Let George Do It: The Fearless Crown (Encore) (EP4751)

Summary

Podcast Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Daily Mystery Dramas
Episode Title: Let George Do It: The Fearless Clown (Encore)
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

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Episode Summary: "The Fearless Clown"

In this captivating episode of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," host Adam Graham delves into the intrigue-filled world of circus mysteries with the classic detective drama, "Let George Do It: The Fearless Clown." Originally airing on August 13, 1951, this episode masterfully blends suspense, deception, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Golden Age of Radio.

Introduction to the Mystery

Adam Graham sets the stage by introducing the episode's setting— a bustling circus featuring the enigmatic clown, Fofo. The narrative quickly draws listeners into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Fofo's apparent demise.

The Letter from Relita

At [04:10], Relita Brooks reaches out to the detective, George Valentine, with a haunting confession:

Relita: "If Fofo should happen to die, I am the person who killed him... I'm the girl in the strawberry collared tights."

This alarming admission propels George into action, determined to uncover the truth behind Fofo's death.

Investigation Begins

George Valentine collaborates with his assistant, Brooksie, navigating the vibrant yet suspicious environment of the circus. Their first clue leads them to the chaotic aftermath of Fofo's supposed accident involving an elephant named Melita.

At [06:39], George reflects:

George Valentine: "See, what I want to find out was in the first part of her letter. Maybe it was the elephant who trampled him."

Encounter with Otto

The plot thickens with the introduction of Otto, a fellow performer, who hints at underlying tensions:

Otto: "I would kill him any day of the week."

This cryptic statement raises suspicions about Otto's true intentions and his connection to Fofo and the circus.

Unraveling the Mystery

As George delves deeper, he discovers discrepancies in Fofo's behavior and solo performances. Conversations with the elephant trainer, Boxer, and the local sheriff reveal more layers of deceit and hidden motives.

At [14:32], George theorizes:

George Valentine: "An elephant never forgets. So maybe he didn't like Fofo either, huh?"

The Revelation

The climax approaches as George uncovers that Fofo may not be who he appears to be. The façade begins to crumble when Boxer, under the guise of Pofo, reveals startling truths about the circus's internal conflicts and hidden agendas.

Open-Ended Conclusion

The episode concludes on a suspenseful note, leaving listeners pondering the fate of Fofo and the unresolved tensions within the circus. George’s final reflections suggest that the mystery is far from over, setting the stage for future adventures.

At [17:09], George summarizes:

George Valentine: "Now Freddy is dead. And if your name is George Valentine, you go down to the hospital to make sure of your fact."

Host’s Commentary

After the dramatization, Adam Graham provides insightful commentary on the episode's effectiveness in portraying a classic circus mystery. He highlights the clever plot twists and character developments that make "The Fearless Clown" a standout story among old-time radio dramas.

Graham addresses listener feedback, particularly about inconsistencies in narration due to different announcers. He acknowledges the challenges of re-editing older shows but appreciates the dedication of longtime supporters.

Listener Engagement and Community

Adam concludes by engaging with the audience, addressing Bill's observations about the show's format changes and expressing gratitude towards Patreon supporters like Russell. He encourages listeners to continue tuning in for more thrilling detective stories.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Relita to George Valentine [04:10]:

  "If Fofo should happen to die, I am the person who killed him."

• Otto’s Threat [09:26]:

  "I would kill him any day of the week."

• George’s Insight [14:32]:

  "An elephant never forgets. So maybe he didn't like Fofo either, huh?"

• George Confronts Otto [25:06]:

  "Is this white sliver of wood yours? It's a broken reed."

Conclusion

"The Fearless Clown" episode exemplifies the thrilling essence of old-time radio detective stories. Through masterful storytelling and engaging character dynamics, listeners are transported into a world of mystery and suspense. Adam Graham's thoughtful analysis and interaction with the audience further enrich the listening experience, making this episode a must-listen for enthusiasts of classic radio dramas.

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Stay Tuned: Join Adam Graham next week as he unravels another intriguing mystery with the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform or visit greatdetectives.net for more captivating episodes and exclusive content.

