← The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas
The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas
Charlie Chan: The Fiery Santa Claus (EP4832)
00:32:32
Today's Mystery:Charlie Chan is on the trail of a serial Romeo who victimizes middle-aged women. Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1950 or 1951 Originating from Sydney Starring: William Rees as Charlie Chan; Rodney Jacobs Support the show monthly at...
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- [00:00]
Narrator/Actor
This is the story of the 1. As a maintenance supervisor at a manufacturing facility, he knows keeping the line up and running is a top priority. That's why he chooses Grainger, because when a drive belt gets damaged, Grainger makes it easy to find the exact specs for the replacement product he needs, and next day delivery helps ensure he'll have everything in place and running like clockwork. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickgrainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done. This is the story of the One As a custodial supervisor at a high school, he knows that during cold and flu season, germs spread fast. It's why he partners with Grainger to stay fully stocked on the products and supplies he needs, from tissues to disinfectants to floor scrubbers, all so that he can help students, staff and teachers stay healthy and focused. Call 1-800-granger click grainger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.
- [01:29]
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 episode of Charlie Chan. But first I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I want to encourage you to check out our other podcasts. And today I am highlighting great adventurers of Old Time Radio. I want to encourage you to check that out as we begin playing a new anthology series for the next few weeks. On Tuesday you can check out and enjoy episodes of Adventure ahead. Tell our Christmas break. Check it out over at the Great Adventures of old time radio greatadventures.info or wherever you get your podcast from. Well now here is the episode the Fiery Santa Claus.
- [02:44]
Narrator/Actor
The Incomparable Tally Chan we proudly present the Incomparable Charlie Chan in a new and exciting series Join the famous detective every week at the same time as he combines the wisdom of the east with the science of the west in a dramatic complete story from the Adventures of Charlie Chan. Charlotte Chen Hamlet bids you good evening and extend warm welcome. Sage has said most dangerous enemy is one who conceals night with gifts. Tonight we meet similar persons who present a Christmas gift of death. Listen please. Thank you. Tonight's Adventure the Fiery Santa Claus Bolton's department store in San Francisco is crowded with last minute part Christmas shoppers. But pretty Ms. Pope at count of 14 jewelry and accessories ignores everyone else to concentrate on the shy young man before her slight bashful and charming his fiery Red hair falls across his brows. He peers at her with innocent eyes and says, well, I don't know, ma'.
- [04:44]
Adam Graham
Am.
- [04:44]
Narrator/Actor
I. My name is Hope. Laura Hope. Thank you, Ms. Hobart. I'm not hanging around trying to pick you up. Honestly. Well, I just can't make up my mind about this locket. You want my advice? Take it. It's a good buy. It'll make a lovely Christmas present for your girl. Honestly, Ms. Hobbs, I haven't got much money. Honestly. All right, I trust you. I want for them. Oh. Oh, I haven't got four girls. I haven't any girl at all. These are for my old school teachers. I always send them presents at Christmas, you know. That's terribly sweet. Thank you, madam. I mean, Miss Hope. Now, on the back of each one, I want engraved from Gary with all my lunch. Gary. That's a nice name. And above that, I want Martha on the first, Betty on the second, then to Gloria's, and for more. Martha. Betty DeLorean. Maud. Right. I've got all the addresses on this car. They'll arrive tomorrow morning. Now, let's see. That'll be $30. Don't you charge for the engraving? I ought to, but I won't charge you. I'll sneak it through for you. You won't have to pay a cent. Gosh, Miss her. You can call me Laura. I was wondering. I. I don't know any girls, and you're so nice. I was wondering if. Well, sure. Any day. At six o' clock outside the employer's entrance. Thanks, Laura. Next Friday? Sure. Well, I. I guess I better be going. So long, Laura. So long, Gary. See you Friday. Garden, please, miss. Yes, sir. What can I do for you, sir? May this person examine list of names and addresses left at counter by a departed young man with the red hair. Really, sir. Bolton's does not divulge the personal business of its clientele. So sorry to insist. Extremely large person before you was owner of name Charlie Chan. Inspector Chan of police. Police? You're alert. And I'm quick to understand our present on police matter which requires view of guard. Thank you. But I. I don't understand, Inspector Chan. What, Miss Hope? How do you know my name? Are you after me? I. I, Miss Hope gently overheard entire conversation with young men eavesdropping. Necessary because this abandoned person following same. Ah, very good. There have copied names and addresses. Here are. We may now have lockets engraved and sent to fortunate recipients. But why were you following Gary? Ah, forgive these ancient lips that refused answer, lest you do not know mistrust But Charlie Chan offers one word of advice. Do not meet young man Friday. Do