Mr. and Mrs. North: The Wheel of Chance (EP4704)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: "Mr. and Mrs. North: The Wheel of Chance" (EP4704) Summary

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Episode Overview

In episode 4704 of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," titled "Mr. and Mrs. North: The Wheel of Chance," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio for a suspense-filled adventure. This episode features the beloved detective couple, Pam and Jerry North, as they navigate a perilous situation involving espionage, hidden microfilm, and deceptive enemies. Hosted by Adam Graham, the episode blends classic detective storytelling with insightful commentary, enriched by authentic period-appropriate soundscapes and performances.

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Detailed Plot Summary

Return from Vacation and Unexpected Threats

Pam and Jerry North return home from a relaxing three-week vacation, only to find themselves unwittingly entangled in a dangerous mystery. Shortly after their arrival, they encounter Harry Connors (played by Chuck Webster), a seemingly ordinary new tenant with a dubious past.

Jerry North [02:30]: "Why, Mr. Connors, what are you doing?"

Harry Connors immediately stirs tension by insinuating that something valuable—microfilm—was hidden under the Norths' car hubcap during their trip.

Harry Connors [03:31]: "It's A gray convertible, 1953 model... You can learn the name of the owner from the Motor Vehicle Bureau or whatever it's called in New York City."

Discovery of Missing Microfilm

Jerry North contacts the local mechanic, Toby, to verify Harry's claims. Toby checks the car but finds nothing unusual, only a couple of faulty spark plugs.

Jerry North [12:09]: "Bill, what in the world could possibly be hidden in the hubcap of our car?"

The Norths' suspicions grow when Harry Connors returns, escalating his threats and revealing deeper layers of deceit.

Harry Connors [09:35]: "Now look, you two. It was under your hubcap when you crossed the border. It's not there now."

Confrontation and Unveiling the Truth

As midnight approaches, tension reaches a boiling point. The Norths discover a dead body at a friend's apartment, heightening the stakes and confirming that they are indeed targets.

Pam North [22:44]: "What's the matter, Pam? Good Lord, Jerry, she's Dead. Very dead."

In a climactic encounter, Harry Connors and his associate, Lorenz, confront the Norths, demanding the microfilm. Jerry, realizing the gravity of the situation, retrieves a gun to defend his family.

Pam North [27:42]: "Okay, Pam, and stay right where you are. Lorenz, this gun isn't made of chocolate."

The situation unravels as it's revealed that the microfilm contains sensitive information about enemy agents and their operations, making the Norths unwittingly entangled in Cold War espionage.

Harry Connors [26:53]: "I had to do it, Lorenz. I had to. A dame got hold of the film. She wouldn't give enough."

Resolution and Aftermath

Ultimately, the Norths manage to secure the microfilm, thwarting the antagonists' plans. They deduce that Toby had been an unwitting accomplice, used to monitor their movements. The episode concludes with the Norths reflecting on the ordeal, contemplating the complexities of espionage and the importance of vigilance.

Pam North [28:27]: "We better get up and see Toby."

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Key Moments and Notable Quotes

• Initial Threat: Harry Connors introduces the central conflict by claiming possession of the microfilm.

  Harry Connors [02:32]: "Hurry up and you won't get hurt. But if you stall around, you're in trouble."

• Mystery Deepens: The Norths discover hints that their home has been bugged, raising the stakes.

  Pam North [26:07]: "Bug on our telephone line? What do you mean by that?"

• Climactic Showdown: The confrontation between the Norths and the antagonists reaches its peak, revealing hidden motives.

  Harry Connors [26:53]: "I had to do it, Lorenz. I had to. A dame got hold of the film. She wouldn't give enough."

• Resolution Insight: Pam and Jerry reflect on the events, emphasizing the unforeseen dangers of espionage.

  Pam North [28:29]: "But you're not tired."

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Host's Commentary and Insights

After the riveting dramatization, Host Adam Graham provides an engaging analysis of the episode's themes and production nuances.

Adam Graham [32:30]: "This kind of reminds me of Casey Crime Photographer... a user shift in sponsorship can dramatically alter a show's tone."

Graham draws parallels between the "Mr. and Mrs. North" series and other contemporary detective shows, highlighting how sponsorship changes can affect narrative consistency and audience engagement.

He delves into the nuances of character development, praising the performances of Les Damon, Alice Frost, and Joseph Curtin for bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. Graham also touches upon the episode's reflection of Cold War anxieties, showcasing how old-time radio dramas encapsulated societal fears and intrigue.

Adam Graham [36:15]: "A good episode, certainly better than last week. A nice little bit of Cold War intrigue..."

Additionally, Graham acknowledges listener feedback, expressing gratitude for supportive comments and encouraging continued engagement through surveys and Patreon support.

Adam Graham [32:30]: "Listener feedback is invaluable... thank you so much, Judith."

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Conclusion

"Mr. and Mrs. North: The Wheel of Chance" masterfully blends suspense, mystery, and the timeless charm of detective storytelling. Through intricate plotlines and compelling character interactions, the episode captivates listeners, drawing them into a world of espionage and high-stakes intrigue. Host Adam Graham's insightful commentary enriches the experience, providing historical context and thoughtful analysis that deepen appreciation for these classic radio dramas.