Transcript

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[Relita]

Sam.

[Adam Graham]

Hello, this is your host Adam Graham, reminding you to listen on July 13th as we bring you the premiere of the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio and also reminding you that today's program comes from our archives. And so any offers and information contained therein may not be valid unless currently reflected on our Great Detective of Old Time radio [e-mail] but now on with Circus Week. 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. Box [e-mail] for follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com radiodetectives I want to go ahead and remind you about our other podcast, particularly Public Domain Video Theater, which twice a month we bring you a video companion to this podcast. And it can Currently we're focusing episodes of Dragnet as well as episodes of programs that tie into our Listener's Choice countdown. And you can get that just by going to videotheater.greatdetectives.net then we have the Amazing World of Radio, featuring all of the podcasts voted on by our Patreon supporters. Go to amazing.greatdetives.net and then there's our World War II podcast at thewar.greatdetives.net well, now it's time for today's episode of Let George Do It. And there were a couple episodes that still remain long in between last week's show and this week's. But this week's program originally aired August 13th of 1951, and the title is the Fearless Clown.

[George Valentine]

Personal Notice Dangers My stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you got a job for me. George Valentine. Write full details Say, did you ever.

[Narrator]

Hear of a Fearless Clown? Well, just in case you haven't, that's the title of our Let George do it adventure. Now, you're probably wondering what a clown has to fear in the first place, unless maybe it's a nasty elephant. And in the second place, how would you Know when he's behind a couple of inches of grease paint. Well, all I know is that a very nervous girl is most concerned about a certain clown. And she's telling George Valentine all about it.

[Relita]

Dear Mr. Valentine, I'm sure you've heard of Fofo, the fearless clown. Maybe you've already seen a circus before, but it's here in town opening tonight with an all new show. And if he's ever scared you with a snake or made you laugh with his crazy tumbling and I'll bet like everybody else you must have thought he's a wonderful person. But I know that he's not. In fact, if Fofo should happen to die, I am the person who killed him. What I mean is, Mr. Valentine, I've already practically confessed to his murder. It's your job to keep the most horrible man in the world alive. Sincerely, Relita. P.S. i'm the girl in the strawberry collared tights.

[George Valentine]

Hey, there she is riding the lead elephant.

[Relita]

How could you miss her?

[George Valentine]

Oh, you spotted her before this. Really?

[Relita]

Didn't the tights, darling. Or didn't you notice them foolish questions opening parade?

[George Valentine]

She said we could catch her after the performance.

[Relita]

That's a good idea. It'd take a step ladder to get down off that elephant any other way, wouldn't it, Brooksie?

[George Valentine]

I'll tell you a secret. You don't get down off an elephant. You get it off a duck.

[Relita]

Oh, George. George.

[George Valentine]

Oh, no. Take it easy, angel. That's the star of the piece that's all. Faux himself. You know, he's about the only performer who's ever worked up to owning his own circus. Must be quite George, he's got a stage.

[Relita]

It came right out of his suitcase.

[George Valentine]

Sure, sure, it's a good act to lead the parade with.

[Relita]

Look at it, George. It's a cobra.

[George Valentine]

Oh, see? Take it easy, Putty nose. And the con rig is what makes.

[Relita]

It look so he's jumping rope with it.

[George Valentine]

Brooksie, I'll tell you something. The fearless little man with his snakes. Hey, look, he's turning somersaults now in front of the elephant.

[Relita]

But he's the man you're supposed to keep alive.

[George Valentine]

Don't worry, I told you. For your information, there's not one snake in this circus that doesn't eat with false teeth. What? Sure, it just looks dangerous, that's all. That guy's not crazy. All his snakes are a fraud. Maybe he is too. I don't know.

[Relita]

Well, I should have known.

[George Valentine]

But hey, the elephant. Melita's elephant. He's charging.

[Relita]

Po Po's turning somersaults right in front of him. Oh, George.

[George Valentine]

Come on, get through the crowd. That job of mine sure ended in a hurry.

[Relita]

That open just went crazy.

[George Valentine]

Pofo didn't even see him coming.

[Relita]

You didn't even have a chance to keep alive.

