Mr. and Mrs. North: The Heavenly Body (EP4662)

Summary

Podcast Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode: Mr. and Mrs. North: The Heavenly Body (EP4662)
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Mr. and Mrs. North, listeners are transported to the bustling ambiance of the Café Emile, a fashionable supper club in New York City. Hosted by the illustrious Adam Graham, the story delves into a complex web of mystery, betrayal, and vengeance, featuring beloved characters Pam and Jerry North as they navigate through intrigue and danger.

Setting the Scene: Café Emile’s Allure

The episode opens with Pam and Jerry North entering Café Emile for the first time, immediately noticing its luxurious French atmosphere and the extravagant prices that attract New York’s elite. As they settle into their table, they encounter Sam Zachary, a prominent newspaper columnist, whose presence sets the stage for the unfolding drama.

Notable Quote:
Pam North: “It's not something at your feet, Pam. It's someone. Someone who's dead.” [02:59]

Unveiling the Past: The Jack Rawlings Murder

The central mystery revolves around the unsolved murder of Jack Rawlings, a gambler whose death two years prior had been the talk of the town. Sam Zachary reveals his breakthrough claim in his column, stating he has identified the individual who lured Rawlings to his demise.

Notable Quote:
Jerry North: “Except that Zachary said in his column that he'd found out the name of the person who lured Jack Rawlings out of hiding for the men who killed him.” [04:42]

Intricacies of Deception: Al Stacy’s Involvement

Al Stacy, the bartender, becomes a pivotal character as suspicions arise about his connection to the Rawlings case. His interactions with Nancy Coleman, a featured singer at the café, hint at deeper, hidden alliances. The Norths’ suspicions heighten when Mona Rawlings, Jack’s widow, confronts Sam Zachary, further entangling the web of deceit.

Notable Quote:
Mona Rawlings: “Who is she, Mr. Zachary? I got something for her. Some of the same thing Jack got.” [09:10]

Climactic Confrontations: Unraveling the Truth

As tensions escalate, Sam Zachary’s aggressive pursuit of the truth leads to his own demise at the hands of Jerry North. Al Stacy's confession of killing Zachary to protect others adds layers to the narrative, revealing the interconnected motives behind the murders.

Notable Quote:
Al Stacy: “Zachary found out I was the one who put the finger on Jack Rawlings. And I killed him.” [18:32]

Resolution: Exposing the Culprits

The episode reaches its climax as Pam and Jerry piece together the puzzle, uncovering that Fred Benedict, a former partner of Rawlings, orchestrated the murders with the help of Nan Coleman. Mona Rawlings’ confrontation solidifies the truth, ensuring justice is served.

Notable Quote:
Sam Zachary: “Fred Benedict killed Nan Coleman.” [24:20]

Host’s Commentary and Listener Engagement

After the thrilling conclusion, host Adam Graham provides insightful commentary on the episode's themes, drawing parallels between the story and real-world issues of the 1950s, such as tuberculosis treatment. He engages with listener feedback, addressing theories about character motivations and plot intricacies, enhancing the overall listening experience.

Notable Commentary:
Adam Graham: “The idea of being so sick you have to go to the desert was a big plot point in a lot of old time radio and movies...” [28:51]

Conclusion

Mr. and Mrs. North: The Heavenly Body masterfully combines suspense, character development, and intricate plotting to deliver an engaging mystery that captivates listeners. Through clever dialogue and unexpected twists, Pam and Jerry North demonstrate their detective prowess, ensuring that justice prevails in the shadowy alleys of Café Emile.

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Additional Information:
To explore more episodes and delve deeper into classic radio detective stories, subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your preferred podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net.

Transcript

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[Jerry North]

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[Pam North]

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[Advertiser]

It just meant that I feel really.

[Sam Zachary]

Good about my coverage. I mean, even if you took the clam out for the best day ever, visiting the zoo, taking a scenic ride.

[Pam North]

Knowing you're insured by specialists, and sharing.

[Sam Zachary]

A strawberry ice cream cone together, the.

[Pam North]

Clam would not feel happy and your.

[Sam Zachary]

Strawberry cone would taste sort of clammy. Ew.

[Pam North]

Geico's motorcycle specialists who know bikes like you to assume no liability for clammy ice cream cones. GEICO expertise for your motorcycle.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Mr. And Mrs. North. But first, if you are enjoying the podcast, I do encourage you to follow this podcast using your favorite podcast software. Would you like to make me part of your next special occasion? Well, you can. Birthday, anniversary, happy retirement, Retirement, what have you. If you go to cameo.greatdetectives.net I will record a short video for York. For a slot consideration, of course, go to cameo.greatdetectives.net now from March 4, 1952 here is the episode the Heavenly Body.

