
Today's Mystery: Pam and Jerry hear a clarinet being played in the middle of the country near a wrecked car. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 9, 1947 Originated from New York City Starred: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North, Alice Frost as Pamela...
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Adam Graham
Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Orlando, Florida. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this Week's episode of Mr. And Mrs. North. I do want to encourage you if you are enjoying the podcast to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. I also want to encourage you to check out my wife's business, Ashira Clips. There you can buy a wide variety of different headbands, hair clips and hairpins to suit a wide variety of different styles and tastes as well as different lengths. You can find these@lilarose.com that's L I L L A rose.com Ashira now from December 9, 1947, here is call Me Choo Choo.
Narrator
The Colgate Pomale Pete Company, makers of Halo shampoo to glorify your hair and Colgate tooth powder to get teeth sparkling and super clean. Bring you Mr. And Mrs. North, starring Joseph Curtin and Alice Cross. In all respects, Pam and Jerry North's car is an excellent car. With only one defect, it always picks the long way home. That's especially the trouble tonight when Pam and Jerry are coming from a weekend in the country and the car seems to have chosen the longest, darkest and most deserted road.
Jerry North
Pamela I'll have to take 1010 minutes shut eye Darling, before we can go on. I'm getting dangerously sleepy.
Pamela North
Well, let's do it then. Jerry, this is no place to have a smash up.
Jerry North
Just lie back in the seat, dear.
Advertiser
All right.
Pamela North
I can just feel myself drifting right off to sleep, can't you, Jerry? That's right. Go to sleep. Right while I'm talking. For all you know, I might have had something very interesting to say. I didn't, but I might have. Jerry.
Jerry North
What?
Pamela North
Listen.
Jerry North
Somebody's playing a musical instrument way out in the country. He's good, too.
Pamela North
Where's it coming from? I don't see any houses. I wonder. Look there by the side of the road.
Jerry North
A man playing a clarinet and coming toward us.
Pamela North
He's seen us.
Loopy McGee
Hey, come with me. Come with me this way.
Jerry North
Why, what's the matter?
Loopy McGee
Just behind those trees. Come and see.
Pamela North
What's there?
Loopy McGee
A tree got in the way of my car.
Jerry North
Oh, an accident. Anybody hurt?
Loopy McGee
A girl and a tree killed her. She's dead.
Jerry North
Please come and help me right away.
Pamela North
Where's your car?
Loopy McGee
Over here, behind these trees. See?
Jerry North
Holy. You really smashed up the girls in the seat.
Loopy McGee
Help me, will you, Jerry?
Pamela North
You look and see.
Jerry North
Right. Say, there's no girl in your car, alive or dead.
Loopy McGee
What? Well, she was here a minute ago.
Pamela North
Are you sure?
Loopy McGee
Could you kill a girl and not know it?
Jerry North
We better look around for her, hadn't we?
Pamela North
Jerry, our car's starting off.
Jerry North
Hey, stop. Stop.
Loopy McGee
That was the girl who took your car.
Pamela North
But you said she was dead.
Loopy McGee
That's right. She was dead.
Jerry North
She isn't now. Stop.
Flash Farrell
Come back.
Mona Tremont
That's our car.
Eddie Rayburn
Which way did she go?
Pamela North
Well, that way. Didn't you see Jerry? Here's a brand new man.
Jerry North
What? Oh. Who are you? Where'd you pop from?
Eddie Rayburn
I've been right here with you all the time.
Pamela North
I didn't see you. Oh, but I. I guess it's so dark.
Loopy McGee
Sure, that's why you didn't see him. It's so dark.
Eddie Rayburn
Lady, you said the girl drove your car toward New York.
Pamela North
Well, you were right here, too. You said you must have seen the car go.
Loopy McGee
Only he didn't. Lady, it's so dark.
Eddie Rayburn
Let's not argue about it. If she drove toward New York, I know exactly where she's going. Get in.
Jerry North
Get in what?
Eddie Rayburn
My car. It's right here. Come on.