[George Valentine]

See, what I want to find out was in the first part of her leader's letter. Maybe it was the elephant who trampled him. But remember, she said if Fofo should happen to die, I'm the person who killed him.

[Narrator]

Well, it looks like poor old Fo. Fo has gone. Bye bye. And you know what? They'll probably blame it all on that nice elephant. We'll find out what's going on behind the scene in just a minute. But first, let's take time out for this. Now, let's get back to George and Brooksie right now. They're backstage at the circus.

[Relita]

George?

[George Valentine]

Doctor says he's still alive. They got him into the ambulance as fast as possible. He's on his way to the hospital right now.

[Relita]

Mr. Valentine, it was. It was an accident, wasn't it? Well, you heard. You saw it yourself. An elephant just went crazy or something. Didn't you see? Charged straight ahead. If Pofo hadn't been so close.

[George Valentine]

Sure, sure, I saw it all right. Relita, I think you'd better tell me about yourself. In a hurry.

[Relita]

Yes, of course. Well, it's really quite simple. I knew with the circus that year. I do a little acrobatic dancing. I used to be with an act in nightclubs. Well, it's rather hard to say this. I married, you see, and. Oh, Mr. Valentine, Foho's death was an accident. That's all it could have been. Rilita, we do need to know your story. But maybe not all of it. Well, it's. Fofo is very attractive and charming. Anyway, he saw me act and I met him. He wanted me to come with his circus. Now I have to stay with the circus.

[George Valentine]

What do you mean?

[Relita]

I think he must have enjoyed being in danger. I. I got mixed up with him. What do you think I mean?

[George Valentine]

Okay, okay. Emotional blackmail. Does that make it simpler for you?

[Relita]

I wrote exactly why I was going to kill him.

[George Valentine]

And.

[Relita]

Well, don't look like that. I didn't give him the letter or go out and buy a gun. In fact, I just tore it up. Oh, no. What I mean is, I put it in my wastebasket. I worked on my steam, I guess. Anyway, I wrote everything to my husband instead. And I mailed that. And he Understands?

[George Valentine]

Well, why were you so frightened? Why did you want me?

[Relita]

After the show that night, I came back to my dressing room and the note I wrote to Fofo was gone. Disappeared. Somebody had taken it out of my waste basket.

[George Valentine]

Uh huh. You wanted me to find out who and get the letter back, huh? Yes.

[Relita]

Whoever had that note could murder Fofo and use it to put the blame on you. I don't know who that could be. I don't know the people around here yet. But Poke was so popular. I can't imagine anyone else wanting to use that letter.

[Otto]

I would kill him any day of the week.

[Relita]

What?

[Otto]

Otto, the show must go on, but somebody else can lead the band. I wanted to find you. My child, Lolita. She will be all upset. I said to myself.

[Relita]

Otto, what did you mean you said you'd kill Fofo?

[Otto]

Who are these people?

[Relita]

Oh, Ms. Brooks, Mr. Valentine, he's sort of a detective.

[Otto]

Well, naturally I would expect that.

[George Valentine]

Lolita was just telling us that she doesn't have many friends around the circus yet.

[Otto]

So she has me and my brother too. The boy Freddy. Have you seen where he is, Rolita?

[Relita]

No, I haven't. But what did you mean?

[George Valentine]

Sure, come on, let's have it. Why would you kill Fofo?

[Otto]

Everybody knows that. My foot. You see, I didn't always toodle on an oboe and wave batons in a striped coat. I was on the wire, Otto the Magnificent. So one day I fell and was injured. But Fofo, you think he would help pay my two years of hospital bills? The way the law says.

[Relita]

Then why did you come back to his circus?

[Otto]

Why not? Perhaps to kill Fofo? I don't know. But neither does Fofo. That's what makes it interesting.

[Relita]

Oh, Otto, stop it. You shouldn't say things like that.

[Otto]

You are very mixed up, my child, and very innocent.

[George Valentine]

And you're trying to tell her that nobody likes Fofo. Check.