[Jerry North]

Can you see anything, Jerry?

[Pam North]

Oh dear. This alley is like the inside of a pocket.

[Jerry North]

Well, I can't, darling. Something at my feet.

[Pam North]

It's not something at your feet, Pam. It's someone. Someone who's dead.

[Sam Zachary]

Mr. And Mrs. North starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin. Listen as Pam and Jerry solve the mystery. The Heavenly Body. The Cafe Emile is a small but fashionable supper club. Its atmosphere is French, its food is delicious, and its prices are outrageous. Yet it's a place that most New.

[Pam North]

Yorkers who can possibly afford it want.

[Sam Zachary]

To visit at least once. And so tonight, Pam and Jerry are entering the Cafe Emile for the first time. Little aware that this first visit will gladly be their last.

[Pam North]

Good evening. We have a reservation. Mr. And Mrs. Noah?

[Al Stacy]

Oui.

[Sam Zachary]

Mr. And Miss. Ah, Monsieur Zachary. Bon, monsieur. Your table is ready, monsieur. Thanks, I'll find it. And, Mayor, when Nat Coleman is through with a number, tell her I want to talk to her. Oui, monsieur. Pardon, Mr. North, but your table will not be available for a few minutes. If you and madame would care to wait in the bar, monsieur, I will call you.

[Pam North]

Oh, thank you. Come on, dear.

[Jerry North]

Jerry, did you recognize him?

[Pam North]

Him? Oh, dear.

[Jerry North]

The man Emile just spoke to. That was Sam Zachary.

[Pam North]

The newspaper column?

[Jerry North]

Yes. Oh, here's the cocktail.

[Pam North]

No wonder he was getting the red carpet treatment now. I'll get the door, dear. Shall we sit at the bar?

[Jerry North]

Mm, let's. Did you read his column yesterday?

[Pam North]

Zachary's?

[Sam Zachary]

No.

[Pam North]

Why?

[Jerry North]

It was about that gang killing of that big gambler. You remember, Jerry. His name was Jack Rawlings.

[Pam North]

Well, that was two years ago. It hardly comes under the heading of News anymore.

[Jerry North]

Except that Zachary said in his column that he'd found out the name of the person who lured Jack Rawlings out of hiding for the men who killed him.

[Pam North]

The finger man in the case.

[Jerry North]

That's right. And Sam, will it be Mr.

[Al Stacy]

Nose? Well.

[Pam North]

Hey, Pam, look who's behind the bar. Al Stacy.

[Al Stacy]

How are you, Mr. Knox?

[Pam North]

Well, fine, fine. And you?

[Al Stacy]

Okay.

[Pam North]

Pam, you remember Al, the bartender in that little place around the corner from my office.

[Al Stacy]

Hello, mister.

[Pam North]

I haven't seen you in a couple of years. Al. Where have you been?

[Al Stacy]

In a hospital out west.

[Pam North]

I heard you were sick, but I didn't know it was that serious. How are you now?

[Al Stacy]

Oh, I'll live. What do you folks drink?

[Pam North]

Martinis? Look, Al, why don't you come?

[Jerry North]

Al, could I speak to you a minute?

[Al Stacy]

Why, sure, sure. Ms. Coleman. Ms. Coleman, this is Mr. And Mrs. North.

[Jerry North]

How are you doing?

[Pam North]

Hello, Mr. North.

[Sam Zachary]

Your table is ready.

[Pam North]

Better cancel those drinks, Al, and we'll see you later. Sure happy to have met you, Ms. Coleman.

[Jerry North]

We're looking forward to hearing you sing. Thank you. Sam, Zachary's here.

[Al Stacy]

Take it easy, honey. We figured he would be, but he.

[Jerry North]

Wants to talk to me.

[Al Stacy]

Let him talk.

[Jerry North]

I can't. Al, call Fred Benedict.

[Pam North]

No.

[Jerry North]

How pleased you got.

[Al Stacy]

Hold it, baby. Zachary.

[Sam Zachary]

Hi, Ms. Coleman. I guess you didn't get my message, huh?

[Jerry North]

I got it.

[Al Stacy]

Look, Mr. Zachary, Ms. Coleman's busy, so.