Pamela North
I didn't see any other car here.
Loopy McGee
Of course you didn't. It's so dark.
Eddie Rayburn
My car's been here right along. What's the matter with you, anyway? Now, all of you get in and we'll Go to town. Here we are. Made it fast, didn't we?
Pamela North
If you ask me, we made it in no time.
Loopy McGee
Oh, it's too dark here. I'm going inside. Where? It's dark.
Jerry North
What place is this? It's a pretty gloomy looking house.
Eddie Rayburn
This is where the girl came. It's where we all live. So long.
Jerry North
So long. What about our car and the girl who was dead but isn't?
Loopy McGee
What dead girl? What are you talking about?
Pamela North
The girl in your car, in the wreck. Oh, only she wasn't there and then she stole our car.
Eddie Rayburn
Lady, you're all mixed up.
Loopy McGee
Sure. It's so dark.
Eddie Rayburn
Well, so long.
Loopy McGee
Me too. So long.
Jerry North
Wait. If you're going inside and you think the girl's in there, we're going in too.
Loopy McGee
Oh, no, you're not. Murder goes on in that house and you're not allowed.
Pamela North
But the girl's got our car in there.
Loopy McGee
Nothing doing. It's dark in that house and if you go in, you'll get killed.
Narrator
So long.
Jerry North
He's gone.
Pamela North
I never saw people move so fast. Jerry, we've got to find out what happened to our car.
Jerry North
The only way we can do that is to get into that house.
Pamela North
Jerry, it's so dark.
Jerry North
You sound like that clarinet player.
Pamela North
This is the darkest I've ever been in.
Jerry North
I don't think it's a cellar, dear. It's a corridor. I can touch both walls at once.
Pamela North
Do you hear anything?
Jerry North
No. We'll have to get upstairs. Here's a door.
Pamela North
Can you open it?
Jerry North
I can't find the handle. Oh, here it is. Stick right behind me. Ben.
Pamela North
I'm so close behind you, I'm practically in front of you.
Jerry North
There it goes. It's heavy.
Mona Tremont
There.
Pamela North
Oh, Jerry. What is it?
Jerry North
It's a jam session. These men and musicians and playing just for themselves.
Pamela North
There's the man who drove us in. He's playing the trumpet.
Jerry North
And next to him, that clarinet player.
Pamela North
There's no Aaron here. And that's not Jerry. There's the girl and she's singing.
Narrator
Yes.
Jerry North
Her mouth's open, but the orchestra's so loud I can't hear her. Can you?
Pamela North
No. Oh, Jerry, look at the walls. They're closing in on us. The room's getting smaller and smaller.
Jerry North
But look, behind the musicians. There's no only black space.
Pamela North
We'd better get out of here.
Loopy McGee
Oh, no, you can't get out now.
Pamela North
Oh, the clarinet player. But how can you be talking to us here? Your clarinet still playing?
Loopy McGee
My clarinet plays by itself. I told you not to come in here, didn't I? Now you're gonna die, Jerry. You're gonna die by the knife in my hand.
Pamela North
Jerry, where are you? Help me.
Loopy McGee
Listen to that trumpet. Listen to him climb. Okay, boys. One, two. When he hits high C, this knife goes right into you.
Pamela North
Oh, no. Jerry. Jerry, where are you?
Loopy McGee
Listen to the trumpet.
Jerry North
G sharp, A, B flat.
Loopy McGee
Now look at this knife. And here comes hi C. Jerry.
Jerry North
Pam.
Pamela North
Pam.
Jerry North
Dolly, what's the matter?
Pamela North
Help me. The knife.
Advertiser
I see.
Pamela North
Don't. Don't. Don't. Limb.
Jerry North
I'm right here, sweetheart. Wake up.
Pamela North
Wait. Wake up. Oh, I was asleep.
Jerry North
Sure.
Pamela North
Oh, darling, what a horrible dream it must have been.
Jerry North
You waving your arms and kicking your legs. But you're safe in the car and we can start driving home again.