[Otto]

Liked, past tense. He was popular because he always liked to have around him the people who hated him. If this makes no sense, why try to understand that? He's dead, isn't he?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, yeah. Practically killed by an elephant.

[Relita]

Otto, is that true? If there were others besides me, then. Then that letter I wrote is. Isn't so important at all, is it, Mr. Valentine?

[Otto]

Everybody hated him. Even my little brother Freddy. The sweetest boy in the world. And a good entertainer too. But out of a job. You think 4. 4 would give him work? No, no. Fofo laughs. He thinks it is funny I should have to support my Brother, skip it.

[George Valentine]

I know. What about the man who was with the elephant?

[Otto]

What?

[George Valentine]

The. The one walking alongside when it happened. In there. Trainer, whatever he is.

[Otto]

His name is Boxer. Well, I don't know, but he probably hates 442.

[George Valentine]

Okay, thanks. You've covered up enough for Alita.

[Relita]

What? George, where are you going?

[George Valentine]

Well, I'll start with the snakes, I guess.

[Boxer]

Here, down this way, I guess.

[George Valentine]

You sure that snake is locked up tight in that box?

[Boxer]

What? Susie? Don't you worry about her, mister. Not a fang in the circus. Didn't you know that harmless is a 10 foot piece of garden hose or a goddess snake.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, well, never mind showing me. Just keep the lid shut, huh? Will you? Sure. All right.

[Boxer]

Some people don't like snakes, I guess. Me, I kept in my bathtub at home ever since I was a kid.

[George Valentine]

Me hiding. That him over there?

[Boxer]

Yeah, yeah, there he is. Got him all chained up separate.

[George Valentine]

Well, that's the sheriff's work.

[Boxer]

Poor old Emmy. You know, that elephant's been with us almost five years. Oh, hello, Boxer. Me is all its own.

[George Valentine]

I'm George Valentine.

[Sheriff]

Oh, yeah. Sheriff sent wood snooping, huh?

[George Valentine]

Oh, not exactly.

[Boxer]

Boy, look at the change they got on him.

[George Valentine]

No.

[Boxer]

What's the matter, baby?

[Sheriff]

All right, all right, show them the snakes. That's what you come down here for, ain't it?

[Boxer]

Oh, sure, Boxer, take it easy. All right. There we go. Susie, don't eat up all his hay.

[George Valentine]

Now wait a minute now. Better not let that snake get so close to his trunk. Had you?

[Sheriff]

Look, Mr. Valentine, the Amy here wouldn't care if a snake crawled up his trunk.

[George Valentine]

Okay, okay. Hey, look, get her out of here, will you? That's good. Thanks.

[Boxer]

You're welcome. All right, Susie, off we go back to bed.

[George Valentine]

So it wasn't the snake.

[Sheriff]

Come here, Mr. Valentine. Don't be afraid. The ammo won't step on you, boy. Give me your ear, boy. Ah, that's it. Here, look.

[George Valentine]

What's that? Bunch of brands.

[Sheriff]

Same idea, only you mark the earth, see? Double X. That's one circus triangle. That's another. Crossed lances little crown. That's for digging trees up for some maharajah.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, a whole string of them. In other words, the Amy has been through the wars, huh?

[Sheriff]

He's older than you or I or anybody else around here. Been everywhere and done everything. And Mr. Valentine, never once has he caused a bit of trouble. A freight train couldn't make him nervous. A jumpy.

[George Valentine]

Then what did?

[Sheriff]

I don't know.

[George Valentine]

Suppose somebody put a lighted cigarette to his Ear. Suppose that stick you carry just happened to poke him at the right time.

[Sheriff]

There was only me and the girl on top near him. Nobody did nothing like that.

[George Valentine]

Well, if he's such a peaceful elephant, then how do you explain his actions?

[Sheriff]

Maybe you don't explain it. Animals are funny, Mr. Valentine.

[George Valentine]

Sure, sure, I know. An elephant never forgets. So maybe he didn't like Fofo either, huh?

[Sheriff]

Don't be ridiculous.

[George Valentine]

All right, then. What happened? Something sent the Amir off. Yeah. Brooksie. Out here. I'm just trying to.