[Jerry North]

All right, Al, go make that phone call, will you, please?

[Al Stacy]

Okay.

[Sam Zachary]

What's with you in the barkeep, Ms. Coleman? Nothing too bad. Thought I might have an item for the column. Guess I'll just have to string along with this.

[Jerry North]

With what?

[Sam Zachary]

This. My copy for tomorrow's edition. Read it. Go on. Come on, read it.

[Jerry North]

Attention, New York police. The Jack Rawlings kill was set up by a woman who lured Rawlings to his death with a telephone call. The call was made from Jefferson 87481. A number listed to Nan Coleman, now a featured singer at the Swank Cafe Meal. You're not going to print this?

[Sam Zachary]

Uh huh. Just like that. Unless you give me something better. Something like, why were you paid to finger Jack Rawlings? How much? You were paid and most important, who paid you? Was it Fred Benedict?

[Jerry North]

Leave me alone.

[Sam Zachary]

Come back here. Ms. Conan.

[Adam Graham]

Come.

[Sam Zachary]

Okay, kid, do it the hard way.

[Al Stacy]

Wait a minute, Mr. Zachary. Well, I'd like to like to buy you a drink.

[Sam Zachary]

Sure.

[Al Stacy]

What'll it be?

[Sam Zachary]

It's your battle.

[Al Stacy]

Mind if I turn this on?

[Pam North]

What's that?

[Al Stacy]

Ms. Coleman's song, piped in from the dining room.

[Sam Zachary]

Listen.

[Pam North]

She's good.

[Al Stacy]

She's the best. Look, Mr. Zachary, I'd like to tell you a story.

[Sam Zachary]

What kind of a story?

[Al Stacy]

About a guy and a gal in love.

[Sam Zachary]

Everybody loves a love story. Let's hear it.

[Al Stacy]

Well, the guy, he's just a guy. Sees nothing. He's just a bartender hoping maybe someday he'll have a little place his own. That's all you. But the girl. Well, she's really got it. Looks, a voice, everything. Everything but the break. She's singing her heart out in every crummy beer joint that'll let her go near the microphone, hoping that. Well, you know, maybe someday she'll be singing in a place like this.

[Sam Zachary]

So the gals n co on.

[Al Stacy]

Well, she's beginning to get there slow, but sure. And, and, and things are starting to look rosy when bang, the guy gets sick. And he needs dough. He needs a lot of dough for six months, a year, maybe longer in Arizona. Otherwise it's curtains. But, well, the guy hasn't got that.

[Sam Zachary]

Kind of dough, so the gal gets it for him, right?

[Al Stacy]

That's right. That's right. She does a dirty, rotten, filthy thing and she knows that she runs the chance of ruining her whole life and she knows that too. But she gets a dough not. Not for herself. Not one penny for herself, but for the guy.

[Sam Zachary]

So.

[Al Stacy]

So don't you think a Gal like that deserves a break, Mr. Zachary.

[Sam Zachary]

Now, let me tell you a story, my friend. The story of a guy named Jack Rawlings. Rawlings wasn't a pillar of society. That's true, but it's irrelevant. He trusted the dame and wound up lying between two garbage cans in an alley with six slugs in them. Does a girl like that deserve a break? You can turn that off now.

[Al Stacy]

Yeah.

[Sam Zachary]

Thanks for the drink. Sorry I can't use the story.

[Mona Rawlings]

Mr. Zachary. Mr. Zachary, wait. Well, you don't know me, do you? I'm Mona Rawlings.

[Sam Zachary]

Jack Rawlings. Wife.

[Mona Rawlings]

His widow.

[Sam Zachary]

Okay, his widow. So what do you want?

[Mona Rawlings]

The name of the person who called Jack that night.

[Sam Zachary]

Now, look, Mrs. Rawlings.

[Mona Rawlings]

It was a woman, wasn't it? I know that much. Jack wouldn't have gone out and meet a man that night. Who is she, Mr. Zachary? I got something for her. Some of the same thing Jack got.

[Sam Zachary]

You're drunk.

[Mona Rawlings]

Sure, I'm drunk. And drunk for two years and gonna stay drunk until.

[Sam Zachary]

Listen, Mrs. Rawlings. That's a gun you've got in your handbag. I advise you to take it home and put it to bed. Then do the same thing with yourself.

[Mona Rawlings]

Who is she?

