Nero Wolfe: A Slight Case of Perjury (EP4634s)

Summary

Summary of "Nero Wolfe: A Slight Case of Perjury" (EP4634s)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
• Host: Adam Graham, Radio Detective Podcasts
• Episode: Nero Wolfe: A Slight Case of Perjury (EP4634s)
• Release Date: February 23, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a gripping Nero Wolfe mystery titled "A Slight Case of Perjury." Hosted by Adam Graham, the episode features the renowned detective duo—Nero Wolfe and his assistant, Archie Goodwin—as they unravel a complex case involving murder, deceit, and hidden motives.

Story Synopsis

The episode begins with a tumultuous phone call that sets the stage for a homicide investigation. Tom Wilcox, recently acquitted of murdering singer Keith Hansen, seeks the expertise of Nero Wolfe to uncover the truth behind Hansen's death. However, before Wolfe can even take the case, Tom is shot—suggesting a deeper conspiracy at play.

[04:04] Nero Wolfe: "Mr. Wilcox will see you. What's that? Hey, what was that?"

The sudden shooting not only jeopardizes Tom's safety but also threatens Wolfe and Archie's nascent investigation.

Investigation and Key Revelations

As Wolfe and Archie delve into the case, several layers of deceit become apparent:

1. Inconsistent Alibis:

   • Patricia Park, a society gal, provided an alibi for Tom Wilcox, claiming she was with him during the time of Hansen's murder. However, inconsistencies arise when it's revealed that Patricia and Tom were actually strangers.

     [07:55] Nero Wolfe: "Why didn't you tell the police in the first place that this Patricia Park was with you?"

2. Hidden Motives:

   • Marge King and her husband Brad emerge as key figures with potential motives. Marge's past involvement with Hansen and the subsequent blackmail for $10,000 adds complexity to the case.

     [25:09] Nero Wolfe: "Several years ago, you were secretly married to Keith Hansen. It lasted but one week."

3. Critical Evidence:

   • The discovery of letters from multiple society women in Hansen's dressing room points toward a motive rooted in blackmail and financial gain.

   • A contact lens found on Don Park becomes the pivotal piece of evidence leading to the revelation of his involvement in the murder.

     [28:44] Nero Wolfe: "Inspector Dun park is your murderer. Don't move, Park. Keep away."

Key Moments and Clues

• The Initial Shooting:

  The episode ramps up tension when Nero Wolfe's office is targeted shortly after Tom's phone call. This act hints at someone trying to silence Tom and potentially impede the investigation.

  [05:24] Archie Goodwin: "This episode is one Nero Wolf refers to as a slight case of perjury."

• Patricia Park's Deception:

  Patricia's refusal to cooperate and her attempt to bribe Archie underscore the depth of the deceit surrounding the case.

  [08:33] Archie Goodwin: "All I want is a simple answer as to why you lied about being with Tom Wilcox."

• Marge King's Testimony:

  Marge's conflicting statements and eventual confession reveal the tangled web of relationships and motives.

  [26:03] Marge King: "All right. Keith Hansen was shot from the bedroom while I stood talking to him in the living room."

• The Climactic Reveal:

  Using forensic evidence and astute observation, Nero Wolfe identifies Don Park as the murderer, unmasking his attempts to cover his tracks by exploiting medical knowledge and family connections.

  [28:13] Archie Goodwin: "The top of page 75, it says, the form of pernicious anemia commonly found in the human is now done."

  [28:44] Nero Wolfe: "Inspector Dun park is your murderer."

Character Analysis

• Nero Wolfe:

  Portrayed as a brilliant yet sedentary detective, Wolfe's intellect and meticulous nature drive the investigation. His interactions are marked by authority and precision.

  [23:03] Nero Wolfe: "And that gun, I am certain, came from the home of Pat and Don Parks."

• Archie Goodwin:

  Serving as Wolfe's dynamic assistant, Archie embodies the classic detective archetype—quick-witted, observant, and proactive. His engagement with suspects often leads to pivotal discoveries.

  [27:20] Nero Wolfe: "You better have Fritz fix it."

• Tom Wilcox:

  As the client, Tom's desperation and subsequent victimization highlight the stakes of the investigation. His interactions with Wolfe and Archie add depth to the narrative's suspense.

  [07:21] Nero Wolfe: "Why did you go to Keith Hansen's apartment on the day of his death?"

• Patricia Park and Marge King:

  These characters represent the intricate personal motives that weave through the mystery, each harboring secrets that Wolfe and Archie must untangle.

Conclusion

"A Slight Case of Perjury" masterfully combines classic detective storytelling with intricate character dynamics. Through a series of clever interrogations, strategic use of forensic evidence, and sharp deductive reasoning, Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin expose the underlying truths behind Keith Hansen's murder. The episode culminates in a satisfying resolution where all loose ends are neatly tied, showcasing the timeless appeal of old-time radio detective dramas.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [04:04] Nero Wolfe: "Mr. Wilcox will see you. What's that? Hey, what was that?"
• [07:25] Tom Wilcox: "I went there to tell him to stay away from my sister. We had a fight."
• [24:09] Archie Goodwin: "If a man's guilty, why should you butt in? You never use your head."
• [28:44] Nero Wolfe: "Inspector Dun park is your murderer. Don't move, Park. Keep away."
• [30:12] Archie Goodwin: "He must have bothered Don too, and he closed him. His medical training, right?"