[Relita]

Quick. Here. Over here. George.

[George Valentine]

What's happened? You here from the hospital?

[Relita]

Yes, but here he is.

[Boxer]

Well, this is Mr. Valentine.

[George Valentine]

That's right. Who are you?

[Relita]

George, It's Pofo.

[Boxer]

Yes, of course it's me. A quick recovery, wasn't it? I think I have nine lives.

[George Valentine]

Oh, now, wait a minute. Wait a minute.

[Otto]

What happened? What are you doing here?

[Boxer]

Hello, Otto.

[George Valentine]

Really?

[Boxer]

Huh? Well, don't all stand there as though I were a ghost or something. I've been down to the hospital. I was in town. I heard on the radio. What happened, George?

[Relita]

He died. The sheriff just called.

[Otto]

Wait, wait. I don't understand.

[George Valentine]

I get it. Somebody else was doing your act for you. All that clown makeup and costume.

[Otto]

Somebody, yes.

[Boxer]

But, Otto, I'm so terribly sorry. Only you yourself kept asking me to give Freddie a chance, Otto. Poor fellow. He loved his younger brother a great deal and he wanted him to work so badly. It's really his fault, I suppose, that Freddy is dead now. Well, it couldn't be anyone else's fault, could it?

[Narrator]

We'll return to our adventure with George Valentine in just a moment.

[George Valentine]

Now back to George Valentine. Fofo, the fearless clown, seems to be a man with nine lives. Because it never occurred to you or the other thousand people who saw an elephant suddenly run berserk and trample him, that the man under all that makeup wasn't Fofo. No. It was really a boy named Freddie who only wanted a job with Fofo Circus. Well, now Freddy is dead. And if your name is George Valentine, you go down to the hospital to make sure of your fact.

[Otto]

Of course it was Freddy. Who else would it be? He spoke to them. The doctor said. Did you hear what that doctor with the glasses said?

[George Valentine]

Freddie didn't say anything, Otto. He couldn't help any.

[Otto]

No. No. How could a poor boy know who killed.

[George Valentine]

Oh, Otto. Otto Snap. Ottobo. Will you please? I know how much you loved your brother, but what's done is done.

[Otto]

Yes, yes.

[George Valentine]

Besides, what do you mean? No. Who killed him?

[Otto]

Did I say that? Well, why not? Fofo killed him.

[George Valentine]

How do you figure that?

[Boxer]

Look.

[Otto]

Closing time all around us. People going home but for their circus time off, that's all. Two hours between afternoon and night performances. Freddie liked the night performance.

[George Valentine]

Look, Otto, I asked you why Fofo would kill your brother.

[Otto]

I don't know.

[George Valentine]

You mean because Fofo so gratuitously took this afternoon off? So accidentally put your brother in his place?

[Otto]

It was a new performance.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, yeah, that's what the big man told Ms. Brooks. New lights, new costumes, new music, the works. Fofo wanted to drag some publicity men from downtown to watch with him from out front for a change.

[Otto]

That's what he told Ms. Brooks.

[George Valentine]

You think it's a lie?

[Otto]

Everything he does is a lie.

[George Valentine]

Okay, prove it.

[Otto]

I. I can't. Mr. Valentine, you will waste your time forever if you try to. You can't always win. So.

[George Valentine]

All right, wait a minute. Come on, hop in. I'll drive you back to the grounds.

[Otto]

No, no. It is closing time for me to.

[George Valentine]

Where are you going?

[Otto]

I will walk back through the park, I think.

[George Valentine]

Go.

[Otto]

I'll see you later. I'm not young enough to just walk out on the child. All I mean is for me it is awful. I will stop trying to say Fofo is evil. I will let you waste your time.

[George Valentine]

This is dressing room.

[Relita]

The railroad car.

[George Valentine]

George.

[Relita]

It's the drawing room.

[George Valentine]

Oh, yeah. Nice way to live. Sure. He's gone.

[Relita]

It's through the office part, they said.

[George Valentine]

Oh, yeah. Here we are. Keep out, private, do not disturb. Nice, friendly sort of guy.

[Relita]

George, wait.

