
A woman visits a peaceful Maine town, only to find herself the prime suspect in a rival’s murder. Original Air Date: December 2, 1946 Originating in New York Starring Richard Kollmar Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/...
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Adam Graham
Today we're bringing you another encore of an episode based on a book or short story. A reminder that any offers or information mentioned in these older episodes are not valid unless currently displayed on our Great Detectives website. Now enjoy today's encore. Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, email it to me. Box13reatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com radiodetectives and be sure and rate the show on itunes. Currently we're at 196 ratings, so your rating would be appreciated. You do not necessarily have to leave a review or comment, but if you enjoy the show, would love a rating. Well, we celebrated 1050 episodes on Thursday with Nick Carter and now we're going to give you a special thank you as we celebrate this and it's an episode of the Crime Club. There were a couple of imprints, one by Collins, one by Doubleday called The Crime Club. This particular program that we're going to play was based on the Doubleday Crime Club. And these were basically every week there would be a new mystery release so you could go down and pick up your copy to enjoy some quality detective fiction. The stories in the Crime Club are based on are based on these books. And this series aired over the Mutual network in kind of the same adjacent to the Casebook of Gregory Hood, which we'll play later on this year. We have the first broadcast of the series and it definitely takes that book club approach, as you're about to see. So we're going to play this episode. This is from December 2, 1946. Before we do get started though, I do want to let you know that I've added my own little addition to the world of crime crime fiction. Published a short novelette entitled Is An Ounce of Prevention by Adam Graham. You can get that on the Kindle. Alright. Well, that little plug out of the way here now is today's story. The title is Death Blew out the Match.
Narrator
Ah, you're here. Good. Take the easy chair by the window. Comfortable? Good. The book is on the shelf. Yes, here it is. There. Flew out the Match. A very absorbing story of death and mystery on a small island. Let's look at it under the reading lamp. It was an evening early in May, and the waters around the cape just off the coast of Massachusetts were buried under a fog as thick and as massive as any you'd want to see. Moving cautiously, a small boat makes its way slowly toward one of the islands off the cape. In the boat there, Elisha Macomber and Ann Walgren.
Ann Walden
Well, this is something. I'm glad we're almost there.
Elisha Macomber
Yeah.
Leonard Case
You been scared, Ms. Waldron?
Ann Walden
Well, not scared, Elisha, but if I hadn't bumped into you in New Bedford, I'd have spent the night there. Not even Noah himself could have persuaded me to take a boat ride in this fog. What's new on the island?
Leonard Case
Oh, nothing much. Unless you're counting a mysterious stranger.
Ann Walden
Mysterious?
Leonard Case
Calls himself David Hyland. Gets mail from New York, Washington, Boston, but near every day. Nobody knows what's in it. You don't talk.
Ann Walden
Maybe he's an ex sailor with a sweetheart in every port.
Leonard Case
This could be, but I'm chairman of the Board of Selectmen and it's my duty to keep the peace on that island.
Ann Walden
You've always managed, Eliza. What else is new?
Leonard Case
Leonard Case is there too.
Ann Walden
Leonard?
David Hyland
Yeah.
Leonard Case
Four weeks now.
Ann Walden
Then Myra Van Wyt must be there.
Leonard Case
She ain't. I guess Mr. Case will be mighty glad to see you, Ms. Walden.
Ann Walden
Why should he be glad?
Leonard Case
I reckon a fellow gets pretty lonesome.
David Hyland
With a plaster cast on each leg.
Ann Walden
Plaster cast?
Leonard Case
Leonard got both his legs broke in an automobile accident a few months ago. I figured you might know about it.
Ann Walden
No. No, I didn't know. Elijah, are you sure Myra isn't on the island?
Leonard Case
Mm. You're still sweet on the fella, ain't you?
Ann Walden
He doesn't mean a thing to me.
Leonard Case
Maybe not, but some of last year, when Mr. Case turned from you to that Van Wyk woman. Yep. And I was mighty glad the season ended without a killer.
Ann Walden
Thanks very much, Elisha. I'll go the rest of the way alone.
Leonard Case
I don't mind taking your door, Ms. Walden.
Ann Walden
You don't have to. I'll just follow this path around Myroven Witch House, and that'll take me right home. Good night, Elisha, and thanks for everything.
Leonard Case
Good night, Ms. Waldron.
