
Today's Mystery: With Jerry out of town, Pam tries to help a hapless reformed gambler quit his job at a gambling den and finds herself caught up in a murder investigation. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 9, 1944 Starring: Alice Frost as Pamela...
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Weasel
SA.
Adam Graham
Welcome to the great detectives of Old Time Radio Seattle. 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're enjoying the podcast, to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. I also want to talk to you about my ebooks. All I Needed to Know I Learned from Columbo and All I Needed to Know I Learned from Dragnet. Each examines the careers and histories of seven great fictional detectives and policemen and life lessons that can be learned from them. They are available as audiobooks through either audible.com or the Apple Podcast store and wherever fine ebooks are sold. But now, from August 9, 1944, here now is Pam Keeps out of Trouble.
Narrator
People have many different ways of spinning their spare time. Some collect stamps, other build model planes and ships. And there are a couple of people we know who saved. They don't indulge themselves, but they track down the ones who do. As you hear tonight in a Mystery Playhouse. Tonight Mystery Playhouse calls back for a return engagement. Those two lovebirds of crime, those babes in yummy womb. Mr. And Mrs. North, that is. We call back Pam North. Seems Jerry north is away someplace on business owners before he left the mast of the north menage made his loving spouse promise faithfully to keep out of other people's murders. Which, knowing Mrs. North as we do, seems like a waste of good breath, doesn't it? However, she's making an effort along those lines as we drop in on her this evening. She has just settled herself purposefully with a good book, is about to open it when the doorbell rings. She closes the book and hurries to the door.
Weasel
Hello, Mrs. Knott.
Pam North
Oh, weasel. Hello. Come here.
Weasel
No, thanks. Where's Mr. Knott?
Pam North
Oh, Jerry's out of town on business.
Weasel
Oh, that's too bad. On account of I would have liked to have seen him on account of you and him, as always, interested in what I do on account of it was you two which reformed me and so I wanted to tell you what I'm doing on account I got me a new job.
Pam North
Oh, that's wonderful, Weasel. What's the new job?
Weasel
I am bouncer and General Falderol at Thurman Fox's club.
Pam North
But, Weasel, that's a gambling club.
Weasel
Well, I hate to contradict you, Mrs. North, but I happen to know it ain't. I interrogate at the Boris thoroughly on that point before I took the job on account of I am an honest man now. And I wouldn't stoop to sully my hands with anything which wasn't strictly legitimate.
Pam North
I'm afraid you made a mistake this time.
Weasel
Oh, no, I didn't. I know what I'm talking about. Look, what is gambling?
Pam North
Why, it's taking a chance on something.
Weasel
That's right. Taking a chance. Well, that don't never happen at the club. They don't never take no chances.
Pam North
What do you mean?
Weasel
The tables is all fixed. So you see, it ain't gambling. It's a sure thing for the club.
Pam North
Oh, but, Weasel, that's terrible.
Weasel
J. Mrs. North, it sure grieves me if I've strayed from the straight and narrow on account I am strictly reformed. But I still don't see what is wrong about not gambling.
Pam North
Plenty, the way Mr. Fox does it.
Weasel
Well, if you say so, I guess it must be so.
Pam North
Weasel, it's wrong to cheat, and Mr. Fox cheats.
Weasel
Okay, so what must I do?
Pam North
Well, I really don't think you ought to work for him.
Weasel
See, I come here thinking you was going to congratulate me on my job. And instead you say I ought to quit it. Well, that's life. Being ever so humble. There's always a fly in the Oakland.
Pam North
I'm sorry, Weasel.
Mr. Fox
Oh, well, what is?
Weasel
What is? What is? I shall abdicate myself for Mr. Fox's premises.
Mr. Fox
Fortwood.
Pam North
Oh, that's wonderful.
Weasel
I wonder how he's going to take it, though. Look, Mrs. North, would you maybe be so good as to tender in my resignation for me to Mr. Fox? On account of maybe he'd take it better from you. I wouldn't know exactly what to say.
Pam North
Of course, Weasel, I'd be glad to help you.
Weasel
Ah, gee, thanks, Mr. Snort.
Pam North
Of course, I did promise Jerry I'd stay clear of people of questionable character while he was away. But I know he'd want me to help you. And anyway, Mr. Fox's character is something like the not gambling.
Weasel
What do you mean?
Pam North
Just that he's not a questionable character. Because as far as I'm concerned, there's no question about it. He's all bad.
Mr. Fox
Hello, weasel.
Weasel
Hello, Mr. Quain. Mr. Quain, may I present Mrs. North?