For enthusiasts of old-time radio and detective fiction, this episode exemplifies why "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" remains a cherished homage to a bygone era of storytelling. Whether for relaxation, nostalgia, or pure entertainment, listeners are sure to find themselves enthralled by the enduring appeal of Pam and Jerry North's adventures.

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Subscribe and Stay Tuned

Don't miss out on future episodes and special programming by subscribing to "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" on your favorite podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net. Engage with the community, share your thoughts, and support the podcast to ensure more thrilling mysteries unfold every week.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

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[Harry Connors]

Retirement options, and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime.

[Nicole Byer]

Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply. That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Harry Connors]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfarer message. Wayfair's got style Tips for Every Home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms flyer.

[Nicole Byer]

Today's style Tip when it comes to.

[Harry Connors]

Making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals.

[Nicole Byer]

Go wild like an untamed animal.

[Harry Connors]

Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com Ooh, fierce. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Pam North]

Wayfair Every Style, Every home.

[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. I do want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. I also do want to encourage you to check out my ebooks, All I Needed to Know I Learned from Dragnet and All I Needed to Know, I Learned from Colombo. Each examines the careers and history of seven great fictional detectives and policemen and life lessons that can be learned from them. They are available as ebooks or as audiobooks through the apple store or audible.com well, now, from June 30, 1953, here is Mr. And Mrs. North and the episode the Wheel of Chance.

[Pam North]

Why, Mr. Connors, what are you doing?

[Harry Connors]

Okay, back up. Inside. Fast. Inside. Mrs. North. Hurry up and you won't get hurt. But if you stall around, you're in trouble.

[Toby]

Mr. And Mrs. North starring Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin. Listen as Pam and Jerry solve the mystery. Wheel of chance. Mr. And Mrs. North transcribed is brought to you by the Colgate Palm Olive Pete Company, makers of Halo shampoo to glorify your hair. Colgate brushless shaving cream for tough beards and tender skins and Colgate chlorophyll toothpaste to help destroy unpleasing breath originating in the mouth. Take any brownstone building on any New York side street. Walk in, look into any room, and the odds are four to one you'll find someone waiting for a phone call. In this case, his name is Harry Connors. Occupation dubious past shady state of mind. Tense, distraught, nerves jangling like.

[Harry Connors]

About time. Hello, Connors. Yeah. Where you been? Lorenz I've been waiting. Nervous, Connors? Irritable. Now, look.

[Jerry North]

Sign of insecurity.

[Harry Connors]

Lack of confidence. Yeah. Your telegram said you'd call. I'm calling long distance, my friend. Words are expensive. Okay, Lorenzo.

[Jerry North]

Pencil handy?

[Harry Connors]

Yeah. Take this down. It's A gray convertible, 1953 model. Okay. New York license plate? Yes. License number 24S373. 24S373. You can learn the name of the owner from the Motor Vehicle Bureau or whatever it's called in New York City. Now, that'll be easy. You'll find our prize in the left front wheel. Understand? The left front wheel. Okay. Car should be in New York within the next 48 hours. A young couple driving. They went through customs here at the border two days ago. No trouble? Why should there be trouble? They seemed like such respectable people.

[Jerry North]

Pam. Pam.

[Pam North]

Oh, I must have dozed off. Where are we?

[Jerry North]

Home. Vacation's over. Home.

[Pam North]

Oh, Jerry, I couldn't have slept that long.

[Jerry North]

You slept through half of New Jersey and most of the Bronx.

[Pam North]

Oh, impossible. I wasn't sleepy. You must have been driving too fast again.

[Jerry North]

Only as fast as the law allows. Grab the little suitcase, dear. I'll. I'll get the others.

[Pam North]

Three glorious weeks across the border. Now this.

[Jerry North]

I'll help you upstairs with the luggage and then run the car down to the garage.

[Pam North]

What for?

[Jerry North]

Needs a tune up. I'd like to have it sometime tomorrow.

[Harry Connors]

Oh. Oh, excuse me, folks. You're tenants in this building, aren't you?

[Pam North]

Yes, we are.

[Harry Connors]

Well, me too. I just signed a lease this morning.

[Jerry North]

Well, it's very nice.

[Harry Connors]

Kind of getting acquainted with the neighborhood. From out of town, you know. And I can't get used to this New York parking situation.

[Pam North]

Just between us, you. You never will.

[Harry Connors]

Any place around here a guy can keep his car without getting a ticket or a dented fender.

[Pam North]

Well, Jerry usually keeps ours on that street behind the building, don't you, dear?

[Jerry North]

There's usually a space or two there.

[Harry Connors]

Oh, well, thanks. That's good to know. Oh, here, let me hold that door for you.

[Pam North]

Thank you, Mr. Connors.

[Jerry North]

Well, good luck in your new apartment, Mr. Connors.

[Harry Connors]

Thank you, Mr. North. I'll see you around.

[Jerry North]

Right. Come on, Pam. I want to get to the garage. Pam. Jerry, darling, the garage closes.

[Pam North]

Jerry, do we know that man Connors?

[Jerry North]

No.

[Pam North]

Well, then how in the world did he know our name?

[Harry Connors]

Yes, ma' am.

