Mr. and Mrs. North: Dead Giveaway (EP4650)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Mr. and Mrs. North: Dead Giveaway (EP4650)
Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Featured Characters:

• Pam North (played by Alice Frost)
• Jerry North (played by Joseph Curtin)
• Clara Kendall (played by various actors throughout the series)
• Lieutenant Wigand
• Vivian Ames

---

Introduction

In this riveting episode of Mr. and Mrs. North, titled "Dead Giveaway," listeners are plunged into a complex web of deceit, manipulation, and murder. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th-century New York, the drama unfolds with Pam and Jerry North navigating through personal and professional turmoil to uncover the truth behind a mysterious murder.

---

Plot Overview

The episode begins with a tense conversation between Pam North and her acquaintance, Clara Kendall, hinting at underlying tensions and secrets. Clara reveals unsettling information about Pam's brother, Charles Harper, who has recently escaped from a sanitarium, posing a potential threat to Pam.

As the story progresses, Pam receives a distressing phone call informing her that Clara Kendall has been murdered. Convinced of foul play, Pam enlists her husband, Jerry North, and fellow detective Bill Wagon to investigate the scene. The plot thickens when conflicting accounts emerge, particularly involving Vivian Ames, who claims to have seen Clara after the reported time of death.

The investigation leads the Norths to suspect that someone tampered with the timeline of events to create an alibi, implicating Charles Harper in the murder. Tensions escalate as Clara Kendall reveals her true intentions, manipulating events to cover her involvement. The climax sees Pam and Jerry uncovering the intricate plan orchestrated by Clara, leading to a dramatic confrontation that exposes the layers of deception.

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Key Moments and Highlights

1. The Initial Confrontation ([02:53] - [06:04])

   • Clara Kendall's Aggression: Clara confronts Pam about her brother, Philip, revealing a strained relationship.

     Pam North ([03:49]): "Do you realize that your incompetence has endangered my life?"

   • Revelation of Charles Harper's Escape: Pam discloses that her brother has escaped, heightening the sense of urgency.

     Pam North ([04:02]): "Philip, Charles has escaped."

2. Discovery of the Murder ([12:07] - [15:03])

   • Pam's Realization: Pam arrives at Clara Kendall's apartment to find her murdered.

     Pam North ([12:05]): "Clara Kendall's been murdered. Strangled, I think."

   • Conflicting Testimonies: Vivian Ames contacts the police, providing an account that contradicts Pam's observations.

     Vivian Ames ([15:20]): "We're not sure, Ms. Ames, but we think Mrs. Kendall's been murdered."

3. Unraveling the Alibi ([24:15] - [25:54])

   • Pam's Deception: Pam admits to fabricating her alibi to protect Philip, revealing the depth of their involvement.

     Pam North ([24:49]): "I didn't see Clara this afternoon. I just said I did to protect Philip."

   • Clara's Anger: Clara confronts Pam, exposing the truth behind the murder.

     Clara Kendall ([25:12]): "So you're the man who grabbed Pam and locked her in the closet, huh, Phil?"

4. Climactic Confrontation ([25:33] - [27:07])

   • Confession and Accusation: Clara accuses Pam and Philip of orchestrating the murder for financial gain.

     Clara Kendall ([25:54]): "It's all your fault. I didn't want Clara's money. But you did."

   • Resolution Hints: The episode leaves listeners anticipating the full revelation of motives and consequences.

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Characters and Performances

• Pam North (Alice Frost): Portrayed as a complex character balancing her role as a wife and a protector, Pam's performance captures her desperation and determination.
• Jerry North (Joseph Curtin): As Pam's supportive husband, Jerry provides a grounded presence amidst the chaos.
• Clara Kendall: Her fluctuating demeanor—from fearful to aggressive—adds layers to the mystery, keeping listeners guessing her true intentions.
• Lieutenant Wigand: Represents the law's perspective, adding procedural depth to the narrative.
• Vivian Ames: Her conflicting testimony introduces doubt and complexity, essential for a gripping detective story.

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Insights and Themes

• Deception and Trust: The episode delves into how trust can be manipulated, showcasing characters who deceive each other for personal gain.
• Mental Health Stigma: Charles Harper's portrayal touches upon the stigmas surrounding mental health and institutionalization during the era.
• Financial Manipulation: The underlying motive revolves around money, highlighting how financial desperation can lead to drastic actions.
• Gender Roles: Pam's dual role as a detective and a wife reflects the evolving dynamics of gender roles in mid-century narratives.

