Mathew Slade: A Case of Murder (EP4606)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Episode Summary: "Mathew Slade: A Case of Murder" (EP4606) Release Date: January 21, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into "Mathew Slade: A Case of Murder," an enthralling installment of the Matthew Slade Private Investigator series. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of Hollywood's Golden Age of Radio, this episode masterfully weaves mystery, suspense, and sharp dialogue to captivate listeners. Adam Graham not only narrates the gripping tale but also enriches the experience with insightful commentary and notable references to literary great Raymond Chandler.

Plot Summary

Setting the Scene

The story begins on a stormy night as Matthew Slade, a seasoned private investigator, receives a distressing call from Marion Regan, the wife of his former client, Miles Wiggins. Slade is drawn to Miles' opulent residence at 43 Meadow Brook Crescent, where he discovers Miles dead in the living room, an apparent victim of a gunshot wound.

"Miles Wiggins. He'd hired me several months ago to trace a rare coin. That was an easy job. Now I was to meet him again. Only this time there wouldn't be much of a greeting, not in his condition." [00:58]

Initial Investigation

Upon arriving, Slade meets Marion Regan, who claims the shooting was accidental. She urges Slade to help dispose of Miles' body to avoid scandal and legal repercussions.

"It was an accident, Mr. Slade." [05:14]

As Slade navigates the tense situation, inconsistencies in Marion's account begin to surface. The narrative intensifies when Slade learns about David Corby, Marion's ex-husband, who is entangled in embezzlement and blackmail schemes that directly relate to Miles' death.

Unraveling the Mystery

Slade's keen investigative skills lead him to question the authenticity of Marion's story. He discerns discrepancies in her account, such as the conflicting statements about who was left-handed and the plausibility of her overpowering Miles during the struggle.

"He was shaking me. Then he reached into his coat and withdrew the gun. I grabbed his right wrist and... the gun was pointing towards his heart when it went off." [09:01]

Further probing reveals that the supposed accident might be a facade to cover up deeper, more sinister motives involving financial malfeasance within Miles' company. Slade's relentless pursuit of the truth uncovers that Corby had a vested interest in Miles' demise to protect his embezzlement.

Climactic Confrontation

The tension culminates in a dramatic confrontation between Slade and Corby at Corby's residence in Savoy Towers. Just as Slade attempts to corner Corby, Sergeant Dennelli from the Homicide Division intervenes, having been tipped off by Slade about Corby's culpability.

"I saw Mrs. Regan's car parked outside your apartment building. I called Sergeant Dennelli from the lobby, told him I had a hunch it was you that killed Regan." [22:13]

Resolution

With Corby apprehended, the truth about Miles' death and the financial deceit comes to light. Corby's actions lead to his downfall, ensuring justice is served. Marion Regan faces the consequences of her involvement, and Miles' missing funds are traced, albeit with a lingering mystery about the final hundred dollars.

"Corby will face the electric chair. As for Marion Regan, well, she won't be mixing with her socialite friends anymore." [24:14]

Character Analysis

• Matthew Slade: A principled and astute private investigator whose unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth drives the narrative forward. His interactions reveal a man of integrity, contrasting sharply with the deceit he uncovers.

• Marion Regan: Initially portrayed as a distraught widow seeking Slade's help, Marion's character gradually reveals layers of complexity and questionable motives, making her a pivotal figure in the unfolding mystery.

• David Corby: A compelling antagonist whose involvement in embezzlement and blackmail adds depth to the plot. Corby's manipulative nature and eventual confrontation with Slade highlight the classic good versus evil dynamic.

• Sergeant Sid Donelli: Representing law enforcement's role in the narrative, Donelli's timely intervention underscores the collaborative effort in solving the case.

Notable Quotes

• "You cannot just be bought and paid for to do anything. Integrity is everything." – Adam Graham [Host Commentary]

• "I have a high standing in this town. A respected businessman." – David Corby [14:19]

• "They'll crack in short order and so will Corby." – Matthew Slade [17:22]

• "It's no game but the end of yours." – David Corby [19:39]

Host’s Commentary

After the dramatic conclusion of the episode, Adam Graham provides a thoughtful analysis, drawing parallels to Raymond Chandler's iconic private detective narratives. He highlights the nuanced character development and the intricate plot twists that make "A Case of Murder" a standout episode.

"A lot of nods to Raymond Chandler in this one. Right down to the reference at the end to the big sleep." [24:14]

Graham also offers a brief biography of key actors, shedding light on their careers and contributions to the series. For instance, he discusses William Wintersoll's extensive acting portfolio and his long-running role on Young and the Restless, as well as Norman Belkin's multifaceted career in acting and writing.

