Mathew Slade, Private Investigator: The Bachelor's Club (EP4600)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: "Matthew Slade, Private Investigator: The Bachelor's Club" (EP4600)
Release Date: January 14, 2025

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I. Introduction

In Episode 4600 of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," host Adam Graham delves into the intriguing and seldom-explored radio detective series, "Matthew Slade, Private Investigator." This episode not only presents a captivating mystery from the golden age of radio but also provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of the series' origins, cast, and legacy. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to old-time radio dramas, this episode offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the era's rare detective shows.

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II. "Matthew Slade, Private Investigator: The Bachelor's Club" - Episode Summary

A. Setting the Stage (00:00 - 05:47)

The episode begins with an advertisement for Indeed, which the summary will bypass in adherence to content guidelines. Following the ad, Adam Graham introduces the focus of the day: an episode titled "The Bachelor's Club" from the "Matthew Slade, Private Investigator" series, originally aired on August 2, 1964.

B. Plot Overview (05:47 - 27:54)

The narrative centers around Matthew Slade, a private investigator navigating the complexities of San Francisco's social elite.

1. Invitation to The Bachelor's Club (05:47 - 12:21)

   • Matthew Slade receives an enigmatic invitation to join The Bachelor's Club, an exclusive men's group known for its strict membership criteria and social influence.
   • Josie, Matthew's secretary, presents the invitation, highlighting the club's prestige and rarity:

     (07:00) Josie: "An invitation to join the Bachelors for lunch is as coveted in this town as the Pulitzer."

2. Meeting David Brandt (12:21 - 22:50)

   • David Brandt, president of the club, contacts Matthew with a proposition: investigating the unsolved murder of Clover Shannon, a young model connected to the club.
   • Brandt reveals his conviction that Paul Emerson, a vice president at Emerson Deerfield Chemical Company and a club member, is the murderer, despite the police having no leads.
   • Matthew agrees to take the case for a fee, setting the stage for the investigation.

3. Investigation Unfolds (22:50 - 27:54)

   • Matthew conducts a thorough search of Clover Shannon's vacant apartment, discovering the absence of a significant oil painting mentioned by Paul Emerson.
   • He confronts Brandt, uncovering deeper layers of deceit and manipulation within the club.
   • With the assistance of Sergeant Sid Donelli from the homicide department, Matthew pieces together evidence pointing towards Brandt's involvement in the murder.

Throughout the episode, suspense builds as Matthew navigates the social intricacies of The Bachelor's Club, ultimately unveiling the truth behind Clover Shannon's demise.

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III. Host's Commentary and Insights

A. Historical Context and Series Origins (29:55 - 43:49)

Adam Graham provides a rich background on "Matthew Slade, Private Investigator," clarifying common misconceptions about the series' origins and dissemination:

• Canadian Beginnings: The character Matthew Slade originated from a Canadian radio series airing between 1957 and 1960, created by Brian Adams, an Australian-Canadian with aspirations of adapting the series for film and television.

• Transition to the U.S.: In 1964, Adams emigrated to the United States, repurposing the character for Pacific Network's Starlight Mystery Theater. Despite intentions to expand the series into films and TV, only the radio incarnation was realized.

• Syndication Confusion: The series faced syndication challenges, leading to fragmented airing schedules across different regions and networks, including the Armed Forces Network. This has resulted in inaccuracies regarding the series' broadcast timeline.

Graham emphasizes the uniqueness of Matthew Slade within the Pacifica Network's lineup, noting its mainstream appeal amidst a typically counterculture-oriented station.

B. Technical Challenges and Episode Availability

He discusses the difficulty in sourcing complete episodes, particularly "Day of the Phoenix," which remains incomplete due to missing parts. This scarcity adds to the series' mystique and allure among old-time radio enthusiasts.

C. Future Explorations

Graham hints at upcoming discussions on the series' cast and further unraveling the enigmatic aspects of "Matthew Slade, Private Investigator."

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IV. Listener Feedback and Engagement

A. YouTube and Instagram Comments (43:49 - 44:42)

Adam Graham shares and responds to listener comments, showcasing the podcast's active and engaged community:

1. Reincer:

   "Great show. Thank you Adam. Happy New Year to you and yours."
   Response: Graham expresses gratitude for the support.

2. Zara Boyla:

   "Wow, this is a real Christmas treat. It sounds rare and extremely cool. Thank you."
   Response: Appreciation for highlighting the series' uniqueness.

3. rlavaser5333:

   "Definitely have a fondness for the series and whether it's more TV band recordings of lost episodes or preferably actual old time radio programs, I would love to feature more Martin Cain."
   Response: Interest in expanding content to include more Martin Cain episodes.

4. Instagram - Valencia:

   "I just listened to this earlier. I was so into it. Never heard of it before. Glad you played it."
   Response: Encouragement to explore more episodes.

5. Instagram - Mechanic6682:

   "I actually listen on Audible because it has sleep timers... I really like using the sleep feature so when I fall asleep I know how far back to rewind."
   Response: Appreciation for utilizing different platforms and acknowledging the support.