Mr. Fox
Oh, how do you do?
Pam North
How do you do?
Weasel
Mr. Crane manages the club.
Pam North
I see.
Weasel
Mr. Crane. Is Mr. Fox here tonight? On a counter. Me or Mrs. North has some business to conclude with him.
Mr. Fox
He's upstairs in his office.
Weasel
Oh, good. Come on, Mrs. North. Let us proceed. Thenceforward.
Pam North
All right, Weasel. Uh. Oh, wait a minute. Who is this coming toward us?
Weasel
Oh, that's Mr. Lawson, one of the regular customers.
Pam North
Does he always have a gun?
Weasel
Huh?
Mr. Fox
All right, stay where you are, all of you. Don't move or I'll shoot. Why, what's the idea, Terry?
Weasel
The idea is I'm going to put an end to this dirty racket you've been running.
Mr. Fox
What do you mean? I mean I've lost over $5,000 three.
Weasel
Nights in a row now, and I don't like it.
Mr. Fox
Well, I can't help it if you've been having bad luck. Luck don't hand me that. The tables are fixed.
Weasel
You know they are.
Mr. Fox
Please don't make a scene.
Weasel
Don't make a scene, he says. My friend, you don't seem to understand. I'm going to kill you.
Mr. Fox
Oh, Terry, wait.
Weasel
You shouldn't do that, Mr. Lawson. On account of it ain't right for people to kill people, is it, Mrs. North?
Pam North
No, it isn't.
Mr. Fox
You keep out of this.
Weasel
But it ain't. Just suppose everybody went around killing everybody. Why, pretty soon there wouldn't be anybody left. And then where would you be?
Mr. Fox
Please, Terry, give me a break. I'll give you a break all right.
Weasel
Like he gave me at the table. But if you're mad at the club, Mr. Lawson, you'd oughta rather shoot Mr. Fox instead of Mr. Klain on account of he owns the club. And on second thought, you hadn't oughta hit him either. Or kill him either, on account of you hadn't ought to kill nobody.
Mr. Fox
I told you to keep out of this.
Weasel
Now, wait. Wait a minute. I resent your tone of voice.
Mr. Fox
Look, if you want trouble too, you'll get it.
Weasel
Now, look, don't point that gun at me.
Pam North
Look out, Weasel.
Weasel
Stand that gun.
Mr. Fox
Good work, Weasel. You knocked him out.
Weasel
Yeah, but he got me.
Pam North
Oh, weasel.
Weasel
It's okay, Mrs. North. It's right that I should go at this. I've been a bad man, but you can remember I died saving somebody else.
Pam North
Mr. Crane. Where's the telephone? We've got to get a doctor.
Weasel
It's too late. But don't worry. I die happy.
Pam North
Weasel. Wait a minute. Look. That table. See there with a hole in it. That's where the bullet went. You're all right. He missed you.
Weasel
He missed, you mean. Well, how do you like that? And I was already hearing pretty music. Well, that just goes to show you can't always believe what you hear. Mr. Fox said. This is Mrs. North.
Pam North
Delighted.
Mr. Fox
Sit down, both of you. What was the commotion downstairs, Weasel?
Weasel
One of the customers got peeved with Mr. Clain on account of he dropped five grand three days running.
Mr. Fox
Five grand?
Weasel
Yeah. So we decided the tables was fixed. And so we decided Mr. Quain ought to be fixed.
Mr. Crane
And so we decided to fix him with a gun.
Mr. Fox
What?
Weasel
Yeah. Only I removed it from him forcefully. And we tied him up and left him in a coat room.
Mr. Fox
Indeed. So Crane owes his life to you, eh? Well, well. And I am indebted to you for preserving the manager of my club. Well, Weasel, it looks like you raid a bonus.
Weasel
Oh, I don't want no bonus, Mr. Fox.
Mr. Fox
What? Why not?
Weasel
Well, that's what I want to see about. I, I. You tell him, Mrs. North.
Pam North
Mr. Fox. Weasel would like to resign, if you don't mind.
Mr. Fox
Ah, looking for greener pastures, eh?
Weasel
Greener pastures?
Pam North
Oh, no, it's just that. Well, suppose you decided to make a new start in life, Mr. Fox. Only after you did, you found out it wasn't you. You'd want it too, wouldn't you?
Mr. Fox
Yeah. Want to what?
Pam North
Resigned. Except you wouldn't, of course.
Mr. Fox
Resign?
Pam North
No. Decide to make a new start. Only he did. So he does. I hope you don't mind.