Conclusion

"Mathew Slade: A Case of Murder" is a quintessential example of Old Time Radio's charm and storytelling prowess. Through compelling characters, a tightly woven plot, and authentic period dialogue, the episode immerses listeners in a world of mystery and moral complexity. Adam Graham's adept narration and insightful commentary further enhance the experience, making this episode a must-listen for aficionados of classic detective dramas.

Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the series, this episode offers a captivating journey into the art of radio detective fiction, showcasing why The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio continues to enthrall audiences season after season.

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Stay Tuned

To explore more thrilling mysteries from the Golden Age of Radio, subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your favorite podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net. Join Adam Graham every Monday through Saturday for six new audio dramas each week, complete with insightful commentary and engaging discussions.

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Matthew Slade Private Investigator. But before we get started, I want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. I want to encourage you to check out our other podcasts. Today I am highlighting the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon. We'll be resuming new episodes in the middle of February, but right now we've got more than 69 bite sized old Time Radio snacks covering a wide variety of different genres and some really pleasant surprises. And find [e-mail] or wherever you get your podcast. But now, from August 16, 1964, here is a case of murder.

[Narrator]

From Hollywood. Welcome to Starlight Mystery Theater.

[Matthew Slade]

Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. We invite you to take your seat.

[Narrator]

As played on Froze A case of Murder. In my job, the hours are odd. So are the circumstances and the people I meet. You could even call some of them dangerous. My calling card reads, Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. Hello. Have you notified the police? I see. All right, suppose we talk about it. I'll be right over. Here was the woman she had a problem. That was the guy she selected to solve it. I picked up my hat and coat, turned the knob on the door of my private office, walked through the reception room and out into the hall. I took the single flight of stairs, down into the landing at twos, strode through the doorway and out into the street. It was raining. I pulled the collar of my coat up. As the rain started to drip off my hat, I headed for the parking lot. Good evening, Mr. Splade. You ready to go home? Not yet, Jose. I got a job to do. Well, must be a very important case for you to be out on a night like these. Yes, very important. It involves a dead man. I drove off the lot and headed to 43 Meadow Brook Crescent, a 12 minute drive from my office, Meadow Brooks on the east side of town, a fashionable area for the society set, the clock on my dash panel read 8:45. As I drove through the impressive gateway and up the gravel drive to a white mansion, I'd known the victim. His name was Miles Wiggins. He'd hired me several months ago to trace a rare coin. That was an easy job. We'd only met twice, both times in my office. Now I was to meet him again. Only this time there wouldn't be much of a greeting, not in his condition. Suddenly I felt uneasy. I thought of turning back. I couldn't stop now. My super curious mind had to find out why Regan's wife was calling me instead of the police. As a bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, I could see the outline of the house places in darkness. I stepped in the brakes. Before I had time to turn the motor off, the front door opened and Marion Regan stepped out into the porch.

[Marion Regan]

What took you so long?

[Narrator]

It's a bad night. Mrs. Regan. Would you mind shining that flashlight off my face?

[Marion Regan]

I'm sorry. Come in.

[Narrator]

Where is he?

[Marion Regan]

In the living room. Through here. Mr. Stage.

[Narrator]

What happened to the lights?

[Marion Regan]

They were not just after I called you. The power line empty down.

[Narrator]

It's pretty black in here. Doesn't it frighten you?

[Marion Regan]

Nothing frightens me now. Not after what I've been through. He's over there by the fireplace.

[Narrator]

Let me have the flashlight. Yeah. Shot through the heart. Is this your husband's gun?

[Marion Regan]

Yes. It was an accident, Mr. Slade.

[Narrator]

Well, suppose you tell me all about it.

[Miles Regan]

Yes.

[Marion Regan]

Only let's get out of this room. We can talk in the library. There's a couch over by the window. We can sit there. Mind the table, Mr. Slade.

[Narrator]

Oh, thanks. All right, now let's. Let's have it from the beginning.

[Marion Regan]

Yes, from the beginning. It all started around 2:00 this afternoon. We were in the other room. Miles was sitting at the desk, writing. I was on the couch listening to the radio.

[Narrator]

That concludes our program of symphonic rhapsodies. For the next 15 minutes, the piano Melodies of William Bryan.

[David Corby]

Well, my dear, that's that.

[Marion Regan]

You're so determined to go through with it. How do you know it'll work?

[David Corby]

It will work. I'll mail this letter on our way to Mountain Springs. And then.

[Marion Regan]

Miles, why must you run away from me?

[David Corby]

Marion, do you realize my predicament? When the board learns I've transferred shares over to David Corby without their approval, I'll be through anyway.