Host's Commentary

In the latter part of the transcript, Adam Graham reflects on the adaptation of Nero Wolfe from Rex Stout's original books to the radio format. He highlights the casting of Sydney Greenstreet as Nero Wolfe as a significant triumph, emphasizing how Greenstreet perfectly embodies the character's essence. Graham also discusses the deviations from the source material, noting that while the radio adaptation takes creative liberties, it captures the spirit of classic detective storytelling.

[33:28] Adam Graham: "If it were possible to cast any actor who had lived in the past 100 years, you still end up landing on Greenstreet as the guy you want."

Graham acknowledges Rex Stout's dissatisfaction with the radio adaptations but appreciates the quality and entertainment value they bring to listeners today.

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Final Thoughts

"A Slight Case of Perjury" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of radio detective dramas. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and meticulous storytelling, the episode offers both nostalgia for longtime fans and an accessible entry point for newcomers. Through Nero Wolfe's unparalleled detective prowess and Archie's spirited assistance, the mystery unfolds with precision and intrigue, reaffirming why these old-time radio shows continue to captivate audiences.

Transcript

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[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 the first special of our Listener Support and Appreciation Campaign. But first, I do want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast, to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. So this is the first of three specials we're going to do for the Listener Support and Appreciation Campaign, and we've been working on some of our old episodes for various maintenance reasons and there are some episodes we've come across where there are issues with the commentary and it not being present and I'd like to have complete commentary for all the episodes we did. Thankfully these are not all that common, but when we find an episode like this, I do like recording and releasing the episode with new commentary and listener support. Appreciation is a great chance to do that as we also get to revisit A series we haven't played in many years. Even though we don't have any new episodes. Today, we're bringing you the 24th episode of the New Adventures of Nero Wolf. The original air date is April 6, 1951, and the title is A Slot Case of Perjury.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the ringing of that phone bell brings you mystery adventure.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nero Wolf's office. Archie Goodwin speaking. Just a moment, please. Hey, boss, Mr. Tom Wilcox wants an appointment. How about 1:00, Archie?

[Nero Wolf]

No appointments today. I intend to put some dendrobium offsets.

[Archie Goodwin]

One o'clock will be fine, Mr. Wilcox.

[Nero Wolf]

See the Tom Wilcox who was acquitted yesterday of the murder of that singer, Keith Hansen.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wilcox, are you the Tom Wilcox who. Oh, you are?

[Nero Wolf]

I say, what does he want with me?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wilcox, why do you seek Mr. Wolf services? I say? Well, our fee is $1,000 with a retainer of 500. Okay. Oh, yes. Mr. Wolf will see you. What's that? Hey, what was that?

[Nero Wolf]

Hey.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hey.

[Nero Wolf]

Mr. Wilcox.

[Archie Goodwin]

Someone was at the window. Then I heard a shot and he dropped the phone. Boss, I'm afraid we've just lost a cl.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, it's that renowned genius who is the bulkiest, bulkiest, most ponderous and most brilliant detective in the world. Yes, none other than that chairborne mass of unpredictable intellect, Nero Wolf, created by Rex Stout and brought to you in a new series of adventures over this NBC network in the person of Mr. Sydney Greenstreet.

[Archie Goodwin]

This episode is one Nero Wolf refers to as a slight case of perjury. It all started with a phone call from Tom Wilcox and the ensuing shot, which I was sure had brought our newfound income to an early end. Anyway, there was the shot and. Hello, Mr. Wilcox? Hello? Well, boss, I've certainly waited long enough for him to come back to the phone. We may have just lost a nice bankroll.

[Nero Wolf]

Nonsense. Our three other clients will rescue us. Now for a cold bottle of beer.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie, we're almost out of beer. I better get over there and see what happened to Mr. Wilcox.

[Nero Wolf]

The beer first.

[Archie Goodwin]

Mero Wolf's office. Archie Goodwin speaking. Oh, Wilcox, you all right? Was that a shot? It was. Huh? I'm glad it missed.

[Nero Wolf]

Tell him to come right over here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, you dug the slug out of the wall. We'll come right over. Boss. The police never found the gun that killed Keith Hansen.

[Nero Wolf]

No gun was found.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wilcox said he thinks he was shot at with a.32. He dug the bullet out of the wall. The murderer of Hanson must now be after Wilcox.

[Nero Wolf]

If Wilcox is telling the truth, he was acquitted.

[Archie Goodwin]

The society gal, Mrs. Patricia park, established his alibi. Said she was with Wilcox at the time the murder was supposed to have occurred.