Mr. Fox
I beg your pardon?
Weasel
It's okay, Mr. Fox. I never can understand her neither. Except, of course, I ain't very bright. But is it okay for me to quit?
Mr. Fox
Well, if you're not happy here.
Weasel
Oh, it ain't. Then I'm not happy. It's just that, well, like she told you. Whatever she did tell you, it's like that.
Mr. Fox
Oh, well, I'll think it over.
Weasel
Okay. And I sure hope you decide to let me quit. And I kind of. That's what I'm gonna do. Well, here's the coke, Mom. I'll go and see how Mr. Lawson is.
Pam North
All right.
Weasel
But where's Lulu, the hatchet girl? I told her to stay here and watch Mr. Lawson and Holler if he tried to get away.
Pam North
There she is, Weasel.
Weasel
Where?
Pam North
On the floor.
Weasel
No, that's Mr. Lawson we left. I know you lie. That isn't. It's Lulu. She's sleeping.
Pam North
She's been knocked Out.
Weasel
And I guess she has. Mr. Lawson must have come through and got loose and cocked her.
Pam North
It looks like it.
Weasel
Come on, we gotta warn Mr. Crane.
Pam North
All right, Weasel, but how about Lulu?
Weasel
Oh, I think she'll be okay, but Mr. Crane won't if Mr. Lawson gets to him first.
Pam North
Well, he doesn't seem to be in here at the table.
Weasel
No? That's funny. He don't seem to be no place. Wait a minute. There's his wife. Maybe she knows where he went. Come on. Oh, hello, Mrs. Crane.
Mrs. Crane
Weasel, you're just the person I want to see. Where's my husband?
Weasel
You took the words right out of my mouth.
Pam North
What?
Weasel
I was about to interrogate you on the same point.
Mrs. Crane
Oh, haven't you seen him?
Weasel
A little while ago, but not since Mr. Lawson escaped.
Sergeant Mullins
Who's Mr. Lawson?
Weasel
One of the customers which wants to shoot Mr. Klang.
Mrs. Crane
Oh. Well, if you find Kenneth and he hasn't been shot, tell him I'm looking for him.
Weasel
Okay.
Pam North
You don't seem very concerned about your husband's life.
Mrs. Crane
The only concern I have about anyone killing him is that it would keep me from having that pleasure myself.
Weasel
Maybe he went upstairs to see Mr. Fox.
Pam North
Well, let's go see Weasel.
Mrs. Crane
If you find him, tell him I'm waiting.
Pam North
What has she got against her husband?
Weasel
Mitzi McGilroy.
Pam North
Who's she?
Weasel
A dame which Mr. Klang is infectucated with.
Pam North
Oh, I see.
Weasel
Mr. Klain is all the time playing upon Mitzi all kinds of expensive gifts which Mrs. Klang thinks it ought to be by rights tended at her.
Pam North
Well, no wonder she doesn't.
Weasel
What's the matter?
Pam North
Look, we've the bottom of the stairs. Why, it's Mr. Crane.
Weasel
Looks like he's had an accident. Let's see. His neck seems to be broke. Or something is broke anyhow, when it kind of. He's dead.
Pam North
Oh, Weasel.
Weasel
He must have fell down the steps.
Pam North
Mm, Taylor was pushed.
Weasel
Gee, Mrs. Quang will be so on account of somebody spoiled the funeral.
Pam North
Unless she's the one who killed him.
Weasel
Oh, she didn't do it.
Pam North
What makes you so sure, Weasel?
Weasel
Not kind of the way she talked. If she had just killed him, she wouldn't say she wanted to kill him on account of that would make her liable to be suspicious.
Pam North
That's sound reasoning, Weasel. Unless that's just the way she wanted us to reason.
Mr. Fox
What's going on here? Oh, Crane. Is he dead, weasel?
Weasel
Oh, hello, Mr. Fox. Yes, he is. Very dead.
Mr. Fox
Well, what happened? Did Lawson get away?
Pam North
Yes, Mr. Parks, but I'm not so sure he's the murderer.
Mr. Fox
Why not?
Pam North
Well, he made quite a scene when he threatened Mr. Crane. Practically everyone in the club noticed it. And they'd know that if Mr. Crane was killed tonight, Mr. Lawson would be suspected.
Mr. Fox
I see.
Pam North
So you think any enemy of Mr. Crane might have taken advantage of Mr. Lawson's threat?
Mr. Fox
Yes, quite possible. Or, for that matter, any enemy of Mr. Lawson. Weasel, get in the other room and see that nobody leaves the place.