---

Conclusion

"Dead Giveaway" serves as a compelling installment in the Mr. and Mrs. North series, masterfully blending suspense with intricate character dynamics. As Pam and Jerry navigate through lies and secrets, listeners are treated to a classic detective story that underscores the timeless allure of mystery and the complexities of human relationships. The episode sets the stage for future revelations, promising continued intrigue in the Norths' quest for truth.

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Notable Quotes

• Pam North on Trust:

  ([25:54]) "I didn't want Clara's money. But you did. You did."
  — Highlights the financial motivations driving the characters' actions.

• Clara Kendall's Accusation:

  ([25:12]) "So you're the man who grabbed Pam and locked her in the closet, huh, Phil?"
  — A pivotal moment uncovering the deception.

• Pam's Desperation:

  ([05:07]) "Stop it, Philip. Stop it. Charles is dangerous. You know that."
  — Conveys the fear and urgency surrounding Charles Harper.

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Final Thoughts

Adam Graham's The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio continues to captivate audiences with its faithful rendition of Golden Age radio dramas. "Dead Giveaway" stands out as a testament to the show's ability to blend nostalgia with engaging storytelling, ensuring that both long-time fans and new listeners are enthralled by the mysteries of Mr. and Mrs. North.

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Stay Tuned: Join us next week for another thrilling episode of Mr. and Mrs. North, where new clues and unexpected twists await. Subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your favorite podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net for more episodes and updates.

Transcript

[Pam North]

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[Jerry North]

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[Pam North]

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[Jerry North]

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[Pam North]

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[Jerry North]

For the ones who get it done. 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 Mr. And Mrs. North. But first, I do want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Our listener support and appreciation campaign continues and you can become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. Help support the podcast and you also receive a monthly update from me. And I want to welcome Robert as our latest Patreon supporter, supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Robert. Now, from February 19th, 1950, here is dead giveaway.

[Clara Kendall]

Put that gun away, Mr. Harper. Get in the car. Do you hear?

[Pam North]

We'd better do as he says, Jerry.

[Clara Kendall]

Okay, not in the back seat. In front. You're going to drive. And if you don't, I'll kill you. I'll kill you both. Mr. And Mrs. North, starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin. Listen as Pam and Jerry solve the mystery. Dead Giveaway. The theory that you can judge people by the kind of friends they have is not necessarily true. Take Pam and Jerry north, for example. They have a friend named Clara Kendall. She's not a close friend, true, but she's a friend nevertheless. So what kind of people would you say Pam and Jerry were if you judged them by Dowdy, middle aged Mrs. Kendall as she stands, white faced and trembling, talking on the telephone? But my dear Mrs. Kendall.

[Pam North]

Don't my dear Mrs. Kendall me, Dr. Cowles. Do you realize that your incompetence has endangered my life?

[Clara Kendall]

Nonsense, Mrs. Kendall. Your brother.

[Pam North]

My brother is insane, Mrs. Kendall. Dangerously insane. That's why I placed him in your sanitarium, Dr. Cowles.

[Clara Kendall]

No, Mrs. Kendall, that is not why.

[Pam North]

I am not going to discuss it with you any further, Doctor. Now, are you going to notify the police of Charles escape or aren't you?

[Clara Kendall]

But it's not necessary to notify that.

[Pam North]

I will, Mrs. Kendall.

[Clara Kendall]

Will you please? The fool.

[Pam North]

Philip.

[Clara Kendall]

In here, Clara. What was that all about on the telephone?

[Pam North]

It was Dr. Cowles.

[Clara Kendall]

Cowles? Oh, yes, the sanitarium fella. What did he want? Not more money, I hope.

[Pam North]

Philip, Charles has escaped.

[Clara Kendall]

Oh, no, not again. You know, I don't think Charles likes it there, Philip. I can't say I blame him. The Middle west never appealed to me as a place.

[Pam North]

This is no joking matter, Philip. Charles has been gone two days. He could be here in New York by now.

[Clara Kendall]

Why in the world would he want to come here?

[Pam North]

He hates me.

[Clara Kendall]

Well, what do you expect? You have the poor old devil declared mentally irresponsible. You have him committed to an institution. Then you get control of his money. Do you think he should love you for that? My goodness, Clara, you can't have everything.

[Pam North]

Stop it, Philip. Stop it. Charles is dangerous. You know that.

[Clara Kendall]

I know nothing of the kind. The worst thing I know about him is that he slobbers when he eats.