[Nero Wolf]

I read the papers, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where's last night's paper? Wow, boss, look at her picture. Ooh, she's a honey.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, will you get me some beer?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, if you move your arm six and a quarter inches, you can't possibly miss it. Mr. Wolf, this is Tom Wilcox, our new client.

[Tom Wilcox]

How do you do?

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, the red leather chair for Mr. Wilcox.

[Tom Wilcox]

Mr. Wolf, I. I'd like your aid in finding the murderer of Keith Hansen.

[Nero Wolf]

He. Why do you suppose you were shot at this morning?

[Tom Wilcox]

I gave a statement to the press last night which was printed this morning, saying that I was going to seek out the killer of Keith Hansen. The killer obviously wants me stopped. Here's the bullet. A.32, I'd say.

[Nero Wolf]

Why did you go to Keith Hansen's apartment on the day of his death?

[Tom Wilcox]

I went there to tell him to stay away from my sister. We had a fight. The manager came and stopped us. I told Hanson I'd kill him if he didn't lay off. The manager heard this, then I went home.

[Archie Goodwin]

What time was that?

[Tom Wilcox]

About 8:30. The police claimed I returned to Hanson's apartment and shot him. I couldn't prove I was at home all night. It was going rough for me until Patricia park testified she was with me at the time the crime was said to have been committed.

[Nero Wolf]

Why didn't you tell the police in the first place that this Patricia park was with you?

[Tom Wilcox]

Well, that's the whole trouble. She wasn't.

[Nero Wolf]

What?

[Tom Wilcox]

Her claim that she spent the hours from 9 till midnight with me was a lie. In fact, I never met the woman in my life.

[Nero Wolf]

Have you contacted this Patricia since your release, Mr. Wilcox?

[Tom Wilcox]

Yes, but she refuses to see me.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie, phone Mrs. Patricia park and tell her that you must see you at once for her own good. Time is of the essence.

[Archie Goodwin]

And what else can you tell me, Mrs. Park?

[Patricia Park]

Mr. Goodwin, I haven't anything more to say than I've already said.

[Archie Goodwin]

All I want is a simple answer as to why you lied about being with Tom Wilcox.

[Patricia Park]

Well, Tom Wilcox is a very fine man, but he isn't telling you the truth.

[Archie Goodwin]

Did you commit the murder and succeed in establishing your own alibi by swearing you and Tom Wilcox were together 10 miles from the scene of the crime?

[Patricia Park]

I did not.

[Archie Goodwin]

Do you own a gun?

[Patricia Park]

Don has one around.

[Archie Goodwin]

Who's Don?

[Patricia Park]

Don's my husband.

[Archie Goodwin]

Oh, is he here?

[Patricia Park]

I doubt it. He's never here. Spends most of his time at the bookies, throwing away every cent he can get his hands on. I've had to cut his allowance to practically nothing.

[Archie Goodwin]

Doesn't he work?

[Patricia Park]

No, he studied medicine. Gave it up. He was an illustrator for years, but gave that up when his eyes were burned in a plane crash.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where's the gun?

[Patricia Park]

It's in the desk. It used to be in here.

[Archie Goodwin]

What caliber?

[Patricia Park]

I don't know.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where were you at 10 o'clock this morning?

[Patricia Park]

Why? I think I was with the cook.

[Archie Goodwin]

Someone fired a shot at Tom Wilcox this morning through the window.

[Patricia Park]

No. Oh, no, Archie, please don't continue with this investigation. Please.

[Archie Goodwin]

How well did you know Keith Hansen?

[Patricia Park]

Not very well. But enough to realize he was no good. Mr. Goodman, if you drop this case, I'll give you $1,000 cash.

[Archie Goodwin]

Not interested. But I am interested in learning why you lied. Why Tom was shot at this morning and why you should try to bribe me.

[Patricia Park]

You must stop for your own sake.

[Archie Goodwin]

How will it benefit me to step out of it?

[Patricia Park]

The killer tried to stop Tom Wilcox. You might be. He may not miss this time.

[Archie Goodwin]

Go on. Why have you been protecting Wilcox?

[Patricia Park]

I believe Tom Wilcox was innocent. And I didn't want him to be sentenced to die, so. So I lied at the trial.

[Archie Goodwin]

He told us today he'd never seen you before.

[Patricia Park]

That's true. But he looked so innocent, so. So clean and good and decent.

[Archie Goodwin]

That's not very believable. If you don't think Wilcox killed Hanson, who do you think did it?

[Patricia Park]

Please believe me, Archie. I don't know. I don't, I tell you.

[Marge King]

Hi, sister. Hey, what's the matter?

[Patricia Park]

Are we intruding? Oh, hello, Marge.

[Marge King]

Brad.

[Patricia Park]

Come in. This is Mr. Goodwin. My sister and brother in law, Marge and Brad Keane.

[Archie Goodwin]

How do you do? Hello.

[Marge King]

What gives? And who's Mr. Goodwin?

[Patricia Park]

A private detective. Marge, I've just explained to Mr. Goodwin that I wasn't with Tom Wilcox at the time of Keith Hansen's murder.

[Marge King]

Pat, why did you tell him that?

