Man Called X: The Laughing Lady (Encore) (EP4754)

Summary

Summary of "Man Called X: The Laughing Lady (Encore)" (EP4754)

Introduction In this thrilling encore episode of "Man Called X," listeners are treated to the final CBS installment titled "The Laughing Lady." Originally aired on September 26, 1948, this episode marks a significant climax in the series, featuring the formidable confrontation between the enigmatic detective Ken Thurston and the insidious Mafia forces lurking within a struggling circus in Sicily.

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Plot Overview

Setting the Stage: The Mafia's Grip on Sicily The episode opens with Ken Thurston receiving a critical dispatch from Rome. The Italian government's recent declaration to dismantle the Mafia organization sets the stage for Thurston's perilous mission. Tasked with uncovering the Mafia's smuggling operations of American-made arms into Sicily, Thurston steps beyond the jurisdiction of his bureau, determined to take on the assignment single-handedly.

Clues Lead to the Circus At [05:32], Thurston presents a pair of circus tickets as a potential lead, pointing to Alfredo Parilli, a bankrupt circus owner from Palermo, Sicily. Despite skepticism from his Chief, Thurston's intuition about the Mafia's involvement drives him to investigate further. Upon arriving at Madison Square Garden, Thurston observes Parilli's extraordinary trapeze act, which serves as a metaphor for the precarious situation he's navigating.

Unraveling the Mystery As the plot thickens, Thurston and his associate Pagan delve deeper into the circus's operations. They discover that the "Laughing Lady" is not only the star performer but also intricately linked to the Mafia's arms distribution network. Key moments include:

• Confrontation with Alfredo Parilli ([07:38]-[12:00]): Parilli reveals his desperation to keep the circus afloat, hinting at his connections to the Mafia without fully disclosing the extent.

• Twists and Turns ([14:00]-[26:21]): Suspense heightens as attempts are made on Thurston and Pagan's lives, leading to revelations about Parilli's ties and the true nature of the "Laughing Lady."

• Climactic Showdown ([28:00]-[30:28]): In a dramatic finale, Thurston confronts Alice Parilli, Alfredo's widow, uncovering her betrayal and the Mafia's sinister plans. The revelation leads to the exposure of the Mafia's arms deal, ensuring Thurston's mission's success.

Notable Quotes:

• Ken Thurston at [05:04]: "Yeah, that means a special responsibility in finding out how the Mafia is getting those guns."

• Alfredo Parilli at [22:30]: "I couldn't kill Jane. She was my wife."

• Ken Thurston at [28:00]: "Tonight while you laugh, Laughing Lady, terror is being planned by the Mafia for the people of this village."

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Host Commentary by Adam Graham

After the dramatic conclusion of "Man Called X," host Adam Graham offers insightful reflections on the episode's effectiveness as a series finale.

A Grand Finale with High Stakes Graham praises the episode's ambitious narrative, highlighting how the integration of the Mafia as the ultimate adversary elevated the stakes for Ken Thurston. He remarks, "having them as the final opponent for the Man Called X and have him take on this big emerging threat is really, I think, a good idea for a series finale" ([32:11]).

Sound and Storytelling Excellence The host commends the creative use of sound elements, particularly the "laughing" motif associated with the Laughing Lady, which enhances the dramatic tension. He notes, "The mystery was good. The fortune teller's death was really foreseeable...that's pretty much how this is gonna work out" ([32:11]).

Impact of Sponsorship Shifts Graham delves into the historical context of CBS's strategic move to prioritize comedy variety shows, such as Lum and Abner, over mystery dramas. He explains how this shift, driven by lucrative sponsorship deals, led to the eventual discontinuation of "Man Called X" despite its dedicated fan base and compelling storytelling.

Notable Insights:

• The transition to Lum and Abner "reflected a big change at CBS in terms of the talent raids," which adversely affected "Man Called X" due to budget constraints.

• Graham underscores the importance of sponsorship in sustaining radio dramas, stating, "CBS couldn't have a major mystery drama without a sponsor because of the salary of Herbert Marshall."

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Listener Feedback and Historical Context

In response to previous episodes and listener queries, Adam Graham addresses historical elements intertwined with the series' narratives.

Understanding the Mexican Import Ban: A listener named David provides an in-depth explanation of the 1940s Mexican import restrictions, clarifying the economic theories behind the policies depicted in earlier episodes. Graham acknowledges the valuable historical context, noting, "the trouble in the Mexican economy and the measures adopted in 1947" were likely familiar to contemporary listeners ([32:11]).

Appreciation for Historical Accuracy: Another listener, Denise, commends the podcast for its accurate representation of post-war economic challenges, reinforcing the series' commitment to blending suspense with real-world events. This feedback underscores the podcast's dedication to historical authenticity, enhancing the listener's experience.

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Conclusion and Future Directions

As "Man Called X" concludes its illustrious run, Adam Graham hints at upcoming content and reflects on the legacy of the series. He expresses gratitude to long-time supporters and encourages new listeners to engage with the podcast through ratings and reviews.