David Hyland
Be careful.
Ann Walden
Maybe I should have. Oh, well, nothing ever happened to you. Obsessed. Ronald. That's Myra's house, and it's closed tight. Someone's coming this way. Someone?
David Hyland
Hello. Fancy meeting you here.
Ann Walden
Who are you? What do you want?
David Hyland
You sound like a native. Suppose I answer your first question first. Who am I? David Hyland.
Ann Walden
Hyland?
David Hyland
Why don't you call me Dave? Then I can call you Ann Walden. Ann. Lovely. Your house is about 200ft from here, isn't it?
Ann Walden
Yes.
David Hyland
You expect to live there alone?
Ann Walden
What business is it of yours?
David Hyland
Just this. You won't tell anyone that you met me tonight, will you?
Ann Walden
I won't?
David Hyland
That's what I said. Because if you do, one of us will become very useless.
Elisha Macomber
Hey, Mr. Case, there's a dame here to see you.
Leonard Case
Dame?
Elisha Macomber
So we're in, Claire. Okay, Tati, help yourself to the board. Don't make him nervous. He's in a very delicate condition.
David Hyland
Ann. Oh, Ann, darling. I'm so glad to see you.
Ann Walden
Hello, Leonard.
Leonard Case
You look beautiful.
David Hyland
More beautiful. Hey, that's the case.
Elisha Macomber
Is it all right if I take the car and go for a drive in the tariff?
Indeed Advertiser
Yes.
Leonard Case
Beat it.
David Hyland
Go anyplace.
Elisha Macomber
I'll pick up some chow for the icebox while I'm there. You got a couple of preferences. Maybe buy anything you like, but for Pete's sake.
Leonard Case
Okay.
David Hyland
Don't look so surprised, Ann. The guy saved my life. Pulled me out of the wreck. Or the car went up in flames.
Leonard Case
Hang it.
David Hyland
If he doesn't turn out to be the best cook and butler this side of the Atlantic, I. I was hoping you'd come, Ann.
Ann Walden
You were? What do you mean?
David Hyland
I knew you were on the island.
Ann Walden
Oh, Eli should hold you.
David Hyland
No. I saw you from here.
Ann Walden
From my house. Leonard, what have you done to this room?
David Hyland
You like? I had these walls ripped out and the glass put in their place. I don't wish a trick. I simply look through this telescope and the island has no sign.
Ann Walden
I see. Leonard, when is Mara coming? She isn't too busy in New York?
David Hyland
I hope so.
Leonard Case
The fact is, Mara and I are washed up.
David Hyland
Silly, isn't it?
Ann Walden
Is it?
David Hyland
The crazy thing about it is that I really thought I loved her. Yeah. I must have been out of my mind.
Ann Walden
Did you marry her?
David Hyland
It wasn't that crazy, Anne. Leonard.
Ann Walden
Leonard, put that crawl on your bed.
David Hyland
And I want you to meet Mabel, my little helpmate. When Sam's away, Mabel does little odd jobs of making me comfortable. Watch Mayo my fight. Oh, you're slipping, old girl. You forgot my tobacco pouch. Thank you. Now you may go out and get your lunch. And don't dig up anyone's garden.
Ann Walden
For pity's sake. Where did you pick that up?
David Hyland
Myra gave it to me.
Ann Walden
Wow. Everyone to his taste. I don't think I. What's that?
David Hyland
What?
Ann Walden
On your bed. It's a buckle off a woman's shoe.
David Hyland
Well, what do you know. Thing that bird will bring home with her.
Ann Walden
Wait a minute, Larry. I've seen this buckle before. Haven't you?
David Hyland
Haven't I? Don't remember.
Ann Walden
That's Myra's.
David Hyland
What are you talking about? Myra's in New York.
Ann Walden
We'll soon find out. They're giving their telescope, but.
David Hyland
Hello? Yes. Yes, she's here. Would you like to talk to her? Uh huh. What? Good heavens.
Leonard Case
Of course.
David Hyland
I'll tell her right away. Anne, you can stop looking.
Ann Walden
What is it, Leonard?
David Hyland
Myra is here on the island. Elisha Macomber just phoned. He wants you to go over to her house. She's been murdered.
Ann Walden
Elijah.
Leonard Case
Hey. Oh, Ms. Waldron. You got here pretty quick, didn't you?