[Tom Wilcox]

Mr. Goodwin, I hope you will not use this knowledge against Pat.

[Archie Goodwin]

Did you all know Keith Hansen?

[Patricia Park]

Yes. And my husband and Keith went to school together.

[Tom Wilcox]

Keith, Don and I were on the same polo team.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where were you at the time of the Hanson murder, Mr. King?

[Patricia Park]

He and Don. We're attending a horse show at Madison Square Garden. Marge and I didn't want to go. We stayed here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Where were you at 10 this morning, Mr. King?

[Tom Wilcox]

Why, I had an appointment with my dentist. Dr. Flagg. Rockefeller Center.

[Archie Goodwin]

And you, Mrs. King?

[Marge King]

I was shopping. Ilsa's Salon. A sale on dresses. I owe this questioning, Marge.

[Patricia Park]

Someone tried to kill Tom Wilcox this morning.

[Marge King]

What?

[Archie Goodwin]

May I use the phone, Mrs. Park?

[Patricia Park]

Yes, of course. First audio left.

[Archie Goodwin]

Suppose you try to find the gun.

[Patricia Park]

Marge, that gun is missing from the desk.

[Tom Wilcox]

I haven't seen it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Do you know the caliber, Mr. King?32, I think.

[Patricia Park]

It must be in the house.

[Archie Goodwin]

For your sake, I hope you find it.

[Nero Wolf]

Near. Wolf speaking.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie.

[Nero Wolf]

Boss, you should have reported long ago. She must be very pretty.

[Archie Goodwin]

Pat park admits she lied. She claims now she was with her sister, Marge King. Marge and her husband Brad have alibis and all have alibis for this morning. I'll check them before I return.

[Nero Wolf]

Where were they the night of the Hanson murder?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, Brad and Don park, that's Pat's husband, were at the Madison Square Garden horse show. Pat and Marge were together here at the house.

[Nero Wolf]

Impossible to verify the Madison Square alibi at this date. Check all the rest and come home for lunch. It's Oysters Rockefeller.

[Archie Goodwin]

Has Inspector Kramer arrived yet?

[Nero Wolf]

He has, and left the police records on the Hanson murder. He has taken the bullet Wilcox brought to be checked at ballistics.

[Archie Goodwin]

Good. Pat had a.32 caliber gun in the desk in the library. It's now missing. And, boss, Pat just offered me $1,000 to quit the case. When I refused, she said if I didn't lay off, something might happen to me.

[Nero Wolf]

Oh, dear me, that would be most upsetting, eh? After lunch, I want you to visit the late Keith Hansen's apartment. Bye.

[Marge King]

Before you join the others, Mr. Goodwin.

[Patricia Park]

I want to talk to you.

[Archie Goodwin]

All right. Close the door, Marge.

[Marge King]

Pat didn't mean anything when she offered you money, Archie. And she wasn't threatening you.

[Archie Goodwin]

Honest, I'm convinced. Why the pressure?

[Marge King]

Why don't you sit down here by me?

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay. What's on your mind, huh?

[Marge King]

Archie, I can add another thousand to what Pat offered. Wouldn't that be enough, Archie? I can give it to you right now. Brad will write a check.

[Archie Goodwin]

Does Brad want me to stop too?

[Marge King]

He said you couldn't be persuaded.

[Archie Goodwin]

Every one of you seems to have had a reason for killing Hanson. None of you apparently liked him. Now, be a good little girl, Marge, and stop trying to act like a Delilah. If you're innocent, you have nothing to worry about.

[Marge King]

You're stuffy. I hope you do get hurt.

[Archie Goodwin]

Thanks a million. Now let's join the others. Well, Pat, did you find the gun?

[Patricia Park]

I can't find it anywhere. Mr. Goodwin, this is Dun park, my husband.

[Archie Goodwin]

How do you do?

[Nero Wolf]

How are you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Have you seen the gun, Mr. Park? Not for ages. You're a detective, eh? Yeah. May I ask where you were this morning about 10? Why? Frankly, I was at my bookies. Where's that? I can't tell you, but I'll call him and you can check it. Were you and Brad together at all times during the horse show the night of Keith Hansen's murder? No. Brad wandered away a couple of times and I saw some people I knew.

[Tom Wilcox]

You know how it is. We'd meet at intervals.

[Patricia Park]

Archer, you're wasting your time. None of us is guilty. I made a fool of myself, that's all. Tom Wilcox was such a decent man that I hated to see him have to pay for taking Keith Hansen's rotten life.

[Archie Goodwin]

If a man's guilty, why should you butt in? You never use your head.

[Marge King]

Pat is one person who thinks of others before herself.

[Patricia Park]

Marge, forget it.

[Archie Goodwin]

Now you've got private detectives snooping around. What are you after, Goodwin? Who are you working for? Why don't you let my wife alone? The case is closed, isn't it?

[Patricia Park]

Maybe, Don, this just makes it more interesting to Mr. Goodwin.

[Archie Goodwin]

As a matter of fact, I think you all know more than you're telling. I still think Tom Wilcox killed him. And there's only one reason why Pat should protect him.