[Marion Regan]

But why? Why do that?

[David Corby]

Must we go through it all again? There is no other way. I've embezzled company funds. Corby is blackmailing me. This way I'll get out of it with a clear name. It's simple. Corby replaces the funds in return for my stock. This letter of resignation will reach the office Monday. We'll stay at the Springs till things quiet down. Corby will call a board meeting and the rest will be up to him.

[Marion Regan]

Or they become suspicious.

[David Corby]

Embarrassing questions, if I were around, could lead to an investigation.

[Marion Regan]

What did you do with the money?

[David Corby]

Now, Marion, you promised there would be no questions. In a couple of months, this whole business should pass.

[Marion Regan]

A quarter of a million dollars doesn't disappear into thin air.

[Miles Regan]

Miles.

[Marion Regan]

I want to know.

[David Corby]

I can't tell you and that ends it.

[Marion Regan]

I won't budge from this room until you tell me.

[David Corby]

When you come to your senses. Take the train and come on up to the lodge. I'm going upstairs to pass Miles.

[Marion Regan]

I'm going to the police. I can't come through with it. It's senseless for you to run away.

[David Corby]

Do you know what they do to embezzle us?

[Marion Regan]

We could get lettily dead Martin down and he'll get you out of this. It's better than running the rest of your life.

[David Corby]

That's a chance I'll have to take. Now, if you want to leave with me.

[Marion Regan]

Miles, I can't.

[David Corby]

Your final word.

[Marion Regan]

Listen to me.

[David Corby]

There's nothing further to say.

[Marion Regan]

Miles. Miles. I'd like a cigarette if I made it. David. Oh, the lights. They must have repaired the power lines. Thank heaven. Thank you.

[Narrator]

What do you know about David Corby?

[Marion Regan]

He's head of the legal department and a member of the board of directors. He's an ambitious man.

[Narrator]

What happened after your husband left the room?

[Marion Regan]

I decided to call on David Corby to see if he'd listened to reason. I pleaded with him, begged him to give Miles a chance. He wouldn't listen. He said Miles deserved what was coming to him.

[Narrator]

Where did this Corby live?

[Marion Regan]

Savoy Towers Apartment Snob Hill.

[Narrator]

What happened when you returned home?

[Marion Regan]

Miles was in the living room. He'd been drinking.

[David Corby]

Where have you been?

[Narrator]

To the police.

[David Corby]

To turn me in?

[Marion Regan]

Of course not.

[David Corby]

You were anxious enough to try and persuade me to give myself up. Well, I'm not going.

[Marion Regan]

Miles.

[David Corby]

You've been to the police, haven't you?

[Narrator]

Haven't you?

[Marion Regan]

You're hitting my arm. You're drunk. You don't know what you're saying.

[David Corby]

Trunka. I'll show you how drunk I really am.

[Marion Regan]

I've put that gun down.

[David Corby]

Try to Send me to jail.

[Marion Regan]

Listen to me. I haven't been to the police. I wouldn't.

[Narrator]

Stay back. Get back, I tell you.

[Marion Regan]

Give me the gun, Miles.

[David Corby]

Go on my wrist. I called for the state pack.

[Marion Regan]

I tried to get the gun from him. It fired.

[Narrator]

Show me your position in relation to your husband's. When the gun went off.

[Marion Regan]

I was standing in front of him. We were beside the desk. He was shaking me. Then he reached into his coat and withdrew the gun. I grabbed his right wrist and. And we struggled.

[Narrator]

He held the gun in his right hand?

[Marion Regan]

Yes. I grabbed it and tried to turn it so. As though. So he'd drop it. The gun was pointing towards his heart when it went off.

[Narrator]

Mrs. Riggan, take hold of my right wrist and try to twist it as you did your husband's.

[Marion Regan]

Well, it was like this.

[Narrator]

Little harder, Mrs. Rigging.

[Marion Regan]

You're resisting, Mr. Slade. I. I can't.

[Narrator]

All right. Are your fingerprints on the gun?

[Marion Regan]

No. I mean, I don't think so. Oh, I just don't know.

[Narrator]

What happened to the letter your husband wrote?

[Marion Regan]

I had it in my pocket after the accident. I took it from his desk.

[Narrator]

Let me see the letter.

[Marion Regan]

Fine. I told you what's in it.

[Narrator]

I'd like to read it for myself, Mrs. Regan.

[Marion Regan]

Now look, Mr. Slade.

[Narrator]

A letter. Mrs. Regan.

[Marion Regan]

Very well.

[Narrator]

It's been opened.

[Marion Regan]

Good. I opened it.

[Narrator]

Does your husband write with his left hand?