Pamela North
You know, darling, it all started when I dreamed I heard a clarinet playing. And then I saw Jerry. Am I awake?
Jerry North
We both are. And I hear it too. Somebody's playing a clarinet somewhere near us on the road.
Narrator
Yes, Pam and Jerry are awake now. But it's still pretty dreamlike to hear a clarinet in the country on a dark, dark road.
Pamela North
Hello, everybody. Hello. Halo is the shampoo that glorifies your hair.
Advertiser
So.
Pamela North
Hello, everybody. Hello.
Narrator
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Pamela North
So Halo, everybody. Halo.
Jerry North
Halo Shampoo.
Pamela North
True Halo.
Narrator
Now back to Mr. And Mrs. North.
Pamela North
Jerry, we've got to see what it is.
Jerry North
I know what it is, darling. A clarinet being played on a dark road on a dark night. The point is, why?
Pamela North
It's coming from behind those trees.
Jerry North
We'll see in a minute.
Pamela North
Now it's going away, Jerry maybe drawing us after it like. Like the Pied Piper of Hamlin. I'm right. Look at that car against the tree.
Jerry North
Pretty badly smashed. Someone may be hurt.
Pamela North
Maybe it's A girl? But she isn't there now.
Jerry North
What makes you say that?
Pamela North
That's the way it was in my dream. He's there.
Jerry North
Yes, as a girl.
Pamela North
But she's there. Oh, she's not dead, is she?
Jerry North
She's alive, Pam.
Pamela North
Somehow I knew she would be.
Joseph Curtin
Lupy, you gotta take me back. You've gotta, Lupy, or I'll. Oh. Who are you?
Jerry North
We found you here in the wrecked car, miss. Are you badly hurt?
Joseph Curtin
No, I just hit my head, I guess.
Jerry North
Here, let me help you out.
Joseph Curtin
Thanks. Where's Lupy?
Pamela North
The man who was playing the clarinet. We heard him, but we haven't seen him.
Joseph Curtin
Good. You got a car. Could you take me back from the city with you?
Jerry North
We'll be glad to. And you ought to see a doctor. How'd the crash happen?
Joseph Curtin
Ruby tried to get me to run away with him. And when I caught on, he wouldn't turn back. I crashed the car on purpose. Ruby's the greatest hot clarinet in this world. Or out of it. I'm Mona Tremont.
Pamela North
I. Yes, we ought to know who you are.
Joseph Curtin
But I'm a hot singer. They call me the Scat Girl. I guess you don't get around.
Pamela North
No. But shouldn't we try to find Lupi?
Joseph Curtin
I don't want to find him. I want to get back to the city. Hey, wait a second.
Jerry North
Here's another car.
Joseph Curtin
It's Eddie.
Pamela North
Eddie, darling. Come on, baby.
Eddie Rayburn
You okay?
Joseph Curtin
Teddy, I'm so glad you got here. Now you can take me back into town.
Eddie Rayburn
You bet, honey. And I want to get my hands on Loopy.
Pamela North
Loopy doesn't seem to be around here anymore.
Joseph Curtin
Excuse me, folks. This is Eddie Rayburn, a hot trumpet if there ever was one.
Jerry North
We're Mr. And Mrs. North.
Eddie Rayburn
Hi.
Jerry North
And as you're in good hands, Mr. Mont, we'll be getting back to our car.
Joseph Curtin
Wait a minute. What, Eddie.
Eddie Rayburn
Huh?
Joseph Curtin
Something's been stolen from my handbag.
Eddie Rayburn
You know what it is?
Joseph Curtin
You bet, and so do you.
Jerry North
Oh, maybe that was Lupy's doing.
Eddie Rayburn
That guy must be around here someplace.
Pamela North
Jerry, our car's starting. Hey, wait.
Loopy McGee
That's loopy thinking.
Advertiser
Gotta come.
Jerry North
Mr. Null, look out. How do you like that?
Pamela North
Oh, Eddie. You know where he's going, don't you?
Eddie Rayburn
Yeah, but how do you know? I know.