[Lorenz]

What can we do for.

[Toby]

Oh, you.

[Nicole Byer]

Oh, that's a fine way to greet a customer. Toby. Smile, baby.

[Lorenz]

I'm busy. Anita. What do you want that's funny.

[Nicole Byer]

Your greetings used to be so much cozier.

[Lorenz]

Anita, I can't talk here.

[Nicole Byer]

Where will we talk, baby? Your place? Get your wife to invite me over. She'd love to hear us talk.

[Lorenz]

There's a car on the ramp. You'd better move.

[Nicole Byer]

I need more dough. Toga.

[Lorenz]

I haven't got it. No. Doggone. Well, I haven't got a dime left.

[Nicole Byer]

Oh, but you can get it, can't you, Anita?

[Lorenz]

For Pete's sake, this is a garage, not a gold mine. Do your prospecting someplace else.

[Nicole Byer]

You can get it for me.

[Lorenz]

I've got a little blood left. Do you want that too? When are you gonna let me alone, Anita? When do you pull out the needle?

[Nicole Byer]

Aw, smile, baby.

[Lorenz]

It took me years to save up that last bankroll. Then I had to get mixed up with you.

[Nicole Byer]

I'd hate to have to upset your wife, Toby boy. She seems to love you so much.

[Harry Connors]

Move.

[Lorenz]

Move your car, will ya?

[Nicole Byer]

If she knew about us, she'd be miserable, wouldn't she?

[Jerry North]

Hi, Toby.

[Lorenz]

Yes, sir. Be right with you.

[Harry Connors]

Anita, please beat it.

[Nicole Byer]

Call me tonight.

[Lorenz]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'll call you.

[Jerry North]

All right if I leave my car back there, Toby?

[Harry Connors]

Oh.

[Lorenz]

Oh, hi, Mr. North. I. I'll take care of it.

[Nicole Byer]

Oh, sure. Toby takes care of everything.

[Jerry North]

Who's that?

[Lorenz]

Just a customer.

[Jerry North]

Pretty.

[Lorenz]

Yeah.

[Jerry North]

Think you can get my car tuned up by tomorrow, Toby? I think the spark plugs need cleaning and. Hey, Toby.

[Lorenz]

Oh, I'm. I'm sorry, Mr. North.

[Jerry North]

Do all pretty girls affect you like this?

[Lorenz]

No, sir. Just that one.

[Jerry North]

Pam. Pam, wake up.

[Harry Connors]

Oh.

[Pam North]

Oh, what time is it?

[Jerry North]

Late. Time to go to bed.

[Pam North]

Oh, isn't this awful? Three weeks vacation, and then I do nothing but sleep for three days after it. Oh, scratch my back, will you, dear?

[Harry Connors]

Okay.

[Pam North]

Good. Now a little higher.

[Jerry North]

How's this?

[Pam North]

Oh, wonderful. We ought to take vacations more often, Jerry.

[Jerry North]

You've only been home three days.

[Pam North]

Mrs. Noah, a little to the left. That's it. Two vacations a year. We'd be healthier.

[Jerry North]

And dead broke. Now, who the devil can that be?

[Pam North]

Oh, I'll get it. All right, all right. Just a minute. Why, Mr. Connors.

[Harry Connors]

Okay, back up. Inside fast. Inside, I said. Hurry up and you won't get hurt. This gun isn't made of chocolate.

[Pam North]

Well, isn't it rather late to be visiting Mr. Connor?

[Jerry North]

Who is it, dear?

[Harry Connors]

Don't answer. Let him come in.

[Jerry North]

Hey, Pam, who's at the door? What?

[Harry Connors]

Come on in, North. Sit down.

[Jerry North]

Hey, what is this?

[Harry Connors]

Sit down. You too, beautiful.

[Pam North]

Yes, sir.

[Jerry North]

What do you want, Connors? Why the gun?

[Pam North]

It's not chocolate, Jerry.

[Harry Connors]

Now where is it?

[Jerry North]

Where's what?

[Harry Connors]

Don't get cute. It's gone. What'd you do with it?

[Jerry North]

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

[Harry Connors]

Now look, you two. It was under your hubcap when you crossed the border. It's not there now. I'm warning you. It's important enough to kill for. So let's have it now.

[Pam North]

We haven't got it.

[Harry Connors]

Then get it.

[Pam North]

But now, Mr. Connors, we wouldn't keep a thing like that around the house.

[Jerry North]

It might go.

[Harry Connors]

Okay, so you got it stashed away. I'll give you one hour to unstash it.

[Pam North]

At this time of night? Everything is closed. Mr. Connors, we.

[Harry Connors]

All right, I'll give you till noon tomorrow.

[Jerry North]

Oh, we'll need more time tomorrow.

[Harry Connors]

And I warn you, no funny stuff. You'll be watched. You'll be tailed. You'll.

[Pam North]

Really, Mr. Connors, noon tomorrow.

[Harry Connors]

And like I said, it's important enough to kill for.

[Toby]

Well, Pam and Jerry may be in the dark, but they can still see they're in trouble.

[Bill]

Men want real shaving satisfaction at a big bargain.

[Toby]

Then take advantage of Colgate shaving cream's special offer at your dealers.

