podcast app or visiting www.greatdetectives.net for more episodes and exclusive content.

Transcript

[Charlie Chan]

Sam.

[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 get into this week's episode of Charlie Chan, but first I want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. I want to encourage you to check out our other podcast and today I'm highlighting the Old Time Radio snack. Now, I've actually put the Old Time Radio Snack wagon on its summer hiatus, but unlike past hiatuses, we are posting encore episodes from our first season. So you can enjoy a sampling of some of our earliest Old Time Radio snacks, which are Old Time radio programs and excerpts from a wide variety of different genres including drama, comedy, music and more in a snack size. Short form presentation can have one of the second helpings served up every Monday until we return with new episodes on Monday, September 8th. So check it [e-mail] and you can check out all of our podcasts [e-mail] at our website. But now here are episodes 33 and 34 in the Landini murder case proclamation and Landini's Diary.

[Narrator]

The most delightfully fascinating character in the realms of mystery, Charlie Chan. At Pine View, Charlie Chan and Sheriff Don Holt are rapidly approaching a solution of the murder of Madame Landini. One by one, the various suspected persons are being trapped into admitting that they lied. And the Honolulu detective knows that sooner or later the murderer will make that final slip which will result in his detection. The inspector, seeking in his mind a reason for John Ryder's unnecessary lie of the day before, walks into the study to find Romano and the sheriff talking, while Leslie Beaton, seated by the window, appears immersed in a magazine.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, Mr. Romano. Did not know you were in study.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Romano has been pleading with me, Inspector, to allow him to go to New York.

[Louis Romano]

You see, Mr. Chen, I have been speak with. What do you call an attorney? He tells me, Mr. Romano, you do not have to remain at a finer view if the sheriff or Inspector Chan wish to arrest you, that is different. You, but they cannot order you to remain. Is that correct, Mr. Chen?

[Charlie Chan]

Quite correct, Mr. Romano.

[Louis Romano]

And to arrest me for the murder of Evan Landini would be serious business for you. Since I am not guilty, it would.

[Charlie Chan]

Be, as you say, serious business.

[Louis Romano]

Then I do not see any necessity for remaining. I shall leave a fine of you.

[Charlie Chan]

But Mr. Romano, that would be very dangerous for you. You see, Mr. Romano, I should feel very guilty about permitting you a great opera impresario who walked blindly into danger.

[Louis Romano]

What do you mean, Mr. Chandler.

[Charlie Chan]

At one time, Mr. Romano, you told me that perhaps you had information which, while we might not realize, it would prove who murderer is. Do you recall?

[Louis Romano]

Yes. Yes, that is true.

[Charlie Chan]

And you must also realize that while we may not know what that particular piece of information is, most certainly the murderer does.

[Louis Romano]

Yes. Yes, I agree.

[Charlie Chan]

And further, Mr. Romano, since Dr. Swan was killed because he knew too much, he cannot afford to have the same thing happen to you. So we must request that you remain at Pine View in order to protect you. But you cannot force me to stay, I'm afraid. Yes, Romana, we shall not arrest you for murder of opera singer, merely arrest you as material witness whom we are afraid may fall victim to murderer who has already perpetrated two vicious killings.

[Louis Romano]

What? Mr. Chandler.

[Charlie Chan]

Surely, Mr. Romano, you would not bring suit for false arrest when the arrest we contemplate is only for your protection. What do you think, sheriff?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I think you're right, inspector. And I'm ready to obtain a warrant holding one Louis Romano as a material witness in the case of the State of California vs. Person or persons unknown for the murder of Ellen Landini.

[Charlie Chan]

So you see, Mr. Romano, either you stay at Pine View in comparative freedom or you remain at county seat in Chesterton. You have made choice.

[Louis Romano]

But what choice is there here at the Pine View or in a jail? I shall stay here.