[Pam North]

If he ever gets the chance, he'll kill me. He will.

[Clara Kendall]

Oh, don't be ridiculous. Where's my coat?

[Pam North]

Are you going out?

[Clara Kendall]

Yes.

[Pam North]

Where?

[Clara Kendall]

Just out. I have an appointment.

[Pam North]

A business appointment.

[Clara Kendall]

Don't be bitter, dear.

[Pam North]

Please, Philip, don't go. Don't leave me here in this apartment alone with Charles.

[Clara Kendall]

For heaven's sake, Clara, stop being so silly. Charles isn't within a thousand miles of his. They'll find him just the way they did before. Curled up sound asleep in a haystack not two miles from the sanitarium. Now look, I'm already late.

[Pam North]

What time will you be home?

[Clara Kendall]

I'm not sure. Late, probably.

[Pam North]

Will you be here for dinner?

[Clara Kendall]

No, I. Philip. Oh, let go, Clara. Clara, let go. Please.

[Pam North]

Philip, stay home with me. I'm frightened.

[Clara Kendall]

Let go. No. Will you, please?

[Pam North]

I know where you're going, Philip. I know you're going to see her.

[Clara Kendall]

Her?

[Pam North]

Who? Vivian.

[Clara Kendall]

Vivian?

[Pam North]

Yes, Vivian. Vivian Ames. You didn't think I knew, did you? But I do. I know all about.

[Clara Kendall]

You don't know anything because there's nothing to know.

[Pam North]

You're a liar.

[Clara Kendall]

And you're a silly, suspicious, neurotic old woman. Why? You doubt?

[Pam North]

Do you hear me? Get out.

[Clara Kendall]

Yes, I hear you.

[Pam North]

Then pack your things.

[Clara Kendall]

You keep them, Clara. You paid for them.

[Pam North]

Don't think you're ever going to come crawling back.

[Clara Kendall]

Oh, don't worry, Clara. You haven't got that much money.

[Pam North]

Hello? Mrs. Kendall? Yes. This is Pam North, Mrs. Kendall. I wonder if I could drop by and talk to you for a few minutes. Oh, what about? About serving with me on the finance committee of the Woman's Club. I'd like to make it around 4:00 if that's convenient for you. Well, I'm sorry, Mrs. North, but I couldn't see you today. I. Mrs. Kendall. Oh, I'm sorry, Mrs. North, but I thought I heard something. What time did you say you wanted to see me? About 4:00. But if you can't. No, no, no. 4:00 will be fine. I'd love to see you. Oh, that's awfully nice of you. Bye. Goodbye. I didn't hear anything. I couldn't have. I just in that I did. Someone came in. Philip. He came back to. Philip? Is that you? Philip?

[Clara Kendall]

No, Clara, it isn't Philip.

[Pam North]

Charles.

[Clara Kendall]

Hello, Clara.

[Pam North]

Charles. Go on, Philip. Then what happened?

[Clara Kendall]

Oh, nothing, darling. Clara told me to get out. I took her at her word. Here I am.

[Pam North]

And you didn't admit anything about us?

[Clara Kendall]

Of course not, Vivian.

[Pam North]

Well, then it probably isn't as serious as you think. I wouldn't be surprised if Clara's calling all over town right now frantically trying to find you to ask you to come home.

[Clara Kendall]

Well, it won't do her any good if she is. I'm through now, Phil. I am. Vivian, I mean it. For the first time in four years, I feel like a young man.

[Pam North]

You are young, darling, but you don't.

[Clara Kendall]

Feel young married to a woman nearly 15 years older than you are. When she pays your way, you don't even feel like a man, young or old.

[Pam North]

All right, Philip, so you're through.

[Clara Kendall]

Now, what happens when Clara gets a divorce? We'll be married.

[Pam North]

On what?

[Clara Kendall]

I'll get a job.

[Pam North]

Doing what?

[Clara Kendall]

You sound like you think I can't get one.

[Pam North]

Of course you can. You'll have to. But what kind of a job will it be and how much will it pay?

[Clara Kendall]

How should I know?

[Pam North]

Then I'll tell you, Philip. Based on your business experience so far, you could make $50 a week if you're lucky. At that rate, we could just about pay the rent on this apartment. Of course, we couldn't eat, buy any clothes.

[Clara Kendall]

We wouldn't have to live like this.

[Pam North]

But I like living like this.

[Clara Kendall]

And if I can't pay for it any longer, you'll find someone who can. I thought you loved me.

[Pam North]

I did, when you were a man.