Ann Walden
I can't believe it. Myra did. When did it happen?
Leonard Case
Sometime last night.
Ann Walden
Last night?
Leonard Case
Coroner says it must have took place between 11 and 12.
Ann Walden
That's impossible.
Leonard Case
Is it? Why?
Ann Walden
It was close to 12 when I left you. I took the path that runs around this place. The house was locked up.
Leonard Case
Did you look to see?
Ann Walden
No, there was no reason for me to look. You yourself told me Myra wasn't on the island.
Leonard Case
I reckon I was wrong. Ms. Waldron. Ms. Van Wyck must have got here while I was In New Bedford.
Ann Walden
And that must have been it.
David Hyland
What was that, Ms. Waldron?
Ann Walden
The door. As I was passing by here last night, I heard the door open and close twice.
Leonard Case
Of course, you didn't see anyone.
Ann Walden
Did, as a matter of fact. I, I, I, I didn't.
Leonard Case
It's too bad. Would you like to see the body?
Ann Walden
Must I?
Leonard Case
It can't hurt you. It's right there in the living room. Come along. There she is. Just like I found her.
Ann Walden
Her head's almost in the fireplace.
David Hyland
Yeah.
Leonard Case
She was just about to light the fire with that match when death blew it out. You got any idea what killed her?
Ann Walden
I. Why should I?
Leonard Case
I thought you might have. It was cyanide or potassium.
Ann Walden
Oh, how awful.
David Hyland
Uh huh.
Leonard Case
But there's one thing that puzzles me, Ms. Waldron. How did the killer get her to take it?
Ann Walden
I, I don't know, Elisha.
Leonard Case
There ain't a sign of a struggle in the room. There ain't a mark on her body. Cyanide works like lightly. That means she was killed right here in this room.
Ann Walden
But Elijah, you keep talking about murder. How do you know it wasn't suicide?
Leonard Case
Of course, I, I never seen a corpse that get up dispose of the evidence.
Ann Walden
Maybe she chewed it, huh?
Leonard Case
How would you be knowing about that, Miss?
Ann Walden
Water that piece of gum near the fireplace.
Leonard Case
I guess I must be slipping. Now we'll see what the coroner had to say about this gum.
Ann Walden
It was suicide, Elisha. I'm sure of it. Why, ask Lenadyce. He can give you all the facts.
Leonard Case
I'm asking you, Ms. Wallace.
Ann Walden
I don't know them. Now, why did you send for me?
Leonard Case
I wanted to hear what you had to say in the presence of the corpse.
Ann Walden
But why me?
Leonard Case
To my way of thinking, Ms. Van Wyck was murdered. And I thought maybe I ought to have a talk to one person that had both motive and opportunity. That's you, Ms. Walter.
David Hyland
Well, are you trying to break down the door?
Ann Walden
I must see you, Mr. Hyland.
David Hyland
All right. Would you like to look at me here, or would you rather come in?
Ann Walden
I'll come in.
David Hyland
Sit down.
Ann Walden
No thanks. Mr. Hyland, what were you doing out in the fog last night?
David Hyland
You won't call me David, will you?
Ann Walden
Will you answer my question, please?
David Hyland
Sure. What were you doing out in the fog last night?
Ann Walden
I was going home.
David Hyland
So was I. That makes us even, doesn't it?
Ann Walden
Not quite. Myra Van Wyk's been murdered.
David Hyland
What? You don't say? On this quiet, peaceful island, did you tell anyone you met me?
Leonard Case
No.
David Hyland
Good girl. Yes, Always play it smart.
Ann Walden
But I will, Mr. Hyland.
David Hyland
Will you? Would you like to hang for the murder of Myra Van Wyck?
Ann Walden
What?
David Hyland
Suppose I told Elisha that I saw you coming out of her house last night?
Ann Walden
But you didn't.
David Hyland
How do you know I didn't?
Ann Walden
I didn't go in. After I left you, I went right home.
Narrator
Can you prove it?
Ann Walden
Get up. Now, look here, Mr. Hyland. What are you trying to do?
David Hyland
I don't want you to make any mistakes. You protect me, and I'll protect you.
Ann Walden
You killed Myla.
David Hyland
Ah, don't point, Ms. Waldron.
Leonard Case
It's bad manners.