[Bill]

Now here's what you get. A large size tube of Colgate lather or Colgate brushless shaving cream free of extra cost when you buy the giant sized tube of lather or brushless at regular price.

[Toby]

That's right. Your choice of a large size tube of Colgate lather or brushless shaving cream.

[Bill]

Free of extra cost for you lather shave cream fans, you'll find nothing beats those clean close million bubble shaves you get with Colgate lather shaving cream.

[Toby]

And you men who prefer a brushless cream, light and fluffy. Colgate brushless is the easy way, not the greasy way for shaving tough beards and tender skin.

[Bill]

Whatever your choice, lather or brushless, take advantage of Colgate shaving cream's special offer now a large size tube of Colgate lather or brushless free of extra cost when you buy the giant size at regular price.

[Toby]

Do it now while dealer supplies of the special pack last. Now back to Mr. And Mrs. North.

[Harry Connors]

Okay, now what did this guy look like?

[Jerry North]

Well, Bill, he was rather nondescript.

[Pam North]

He was a little shorter than Jerry but heavier.

[Jerry North]

Medium brown hair. Was wearing a gray fedora and a light tan suit and a gun.

[Pam North]

But Bill, what in the world could possibly be hidden in the hubcap of our car?

[Harry Connors]

Oh, anything, Pam. At least anything flat and thin.

[Pam North]

But how could it have got there?

[Jerry North]

Anybody could have pried the cap off while the car was parked.

[Pam North]

Why, dear, and who?

[Jerry North]

Hey, Bill. What? Wait a minute. Wait just one minute. The garage. The garage where I took the car for a tune up.

[Pam North]

We didn't have a flat.

[Jerry North]

No, but at a lot of garages it's routine. To check the brake lining, you'd have to pull a wheel to. Toby may have found something.

[Bill]

Who's Toby?

[Jerry North]

The mechanic, darling.

[Pam North]

You may be right. Come on.

[Jerry North]

Hold it, Pam. It wouldn't do any good to go to the garage this time of night. It's closed.

[Bill]

Do you know where this Toby lives?

[Jerry North]

No.

[Harry Connors]

Do you know his last name?

[Jerry North]

Mm. Mm.

[Harry Connors]

Well, in that case, there is nothing to do but wait until morning. Now, look, you say this Connors guy said you'd be watched and followed.

[Jerry North]

Yeah, but he may have been bluffing.

[Bill]

Maybe he was and maybe he wasn't.

[Harry Connors]

Anyway, I want you two to go to the garage alone in the morning.

[Jerry North]

But, Bill, now.

[Bill]

Now, wait a minute.

[Harry Connors]

I'll have a man tailing you to.

[Toby]

See if you're followed.

[Bill]

And if you are, he might be.

[Harry Connors]

Able to grab the guy and we.

[Bill]

Can get to the bottom of this.

[Jerry North]

Okay.

[Pam North]

But Bill, what about tomorrow at noon?

[Bill]

If Connor shows, my man will be.

[Harry Connors]

Outside ready to take him.

[Bill]

Now, there's nothing to worry about, Pam.

[Pam North]

Gollies, Bill. I hope so.

[Lorenz]

I'm sure. Sorry, Mr. North. You said you just wanted a tune up. You didn't tell me to check the brakes.

[Jerry North]

Well, I thought you'd check them anyway, Toby.

[Lorenz]

Sometimes we do, sometimes we don't. It depends on how busy we are. I'll be glad to look them over for you if you want.

[Pam North]

Toby, didn't you even look under the hubcap?

[Lorenz]

Oh, no, ma' am, I. Hubcaps.

[Pam North]

You know, on the wheels.

[Lorenz]

Oh, hubcaps.

[Jerry North]

Were you the only one to work on the car, Toby?

[Lorenz]

Yes, sir. We've been kind of shorthanded here lately.

[Pam North]

And you didn't find anything? Nothing at all?

[Lorenz]

A couple of bum spark plugs.

[Pam North]

Are they thin and flat?

[Jerry North]

Damn. Well, it's okay, Toby. We just thought maybe.

[Lorenz]

Mr. North, if those brakes are bad or if you're not satisfied, I'll be glad.

[Jerry North]

No, no, nothing like that. We just lost something and, well, you know.

[Lorenz]

Oh, anything important?

[Jerry North]

Yes, but don't worry about it.

[Lorenz]

What was it?

[Pam North]

Oh, nothing important. But if you find anything that looks like it came out from under a hubcap, let us know right away. Will you, Toby? It's important.

[Nicole Byer]

Well, Toby boy.

[Lorenz]

Hello, Anita.

[Nicole Byer]

Just like old times. Come on in. Aren't you AWOL from that grease pit you work in?

[Harry Connors]

Yeah.

[Nicole Byer]

Sit down.

[Harry Connors]

Thanks.

[Lorenz]

I'll stand.

[Nicole Byer]

Oh, come on. Sit here.

[Lorenz]

I'll stand.

[Nicole Byer]

Okay. What do you want?

[Lorenz]

I want you to get out of town. Out of my life.

[Nicole Byer]

Smile.

[Lorenz]

I mean it. I made a big mistake getting mixed up with you. I paid plenty for it. Now I'm telling you, get out of my life.