B. Patreon Support

Graham acknowledges Mark, a long-term Patreon supporter, highlighting the importance of community support in sustaining the podcast.

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V. Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

Adam Graham wraps up the episode by teasing the next installment:

"We'll be back next Tuesday with another episode of Matthew Slade, but join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat."
(Timestamp: ~45:02)

Listeners are encouraged to engage through various platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, and the podcast's website, to continue the conversation and support the show's growth.

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VI. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Josie on The Bachelor's Club's Prestige:

   (07:00) Josie: "An invitation to join the Bachelors for lunch is as coveted in this town as the Pulitzer."

2. David Brandt on Club Membership:

   (14:24) David Brandt: "I'm an individualist. Well, you know, you ask a lot of questions."

3. Matthew Slade on Investigation Tactics:

   (16:10) Matthew Slade: "Emerson made an interesting suspect. I wanted to find out more about Clover Shannon's murder..."

4. Sergeant Sid Donelli on the Case:

   (17:03) Sergeant Sid Donelli: "Look, Matt, if you can string this out a while, the fringe benefits might prove interesting."

5. Matthew Slade on Uncovering the Truth:

   (28:07) Matthew Slade: "I realized it was a waste of time. Police had covered everything with a fine tooth comb."

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VII. Final Thoughts

Episode 4600 of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" offers a multifaceted exploration of the "Matthew Slade, Private Investigator" series. Through a compelling dramatization of "The Bachelor's Club" and insightful commentary from Adam Graham, listeners gain both entertainment and a deeper understanding of radio's detective genre. The episode underscores the enduring fascination with old-time radio mysteries and celebrates the rich tapestry of characters and stories that continue to captivate audiences today.

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For more episodes and detailed analyses, subscribe to "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" on your preferred podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net.

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 an episode of Matthew Slade, Private Investigator, and after we play the episodes, we'll start to unravel some of the mysteries behind this odd and rare radio detective series. But before we get started, I do want to encourage you, if you enjoy the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast, SoftW. I also want to encourage you to check out our other podcasts. Today I'm highlighting Public Domain Video Theater, which is the video companion to this podcast. We've released our first episode of the new year, which is the final Bulldog Drummin film, and we'll also be playing episodes of Dragnet, which we didn't feature on our first run through the series, and you can check that [e-mail] and on our YouTube channel. September 30, 1962 is the date that is traditionally listed as the end of the golden age of radio, and what it ultimately meant was that network radio was no longer airing the dramas and comedy that had dominated the airwaves for so much of the era from the 1930s into the very early part of the 1960s. It certainly didn't mean that radio drama had died. There is not a week since 1962 that there hasn't been a new radio drama broadcast in the past year. On the amazing world of radio, we featured an episode of Theater 5 from 1965 and an episode of the Salvation army series heartbeat theater from 1966. But for our purposes on the great detectives of old time radio, there's not a whole lot of detective programming and there weren't a whole lot of new detective series. In fact, there was only one. Matthew Slade, Private Investigator, which was actually spelled with one T rather than two, was originally aired over the Pacifica network in 1964 and then re syndicated. The series was the only American radio detective series released between the end of Johnny Dollar in 1962 and the premiere of Jim French's first detective series, Dameron, nearly 10 years to the day after Johnny Dollar left the air. Now, there are a whole lot of really interesting facts about Matthew Slade that I want to go ahead and share with you, but I want to also get into the episode. So we're going to talk more about all of that after today's adventure. So here from August 2, 1964 is the Matthew Slade episode, the Bachelor's Club.

[Narrator]

From Hollywood, welcome to Starlight Mystery Theater and another episode in the series, Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. We invite you to take your seat as Matthew Slade unfolds the story of the Bachelor's Club.

[Matthew Slade]

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. The early morning San Francisco sun flooded my office. A new day and a new week was beginning. And with it, perhaps the start of a new case.

[Josie]

Here's the mailbox.

[Matthew Slade]

Anything of interest?

[Josie]

An invitation. You've made the grave.

[Matthew Slade]

What?

[Josie]

You've been invited to become a member of the Bachelor's Club, the real status symbol.

[Matthew Slade]

Oh, well, I know something about status symbols, Josie, but I'm afraid this Bachelor's Club thing escapes me.

[Josie]

Matt, it's one of the most exclusive men's clubs in town. In order to get in, you have to be extremely successful, good looking and single. But definitely single. See, their motto's on the top of the letterhead.

[David Brandt]

Look.

[Josie]

Deciding for the preservation of the single male American.

[Matthew Slade]

You're here.

[Josie]

They're in conflict with marriage. But not with women. You see, they meet for lunch twice a week, and at each luncheon they invite a girl. An invitation to join the Bachelors for lunch is as coveted in this town as the Pulitzer.

[Matthew Slade]

They are just as hard to get.

[Josie]

I'll bet they screen every girl thoroughly before she's invited. And they get the pick of the litter. And she doesn't have a free weekend for the next 12 weeks. They must have had a casualty.

[Matthew Slade]

Casualty?

[Josie]

Yeah, well, usually the only time there's an opening in the membership is when one of the unalterable ones goes to the altar. Oh, they keep the membership at an even dozen.