[Marion Regan]

Yes, he's left handed. Mr. Slade, why'd you keep asking these foolish questions?

[Narrator]

Part of my service. Now, you say your husband was drunk when you came in, you had an argument, he took out a gun, you made a grab for it and it went off.

[Marion Regan]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Okay. On your part, it was an accident. Well, if you're telling the truth, you're in the clear. So how do I fit into all this?

[Marion Regan]

I want you to remove my husband's garden.

[Narrator]

Do what?

[Marion Regan]

I wanted to look as though he disappeared.

[Narrator]

Oh, now wait a minute. I'm a licensed private investigator, not a body snatcher. You can't be serious.

[Marion Regan]

I'll pay you $10,000.

[Narrator]

You've got to be kidding.

[Marion Regan]

I'm not kidding, Mr. Slade. That's my offer. I need your help. I'm. I'm willing to pay well for it.

[Narrator]

I know I'm in the business to do other people's laundry, but this is a little too dirty.

[Marion Regan]

If it's a question of all money, I'm willing to raise.

[Narrator]

Let's get one thing straight. I work with the law, not against it. If I were caught doing such a thing, I'd lose my license and end up in jail. It's strictly illegal. I don't run that kind of an operation. Now, you maintain it was an accident? Okay, it was an accident. I wasn't a witness. I can't say either way.

[Marion Regan]

Only the two of us would know. Mr. Sa. I've got to go through with it.

[Narrator]

I suggest you call the police. You can save yourself a lot of trouble.

[Marion Regan]

I can't do that. Not now.

[Narrator]

Why is it so important the body shouldn't be found? You told me you wanted Miles to give himself up.

[Marion Regan]

I've been thinking that perhaps Miles wants. Right. The less that, the better. Why expose Miles, Pat? It'll be a lot easier on me.

[Narrator]

Stop pacing back and forth. Mrs. Regan, please sit down. You make me nervous.

[Marion Regan]

I'm sorry, I'm.

[Narrator]

Now, suppose you tell me what really happened tonight.

[Marion Regan]

No more than I've already told you.

[Narrator]

All right, all right. Have it your own way. You need someone to play SAP for you, Mrs. Regan. It's not going to be me.

[Marion Regan]

David Corby will cover the embezzlement. It can be made to look as though Miles had just disappeared. People do that.

[Narrator]

Yeah, one every three minutes. I know. Miles hasn't just disappeared. He was shot. Removing the body is illegal and I don't intend to do it. Incidentally, what makes you think you can get Corey to cover the theft now that Miles is dead?

[Marion Regan]

He gave me his word. Oh, before you arrived, I phoned him, told him about the shooting. He seemed glad Miles was dead.

[Miles Regan]

He.

[Marion Regan]

He wanted to know about the shares. I told him Miles had signed them over to me. He said he'd replace the money if I turned the shares over to him. I told him no.

[Narrator]

They're playing with dynamite, Mrs. Riggin. There's still time to get out of this before it's too late.

[Marion Regan]

I didn't want to tell you this. It's Corby. I'm afraid for my life.

[Narrator]

He's out to kill you, as sure.

[Marion Regan]

As we're sitting in this room. You see, David Corby was my first husband. I divorced him to marry Miles. He's had it in for both of us ever since he threatened my life tonight. Unless I turned those shares over to him.

[Narrator]

Where are they?

[Marion Regan]

In the safe.

[Narrator]

Tell me, was Miles life Insured?

[Marion Regan]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Substantially.

[Marion Regan]

100,000.

[Narrator]

Made out to you, of course.

[Marion Regan]

Of course.

[Narrator]

Were you ever in love with Miles?

[Marion Regan]

Once. Early in our marriage, he changed. You don't believe that, do you?

[Narrator]

No, not altogether. What is it you're after, Mrs. Regan? The insurance control of Miles Company. What?

[Marion Regan]

That was unfair. How could you say those things with my husband in the next room dead?

[Narrator]

I haven't seen real evidence of tears.

[Marion Regan]

You are heartless, cautious.

[Narrator]

It pays in my business, Mr. Slade.

[Marion Regan]

You must help me. Please reconsider. I'll give you any amount you ask. 40, 50,000 in cash.

[Narrator]

You have that kind of money in cash?

[Marion Regan]

I can get it tonight if necessary.

[Narrator]

Where from?

[Marion Regan]

David Corby.

[Narrator]

Corby? A second ago he was out to kill you. You are a liar, aren't you?

[Marion Regan]

The money's part of the deal for the shares. 75,000 to me.

[Narrator]

You tell a most unconvincing story. The police will shoot holes in it in seconds. They're not amateurs, you know. By the way, what's your story to the police going to be?