[Nicole Byer]

I can.

[Lorenz]

Yes, you can.

[Nicole Byer]

Uh, I need expense money.

[Harry Connors]

You'll get it.

[Nicole Byer]

From you?

[Toby]

Yeah.

[Lorenz]

My last installment. Final payment.

[Nicole Byer]

You said you were broke.

[Lorenz]

I am.

[Nicole Byer]

But I struck gold in that garage.

[Lorenz]

In that garage? Under the hubcap of a car.

[Nicole Byer]

Don't make jokes, Toby boy. I'm getting tired of. What is it?

[Lorenz]

Microfilm. The Norths went on a vacation, they said, across the border. They slipped this under a hubcap so the customs inspectors wouldn't find it. But they slipped up. I got to it before they could use it.

[Nicole Byer]

Let's see. Let me see.

[Lorenz]

A whole spool of film full of spy stuff. Names, addresses. Even pictures of enemy agents working in this area and their contacts across the border.

[Nicole Byer]

You sure it belongs to them?

[Lorenz]

They came in looking for it just an hour ago. It's dynamite. It's worth a fortune. It'll even pay your fare right out of my life.

[Nicole Byer]

Yeah. Yeah, it sure will. What are you gonna do with it, baby?

[Lorenz]

Uncle Sam writes big checks for things like this. The FBI gets the microfilm, I get.

[Nicole Byer]

The reward, and you get the FBI.

[Lorenz]

Who else? With this film.

[Nicole Byer]

And the Norths. What about the Norths?

[Lorenz]

The FBI will take care of them. Too bad too. The nicest people are turning out to be spies these days.

[Nicole Byer]

Toby boy, if you ever opened up that pointed head of yours, a moth would fly out.

[Lorenz]

Is that so? Well, here, look at this film.

[Harry Connors]

Go on.

[Lorenz]

Hold it up to the light.

[Nicole Byer]

Listen, you stupid little grease monkey. The FBI May give you a reward for that. Sure, a box lunch and a bottle of milk. But what about the Norths? What'll they pay for it?

[Lorenz]

That's not the point.

[Nicole Byer]

I'll tell you what they'll pay for it. They'll dig up Fort Knox. They'll steal piggy banks from every kid this side of the Kremlin. They'll hock their souls and auction off half of Europe to get that microfilm. That's what they'll pay for it.

[Harry Connors]

But they're spies. Who?

[Nicole Byer]

They're spies. You have enough on them to hang them. You can make them Pay and pay and pay.

[Lorenz]

No, no, Anita, I can't do that.

[Nicole Byer]

What do you mean you can't do it? All you have to do is pick up the phone and call them up.

[Lorenz]

No, no. I'll settle for half the dough and all of my conscience.

[Nicole Byer]

Yeah, well, I won't.

[Lorenz]

Put the phone down.

[Nicole Byer]

Get away.

[Lorenz]

Put it down. I said put it down.

[Nicole Byer]

Let go.

[Harry Connors]

That's better.

[Nicole Byer]

A real patriot, aren't you, Toby? What do I have to do to convince you, Mr. Patriot? You got a chance to rub money in your hair and you're worried about dandruff. What do I have to do, Toby?

[Lorenz]

Nothing. Let me handle it my way.

[Nicole Byer]

What must I do, baby? Tell your wife about us.

[Lorenz]

This is a lot bigger than that.

[Nicole Byer]

This a real patriot. All right, come here. Come here, Mr. Patriot.

[Lorenz]

Forget that stuff, Anita.

[Nicole Byer]

Come here.

[Lorenz]

Forget it, will you?

[Nicole Byer]

Just like old times, Toby boy. Can't forget old times, baby.

[Harry Connors]

Cut it. Cut it out. In eat.

[Pam North]

I.

[Nicole Byer]

Love these old times. Here. Call the Norths, baby. Call them now.

[Harry Connors]

And you were completely in the clear, Jerry. My man didn't spot anyone telling you.

[Jerry North]

Are you sure?

[Harry Connors]

Oh, not a chance. Now, what about the mechanic? You think he was telling the truth about not finding anything?

[Jerry North]

It was hard to tell, Bill. He seemed a little flustered.

[Harry Connors]

Well, that might not mean anything. Now, you just sit tight until noon.

[Jerry North]

Right. But you're sure your man won't take off for lunch?

[Harry Connors]

Stop worrying.

[Jerry North]

Okay.

[Pam North]

So no one followed us?

[Jerry North]

No. Bill says. Oh, I'll get it here.

[Lorenz]

Hello, Mr. North?

[Jerry North]

Speaking.

[Harry Connors]

This.

[Lorenz]

This is Toby. Mr. North.

[Jerry North]

Oh, hi, Toby. What's on your mind, Toby?

[Pam North]

What does he want?

[Lorenz]

I. I think I have the item you're looking for.

[Jerry North]

What? I can't hear you, Toby.

[Lorenz]

I said I think I have the item you're looking for.

[Pam North]

Did he find it? What is it?

[Lorenz]

Can you hear me now?

[Jerry North]

Yes, I can hear you. Where are you?

[Lorenz]

Well, I have to be back at the garage in a little while.

[Jerry North]

Okay, I'll meet you there.