not meet him any day. Business of Charlie Chan to make sure he never meets any young lady again. Arthur Dolores Moore. Details have suspicious ring. Must have patience. Yes, Inspector Chan. Have no further news from Seattle police? No, Inspector Chad. Ah, Len must wait patiently for Sam. When number one son arrives, please send him straight in. We'll see no one else. Right, sir. Oh, here he is now. Trust son has carried out mission swiftly. Martha Betty Dolores Moore. These ladies in probable need of protection. Ah, here I am, Pop. This person blessed with normal eyesight. Surely no need to burst into office like exploding rockets. But you told me to hurry, Pop. Look, I got the pictures for you. Then undignified haste is forgiven. Here, let me see. I got four shots of him while he was waiting for the elevator in Bolton. Right here. Ah, very good. They did a rushed job down the photo lab. I have excellent pictures of Mr. Gary Holland. Yes, two full face, two in profile. Well, I did my part of the job. And now, Pop, would you please explain what it's all about? Why you after this red headed character kindly sew up lips and remove sound of own voice from ears. Father will explain. I'm like a clam. Recently received word from Seattle police. Are searching for a young man who earns large income through shyness and good looks. Shyness and good looks? That's Gary Holland, all right. Specializes in victimizing older lonely women. Becomes acquainted with saints poses as poor young man of great sincerity and honesty. I get it. Then he proposes to them and ask if they're engaged. Defrauds ladies of all available money. And that's Gary Holland, Father. Not yet certain. A picked up trail of young man from description supplied by Seattle police. Now necessary to maintain constant watch on activities until Sun's photographs checked by Seattle police. And when they give us the okay wacko. One redheaded Romeo in the jug for 10 years. Gently, please. Was great philosopher who said lamb who sold lion skin while beast still lived. Was skilled hunting saint. Who said that part? Hon. Mr. Shakespeare. William. Why, Gary. Hello, Martha. Come in. Well, I. I just dropped around for a minute to ask you something. Martha, your Christmas present came this afternoon with a big sticker on it. Do not open until Christmas. Oh, you shouldn't have, Gary. How did you know it was from me? Did you open it? Of course not. But who else would send me a present except you? Oh, gosh, Martha, you ought to have Dotson. Well, men friendly. You think so, Gary? I'm a lonely woman, dear I was lonely all my life until I met you. You're so kind. So different. You look deeper than a face. I think you're pretty. I think you're terribly sweet. My present isn't much. Martha. I. I couldn't afford to send what I wanted. Don't say that. I know I love it. What did you want to ask me? I, I. I got a job today. Oh, nothing much. I. I guess it's all I'm good for. I'm going to be a Santa Claus. Santa Claus for the welfare fund down at the corner of vine street and Locusts. I ring a bell and people drop money in a big kettle. Oh, Gary. Well, I've got to earn some money. Margaret. Sir, I've offered to lend you money. No, I won't borrow money from you. I've got plenty of money. I won't borrow from you. I nodded. I thought we were free because. Well, because I want to marry you. Oh, Gary. That's what I wanted to ask you. Martha, would you? Darling. Darling, of course. Oh, Gary. You've given a lonely woman her first Christmas. A beautiful Christmas. I've been in love with you for weeks. Martha. I never thought I'd get the nerve to ask. Neither did I. You. You knew? I guess I'm the world's biggest chap. Are you? I'm going to be going. Oh, Gary, can't you stay a minute? I mean, I'm too mixed up. I'm afraid I won't make sense. Anyway, I've got to be up early tomorrow. My big job, you know. I want you to leave that. No. No, Martha. I've got enough money for the two of us. I. Martha, listen to meat. Please. I'm in love with him. You're the only woman in the world for me. I. Well, I'll do anything for you. Except quit my job. I've got pride, Martha. I don't want you ever to feel that I'm marrying you for your money. Darling. Darling, I think you'd better go. You're so sweet. You're making me cry. I don't want you to see me cry. Come and see me ringing my bell tomorrow, earning the money for the license. Goodbye, Martha, dear. What a Christmas present I'm getting this year. When will the Seattle police call, Pop? At any moment. The number one son will kindly deposit appropriate anatomy in seat of chair. Idle pacing will not make time pass more quickly. I'm all edgy this morning. What happened with Holland? Last night at 9pm Mr. Holland visited Miss Martha Draper, unmarried lady of 45. At 10, he visited Miss Betty Grant, aged 45, also unmarried. During following two hours, Mr. Holland visited two other spinster ladies of mature years. They certainly fall for his looks. Are most hungry for romance. It is Mr. Holland's stocking trade as odd event proved. What odd event? Each lady escorted Mr. Holland to door of home. There in full view of public. And these embarrassed eyes embraced him with tears streaming down face. Gosh. Evidently, Mr. Holland making rapid progress with victims. This person almost positive. Seattle police will confirm identity and provide evidence for this our inauspicious voice of charity. Chan, this is Captain Muldoon calling from Seattle. Have inspected photographs emailed to you, Captain. Yeah. Gary