[Sam Zachary]

Good night, Mrs. Rawling. Lieutenant Wigan speaking. This is Sam Zachary. Lieutenant Zachary, I. I've been trying to get in touch with you about that item you had in your column about Jack Rawlings. That's what I'm calling about, Lieutenant. Can you meet me at the cafe, Emil? Sure. Right away. Something wrong? Not yet. That's why I want you here, to see that things stay that way.

[Pam North]

Pam, dear, what's the matter with you?

[Jerry North]

Jerry, I've been thinking you could have.

[Pam North]

Done that much cheaper at home.

[Jerry North]

Now, don't you want to know what I've been thinking?

[Pam North]

At these prices, it had better be good.

[Jerry North]

Remember when we came in, Jerry? We heard Sam Zachary asking Neil to have Ms. Coleman come to his table. Well, then, just a couple of minutes later, Ms. Coleman came into the cocktail lounge, acting very nervous, wanting to talk to Al Stacey.

[Pam North]

What are you getting at?

[Jerry North]

And then while Emil was showing us to our table, I saw Sam Zachary going to the coffee lounge. I was wondering if there could be any connection between all that and the column that Zachary wrote about the Jack Rawlings murder.

[Pam North]

Pam, dear, you're feeling your dreams. But, Jerry, don't you stop imagining things and let's dance.

[Jerry North]

Dance? Darling, this is a rumba.

[Pam North]

Well, I can rumba.

[Jerry North]

Now who's imagining things?

[Sam Zachary]

This is Ms. Coleman's dressing room. Thanks, Emil. Not at all. Monsieur. Who is it? Sam Zachary. Open the door, Mrs. Stacy.

[Mona Rawlings]

What do you mean, Mrs. Stacy? Did Al tell you that?

[Sam Zachary]

He told me a story. I guess the rest. That's why I decided to give you another chance.

[Jerry North]

I told you to leave me alone.

[Sam Zachary]

I know when the Fred Benedict's torpedoes kill Rawlings get out. The police know it. The whole town knows it. But you're the only one who can prove it. So let me hear you say it, kid. Let me hear you say Fred Benedict paid me to telephone Jack Rawlings and.

[Jerry North]

Get out.

[Sam Zachary]

Give me that gun.

[Jerry North]

I'm warning you, Mr. Zachary, if you.

[Sam Zachary]

Don'T give it to me.

[Jerry North]

Let go of me.

[Sam Zachary]

Drop it.

[Jerry North]

Let's go.

[Sam Zachary]

Drop it, you little fool.

[Advertiser]

Mr. Zachary.

[Al Stacy]

You crazy little.

[Jerry North]

Mr. Zachary. Mr. Zachary.

[Al Stacy]

Nan.

[Sam Zachary]

Nan.

[Jerry North]

How.

[Al Stacy]

Nan, what's happened? I heard same. Zachary.

[Jerry North]

I didn't mean to do it, Al.

[Al Stacy]

Close the door.

[Jerry North]

It was an accident, Al. He grabbed for the gun and started twisting my arm to make me drop it and. Al. Is he dead?

[Al Stacy]

Yeah. Oh, don't, baby. Don't. Please, honey, don't. Get a hold of yourself. Come on.

[Advertiser]

Now.

[Al Stacy]

That's better. Now, look. Where's the gun?

[Jerry North]

Over there on the floor.

[Al Stacy]

Okay. Now, you've got another number coming up, haven't you?

[Jerry North]

Oh, yes, but I can't.

[Al Stacy]

You've got to. You've got to go out there and act just as though nothing has happened.

[Mona Rawlings]

What are you going to do?

[Al Stacy]

I'm gonna get Zachary out of here. Never mind. Now get out there for your number before someone comes looking for you.

[Jerry North]

But, Al.

[Al Stacy]

Please, honey, would you let me handle this, please?

[Jerry North]

All right, darling. But I want you to know you don't have to do this for me.

[Al Stacy]

You did something for me once that you didn't have to do, remember? All right. Now get going.

[Sam Zachary]

Nan.

[Mona Rawlings]

Oh, Mr. Benedict.

[Sam Zachary]

I was just coming back to see you. Al called and said Sam Zecri was. What's the matter with him?

[Jerry North]

Sam Zachary's dead.

[Pam North]

Huh?

[Jerry North]

I killed him.

[Sam Zachary]

What? Why, you little. Where is he?

[Jerry North]

In my dressing room. Al's in there. He's going to try to get Zachary out.

[Sam Zachary]

Where you going?

[Jerry North]

To do my next number. Al made me.