[Clara Kendall]

A man?

[Pam North]

Yes, Philip. That's what Clara's money made you. A smart, attractive, self assured man. I don't care what you felt like. That's what you were. Well, now look at you. Without her money, you're nothing but a frightened little boy. I'm sorry, Philip, but there's no use kidding ourselves.

[Clara Kendall]

No, no, I guess not.

[Pam North]

Now look, darling. Go back to Clara, you can. She'll take you back, I know she will. And then we can go on. All right, Philip, but you're being a fool.

[Clara Kendall]

Maybe.

[Pam North]

Where are you going?

[Clara Kendall]

Soon I'll be back. Yeah, that's right, ma'am. The candles are in. 318.

[Pam North]

Oh, thank you.

[Clara Kendall]

Here we are. Turn to your left. Third apartment on your right.

[Pam North]

Thank you very much. 14, 16, 3, 8. That's funny. Door's open. She must be in. Mrs. Kendall. Where in the world could she be? Anybody home? Mrs. Kendall, are you here? Mrs. Ke? Mrs. Kendall? Mrs. Kendall?

[Clara Kendall]

Hello, Jerry. Oh, hello, darling.

[Pam North]

Jerry, something horrible has happened.

[Clara Kendall]

Pam, what's the matter?

[Pam North]

Call bill wagon and get over here as soon as you can.

[Clara Kendall]

Over where?

[Pam North]

Clara Kendall's apartment.

[Clara Kendall]

What is it? What's happened?

[Pam North]

Clara Kendall's been murdered.

[Clara Kendall]

What?

[Pam North]

Strangled, I think. I had an appointment with her and when I got here the door was open. I walked in and I saw her lying on the.

[Clara Kendall]

Pam. Pam.

[Pam North]

Jerry. Darling, I just heard a noise. There's someone else in the apartment. There's someone? No.

[Clara Kendall]

Sure, I got a pass key to the Kendall apartment, but that don't mean I can let in just any. Tom, Dick and Harry. Can't you get it through your head? That makes Mrs. Kendall's been murdered. That's what you said. And something's happened to my wife. Here's a third floor. Come on. Look, mister, I think we ought to call the police. Oh, boy. I told you, I've already called them. Or my secretary did. They'll be here in a minute. Now, are you going to unlock the Kendall apartment, or do I have to take it? Okay, buddy. Okay, let's go. This is the key. Here's 318. Open this.

[Pam North]

Open.

[Clara Kendall]

Okay. Okay. Hurry, will you? I'm hurrying. There, Pam. There's the telephone. Pam hung up. Just like it should be. Well, come on. Let's look and hold it. What? Listen. I don't hear. That's Pam. Pam. Sounds like she's in that hall closet. The key's in the door. Are you all right?

[Pam North]

Just hold me for a minute. Darling. Oh, darling, I've never been so frightened in my life.

[Clara Kendall]

What happened, sweetheart?

[Pam North]

I was talking to you. I. I heard something. I started to turn around. Someone grabbed me from behind and dragged me into this closet and locked me in.

[Clara Kendall]

Did you see who it was?

[Pam North]

No. It was a man. That's all I know.

[Clara Kendall]

Where's Cleric Endel?

[Pam North]

In the living room.

[Clara Kendall]

Well, let's go in. Jerry. Bill. Hey, what's all the excitement?

[Pam North]

Didn't Jerry tell you on the phone?

[Clara Kendall]

I had Ms. Brown call while I got over here, pam. And all Ms. Brown said was for me to get to this address right away. There's been a murder, Bill.

[Pam North]

It's Clara Kendall, a friend of mine in the Woman's Club. She's been strangled, Bill. I found her body. It's on the couch in the living room.

[Clara Kendall]

Let's have a look.

[Pam North]

This way. There she is, on the couch over by the wood. Bill. Jerry, she's gone. What are you standing there looking at me like that for? You can see for yourself. She's gone. We've got to do something.

[Clara Kendall]

Is this the couch she was on, Pam?

[Pam North]

Yes.

[Clara Kendall]

You're sure?

[Pam North]

Of course I'm sure. You don't think I imagined it, do you?

[Clara Kendall]

Of course not, dear.

[Pam North]

Well, you could at least say it with a little more conviction, Jerry. Clara Kendall is dead, I tell you. And I didn't imagine it any more than I imagined that someone grabbed me and locked me in that closet.

[Clara Kendall]

Well, let's have a look around the apartment. Telephone. I'll get it. Hello?