Pamela North
I wish I didn't. Won't you take us with you in your car?
Eddie Rayburn
Okay. Hop in.
Loopy McGee
Okay, cats.
Eddie Rayburn
There's your crate, parked just ahead.
Pamela North
I never expected that. Jerry, we've got the car back.
Jerry North
I hope it's all in one piece anyway. Thanks very much for the lift, Eddie. And Mona, I hope you're okay.
Joseph Curtin
I will be. So long, folks, and thanks.
Pamela North
Oh, just a minute. I want to see that loopy McGee and give him a piece of my mind for stealing our car.
Eddie Rayburn
Now look, Mrs. North, you're not going to see Loopy. I'm giving a private party. And you're not coming into that building with us or you'll get hurt permanently. Now take your car and get going. So long.
Pamela North
Nice people.
Jerry North
We better go, Pam. It's late. And there's our car.
Pamela North
Jerry, I'm remembering that awful dream and it's all coming true. This strange building. This is where Eddie brought us before.
Jerry North
Darling, forget it. Dreams never come true.
Pamela North
I know, but something tells me we're not going to leave here.
Jerry North
No, Just watch us. Get in, dear. I'll get in the other side.
Pamela North
Jerry, look at this. Here on the seat.
Jerry North
Never mind, dear. Never mind. Get in, Jerry.
Pamela North
It's a wanted circular for an escaped convict.
Jerry North
Wanted Eddie Malden. Escaped six weeks ago from state penitentiary while serving three year term for armed robbery. Dangerous. Former occupation, trumpet player.
Pamela North
Look at the picture. That's Eddie, the man who drove us into town. The man who just took the girl into that building.
Jerry North
And this must be the thing Mona missed from a handbag. Lupy stole it from her.
Pamela North
And they were both scared because Lupy found out he's a fugitive.
Eddie Rayburn
That's right, Mr. North.
Pamela North
Now, I'll take it from you, Eddie. We thought you were inside Me?
Eddie Rayburn
That thing.
Jerry North
Here you are. Well, so long, Eddie.
Eddie Rayburn
Hold it. Now that you know who I am, you think I'm gonna let you run off and call the police? Not a chance. Come on inside.
Pamela North
Oh, dear. What are you gonna do with this?
Eddie Rayburn
Keep you locked up in the cellar while I finish some unfinished business.
Jerry North
Just a second, Pam. The door's opening.
Pamela North
Don't make any noise, Jerry.
Jerry North
Not if I can help it. One more push. Okay, we're out.
Pamela North
Oh, gosh, it's dark, Jerry. It's exactly like it.
Jerry North
Like what?
Pamela North
Like the way it was in my dream. I wonder where that door is. Oh, I remember now. We just turned a corner and there.
Mona Tremont
Wait a minute.
Pamela North
Oh.
Mona Tremont
Don't move.
Pamela North
Who's that?
Jerry North
I don't know. Just a man I bumped into in the dark.
Mona Tremont
Won't be dark long. There's a light right here. There. Oh, there's two of you characters. Just what do you got in mind, sneaking around here? Talk fast or you'll get in trouble.
Jerry North
Let's begin by finding out who you are.
Mona Tremont
Flash Farrell. Mona Tremont's manager and future husband. And there's a private jam session going on and you haven't been invited. Now, you take a course.
Pamela North
Jam session? Then there is a jam session?
Mona Tremont
Yeah. What do you want with it?
Pamela North
We've got to get in there to prevent a jam. Oh, Mr. Farrell, I want you to hear me sing.
Mona Tremont
You sing, do you?
Pamela North
Oh, haven't you heard of me? I'm Pam. Choo Choo North. Choo Choo. That's my style.
Mona Tremont
Okay, Choo Choo. And who's this guy?
Pamela North
Look, Mr. Farrell, that's my husband, Hot Lips North. Do you ever hear him play on the zither?
Mona Tremont
Zip it. Who can play hot on a zipit?
Pamela North
Oh, you never heard Hot Lips? Has he Hot Lips, eh?