[Marion Regan]

Can't you understand? I can't go to the police. All I need.

[Narrator]

All you need is a pigeon. I told you, it's not going to be me.

[Marion Regan]

Mr. Slade, there's a limit to my patience.

[Narrator]

Oh, your dialogue gets better. Better every second.

[Marion Regan]

I'm asking you for the last time.

[Narrator]

Hasn't anyone ever said no to you?

[Marion Regan]

Do you think I killed him?

[Narrator]

Did you?

[Marion Regan]

How could you even think I did?

[Narrator]

Well, go ahead. Prove to me you didn't.

[Marion Regan]

I didn't ask you here to have you interrogate me or insult me. I'm offering you a proposition. One honest person to another.

[Narrator]

Very good, Mrs. Regan. Quite a song and dance, but it doesn't fool me.

[Marion Regan]

You can't talk to me.

[Narrator]

Well, I can and will. You'll have to forgive my insubordination. I rate very high on that.

[Marion Regan]

Let's not argue. I just want you to help me.

[Narrator]

We're not going to go through that.

[Marion Regan]

Again, are we, Mr. Slade?

[Narrator]

The answer is no. Flat and final. Good night, Mrs. Regan. Park it, Jose. Yes, sir, Mr. Slade. You're going to be working long? A couple of hours. Some paperwork to clear up. Hey, what happened with that case you were just on? An accident, Jose. At least that's what the lady called it. An accident. I was back in the office, trying to wade through my tax return, but I couldn't keep my mind on the job. I kept thinking of Miles Regan lying cold as ice on that living room floor. His wife begging me to dump the body. The story wouldn't stand up in an old lady's tea party, let alone a police grilling. Questions racked my brain. I knew I should be calling the police and making a report. Curiosity got the better of me. David Corby lived at The Savoy Towers. Eighteen minutes later, I was pressing his door. Buzzer. Yes? Corby.

[Marion Regan]

Who?

[Narrator]

David Corby. The gentleman with the blackmail racket, he said. What, you hard of hearing?

[Matthew Slade]

Who are you?

[Narrator]

Private? The name Slade.

[Matthew Slade]

Am I supposed to get excited? What do you want?

[Narrator]

I'd like to talk to you about a dead man.

[Matthew Slade]

You rinsing me or something?

[Narrator]

If I am, I'm not aware of it.

[Matthew Slade]

You've got the wrong party. Now, if you don't mind, investigate somewhere else.

[Narrator]

Marion Regan says you were blackmailing her husband. She offered me 50,000 to dump the body. You are. 50,000. Well, we're going to stand out here in the hall all night and tell the neighbors about it.

[Matthew Slade]

You better come in. Now, suppose we start from the top?

[Narrator]

You might ask Mrs. Regan to come out from behind those drapes. She'll get awfully tired standing there all night.

[Marion Regan]

You're very observant, Mr. Slade.

[Narrator]

Didn't take you long to get here.

[Matthew Slade]

Get to the point before I call the police.

[Narrator]

Police? A blackmailer calling the police?

[Matthew Slade]

For your information, I have a high standing in this town. A respected businessman.

[Narrator]

So was Al Capone, according to him. Probably the reason they locked him up.

[Matthew Slade]

Who's been writing your material? Slade. It's cute.

[Narrator]

Oh, that. Well, I've been reading some of those Chandler books. You know, the biting, sarcastic private eye and all that. Just trying it off. The size. Now, let's cut out the babble. Who really killed Miles Regan?

[Matthew Slade]

Well, look, Slade, the gun went off. It was an accident.

[Narrator]

Then notify the police and. No problem.

[Matthew Slade]

You're the one creating a problem.

[Narrator]

That's because I can be pulled in as an accessory after the fact. And I don't intend letting you two saddle me with that.

[Matthew Slade]

What is it you want out of this? More money? Stock in the company.

[Narrator]

Miles Riggin was a client of mine. There's such a thing as ethics in this business. You may not have heard of it. When a client is bumped off and you have an idea why, you're supposed to do something about it.

[Marion Regan]

It's as I told you earlier, an accident.

[Narrator]

Then why dump the body?

[Marion Regan]

To save the shame and embarrassment. To protect miles.

[Narrator]

Name? Bravo, Mrs. Regan. Oh, I especially like that little throb you got there voice when you got to his name. That was very good. But it won't fool the police when they start working on you. You'll crack in short order and so will Corby.

[Matthew Slade]

Where's the motive?

[Narrator]

They'll pick one to suit them. They're very good at that.

[Matthew Slade]

Why don't you put in with us, Slade? You could make yourself some money.