[Pam North]

Philip?

[Clara Kendall]

No, this is the police.

[Pam North]

Police?

[Clara Kendall]

Who's calling?

[Pam North]

I'm Vivian Ames, a friend of the Kendalls. What are the police doing there? What? What's happened?

[Clara Kendall]

Oh, we're not sure, Ms. Ames, but we think Mrs. Kendall's been murdered.

[Pam North]

What? Oh, you're joking. Clara can't be dead.

[Clara Kendall]

Oh, how do you know?

[Pam North]

Because she just walked out of my apartment not five minutes ago. That's all I can tell you, Lieutenant.

[Clara Kendall]

What time did Mrs. Kendall arrive here at your apartment, Ms. Ames?

[Pam North]

About 4 that's impossible. Well, it might have been a little after 4. It's still impossible. Well, it is, Jerry. At 4:00, Garrett Kendall was lying.

[Clara Kendall]

Now, now, now, take it easy, Pam.

[Pam North]

Oh, that must be silly.

[Clara Kendall]

Mrs. Kendall's husband?

[Pam North]

Yes, I. I took the liberty of calling him at his hotel after you said you were coming to talk to me. I hope I didn't do wrong.

[Clara Kendall]

No, not at all.

[Pam North]

Excuse me. Bill, that woman's lying.

[Clara Kendall]

Please.

[Pam North]

She is, Jerry. She must lie.

[Clara Kendall]

Let me handle his pain.

[Pam North]

Philip, this is Lieutenant Wigand.

[Clara Kendall]

Hello, Mr. Kendall.

[Pam North]

And you know Mr. Mrs. Norris.

[Clara Kendall]

Hello, Bill. Yes. Hello, Pam. Jerry. Now, what's this wild story Vivian gave me on the telephone? Well, Pam says she saw your wife lying in the living room of your apartment, strangled to death. Miss Ames says your wife was here in her apartment at about the same time Pam says she saw the body. Obviously, someone is mistaken or lying.

[Pam North]

Why should I lie about.

[Clara Kendall]

Just a moment, Miss Ames. I assume you searched the apartment, Lieutenant. Of course.

[Pam North]

But someone could have carried the body out of the apartment, out the back way while I was locked in the closet.

[Clara Kendall]

Locked in the closet? Just after Pam saw Clara's body, some man grabbed her and locked her in the closet. Mr. Kendall, Ms. Ames says she called you at your hotel. Now, does that mean that you and your wife had a. Clara and I had a quarrel, that's all. Must have been rather a serious quarrel if you moved out.

[Pam North]

Oh, but it wasn't, not really. That's. Well, that's why Clara came to see me. See if I knew where Philip was, so she could get in touch with him and make up.

[Clara Kendall]

And you told her where Mr. Kendall was?

[Pam North]

Yes. She said she'd call him right after she kept her date with her brother.

[Clara Kendall]

What? Her brother?

[Pam North]

Well, that's where she was going when she left here.

[Clara Kendall]

Good Lord. What's the matter, Bill? Clara must be out of her mind. To see your brother? Yes. You don't understand, Lieutenant. Charles Harper's been in a private sanitarium, a mental institution in the Midwest. We just found out today that he'd gone away from the place two days ago. Is he dangerous? He is to Clara. She's the one who had to have him committed. He hates her for it. Once he threatened to kill her. Then why should she make a date to meet him? I don't know. We've got to do something. There's only one thing we can do. I'm going to headquarters and get out a bulletin on Harper. Jerry, you and Pam take Kendall to his apartment. Okay, Bill. And you can give me a description of your brother in law on the way downstairs. Kendall. All right, Lieutenant.

[Pam North]

I'm coming with you. Philip.

[Clara Kendall]

Oh, come on, Pam, let's.

[Jerry North]

Hey, Pam.

[Pam North]

What's the matter, darling? This is crazy. Everyone's acting as though Clara Kendall was still alive.

[Clara Kendall]

Sweetheart, isn't it barely possible that you were mistaken?

[Pam North]

Jerry. You mean you're taking Vivian Ames word against mine? Even though you've got proof that she's lying?

[Clara Kendall]

What proof have I got?

[Pam North]

What proof, for heaven's sake? Didn't you hear me when I told you she was.

[Clara Kendall]

You can pull up right in front, Jerry. Right. Clara's got to be home. She. She has to be.

[Pam North]

Please, Philip, you mustn't get.