[Charlie Chan]

Thank you so much. And before you leave, Mr. Romano, have you thought carefully remembering that if you have information which you have withheld even after arrest of guilty party, you will have to remain full duration of trial. If, however, you see fit to be truthful and to tell everything, you may go very quickly. Perhaps. Who knows, Morris?

[Louis Romano]

I will appear. Mr. Chan, there is only one.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Mr. Romano, there is.

[Louis Romano]

There is. And nothing, amore. I. I know. Nothing I ever told you.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, yes, Mr. Romano, you have told us before. What I desire is that information you have withheld.

[Louis Romano]

I. I have nothing to say.

[Charlie Chan]

Very well. Mr. Romano, you remain at Pine View. Close the door as you leave, please. Thank you.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Boy, I thought for a minute he was going to break. Tell us something.

[Leslie Beaton]

So did I. I was sitting here by the window. He didn't see me, but I could watch every expression on his face.

[Charlie Chan]

Romano is. What do one say? Possessor of 100% poker face. He has lived long by outguessing his opponent. I shall speak with him again before he goes to bed. This time I shall speak with him alone. Perhaps who knows? Little game of cat playing with mouse. But this time, Charlie Chan shall assume role of cat. Not a timid Mouth.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Well, I hope you learned something. I had another call from the DA's office. Unless we show some results, their investigators will swoop down here like a bunch of vultures.

[Leslie Beaton]

But, Dom, they can't find out any more than you know.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

But if they find out half as much as we have, they'll have you, your brother, Romano and AH Singh all in jail before night.

[Leslie Beaton]

Well, we can't all be guilty.

[Charlie Chan]

No. But arrest, even if followed by complete exoneration, is painful experience. Much space is devoted in press to details of arrest and possible guilt. But less space is afterwards devoted to telling a vindication. Sheriff?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yes.

[Charlie Chan]

A second ancient Chinese expression has it that when rode behind is beset for dragon. It is better to risk swimming of mountain. Torrent ahead. We shall swim. Torrent?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Yeah.

[Charlie Chan]

Call the District Attorney's office and say we shall have murder of Madame Landini under arrest within 24 hours.

[Narrator]

What?

[Charlie Chan]

Mr. Chan, I'm serious. 24 hours?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Doggone it, Inspector. Unless you've found something. Something we don't know about.

[Charlie Chan]

Why, not a single thing, Sheriff. You are in possession of all the facts.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Then how do you know who.

[Charlie Chan]

I do not. I only know that we are in possession of a sufficiency of facts. These same facts require to be correlated. And we have solution. We are face to face with solution. And only lack proper method of fitting together pieces of jigsaw puzzle. That mistake I shall correct tonight.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

All right. Cash will be over this afternoon to pick up dad and I'll tell him. That's the fastest way I know of to inform the whole county.

[Charlie Chan]

Very good, Sheriff. Now to work. Please be so kind as to summon Mr. Ward and Ah Singh to study.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

You bet. Right.

[Charlie Chan]

Now, Mr. Ward first tell Ah Singh in few minutes. Right. Ms. Beaton, have you considered what I asked of you only short time ago?

[Leslie Beaton]

Yes, Mr. Chan, I don't.

[Charlie Chan]

No, please say nothing to me. I wish it so. When you have made up mind to tell sheriff, then tell him. He will tell me. It is better for your future happiness that it be done in that manner. Mr. Ward, much as I dislike to reopen old wounds, it becomes necessary at this point in our investigation.

[Mr. Ward]

Yes, Inspector.

[Charlie Chan]

I came to Pine View to locate your missing son. Now, your search for said son resulted in death of two persons. No blame attached to you understand? I deal with purely physical facts.

[Mr. Ward]

I understand. Because I wanted to find my boy, I invited Landini here.

[Charlie Chan]

Precisely. Now, Mr. Ward, Swann knew of that son. He blackmailed Landini. Result was that he too was killed. Now, Mr. Ward, I wish you to retrace in memory steps to that fateful night. Ms. Beaton sitting in bedroom saw you, Swann and Romano all leave study.