Transition to New Content: Looking ahead, Graham teases the return of "Man Called X" in the 1950s, promising fresh adventures and continued exploration of classic radio mysteries. He also expresses his admiration for luminaries like Lum and Abner, despite their tumultuous transition to CBS, showcasing his broad appreciation for vintage radio entertainment.

Final Thoughts: Graham's comprehensive analysis not only celebrates the conclusion of "Man Called X" but also situates it within the broader tapestry of old-time radio, highlighting its enduring appeal and the intricate interplay between storytelling and historical context.

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Engage with "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" For those captivated by the golden age of radio mysteries, "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" continues to deliver captivating detective dramas daily. Hosted by Adam Graham, the podcast offers insightful commentary and a nostalgic journey through over 1,000 episodes spanning fifteen seasons. Subscribe via your favorite podcast app or visit greatdetectives.net to join the community of fellow mystery enthusiasts.

Transcript

[Ken Thurston]

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, [e-mail] Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com RadioDetectives Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time [e-mail] and I want to thank Scott for supporting us. That way, you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $ dollars per month. And I want to welcome our latest Patreon supporter, David coming on board at the chief of detectives, our level of $30 or more per month and with a picture that with a very cool red hat befitting the position. Thank you so much for your support, David. Well, now it's time for the final CBS episode of the Man Called X. The Original Air Date September 26, 1948 and the title is the Laughing Lady.

[Herbert Marshall]

Your attention, please. During this program, Frigidaire will make a very important announcement. Please listen for it. Frigid Eyre presents Herbert Marshall as the Man Called X. Wherever there is mystery, intrigue, romance, in all the strange and dangerous places of the world, there you will find a man called X. You're twice as sure with two great names, Frigidaire and General Motors. For Frigidaire, refrigerators are made only by Frigidaire, a division of General Motors. And it is this association of Frigidaire and General Motors, this association of experience with experience, of skill with skill, that makes Frigidaire America's favorite refrigerator. Remember this when you choose your new refrigerator. Remember that millions of Frigidaires in millions of American homes have established Frigidaire's reputation for complete dependability, for lasting satisfaction. Yes, you're twice as sure with two great Frigidaire and General Motors. For Frigidaire, refrigerators are made only by Frigidaire, a division of General Motors. More Frigidaire refrigerators serve in more American homes than any other make. And our Frigidaire presents Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston, the man called X.

[Ken Thurston]

Listen to this new dispatch from Rome, Chief. The Italian government today announced the beginning of an all out drive to destroy the secret Sicilian organization known as the Mafia, whose systematic terrorism against the Sicilian people has defied Italian law enforcement agencies throughout the years.

[Chief]

It's been rumored, Ken, that the guns and ammunition the Mafia are using have been smuggled in from America.

[Ken Thurston]

Yeah, that means a special responsibility in finding out how the Mafia is getting those guns. And since this is out of the Bureau's jurisdiction, I'd like to take on this assignment on my own.

[Chief]

Okay, but it's a tough one. The Mafia is hard to put a finger on. They've existed for generations, terrorizing their victims to the point where they're afraid to.

[Ken Thurston]

Go to the law for protection.

[Chief]

I'm sorry, but officially we won't be able to give you any help.

[Ken Thurston]

Well, something done up this morning that might be a lead. Take a look at this.

[Chief]

A pair of tickets for the circus at Madison Square Garden tonight.

[Ken Thurston]

Chief. Look at what's written on the back of the tickets.

[Chief]

Importante, Parilli.

[Ken Thurston]

Importante.

[Alfredo Parilli]

Well, who's Parilli?

[Ken Thurston]

Here's a report I just received on him. Alfredo Parilli, famous Italian acrobatic clown, Owner of a bankrupt circus. Just arrived from Palermo, Sicily. Came to this country to earn money to keep his circus going.

[Chief]

Palermo, Sicily? That's the base of the Mafia organization?

[Ken Thurston]

That's right, Chief. There's only a hunch, but fear of making a direct contact with me could be a clue. Well, I think I'll pick up Pagong stopping at Medicon Square Garden to see the circus.

[Pagan]

Look at it, Mr. Thon. It's more like a musical comedy than a circus. Even the clowns are wearing nylon costumes. Now, when I was in the circus business.

[Ken Thurston]

Going up to the top, that's Perilli in the clown suit that trapezes.

[Pagan]

Six stories up and no net. I get busy just watching him. What's he going to do?

[Ken Thurston]

Perilli swings from a trapeze bar by his mouth. He uses a steel and rubber bit and has been known to do as many as 50 full loops hanging by his teeth.

[Pagan]

The guy could get pink toothbrush from doing that. There. He's up on top now.

[Circus Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, the great P hanging by his feet 85ft in the air. Will try to beat his own world record of 57 loops on the trape.

[Ken Thurston]

There he goes.

[Circus Announcer]

One, two.

[Pagan]

There must be an easier way of making a living.

[Ken Thurston]

Quick, to the artist entrance. Doctor, may I have a word with him? It's very important.