[Sam Zachary]

He's right. All right, go on. I'll go in and see if we can clean up the mess you made. You're not leaving already, Monsieur? It is early.

[Pam North]

Not for a working man. Emil.

[Jerry North]

Jerry, darling, look who just came in.

[Sam Zachary]

Bill.

[Pam North]

Wagon.

[Jerry North]

Bill, what are you doing here?

[Sam Zachary]

Sam Zachary, you know, the columnist asked me to meet him here. He said he'd be at the Bar.

[Jerry North]

He wants to see you about the Rawlings case, doesn't he, Bill?

[Pam North]

Now, look, Pam, don't start asking a lot of questions about something that isn't your business. Be seeing you, Bill. All right.

[Sam Zachary]

Take care of yourselves, you two.

[Pam North]

Same to you. Holy smoke, Pam, why must you always.

[Jerry North]

Look over there at the check room?

[Pam North]

How, Stacy?

[Mona Rawlings]

But this is Mr. Zachary's happy room.

[Sam Zachary]

I know, I know.

[Al Stacy]

He asked me to get them for now. Hand them over, will you, Marie?

[Jerry North]

Oh, well. Well, all right. Here.

[Al Stacy]

Thank you.

[Jerry North]

There's something awfully strange about that, Jerry.

[Pam North]

There certainly is. Why should Zachary want his hat and coat when he's meeting Bill in the barrel?

[Jerry North]

Stacy's going, Jerry. Out. That side door must lead to an alley or something.

[Pam North]

I'm going to get Bill.

[Jerry North]

No, there isn't time. We've got to see what Al Stacy's up to.

[Al Stacy]

Come on.

[Jerry North]

Come on, darling.

[Pam North]

Here's the door open. It leads to an alley, a very dark alley.

[Jerry North]

Now, Stacy must have gone back that way, away from the street, or we could see him.

[Pam North]

Well, you obviously aren't going to be satisfied until we have a look, so let's get it over with.

[Jerry North]

You better close the door.

[Pam North]

I got it. Come on.

[Jerry North]

I. I can't see a thing, Jerry. Can you?

[Pam North]

If it'll make you feel better, dear. No, darling. This is a blind alley in more ways than one.

[Jerry North]

Well, then, if Val Stacy didn't go.

[Mona Rawlings]

Out to the street, where did he?

[Jerry North]

What's the matter, Jerry? Calling this something? He here?

[Pam North]

Where?

[Jerry North]

Right at my feet. I almost stumbled over it.

[Pam North]

It's a match. Wait till I strike the man. Sam Zachary.

[Jerry North]

Jerry. He looks like he.

[Pam North]

He is. He's dead. Oh, no, I'm. Steady. Darling, are you all right?

[Jerry North]

Yes.

[Pam North]

Okay. Now, look, you going to get Bill? I'll wait here.

[Jerry North]

All right.

[Pam North]

And leave that door open.

[Jerry North]

I will get.

[Pam North]

Oh, for the last match.

[Al Stacy]

Sorry, Mr. North.

[Sam Zachary]

You better save your sympathy for us, Al. Now, let's get out of here.

[Pam North]

Get out?

[Al Stacy]

What about Zachary? We've got to move him out of here.

[Sam Zachary]

Don't be a fool. What good will that do? The guy's seen him. So is the woman. Come on.

[Al Stacy]

Look, what are we gonna do?

[Sam Zachary]

I've gotta make a phone call. No, no, leave the door open. You and Nan meet me in a dressing room.

[Al Stacy]

Okay. Look, baby, get back to your dressing room. I'll be. I'll be back there in a minute.

[Jerry North]

What about Sam's?

[Pam North]

Never mind.

[Al Stacy]

Just get back to your dressing room.

[Mona Rawlings]

Good evening, Ms. Coleman.

[Jerry North]

Who are you?

[Mona Rawlings]

The name's Rawlings. Mona Rawlings.

[Jerry North]

Well, what do you want?

[Mona Rawlings]

I'm looking for Sam Zachary.

[Jerry North]

He isn't here.

[Mona Rawlings]

So I see. Where is he?

[Jerry North]

I don't know.

[Mona Rawlings]

It doesn't make much difference because sitting here just now, I got to thinking.

[Jerry North]

Thinking what?

[Mona Rawlings]

That you fit. You and Zachary had your heads together at the bar. Then he came back here to see you. Yeah, you fit all right. Like a glove. You're just the type Jack would have trusted.