[Narrator]

Why is that?

[Josie]

I guess they think it's a nice round figure.

[Matthew Slade]

I guess they know all about nice, round figures, huh?

[Josie]

Well, shall I RSVP for you, Matt?

[Matthew Slade]

No, I don't think so, Jonesy. I think I'll pass on this one.

[Josie]

Oh, Matt, you can't refuse.

[Paul Emerson]

This may be my only chance.

[Matthew Slade]

So that's it, is it?

[Josie]

Oh, I wasn't fooling you a bit.

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

No.

[Josie]

Bachelor's Club?

[Matthew Slade]

I'm afraid not. Not this season, sweetheart. So you can just unbook your next 12 weekends.

[Josie]

Matthew Slade. Your name, please? The mountain came to Mohammed.

[Matthew Slade]

What? Who is it?

[Josie]

One moment, please. It's David Brant.

[Matthew Slade]

Who?

[Adam Graham]

David Brant.

[Josie]

You know, the Bachelor's Club.

[Matthew Slade]

Oh, yeah. Hello.

[Narrator]

My name is David Brant Blade. I'm with Brant Expo. I also happen to be the president of the Bachelor's Club here in town.

[Matthew Slade]

Yes, I know, Mr. Brandt. I received your invitation this morning.

[Narrator]

I hope you'll forgive my calling so soon, but after mailing the invitation, I decided a phone call would be more appropriate.

[Matthew Slade]

Not at all. I'd like to thank you for asking me to join your group, but I don't think I'm your 12th man.

[Narrator]

No matter, Mr. Slade. I've convinced the membership you'd make an excellent addition to our brotherhood. You see, I have an ulterior motive for asking you. It's not purely social.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, am I to understand you want to hire me professionally? That joining this club is merely a device?

[Narrator]

Yes, that's correct. Our luncheon is tomorrow. May I stop by your office for you about noon? We can talk things over there.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, I'd like to know more about what it is you want me to do.

[Narrator]

I have to go now, Mr.

[Matthew Slade]

Slate.

[Narrator]

Let's discuss it tomorrow. If you choose not to accept, it'll have only cost you your lunch hour. It is agreed, then.

[Matthew Slade]

All right. See you tomorrow at noon.

[Narrator]

How do you do, Mr. Slade?

[Matthew Slade]

It's David Brant.

[Narrator]

Yes, The Blue Fox driver. Oh, forgive me, Mr. Slade, but I neglected to ask you. You aren't married, are you?

[Matthew Slade]

I was born and raised a bachelor. Good.

[Narrator]

I mean, if there were, Mrs. Slade, I wouldn't have wanted it to get out at the club here and then.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, what's on your mind, Mr. Bryant?

[Narrator]

I'll begin by asking you if you're familiar with a murder case involving a beautiful young model named Clover Shannon.

[Matthew Slade]

Yes, I am. She was murdered about a month ago. The police have no clues, or so they say.

[Narrator]

I've been trying to remedy that. The law is hard to convince. Clover attended one of our luncheons two months before she was murdered. Most of us dated her. We were all questioned by the police and cleared. They couldn't make any connection between her death and the club.

[Matthew Slade]

What do you care?

[Narrator]

I know who killed her. It was a man called Paul Emerson.

[Matthew Slade]

Who is this Paul Emerson?

[Narrator]

His father has controlling interest in the Emerson Deerfield Chemical Company. Paul's vice president. You'll meet him. Matt Bunch.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, what proof do you have he did it?

[Narrator]

None, right now. That's where you come in, Mr. Sling.

[Matthew Slade]

You must have a reason for suspecting.

[Narrator]

I have. The police don't think it's very good, but I do.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, it's a place to start. What is it?

[Narrator]

Paul is one of a few in the club who never dated Clover. He wanted to, all right, but she didn't like him at all. The kind of guy who can't stand being rejected, particularly by a woman. Clover avoided Paul at the plague. She wouldn't even talk to him. One afternoon at one of our luncheons, I overheard Paul telling Greg Fielding about an oil painting of Kroger, one she had hanging in her apartment over her fireplace. Greg Fielding of Fielding Advertising? The youngest brother?

[Matthew Slade]

Oh, yes, yes. Well, go on.

[Narrator]

About the painting. Paul described it to Greg in such a vivid way, it made me feel he'd actually seen it.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, isn't it possible he did?

[Narrator]

No, Mr. Slade. Paul was never in Clover's apartment. Not invited anyway.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, what you're saying then is that Emerson saw Clover's painting when he went to her apartment to kill her?

[Narrator]

That's my theory.

[Matthew Slade]

Couldn't someone have told Emerson about the painting just as he told Fielding?

[Narrator]

In order to describe it the way he did, with such feeling and insight, he would have had to have seen it, sir. Not only seen it, but to have studied it long and carefully. I know what I'm talking about, Mr. Slade. Now, will you accept?

[Matthew Slade]

Well, the question is, will you? My fee is $200 a day, plus expenses.

[Narrator]

You're hired, Mr. Slade.