[Mr. Ward]

But I told you Ms. Beaton was mistaken. I left the study before you did. Chan. Ms. Beaton may have been right about the others. In fact.

[Charlie Chan]

In fact, we know that she was because Mr. Ryder also saw them.

[Mr. Ward]

But John Ryder never said that he saw me.

[Charlie Chan]

No, Mr. Ward. And it may be that Ms. Beaton is mistaken in time. In other words, Ms. Meaton may have seen you leave when you did and thought passage of time much shorter than it actually was.

[Mr. Ward]

Of course, I hadn't thought of that.

[Charlie Chan]

Now, Mr. Ward, you met Cecil on Backstairs. Did you meet Dr. Swan on Backstairs?

[Mr. Ward]

No, I. I don't think so.

[Charlie Chan]

You cannot be certain.

[Mr. Ward]

Yes, I can. I'm certain I did not meet Swann.

[Charlie Chan]

Thank you, Mr. Ward. So much.

[Mr. Ward]

That is all you wish to ask?

[Charlie Chan]

That is all, Mr. Ward.

[Mr. Ward]

Then I leave. I was busy with John Ryder checking over the boat.

[Charlie Chan]

Sorry to have disturbed you in such insignificant matters.

[Narrator]

Well, what's the idea?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I didn't get it all.

[Leslie Beaton]

Neither did I. But I know one thing, Mr. Chandler. I wasn't mistaken.

[Charlie Chan]

Quite right, Ms. Beaton. You were not mistaken. Think, Sheriff. Did not Mr. Hugh Beaton say that Swann spoke to him outside house within few moments of shot being fired? Why, yes.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

He said that Swann tried to blackmail him.

[Charlie Chan]

Quite, Sheriff. How then did Mr. Ward get from study to backstairs where he met cecile without seeing Dr. Swann?

[Sheriff Don Holt]

I'll sing, I guess. Come in.

[Charlie Chan]

You like to speak to me, Mr. Chen? Yes, I sing very briefly. I have tried to induce you to tell the truth. I sing. Yes, I sing. So you have said many times. But look, I sing. Do you know what this is? Oh, yeah, yeah. Looking like a wool from blanket. It is. I see wool from Blue Blanket, Mr. Holt. Sheriff's father found it on arm of this chair. Chair in which Madame Landini was seated few minutes before untimely death. The wool blanket I sing was one you brought for little dog trouble. Oh, sure, sure. Let me fetch some blankets. Lay him down on. On that chair. No. Ah, Singh, you did not. No. Then suppose someone else lay him down there, huh? No. Ah, Singh, you had the blanket over your arm all the time you were in this room. That wool got on that chair when you were in the room the first time. The time Landini was killed. Think about it. I sing for just one hour. At the end of that time, be ready with explanation or be ready to go to Jail. That is all. And again, thank you so much, Sheriff. I have summoned Cecil, Mr. Romano, Mr. Ryder and our thing to study. Yes, yes, indeed. Yes, Sheriff, I'm going to, shall we say, place all the cards on the table, show each where they lie. I think that's a good idea. Mr. Chan. I agree with you that we've reached the point where we can trap the murderer.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Well, I'm glad you think that, Dad. I sure wish I felt that way about it.

[Charlie Chan]

Do not despair. One watches with anxiety. The green shoots in the rice paddy turn to gold. One does not try to gather the rice until the grains be formed.

[Leslie Beaton]

Then you wish me to remain, Mr. Chen?

[Charlie Chan]

Yes, Ms. Beaton. I intend to confront Mr. Ryder. But enough. I hear voices. A lot of bunks here, please. Me too, Mr. Ryder.

[Louis Romano]

I have a suit of plenty.

[Charlie Chan]

Open door. Sheriff, you'll be so kind. Please come inside and be seated over here, Cecile.

[Leslie Beaton]

Merci, mademoiselle.