[Narrator]

Illegal money.

[Matthew Slade]

So we're bending the law a little. It's done every day.

[Narrator]

You don't really need me to get rid of a dead body and you know it. For 500 you could hire a two bit hood. You need a pigeon. Someone to take the rat. Someone who'd look good at the police, whom they could put through the ringer. You thought you could buy me. While I was disposing of the body, Mrs. Riggin would be calling the police and they'd catch me in the act. That's too bad. You counted on me as being dishonest. It just might have worked.

[Matthew Slade]

I like the way you figure things out.

[Narrator]

Oh, there's much more.

[Matthew Slade]

Please go on.

[Narrator]

I don't think it was Mrs. Riggin who killed her husband. Interesting.

[Matthew Slade]

Who did then?

[Narrator]

You.

[Matthew Slade]

What makes you think he was murdered?

[Narrator]

Mrs. Riggin tipped me to that. When I worked for Miles, I got to know him pretty well. His hobby was collecting coins. We got around to talking about guns. That's my interest. Miles abhorred guns. Unlikely. Then did he keep one? That's point number one. Mrs. Regan's story was that she tried to wrest the gun from Miles grasp and it went off. He weighed all of £200. Supposedly he was drunk. Now, when Mrs. Riggin enacted what happened, she barely had the strength to lift my arm, let alone twist it. Highly unlikely she'd have been able to twist the arm of a violent drunken man twice her size.

[Marion Regan]

Mr. Slade.

[Narrator]

Let me finish, Mr. Slice.

[Marion Regan]

I won't stand here not to make these insinuations.

[Matthew Slade]

No harm, Miriam. Let him go on.

[Narrator]

Now, you told me your husband held the gun in his right hand. And later you told me he was left handed. Then you told me about the hurried trip to see Corby. I think Miles changed his mind. Was going to the police. That meant you both had to work fast. Now, as I see it, Corby came back to the house with you.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, Regan, have you got those share certificates signed?

[Narrator]

No.

[David Corby]

And I'm not going to sign them. Not over to you. I've changed my mind.

[Matthew Slade]

What do you mean you've changed your mind? We had a deal.

[David Corby]

Not anymore. I'm going to own up to what I've done.

[Matthew Slade]

That's not being very smart, Miles. You know I'll never let you get away with it.

[David Corby]

I expect you'll try, but that doesn't bother me. I'll offer to make restitution. It will be up to the board to Accept or reject it.

[Matthew Slade]

You can't double deal me like this. Now, you'll sign those certificates over to me if you know what's good for you.

[David Corby]

You're wasting your breath. Threatening me won't get you anywhere. This is something I've.

[Narrator]

I've got to do.

[Matthew Slade]

Now, look, if you want a little better deal, I'll go along with you.

[David Corby]

It's too late for that. I have to face up to the mess I've got myself into. I'll take what comes.

[Matthew Slade]

Pretty speech, Miles. Alt will buy you with a term in jail.

[David Corby]

It'll buy me peace of mind.

[Narrator]

Worth the price.

[Matthew Slade]

Oh, don't make me laugh. What are you trying to protect? An honesty you never had? I know when I'm being kidded. Now, let's stop playing games.

[David Corby]

It's no game but the end of yours.

[Matthew Slade]

Now look, Miles. You're going ahead with this deal whether you like it or not.

[David Corby]

You're a hard man to convince, David. There won't be any deal.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, perhaps this will change your mind.

[David Corby]

You're not capable of shooting anyone and you know it. You haven't the guts.

[Matthew Slade]

I want those shares. I'm going to get them.

[Miles Regan]

Go ahead, shoot me.

[David Corby]

That won't get you the shares. You certainly can't scare me into giving them to you.

[Matthew Slade]

Get away from that phone, Niles.

[David Corby]

You're through blackmailing me, David.

[Narrator]

We'll let you.

[Matthew Slade]

Miles, put down that phone.

[Marion Regan]

Put it down.

[Narrator]

Cody. Was that close to the truth.

[Matthew Slade]

Very clever, Mr. Slade. Too bad we have to dispose of you. I was getting to like you.

[Narrator]

My, my. You certainly do have a lot of guns. Incidentally, why did you leave that other one beside the body?

[Matthew Slade]

I figured we'd get your fingerprints on it.

[Narrator]

That's not very smart. The police can check out the serial number. They'll trace it to you.

[Matthew Slade]

That revolver was stolen. I purchased it from, shall we say, an undesirable type.

[Narrator]

How do you intend getting rid of me? Simple.

[Matthew Slade]

We take you back to the Regan house. I shoot you with the same gun I shot Miles. It will look like you shot him, then killed yourself.