[Patricia Park]

Don, that's enough.

[Archie Goodwin]

Nice happy family suffering all the torments of a guilty conscience, is that it?

[Tom Wilcox]

What are you trying to do, Mr. Goodwin, get your nose poked?

[Archie Goodwin]

Not exactly.

[Tom Wilcox]

If not, you'd better leave.

[Archie Goodwin]

Okay, Mr. King, I'll run along. Mr. Wolf will be anxiously waiting to hear about this. So long.

[Nero Wolf]

Pit box Cook ready by the Alibi by 10 o'clock this morning. Then what about the other alibis?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, Brad's dentist said that he didn't get to Brad until about 10:30. His appointments had run over. He wasn't sure if Brad was there at 10 or not. The nurse was out at that time. Marge's alibi is no good. That mob at Else's, the saleswomen wouldn't have known their own mothers. Don's alibi checks if we can take the word of the bookie.

[Nero Wolf]

Don and Pat then are the only ones who have alibisa checked, huh?

[Archie Goodwin]

That's right. Are these the reports Inspector Kramer brought? Keith Hansen's body showed obvious signs of battery. Lips were swollen and lacerated. Clothes disarranged. Knuckles of the right hand were skinned, nose fractured. Major contusion over the right eye. The eyes were closed.32 caliber bullet was embedded in the left chest wall. Wow, what a battle.

[Nero Wolf]

I am of the opinion that Hanson was battled by two different people. I think someone arrived after Wilco was thrown out by the manager. And this someone gave Hanson another meeting.

[Archie Goodwin]

Really, boss?

[Nero Wolf]

Come, let's have dinner. Then you must get over to Hanson's apartment.

[Archie Goodwin]

Boss.

[Nero Wolf]

Hey, Sartine, what have you found at Hanson's place?

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, the desk yielded one thing of interest. Keith's address book. And Marge's name is in there. Apparently he'd known her before she was married. When she was Marge Van Cott.

[Nero Wolf]

I see.

[Archie Goodwin]

A married named King was added in a different colored ink. Pat's phone numbers there. And of course, Don's and Brad's office numbers. There are a few bills, but no letters, no clues. Sure, boss. I've combed the place and isn't it. Hey, wait a minute. I'll call you back. Who's there?

[Nero Wolf]

Archie. You know I dislike the banging of doors. Sign of ill breeding. Archie, what happened to you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Target for tonight, Archie Goodwin.

[Nero Wolf]

Your forehead's bleeding. You better have Fritz fix it.

[Archie Goodwin]

My head can wait. Some guy certainly surprised me at Hanson's. Creased me on the forehead. Good thing I snapped off the lights. He emptied his gun at me. He scuffled and he got away. And then I dug his slug out of a chair. I think it's a.32. But look at this, boss. A little round piece of glass. Found it on the floor.

[Nero Wolf]

It's very small, very smooth and concave or convex in shape. Half an inch diameter.

[Archie Goodwin]

Watch crystal.

[Nero Wolf]

Don't think so. The edges are too smoothly ground. I'll examine it under a magnifying glass.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'll get it, boss. Oh, hi, Tom. Come in. Mr. Wilcox.

[Nero Wolf]

Boss.

[Archie Goodwin]

Archie.

[Tom Wilcox]

Hey, what's happened to you?

[Archie Goodwin]

Somebody tried to scalp me.

[Nero Wolf]

Good evening, Mr. Wilcox.

[Archie Goodwin]

The red leather chair.

[Nero Wolf]

Tomorrow, Archie, please finish your report. Did you notice anything else of importance at Hanson's apartment?

[Tom Wilcox]

Is that where this happened?

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, well, there were dozens of gals. Photos scattered around.

[Nero Wolf]

Photos, eh? But no letters, Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Not a one.

[Nero Wolf]

There must be some letters, Archie. Love letters. Wherever we have girls, photos and telephone numbers. I assure you they're bound to be love letters. That is what we must find. Then we'll have a motive.

[Archie Goodwin]

Yeah, but where do I look, huh?

[Nero Wolf]

Go to Hansen's dressing room at the curb Diable. I have just phoned the place. A female singer is substituting for Hanson, but she won't arrive until supper hour. Mr. Wilcox, accompany Mr. Goodwin, if you please. Keep your eyes open. I need a boy.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then you do love me, boss. Come on, Tom, let's look at this. Club Diablo.

[Tom Wilcox]

Well, I fixed it up with a stage doorman here. This is Hanson's dressing room.

[Archie Goodwin]

What a layout. Dressing room's fancier than most of the Met stars get.

[Tom Wilcox]

Hanson fixed it up himself. Bar, refrigerator, hot plate, television set. He could live here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Some of this stuff could be the new girl singers.

[Tom Wilcox]

I don't think so.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, let's get to work. Tom. Take the drawers and his dressing table first.

[Tom Wilcox]

What are we looking for, Archie?