[Boxer]

Well, Mr. Valentine, you're snooping, huh? Perhaps you came to steal something, huh?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, maybe I did. Fofo. A letter.

[Boxer]

A letter? Let me see. You representary Lita, don't you?

[George Valentine]

So I guess I might as well start looking, huh? Where is it? The desk?

[Boxer]

You know, I like you. You are very shrewd.

[George Valentine]

Now look, buster, she wrote a letter. It explained what kind of a guy.

[Boxer]

You are and why she would like to kill me.

[George Valentine]

So the letter disappears. Somebody stole it. It doesn't take much shrewdness to figure you're the boy who took it.

[Boxer]

Riley is very young. She needed to be taught a lesson.

[George Valentine]

She's already learned it. Stay away from clowns. But I suppose you got a lot of fun out of scaring her to death.

[Boxer]

Now, here. You may have it. It has served its purpose.

[George Valentine]

Thanks. Thanks a lot. Fofo. You enjoy things like this, don't you? What this guy Otto says about you Is true.

[Boxer]

I think we can skip the psychoanalysis. Yeah. Otto's stupid. He would never be able to do anything about the way he feels.

[George Valentine]

I might.

[Boxer]

Sit down, Valentine. You know, you advertise for danger. You're the kind of man I've always wanted to meet.

[George Valentine]

Oh, no thanks, buster. My job's finished. Yeah, the reason I was hired, at least. So now the coast's clear to solve a murder, isn't it? And right now I'd rather hear what Boxer has to say.

[Sheriff]

Yeah, that's what I'm doing now. Here, hold the flashlight a minute.

[George Valentine]

Or maybe Fofo let it slip. But he mentioned you were claiming the aim. It wasn't to blame.

[Sheriff]

I know, I know. And earlier I said I couldn't see how anybody could have made the aimer do it. I still don't.

[Relita]

But you say one of the men heard someone out here.

[Sheriff]

That's right, Ms. Brooks. Two nights ago. Roustabart says the aimer was snorting around. Sure, of course, I told Fofo. But you think he'd be interested if it was murder? You think he'd do anything but laugh over it?

[George Valentine]

All right, skip it. Boxer, just what happened two nights ago?

[Sheriff]

Well, this roustabot was waked up by the aimer. Came over to see what was the matter. Sure, there was a man here, but he disappeared before he could get a look. Didn't report it. Didn't think it was important until today.

[Relita]

George, look. It's a sliver. Thin little sliver of wood.

[Sheriff]

Looks like a chip from the sawdust. Let's see what it looks like.

[George Valentine]

No, wait a minute. Look out. It's broken already. Polished white wood. That's not sawdust.

[Sheriff]

Well, maybe it's sharp, but that's nothing you're going to hurt an elephant with either. Here, I'll show you how tough the Amos skin is.

[Relita]

Don't poke him.

[Sheriff]

If you thinks that was what was riling him up when you got another thing coming.

[George Valentine]

Hold on. Now, you listen to me, Boxer. What would happen if you took the elephant here back into the main tent the way he was when he tore loose this afternoon when the accident happened?

[Sheriff]

I don't get you.

[George Valentine]

But you guarantee to the sheriff to have enough chains or enough men to keep him under control? Sure. All right, the tent's empty. Now it's between shows. Everybody's available.

[Relita]

George, what do you want to do?

[George Valentine]

Little reconstruction. Brooksie, it just occurred to me that the only one who can solve this crime in a hurry is the aimer himself. You all set?

[Otto]

Otto, you want everything the same. All right, all right, start your silliness.

[Boxer]

Old sourpuss himself. Where have you been?

[Otto]

I'm back, aren't I? I guess. Mr. Valentine, I've been thinking about what Fofo should think about. How you can't always win. That you will never teach him.

[George Valentine]

What do you mean? All right, let's get this parade going.

[Boxer]

Come on. You know the sour pussy plays bad music anyway.

[George Valentine]

Why aren't you ready to walk through this thing, Fofo? Haven't even brought your snake box in yet. Haven't even started a somersault.

[Boxer]

I will do my part, don't forget. Worry, I'm not afraid.