[Matthew Slade]

That was an excellent lunch, Mr.

[David Brandt]

Brand.

[Narrator]

Hey, how about a nice cigar to top things off?

[Matthew Slade]

Thanks.

[David Brandt]

Here's a light.

[Narrator]

You? Thank you. This is Paul emerson.

[Matthew Slade]

Matt slade. Mr. Emerson.

[David Brandt]

Please, call me Paul. You're one of us now. No formalities here. Right, David?

[Narrator]

Certainly, Paul. First names only.

[David Brandt]

Mind if I join you?

[Narrator]

If you must.

[David Brandt]

Well, Matt, what do you think of our little group?

[Matthew Slade]

Impressed? I only hope they like me.

[David Brandt]

I'd say from their reactions, you get an A1 rating. Besides, David gave you such a big build up. He had us all brainwashed, as usual.

[Narrator]

Yes. As you can see, Mr. Slade, Paul regards me as some sort of a dictator.

[David Brandt]

Oh, not really, David. You may be a little autocratic and a bit of a despot, but never a dictator.

[Narrator]

Excuse me, Matt. I'm going in to join the others at the bar.

[David Brandt]

Stay in, talk with Paul.

[Narrator]

Maybe some of your tranquility will rub off on him. Join us when you've had your fill of Mr. Belligerence.

[David Brandt]

There goes the noblest bachelor of them all.

[Matthew Slade]

I get the distinct impression that you two are playing Cain and Abel. Why? No.

[David Brandt]

It's just a show we put on for the new boys. Deep down in our hearts, we really hate each other.

[Matthew Slade]

Then why do you stay in the club?

[David Brandt]

It's a matter of bride or maybe just stubbornness. Call it what you will. Neither one of us is ready to retreat. I'd say it's a battle to the death.

[Matthew Slade]

Figuratively speaking.

[David Brandt]

Naturally. Whatever else I am, I'm not violent. Take David now. I'm not too sure about him. He's got a cold cunning that would make Satan shiver.

[Matthew Slade]

How do the others feel about him?

[David Brandt]

He's got them all mystified. He keeps the women flowing. They think he's great.

[Matthew Slade]

And you? How do the women feel about you?

[David Brandt]

Do you expect me to be objective about that?

[Matthew Slade]

Why not? You know the truth when you see it, don't you?

[David Brandt]

Yes, I guess so. I rubbed some of them the wrong way. I'm an individualist. Well, you know, you ask a lot of questions.

[Matthew Slade]

That's my inquisitive nature showing again.

[David Brandt]

What is your profession? David never did say.

[Narrator]

Here.

[Matthew Slade]

That's right. I guess he forgot. I'm an investigator. And artifacts Investigator. I locate antiques and art treasures for museums and private collectors.

[David Brandt]

You're an archaeologist?

[Matthew Slade]

No, not exactly. I'm in it for the money.

[David Brandt]

Ah, materialist. My favorite religion.

[Matthew Slade]

Name one thing more interesting than money.

[Narrator]

Women.

[Matthew Slade]

Ah, touche.

[Narrator]

My error.

[Matthew Slade]

And my favorite subject. Tell Me? What kind of women do we meet at our little gatherings?

[David Brandt]

The cream of the crop, Matt. The choicest tidbits in town. Of course, once in a while we come up with a loser.

[Matthew Slade]

What do you mean, a loser? No, they're all lookers.

[David Brandt]

I don't mean that. It's. Well, it's the attitude. Some of them get picky. That's the toughest thing to scream, the attitude. Now, you can never be sure just what it's going to be.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, everyone has likes and dislikes. That sounds perfectly normal.

[David Brandt]

Well, that may be true. Anyway, the woman hasn't been born who can humiliate me.

[Matthew Slade]

If you're not her type, what can.

[David Brandt]

You do about it, Polenti?

[Matthew Slade]

Like what? Fault. You can drop her.

[David Brandt]

You can.

[Matthew Slade]

I don't know.

[David Brandt]

Look, why worry about it? It's never happened.

[Matthew Slade]

I thought you said some of the girls weren't always cooperative.

[David Brandt]

Well, some of the other guys have had trouble that way. I didn't say I did. When I want something, I usually get it with persistence.

[Narrator]

How?

[Matthew Slade]

Well, I don't know. You tell me. Emerson made an interesting suspect. I wanted to find out more about Clover Shannon's murder, so I paid a visit to my friend, Sergeant Sid Donelli of Homicide.

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

Shannon. Shannon. Oh, here it is.

[Matthew Slade]

That's kind of a skimpy file, isn't it, Sid?

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

Well, that's all we know about this one. The case is loaded with blind alleys. Lt. Flagg is practically ripped out what.

[Matthew Slade]

Little Harry has left.

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

And I'm about ready for the mumbles after what we've been able to come up with. What's your angle?

[Matthew Slade]

Mr. David Brandt from the Bachelor's Club.

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

Oh, I know. He claims Paul Emerson did it. We checked it out. It's one of the blind alleys you'll find in this report.

[Matthew Slade]

I had a long talk with Emerson, Sid. I think he's got possibilities. Oh, by the way, you can congratulate me. I'm a bachelor at large. Or undercover, perhaps, would be more appropriate.