Jerry North
No, he never has.
Mona Tremont
It all sounds fishy to me.
Pamela North
Okay, then just show us where the jam session is.
Mona Tremont
Okay, Choo Choo. And the first thing we'll do is to hear you sing. And you better be good.
Pamela North
Bongo, Bongo bongo. I don't want to leave the Congo, so I think I'll stay where I am. Choo Choo. Civilization. I'll stay right here, Choo Choo.
Mona Tremont
Okay, Choo Choo. You're not so bad. She's okay, isn't she, boy?
Jerry North
Not bad.
Pamela North
Oh, I'm so glad you liked it, Mr. Carrell. Oh, Jerry. The way it was before Loopy had a knife. See if he has one now.
Jerry North
All right, I'll be right back.
Eddie Rayburn
Hey, North.
Jerry North
Yeah?
Eddie Rayburn
Who let you out? Farrell?
Jerry North
No, no. We let ourselves out and met him in the corridor.
Eddie Rayburn
Now, look, north, anybody that crosses me up gets it, including Flash Farrell. I'll kill anybody that gets between me and Mona.
Jerry North
Farrell's in love with her, too, isn't he?
Eddie Rayburn
Look at her. Boy, wouldn't you be?
Jerry North
I've got a very charming wife. Thank you.
Mona Tremont
Say, Hot Lips. Hot Lips.
Adam Graham
Oh.
Jerry North
Oh, yes.
Mona Tremont
Sorry we haven't got a zipper for you.
Jerry North
Oh, that's all right, Farrell.
Pamela North
Oh, how did you think I was, Hot Lips?
Jerry North
Just great, Choo Choo.
Loopy McGee
Eddie, how about giving us a number?
Eddie Rayburn
Sure, Luby, but I'll have to make it the last for tonight.
Loopy McGee
Okay, Eddie, but come on. Come and Flash.
Mona Tremont
Yeah, sure. I'll see you later, Choo Choo.
Pamela North
Jerry, it's more and more like my dream. You've got to stop Eddie from playing.
Jerry North
Okay, I'll try.
Joseph Curtin
Hiya, folks. Say, I didn't know you two were half.
Pamela North
To What?
Joseph Curtin
To the river. I didn't know you had the power.
Jerry North
Look, Mola, I've Got to get over to the bandstand.
Joseph Curtin
No, you don't. There's a gun in this handbag of mine. Act like he's just chatting so nobody gets leery.
Pamela North
What's the matter?
Joseph Curtin
I saw Eddie talking to you. What'd he tell you?
Jerry North
He said he'd kill anybody that came between you and him. That means Loopy, because he knows about Eddie.
Pamela North
Does Ferrell know about Eddie, too?
Joseph Curtin
No, he doesn't. What are you two going to do?
Pamela North
We don't know.
Joseph Curtin
I'll tell you what to do. Nothing. Just. You two keep your trap shutter or you'll have bad trouble with me.
Jerry North
We can't let him commit murder.
Mona Tremont
Hey, folks.
Loopy McGee
Shut up, will you? Eddie's gonna rip out with a little lip. Well said, Eddie.
Jerry North
Take it out.
Pamela North
Right out the roof.
Eddie Rayburn
Okay.
Jerry North
One, two.
Pamela North
Jerry.
Jerry North
Yes, darling?
Pamela North
The dream. The dream.
Jerry North
What?
Pamela North
The trumpet was playing and Loopy started to come at me with a knife. The trumpet went higher and higher like he's doing now.
Jerry North
Ham, you're imagining things. Nothing can happen now with these. Wayne.
Pamela North
A flat. A B flat is getting closer. Jerry, do something. I told you. Jerry.
Mona Tremont
What's the matter with him?
Jerry North
Here, let me see.
Pamela North
Jerry, is he.
Jerry North
Yes. Eddie Malden is dead.