Weasel
Yes, Mr. Fox.
Mr. Fox
We better call the police. You know, Mrs. North, I don't like this.
Pam North
Were you very fond of Mr. Crane?
Mr. Fox
Oh, that's not what I meant. But murder in the club. Bad for business. Very bad for business. Well, the police should be here pretty soon.
Mrs. Crane
Yes, I suppose. Mrs. North, you could you feel it's your duty to tell the police about my little chat with you?
Pam North
Naturally, Mrs. Crane. Yes, of course.
Mrs. Crane
You're just the type.
Pam North
What type?
Mrs. Crane
Good deed for the day and all that.
Pam North
Well, you did say you'd like to kill him.
Mrs. Crane
Well, so did practically everyone who knew him.
Mr. Fox
Yes, he wasn't exactly what you'd call popular.
Mrs. Crane
However, I wasn't the one to have the good fortune to do the job.
Mr. Fox
Do you think it was Lawson?
Pam North
Possibly.
Mrs. Crane
But if I were trying to solve this case, and come to think of it, perhaps I'd better try to before Miss Girl Scout here has him pinning the wrap on me.
Pam North
Mrs.
Mrs. Crane
I begin looking for the source of my dear departed husband's sudden affluence.
Pam North
What do you mean?
Mrs. Crane
Well, Mr. Fox isn't the most generous employer.
Mr. Fox
Why, I gave Crane a good salary.
Mrs. Crane
Oh, yes, but not good enough to buy mink coats and diamond pendants and the like.
Pam North
You mean that all of a sudden your husband started buying you expensive presents?
Mrs. Crane
Oh, no, not me. That's what gripes me. He bought them for that dizzy little McGilroy dame. And it would be very interesting to find out just where the money came from.
Mr. Fox
Maybe he was blackmailing someone and the blackmailer killed him.
Pam North
Perhaps.
Mrs. Crane
At any rate, it's a thought worth toying with. So you see, Mrs. North, the case isn't quite as simple as you might like to make it.
Pam North
Gollies. What is it? I just thought of something. It is simple. It's very simple. I know who killed your husband, Mrs. Crane, and I can prove it.
Mrs. Crane
Really?
Pam North
Only there's one thing I need, and I think I know how to get it. I've got to go home now, but when the police get here, tell them that I'll be back as soon as I can. It won't be long.
Mrs. Crane
But how, Mrs. North, can you be so sure you know who the murderer is?
Pam North
Because, Mrs. Crane, you just told me.
Sergeant Mullins
All right, this is it, men.
Weasel
Now we can.
Sergeant Mullins
Oh, dear, oh, dear. I might have known. I might have known.
Pam North
Oh, hello, Sergeant Mullins.
Sergeant Mullins
Mrs. North, as I live and breathe. Although I sometimes wonder if it's worth the trouble. What are you doing coming out of a villain that a murder has just been reported in?
Pam North
I was just.
Sergeant Mullins
Never mind that. What's more to the point, what were you doing in there?
Pam North
Well, I.
Sergeant Mullins
Never mind that either.
Mrs. Crane
Right.
Sergeant Mullins
Now I know that where there's a murder, there's a North. So I might just as well accept it and let it go at that.
Pam North
Well, I can't stand here talking to you. Someone might see me.
Sergeant Mullins
What's wrong with that?
Pam North
It'll spoil my plan.
Sergeant Mullins
Oh, you have a plan already?
Pam North
Well, naturally, naturally. So I'd better get going.
Sergeant Mullins
All right, I'll take you. Where to?
Pam North
Oh, but you have a job to do here.
Sergeant Mullins
I'll send the boys in. But I'll go along with you.
Pam North
Oh, but Sergeant Mullins.
Sergeant Mullins
Mrs. North, when Mullins makes up his mind, it's as good as made up. Okay, boys, go on in and get started on the routine. I'll be back as soon as I can. But first me and Mrs. North are going for a ride. Get in, Mrs. North.
Pam North
Well, all right.
Sergeant Mullins
That's the idea. Now, where are you going?
Pam North
Home. Oh, wait a minute, Mullig. You're going the wrong way.
Sergeant Mullins
Am I now?
Pam North
Yes, I want to go home.
Mrs. Crane
So you said.
Pam North
But this isn't the way.
Sergeant Mullins
I know. I'm taking you to headquarters.
Pam North
Why?
Sergeant Mullins
Because, Mrs. North, I'm going to hold you on suspicion of murder.
Pam North
What?
Sergeant Mullins
That's right.