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

Well, if you can string this out a while, the fringe benefits might prove interesting.

[Narrator]

You mean.

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

I mean, I know all about their native custom.

[Matthew Slade]

Oh, not me, friend, Sergeant. I'm the epitome of unswerving diligence to duty.

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

Until a friendly skirt flutters by. You forgetting right? I know you.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, we all have our weaknesses, Sergeant. Back to business. What can you tell me about Clover Shannon's murder?

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

Well, it's all here in the file. We found her strangled in the shower, her skin a beat red from the hot water being turned on her.

[Matthew Slade]

Any theories why the killer did that?

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

Yeah, sadism. Can you think of a better one?

[Matthew Slade]

Nothing in the apartment to lead you anywhere?

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

Not a thing. Not a fingerprint or anything resembling a murder implement.

[Matthew Slade]

The killer used something other than his bare hand?

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

Yeah, the coroner thought so, but couldn't pinpoint just what it was from the markings on her throat.

[Matthew Slade]

I see. Anything else?

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

We checked out all her friends, business associates, your fellow playmates in the bachelor club. All dead ends.

[Matthew Slade]

Sid, could I see her apartment? Sure.

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

Still vacant. All her things are still there. We thought maybe.

[Matthew Slade]

Oh, no. Not that old routine about the kids. Killer returning to the scene of the crime.

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

We're keeping the place watched. Nothing's turned up. Look, Matt, if you were as desperate as we are, you try anything, too.

[Matthew Slade]

Oh, come on. I was only ripping, Sid. And here's the key.

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

I'll let the boys know you're coming over. Just make sure of two things.

[Matthew Slade]

What's that?

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

You bring the key back. And if you find out anything, you bring that back, too. Deal?

[Matthew Slade]

Deal. I let myself into Clover Shannon's apartment. First glance, it appeared that nothing had been touched. I began a systematic search. For what I didn't know. Maybe I thought whatever it was I hoped to find would jump up and hit me in the face. I started with the bathroom where her body was found. Then I moved to the bedroom, kitchen. Finally into the living room. I found nothing. I realized it was a waste of time. Police had covered everything with a fine tooth comb. I started to leave, but then I noticed it. Or more correctly, I noticed the absence of it. The oil painting David Brandt had mentioned. It was gone. All that remained above the fireplace was a light, square ring of dust where the picture had hung. On my way over to the offices of Brandt Textiles on the Embarcadero, I called Sid Donelli from my car phone and told him what I discovered. Whoever took the painting had to slip my Sid stake out a neat trick. I had an idea who that might be. But first I wanted another talk with David Brandt.

[Narrator]

What brings you here?

[Matthew Slade]

I think I've got a lead. Is there anything more you can tell me about Paul Emerson's conversation with Fielding concerning the oil painting of Clover Shadow?

[Narrator]

No more than I've already told you. Only to reiterate that the way he talked about it in such detail, I'm sure he must have had a good long look at it.

[Matthew Slade]

When did this conversation take place? Before or after Clover's murder?

[Narrator]

Why after? Within the past week.

[Matthew Slade]

I just came from her apartment. David, the painting is gone.

[Narrator]

Paul must have taken it.

[Matthew Slade]

Yeah, well, that's my guess. He's sick, isn't he?

[Narrator]

That thing in the shower and now this. Risking the chance of getting caught by a police takeout just to have her picture.

[Matthew Slade]

Yes, it was risky. Have you told the police about the painting being gone? Yes, but not about Paul.

[Narrator]

Well, why not? They can arrest him.

[Matthew Slade]

If they find a painting in his possession, they'll arrest him as a suspect. But it won't be conclusive proof that he also killed her. Now, I think I can find out something more. Say, I don't suppose you could arrange for my secretary to be the guest at our next luncheon?

[Narrator]

That's tomorrow. Of course I can arrange it.

[Matthew Slade]

Oh, that's fine.

[Narrator]

But how does she figure into this?

[Matthew Slade]

Oh, I. I didn't mean to mislead you, Jonesy. That's my secretary made me promise that I'd get her one of your coveted invitations. As a matter of fact, David, I'm sure that you'd like her very much. Oh, and I'm positive that she would find you extremely interesting.

[Narrator]

What she likes very attractive, a lot.

[Matthew Slade]

Of fun and easy to get to know.

[Narrator]

Well, haven't you staked a claim, so to speak?

[Matthew Slade]

I go along with that theory of not mixing business with pleasure.

[Narrator]

Well, thanks for the lead, but if you don't mind my changing the subject, you still haven't told me what you're going to do about Paul.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, I'd rather not say just now. The truth is I'm not exactly sure. But I will come up with something. By the way, this business of yours is rather interesting. I noticed those products showcased in your receptionist's office. What are they?

[Narrator]

They're beautiful samples of a new fiber we've been experimenting with. See, we're trying to develop a fiber that will combine the thinness and flexibility of thread with the tensile strength of a steel chain. Is that so?

[Matthew Slade]

For what purpose?