[Archie Goodwin]

Mr. Wolf says the motive means letters. There's nothing here. Nothing in the desk. New singer must have cleaned it out for her things.

[Tom Wilcox]

Nothing in the books.

[Archie Goodwin]

Don't pass up that refrigerator.

[Tom Wilcox]

Nope. Empty. Hey, there is something here. Back of the ice cube trays. Come here.

[Archie Goodwin]

Wow. Mr. Wolf said there had to be letters. And so there are letters, lots of them. Hey, here's one from Marge. And another. Look here. Really confidential letters from a dozen society gals.

[Tom Wilcox]

There's something else in the back.

[Archie Goodwin]

Bank book. How do you know? A singer like Keith didn't make this much.

[Tom Wilcox]

No, that kind of money didn't come from crooning.

[Archie Goodwin]

This guy Keith was really shaking these babes down.

[Tom Wilcox]

Archie, someone's coming.

[Archie Goodwin]

Listen. Quick, behind the door and grab Desolites. Run, Marge, run. Hold it, Mom. Well, it's you two.

[Marge King]

You dirty rat, Higgin woman.

[Patricia Park]

What are you and Archie doing here?

[Marge King]

The letters, Archie, you found them.

[Patricia Park]

Archie, please give me those letters.

[Archie Goodwin]

Don't touch. I'll just put them safely away in my pocket. Besides, you didn't write all of these.

[Marge King]

Give them to me. At least give me my letters.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'll tell you what. You go on home and stay there and we'll leave it up to Mr. Wolf. Tom, take him outside. I want to use his phone.

[Tom Wilcox]

Come along, ladies. Let us oblige Mr. Goodwin. I'll meet you at the stage door. Archie.

[Archie Goodwin]

Right. Hey, the lights. Who's there?

[Nero Wolf]

Put the phone up.

[Archie Goodwin]

Goodwin. Who are you?

[Tom Wilcox]

Archie, what happened? Do you hurt? Here, let me help you.

[Archie Goodwin]

I'm all right, I guess. Oh, my head. Did you see anybody?

[Tom Wilcox]

No. No, I didn't. I shouldn't have left.

[Archie Goodwin]

You turned out the lights before I saw him. He whispered, got away with all the evidence. Where are the girls?

[Tom Wilcox]

I sent them home in a cab.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, let's get over to Mr. Wolf. This is tough luck. If I'm not mistaken, his next move will be to have a little get together with all concerned. Come.

[Nero Wolf]

Archie. The door, I guess, are arriving.

[Archie Goodwin]

Excuse me, Tom. Come in. Inspector Kramer. A good one.

[Nero Wolf]

Good Evening, Inspector.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, Mr. Wolf got the killer. You said you'd Hand him over to me this evening.

[Nero Wolf]

In time, Inspector. You know Tom Wilcox? Of course.

[Tom Wilcox]

Mr. Wilcox. Evening, Inspector.

[Nero Wolf]

What about the ballistics report, Inspector?

[Archie Goodwin]

The bullet was shot from the same gun that killed Hanson.

[Nero Wolf]

And that gun, I am certain, came from the home of Pat and Don Parks. Marge and Brad King also had access to it. I have one more bullet here, Inspector, and one fired at Mr. Goodwin. I'm sure it was also shot from the same gun. However, it isn't important now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Isn't important? It almost cost me my life.

[Nero Wolf]

You can make it into a charm if you wish. Inspector Kramer, before our other guests arrive, I must tell you Mrs. Park lied on the witness stand. She was not with Tom Wilcox at the time Keith Hanson was murdered. In fact, they were absolute strangers.

[Tom Wilcox]

What?

[Nero Wolf]

Sit down, Inspector. Four other guests are due to arrive any moment.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, who are the other guests?

[Nero Wolf]

Patricia and Don Park, Marge and Brad King. One or all is involved in the Hanson murder. Archie, do any of these people wear spectacles?

[Archie Goodwin]

No, none of them.

[Tom Wilcox]

You know why this person killed Hansen, Mr. Wolf?

[Nero Wolf]

First of all, Hansen was a blackmailer. The girl Marge was the current victim and let his Hansen held with a threat. I'll explain later.

[Archie Goodwin]

Well, then Pat must have thought that Marge killed Hansen to get the letters. And she lied on the stand to save Tom's life because she believed Tom was innocent. Where's this Marge King? I'll have her picked up.

[Nero Wolf]

Sit down, Inspector. A.R. i believe our guests are arriving now.

[Archie Goodwin]

Come in, come in. How are you?

[Nero Wolf]

Good evening, Archie. Cheers. Inspector Kramer, Patricia and Don Park, Marge and Brad King. And this is Tom Wilcock, who we've.

[Marge King]

Met at the Club Diablo this afternoon.

[Nero Wolf]

All right, Mr. Wolf.

[Archie Goodwin]

Which one is it?

[Nero Wolf]

Patience, inspector. One of these five people is the murder of Keith Hansen. Killer?

[Archie Goodwin]

What is this nonsense? Please sit down. Mr. Wolf speaking. Go ahead, boss.