[Narrator]

You'll have to do better than that. Where's the motive?

[Matthew Slade]

The police will come up with one. They're good at that, remember?

[Narrator]

Well, should we go reluctantly?

[Marion Regan]

It's unlocked. I thought I'd locked it before I left.

[Matthew Slade]

Inside. Get the light, Marion.

[Narrator]

Okay, Slade.

[Matthew Slade]

Over near his body. Pleasant dreams.

[Narrator]

Drop that gun, Corby.

[David Corby]

Turn around.

[Narrator]

Make it slow. What is this? Who are you? That's Sergeant Dennelli, Homicide Division. Good timing, Sid. You had me worried for a moment.

[Marion Regan]

I knew I should never have listened to you, David.

[Matthew Slade]

Shut up, Marion. He's got nothing on us.

[Narrator]

I have enough.

[Matthew Slade]

Corby, when, may I ask, did you tip off this Detective slave?

[Narrator]

I saw Mrs. Regan's car parked outside your apartment building. I called Sergeant Dennelli from the lobby, told him I had a hunch it was you that killed Regan. I convinced him I could lure you back to the house and get a confession.

[Matthew Slade]

How stupid of me.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I've seen them all shapes and sizes. They all end up tripping themselves. You can't beat the law. I wonder when people will realize that. You did a good job, man. You know, I think I should start working on commission for you people, Sid. Yeah, you'd probably do all right at that. Why don't you come over to our side of the fence, huh? You'd make a good cop, me in uniform, look better than a trench coat. All right, let's get these birds downtown. I'd figured this a tough case and it was. I almost lost my life solving it, if you're wondering about the outcome. It was like this. The embezzlement was brought to light due to the circumstances. Mrs. Regan and David Corby. Miles is experiencing the Big Sleep because of it. Corby will face the electric chair. As for Marion Regan, well, she won't be mixing with her socialite friends. They don't have too many of those in jail. And, oh, if you're wondering about that quarter of a million mile stall, it turned up in his safe deposit box. An even thousand. Well, not quite. The last thousand had been broken into even hundreds, but there were only nine of those. Now, what did Miles do with that missing hundred? I wonder if Raymond Chandler could have found an answer to that. Maybe I'll try solving it myself. Anyway, in my file, I've labeled this little misadventure a case of murder. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. A lot of nods to Raymond Chandler in this one. Right down to the reference at the end to the big sleep. And Slade actually referencing Chandler. So not necessarily the most subtle homage. Now, of course, the idea of hiring a private investigator almost at random, and expecting him to put his neck on the line for you by taking part in something so shady, even for a lot of money, seems ridiculous. However, you do have this idea of people who are so dishonest at their core, they can't understand. Others who choose have any integrity at all. Can't just be bought and paid for to do anything. As promised last week, we're going to go ahead and talk a little bit about the recurring cast of the series. Now, William Wintersoll, who played Slade, had a very solid career with 91 IMDb acting credits. He would make his television debut in the Outer Limits in the fall of 1964 in an episode that starred Robert Duvall. And then in the mid-1960s, he really hit his stride as a character actor. And he was one of those guys who was in practically everything from I Dream of Jeannie to Bonanza and Star Trek. In 1980, he was cast on Young and the Restless to take over the role of attorney Mitchell Sherman. And he played that role off and on for the next 31 years. He also played a recurring character on General Hospital from 1984-86 as Ted Ballantyne. And that work in soaps really defined his career. After 1993, he really didn't work outside side of soaps, at least in his on screen work. Sylvia Walden, who played Jonesy, wasn't in this episode, but obviously she's a recurring character and she remained mostly a stage actor as far as I can tell. She did have a dozen or so dramatic roles on television and films on programs like Quincy and Cagney and Lacey. Her focus was on film theater, particularly in her 40s. She founded a theater in Studio City that worked to give women in their 40s and beyond solid roles. I couldn't find a whole lot on her after 1990 as to what happened to her in her life or what she ended up doing later on in her career. Norman Belkin, who played Sgt. Sid Donelli, was again, had a really solid stage career. He worked a lot on the Pacific Radio Network. They have several of his dramatic readings in their archives. He acted a lot on stage. He also was a writer and did do some television writing with his wife, Harriet. They teamed up and wrote scripts for a lot of programs like all in the Family, Maude, Good Times, and as you would expect with all of those topical 1970s Norman Lear sitcoms in their writing credits. They also wrote an episode of the Smurfs. Mr. Belkin passed away in 2004, and I think particularly with Sylvia Wolden and Norman Belkin, I feel like the information I could find on their careers was not particularly complete in part because it was working in the Los Angeles theater world, which is not nearly as well documented as the New York theatre world and Broadway. Now, Carl Swenson is listed in the cast on many sites for this series, but as I've looked into it, it looks like his character, Lieutenant Flagg, who is Sergeant Dennelli's boss, really only appears in Day of the Phoenix, which, depending on how you count it, might seem like a recurring role. But it's really just one story, as we talked about last week as originally broadcast. And it's one we can't really play because we're missing that third part. However, for those who enjoy Carl Swenson, I wanted to deliver just a little sample of what he was like in the series. So here is a clip of him and William Wintersoll as Slade in episode one of Dave the Phoenix.