[Lorenz]

Oh, no, no, no, that's no good.

[Jerry North]

Well, you want to come up here or we can go to your house.

[Lorenz]

No, I'll be back here at my friend's place about 2 o' clock.

[Jerry North]

2 o' clock?

[Pam North]

Mr. Connor said noon, Jerry.

[Jerry North]

It has to be sooner than that. Toby.

[Lorenz]

I can't make it any sooner. I have to go back to work. Meet me here at my friend's place.

[Harry Connors]

I'll give you the address.

[Jerry North]

Take this down then.

[Pam North]

All right.

[Jerry North]

Okay, let's have it.

[Lorenz]

67 Bryce street, apartment 1D.

[Jerry North]

67 Bryce street, apartment 1 D. I've got it, Toby. Can't you possibly make it before two?

[Lorenz]

No, that's as good a time to talk business as any.

[Jerry North]

I can't hear you.

[Adam Graham]

I said it's a.

[Lorenz]

A good time to talk business.

[Toby]

Business?

[Jerry North]

What kind of business?

[Lorenz]

Big business, Mr. North. Be sure to bring your checkbook.

[Pam North]

Jerry.

[Jerry North]

Hmm?

[Pam North]

Look at the time.

[Jerry North]

Yeah.

[Pam North]

Ten minutes before noon. Where's Bill's man?

[Jerry North]

At the back door.

[Pam North]

How's he gonna know? When Mr. Connors comes in, he can hear the buzzer. Is the back door unlocked?

[Jerry North]

Mm.

[Pam North]

Are you sure?

[Jerry North]

Positive.

[Pam North]

Shouldn't we check it again?

[Jerry North]

Relax, Pam. It'll all be over in 10 minutes.

[Pam North]

Bill's man can't get in that back door. It certainly will. Jerry.

[Harry Connors]

Look.

[Pam North]

Noon, straight up. Oh, why does he have to be so prompt?

[Jerry North]

Well, here goes. You wait here.

[Pam North]

Oh, no.

[Jerry North]

Wait there.

[Pam North]

I wish you'd have checked the back door. Jerry. Jerry. Jerry, why won't you answer me? Oh. Who is this man?

[Jerry North]

It's all right, dear. He's just a salesman.

[Pam North]

Salesman?

[Jerry North]

Yes, darling, a life insurance salesman. 63, 65. Oh, here. 67. Here's the house. Apparently Bill isn't here yet. I don't see his car. What time is it?

[Pam North]

Two o' clock exactly. We better get up and see Toby.

[Jerry North]

On the contrary, we better wait for Bill.

[Pam North]

Well, he knows the address and the apartment number, doesn't he?

[Jerry North]

I gave them to him when I telephoned after Connors didn't show up.

[Pam North]

Well, then, let's go up and talk to Toby. Bill will be along.

[Harry Connors]

All right, dear.

[Jerry North]

I'm too tired to argue.

[Pam North]

Why do you suppose that man Connors didn't show up at noon?

[Jerry North]

Only two reasons I can think of. Either he got what he wanted or he knows we don't have it.

[Pam North]

Toby says he has it. Anyway, I'd feel better if I knew where Mr. Connors was. So would I. Jerry, wait before you close the door.

[Jerry North]

What?

[Pam North]

That taxi across the street. I could swear it's been following us. At least it looks just like the one I kept seeing in the rear view mirror.

[Jerry North]

Darling, there are probably a couple of thousand taxicabs like that all the same color. Yellow. Besides, if it's been following us, it's probably Sergeant what's his name? Bill's man. Come on. Toby's friend lives on the first floor. Must be down this way.

[Pam North]

1B. One seat. Here it is. Look. It was unlocked. Now, why in the world should they leave their door?

[Jerry North]

What's the matter, Pam? Good Lord, Jerry, she's Dead. Very dead.

[Pam North]

Who do you suppose she is?

[Jerry North]

Toby's friend, probably.

[Pam North]

She's so pretty.

[Jerry North]

Sure, sure. She's the one.

[Pam North]

One what?

[Jerry North]

In the garage. She was talking to Toby in the garage the day I brought the car in.

[Pam North]

Jerry, let's get out of here.

[Harry Connors]

Yeah, let's get out of here. Let's all get out of here.

[Jerry North]

Connors.

[Harry Connors]

What the. Come on now. Both of you, move.

[Pam North]

Oh, what for?

[Nicole Byer]

We.

[Harry Connors]

Because I like your company, Annette.

[Pam North]

That's still not made of chocolate, is it?

[Nicole Byer]

Nope.

[Harry Connors]

Same guy. Same gun. Now, let's go.

[Jerry North]

Where to?

[Harry Connors]

Well, you two have a nasty habit. You keep getting in the way all the time.

[Jerry North]

So?

[Harry Connors]

So I'm gonna see that you're put out of the way for keeps. Now move.

[Jerry North]

Now look here, Connor.

[Harry Connors]

You heard me. Move. And since you're expecting your cop friend, Wigan, we'll go out the back way.

[Toby]

Well, Harry Connors seems to have a talent for appearing in the wrong place as well as at the wrong time.

[Bill]

Remember, soaping dulls hair. Halo glorifies it.