[Charlie Chan]

I have made promise to Sheriff that within 24 hours I shall have murderer of Dr. Swann and Madame Landini under arrest.

[Mr. Ward]

Well, you seem pretty sure of yourself, don't you, Chan?

[Charlie Chan]

Quite sure of myself, as you say.

[Louis Romano]

Mr. Ryder, for me I am not sorry.

[Charlie Chan]

Mr. Ryder, do you still deny that you saw Mr. Ward walk down passageway immediately preceding misleading shot which we heard?

[Mr. Ward]

I certainly do. I was watching all the.

[Charlie Chan]

Not all the time, Mr. Rider. You were not watching all the time because before that is what you said. You see, I wish to be fair. I do not wish to trap you into false statements. I saw Romano. But you did not see Mr. Ward.

[Mr. Ward]

I did not.

[Charlie Chan]

Cecile.

[Leslie Beaton]

Oui, Monsieur chance.

[Charlie Chan]

You met Mr. Ward on back stairs?

[Leslie Beaton]

That is correct, Mr. Chan. That is what I have say all along.

[Charlie Chan]

Did you see Dr. Swan on back stairs?

[Leslie Beaton]

Mais oui. I forgot. But yes, I see him. He go downstairs after Mr. Ward.

[Charlie Chan]

Then if you saw Mr. Ward and Dr. Swan. Cecile, where was Mr. Romano when you went? Down back passageway.

[Leslie Beaton]

Mr. Romano was going into his own room.

[Louis Romano]

You see? You see? What did I tell you? I go to speak with Landini. I then return to my own room. I do not leave it again until after I hear that shot.

[Charlie Chan]

But, Mr. Romano, you did not see Mr. Ward? No.

[Louis Romano]

But. No. How could I? If Cecilia see me and afterwards she meet Mr. Warden backstairs. How could I see him?

[Charlie Chan]

Correct, Mr. Romano. Now, Mr. Ryder can explain.

[Mr. Ward]

What do you mean, Chan?

[Charlie Chan]

I mean that you, Mr. Ryder, could not have seen both Mr. Romano and Dr. Swann. You could have seen Dr. Swann and Mr. Ward, but you could not have seen Mr. Romano at the same time. Explain your reason, please, for lying.

[Mr. Ward]

I have nothing to say.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Sorry, Ryder. But either you give your reason for lying or else.

[Mr. Ward]

Yes, Don. Or else.

[Sheriff Don Holt]

Else I'll find it necessary to take legal steps to compel you to speak.

[Mr. Ward]

Well, Sam, it seems that your son has developed into quite a hard boiled sheriff under Chan's tuition.

[Charlie Chan]

John Ryder, my boy is my boy. But when he's sheriff of this county, he's Sheriff Holt. Ms. Beaton, from where you were seated in your room, you could see Mr. Rider in his room, is it not so?

[Leslie Beaton]

Yes.

[Charlie Chan]

Mr. Chan, that time you saw Dr. Swan in passageway, you saw also Mr. Rider.

[Leslie Beaton]

I saw Mr. Ryder. I also saw you looking out the window.

[Charlie Chan]

And you saw Mr. Ryder looking down hall.

[Leslie Beaton]

Yes.

[Charlie Chan]

Mr. Jones, you see the uselessness of denying Mr. Ryder that you saw Mr. Ward?

[Mr. Ward]

Yes, I admit it.

[Charlie Chan]

And why did you lie?

[Mr. Ward]

Because I saw Dudley talk to Aar Singh. I admit that I thought Aar Singh was guilty. I denied seeing Dudley because that meant denying seeing AH Singh. And I had no desire to do anything that might incriminate all Singh.

[Charlie Chan]

It was useless denial on your part, Mr. Ryder. Mr. Romano saw Ah Singh as did Ms. Beaton. Your denial only drew suspicion upon yourself and to no useful purpose. But Mr. Rider, we must not forget letter addressed to you. Letter written by Madame Landini. When did you get that letter?