Holland's our man, Chan. Nice work. Pick him up and hold him. We'll get extradition papers ready. Many thanks, Captain Muldoon. Just a word of warning, Chan. Very careful with him. Ah. Remove veil of ambiguity from words. Teasing. Never let that meek face fool you. And at eve he's vicious and dangerous. We've got proof of embezzlement. And there's a murder waiting to be hung on him too. Some girl have found out he was fooling her. And got herself taken care of by Mr. Holland. Be careful. Many thanks, Captain Muldoon. It's written one wink to wise man speaks more than page of pictures to pull. Well, Pop, get devil wagon at once. Will proceed to street corner where Mr. Holland operates Handbag in costume of Santa Claus and make arrest. In a few moments, we will resume the fiery Santa Claus. Meanwhile, here is your announcer. And now back to the incomparable Charlie Chan. On the corner of vine and Locust streets stands Gary Holland. His dressed in Santa Claus costume. His bright red coat padded out to the necessary proportions. His red hair covered with the traditional fur border cap. And his appealing young face half covered with white beard and whiskeys. He is begging funds for Christmas welfare. And all around him is the warm and generous spirit of Christmas. As the nickels tinkle into his kettle. Give something for the welfare fund, folks. Anything would be appreciated. A penny, a nickel, a dime, anything. Give as much as you can spare, folks. Christmas is giving time. Be generous, please. Be kind to the needy. Give something to the welfare fund. Gary. Gary. Hello there, Arthur. Drive down to make a contribution. Darling, come over here. Certainly, darling. What's the matter? Nothing wrong. You look angry. Who did you buy that Christmas present for? Christmas present? Martha, you didn't open it, did you? You were supposed to wait until Christmas Day. I opened it. I want to know who you bought it for. Who I bought it for? It wasn't for me, Gary. It was sent to me by mistake. I don't understand. Darling, look at this locket. See what's been waved on the back? To Betty from Gary with all my love. Betty? Who's Betty? It's some kind of a mistake, dear. How many women have you got? How many are the one woman in the world for you? Oh, Gary, how could you do this to me? How could you be so cruel? Darling, you don't understand. Get out of my car. Don't make a spectacle of yourself, dear. Move over. I'm driving. You're not. I'm driving, dear. We'll go someplace where it's quiet up in the mountains. Maybe a nice long quiet drive. I'll explain everything. Darling, you don't have to worry. Trust Gary. Hold on, Pop. Locust and vine coming up. Hi, miserable son. More dangerous than 20 murderers. Hey, Pop, take a look. There's the Christmas kettle. But no Santa Claus to go with it. Where's Holland? This most odd new Holland took job to maintain pros of honest poverty. Now one moment, patrolman. Yes, sir. Any trouble, sir? This such attitude inquiring into case. I'm sorry sir, I didn't recognize your. I'm looking for one Mr. Gary Holland. Holland? I don't know anyone called Holland. He was here dressed up as Santa Claus. Cladding for the welfare farm. Oh, the red headed fellow? That's right. Have seen him. Afraid you're a few minutes too late, Inspector. He's gone. Continue, please. Where is Santa Claus? He left his Christmas kettle there on the curb. Seems a funny thing to do. Quickly, please. What happened? Well, seems like he had an argument with a lady. Drove up here in a little red roadster. She did. And Santa Claus put down his kettle and went to talk to her. Little red roadster. You know who. What, Pop? Mrs. Martha Draper has vehicle of that species. What happened then? Well, it. It seems they had an argument, sir. Mighty angry she was the little lady in the car had Santa Claus kept his voice quieter? I couldn't hear what he said. But finally she threw something at him and he climbed in beside her. They drove off up that way. What object did lady throw? No idea, sir. Something small. Heard a tinkle as it fell. Maybe it was a coin. Maybe she simply gave a contribution to the fun. She was a no motive contributions. I tell you she threw it. No object could fall tinkling onto snow covered pavement. Must therefore have fallen into money Kettle. The search same place? Yes. Anything there? Yes, yes, here it is. It's a locket. Ah, gosh. It's the locket he bought from D Park. So these eyes perceive Roseanna. Same piece. Gosh, yes, there is. Look, you were wrong about being Ms. Draper. It's been great of someone named Betty. Some are most observant, but deduction at thought Name Betty explains source of rage and reason for fight. Evidently department store delivered wrong locket to Ms. Draper. God. She found out what he was doing. Yes, and knowledge of Mr. Holland's career in Seattle makes Ms. Draper's position extremely dangerous. Well, I'll get a call out to the patrol cars. Right away, Inspector. Many thanks. That will not solve problem. Mr. Holland must be located inside one hour. What are we going to do? This person exerts feeble brain. Find a redheaded killer in the red car now. Ah, very good. Son has provided plan me. I Mr. Holland drove off in the costume of Santa Claus. Yeah, that's right. M. So we'll now bribe small children with large toys to locate Mr. Holland at once. Only hope can do so before gentlemen adds additional murder charge to black career. Get out and walk. Mar Deer. Snow up here is so cool and clean. Just the thing to calm you down.