Pam North
Are you joking?
Sergeant Mullins
Indeed I'm not.
Pam North
Huh?
Sergeant Mullins
Didn't I find you myself running away up in the scene of a crime?
Pam North
But I had a plan.
Sergeant Mullins
Sure, sure, A plan to conceal evidence, no doubt.
Pam North
What evidence?
Sergeant Mullins
Now, how should I know that with you concealing it?
Pam North
Oh, really, Sergeant Mullen, you're not serious about this.
Sergeant Mullins
Oh, I'm not, am I?
Pam North
You can't really suspect me.
Sergeant Mullins
I'd suspect my own wife if she gave me reason. I come to think of it, since many the time she has.
Pam North
But Sergeant Mullins.
Sergeant Mullins
Now listen, that idea about it. Mrs. North, I hate to do it, but duty is duty.
Pam North
You're making a terrible mistake.
Sergeant Mullins
Well, now, we can't all be perfect, can we?
Pam North
But, Bill, Sergeant Mullins has locked me up. But, Bill, you're a lieutenant on the Homicide squad. He's only a sergeant. I see. Well, all right, Bill, I think you're horrid. But, Mr. Burgess, you're my lawyer. Make them let me get out of here. Why, people can't just go around putting people in jail. It's not only unconstitutional, it's mean. Hello, Jerry, I'm in jail and I have a dreadful cold.
Weasel
Well, all I did was.
Pam North
I didn't do anything. But, Jerry. But, Jerry. Well, I won't stand for it. Just because I was running away doesn't mean I was running away. And I could prove it if somebody would only believe me. Hello, operator, get me the White House.
Weasel
Hello, Mrs. North.
Pam North
Oh, hello, Weasel.
Weasel
How are you?
Pam North
As well as can be expected after a night in jail, I guess. Weasel, I want to get out of here.
Weasel
It's a cinch. I gotta hold the Jigga McFidget.
Pam North
Who?
Weasel
Jigger McFidget. He's the mouthpiece which always spun me before. I will reform. He's hot stuff on that Habria Scarfields and stuff like that. Oh, so don't worry. He's fixed everything.
Pam North
You mean I'm to be released?
Weasel
That's right.
Pam North
Oh, Weasel, I could kiss you.
Mr. Fox
Gee.
Weasel
Ah, here comes the twin cook. Twinkle, come here in this woman for me. Mrs. North, you are a free woman of the world. Gee, she did kiss me. What do you want to see Mr. Fox about?
Pam North
Well, there's one thing I still have to find out before the case is completely solved, Weasel. And perhaps I can find it out from him. With the police suspecting me, I'd better solve it as quick as I can.
Weasel
Well, here we are. I'll knock.
Mr. Fox
Who's that?
Weasel
Me, Weasel.
Mr. Fox
Oh, all right. Come in, weasel.
Weasel
Mr. Fox, we just wanted to. Mr. Fox. What's the matter? What are you staring at?
Mr. Fox
Mrs. North, where did you. How did you. I've got to get out of here.
Pam North
Weasel, get him. He's going for the back door.
Weasel
Hey, Mr. Fox, wait. Let go.
Pam North
Hold him, Weasel.
Weasel
I knocked them out.
Pam North
Good for you.
Weasel
Gee, it's a good thing I'm quitting. On account of. This would get me fired. On account of employers usually resents getting socked by their employees.
Pam North
Wait a minute, Weasel. I hear someone coming.
Weasel
Oh, he must have pushed the button.
Pam North
What button?
Weasel
On his desk. It's a signal for the boys. And them boys are up. We better get out this back way.
Pam North
All right.
Weasel
Only you wanted to talk to Mr. Fox. Well, I'll bring him along. Help me pick him up.
Pam North
Here's his feet.
Weasel
Okay. The fireman's coming. Come on, let's go. Quick, down these stairs.
Pam North
All right.
Weasel
I wish Mr. Fox didn't eat so much. He's heavy. Oh, here comes the boys. Oh, golly, they're shooting. Hurry, Mrs. North. The door to the back alley is right ahead. Keep going and keep praying. Here's the door.
Pam North
Oh, thank heavens. There's a cab at the head of the alley.
Sergeant Mullins
Good.
Weasel
We'll try and make it. It's hard carrying Mr. Fox.
Pam North
Can I help you, Weasel?
Weasel
No, no. Just keep going.
Pam North
Here they come.
Weasel
And here we go. Get in, Mrs. North. Start moving. Drive it, quick. It don't matter where. Keep down, Mrs. North.
Pam North
I am.