[Narrator]

Using the space program, Other functions.

[Matthew Slade]

How's it coming?

[Narrator]

We're very near the solution.

[Matthew Slade]

Well, I hope it won't be much longer before I can say the same. So long, David. I returned to my office. Jonesy took the news of her invitation to the Bachelor's Club with all the grace and dignity of a Beatle fan.

[Josie]

Matt.

[Adam Graham]

Matt, really?

[Josie]

You're not kidding?

[Matthew Slade]

No, I'm not kidding.

[Josie]

Oh, I can't believe it.

[Matthew Slade]

You've been invited for lunch tomorrow. I arranged it, but for a purpose, not just to be a good hearted joke.

[Josie]

And what's this purpose?

[Matthew Slade]

Josie, I want you to do me a Favor. Now, you've always been telling me about how much you want to take a more active part in my investigations. Well, sugar, the time has come. You willing? Of course.

[Josie]

What do you want me to do?

[Matthew Slade]

One of the members of the Bachelor's Club is Paul Emerson. I want you to play up to him tomorrow. Get him to ask you for a date for tomorrow night. Whatever you do, don't make it obvious. Just enough to let him know you're interested. Under no circumstances do I want you accepting a date with David Brandt. I want you to snub him deliberately so he'll know it. And without any doubt. I think it's best you don't know the complete story. Just play your little role the way I told you, and you leave the rest to me. The stage was set. I drove Jonesy to the restaurant, parked her with the Mater D and went into the private room where the luncheon was being held. The procedure for introducing the female guest of honor was a semi elaborate one. After the 12 of us had taken our seats, the Mater D entered with Jonesy on his arm. David got up and escorted Jonesy to a chair at his left. Being the newest member, I was relegated to a seat near the foot of the table. Emerson was seated to Jonesy's left. David made the introduction.

[Narrator]

It is my extreme pleasure to present our charming guest of honor, Ms. Rowena Jones.

[Matthew Slade]

Jonesy flashed a bright smile and gave a nod of her head to all of us at the table. Then Brandt proceeded to introduce each of us. I kept a close eye on my three leading players at the far end of the table. Jonesy was doing an excellent job. Every time Brad attempted to talk to her, she turned her attention to Emerson. Brandt was obviously annoyed, began to stare in my direction. I merely shrugged my shoulders and gave back a puzzled expression. After lunch, the baker's dozen broke into two groups. Jonesy surrounded by 10 panting bachelors and myself surrounded by an embittered David Brass.

[Narrator]

She's obviously a snob. I thought I could depend on you for something better.

[Matthew Slade]

Her behavior surprised me as much as it did you. Although she did seem rather intrigued by Paul.

[Narrator]

Who of all people Slate should realize he's poisoned.

[Matthew Slade]

For her.

[Narrator]

For any woman.

[Matthew Slade]

I don't know about that. David, I've got some news about Paul. The police searched his apartment, his offices and his boat.

[Narrator]

And they found the painting, eh?

[Matthew Slade]

No, that's just it. They didn't. You know, I'm beginning to think your suspicions about Paul are groundless.

[Narrator]

That's ridiculous. He must have it. He has to have it.

[Matthew Slade]

The police say no. You've apparently made a mistake.

[David Brandt]

But that can't be.

[Matthew Slade]

Now, why so dogmatic, David?

[Narrator]

Well, now, who else would have taken it? Think, man. After what I told you, now it must be Emerson. He's obviously tricked you in the police. Believe me, Slade, he's guilty. He's guilty as sin.

[Josie]

I don't know when I've had a nicer evening, Paul.

[David Brandt]

You mean it's over?

[Josie]

I'm afraid so.

[David Brandt]

Aren't you going to invite me in?

[Narrator]

No.

[David Brandt]

I brought you home so early so we could relax here.

[Josie]

I intend to relax, but alone. Good night, Paul.

[Narrator]

But, baby, please don't. Paul.

[Josie]

Look, you've been charming all evening. Don't spoil it now.

[Matthew Slade]

Good night.

[David Brandt]

Okay, Goddess, tonight's your round. How about a return match tomorrow night?

[Narrator]

Call me.

[David Brandt]

You can expect it.

[Matthew Slade]

Allison, wait. It's Wade.

[Narrator]

Matt.

[David Brandt]

What's the rush?

[Matthew Slade]

Have you been inside with Josie?

[David Brandt]

No, I left her at the door.

[Matthew Slade]

And let's hope we're not too late. Come on, quick, follow me. Jonesy. Jonesy, it's Matt. Open up. Come on, Paul, help me with this door. Jonesy, she's in the bathroom. Come on. Through here. Let her go, Brad. You stay away from me. I'll kill her.

[Narrator]

Stay away from me.

[Matthew Slade]

You all right, Jonesy?

[Josie]

I think so.

[Matthew Slade]

I'll call the police. I'll tell them we've got Clover Shannon's murderer. Well, angel, you still as eager to be more than just a secretary?

[Josie]

You can count me as a dropout from the Matthew Slade school of acting.

[Matthew Slade]

I didn't plan on it being quite that close.