- [21:51]
Adam Graham
No.
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Narrator/Actor
But find the sign garden very romantic. Come and walk in the snow with me over to this little log cabin. I said no. Daddy, please. I don't want to talk to you. I don't want to walk in the snow with you. I don't ever want. Oh, that's better, darling. Now come on. Daddy, I drove all the way up to the mountain. I kept my promise. I never said a word. You told me you'd explain when we got here. Now I want the explanation. We're having a lover's. I guess it's the usual thing, but it upsets me. I don't like to fight. I want to know about the name on the locket. Martha, dear, please don't be so jealous. Don't you see I'm doing my best to make things easy? That's why we took this drive. Just to give you a chance. Ah, here's the cabin. Just go in there now. Mother, who is Betty? Darling, I'm in love with you. I'm engaged to you. Don't you believe you're the only woman for me? Who is Betty? I don't know. Martha. I couldn't tell you back in the city. You were so angry, dear. You wouldn't have believed me. I don't know any better. Then why is the name on the locket? The store made a mistake. Gary. Don't lie to me. It only makes it Worse, Ma sweet. I called Bolton. You ordered that name engraved. And they told me so. Called Goatin's. Martha, you didn't trust me. You ordered four lockets, Gary. Each one for a different woman. I know that. I'm sorry, Martha. I came up here with you because I'm a fool. Because I hoped and prayed you'd have an explanation. When all the time I knew you couldn't explain away the truth. I'm supposed to be a smart woman, Gary, but I can't be. I'm ugly and I'm 40. And that means I'm a fool for any pretty romantic feast. Women like me ought to be locked up instead of you. Instead of me? Martha, what do you think? Do you suppose I'm going to let you get away with this? No, Gary. If you turn me into a fool, I'm getting some of my own back. You're an expert at this, aren't you? The police probably have a record. All right. I'm sorry, Martha. You're not going to tell the police? No, silent Pop. But we must be on the right track, mustn't we? Working on most reliable information, sir. Can only hope for this. These car tracks in the snow are still fresh. Hurry, son, hurry. Gosh, Pop, I never knew you to be such a speed fiend. I'm doing the best position of Ms. Draper. Are desperate. Must sacrifice own love of quiet travel too urgent need was wise sage who said help given too late is no help at all. May soon be too late. I know. But we won't be much help if we finish up in the valley either son has genius for stating the obvious. Kindly concentrate on business in hand. What? The tracks have stopped. No, no, they haven't. They. They turn off the road. Here is the pinewood. Ah, must now be leaving. End of quest. Look, Pop, there's a red car pulled up there. Under three. See? It looks deserted. Stop the other wagon quickly. Will we proceed on post quietly. Do not bang off his. Nobody here. Park car empty at footsteps in fresh snow. Point way. Come Path. Did you hear that? Let's call for him and only hope we are not too late. Accelerate footsteps this way Path. Maybe I wasn't. Will frighten murderer away. Better to lose him now. Then Ms. Draper should forfeit life. I'm coming, Ms. Draper. Hey. Hey, Ms. Draper. Pop. What's that? Look, Pop. Spot from our cabin. No time to lose now, son. Holland has set fire to cabin. Maybe hoping to destroy evidence of crime. It'll burn like a volcano. That quickly. She must be in sight. Yes, yes. I think so. Hold on, Pop. Say we are. I'm going in after her outside of bed. Ms. Drakelet number one son also present. You are in city hospital. I most definitely say so sorry. You celebrate Christmas in sick bed. You had a pretty close call, Miss Braker. If we'd been five minutes later, you'd have been dead. What happened? Is Mr. Harland dead? Miss Baker? Oh, no. I wouldn't want him dead either. After What? Bad man, Ms. Baker does not deserve your sympathy. After attempt to murder. You heard us approach. You tried to escape by starting fire in lock cabin. Unfortunately, he was wearing Santa Claus costume. Padded coat, cotton beard and whiskers. Stain caught fire, loose garments and cotton stuffing burned vigorously. He got trapped in his own fire. We were so busy pulling you out, we couldn't get to him in time. How did you find me? I located your car with assistance of children of San Francisco. At announcement broadcast on radio that Charlie Chan sends Santa Claus and wife to drive in red birds promised large Christmas toy to every child. Reporting sight