Ann Walden
Why did you do it? All right. I'm going to find out, Mr. Hyland, and what you came to this island for. And when I do.
David Hyland
Yes?
Ann Walden
That. That letter on the desk. That's Myra's handwriting on the envelope.
David Hyland
Put it down.
Ann Walden
Mailed from New York? Yes.
Leonard Case
Give it.
Ann Walden
Didn't have to break my arm.
David Hyland
I'm sorry. It's such a pretty arm, too. And that's such a pretty neck.
Ann Walden
What? What are you going to do?
David Hyland
Nothing. If you say one word about this letter to anyone, I'm going to put a rope around that neck for keeps.
Ann Walden
Leonard, what am I going to do? Eliza thinks I killed Myra, and I can't prove that I didn't.
David Hyland
Anna know you didn't. No matter what you thought of Myra. Oh, Elisha was here. I told him that she wanted to marry me, but. Well, I couldn't do it.
Ann Walden
Then she loved you?
David Hyland
I'm afraid so, Leonard.
Ann Walden
It's possible, then, that Myra committed suicide?
Leonard Case
No.
David Hyland
Just before you came in, Elisha phoned me. That piece of gum you found, there was no poison in it. Oh, don't. Don't worry, darling. We'll find a way to get you out of it.
Ann Walden
But, Leonard, who left that gum there?
David Hyland
A killer, no doubt. Mr. Man. What about David Highland?
Ann Walden
Who?
David Hyland
Ah, don't pretend you don't know him. I saw you with him a little while ago.
Ann Walden
You saw me?
David Hyland
This telescope. Why did you go to his house?
Ann Walden
I can tell you.
David Hyland
All right, then maybe you can tell me what you and he were wrestling over. It was a letter, wasn't it, Leonard?
Ann Walden
Please don't ask me.
David Hyland
Wasn't it I?
Ann Walden
Yes. From Myra.
David Hyland
Myra? What's he got to do with him?
Ann Walden
I don't know, but. Oh, promise you won't tell anyone, Leonard. You must promise.
David Hyland
Why?
Ann Walden
Well, just promise, that's all.
David Hyland
All right, dear. We've got to know it within that letter.
Ann Walden
Yes, but how are we going to get it.
David Hyland
Now, keep my telescope trained on his house. When David Hyland goes out, I'll tell Sand.
Leonard Case
Shut up.
David Hyland
Mabel.
Ann Walden
Mabel. Leonard, that shoe buckle she brought in here this morning.
David Hyland
Yes?
Ann Walden
That was Myra's. Oh, what a dunderhead I am. Why didn't I see it before?
David Hyland
See what?
Ann Walden
Where did Mabel find that buckle? Certainly not in Myra's house. She must have found it outside somewhere. Don't you see what that means, huh?
David Hyland
That Myra wasn't killed in her own house.
Ann Walden
Now all we have to do is find out where she was killed. Leonard, how well have you got that crow training?
David Hyland
Pretty well. Why?
Ann Walden
That buckle. If you told her to put it back where she found it, would she do it?
Leonard Case
I don't think so.
David Hyland
She's not that smart. Besides, an hour since she brought it here.
Ann Walden
All right, then that letter from Myra might tell us what we want to know. I want to know the minute that man goes out. Now, let me see the desk. Oh, he would keep it locked. I don't think he'd be so careless as to leave it under the chair cushions. Now, that would be too obvious. Hello, Anne. Oh, what is it, Leonard? Is he coming back?
David Hyland
I haven't seen him, but it's getting dark and I'm afraid I won't be able to keep watch for you much longer.
Ann Walden
I can't leave now. I've got to find that letter.
David Hyland
It might be dangerous. Suppose he walks in on you?
Ann Walden
Well, I'll have to take that chance. Hold the while. I'll go look some more.
Elisha Macomber
All right, but hurry.
Ann Walden
Chair cushions. Oh, no, of course not. That liquor cabinet. Who would think of looking in a liquor cabinet for a letter? Only it didn't get dark. So that there. Hello, Leonard.
David Hyland
Any luck?
Leonard Case
Ann.
Ann Walden
Lindy. I've got it.
David Hyland
Bring it over here.
Ann Walden
Right away, Hunter.
David Hyland
Well, what's the matter? Well, why don't you get out of there?
Ann Walden
I'm afraid it's too late. Well, then it send for Elijah. Mak quick.