Narrator
It's a bad spot for Pam and Jerry. For they know the murderer is right in that cellar room with them. The last word on cleaning teeth is your dentist. Yes. The last word on cleaning teeth is your dentist. And over 4,000 dentists in a nationwide survey said Colgate Tooth Powder with the two minute routine gets teeth sparkling and super clean. Yes. Dentists say Colgate Tooth Powder with the two minute routine gets teeth sparkling and super clean. So to get your teeth sparkling and super clean to show their full natural sparkle, start today with Colgate Tooth powder and this two minute routine. 1. Brush your teeth night and morning for two minutes with Colgate tooth powder. 2. Be sure to brush all three surfaces of your teeth. The biting edge, the inside and the outside. 3. And always stroke your brush away from the gums. Remember, dentists nationwide approve Colgate Tooth Powder with the two minute routine. Remember too, Colgate Tooth Powder also freshens and sweetens your breath. The last word on cleaning teeth is your dentist. And dentists say Colgate Tooth Powder with the two minute routine gets teeth sparkling and super clean.
Jerry North
It looks like he's been poisoned.
Joseph Curtin
Okay, which one of you did it? I've got a gun in this bag that's ready for you.
Pamela North
No, no, wait. You'll only get yourself.
Loopy McGee
Listen to what the guy says, Mona.
Jerry North
Unless you don't care if you shoot Mona.
Joseph Curtin
I care, all right. I want to get the guy that did it.
Mona Tremont
Mona, you're awful sure it was one of us?
Pamela North
That's what I was thinking, Mr. Farrell. Mona, you were certainly anxious before to keep us away from Eddie.
Jerry North
You're onto it, Pam. How about it, Mona?
Joseph Curtin
If anybody tries to hang Eddie's murder on me, they'll go right along with him. I loved him.
Loopy McGee
Mona, don't point that gimmick at me.
Mona Tremont
Listen to reason, Mona.
Joseph Curtin
I'm listening. Somebody talk.
Jerry North
Pam, I've got an idea.
Joseph Curtin
No tricks now, Mr. North.
Pamela North
What is it, Jerry?
Jerry North
Eddie told me he was going to kill Loopy because Loopy knew he was a convict. And we all know Loopy was in love with Mona.
Loopy McGee
You mean I kill him? You're offbeat, mister.
Jerry North
Not much. You killed him to get a free hand with Mona.
Joseph Curtin
Okay, Lupy. This looks like the last chorus for.
Pamela North
You, Jerry Wade, that doesn't make sense.
Loopy McGee
Now you're in the groove, Mrs. Knight.
Mona Tremont
Oh, but it does make sense. Good sense. Sure, Lupy killed him. He hated Eddie.
Joseph Curtin
Don't you move, Farrell. Don't any of you forget this gun.
Pamela North
I'm not forgetting it, but you. Listen, Mona, you yourself told us that Ferrell didn't know that Eddie was an escaped convict.
Joseph Curtin
That's right.
Jerry North
What are you getting at, Pam?
Pamela North
Well, Loopy didn't have to murder Eddie to get him out of the way. He knew Eddie was an escaped convict and so all he had to do was report him to the police. But Flash, you didn't know that. And so to get Mona away from him, you thought you had to kill him.
Mona Tremont
That's a lie, Farrell.
Joseph Curtin
You're going after Eddie.
Jerry North
Don't shoot, Mona. Grab him, Louis.
Pamela North
I got him.
Mona Tremont
Me too.
Joseph Curtin
Nice going, Mrs. North. You sure got the power.
Pamela North
Oh, just call me Choo Choo. Oh, Jerry, what a night. Now it's almost dawn.
Jerry North
We'll be home in a moment, darling, and then some sleep.
Pamela North
I could go to sleep right now. Jerry, listen.
Jerry North
It's that clarinet again.
Pamela North
Where's it coming from? Am I dreaming?
Mona Tremont
And so once again the early Risers club greets you with music to put.
Narrator
You in tune for the day.
Pamela North
Oh, a disc jockey on the car.
Narrator
Race and restart as usual we with.
Mona Tremont
Our theme, a recording by Loopy McGee and his clarinet.