[Nero Wolf]

Any one of you had sufficient motive to have committed the Hanson murder. Not one of you has established a bona fide alibi. You, who are actually innocent must tell the truth or you should all suffer as accessories after the fact.

[Marge King]

Mr. Wolf, you're wasting your time.

[Nero Wolf]

March Several years ago, you were secretly married to Keith Hansen. It lasted but one week. You gave Keith the money to get a divorce from you at Mexico. He didn't. Which made you a bigamist. When you married Brad, Keith was all set to blackmail you. He knew your husband, Brad was worthy.

[Tom Wilcox]

Marge, is this true?

[Marge King]

Yes. Please, Brad. I thought he got the divorce.

[Tom Wilcox]

If I'd known that, I would have killed Hanson myself.

[Archie Goodwin]

Maybe you did kill him.

[Nero Wolf]

One moment, Inspector. Patricia, you lied on the stand to protect Tom Wilcox here because you believe your sister Marge was guilty of Hanson's murder. Why did you believe her guilty? Were you at the scene of the crime?

[Patricia Park]

Marge, it's time to tell the truth and clear all this up.

[Archie Goodwin]

You won't be satisfied until you're in jail. Will you shut up? Be quiet, please. Go ahead, Marge.

[Marge King]

All right. Keith Hansen was shot from the bedroom while I stood talking to him in the living room.

[Archie Goodwin]

You went there to buy back your letters?

[Marge King]

Yes. Pat drove me to his apartment. There was no place to park, so she said she'd drive around the block until I came out. That's why she's never been sure whether I killed him or not.

[Patricia Park]

That's right. Because I feel I might have shot him if I'd been in your place. Because of what Hanson did.

[Nero Wolf]

What was it he did?

[Marge King]

Keith? Hanson demanded $10,000 in exchange for the letters. Pat loaned me the money so Brad wouldn't know what.

[Archie Goodwin]

Is that true, Pat? You loaned her 10,000?

[Marge King]

I got to Keith's apartment about 9:30. He looked awful. He obviously had been in a fight. The room was messed up and his nose was bleeding.

[Nero Wolf]

Yes. Gone.

[Marge King]

He went to the bedroom to get the letters and came back saying they were gone. I didn't believe him. Keith said he knew who had taken them and he'd have them back by morning. He grabbed the money from me and put it in his pocket. He was just about to tell me who took the letters when there was a shot from the bedroom door. Keith Hanson fell to the floor, but I didn't see anyone. I wanted to get my money from his coat pocket. Pat's money. I couldn't touch him. His staring wide open eyes were horrifying.

[Archie Goodwin]

I ran and I ran.

[Tom Wilcox]

Poor baby. Why didn't you tell me?

[Archie Goodwin]

I think you're lying, young lady. You took the gun from your sister's desk.

[Tom Wilcox]

And when Keith Hansen didn't produce the.

[Archie Goodwin]

Letters, you deliberately shot him.

[Narrator]

You didn't even offer him any money.

[Archie Goodwin]

You kept it yourself.

[Marge King]

No, I didn't. I didn't. Oh, Pat, don't believe him.

[Archie Goodwin]

Inspector Kramer, she's innocent.

[Tom Wilcox]

I know who did it.

[Marge King]

No, Brad, stop. Brad, what are you saying?

[Archie Goodwin]

All right, all right.

[Tom Wilcox]

Break it up. Yeah.

[Archie Goodwin]

So do I know, Brad? That's why you left the horse show. I've thought you were guilty all along.

[Tom Wilcox]

All right, Inspector, now you know.

[Archie Goodwin]

I don't get this, boss.

[Nero Wolf]

Inspector. Ladies and gentlemen, please. First, which of you had some medical training?

[Archie Goodwin]

Medical training? Keith Hanson and I both went to Medical school?

[Nero Wolf]

Why, it is most enlightening, Mr. Pott.

[Patricia Park]

Marge and I were nurses aides during the war.

[Nero Wolf]

Then perhaps you can interpret this medical phraseology for me. These few lines from this little medical book. Archie, hand it to Dunpop, will you? Read it, please?

[Archie Goodwin]

The top of page 75, it says, the form of pernicious anemia commonly found in the human is now done.

[Nero Wolf]

Hold your hand over your right eye and read on.

[Archie Goodwin]

What? Huh? Also common to the many lower.

[Nero Wolf]

Now cover the left eye and read with the other.

[Archie Goodwin]

What is this?

[Nero Wolf]

Go ahead.

[Archie Goodwin]

Many, many lower. Animals. And. And this. This light isn't so good.

[Nero Wolf]

Step close to me. Yes, thank you. Mr. Park, here is the contact lens. Be your right eye. I am sure you've been tremendously handicapped without it all day. Inspector Dun park is your murderer. Don't move, Park. Keep away.

[Archie Goodwin]

I warn you. Well, I got his gun. Ar. Inspector. He's all yours now. Okay, come on. Okay, Goodwin, but I'll get out of this.