[Mr. Ward]

I never saw the letter until you showed me the charred remains.

[Charlie Chan]

That is your last word, Mr. Ryder.

[Mr. Ward]

My only answer, Chance.

[Charlie Chan]

That will be all, Mr. Ryder. You desire to leave?

[Mr. Ward]

Thank you so much.

[Charlie Chan]

Now, Ms. Beaton, when you saw a thing at study door, did he have blue blanket over arm?

[Leslie Beaton]

No, Mr.

[Ah Singh]

Chance.

[Charlie Chan]

Lucille, when you saw our sing, did he have the blanket?

[Leslie Beaton]

But yes, Monsieur Chance. He was carrying it as he went toward the studies.

[Charlie Chan]

Aha. Thank you so much. Now, Mr. Romano, you said that you saw I sing creeping from door to door that time. You were not easily impressed. Do you recall?

[Louis Romano]

Yes, I see. I sing. I tell you before, I tell you now.

[Charlie Chan]

And he had blankets at that time?

[Louis Romano]

No, I do not think so. I am certain of it. He did not.

[Charlie Chan]

Thank you. That would be all at present. You may all go. Lucile, you will tell AH Singh to come to study, please.

[Leslie Beaton]

May we? Mishan?

[Charlie Chan]

Thank you so much. Dear Sheriff, we have correlation of facts. Arsing was seen by cecile carrying blankets. Ms. Beaton saw him when he was not carrying same. Romano also saw him without blanket, which, as I see it, is definite proof that AR Singh went into the study with a Blanket came out without it, went around to the balcony, killed Andini and left via the balcony again. It would appear so, Mr. I. I am going to my room now and asking arrives. Send him to see me, please.

[Narrator]

With slow steps, Charlie Chan makes his way to his own room. The necessity of arresting Ah Singh weighs heavily upon him. He heaves a deep sigh as he seats himself at the desk and picks up the galley proofs of Landini's autobiography. He glances at the Last chapter, chapter 28, and almost mechanically begins to read.

[Charlie Chan]

After my marvelously successful season in Berlin, I came for a rescue. Stressor on lovely Lago Maggiore. It is here, on balcony of the Grand Hotel e del Brome, that I will write the concluding chapters of my book. Where could I have found a more beautiful setting? I gaze in turn at the aquamarine waters, the fierce blue sky with snow cast out not far away. I am enraptured by Isola Bella. This fantastic palace, its green terraces orange and. Oh, come in, please. Yes. I sing. Sit down. I sing. Three people saw you near study when you were supposed to be in other part of house searching for blankets. One saw you asking with the blanket. Two saw you when you did not have blanket. Where was blanket when these latter two saw you? Oh, they made some mistakes about all, Ah Singh. Ah sing not have blanket till he come to study Me find you stand there and miss his bed. I am afraid, Ah Singh. The time has passed when that story can be believed. You realize, Ah Singh. But now I am forced to arrest. No can help a less tar thing. All right. No can do nothing. I do not believe that you killed Landini. But, ancient one, I can do nothing. The evidence honorable I sing. You have not reacted kindly toward my advantage. I have nothing but friendship towards you even now, while the rest is impossible to avoid. I would give you one chance. One chance. What you mean? What I mean? Honorable thing is that you go to your room, sit there for an hour, two hours, if need be, in silence and ask yourself if it is well to spend the last of your days in a stone building with iron bars on windows. To do this for the honor of your family might be well to do so for any other reason will not. Well go then. I withhold action awaiting your decision.

[Narrator]

The door closes behind Ah Singh. Charlie Chan turns again to Landini's book. His small black eyes open wide as he reads on. His breath comes faster and a cry of satisfaction escapes him.

[Charlie Chan]

Green terraces of orange and lemon trees rising a hundred feet above the lake. The thing that has always made Life worthwhile for me.

[Narrator]

Ha.