[Clara Kendall]

But if anything happened to her, I'll never. It's her car. What? It's her car. The one right ahead of us. It's Clara's. You sure? It's just like hers. Let's have a look then.

[Pam North]

Maybe Clara's home. Maybe she's safe. And maybe she didn't drive her car today. But she did. She told me she was driving.

[Clara Kendall]

It is Clara's. That's her license number. Yes, it's Clara's. And she's in it.

[Pam North]

What do you mean, Jerry?

[Clara Kendall]

Look. On the floor of the backseat.

[Pam North]

Oh, Jerry.

[Clara Kendall]

Clara. Clara. No, Phil. Don't touch her. She's dead. Close the door. Now, look, Philip, go up to your apartment and call Bill Wigan. Pam and I'll wait here. All right, Jerry. You'd better go with him, Miss Haines.

[Pam North]

Oh, yes. You see, darling, I was right. Clara was killed up in the apartment and then carried down to the car while I was locked in the closet.

[Clara Kendall]

That still doesn't jibe with Vivian Aim's story about seeing Clara after you found her.

[Pam North]

I don't care. Vivian ain't.

[Clara Kendall]

Hold it, dear. We've got company. Excuse me, but you're in my way. I want to get in my car.

[Pam North]

Your car?

[Clara Kendall]

Yes, mine. Mine. It's my car. Everything she owns is mine. She. This car, her apartment, everything, it all belongs to me. She stole it from me. My money, she stole it. Now, get out of my way. I'm sorry, Mr. Harper. How do you know my name?

[Pam North]

Well, we don't.

[Clara Kendall]

But you call me Mr. Harper. Why do you call me Mr. Harper if you don't know who I am? Now, look, we. You're from there, aren't you? There, that place, the sanitarium, that's where you're from. She lied to me. She said I didn't have to go Back and I won't. I won't. Take it easy, Mr. Harper.

[Pam North]

You don't look out here, I won't.

[Clara Kendall]

Put that gun away, Mr. Harper. We're not going.

[Pam North]

Be careful, darling.

[Clara Kendall]

Get in the car. Now, wait a minute.

[Pam North]

Get in. We better do as he says.

[Clara Kendall]

No, not in there. In the front seat. You're going to drive. And if you don't, I'll kill you. All right, Mr. Kendall.

[Pam North]

All right.

[Clara Kendall]

I'll be right over. Thank you, Lieutenant.

[Pam North]

I mixed your drink, darling. Here.

[Clara Kendall]

I don't want it.

[Pam North]

Don't be nervous, darling.

[Clara Kendall]

I'm not nervous.

[Pam North]

Oh, but you are.

[Clara Kendall]

All right, all right, so I'm nervous. Why shouldn't I be? We took a big chance moving Claire's body down to the car, running the risk of Pam north spotting me as a guy who locked her in the closet.

[Pam North]

We had to give you an alibi for the time Clara was killed, didn't we?

[Clara Kendall]

I'm not sure we have. Pam knows you're lying about seeing Claire at 4:00. And Jerry and Lieutenant Wigan probably know it too.

[Pam North]

They don't know anything they can prove. And lest, of course, you really didn't see Clara's brother leave the apartment this afternoon. Did you see him, Charles?

[Clara Kendall]

I told you I did.

[Pam North]

You told me a lot of things, but.

[Clara Kendall]

But what?

[Pam North]

Oh, for heaven's sake, Philip. You know you can trust me. So why don't you be honest? Why don't you admit you killed Claret?

[Clara Kendall]

Don't you ever say that again, Vivian. You understand? Don't you ever say that again.

[Pam North]

Jerry, we're going much too fast. Please slow down.

[Clara Kendall]

Don't talk to me, darling. You know as well as I do that the man who's really driving this car is in the back seat. And every time I try to slow down. Drive faster. You see?

[Pam North]

Please, Mr. Harper, we're going too fast already.

[Clara Kendall]

This road is like a sheet of glass. Hopper. As I say, go faster. If we ever start to skid, Hopper, we'll always.

[Pam North]

Darling was kidding.

[Clara Kendall]

You're telling me.

[Pam North]

Oh, stop, Jerry, stop.

[Clara Kendall]

I can't stop at this.

[Pam North]

I've got a clue.

[Clara Kendall]

Pam, darling, are you all right?

[Pam North]

I think so. How about you?

[Clara Kendall]

Yeah, I'm okay. Let me help you out. Easy now.

[Pam North]

I'll be all right as soon as I stop shaking.

[Clara Kendall]

Hopper.