[Narrator]

What brings you so early?

[Miles Regan]

Tough luck. You've been at the Marlowe place before us. Makes you suspect.

[Narrator]

Oh, come on now. You can hardly expect me to believe you think that.

[Miles Regan]

You gotta start with someone. You look good to us. Check you out. Sergeant Denelli here wrote it all down, this little notebook. Been around? Slade. Born Sydney, 1932. Moved to New guinea in 49. Joined the Colonial Officer. 51 57. Special Customs Agent, Marseille. Very impressive.

[Narrator]

Oh, you haven't heard the half of it, Lieutenant. I have a scar on my left thumb, and when it rains, my leg hurts. That's from the time a dog took a bite out of it. Now, look, let's dispense with this tour and get this over with.

[Miles Regan]

You told us the Marlow dame called and asked you to go over there.

[Narrator]

That's right. Richard Marlow was a client of mine. His wife needed help. I gave it. Anything wrong with that?

[Miles Regan]

Not if that's all there is to it. What was the nature of your business?

[Narrator]

He collected things. That was his hobby. I tracked down several art pieces for him. In fact, we just recently returned from a buying trip to the Orient.

[Miles Regan]

Mrs. Mara.

[Narrator]

My dealings were mainly with her husband. I've only met her a few times.

[Miles Regan]

Is that so?

[Narrator]

Now, look, I don't care much for your insinuation, Lieutenant.

[Miles Regan]

You were at the scene of a murder last night, and your reason for being there don't satisfy me. Could be you and his wife were playing around. Makes a good motive. There were no signs an intruder broken into that house. She reported nothing stolen.

[Narrator]

What?

[Miles Regan]

Clues we have lead me to believe Marlow is expecting whoever knocked them off. Expecting a friend, maybe. You know a lot more than you're letting on. And I intend to find out what it is.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Kind of an interesting bit of background biographical detail on Slade. And it should be noted that even if Flag doesn't appear again, his presence is still felt. He was actually referenced last week. So regardless, he definitely left his mark on the series. Alright, well, now it is time for us to go ahead and thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank James. James has been one of our patreon supporters since October 2022, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, James, and that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Tuesday with another episode of Matthew Slade Private Investigator. But join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat, where don't make me.

[Sgt. Sid Donelli]

Laugh at my belly, policeman. It's not gonna be hard for Joe no more. No more hard for Joe Kito.

[David Corby]

Oh, you got plans, Joe?

[Sgt. Sid Donelli]

Big, smooth plans. Like silk. That's how it's going to be. Silk. So deep I could swim in it.

[Narrator]

Maybe. Maybe even drown.

[Sgt. Sid Donelli]

Good way to die, huh, policeman?

[Adam Graham]

Yeah.

[David Corby]

Yeah, it's good when you can pick.

[Sgt. Sid Donelli]

Your own way, Joe. Kiddo don't have to pick. It's all they're waiting for. Silk. Does it make you jealous, policeman? Poor little policeman.

[Narrator]

You know something, Joe?

[David Corby]

I don't care one way or the other.

[Narrator]

I don't care.

[David Corby]

Honest.

[Sgt. Sid Donelli]

That's good. Because you're not built for it. Some people, they build that way, like me. Others, the others, like you. Which way you go, policeman?

[David Corby]

You really care, Jones?

[Sgt. Sid Donelli]

Oh, sure I can. Here. Because whichever way you go, I go the other way. Till tomorrow, policeman. But don't look around for me. Tomorrow might not come.

[Narrator]

I excel. Can't.

[David Corby]

John.

[Narrator]

Please.

[Marion Regan]

Please help someone else.

[David Corby]

What's the matter, lady?

[Narrator]

They're over there.

[Marion Regan]

Around that corner of the clock. Two men.

[Adam Graham]

One pulling violence.

[Marion Regan]

He's got them over and over and ran away.

[Narrator]

Joel.

[David Corby]

Joel.

[Sgt. Sid Donelli]

Just waiting for me. For Joe.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13atives.net follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.