Leonard Case
Is it Hyland?
Ann Walden
I can't see. It's dark. Get Elijah.
Leonard Case
Hey. Hey, you Mr. Hyland?
Ann Walden
Huh?
David Hyland
Why, Elijah McComber. What's all the excitement about?
Elisha Macomber
And where do you think you're going?
David Hyland
Not thinking, your honor. I'm going for a walk.
Leonard Case
Where's Ms. Walden?
David Hyland
Anne? She supposed to be here. Y.
Leonard Case
Let's go into your house.
David Hyland
All right, if you like. While we're doing that little thing, would you mind telling me what this is all about?
Leonard Case
In time. Where is she?
David Hyland
I don't know. When I left for the village. The house was empty. When I came back, it was still empty.
Leonard Case
She spoke to Mr. Case on the phone from here.
David Hyland
Really? Well, perhaps I should lock my door when I go out. Do you think my neighbors would disapprove?
Leonard Case
Ain't none of my business, but this matter to Ms. Waldrer. Mr. Hyland, would you be a gum chewing character?
David Hyland
Gum chew? Sometimes when I want to get rid of a bad taste.
Leonard Case
How did you get rid of the gum? Spit it out on the floor.
David Hyland
What do you mean?
Leonard Case
Over there by that table.
David Hyland
But. Well, I.
Leonard Case
Maybe you will. A lot sooner than we expected. Are you ready to talk about Ms. Waldron?
David Hyland
Of course. Yes, I think she's beautiful. I think she's a charming girl. Now, she were only a bit more friendly.
Leonard Case
Is that all you've got to say?
David Hyland
No. But for the moment it'll have to do.
Leonard Case
Well, you better come with me.
Elisha Macomber
Where?
Leonard Case
To Ms. Van Wyck's house.
David Hyland
Why there?
Leonard Case
Me and my boys have given that place a mighty fine once over. Somebody that done a killing could think that we'd have no more reason to go back there. But we have, Mr. Hyland.
David Hyland
Come on. Well, are you satisfied, Elisha? There isn't a trace of Ann Waldron upstairs or even down here in the cellar.
Leonard Case
I ain't through looking yet, Mr. Hyland.
David Hyland
You expect to find her in the coal bin? Maybe.
Leonard Case
Hand me that shovel. All right. But on the other hand, maybe you better do the shovel. I can keep an eye on him that way.
David Hyland
Well, anything to make a select man happy. Especially if he's the chairman of the board.
Leonard Case
You're a mighty calm young fellow, ain't you? Pretty sure yourself.
David Hyland
I was brought up right.
Leonard Case
What do you know about Ms. Van Win?
David Hyland
He's dead.
Leonard Case
The postman mentioned you got a letter from New York this afternoon. It was in a woman's handwriting. I get lots of letters from dead people.
David Hyland
You can never tell about that. Elisha. Sometimes you can swear a person is alive. And then after you've known him for.
Leonard Case
A while, you put this letter. Mr. Hyland. The postman had an idea it was in Ms. Van Wyck's handwriting. From what he remembers of her handwriting.
David Hyland
I didn't kill her. That's what you're leading up to.
Leonard Case
Yep, that's what I'm leading up to.
David Hyland
You got that letter? Nope.
Leonard Case
I'll suit yourself.
David Hyland
Mr. Hyland.
Leonard Case
You don't have to talk now.
David Hyland
Wait a minute, huh? That suitcase was buried in the coal.
Leonard Case
Well, I'll be swamped. Jumpin G. Host Jewel.
David Hyland
Diamonds.
Leonard Case
Must be a million dollars worth. So that's it. That's why Ms. Van Wick was killed.
David Hyland
Uh huh.
Leonard Case
She come back here too soon? Whoever was hiding this stuff here figured that you'd be in New York. Maybe. And maybe not, Mr. Hyland.
David Hyland
No.
Leonard Case
Maybe that person knew she was coming back. Maybe him and Ms. Van Wick were sort of partners in a business that wasn't legal. Does that make sense to you, Mr. Hyland?
David Hyland
I don't know. I don't go in for guesswork.
Leonard Case
How about cyanide or potassium?
David Hyland
You're singing way off key, Elijah.
Leonard Case
But you've got the right tune, ain't you? Put your hands up this time. All right, now, just you walk up them stairs. No monkey business, my friend. I got an eye like an eagle.