[Charlie Chan]

I must see Sheriff. I must show him this. It is a fair thing to do. No clues to be withheld. And here lies the final clue which, well, for us, point to the murderer.

[Narrator]

What in Landini's diary can point out the murderer? And why should the secret lie in a book written many months before its author's death? In a moment, after you've heard from your sponsor, Charlie Chan will be with us again. Well, Mr. Chan, we all await your philosophical Good night.

[Charlie Chan]

I have been thinking of discovery in Landini's autobiography. It reminds me of saying of Chinese emperor when told of incriminating letter written by his prime minister. Yes, Mr. Cham, the empress smiled and said, give into my hand. But three lines written by the most honest man of the empire. And I will find therein six reasons why he should be sent to the torture chamber.

[Narrator]

Sage counsel. Indeed, Mr. Chan. And a warning to think twice before signing your name.

[Charlie Chan]

Quite correct, Mr. Wilson. Sam.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, I really enjoyed these episodes. There's a really good reason to question witnesses separately. For clarity and also to avoid collusion. But there is something to be said for questioning them together at some point. And you get a good illustration here. Cecile was able to fill in a gap. And Chan was able to break down Ryder's story. And cut through at least one of his lies. I'm very suspect of his claim not to have read Landini's letter. But we'll see how that plays out. And on another Note, I appreciated Mr. Holt putting John Ryder in his place. Regarding the way he was talking about the sheriff. Which I think is a really important vote of confidence. And at this point, I do wonder, I guess on the same point of Sheriff Holt. What Leslie thinks she's playing at. She's still withholding a bit of information. And she knows the importance of solving the case not only in general. But also to the credibility of her future husband's career. It's not good in the eyes of voters if somebody else has to be sent down to clean clear this up like Chan. I don't think a sing did it. Because we still don't have a believable motive. But I think you've got a bare minimum circumstantial case with the witnesses statements about the blanket. And while whether it's short or not, that can be enough to convict in some cases. And I really appreciated Walter Connolly as Chan in the scene with a sing. Because he played it with a really sort of tenderness, compassion and respect. Where he's trying to do the right thing and honors him for his years and who he is. And I think that it's just a beautiful performance by Conley. I do wonder whether the use of language was actual Cantonese or Mandarin or if the actors ad libbed it or tried to come up with something that sounded kind of like it. Of course, a very nice cliffhanger. I definitely want to know what Chan found in Landini's diary, but that'll have to wait till next week. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback. And we have another review on the Apple podcast store. And this comes from listener failed communication. Love the show. Lots of variety and clear recordings. Those who don't like the host dialect should get over yourselves. We all have one. Maybe spend more time being grateful than critical. Well, thank you so much. Appreciate you taking the time to leave that review. And now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Jameson, a patreon Supporter since June 2016, a Platinum Patreon currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Jameson. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Tuesday with another episode of Charlie Chan, but join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat.

[Charlie Chan]

Where who is this girl?

[Ah Singh]

I'm gonna tell you because it doesn't matter because it's a dream. Her name's Mary Demming.

[Narrator]

How long has she lived here?

[Ah Singh]

Four years? Five. One morning she rang my doorbell. She had a black suitcase in her hand. I liked her. She liked me. Yes, she stayed. Always paid her rent. Now. Oh, I don't believe it.

[Narrator]

Now she's dead. Mrs. Branch. She's been stabbed to death. You've got to convince yourself of that and help. Who were her friends?

[Ah Singh]

Oh, she was very popular. Whenever the doorbell rang or the phone was for Mary. Often wondered why she didn't marry with so many friends.

[Narrator]

Tell me how you found her.

[Ah Singh]

Well, I brought Mary her coffee this morning. She didn't smile when she saw me. Something's wrong, I told myself. I shook her and then I saw the knife. And then I said to myself, someone's gonna come along and pinch me in this whole thing.

[Narrator]

But you called the police.

[Ah Singh]

Anyhow, I pride myself on presence of mind in any circumstances.

[Adam Graham]

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