[Laughing Lady]

You better hurry. He just has a few moments.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, really. This is Mr. X. You wanted to tell me something?

[Alfredo Parilli]

Please, Mr. X.

[Ken Thurston]

The shame of it. The Mafia. What about the Mafia? Did they try to murder you on the trapeze?

[Pagan]

No, no.

[Ken Thurston]

Was an accident. What about the Mafia? Really? The Laughing Lady Mafia? What about the Laughing Lady? The Mafia? Laughing Lady. Harrilli. Harrilli. Scared Playground.

[Pagan]

Was he murdered, Mr. Thurston?

[Ken Thurston]

Herbert told me it was accidental.

[Pagan]

Accidental murder, he means.

[Ken Thurston]

Hey, pick up a ticket for Valermo tonight.

[Pagan]

Me? Alone? What'll I do in Valermo, Mr. Thurston?

[Ken Thurston]

Go find out about the Laughing lady, then call me in Rome. I'll be at the embassy.

[Pagan]

Hello?

[Senor Sel]

Ready with your call to Roma, Senor Sel.

[Alice Parilli]

Go ahead.

[Pagan]

Hello. Is that you, Mr. Thierson?

[Ken Thurston]

Yes.

[Pagan]

I found the Laughing lady right here in Palermo.

[Ken Thurston]

Go on.

[Pagan]

The Laughing lady is the name of Parilli Circus. It's called that because the main attraction is a Laughing lady clown.

[Ken Thurston]

What about her?

[Pagan]

There's a price of 10,000 lira to anyone who can insult her and makes her stop laughing. Boy, the things I've said to her.

[Ken Thurston]

What about the Mafia? Any signs of it? Or the guns?

[Pagan]

I've taken a job running the shell game in a sideshow, but I've seen nothing suspicious yet.

[Ken Thurston]

Well, keep your eyes open. And remember, not a word to anyone about Perilla's death. I want to see the reaction personally. Now, meet me at the airport in Palermo in the morning. I'm coming to buy a circus. Ra.

[Pagan]

How do you like this jeep, Mr. Thurston? In Sicily, it's practical or old Royce. Lucky I was able to swipe. I mean, borrow it.

[Ken Thurston]

Sicily knows real property. 20 years of being robbed by Mussolini and now the Mafia is picking its bones.

[Pagan]

Can't say that again. And Parilli Circus is the first good love they had in years.

[Ken Thurston]

I wonder. The report I got in Rome indicates that after the Laughing Lady Circus, that leaves a village, the Mafia terror begins.

[Pagan]

Or maybe Parilli could have been killed because he found this out and wanted to tell you.

[Ken Thurston]

You'll know more about that when I hear from the chief. Oh.

[Pagan]

Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Thurston. This radiogram came for you this morning. And I didn't even take a peek this time.

[Ken Thurston]

And this time I know you're telling the truth.

[Pagan]

I am? How can you tell?

[Ken Thurston]

Because you still think Pereli was Murdered?

[Pagan]

Of course he was murdered.

[Ken Thurston]

The chief's wire says new evidence established positive proof. Parele death was suicide.

[Pagan]

Suicide? But it couldn't be. Why should he? What was that?

[Ken Thurston]

Someone over there on the island. Please. Just missed welcoming with a slug of steel.

[Pagan]

Where? I don't see anyone. Besides, nobody knows you're here.

[Ken Thurston]

Look. Bullet landed here in the back end of this key.

[Pagan]

Maybe we should leave. I don't think they like strangers here.

[Ken Thurston]

Look at this.

[Pagan]

I'd rather keep my head down under the seat.

[Ken Thurston]

An American made bullet.22.

[Pagan]

The mafia. We're probably going to be killed. Oh, let's go home. This is no place for a brave man.

[Ken Thurston]

Keep going to the circus, Pago. We can't turn back now. I think the Laughing lady is expecting us.

[Pagan]

You don't think she had anything to do with that shot?

[Ken Thurston]

Harrily's last words were Mafia Laughing Lady.

[Pagan]

I don't think it would make sense, her being with the Mafia.

[Ken Thurston]

Why not?

[Pagan]

Because the Laughing lady is Parilli's sister.

[Ken Thurston]

Parilla's sister?

[Alice Parilli]

Yeah.

[Pagan]

I told you the whole thing didn't make sense. First this Parilli kills himself. Then he sends us after the Mafia with the clue that it's the Laughing lady that's connected with it. Then we find her. What have we got? His sister. It's crazy.

[Ken Thurston]

You're wrong, Pigo. A Willie's suicide is just beginning to make some sense. He must have found out something between the time he sent me the tickets and the time I arrived at the circus. Found out something he'd rather die than live with. There's the circus.

[Pagan]

You mean. He must have found out that someone in the circus connected to the Mafia was close to him.

[Ken Thurston]

Someone near and dear.

[Pagan]

You mean maybe like a wife or a brother or.

[Ken Thurston]

Or a s. I'm Ken Thurston, Senori. I knew your husband in New York.

[Senor Sel]

Alfredo, mi caro. Me Alfredo.