[Harry Connors]

So, Halo, everybody's the shampoo that glorifies your hair.

[Jerry North]

So, hello, everybody. Hello.

[Bill]

Yes, there's your cue to love lovely, naturally lustrous hair. Soaping your hair with even finest liquid or cream shampoos hides its natural luster with dulling soap film. But Halo shampoo is not a soap or cream. Made with a special ingredient, Halo glorifies your hair with your very first shampoo. Even in hardest water, Halo gives oceans of rich, soft water lather, needs no special rinse. Halo removes embarrassing dandruff from both hair and scalp. Leaves hair soft, shining, easy to manage. Ideal for children's hair, too. Next time, be sure to buy Halo, America's favorite shampoo.

[Harry Connors]

So, hello, everybody.

[Adam Graham]

Hello.

[Jerry North]

Hello, Shampoo, Halo.

[Toby]

Now back to Mr. And Mrs. North.

[Pam North]

Why have you brought us to this warehouse?

[Harry Connors]

You'll find out, Mrs. North. All right, hold it. Who is that? Connors. Well, Connors, what are these people doing here? I. I had to bring him, Lorenz. We'll decide that later. Inside. You found the film? Right here.

[Jerry North]

The microfilm saw that thin, flat spool. You used our car to smuggle it across the border.

[Harry Connors]

Was nothing personal, my friends. Your car or another just happened to be yours. We picked. Of course, as it turned out, we made an unfortunate choice. But we had no way of knowing you would take your car to a garage or that you had a friend in the police department. And we had never known Lorenzo Faye hadn't put that bug on their phone line.

[Pam North]

Bug on our telephone line? What do you mean by that?

[Jerry North]

He means he tapped our phone.

[Pam North]

So that's how you knew that we'd contacted the police.

[Harry Connors]

And that Connors is a man of varied and useful talents, aren't you, Harry? Well, I got the film for you, didn't I?

[Jerry North]

Okay, you've got your film. Now what?

[Harry Connors]

You brought them, Connors. What do you suggest? Well, I. I don't know. You must have had something in mind. No. Look, Lorenz, I told you I had to bring him. I didn't have time to think. I just had to get out of there. Out of where, Lorenz? Will you stop talking about. I have a feeling something has happened that I should be told about.

[Pam North]

No, no, no, Lorenz, not unless you already know about the killing.

[Harry Connors]

Killing? Shut up, will you? What killing? Don't listen to it, Lorenz. What killing, Connors? What killing?

[Jerry North]

The killing at 67 Bryce street, apartment 1D Lorenzo.

[Harry Connors]

67 Brace. Connors, what's this all about? Oh, well, I had to do it, Lorenz. I had to. A dame got hold of the film. She wouldn't give enough. Well, you wanted the film, didn't you, you stupid. Before I could get out, these two walked in. I told you I wouldn't tolerate bad judgment, Connors. A murder at this stage of our work can only attract attention. I told you we had to work quietly, unnoticed, unseen. I know. You knew? Yes. Yes, you knew. But that isn't what you did. You've killed one person and you've brought two more here to be silenced somehow. It's a shame, Connors, A shame. You tried so hard and failed. So miserable. Stay away, Lorenz.

[Lorenz]

Little man and a big job.

[Harry Connors]

Connor. Stay away. I. Get his gun.

[Pam North]

Get his gun.

[Harry Connors]

I'm warning you, Lorenz. Okay, get it. Pam.

[Jerry North]

Get a gun.

[Pam North]

I've got it, Jerry.

[Harry Connors]

Arrangement. Gongling. Brainless. Shut up, will you? Shut up.

[Pam North]

Here, take the gun, Jerry.

[Jerry North]

Okay, Pam, and stay right where you are. Lorenz, this gun isn't made of chocolate. You can take Connor's word for it.

[Pam North]

And that was Toby in the taxi that followed us to Anita's apartment.

[Jerry North]

He was just stringing Anita along, making her think he was going to blackmail us. That's why he insisted meeting us at 2 o' clock. He wanted to give himself time to warn us. But he missed us at our apartment and by the time we got to. You tired, darling?

[Harry Connors]

Dead.

[Jerry North]

You want me to drive?

[Pam North]

No, dear, we're almost home. Oh, gollies. I didn't sleep a wink last night. I laid awake trying to figure out what could have been under our hubcap.

[Jerry North]

Yeah, so did I.

[Pam North]

But you're not tired.

[Jerry North]

Of course not. Holy smoke. If a person can't go without sleep for one night, they must be getting old.

[Pam North]

Well, let's face it, Jerry, we are getting old.

[Jerry North]

Nonsense. I never felt better. I feel as young as. So I see that yawn didn't mean a thing. No, no, no, it didn't. Just relaxed, that's all.

[Pam North]

Derry, darling, could you manage to relax a little more quietly?

[Bill]

Colgate Chlorophyll toothpaste destroys bad breath more effectively.

[Toby]

Yes, clinical tests prove Colgate chlorophyll toothpaste destroys bad breath originating in the mouth more effectively, more thoroughly and for a longer time than a non chlorophyll toothpaste. These tests with actual cases, men and women who had unpleasing breath proved Colgate chlorophyll's longer lasting protection.