Jerry North
Want to hear it, dear?
Pamela North
I do not. Take me home and let me sleep and never dream again.
Narrator
Remember, every Tuesday night at the same time, the Colgate Palmaley Pete Company, makers of Halo shampoo and Colgate Colgate toothpowder brings you Mr. And Mrs. North, starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin. The characters are based on those originally created by Francis and Richard Lockridge. Original music is composed and conducted by Charles Paul. The program is produced and directed by John Loveton. There's a fragrance that men love so delightful and gay, caressing the skin skin.
Jerry North
You bathe with cashmere bouquet.
Narrator
You're enchanting, entrancing with a subtle perfume.
Jerry North
That whispers of romance in a candlelit room. And it's thrilling to bathe each day with cashmere bouquet. No other soap gives your skin this exciting bouquet.
Narrator
Be sure you join us again next Tuesday when the Norths are pigeonholed by a pigeon, chased by a pair of lovebirds on the wing, and caught by a murderer who has flown the coop this is Charles Stark speaking. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.
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Adam Graham
Welcome back. The first half of the episode was one of the most trippy bits of radio I'd ever heard. It makes sense in a way that it turns out to be a dream, because that explains the utter unreality of those scenes. But it's also really weird because this is really not the sort of show where you'd expect to have some really weird predictive dream be used as a central plot point. But it definitely held my attention, which is more the show's job than remaining true to whatever perceived genre conventions they might feel bound by. And of course, it should be said that Alice Pross was a solid singer. In fact, that's how her radio career got started when she was 16. Here she seemed to be performing a medley of various songs designed to avoid singing too much of any of them to avoid paying any license fees. I'm not certain how Joseph Curtin would have fared on the zither, and it's probably best that we didn't find out. Well, now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Russell. Russell's been one of our patreon supporters since November 20, 2016, currently supporting the podcast at the Master detective level of $15 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Russell, 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 Thursday with another episode of Mr. And Mrs. North, but join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Where?
Flash Farrell
All right, when did that happen, Randy, and how? You said on the phone you have some leads, clues all over the place. They all point toward one person. Toward the one person known to have been withered about the time the coroner says she was killed. How was she killed?
Jerry North
Struggle.
Flash Farrell
Fell and struck her head on the base of the fireplace. Cigarette, Johnny? Oh, yeah, thanks. Incidentally, so far I've been able to keep this thing out of the papers. Oh, hey, give me a light, will you?
Advertiser
Huh?
Flash Farrell
I seem to have forgotten my lighter. Yeah, you have.
Jerry North
Here.
Flash Farrell
Thanks. Now, the coroner says she was killed Sunday night, late.
Eddie Rayburn
What?
Flash Farrell
By somebody who must have spent several hours with her. You said late Sunday night. That's. Go on, Johnny. Hey, look, stop snapping that lighter and. Wait a minute. Where'd you get that? According to all the evidence that was left behind by whoever murdered Mary Grace Marshall, here. Look familiar? Are you crazy? This letter is mine. I. Yeah, Johnny, I know.
Adam Graham
I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13reatdetectives.net follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram instagram.com from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.
Advertiser
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Episode Summary: "Mr. and Mrs. North: Call Me Choo Choo" (EP4608)
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host/Author: Adam Graham
Featured Actors: Joseph Curtin, Alice Frost, Jack Webb, and others
In the episode "Call Me Choo Choo," listeners are transported into a suspense-filled night alongside the charming detective couple, Pam and Jerry North. This installment weaves a tapestry of mystery, dreams, and deception, showcasing the quintessential elements of Golden Age radio detective dramas. Hosted by Adam Graham, the episode masterfully blends traditional storytelling with engaging character dynamics, ensuring both nostalgic charm and contemporary intrigue.
A. The Long Way Home
Pam and Jerry North find themselves driving home from a weekend retreat in the countryside. Their reliable car, with its quirks, takes them down a long, dark, and deserted road.
As fatigue sets in, strange occurrences begin to unfold, signaling that their journey will not be straightforward.