[Jerry North]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Mona Rawlings]

I hope you don't. Because if you do, and I ever find out you do, I'll kill you. I'll kill you like they killed Jack. Like stepping on a bug. I'll kill you. Remember that.

[Al Stacy]

What are you doing in here, Al?

[Mona Rawlings]

What's it to you? Bartender?

[Al Stacy]

Get out.

[Mona Rawlings]

What are you getting so excited about?

[Al Stacy]

I saw you acting up in the bar with Sam Zachary tonight, Mrs. Rawling.

[Mona Rawlings]

So? I still want to know what you're getting so excited about. Me and Ms. Coleman were just having a friendly little chat, weren't we, Ms. Coleman?

[Al Stacy]

You heard me.

[Mona Rawlings]

Out, remember? Ms. Coleman? Like a bug.

[Jerry North]

Al, she suspects.

[Al Stacy]

Never mind her. Listen, baby, there's something I want to tell you. So listen. Listen real hard, mister. Mrs. North found Sam Zachary's body out in the alley. So here's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna. Who's there? Benedict, come in.

[Sam Zachary]

I just called my lawyer. He's ready for trouble. But we've got to have our story straight. Now, look, here's what we're going to do.

[Al Stacy]

Take it easy, Benedict. Everything's under control.

[Sam Zachary]

What do you mean?

[Jerry North]

I don't understand, Al.

[Al Stacy]

This is the way it's going to be, honey. I killed Zachary.

[Adam Graham]

You?

[Al Stacy]

Zachary found out I was the one who put the finger on Jack Rawlings. And I killed him. And now I'm going out to the cops and admitting.

[Mona Rawlings]

Well, I won't let you do that.

[Al Stacy]

It's the only way, baby. Somebody's got to take the fall for this.

[Jerry North]

Then I'll take it. I got us into it.

[Al Stacy]

And why you did it for me.

[Jerry North]

Oh, well.

[Al Stacy]

Okay. Now I'm gonna do something for you.

[Sam Zachary]

Just a minute, Stacy. How do I figure in on this?

[Al Stacy]

Don't worry, you'll be protected.

[Sam Zachary]

How do I know?

[Al Stacy]

I'll tell you how. You know I wouldn't walk across the street to spit on you if you were on fire. Benedict, I hate your insides. But I gotta protect you to protect Nan. So just relax and enjoy the free ride. So long, honey.

[Jerry North]

No, Al. I won't let you do this. I won't.

[Adam Graham]

I won't.

[Sam Zachary]

Shut up, you fool. Let him go.

[Al Stacy]

Take it easy, Benedict. Try any rough stuff with her now, I'll relax, honey.

[Jerry North]

Oh, please, Al, darling, you must. And not for me. I won't let you.

[Al Stacy]

You better get her out of here, Benedict.

[Sam Zachary]

Sure. Al, please.

[Al Stacy]

Hey, Mir.

[Sam Zachary]

Al. Mon Dieu. Al, what is going on? Mr. Zachary is found dead in the alley, Mr. North.

[Al Stacy]

He's found her.

[Sam Zachary]

And the police. They are looking for you, Al.

[Al Stacy]

Well, tell them to look in your office, Emil. I'll be waiting for them in there. Oh, look, Lieutenant, I've told you I killed Sam Zachary and I've told you why. Now, what more do you want?

[Sam Zachary]

The name of the man who paid you to finger Jack Rawlings.

[Al Stacy]

I don't know. He didn't give me a name.

[Sam Zachary]

What'd he look like?

[Al Stacy]

Like a million guys.

[Sam Zachary]

Could you identify him if you saw him?

[Al Stacy]

Maybe, Maybe not.

[Sam Zachary]

Okay, Stacy, we'll continue this later. Downtown Donahue. Stay and keep Stacy from getting lonesome. Okay, Lieutenant.

[Jerry North]

Where are you going, Bill?

[Sam Zachary]

To talk to the medical examiner. How do you feel, Jerry?

[Pam North]

Like I had a different head for each day of the week.

[Sam Zachary]

That was a nasty bump you got. Look, you two go on home, will you?

[Jerry North]

Bill, do you think Al Stacy's telling the truth about killing Sam Zachary?

[Pam North]

I mean, why would he lie about a thing like that?

[Jerry North]

Pam, he could be trying to protect someone.

[Sam Zachary]

Well, he could be, I suppose. Well, then do, Pam, dear.

[Pam North]

My head is killing me. Let's go. Good night, Bill.

[Sam Zachary]

I'll be in touch with you, darling.