David Hyland
Operator. One, two, four.
Leonard Case
Hello, Elisha?
David Hyland
This is Leonard Case. You found Ann Waldron? No.
Narrator
Good heavens.
David Hyland
What are you doing about it?
Leonard Case
I got searching parties out all over the aisle.
David Hyland
But what about David Hyland from his house that she called for help?
Leonard Case
He'll talk, Mr. Case. About Ms. Waldron. And about Ms. Van Wyck too.
David Hyland
You mean that he killed Myra?
Ann Walden
Yeah.
Leonard Case
Well. Oh, Mr. Case.
David Hyland
Yes?
Leonard Case
The folks here in the village tell me your car's been parked all day by the general store.
David Hyland
I know. My butler, Sam. Ray took it this morning. Send him back if you see him, will you?
Leonard Case
Ain't nobody seen him since 2 o'clock this afternoon. I reckon you'll have to be advertising for a new butler, Mr. Case.
David Hyland
That's ridiculous. Sam wouldn't quit me without notice.
Leonard Case
Maybe not, but he ain't on the island.
Elisha Macomber
Okay, sister, on your feet. Shut up. We're gonna take a ride now in the open sea. Fresh air and just enough fog to keep me and you out of sight. Nice, isn't it? The way that fog comes in over the water. Perfect hideout. Even better than this stinking old tool shed. Tough, ain't it? You got so much to say with that gag, he won't let you. Yeah. Okay, get going. Right down to the boat. Then maybe when we get way out in the ocean, I'll tell you a nice, interesting bedtime story. Okay, baby, this is it now. You're dying to talk, ain't you? Okay, I'll take off the gag. Hey, you can scream too. Ain't a shoulder on here to hear you eight miles offshore.
Ann Walden
Damn, Ray. When Leonard Case finds out about this.
Elisha Macomber
What'S he gonna do, fire me?
Ann Walden
You? What have you got against me? Why did you bring me out here to Kill me.
Elisha Macomber
I don't like snoopers, baby.
Ann Walden
I was only trying to protect myself. Elijah Macomber suspected me of killing Myra Van Wyt. I didn't do it. I had to find out who did.
Elisha Macomber
You went after a letter.
Ann Walden
I thought it might give me a clue.
Leonard Case
Yeah.
Ann Walden
Did that letter contain any evidence, Sam?
Elisha Macomber
Lenny?
Ann Walden
What kind of evidence?
Elisha Macomber
You sure dame ain't you?
Ann Walden
Can't be afraid to tell me Now I'll never have a chance to, will I?
Elisha Macomber
How right you are.
Ann Walden
Well, are you going to tell me or aren't you?
Elisha Macomber
Baby, that letter meant the difference between a million bucks and zero. That Highland guy.
Ann Walden
Then he was mixed up with the death of Mara.
David Hyland
Get up.
Ann Walden
What's the matter?
Elisha Macomber
Listen, there's a boat out there. You make one sound, you look.
Ann Walden
Are you shady little.
Adam Graham
Yeah.
David Hyland
Going to finish you off right now.
Elisha Macomber
And get out of here.
Ann Walden
Sit down in that port. That was Satis. Go ahead. And that's the whole story. Leonard. If it hadn't been for Elisha, I'd be at the bottom of the ocean now.
David Hyland
And, darling, I don't want to say to you I feel so. It's all my fault.
Ann Walden
Nonsense.
David Hyland
But Sam worked for me. I trusted him. How was I to know that he was a diamond thief and that he killed Myra? He did kill Myra, didn't he, Elisha?
Leonard Case
I reckon so. We got in the way of no one. Now with him at the bottom of the ocean.
David Hyland
Well, all I can say is thanks for saving Ann. Now, how about a party to celebrate Sam gone? I guess we'll have to rely on Mabel. Do the honors, Mabel.
Leonard Case
Candy. Candy, Mabel.
David Hyland
For the lady.
Narrator
If she could only cook.
David Hyland
Mabel.
Ann Walden
She flew out the window, Bennett. She's flying toward Violet's house.
Leonard Case
Andy. For the lady, eh?
David Hyland
Mr. King, I don't understand what got into that bird. She's never disobeyed orders.