[Circus Announcer]

I'm afraid.

[Alfredo Parilli]

Cole.

[Ken Thurston]

Mr. Thurston.

[Alfredo Parilli]

Come with a show? I'm afraid Senor Perilli is too upset to talk.

[Ken Thurston]

I'll come back later.

[Senor Sel]

Oh, please, please. You stay here.

[Alice Parilli]

Why do you come here?

[Senor Sel]

Please. If the American is a friend of Alfredo's. He is. Welcome, Signor Thurston. This is my sister in law.

[Alice Parilli]

I'm a Senor Parelli's sister.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, the Laughing Lady.

[Alice Parilli]

In this hour of grief, must we talk to strangers?

[Ken Thurston]

I'm sorry, Signorina Parelli, but I understand. Your brother made great sacrifices to keep this circus going. Sent money from America.

[Alice Parilli]

What the business is that of yours, Senor?

[Senor Sel]

Thurston, please. The gentleman speaks the truth. Alfredo went to America so the circus might bring joy to his people. Now I. I don't know how we will carry on this show.

[Alfredo Parilli]

Never made any money.

[Ken Thurston]

It's an awkward time to speak of it, but I came to offer to buy the circus. Buy it?

[Alice Parilli]

What would you want with a circus that has no profit?

[Senor Sel]

No, no, no, please. That I cannot speak of now. Excuse me, please.

[Laughing Lady]

Senor Thirst, I do not know who.

[Alice Parilli]

You are or what do you want, but my advice to you is to get out of Sicily now, while you are still alive.

[Ken Thurston]

I'll think over your advice.

[Alfredo Parilli]

Say, Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, Cole.

[Alfredo Parilli]

Sure good to see another American here in Sicily.

[Ken Thurston]

I was surprised to see an American here myself.

[Alfredo Parilli]

I feel I ought to tip you off, Mr. Thurston. This circus isn't anything you ought to buy. You'll lose your shirt in it.

[Ken Thurston]

Think so?

[Alfredo Parilli]

Worse than that, these people here don't take to strangers.

[Ken Thurston]

Cole, if there isn't any money in this circus, and if it's tough for strangers here, why do you stay?

[Alfredo Parilli]

Can't go back to the States. Federal indictment.

[Ken Thurston]

Thanks for the advice, Cole.

[Alfredo Parilli]

The least I could do for a countryman. Drop around to see my act. Pistol rifle expert. Use a human target for my finale. Kind of sensational.

[Pagan]

I was snooping around the side shows like you told me, when this gypsy dame came up and said she wanted to see you. Read your fortune free. Her wagon is at the top of this hill.

[Ken Thurston]

Might be a good idea. I'd like to ask your gypsy friend why Perilla's widow and his sister who own this Banquet Circus.

[Pagan]

Well, maybe it's sentiment. The Parilli family have owned the circus for years.

[Ken Thurston]

Could be. Then again, it could be the circus is bringing in money from another source. The Mafia, for instance.

[Pagan]

Here we are. Knock on the door of this wagon. She's inside.

[Ken Thurston]

You wait out. Sir Vecchi. I was told you wanted to see me, signorina.

[Laughing Lady]

Never mind the signorina, Mr. Thurston. What's the gag about buying this broken down circus? Well, yeah, that's right. Jane Bishop, Miss Omaha of 1937. I tell fortunes with a show.

[Ken Thurston]

And what makes you think, Ms. Bishop, that my wanting to buy this circus is a gag?

[Laughing Lady]

Because buying a circus is a pretty expensive way of finding out how the Mafia is using it. And who in the circus is working with the Mafia.

[Ken Thurston]

You know a cheaper answer to those two questions.

[Laughing Lady]

Much cheaper. For the price of two tickets to New York.

[Ken Thurston]

A ticket for you and who else?

[Laughing Lady]

That's my business, Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

Fair enough. How soon do you talk?

[Laughing Lady]

How soon can you get the money?

[Ken Thurston]

In an hour, say three o'. Clock.

[Laughing Lady]

Meet me here in the wagon. I'll sneak away from the show just before the pistol act goes on.

[Ken Thurston]

Pistol act?

[Laughing Lady]

Yeah, I've got another job besides telling fortunes. The human target in the pistol act.

[Pagan]

Must be a good racket. Telling fortunes? No, overhead, a crystal ball and a new bunch of suckers every day.

[Ken Thurston]

I got five minutes after three. She said she'd meet us here in the wagon at three o' clock sharp.

[Pagan]

I told you to leave the dames to me, Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

Step outside. See if you can see her.

[Pagan]

Hey, this door. It won't open.

[Ken Thurston]

Maybe it's stuck. Kick it.

[Pagan]

It's locked from the outside. The wagon. It's moving.

[Ken Thurston]

Someone's taking the brakes off and pushing us down the hill.

[Pagan]

Our goodies are cooked.

[Ken Thurston]

This time we're heading for those olive trees at the foot of the hill. Hold on, pagan.

[Pagan]

Mr. Thurston. Mr. Thurston.

[Ken Thurston]

You all right, Pagan, on your feet. Yeah.