[Jerry North]

I wish you'd let me finish telling Bill.

[Pam North]

You can write him a letter when we get home, I think.

[Jerry North]

Jerry, look, this is Nancoleman's dressing room.

[Pam North]

So what? Hey, Pam, what are you doing, darling?

[Jerry North]

When we met Ms. Coleman this evening, I noticed that she was wearing a gold wedding band.

[Pam North]

Oh, what's that got to do with.

[Jerry North]

And Al Stacey's wearing one just like it.

[Pam North]

You think Al Stacy and Nan Coleman are married?

[Jerry North]

Yes, dear, and to each other. And Al Stacey may be protecting. Flip the door open.

[Pam North]

What an unusual door, Pam, would you?

[Jerry North]

Ms. Coleman. Ms. Coleman, darling. Knock over by the dressing table. Good Lord, what's happened to her?

[Pam North]

She's dead. Someone stabbed her in the back.

[Jerry North]

Here's Bill, Jerry.

[Sam Zachary]

Well, Pam, you were right. Al Stacey was protecting someone.

[Pam North]

Nan Coleman?

[Sam Zachary]

Yeah, Jerry.

[Jerry North]

And they were married, weren't they?

[Sam Zachary]

That's right. And Stacy says now that his wife sold Jack Rawlings to Fred Benedict.

[Pam North]

Fred Benedict?

[Sam Zachary]

Well, you see, Benedict and Rawlings used to be partners. Gambling, narcotics, any other racket that'd make him a buck. But the town got too small for both of them. And with Nan Coleman's help, Benedict got Rawlings before Rawlings could get Benedict.

[Pam North]

How's Al Stacey taking Nan Coleman's death?

[Sam Zachary]

Pretty high, Jerry. If he ever gets his hands on that. Come in. Here's a guy we thought you'd wanted to talk to, Lieutenant. Oh, speak of the devil. Come in, Benedict. What's this all about, Lieutenant? Just relax, Benedict. You'll find out. You got any more celebrities out there, Daniel? Yeah, we grabbed a dame trying to duck out the back way. Says her name's Mona Rawlings. Mona Rawlings. Well, well, well. We're really swimming tonight, aren't we? Send her in too, will you? Okay, sister.

[Advertiser]

That's okay.

[Mona Rawlings]

Okay. Keep your big paws off me. I can walk without your help.

[Al Stacy]

Okay.

[Sam Zachary]

Donahue. Tell Emil we're letting him off the hook and the rest of his guests can go on home. Now, look, Lieutenant. Now, just relax. Benedict. Stacy, come in here.

[Al Stacy]

Benedict. Benedict.

[Sam Zachary]

That's better. Now, sit down. Crazy fool. What's the matter with him? What'd you expect him to do, Benedict? Pin a medal on you for murdering his wife? I didn't kill Nan Coleman. Why should I? To keep her quiet. About what? About the fact that Al was taking the fall for her, for Sam Zachary's death. We figured she wanted to talk to save Al. And you killed her. Well, you're figuring wrong, because Nan Coleman was alive when I left her dressing room. Wasn't she, Mrs. Rawlings?

[Mona Rawlings]

How should I know?

[Sam Zachary]

You were standing right outside when I left. Then you went in and killed her.

[Mona Rawlings]

No.

[Sam Zachary]

You've been blabbing all over town for two years about how you'd kill the people responsible for Jack's murder if you ever found out who they were for sure. Well, you heard Nan Coleman and me talking. So you did find out and you killed her.

[Mona Rawlings]

That's not true. I didn't go into the dressing room after you came out. I didn't hear anything.

[Sam Zachary]

Are you sure of that, Mona?

[Mona Rawlings]

Yes.

[Sam Zachary]

You don't sound too sure.

[Mona Rawlings]

Well, I am.

[Jerry North]

And so am I.

[Pam North]

You. Pam, dear. No one asked you where.

[Jerry North]

Please, Jerry. Bill, Mona Rawlings is telling the truth.

[Sam Zachary]

How do you know, Pam?

[Pam North]

Yes, dear. How do you know?

[Jerry North]

Because Fred Benedict's still alive. Look, Bill, if Mona Rawlings had overheard Nan Coleman and Fred Benedict and knew that they were responsible for her husband's death, why would she let Fred Benedict walk right past her and kill only Nan Coleman. It doesn't make sense, Bill. If Mona Rawlings killed her to avenge her husband's death, then she would have killed Fred Benedict too. Oh, no, Bill. Fred Benedict killed Nan Coleman.