[George Valentine]

I'll skip it. It's because you know I don't need to go through with it, isn't it?

[Boxer]

Is it?

[George Valentine]

Sure. It's because you know I've already got the answer.

[Boxer]

Have you?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, yeah. On the way back from the hospital I stopped to pick up a book on elephants. Take the aimer here. He's been through the wars, hasn't he? No, that.

[Boxer]

That band is making so much noise.

[George Valentine]

Oh, you're with me all right. But here, look, the brand marks on the amer's ear.

[Boxer]

Boxer, give me the stick there.

[Sheriff]

Well, don't you want me to lead him around like I did?

[Boxer]

No, I take him. I can handle him. Well, give it to me, I said. Sure, boss.

[George Valentine]

Never mind, never mind. Here, take a look. Three X's. That's a circus. A crown boxer says. He must have pulled up trees for a maharajah once. Cross lances. Well, in India that was the best job an elephant could get, wasn't it? Only goes to the biggest and finest battle elephant.

[Boxer]

You are the expert, not me. I suppose the lenses might be mean that. What are you driving at?

[George Valentine]

The aimless memory? Something way back in his training. Something he'd do on the right command automatically. Fast as lightning. Practically a reflex action.

[Boxer]

Yeah. Well, go on.

[George Valentine]

What's up, Valentine? Oh, let's get this over with, Sheriff. I don't like it. Otto. Stop that music. Ao. Stop it.

[Otto]

What's the matter?

[George Valentine]

Okay, now play the same tune you played this afternoon.

[Otto]

What? What? I have told you everything is the same.

[George Valentine]

Performance of the new show was this afternoon. Sure, that's right. Everything was new, even costumes and music. So play that same march.

[Narrator]

Sure.

[Sheriff]

I told you it was different, Otto.

[Boxer]

Yes, go on, Otto. You write the music. Play it. Mr. Valentine wants everything the same. Unless you are afraid to.

[George Valentine]

Be quiet, will you, Otto? Your instrument, I remember, is an oboe. A reed instrument. Well, Is this white sliver of wood yours? It's a broken reed.

[Otto]

What?

[George Valentine]

Somebody dropped it the other night doing something that made the aimer get all excited. Playing softly in his ear, maybe testing a composition.

[Otto]

Maybe I don't understand at all.

[Boxer]

Yes, you do. You are wasting time. Come on, boss, you don't need a leader. Play out the same arrangement you did this afternoon.

[Otto]

Wait.

[Boxer]

Let her go. Here we are, Valentine, the Emir and I.

[George Valentine]

What's the matter, Otto? The Emir here is really harmless. But if a man were turning somersaults in front of him and suddenly some horns started blaring out.

[Otto]

Wait. No, Mr. Valentine.

[George Valentine]

Wait. Boys. I don't know the notes, but something deep in the elephant's memory. Maybe battle elephant. And I suppose there must be a call for charge. At least that's what they use battle elephants for.

[Relita]

Stop it. Stop that music.

[George Valentine]

Stop it.

[Otto]

Stop it. All right. I am the one you want.

[Boxer]

Imagine, trying to kill me. He's tried it before, but that's what his scheme was.

[George Valentine]

Oh, he had good enough reason, I guess.

[Boxer]

No, but the irony of it, Mr. Valentine, he worked up such a beautiful way to kill me. I always told him he was never smart, nor. And then his plan backfired so tragically. No wonder he fainted when I told him his brother had taken my place.

[George Valentine]

Uh huh. Well, I just talked to Otto back there. He won't say anything. But how can he? Because he can't really prove that you'd caught on to what his plan was. That you had his brother take your place on purpose.

[Boxer]

Well, and can you prove it? No, of course not. So why talk about then, huh?

[George Valentine]

Yeah, that's right. Why talk about it?

[Relita]

George, let's get out of here.

[George Valentine]

Oh, leave me alone for a minute, will you, angel? Don't you see? Fofo's right. I can't prove it.

[Narrator]

We will return to our adventure with George Valentine in just a moment.

[Sheriff]

Well, the aimer won't have to be shot. Now that's one good thing come out of it.