[Pagan]

Where are we going?

[Ken Thurston]

Back to the circus to find Jane Bishop, the only person who knew we were in that fortune telling wagon.

[Herbert Marshall]

In just a moment, we will continue with A Man Called X, created by J. Richard Kennedy. This is Wendell Niles speaking. Every good cook knows how much trouble it saves to have everything handy, right where it belongs and easy to get at. Frigidaire engineers know that too. That's why Frigidaire refrigerators are designed the way they are. The Frigidaire Deluxe, for example, has a super freezer chest that holds up to 50 pounds of frozen foods. For fresh fruits and vegetables, there's the big Frigidaire hydrator. Glass topped so you can see what's on hand. Easy rolling so you can get at things quickly. A sliding basket drawer stores eggs and other small articles. As for all the other foods you keep in a refrigerator, well, Frigidaire's new design gives up to 50% more storage space in the same kitchen space. And think what you could do with all that extra room. Of course, foods must be safe as well as handy. And that's where the famous Frigidaire Meter miser comes in. It's the simplest coal maker ever built. So simple, it uses only a trickle of current. So powerful, it keeps even the biggest Frigidaires filled with cold. Remember how Frigidaire refrigerators keep everything handy? And remember, for all the advantages you want ask to see the name Frigidaire when You ask to see a new refrigerator. In a few moments, Frigidaire will tell you about a great new radio show that starts next week. Be sure to listen for the announcement. And now to continue with Frigidaire's Man Called X, starring Herbert Marshall. Ken is in Sicily trying to find out how a small circus is being used to supply the dread Mafia terrorist organization with American made arms. His only clue, two words, Laughing lady, spoken by a dying clown, leads him into a dilemma where he finds the circus and is called the Laughing lady and its star performer, a woman clown, is called the Laughing Lady. Ken and Pagan are returning to the circus after an attempt has been made on their lives. While they were waiting to meet a Miss Jane, the human target in the pistol ax.

[Ken Thurston]

Harry Pagan. We've got to get to Jane Bishop before she goes on. If she offered to sell information to us, she could just easily get a higher price from the Mafia. Not to sell.

[Pagan]

Well, business is business.

[Circus Announcer]

Ladies and gentlemen, you have seen me shoot the ace out of a cord, a coin in the air. But now I'm ready for the greatest test of all.

[Pagan]

Here she comes now. Grab her, Mr. Thurston, quick.

[Circus Announcer]

Senorina Bishop, the world's most beautiful human target.

[Ken Thurston]

We can't get one now. The Matthew would identify us.

[Circus Announcer]

The lovely signorina is lighting a cigarette.

[Pagan]

She won't look this way now she is smoking it.

[Circus Announcer]

And when the lovely lady tells me she is ready, I will shoot the cigarette from her mouth.

[Senor Sel]

Ready now, Senor Cole?

[Circus Announcer]

She is ready. I take aim. Silence, please.

[Ken Thurston]

Hit her. Why did you do it, Cole?

[Alfredo Parilli]

I didn't do it. I swear I didn't. I couldn't kill Jane.

[Pagan]

Thousand people see him bump off the dame and listen to.

[Alfredo Parilli]

I didn't. I couldn't.

[Adam Graham]

Believe me.

[Senor Sel]

Please, senor. It was an accident.

[Alice Parilli]

You lie. It wasn't no accident. He killed her. He wanted to get rid of her.

[Ken Thurston]

Why did you want to get rid of her?

[Alfredo Parilli]

I hated her. I wanted to get rid of her, Thurston. But I couldn't. I couldn't miss my target.

[Senor Sel]

Please, Senor Thurston, have pity. Leave him alone.

[Alice Parilli]

It's your fault, Signora. For years I tell you to get rid of this foreigner. Always you say no. Now we are in trouble. The police will come.

[Senor Sel]

Alfredo, he insisted in your.

[Pagan]

Cole, stay.

[Ken Thurston]

I still want to know why Cole wanted to get rid of Jane Bishop.

[Alice Parilli]

This is not your affair, Senor. You go, please.

[Ken Thurston]

It is my affair. Someone tried to kill me a few minutes ago.

[Alfredo Parilli]

I swear I didn't kill her. I wanted to be free. But I didn't kill her. She was my wife.

[Pagan]

But, Mr. Thurston, they've tried to kill us twice. And you're out here in this dark looking at trees. Let's get back close to the circus light.

[Ken Thurston]

Quiet, Pig on. And hold that flashlight. There we are.

[Pagan]

What is it?

[Ken Thurston]

A bullet. An American.22. The same time someone let go at me in the jeep.

[Pagan]

But the tree's 50ft from the tent. And Cole was.

[Ken Thurston]

It may not have been Cole's shot.

[Pagan]

You mean Cole didn't kill Jane?

[Ken Thurston]

Someone else fired a shot at precisely the same moment he did. Someone's coming.

[Alice Parilli]

Have you not caused enough trouble, Senior Thurston?

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, Signor Parele. Did you ever see cartridges like this before?

