The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: "Molle Mystery Theater: Red Wine" (EP4558) – Detailed Summary

Release Date: November 26, 2024
Host/Author: Adam Graham, Radio Detective Podcasts

Introduction

In episode EP4558 of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham presents a captivating midweek special featuring "Red Wine," an episode from the Molle Mystery Theater. This rendition, adapted from L.G. Blockman's original story, weaves a suspenseful tale set in the dense jungles of the Amazon. Graham not only narrates the enthralling narrative but also provides insightful commentary that enhances the listener's experience.

Red Wine: The Mole Mystery Theater Adaptation

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds at the Bohar Plantation in the Amazon Valley, a rubber plantation fraught with tension and mystery. The central figure, Boyd Trasker, is an American detective from San Francisco, accompanied by three fellow Americans: Joe Best, William Carr, and Dick Halop. Their mission is to locate Jerome Steek, a murderer believed to have escaped to Brazil.

The Poker Game

The narrative kicks off with a tense poker game where Trasker attempts to identify Steek among his companions.

• Mr. Finley (Joe Best): "I got 15 people after this house." (00:38)
• William Carr (Posed as Trasker): "I'm looking for a murderer named Jerome Steek." (08:37)

During the game, suspicions arise as each man's demeanor and actions are scrutinized. Carr subtly accuses Trasker of incompetence, hinting at his true motive.

Rising Tensions and Suspicion

As days pass, the dynamics among the group become increasingly strained. Trasker, determined to unmask Steek, faces mounting hostility:

• Mr. Finley: "You better go back where you came from. We don't like you." (08:10)
• William Carr: "Maybe we can help you find what you're looking for, Trasker." (08:26)

Trasker's relentless pursuit makes him a target, leading to several attempts on his life:

1. Attack with a Melee Man Catcher: A concealed device that plunges spiked bamboo stakes.
2. Snake Assault: A deadly bushmaster snake is released to eliminate Trasker.

Despite these dangers, Trasker remains steadfast, narrowing down his suspects while grappling with his vulnerability in the hostile environment.

The Climax: The Party Trap

In a strategic move, William Carr invites his companions to a supposed farewell party featuring rare wine, aiming to reveal Steek's identity.

• William Carr: "This wine is Chateau Malleur 1911." (26:20)
• Mr. Finley: "Any fool knows it." (28:00)

Carr's plan hinges on the knowledge that only Steek would recognize discrepancies in the wine's provenance. When Halop questions the existence of "Chateau Malheur" in 1911, Carr seizes the moment to arrest him, believing it confirms Halop as Steek.

Twist and Resolution

However, the plot thickens as Mr. Finley exposes Carr's deception:

• Mr. Finley: "There was no chateau Malheur in 1911. It was a bad year." (29:26)
• Joe Best: "Only one man around these parts would know a thing like that. Jerome Steek." (29:38)

Realizing his mistake, Carr admits his true identity as Jerome Steek. The story culminates with Steek's arrest, while his former companions confront the ramifications of their actions.

Host Commentary and Analysis

After the dramatic conclusion of "Red Wine," Adam Graham offers his reflections on the episode, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement:

• Faithfulness to Source Material: Graham praises the Escape version of "Red Wine" for its adherence to the original story but acknowledges the Mole Mystery Theater's efforts in preserving the narrative.

  • "The Escape version is better because it's more faithful to the source material." (33:28)

• Plot Twists: He identifies two significant twists: the revelation about the ice in the Chateau Malheur and the introduction of a potential insider within the group. While the first twist maintains suspense, the second, according to Graham, somewhat undermines the mystery by suggesting an inside man that could have prematurely resolved the conflict.

  • "The idea that Trasker had an inside man of the three and therefore there were really only two suspects, kind of diminishes the mystery." (33:28)

• Appreciation for Mole Mystery Theater: Despite some narrative shortcomings, Graham commends the podcast for resurrecting forgotten stories like "Red Wine," ensuring they remain accessible to mystery enthusiasts.

  • "Mole may have spared Red Wine from that fate." (33:28)

• Supporting the Podcast Community: Graham takes a moment to thank his Patreon supporter, Susan, emphasizing the podcast's reliance on community backing to continue delivering quality content.

  • "Thank you so much for your support, Susan." (33:28)

Conclusion

Episode EP4558 of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio masterfully blends classic mystery storytelling with modern commentary. Through "Red Wine," listeners are transported to a bygone era of radio drama, experiencing the thrills and suspense that define the genre. Adam Graham's insightful analysis further enriches the episode, providing depth and context that enhance the overall narrative. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to old-time radio mysteries, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the timeless allure of detective fiction.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mr. Finley (Joe Best): "I got 15 people after this house." (00:38)
• William Carr: "I'm looking for a murderer named Jerome Steek." (08:37)
• Mr. Finley: "You better go back where you came from. We don't like you." (08:10)
• William Carr: "This wine is Chateau Malleur 1911." (26:20)
• Mr. Finley: "There was no chateau Malheur in 1911. It was a bad year." (29:26)
• Joe Best: "Only one man around these parts would know a thing like that. Jerome Steek." (29:38)
• Adam Graham: "The Escape version is better because it's more faithful to the source material." (33:28)
• Adam Graham: "Mole may have spared Red Wine from that fate." (33:28)

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