B. Encounter with Loopy McGee
A mysterious man, Loopy McGee, approaches the Norths, claiming his car has crashed due to a tree obstruction. He insists a girl was killed in the accident, but his story is inconsistent.
Suspicion grows when Pam notices the absence of the girl Loopy mentioned. The situation escalates as the Norths' car starts moving on its own, leading them into a gloomy house where a bizarre jam session is taking place.
C. The Jam Session and Unraveling Mysteries
Inside the house, the Norths witness eerie performances by musicians, including a clarinet player who seems possessed. The atmosphere becomes increasingly sinister as they realize they might be trapped in a nightmare scenario.
The plot thickens with the introduction of Mona Tremont and Eddie Rayburn, who reveal ulterior motives and hidden agendas. Conflicts arise as truths about Eddie's criminal past and Loopy's intentions come to light.
D. The Climax and Resolution
A confrontation ensues where the Norths deduce that Loopy McGee is the actual murderer. In a thrilling showdown, alliances shift, and the true villain is exposed. The episode culminates with the Norths waking from their harrowing experience, back in the safety of their car, uncertain if what they experienced was reality or merely a dream.
The resolution ties back to earlier dream sequences, leaving listeners pondering the thin line between dreams and reality.
Pam North (Alice Frost): The intuitive and perceptive wife, often providing crucial insights into the unfolding mysteries.
Jerry North (Joseph Curtin): The pragmatic and resourceful husband, adept at uncovering clues and protecting his family.
Loopy McGee (Jack Webb): A mysterious clarinet player whose true intentions remain obscured until the climax.
Mona Tremont (Joseph Curtin): A charismatic singer with hidden motives, intertwined with the central mystery.
Eddie Rayburn (Jack Webb): A trumpet player with a dark past, whose actions drive much of the episode's tension.
[03:52] Pamela North: "I can just feel myself drifting right off to sleep, can't you, Jerry? That's right. Go to sleep."
[09:06] Loopy McGee: "My clarinet plays by itself. I told you not to come in here, didn't I? Now you're gonna die, Jerry. You're gonna die by the knife in my hand."
[16:13] Jerry North: "Wanted Eddie Malden. Escaped six weeks ago from state penitentiary while serving a three-year term for armed robbery. Dangerous."
[21:07] Jerry North: "You think I'm gonna let you run off and call the police? Not a chance. Come on inside."
[24:00] Loopy McGee: "You mean I kill him? You're offbeat, mister."
[24:26] Pamela North: "Well, Loopy didn't have to murder Eddie to get him out of the way. He knew Eddie was an escaped convict and so all he had to do was report him to the police."
These quotes highlight pivotal moments of tension, revelation, and character development throughout the episode.
"Call Me Choo Choo" delves into themes of trust, deception, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The interplay between dreams and reality serves as a narrative device to explore the characters' subconscious fears and motivations. The episode underscores the importance of intuition and critical thinking in unraveling complex mysteries, a hallmark of detective fiction from the Golden Age of Radio.
Adam Graham’s commentary further emphasizes the episode's unique structure, noting the unconventional use of a dream sequence as a central plot mechanism. This creative choice not only captivates the audience but also adds depth to the storytelling, making it a standout episode in the series.
"Call Me Choo Choo" is a compelling episode that blends classic detective elements with innovative storytelling techniques. Pam and Jerry North navigate a labyrinth of mysteries that challenge their wits and resilience. Through intricate plotting and rich character interactions, the episode offers listeners a captivating journey into the heart of old-time radio drama. Adam Graham’s insightful commentary enhances the listening experience, providing context and appreciation for the artistry involved.
For fans of mystery and vintage radio shows, this episode serves as a testament to the enduring allure of detective narratives and the timeless appeal of well-crafted storytelling.
Podcast Awards: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio is a Podcast Award finalist, recognized for its dedication to preserving and revitalizing classic radio detective series.
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Quote Attribution: All notable quotes are sourced directly from the episode transcript, with timestamps provided for reference.