[Alice Parilli]

They are the kind we use in the pistol act and the shooting gallery.

[Ken Thurston]

You sure?

[Alice Parilli]

Certainly. I have a charge of the circus ammunition. Before it is too late, Signor. Get out of Sicily.

[Ken Thurston]

Perhaps I'm still interested in buying your circus.

[Alice Parilli]

If that is what you're staying for. You may leave now. The widow of my brother and I sold the circus today.

[Ken Thurston]

Senor Thurston, this is the bullet taken from the dead woman. Another American. 22. Thank you. Matches the other two. Now, would you take me back to Senor Cole cell? Follow me, please.

[Alfredo Parilli]

Thurston. Isn't it just like an American to help a countryman in trouble? Thanks for coming.

[Ken Thurston]

I'll try to help you, Cole, but I want the truth.

[Alfredo Parilli]

How could I lie to you now?

[Ken Thurston]

You did all right with that cock and bull story about a federal charge keeping you from going back to the States. I checked and found you were lying.

[Alfredo Parilli]

I love Alice Perilli. That's why I don't go back to America.

[Ken Thurston]

Alice Pauli, Alfredo's widow?

[Alfredo Parilli]

Yes. She needs me now. The laughing lady hates us both.

[Ken Thurston]

What do you know about the Mafia? How is it using the circus and who's connected with it?

[Herbert Marshall]

Mafia?

[Alfredo Parilli]

I don't know. I saw.

[Ken Thurston]

You're lying. Your wife Jane knew about the Mafia and was going to tell me. She made the mistake of telling someone else and got killed.

[Alfredo Parilli]

But I didn't kill Jane.

[Ken Thurston]

I couldn't. You didn't. Whoever did is using you for a fall guy. Who was it?

[Alfredo Parilli]

Cold? I don't know. So help me, I don't.

[Ken Thurston]

Okay. Just have to sit in jail here until I find out.

[Herbert Marshall]

No, don't leave me here. Senor Thurston, A stranger just came with 50,000 lira for Senor Cole's release.

[Ken Thurston]

50,000 lira? The only one around here with that kind of money is the Mafia. You think Senor Cole is with the Mafia? I don't know. But I'm sure the Mafia is getting guns tonight from the circus. I'm going to need you and your men.

[Pagan]

Why wait till tonight, Mr. Thurston? Grab the Laughing Lady.

[Ken Thurston]

I have no proof she is the Mafia agent yet, Pagon.

[Pagan]

But Parilli said she was the Mafia agent. She has charge of the circus ammunition. And now she sold out her share of the circus.

[Ken Thurston]

Yes, but Barilla's widow sold out her share of the circus too. And someone in the Mafia just bailed Cole out of jail.

[Pagan]

Well, maybe all three of them are in the Mafia.

[Ken Thurston]

You can find out how much each of the women got for her share of the circus. I know which of the three is the Mafia agent.

[Pagan]

Well, that's easy to find out. But please, Mr. Thurston, arrest the Laughing lady now.

[Ken Thurston]

I can't. I got a few questions I want to ask her in front of the townspeople tonight.

[Pagan]

You'll never make her stop laughing.

[Alice Parilli]

Never.

[Pagan]

No one will ever get the 10,000 liter prize.

[Ken Thurston]

You find out how much each of the women got for the circus and I'll stop the Laughing Lady.

[Pagan]

I could hardly get inside to you, Mr. Freshman. Here on this paper. The amounts the two women got for the circus.

[Ken Thurston]

Paper. Right upper folks.

[Adam Graham]

Win a 10,000 liter.

[Circus Announcer]

Make the lady stop laughing.

[Ken Thurston]

Thanks, Pago. Stick close to Cole.

[Senor Sel]

You are a bigger faced God. Laughing lady, you look like.

[Ken Thurston]

Tonight while you laugh, Laughing lady, terror is being planned by the Mafia for the people of this village and you and the widow. And as Perilli know that the mafia is using your circus to distribute arms. You, Laughing lady, are permitting this crime out of fear of the Mafia. You think your partner, Alice Pirelli also fears the Mafia? Your brother knew the truth and killed himself out of shame when he found out was his wife Alice, who was connected with the Mafia.

[Alice Parilli]

You lied.

[Ken Thurston]

Out of fear. You sold your share of the circus for a few hundred dollars. But Alice got $100,000 in gold from the Mafia. You and your brother will trade. Tell the citizens here where the guns were hidden before it's too late.

[Alice Parilli]

Another livestock tent buried in the bales of hay.

[Ken Thurston]

Hagon, grab the widow.

[Herbert Marshall]

Alice, the Mafia.

[Ken Thurston]

No, she couldn't. The widow killed your wife. Because Jane was going to tell me about the Mafia. You were blamed for it.

[Alfredo Parilli]

But she.

[Ken Thurston]

She bailed me out of jail to make the story stick with the Laughing Lady. Your beloved Alice was leaving for Rome alone.

[Pagan]

Mr. Thurston, you won the prize 10,000 year. What a way to stop the Laughing Lady.