Weasel
Ah. We made it. It's okay, Mrs. North. They're out of sight.
Pam North
Oh, God.
Weasel
Oh.
Pam North
What's the matter, Weasel?
Weasel
I've been shot. I'm dying.
Pam North
Now, Weasel, we were all through that.
Weasel
Before, but this time it's real. I'm all over blood.
Pam North
Kevin, you are.
Weasel
I'm dying.
Pam North
Oh, wait a minute, Weasel. That's not your blood.
Weasel
Huh?
Pam North
No, it's Mr. Fox's. The bullets hit him, Steve. We better get him to a hospital.
Weasel
Me, too, because even if I ain't shot, I certainly feel sick. Maybe I should have stayed at the hospital. I still don't feel so good.
Pam North
Well, come on in, Weasel, and I'll give you a nice cool drink.
Weasel
Okay, thanks.
Pam North
Go on into the living room. I'll be right in. First I want to call the hospital again and see if Mr. Fox has regained consciousness again.
Weasel
All right. I think I better lie down on account of I can't stand so good.
Pam North
Well, you can stretch out on the sofa.
Weasel
No, I can't.
Pam North
Why not?
Weasel
Because somebody's on it already.
Pam North
What? Who?
Weasel
Mr. Crane's wife.
Pam North
Well, what's she doing here?
Weasel
I don't know.
Pam North
Why don't you ask her?
Weasel
I can't.
Sergeant Mullins
She's fed.
Pam North
You see, Sergeant Mullins, when Weasel and I told Mr. Fox about all the money that Mr. Lawson had been losing at the club, Mr. Fox seemed very surprised.
Sergeant Mullins
So you said.
Pam North
Then when Mrs. Crane mentioned Mr. Crane's sudden wealth, I got a hunch that he'd been pocketing some of the club's money and not reporting it to Mr. And when Mr. Fox found out about it, they had a fight and Mr. Fox killed Mr. Crane.
Sergeant Mullins
And so you say, you know, the murdering run out, hoping Mr. Fox would follow and try to shut you up. And that would give him away.
Pam North
Yes, but Mrs. Crane evidently came to my apartment to find out what I knew. And then Mr. Fox must have come and in the dark, mistook her for me and killed her.
Sergeant Mullins
That's right. I just been at the hospital and he's been talking. It all happened like you say.
Pam North
Well, then you see, Sergeant, the case is all solved. And it would have been sooner if you hadn't gotten the crazy idea of locking me up.
Sergeant Mullins
Oh, it wasn't so crazy.
Pam North
What do you mean?
Sergeant Mullins
Well, just look now. You get a murderer to go gun for you, and but for the grace of God and Aloysius Mullins, he'd have got you two. And then you go into his den again and get yourself shot at by a bunch of his thugs. Is it any wonder Mr. North wanted us to keep you locked up?
Pam North
Mr. North? Do you mean that. That Jerry, that he.
Sergeant Mullins
Yes, he tells us if we find you mixing in murders while he's away, he'll lock you up. And a good idea, that is, to.
Pam North
Of all the nerve. I'll never speak to him again as long as I live. Oh, just wait till I see him. I'll tell him a thing or two. I won't forget this ever. Of all the low, mean, rotten, sneaking. Just a minute, Sergeant Collins. Hello. Oh, Jerry. Now, listen here, Gerald North. If you think I'm going to stand for your. What did you say you are? Sergeant Mullins is coming home. Oh, yes, darling. Oh, please hurry. I've missed you so much. Of course, darling. Oh, wait a minute, Jerry. Did you say something, Sergeant Mullen?
Sergeant Mullins
Oh, I was just talking to myself. Love ain't playing. They were saying it's dumb.
Narrator
And so we leave. Pam North.
Mr. Fox
What a woman.
Narrator
Another in the Adventures of Mr. And Mrs. North. Tonight's presentation in a mystery playhouse. Now for the green room and a quick listen to a part of our next mystery. Hey, my spies tell me this one involves a murder of a radio quiz expert. Sounds like an interesting subject. Well, let's find out for ourselves. Follow me, please. Come.
Pam North
Sid.
Mr. Crane
I want a showdown. Do you want me back?
Weasel
Yes, I do.
Pam North
You're lying.
Mr. Crane
You don't love me. You never did.
Mr. Fox
I like your company, like your looks.
Weasel
I miss you the way you'd miss.
Mr. Crane
An old pair of shoes. You never noticed me till I left you.
Weasel
Could be, could be.
Mr. Crane
That's just like you. Absolutely shameless. You have no more idea what love is than for you.