Leonard Case
And I reckon she ain't disobeying him now. She's flying to the only lady she knows. All right, Mr. Case. You can call now you've got a mind to.
David Hyland
But I got nothing to say.
Leonard Case
It's your privilege. But you killed Myra Van Wyck by sending that bird out last night with a piece of poison candy. And you done it because you knew the lady would take the candy from the bird. Maybe as an omen of reconciliation. Ms. Waldron, did you know that Mr. Case and Ms. Van Wyck was husband and wife?
Ann Walden
Married?
David Hyland
Yep.
Leonard Case
I asked the police in New York to do a routine check on Ms. Van Wyck. And they come up with a dope Leonard. All right, so what?
David Hyland
I didn't want her around. I told her to stay away from the island, to leave me alone.
Leonard Case
And she had good reason to. She might have found them diamonds in a coal bin. That would have been too bad, wouldn't it?
David Hyland
For you?
Ann Walden
David.
Leonard Case
Ann.
David Hyland
Well, what brings you down to the beach at this hour of night?
Ann Walden
You. And some of the things you can explain to me about Leonard.
David Hyland
Oh, well, Leonard Case was a smuggler. Sam Ray worked for him, but a lot of others. It was my job to round up the gang from the top down. Your top? I'm an agent of the Treasury Department.
Ann Walden
Oh. Well, that tells me a lot.
David Hyland
Well, that's why I had to be so tough with you on occasions. I couldn't take the chance of being implicated in a murder. I would have had to explain my position to Elisha.
Ann Walden
But he's an officer of the law.
David Hyland
Rounding up a gang of smugglers was my job. Finding a murderer was his.
Ann Walden
Yes, but what about that letter you received from Myra?
David Hyland
That, my dear, was an authorization for me to enter her house and search it.
Ann Walden
Oh. Oh, what a.
David Hyland
What little dope you are.
Ann Walden
Mr. Hyland.
David Hyland
David. Come on. Let's take a walk.
Narrator
And so closes tonight's Crime Club book, Death Blew out the Match, based on the story by Kathleen Moore Knight. Stedman Coles did the radio adaptation. Roger Bauer produced and directed. Oh, I beg your pardon.
David Hyland
Hello.
Narrator
I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the Crime Club. Well, I'm the librarian. Yes, yes. Ah. Come over a week from tonight. Good. We have a very unusual story about a murderer who was revealed by postage stamps. It's called for the Hangman. In the meantime. Well, in the meantime, there's a new Crime Club Book available this week and every week at bookstores everywhere. It's available now. Quite all right. And we look for you next week.
David Hyland
This program came to you from New York. Mutual's Mystery Hour continues immediately after station identification with a casebook of Gregory Hood. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.
Adam Graham
Welcome back. While I have to be honest, I did not recognize most of the actors. Future episodes of the Crime Club do include a cast list, which is helpful, but this was. This was an interesting story. I recognized one voice for sure, Richard Culmore, who's better known as Boston Blackie. This was just a nice story, and they did a good job because taking an entire mystery novel and condensing it into half an hour, that is a challenge. They did a great job, I think, establishing atmosphere and covering just enough of the complexity to make it an interesting story. So I hope you enjoyed the Crime Club and actually this will be next Sunday. Will the last Sunday we haven't brought you something. Between the video theater programs and the specials we did, we've had something going every Sunday for six weeks. So we won't be back next Sunday, but tomorrow. Be sure and listen as we start again off with yours truly, Johnny Dollar, and then we continue on through the rest of the week. And I hope you'll be listening through to us throughout. Send your comments to box13@greatdetives.net follow us on Twitter RadioDetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com RadioDetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham signing off.
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Summary of "Crime Club: Death Blew Out the Match (Encore)" (EP4598) The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, Hosted by Adam Graham
In this encore episode of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," host Adam Graham presents "Death Blew Out the Match," a gripping mystery adapted from Kathleen Moore Knight's story and transformed into a radio drama by Stedman Coles. Originally aired on December 2, 1946, this episode weaves a tale of suspense, deception, and detective acumen set against the fog-laden shores of a small Massachusetts island.
Setting the Scene
The story unfolds on a misty evening in early May near the cape off the Massachusetts coast. The oppressive fog sets a foreboding atmosphere as a small boat navigates cautiously toward an isolated island. Onboard are Elisha Macomber and Ann Walden, whose unexpected reunion in New Bedford leads them to the enigmatic island.