[Josie]

You're forgiven. Well, what made you suspect David Brandt?

[Matthew Slade]

Something he said. When I told him I found Clover Shannon's painting missing, he indicated that getting it out of the apartment was taking a big risk. Because of the police takeout. We had no way of knowing the police were watching her apartment. The police don't broadcast the fact when they have a stakeout. Brandt took the painting and planted it in Emerson's apartment. Then there was something else. The murder weapon used on Clover. When I saw the fiber in Brandt's office, he told me of its strength. It occurred to me what a perfect garotting device it would make.

[Josie]

I can vouch for that at Matt. I still can't understand what makes a man like David Brandt want to kill.

[Matthew Slade]

It wasn't a question of wanting to kill, Jonesy. With David, it was an uncontrollable urge. He had to cover up a wrong and then keep covering it up. He had me building a pretty good case against Emerson. I had to make him crack and force him into a wrong move. Without your help, Angel, I might not have been able to do it. And saying thank you seems like only a thimbleful of gratitude.

[Josie]

I know a way you can really thank me. Next time I ask to play Miss Private Eye, chain me to my typewriter.

[Matthew Slade]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Instead of Jonesy not getting involved in PI work, I have an alternative. Hear me out, Matt. You could try letting her in on what she was getting into so that she could actually be prepared prepared for it rather than blindsided. This is one of those mysteries that has a decent twist but is somewhat hampered by the lack of suspects. We only meet two members of the Bachelors Club, so it's kind of a simple process of elimination. If you don't go for the guy who's put forth as the likely suspect, I do think that the other member's view of the killer gave a good clue. While a member had some bad attitudes, the president of the club had the sort of issues where he couldn't stand anyone not accepting him or going along with him, which was an early clue if you were looking for it. Now we're going to talk more about Matthew Slade's origins and unravel some of the confusion around this series that's out there. The first thing to know is that there was a Matthew Slade radio series that aired in Canada between 1957 and 1960. Brian Adams, an Australian who lived in Canada, ran a string of weekly newspapers which he sold off and emigrated to the United States to further his career as a leader of a jazz band, an actor and a talk show host. He also had ambitions of taking the character of Matthew Slade and bringing him to the screen. According to the Vancouver paper, the Province, in an article from January 1964, Adams had plans to make six Matthew Slade films and even a television series with Slade as, and I quote from the article, a James Bond type artifacts investigator. And I guess that makes the line in this week's episode about him being an artifacts investigator when he was making up a cover story. As a bit of a nod to that idea. Neither the movies or the TV series came to fruition, but the radio show did. It aired over the Pacifica Network, a three station radio network with its flagship station in Berkeley, as well as a station that had been acquired in 1959 in Los Angeles and a third, WBAI in New York City. The network had a very strong counterculture bent and it experimented with audio drama. Dabbled might be a better word throughout the 1960s, but its offerings tended to be a bit more out there, like the Fire Sign Radio Theater Compendium Cliche or the very first Marvel radio adaptation, Doctor Strange. Matthew Slade was easily the most mainstream audio drama offering that ever aired over Pacifica, and with good reason as there was a goal to make it a syndicated series. I know from the article in the Province that they did intend to syndicate the series in Canada, and we don't know the full extent of how widely it was syndicated. We have information on a couple of runs which I will mention as we go along. The series aired under the name the Starlight Mystery Theater, although the only type of episode aired was Matthew Slade Private Investigator. I don't know whether there was an intent to, if Matthew Slade was successful to produce some other program and still be able to say, yeah, this is still the Starlight Mystery Theater. And the dating of the series has been very confusing. Even well intended and otherwise credible sources have whiffed on it and added to the confusion. Some of the confusion comes from a book that dated the series from the late 1950s, perhaps confusing it with the earlier Canadian radio series. Other confusion was introduced by researchers who focused on rebroadcast. Several of the series episodes were rerun in 1965 on Pacifica, and then there were two different syndications to the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. At least two, the American Forces Network in Europe ran the series in 1966 and the Far East Network ran it in 1968. This often leads to some sites claiming there was an extensive run of Matthew Slade that it ran for years. However, the best research that I can find indicates that there were only a handful of episodes and they were recorded and broadcast in 1964 and subsequently rebroadcast. Even when it comes to dating the 1964 episodes, there can be some confusion. The series was announced as a bi weekly offering, which is definitely different from Golden Age programs, but somewhat more common for modern detective programs over radio that don't air weekly. The first episode was the Day of the Phoenix, which was broadcast on July 9, 1964, and then the second episode listed was the avarice air aired on July 23. Day of the Phoenix was adapted from a screenplay by Adams and Robert Frederick for the AFN and FEN runs it aired as three separate episodes. So many logs will have Day of The Phoenix Part 1 airing on July 9 and Parts 2 and 3 airing sometime not stated in July before the 23rd. However, I was able to confirm that Day of the Phoenix, when it was first broadcast, was originally aired as a feature length presentation in one 90 minute block. For syndication. It was broken up into three episodes so that there would be a 13 episode package that could be offered to other stations. But for purposes of what aired first, you just had the whole Day of the Phoenix Saga airing on July 9th. Now, for our purposes, we can't play Day of the Phoenix because only the first two parts are actually available and part two ends on a big cliffhanger that you really need part three to resolve. Now over the years I've stumbled across various websites where people claim to possess a copy of that third part, but I've not been able to obtain it and it's not readily available. So for now we can't play that episode, although it is very high on my list of most wanted programs. Also, the second episode, the Avarice Heir, is not in circulation. The good news is that the rest of the series is now this week's episode is also one that is often misdated. Many sites list it as having aired August 8th. And this is based on a folio put out on KPFK which announced in August 8th airing of Matthew Slate at noon. Now I know the folks at the Pacifica Network could, as we've said, be a bit different in their approach, but you don't air a program called the Starlight Mystery Theater and premiere it, you know, premiere it on Saturday afternoon. And I was able to find a newspaper log that listed Matthew Slade as airing on August 2nd. So my assumption would be that the program that aired on August 8, that it was the case of a encore presentation, which radio stations do. And so that makes more sense than them airing it originally on August 8, despite newspaper listings saying they were playing it on the second. Now I've been going on quite a while. Next week we will go ahead and talk a bit about the cast. Now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we start out on YouTube where we have a comment from Reincer regarding the this is your FBI episode. And Reincer writes, great show. Thank you Adam. Happy New Year to you and yours. Thank you so much. And then on Martin Cain, Zara Boyla writes, wow, this is a real Christmas treat. It sounds rare and extremely cool. Thank you. And rlavaser5333 writes more. Martin Caine, if you can. Well, definitely keep that in mind. I definitely have a fondness for the series and whether it's more TV band recordings of lost episodes or preferably actual old time radio programs, I would love to feature more Martin Cain. And then we have some comments on Operation Danger from Instagram. Valencia writes, I just listened to this earlier. I was so into it. Never heard of it before. Glad you played it. Mechanic6682 on YouTube has a comment regarding the hero's name. Ethan Allen Rogers went on to open a furniture store and be Captain America in his spare time. Well thank you so much. I had only thought of Ethan Allen, the Revolutionary War hero of Ticonderoga, but there's a furniture store and I probably go buy the Boise version of it four or five times a month. And it was a company. It was founded in 1932 by two brother in laws and they purchased a bankrupt furniture factory in Vermont in 1936 and they named it Ethan Allen because they sold early American furniture. President's Day sales at Ethan Allen Must be particularly interesting as you can buy a mattress in the name of George Washington at a store named after one of the heroes of Ticonderoga. Really helps you sleep patriotically about your purchase. Mechanic6682 also comments Adam I actually listen on Audible because it has sleep timers, which YouTube does not. I just come on YouTube to comment and hit the like button. I'm almost done through with everything on Audible and will have to listen to earlier seasons on YouTube unless I can find earlier seasons on another podcast. I suppose you have them through your website. I really like using the sleep feature so when I fall asleep I know how far back to rewind. Well thank you so much. I appreciate the comment and also appreciate you taking the time to go over to YouTube to like and comment because that really helps us out there. Now on Audible as well as all other podcast stores, we actually have some really complete archive feeds. We have our volume one feed which collects seasons one through three. That one's at volume one.greatdetectives.net we have our volume two feed which collects seasons four through six volume two.greatdetectives.net and then we also have our volume three feed which is currently posting episodes from season seven, volume three.greatdetectives.net & eventually we'll have seasons eight and nine there as well and we'll have more archive feeds as we finish posting episodes. But we do have those three volumes as of right now. Thanks so much. Appreciate all your comments. Now it is time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Mark. Mark has been one of our Patreon supporters since March of 2020. Currently supporting the podcast at the Shalmus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Mark. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, mark the notification bell and leave a comment. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We'll be back next Tuesday with another episode of Matthew Slade, but join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My Beat.