[George Valentine]

Oh, sure, sure, Boxer. And you can go right on having trouble with your boss. And Relita can still be practically blackmailed by the guy who's still got his eye on.

[Relita]

Oh, George, stop beating yourself. There's nothing you can do about it. You said so yourself.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, sure. In fact, Otto told me that earlier before he stumbled off to walk in the park. Said I'd waste my time forever if I tried to get back at Fofo. You can't always win, he said.

[Sheriff]

Poor Otto wasn't bright enough to get rid of Fofo.

[George Valentine]

And I came along. So he never got another chance at him. Maybe. I don't mean that. I don't know. Well, on with the show.

[Relita]

Sure. Listen to them in there. In a couple of minutes, the fearless fraud will come galloping in with his little suitcase, opening the parade. The people will scream and clap their hands for him. And the snake with false teeth and his somersaults in front of the Amir.

[George Valentine]

So we don't like the way it ends, Brooksy. Hey, there's a police car. Come back to meet us, I guess. Come on, let's go. Only.

[Relita]

What's the matter?

[George Valentine]

Otto said a couple of funny things. And it was odd his not being willing to talk about anything after he confessed.

[Relita]

What?

[George Valentine]

In fact, it was funny he didn't confess earlier. The shock of finding he'd been responsible for killing his brother and all.

[Relita]

What are you talking about?

[George Valentine]

Policeman getting out of the car is a funny cab. Made me remember otters wanting to go to the park. That's all. And showing up later.

[Sheriff]

Mr. Valentine, this guy's from the park.

[George Valentine]

Yeah, so I noticed. City Park Zoo. We need help fast along about closing time, somebody broke into the snake house at the zoo. And buddy, our snakes aren't amateurs. Our biggest cobra is missing.

[Narrator]

You have just heard the fearless clown. Another Let George do it adventure. Robert Bailey was starred as George Valentine with Virginia Gregg as Brooksie. David Victor and Jackson Gillis wrote the story and the music was by Eddie Dunstetter. Now this is yours truly inviting you to another visit with Valentine when you will again hear what happens when you let George do it.

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, an interesting plot with an open ended conclusion that leads you to think that Fofo may yet get his comeuppance. I think that this did a really good job with a circus story. And considering how well worn circus stories and old time radio are, I think this one had enough interesting features to make it a standout. Although I did think it was funny that the performer who wrote to George just assumed that he had already seen Fofo and was, you know, had made judgments of his character based on seeing him perform. Perhaps circuses were a bit more widely attended back during these years. Alright, well, listener comments and feedback Bill writes in hi Adam, I noticed something in this episode and the one last week which may have been occurring since the show switched to the current format that I might have missed. At the beginning and end of the story we have the announcer yours truly in his comments, but the past two weeks it seems like there's a different announcer recapping the episode after the mid story break. Are my years playing tricks on me or have there been two announcers in recent weeks? No, I think that Bud he stand he was the original announcer on Let George do it when they were doing the programs in the west for Standard Oil and these were resyndicated by Harry S. Goodman who replaced some of the announcers with his own, which in my opinion it's not as good as Bud Easton. And then we still have some segments, particularly the recap from Houston that they go ahead and include in a lot of stories. In the middle though, I guess, you know, if you're coming into the series, particularly if you were one of the original listeners in the eastern United States and Canada and you'd never heard the series, you probably it would be fair to wonder wait, who is this guy who's doing the mid show recap? So yeah, there are some really clumsy things that they do with the re editing of these with the Harry S. Goodman programs, but I'm kind of I'm just willing to put up with it because it's the only way that we can enjoy these particular episodes. But thanks so much for the comment as always, Bill and I do want to go ahead and thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to thank Russell for his support. Russell has been one of our patreon supporters since November 2016, currently supporting us at the Master Detective level of $15 or more per month. Thank you so much for your Russell and that will actually be all for today. Join us back here tomorrow for Rocky Jordan. Next Tuesday, another episode of Let George Do It. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook. Facebook.com RadioDetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Green signing off.

[Lowe's Announcer]

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