Mr. Fox
It's Charlie Robinson, eh, Joanie?
Weasel
A nice shiny agency boy.
Mr. Fox
Four years younger than you.
Mrs. Crane
Sid.
Sergeant Mullins
You.
Mr. Crane
Sid, I want a divorce. Please, Sid, this is no good. Be decent, will you?
Weasel
Just thinking of you, Joan.
Mr. Fox
The kid's got nothing but a glossy smile. Wouldn't last a year.
Mr. Crane
That's not true. Sid, will you.
Weasel
No.
Mr. Crane
Your answer to that question is all wrong, Mr. Sherman, because I'm going to have it my way.
Mr. Fox
Hey, Joan, wait. Hello. Oh, Mr. Sherman. Ellery Queen. I'm not disturbing you? Oh, no, not at all.
Pam North
Queen, Got a minute?
Weasel
I'm not taking away from any guests or anything.
Mr. Fox
No, no, I'm all alone. What's on your mind? The Mock Turtle. What? The Mock Turtle in Alice in Wonderland.
Weasel
Who sang Soup of the Evening.
Mr. Fox
Beautiful Soup. Oh, yeah? Well, I know Alice practically by heart. We get questions on it every other week. You're wrong, Queen. The Mad Hatter sang that at the tea table. How about looking it up, Mr. Sherwood? All right, I will. Hold on a minute. Alice. Alice, where'd I put that book? Ah, here we are. Coming. Sherman, what's happened?
Sergeant Mullins
What was that explosion?
Weasel
She.
Sergeant Mullins
Operator.
Weasel
Operator. Captain. Police headquarters.
Narrator
And that was the end of Sid Sherman. Chris expert extraordinary. A murder that the master detective, EL Queen accidentally became a part of. The whole story starts when Elri proceeds enough to become a guest expert on a well known Chris program, but thereby hangs another tape, a murder case that you in our audience are invited to solve, along with Ellery and his guest detective. So be in your seats next time when we present Hillary Queen and the adventure of the Booby Trap. This is Peter Laurie closing the doors of the Mystery Playhouse. Good night. Sleep. Tag this, Young Horses Radio Service.
Pam North
SA.
Adam Graham
Welcome back. Well, it is really fun to get two episodes in a row, and particularly two episodes where Pam is working alone. And she did manage, of course, to solve this and would have done so much quicker without Jerry's meddling. Locking her up seemed a pretty bad tactic since she not only ended up getting shot at, but had to spend time in jail. I mean, she still got shot at regardless. I love, though, that Jerry's whole plot to contain Pam was foiled by Habeas Corpus. It was nice to hear a good quality Mystery Playhouse with Peter Laurie. He is really marvelous as the host, and I prefer a Peter Laurie Mystery Playhouse to a network version of an episode any day. The Ellery Queen clip is a nice oddity since we don't have many episodes of that series and we're actually missing the episode that's previewed. While it's nice when the Mystery Playhouse provides a clip of something we can go listen to. These clips for episodes that don't exist are fun artifacts. Probably my favorite example is that there is actually a clip of the Saint with Edgar Barrier as a preview on one of the circulating Mystery Playhouse episodes and it's actually the only clip that I've been able to track down of Edgar Barrier playing the Saint. Alright, well now listener comments and feedback and Betsy writes over on YouTube regarding the Wilbur Wills matter and just simply says charming. Well, thanks so much. And now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank William. William's been one of our patreon supporters since February 2016, currently supporting the podcast at the Seamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, William. And that will actually do it for today. We will be back next Thursday with another episode of Mr. And Mrs. North coming up next Tuesday. Listen for Operation Danger, but join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar Wear.
Jerry North
I walked outside and hailed a taxi. But then just as I was about to step into it, I froze because I caught a glimpse of somebody walking quickly into the service entrance at the side and there was just enough light to tell me it was none other than Willie Bemis. I headed back in fast and straight to the door of Crothers little office. The door of it was locked. Brothers. Open up Crothers. Okay then I'll open it. Hey Crothers, what happened to you?
Mr. Fox
Mr. Staller?
Jerry North
That's right. What happened?
Mr. Fox
This man, right after you left, he came barging in.
Jerry North
That was Willie Bemis. What did you tell him? Crothers?
Mr. Fox
Only what I told you.
Jerry North
And it looks like he and I are starting out even. Well, but this is one race I don't want to end up in what you'd call a dead heat.
Adam Graham
I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box13REAT detectives.net follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram instagram.com greatdetctives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.
Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode: Mr. and Mrs. North: Pam Keeps Out of Trouble (EP4566)
In this thrilling episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham presents "Mr. and Mrs. North: Pam Keeps Out of Trouble," a captivating installment that delves deep into the adventures of the illustrious detective couple, Mr. and Mrs. North. Released on December 5, 2024, this episode showcases the wit, courage, and sharp intellect of Pam North as she navigates a perilous situation at a questionable gambling club.
Setting the Scene
The episode opens with Mrs. Pam North enjoying a quiet evening at home, demonstrating her commitment to staying out of trouble while her husband, Jerry North, is away on business. This tranquility is abruptly disturbed when Weasel, a reformed individual indebted to the Norths, arrives with news of his new job.
Weasel's Dilemma
Weasel reveals his employment as a bouncer and General Falderol at Thurman Fox's club, insisting it's a legitimate establishment despite Pam's intuition about its gambling operations.
Pam senses Weasel's misinformation and warns him about the unethical practices at the club, urging him to resign. Their conversation is interrupted by Mr. Fox and other patrons, leading to escalating tensions.
Confrontation and Violence
A disgruntled customer, Mr. Lawson, confronts Weasel over his gambling losses, wielding a gun and threatening violence. In a courageous move, Weasel intervenes to stop Mr. Lawson, resulting in a scuffle that leaves both parties injured.
Despite Weasel's bravery, a misunderstanding leads to Mr. Crane, the club's manager, being killed, raising suspicions and complicating the situation further.
Pam's Investigation
Determined to clear her name and uncover the truth, Pam collaborates with Weasel to investigate Mr. Crane's death. Their sleuthing leads them to the club owner, Mr. Fox, revealing deep-seated corruption and deceit within the establishment.
Climactic Rescue and Revelation
As Sergeant Mullins becomes suspicious of Pam's involvement, he attempts to detain her. However, Pam's quick thinking and Weasel's assistance enable them to escape, leading to a high-tension chase through the club's back alleys. In the ensuing chaos, Weasel is shot but miraculously survives, exposing Mr. Fox's true nature to the authorities.
Resolution
The episode concludes with Pam expertly piecing together the clues, proving that Mr. Fox was responsible for Mr. Crane's demise. Her actions not only solve the mystery but also reinforce her unwavering dedication to justice, despite the challenges posed by her husband's protective measures.
After the dramatization, Adam Graham returns with insightful commentary on the episode.
Analysis of Pam's Solo Investigation
Adam highlights the significance of Pam operating independently, praising her resourcefulness and determination. He notes that Pam's ability to solve the case swiftly was hindered by Jerry's interference, emphasizing the importance of trust and autonomy in detective work.
Appreciation for Mystery Playhouse Presentation
Adam commends the quality of the Mystery Playhouse presentation, especially applauding host Peter Laurie for his stellar performance. He expresses a preference for the dedicated Mystery Playhouse clips over network versions, appreciating their authenticity and engaging delivery.
Reflection on Classic Radio Clips
Adam reflects on the unique nature of certain clips, such as the Ellery Queen segment, noting their rarity and nostalgic value. He mentions the intriguing clip featuring Edgar Barrier as the Saint, underscoring the podcast's commitment to preserving radio history.
Listener Engagement and Community
Acknowledging listener contributions, Adam shares a comment from Betsy on YouTube, describing the episode as "charming." He also expresses gratitude towards William, a long-time Patreon supporter, highlighting the community's role in sustaining the podcast.
Upcoming Episodes Tease
Adam teases future episodes, including "Operation Danger" and "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar Wear," encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more intriguing mysteries.
"Mr. and Mrs. North: Pam Keeps Out of Trouble" stands out as a testament to the enduring allure of old-time radio detective dramas. Through sharp dialogue, suspenseful plotlines, and memorable characters, the episode offers both entertainment and a glimpse into the complexities of detective work. Adam Graham's adept hosting further enriches the experience, making this installment a must-listen for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Podcast Accessibility:
Subscribers can access this episode and over 1,000 others by visiting Great Detectives of Old Time Radio or through major podcast platforms.
Archive Feeds:
The podcast offers multiple archive volumes for dedicated listeners, ensuring easy access to past seasons.
Current Season:
This episode is part of the fifteenth season, continuing the legacy of delivering suspenseful mystery dramas since 2009.
Stay Connected:
For more updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and community interactions, follow The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on Twitter @radiodetectives and Instagram @greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho.
This summary captures the essence and key moments of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven’t listened to the full drama.