Characters Introduced
The Mystery Unfolds
Upon arrival, Ann engages in a tense conversation with Leonard Case, revealing the island's unease over David Hyland's presence. Leonard hints at personal vendettas and the unsettling influence Hyland holds over the community.
Notable Quote:
Ann Walden (07:04): "Why should he be glad?"
Leonard Case (07:06): "Because a fellow gets pretty lonesome." (07:06)
As darkness falls, Ann encounters David Hyland, who exudes a charismatic yet sinister aura. His cryptic remarks and unsettling behavior deepen the mystery surrounding his motives.
Notable Quote:
David Hyland (08:33): "Hello. Fancy meeting you here."
Ann Walden (08:36): "Who are you? What do you want?" (08:36)
A pivotal moment occurs when Leonard Case announces the murder of Myra Van Wyck, shocking Ann and complicating the island's already fragile tranquility. The discovery of Myra's body, poisoned without signs of struggle, propels Ann into a quest for the truth.
Notable Quote:
Leonard Case (13:35): "She was just about to light the fire with that match when death blew it out."
Ann Walden (13:38): "Yeah." (13:38)
Ann's insistence that the murder was a suicide is met with skepticism by Leonard, who trusts his instincts about foul play. The interplay between Ann and Leonard reveals underlying tensions and secrets within the island community.
Climactic Revelations
As the investigation intensifies, clues such as a buckle from a woman's shoe and a suspicious letter emerge. Ann's determination to clear her name leads her to confront David Hyland, unraveling layers of deceit. The climax culminates in the exposure of Sam Ray, Leonard Case's butler, as the true murderer and a diamond thief, orchestrated by David Hyland's manipulative schemes.
Notable Quote:
Leonard Case (24:05): "Candy. Candy, Mabel."
David Hyland (24:17): "But you killed Myra Van Wyck by sending that bird out last night with a piece of poison candy." (24:17)
Resolution
With Sam Ray apprehended and the island's tranquility restored, Ann reflects on the harrowing events. The deception of David Hyland is unveiled, revealing his true identity as an agent of the Treasury Department tasked with dismantling Leonard Case's smuggling operations. The story concludes with justice served and the community's peace reinstated.
Suspicion and Trust
The narrative delves into themes of trust and betrayal, showcasing how personal vendettas can obscure the truth. Leonard Case's initial distrust of Ann sets the stage for a complex relationship that evolves as the mystery unravels.
Isolation and Secrecy
Set on a secluded island, the story emphasizes the isolation of its characters, breeding secrecy and suspicion. The pervasive fog serves as a metaphor for the obscured truths the characters seek to unveil.
Justice and Moral Ambiguity
The revelation of Sam Ray's duplicity highlights the blurred lines between right and wrong, as characters navigate their moral compasses in the pursuit of justice.
Ann Walden (07:04): "Why should he be glad?"
Leonard Case (07:06): "Because a fellow gets pretty lonesome."
David Hyland (08:33): "Hello. Fancy meeting you here."
Ann Walden (08:36): "Who are you? What do you want?"
Leonard Case (13:35): "She was just about to light the fire with that match when death blew it out."
Ann Walden (13:38): "Yeah."
Leonard Case (24:05): "Candy. Candy, Mabel."
David Hyland (24:17): "But you killed Myra Van Wyck by sending that bird out last night with a piece of poison candy."
After the dramatic conclusion, Adam Graham returns to share his reflections on the episode. He notes the challenge of condensing a full-length mystery into a half-hour format, praising the cast's ability to maintain suspense and atmosphere. Recognizing Richard Culmore’s performance, known for his role as Boston Blackie, Graham commends the adaptation for its effective storytelling.
Notable Quote:
Adam Graham (34:05): "They did a great job, I think, establishing atmosphere and covering just enough of the complexity to make it an interesting story." (34:05)
Graham also highlights the introduction of a cast list in future episodes for listeners to better recognize the talented voices bringing these stories to life.
"Death Blew Out the Match" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of old-time radio mysteries. Through masterful adaptation, compelling performances, and a tightly woven plot, the episode captivates listeners, inviting them into a world where shadows conceal secrets and every character harbors hidden motives. Adam Graham’s insightful commentary further enriches the listening experience, honoring the legacy of classic radio detective dramas.
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