[Sam Zachary]

That's a lie. You don't believe this dame, Lieutenant? You're a gambler, Benedict. Wanna bet?

[Jerry North]

Hello, Emil? Emile, this is Mrs. North. I'm sorry to bother you like this at 3 in the morning.

[Pam North]

Don't apologize, Pam. Just tell him what we want.

[Sam Zachary]

What can I do for you, Madame?

[Jerry North]

Well, you see, Mr. North's head was hurting. So from that crack that he got that I made him lie down. Well.

[Pam North]

Oh, for heaven's sake, Pam, give me the phone. Look, Emile, I want to go to bed. I've got to get to bed. If I don't get to bed soon, I'm going to die.

[Sam Zachary]

Monsieur, are you not already in bed?

[Pam North]

No, I'm not.

[Al Stacy]

But Madame said you were lying down.

[Pam North]

But she didn't tell you where. She didn't tell anyone where.

[Sam Zachary]

Well, where, Monsieur?

[Pam North]

In your office. My office? Monsieur, we're locked in the cafe. Please, Emile, can you come down and let us out?

[Sam Zachary]

Pam and Jerry are sure to have.

[Pam North]

More exciting adventures next week. Listen in, won't you? There's always mystery well sprinkled with humor on Mr. And Mrs. North. This is the United States Armed Forces Radio.

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Another case which felt more like a crime melodrama than a true mystery. I'm a little more forgiving of it this week because I found the drama more enjoyable and engaging. Now, the idea of being so sick you have to go to the desert was a big plot point in a lot of old time radio and movies. And it was actually a big problem throughout much of the first half of the 20th century. In the 1950s, TB deaths were actually in decline. But still there were quite a few cases. More than 36,000 people died of tuberculosis tuberculosis in 1949 and that and that's again in the United States, and it dropped to 19,000 by 1953. Currently there are only 500 to 600 TB deaths per year in the US, although it is a much bigger global problem with 1.2 million deaths in 2023, which was actually a decline, but still it was a problem in the United States and one of the treatments was to get to the hot warm climate of somewhere like Arizona. So what happened to the weir would be very relatable to a listener in 1952. I think the conversation where he explained why his wife did what she did makes you sympathetic to him and to her. But the reporter was right. She fingered a man to be murdered, and that captures the totality of her action as well as some of the complexity around her motives. Some people might complain that at the end Pam didn't hand Bill an airtight case, but that doesn't bother me, particularly with an amateur sleuth. It's not her job to hand the police an airtight gift wrap case. She realized who the murderer was and puts Wigan on the right trail. It's his job to find the evidence, and he'll find the evidence against the killer. Or as he's a wealthy mobster, he probably won't. I do kind of question Pam's reasoning. The idea that the widow would have killed the man who killed her husband seems questionable since it's been established everyone knew who was behind the killing of her husband, and she wasn't concerned about reasonable doubt or a court of law or anything like that. She could have made the decision that she was unlikely to kill both of them at the same time, and she also might have held special animus for the woman who fingered her husband and the other issues inherent in that sort of relationship. So I don't know if Pam's wrong, but I'm not quite sure her reasoning holds. Alright, well, we turn now to listener comments and feedback regarding the episode the premature corpse on YouTube. Mechanic6682 Comments this guy was such an inept criminal, it makes me wonder how he was able to accumulate so much money. Well, if I were to take a guess, I would imagine that he was the type of criminal who delegated most of his career. But for a crime like in this episode, it's too personal to have one of the boys handle it for you, and so he was inexperienced at committing the actual crime. That's at least my theory. Doris writes, I like the show, it has humor and I like the interaction between the couple. And Stanley says these stories are great. It seems like Pam gets Jerry into so much trouble. Thanks for the comment. Although I think what gets them into so much trouble is constantly stumbling over corpses. But that's me. Alright. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day. And I want to thank YAGL. Patreon supporter since March 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, yagl. 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 Ware.

[Sam Zachary]

That's funny. The Socrates Mesocares Carmela, listen. Now what? That sound inside. There must be somebody here. You got a pass key?

[Pam North]

Well, yes sir. Or no?

[Sam Zachary]

Come on, give it to me quick. But unless you have some authority, Mr. I have all I need. Carmela.

[Pam North]

Mr. Dollar, she's been killed.

[Sam Zachary]

No, no, she's alive all right, but that's about all.

[Adam Graham]

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/great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.