[Ken Thurston]

I'll forfeit my winnings this time, Pega. The Laughing lady is gonna need it.

[Pagan]

Don't tell me she's going on with that phony laughing gang.

[Ken Thurston]

I hope so. Now that the false laughter, the mask for terror is clear away, the people can get the joy of laughter. I really try to give.

[Herbert Marshall]

Here's the big announcement Frigidaire wants you to hear. Next week, Sunday, October 3rd, Frigidaire will present the new Lum and Abner Show. A full half hour of comedy with those two delightful Pine Ridge characters. Yes, Lum and Abner, the favorites of millions of American families, will bring you a new half hour show starting Sunday night, October 3rd. Listen to Frigidaire's new Lum and Abner show over most of these same stations. Sunday, October 3rd. See your newspapers for the exact hour and out. In saying goodbye to the Man Called X, we say goodbye to our good friend Herbert Marshall. Bart, on behalf of our sponsor, Frigidaire division of General Motors Corporation, thanks for the grand job you've done and for the fine performances, the entire cast, Leon Velasco, Ted Von Elsa, all the rest. And I'd just like to add, for all of us here in the studio, thanks, Bart. Thanks for being such a swell person.

[Ken Thurston]

Oh, thank you, Nguyen. Thank you. Thank you. For myself, for Johnny Green, who composed and conducted our music, for the many writers who contributed scripts for the Man Called X, and for our director, Dee Engelbach, will you please express our appreciation to Frigidaire for a most happy association. It's been a great pleasure to be with you. The best of luck from all of us to you on your new show.

[Herbert Marshall]

So long, Bart. And so, folks, this is Wendell Niles saying goodnight for Frigidaire. See you all on the new Lum.

[Ken Thurston]

And Abner show next week.

[Herbert Marshall]

Cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I really like how they chose a big story. And it did feel like what we were hearing about was something that was in the headlines at the time about the Mafia making headlines. And to make them the final opponent for the Man Called X and have him take on this big emerging threat is really, I think, a good idea for a series finale, and I think it was really well executed. I like the idea of the laughing lady and him confronting her during her act because the whole laughing element really gives a strong sound element that, you know, we can latch onto as listeners and allows really the drama to work out quite nicely. The mystery was good. The fortune teller's death Was really foreseeable. As soon as I found out she was going to give her information in an hour. I know, yeah, you're gonna die. That's pretty much how this is gonna work out. At some point, you have to at least be tempted to say to someone, look, I've been doing this for a long time. And every time someone says, I'll meet you later and tell you not here or bring the money, and then I'll tell you, they end up dead. So. And you know, I am really reliable. I am absolutely going to give you the money regardless of whether you tell me now or later. I'm good for it, I promise. How about you tell me now and we can avoid you getting killed? But then again, the episode would probably have just been half the length, and we couldn't have that. The end of the Man Called X and the move to l' AM and Abner really reflected a big change at CBS in terms of the talent raids that happened in the late 40s and even into the early 50s, where CBS systematically signed big names in radio, particularly in the area of comedy. It drove so much of the ratings. Biggest signing that CBS did was to bring Jack Benny over to cbs. However, they would also bring over Burns and Allen, Red Skelton, and multiple other stars, including Lum and Abner. This very strong network emphasis on absolutely dominating in the comedy variety format. Lahman Abner had been quite popular for some time. They had had a radio serial going back to 1931. This point it had been on for about 17 years. So it had gone off for 18 months when they stopped production of the program so that they could focus on turning out their first few pictures in Hollywood. But they were very much a beloved, nationally known brand. And of course, Frigidaire wanted to jump on that bandwagon. But that would leave the Man Called X without a sponsor. And cbs, with all the money that they were investing in bringing these big comedy stars over, couldn't have a major mystery drama without a sponsor because of the salary of Herbert Marshall. In 1948, CBS did start several other mystery dramas. They started Jeff Regan, the Adventures of Philip Marlo, and they brought back Rocky Jordan, all as sustaining features. The big difference between them and the Man Called X is that the stars of those programs didn't command Herbert Marshall money. That was just not something that CBS was willing to pay out with everything else that they. They were doing in their efforts to dominate in the comedy variety arena. And so the Man Called Ex disappeared for two years. And when we come back next Week, I'll tell you about its return. I will also add some comment on the Lum and Abner program. I love the Lum and Abner serials. I've listened to every single one of them. It's a great combination of plays on words, hillbilly humor, and there's a real heart about it. I think the series is very well written and well performed. Chester Locke and Norris Gough were the primary stars and in the majority of the episodes they were the only voices that were heard. They played Lum and Abner and they created these secondary characters like Cedric Ray and Pappy Spears and the squire. And in addition to the radio programs, there were a total of six movies that had already been released by the time that this came onto CBS as a half hour program. And in my opinion, CBS just totally wrecked the show. Now I can understand why CBS thought that they could do this. Amos and Andy had been a similar program in many ways, and CBS brought it on as a half hour program in 1943 after it had started out serialized. But CBS did not get Lum and Abner and the series. It wasn't the same from the start, but it just got worse and worse as it went. On the two seasons that Frigidaire were sponsored, Lum and Abner, it just was like the destruction of this beloved property. I mean, they started getting rid of the voices that or the characters that Locke and Gough voiced. And I think a lot of the scripts became a lot, a lot less kind. And then in the second season, for reasons that totally elude me, they decided that it would make sense to add Andy Devine and Opie Kate and Zazu Pitts to the cast. Nothing against any of them as performers. I like Andy Devine, you know, personal great voice, but I don't know what they were doing on the show and I don't think the performers had any idea what they were supposed to be doing on the program. So it was a disaster. Now, some of the earlier half hour episodes from 48, from particularly the fall of 48 are fine, but man, it just got worse as it went on, as I said. And they never quite recovered. They did record some new syndicated serialized versions in the early to mid-50s, which I actually enjoyed, but I think were definitely kind of out of date for the time. And then they did do one more movie which was kind of a potential TV show. The Memory of Lum and Abner has outlived and outshined the horrendousness of how CBS handled the half hour program. There are still a few stations that play Lum and Abner reruns just because they do actually have an uncommonly high number of episodes that are still out there circulating around with most of their 1940s programs perfectly intact. And I even heard a few from the 30s and smattering from the 1950s. And they continued to hold Lum and Abner festivals in Pine Ridge, Arkansas, which was a small unincorporated town that was renamed after the show in the series, and Lum and Abner days were held all the way through 2019. Of course, nothing happened in 2020 due to Covid. Whether those will continue in 2021 or 2022 we'll have to see. That's all I have to say about Lum and Abner, which may be more than some listener wanted to know. At any rate, though, we do turn to listener comments and feedback and I should have gotten to this a couple weeks ago, but it just kind of got buried because we had that episode Contraband where I was a little bit unsure about the rationale behind the Mexican policy that Ken Thurston was effectively enforcing a ban on the importation of luxury goods. And as I said at the time, I'm not asking whether they were right or wrong. I couldn't even get to the point of understanding where they were coming from. David writes in on Facebook hi Adam, I can explain the Mexican ban on the importation of non essential goods. This is based on the theory that a country only has a limited amount of foreign exchange with which to acquire goods. At this time, most world currency was based on the gold standard and thus each dollar or peso represented a certain amount of gold. If dollars or pesos left your country, even if spent by a resident of your country from their own money, the country would lose its gold. Thus the limits on foreign exchange and the country only giving up its gold for things of value to the country. An interesting aspect and not something that people talk about with the gold standard, but that is some good insight. Also had a comment over on great detectives.net and Denise provides some great historical content writing as always. Thank you for your thought provoking commentary regarding the comments at the end concerning the rationale given for the ban on luxury imports in Mexico not making sense to listeners today. It would have, however, likely made sense to anyone in the US reading the newspapers of 1946-48. The troubles in the Mexican economy and the measures adopted in 1947 to try and stop the hemorrhaging by the bank of Mexico's reserves received frequent national coverage at the time of the ban on luxury imports was instituted. There was a fixed rate of exchange for the Mexican peso and the US dollar. At the end of World War II, the Bank of Mexico had gold and foreign currency reserves of somewhere around 340 million as a result of a wartime boom economy. However, due to the extreme outflow and the balance of payments after the war, when there were no longer war related contracts for exports as well as imports, as the US economy returned to a peacetime production of consumer goods, some of which had been unavailable during the war years and as the price of imports went up due to relaxed wartime price and wage controls in the US these Bank of Mexico reserves dropped by around 121 million in just 1946 and continued to drain money at an alarming rate. Inflation was rampant in Mexico, at least according to contemporary newspaper reports in the US and the peso was seen as heading towards a crisis. The luxury import bans, which included food by the way, put in place in July of 1947, were just one of the measures intended to protect Mexico's foreign exchange reserves and stabilize the economy, but they were one of the more highly publicized ones in the States and so probably a highly recognizable thing by contemporary listeners. As an aside, the timing of this episode is interesting since the bank of Mexico reserves had continued to drain, albeit not quite as fast, and it basically gave up the fight to maintain the exchange rate, with the fixed rates of exchange having been abandoned about a month before the episode's air date, with the devaluation of the Payco bringing it all back to headlines. A few weeks after the episode aired, Mexico announced a host of new measures to stabilize the peso and boost the economy, with the US Government backing President Aliman's efforts and supplying aid largely argued as necessary to keep Mexico and therefore the US safe from communism. So it fit nicely into the Man Called X ideology. Well, thank you so much, appreciate all that background. Denise and I do want to go ahead and thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day. Thank you to Glenn, Patreon supporter since May of 2016, currently supporting us at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support Glenn and that will do it for today. If you enjoy this podcast, I do encourage you to rate the program wherever you download podcasts and we'd also welcome your reviews. Join us back here tomorrow for Mystery Is My Hobby. And then next Wednesday we'll be back with the Man Called x in the 1950s. In the meantime, send your comments to [e-mail] 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 Graham, signing off.