[Pam North]

Darling, he may be hurt pretty badly.

[Clara Kendall]

Look, there's a gasoline station up ahead. Get up there and get some help and then call Bill. I'll stay here with Harper. Let us through, please. Now, come on, folks, stand back. Stand Back. Let us through.

[Pam North]

Here we are, Bill.

[Clara Kendall]

Over this way, Ms. Ames. Come on, Kendall. Well, you've got yourself quite a crowd here, haven't you? Yeah, everybody loves an accident. Bill, where's Harper?

[Pam North]

On his way to the hospital.

[Clara Kendall]

How badly was he hurt? He'll live. I hope so. At least long enough to pay for Clara's murder.

[Pam North]

But he says he didn't kill Clara.

[Clara Kendall]

Did you talk to him? Yes, Bill. While we were waiting for the ambulance. Harper says he saw Clara just after Philip left the apartment at 2 this afternoon. She told him she wouldn't have him sent back to the sanitarium. And if he came back about five, she'd have a certified check for the money she took from him.

[Pam North]

He's lying. He killed Clara because he's the only one who could have killed her after she left my apartment. Ms. Ames, if you saw Clara Kendall after 4:00 this afternoon, why did you call her apartment?

[Clara Kendall]

You mean when I answered the phone pan?

[Pam North]

Yes. Called to talk to Philip. But you told us before that you knew Philip had quarreled with Clara and gone to a hotel. Well, so you knew Philip wouldn't be at the apartment, didn't you?

[Clara Kendall]

Well, Ms. Ames.

[Pam North]

All right, Lieutenant, Mrs. North wins. I didn't see Clara this afternoon. I just said I did to protect Philip.

[Clara Kendall]

Philip?

[Pam North]

Well, he went back to the apartment at 3:00 and found Clara dead. He telephoned me. I went over. Charles Harper had killed her. We knew that. But Philip didn't have an alibi for the time she was killed. And after that stupid fight he and Claire had had, I was afraid the police would think he was the murderer. So the only thing to do was move Clara's body and try to make it look as though she'd been killed later.

[Clara Kendall]

So you're the man who grabbed Pam and locked her in the closet, huh, Phil? Yes.

[Pam North]

We knew she was going to be there at 4. And we thought we could get Clara's body out before then. But we couldn't. That's why I had a lie about Clara being my apartment. How did you know I was going to see Clara at 4, Ms. Ames? Philip told me. Well, then Charles Harper didn't kill Clara.

[Clara Kendall]

How do you figure that, Pam?

[Pam North]

Because Clara would have been dead when Philip went back to the apartment at 3:00.

[Clara Kendall]

She was.

[Pam North]

Oh, no, she wasn't. She was alive. Alive enough to tell you that I was going to be there at 4. She's the only one who could have told you that. Oh, you fool. Why didn't you Tell me, Clara.

[Clara Kendall]

Shut up.

[Pam North]

Shut up.

[Clara Kendall]

It's all your fault. I didn't want Clara's money. But you did. You did. Come on, Kendall. And you too, Ms. Ames.

[Pam North]

What are you arresting me for?

[Clara Kendall]

You'll probably be charged with being an accessory after the fact. And that's a mighty polite name for your kind of woman. Mr. North speaking.

[Pam North]

Oh, hello, Jerry.

[Clara Kendall]

Oh, hello, dear.

[Pam North]

Darling, on your way home this evening, will you stop in a stationery store and buy me a bookkeeping ledger?

[Clara Kendall]

A bookkeeping ledger? What for?

[Pam North]

I was re elected chairman of the finance committee of the Woman's Club, remember?

[Clara Kendall]

Oh, yeah.

[Pam North]

Well, we're starting a new fiscal year, so I'll need a new ledger and a bottle of black ink.

[Clara Kendall]

Black ink, huh? Well, it sounds like you did a good job of managing the club's finances.

[Pam North]

And the other thing I want, I.

[Clara Kendall]

Wish you could do as well with our personal finances, dear. We've never wound up in the black at the end of the year.

[Pam North]

Jerry, dear, will you let me tell you the other thing I'll need?

[Clara Kendall]

How do you account for it? Pam, why can't you manage all money just as well as you manage your clubs?

[Pam North]

What I do, darling.

[Clara Kendall]

What do you mean?

[Pam North]

That's what I'm trying to tell you. I'll need a bottle of red ink, too.

[Clara Kendall]

This is the United States Armed Forces Radio C.