[Bill]

These men and women brushed their teeth just once and periodic checks were made on each with a breath measuring device called the osmoscope. Even hours later, Colgate Chlorophyll toothpaste was proved to give far greater reduction of unpleasing breath.

[Toby]

Remember, one brushing with Colgate chlorophyll rids your mouth of a high percentage of decay bacteria. And tests prove a chlorophyll toothpaste can reduce common gum trouble twice as fast as a non chlorophyll toothpaste.

[Bill]

So get the full benefits of a chlorophyll toothpaste. Get fresh tasting Colgate chlorophyll toothpaste.

[Toby]

Every Tuesday night at this time. The Colgate Palm Olive Peat Company, makers of Halo shampoo to glorify your hair. Colgate brushless shaving cream for tough beards and tender skin. And Colgate Chlorophyll Toothpaste to help destroy unpleasing breath originating in the mouth. Bring you Mr. And Mrs. North transcribed starring Joseph Curtin and Alice Frost. Be sure to join us again next week when Pam and Jerry encounter an angry mob with blood in its eye and a small town sheriff with murder in his heart in the mystery License to Kill. The characters of Mr. And Mrs. North are based on those originally created by Francis and Richard Lockridge. Tonight's script was by Don Brinkley. Music by Charles Paul. Mr. And Mrs. North is produced and directed by John W. Lufton. The Colgate Palmolive Pete Company invites you to listen to their exciting new quiz. The phrase that Pays on radio every weekday morning, Monday through Friday. And to the new Mr. And Mrs. North program on television. Consult your local newspaper for details. Joe King speaking.

[Pam North]

Sam.

[Nicole Byer]

You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime. Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply that's oregonhomecarejobs.com foreign.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. A good episode, certainly better than last week. A nice little bit of Cold War intrigue, and I recognize Chuck Webster as the man with the gun that's not made of chocolate. It still had some soapy elements with the mechanic and his girlfriend, but nowhere near the level of last week's show. To me, this kind of reminds me of Casey Crime Photographer, which was another New York based series whose tone changed dramatically from one sponsor to another. In that case, Tony Home Permanent. You would think a brand would look at a show and say, yeah, this show fits our image and would appeal to our customers. Yet there were a couple of companies who said, here's a show that's been around and it's got a reputation. Let's reshape it to appeal to our potential customers. The result when you do something like that is you alienate the existing audience. And your potential customers aren't tuned into the series in the first place because of its reputation. The episode comes right near the end of the Curtain Frost's run on the series. The first episode, featuring Richard Denning and Barbara Britton, aired three weeks later. A news article in the LA Times from June 16, 1953 notes that this change was no reflection on their talent. It's just that the sponsor wanted the same voices in both versions. So on June 23, their run as stars would come to an end after an estimated 506 episodes, the episodes that we have only represent 6% of the total they did. Of course, this episode wasn't really their farewell. It was only episode 504. Yet you could recontextualize it as a nod to the fact that they've been playing this young couple a very long time. They'd done an admirable job and any fault in the series at any point wasn't theirs. And also, as I said before, I don't blame Richard Denning and Barbara Britton for how awful the episodes they start in were. That was strictly a writing problem, but there's no reason to put ourselves through that. Personally, I'd love for more Frost and Curtain episodes to emerge, though ideally not from the Adler Sewing Machine run. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we have a couple on our listener survey. Lance wrote, I listened to this podcast for an hour each day while I work and Sharon from Independent Hill, Virginia writes just discovered and look forward to more investigating. Well, thank you so much and I hope you enjoy what you hear, Sharon, and appreciate you taking the time to fill out our listener survey. Well, now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Judith. Patreon supporter since March of 2016, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Judith. And that will 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 will be back in two weeks with some special programming as I related last week, but join us back here for yours truly, Johnnydoll or where by.

[Harry Connors]

Golly, I'm glad you can make it, Johnn. Yes.

[Toby]

Well, from what I hear, Ben.

[Harry Connors]

You'Re having a pretty rough time of it. Oh, I suppose it's my own Paul. Johnny, walking into a project like this without knowing more about it. How deep have you gone into this layer? Oh my. Too deep, Johnny. Choose. All in all, I spent nearly 40,000. That's just about all I have. And most of us had to go for replacing my herd. Herd? Yeah, my herd of chickens. I thought it'd be so easy, you know, just buy a few hundred chickens. Yeah. Throw them some feed, collect the eggs, collect the money.

[Pam North]

Yes.

[Harry Connors]

And I'd be fixed up for life. Oh dear. There are more diseases a chicken can catch. There are more lice and bugs. Oh, and now this. Hey, Ben, you said something about somebody who's trying to put you out of business. That's right, Johnny, and I'm sure of it. But why? I don't know. I didn't know I had an enemy in the world.

[Adam Graham]

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

[Harry Connors]

Trip Planner by Expedia. You were made to have strong opinions about sand. We were made to help you and your friends find a place on the beach with a pool and a marina and a waterfall and a soaking tub.

[Jerry North]

Expedia.

[Harry Connors]

Made to travel. You were made to travel the world and the seven seas and countless lakes and innumerable rivers and one perfect pond. Get travel ideas from ChatGPT on Expedia made to travel.