[Paul Emerson]

Where ask you again, Mr. Clover.

[Matthew Slade]

Sit down. No.

[Paul Emerson]

A beggar who stands can keep some dignity. I like to think that anyhow maybe it's a lie.

[Sergeant Sid Donelli]

Rhoda.

[Paul Emerson]

Did you say my name gently to show me you pity me? I don't want to be pitied.

[Matthew Slade]

No. Look, Ms. Lynn, Danny was only trying to.

[Narrator]

Listen to me. Listen. Yes.

[Paul Emerson]

Yes, I'll listen. Say a kind word to me, Rhoda.

[Matthew Slade]

You've come to ask me to have your father's body exhumed.

[Narrator]

I know that you know that, but.

[Matthew Slade]

We'Ve already done that. Two months ago, Four months after your father died, we exhumed his body. He wasn't poisoned, Roly. In spite of what you say, he wasn't poisoned. Poisoned.

[Paul Emerson]

That's how my father died. Robert Lynn. My father was murdered. That's a simple sentence. Understand it.

[Matthew Slade]

The death certificate.

[Paul Emerson]

My father was poisoned, and I'm being poisoned, and I'm going to die. And you'll sit there and say my dying meets all the requirements for dying because there'll be a death certificate.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives. 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.

[Narrator]

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