of Santa Claus through this person. Yes. The kids spud you all the way up to the mountain, you know, probably spending all his money buying Christmas presents for them. You'll be a busy man. And Dr. James and I thank you for the Christmas present you gave me. Now. Christmas present, Ms. Blessing. You gave you Ms. Franklin a beautiful present. It said, Daddy. One of the eternally grateful Ms. Bancroft Brain does not understand of what presently stratum my life. Ah, you are most welcome, Ms. Draker was wise sage who said, he who values life as divine gift keeps Christmas all year. Before this person has further words with you, here is an answer with words of wisdom. Before saying good night, Charachan would like to repeat for you words of ancient philosopher. He who shuts his eyes to the truth is like blind man on edge of precipice. One day he will fall in. Good night. Thank you. Be sure to join us next week at the same time for the Adventures of Charlie Chan. Based on the famous character created by Earl Derbiggers. This is a Grace Gibson radio production produced by Lawrence H. Cecil. This is the story of the 1. As a maintenance supervisor at a manufacturing facility, he knows keeping the line up and running is a top priority. That's why he chooses Grainger. Because when a drive belt gets damaged, Grainger makes it easy to find the exact specs for the replacement product he needs. And next day delivery helps ensure he'll have everything in place and running like clockwork. Go 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.
- [29:56]
Adam Graham
Welcome back. I hadn't thought of this when we started doing Charlie Chan as something that should have been played at Christmas time, because there are episodes that contain Santa in it that don't really have a Christmas theme, but I guess that made up for when I played a Halloween episode of Sam Spade right before Christmas in 2023. Of course, this one does have a somewhat happy ending as an innocent person isn't killed, but I think any Christmas episode that ends with Santa being caught on fire is a bit dark. Probably the most Christmassy thing about this episode may have been the simplicity of the plot and of the clue that Charlie Chan used to find the potential murder victim in time. It's the type of show you listen to in order to turn off your brain and relax after too much Christmas shopping. And this will actually bring our look at Charlie Chan on radio to a close. And I hope you enjoyed the radio adventures of this detective best known for his first film work. We've obviously covered quite a bit of ground over the last few months. I probably enjoyed the Landini murder mystery more than anything else, although I do appreciate some people didn't enjoy that as much. But I have to appreciate these episodes, if for nothing else than all the unique ways that Charlie Chan chastises Lee. But now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Sarah, patreon Supporter since March 2017, currently supporting the podcast at the Showmas level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Sarah, 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, subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. We will be back next Tuesday as we get into the big story, but join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Bait, where I'm George Mason.
- [32:14]
Narrator/Actor
She's my in the wheelchair. Diane's my wife. Good evening, Ms. Mason. Diane. Diane, dear. Diane, we've got a visitor. He said good evening to you. Say hello, diane. This is Mr. Clover from the Police, Mr. Mason. There was some trouble earlier across the street from you. Talk to her. I'm trying something. Maybe it'll do her some good talking to her. No one ever does, you know. You just talk to her and I'll answer you. All right. There was a man stabbed across the street from you, Mrs. Mason, in the park. Yes, I heard about it when I came home. Have you found the man? No. Mrs. Mason, I understand that you sit by a window every day. That's right. That one. She sits there, watches. It's her pleasure today. Every day. Then she must have seen what happened. She must have. Pretty. Pretty what? What are you trying to say, Diane? Can't you see how it is? I'm sorry, George. Yes, what is it? I saw a man today. I saw a knife today. Is there anything you can do? Can you talk to her, Diane? A man today. A knife today.
- [33:42]
Adam Graham
I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box 13@greatdetectives.net. follow us on Twitter Radio Detectives. Check us out on Instagram. Instagram. Com. Great. Detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.