[Pam North]

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[Jerry North]

Welcome back. While the brother didn't do a whole lot to show he'd been improperly committed with his whole faster, faster thing. And I'm not sure I fully understand her reason for agreeing to give her brother his money. Unless it was the fact that she had him committed to steal his money to marry her younger husband. Just like the younger husband used the money to hold on to his mistress and if she couldn't keep her husband. It was not worth risking being killed by her not insane but apparently very dangerous brother. And I should think the brother should have been charged with kidnapping or false imprisonment. Alright, well now we turn to listener comments and feedback. And we turn to Katherine who has a comment regarding the episode the Charles Wyatt murdered over on YouTube. She writes, I thought Grimes did it. He mentioned the guy stabbed and I don't recall him going in the hotel room. Thanks so much, I appreciate the comment. Kathryn and I went back and listened to it and from my understanding Grimes saw the attorney taking Wyatt out of the hotel room and saw where he dumped the body, which was the information that he was going to sell to Mrs. Grimes. So I would imagine somewhere along that process Grimes would have seen Wyatt was murdered. And then we have some comments regarding our Nero Wolf special. We start with Christopher who writes, I really love Nero Wolf stories. I wish Sidney Greenstreet acted in more Nero Wolf stories as he was far better than the other actors who played Wolf except for the 2000 TV show. Joel writes to me, Sidney is the real Nero Wolf. Thanks so much for this great episode. And then saysoft writes, I've seen and heard a lot of actors playing Nero Wolf and I agree that Sidney Greenstreet is the best. On the flip side, the worst I've seen was Edward Arnold who played the part in an older movie. The problem with Arnold in the role was that he was just too darn jolly, which is something you don't normally associate with Nero Wolf. Well, thanks so much for the comment. And I've heard that as well about Edward Arnold, which is a weird thing because Arnold was certainly an actor with a lot of range and he could even play some downright sinister characters like Jim Taylor in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. So he wasn't someone who could only play jolly. And there was a similar vein in which I think probably William Conrad was too jolly in the Teen 80s Nero Wolf series. And I love William Conrad as an actor and he has some fun moments, but it's not really true to book Nero Wolf. That and the beard. He did his best to generate wolf style eccentricity, including refusing to work light. Now, it's not necessarily that the actors are bad, but they either make a performance decision that doesn't work or there was more likely some direction from the creative team about how Nero Wolf should be played that ends up hurting the portrayal. I will say that beyond the 2000s series which was already referenced, there are some other performances of Nero Wolf that I enjoyed and thought came pretty close to the book you know, not perfect, but I think Thayer David in the 1979 TV movie that adapted the Doorbell Rings was actually a pretty good take on the character. It's too bad he passed away. I would have liked to see him able to do more. I like Kirk kasner in the 1959 TV pilot. I don't think the script was quite there, but his performance was really good. And I actually really enjoyed the one episode we have of the Amazing Nero Wolf with Francis X. Bushman as Wolf. It's a shame that there's only one episode of that series. The writing on the episode we have is really good, and I think that Elliot Lewis makes a good Archie Goodwin. And I do have some fun with the 81 Nero Wolf series because there were quite a few episodes that I enjoyed there. But again, it really would have been fascinating have Green street as Nero Wolf with some better material. Maybe a movie in the late 40s based on the Silent speaker or something like that. All right, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Charlie. Charlie's been one of our patreon supporters since October 2019, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Charlie. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We will be back next Thursday with another episode of Mr. And Mrs. North. Next Tuesday, we'll be bringing you hot copy. But join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar, where, as I.

[Clara Kendall]

Told you, this is just routine because of the money. Money involved. Company policy, of course. For your report, you might try to find out if this old Curly Summers, the guy, had any reason to have it in for Randall. Randall? Knew him before, huh? I thought you said Peters arranged for the guy. I guess I did, but. Now, John, let me have Peter's home address, will you? And Randall's? Sure, why not? And I hope you don't think. Did you know Randall well? Yes. Was he a drinking man? One martini before dinner, that's all. Why? How about Peters? I don't know. What difference would it make? Oh, just wondered. Don't kid me, Johnny. You've got something up your sleeve. Now, what is it? You know something about these people that I don't? Not a thing. So help me. But 500,000 is a lot of money. And I tell you that if you suspect Byron Peters, you're crazy. Did I say I still suspect? But the way you've been talking, did I? Well, no. Well, I do.

[Jerry North]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13greatdetectives.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.

[Pam North]

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[Jerry North]

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[Pam North]

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[Jerry North]

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[Pam North]

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