[Nero Wolf]

You trapped yourself, Don, by your contact lens. He dropped from your eye during the scuffle with Archie in the Hanson apartment this afternoon. And the gun Archie just took from you is undoubtedly the murder weapon. And the gun that fired the bullets at Wilcox and Archie today.

[Archie Goodwin]

Hey, Tom, are you all right? There's blood on the side of your head.

[Tom Wilcox]

Just graze my scalp.

[Archie Goodwin]

You and I must have hard heads.

[Nero Wolf]

Well, that's that. Thanks so much, Inspector, for dropping in. Come again, won't you?

[Archie Goodwin]

This was a rough day's work, boss.

[Nero Wolf]

Send me an Archie, please.

[Archie Goodwin]

Right. Hey, what was that business about the medical training?

[Nero Wolf]

Maud said the body of Keith had staring wide open eyes preventing her from touching the body. But the police found the eyelids closed. How did they get closed?

[Archie Goodwin]

He must have bothered Don too, and he closed him. His medical training, right?

[Nero Wolf]

A layman would never touch the eyes of the dead. Marge couldn't. Not even to get back the $10,000.

[Archie Goodwin]

Here's your beer. Why did Don do all this, boss?

[Nero Wolf]

Obviously, he learned of Hanson's blackmail scheme and was trying to force him to agree to split Marge's $10,000. Don was quite startled a minute ago to learn that Pat, his own wife, put up the money. However, when they heard Marge arriving, Don stepped into the bedroom, found Marge's letters in there and must have hidden in the closet.

[Archie Goodwin]

Then, as Keith Hansen was about to speak Don's name, Don shot him and took Marge's money. Of course, he planned to carry on a blackmailing of Marge himself, thinking the money would come from Brad.

[Nero Wolf]

Yeah. And you are warming that beer with your hot little hands. Pour it, please.

[Archie Goodwin]

There you are.

[Nero Wolf]

You have had a rough day. Beaten twice and lost to interesting women. Tonight you may open your bedroom window. Good night, Arjun.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to the New Adventures of Nero Wolf starring Sydney Green Street. Tonight's transcribed story by Gladys Williams was based on the characters created by Rex Stout. This is an Edwin Fadiman production produced and directed by J. Donald Wilson. In the cast were Harry Bartell as Archie Goodwin and Mary Lansing, Gene Bates, Paul Marion, Barney Phillips, Ken Peters and Bill Johnstone. Next week at this same time, Nero Wolf and Archie will bring you the case of the lost heir Don Stanley speaking Three chimes mean good times on NBC.

[Advertiser]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. We played Nero Wolf during our second season and when I look back at that time, the one thing I think is that I was a little too hard on the series. I was reading through the Nero Wolf books for the first time and was really taken with the writing of Rex Stout and the amazing world and characters he created and how totally unlike the book these episodes were. There are a few nods to the books, but the way that Wolf solves mysteries and operates on the radio is totally different from the way it works in the book. However, the one thing I've come to realize is that this actually happened to every single detective to get adapted from book to radio, whether it was Father Brown, Poirot, Peter Chambers, Philip Marlow, Michael Shane, Paulo Vance, Sam Spade, or Mr. And Mrs. North. Radio Creative teams might use some elements of the character from the book, but they were not concerned with book accuracy as much as they were trying to tell whatever style of story they wanted to tell and to produce a high enough quality drama to get the good quality ratings to make money and stay on the air. Rex Stout was notably not pleased with the way the networks handled Nero Wolf. But I think he probably cared about the way the radio adaptation treated his characters far more than your average writer. So to enjoy this series, you have to accept it for what it is and acknowledge its great strength. And what was the big thing this show got right? In a word, casting. Sidney Greenstreet was the perfect choice for the role of Nero Wolf. I think if it were possible to cast any actor who had lived in the past 100 years, you still end up landing on Greenstreet as the guy you want. Harry Bartel was the last in a line of actors to play Archie on the radio, and while he wasn't the most likely choice, there was a lot of good stuff to his performance in this episode. I particularly liked where he flat out asked the perjurer if she'd committed the murder. That was, I think, a pretty archy thing to do. And of course she responded with stereotypical disgust. How dare you? How dare you ask if I did the thing that you reasonably have to suspect me of. That's an outrage. But again, that's the type of thing that Archie would be willing to provoke. The mystery itself is fine. It's a bit melodramatic, particularly for a Hollywood mystery series. Also, it was nice of the killer to bring the murder weapon to Wolf's house. Very thoughtful. You don't generally get that degree of thoughtfulness and courtesy from your modern day killers. I mean, they're just hoodlums. But this guy was so helpful that he thought to bring the murder weapon with him. I mean, that just saves everybody a whole lot of trouble. I did also wonder about Wolf sending the client along with Archie to conduct the search. And I wondered whether Wolf was trying to trap the client or suspected the client. But it turned out to be more of a situation that they wanted a second person with Archie and they don't have the other detectives in the radio version, so they just sent the client along. Alright, well. Listener comments and feedback. A listener on YouTube has been commenting on a lot of old episodes, including the Nero Wolf episodes, and amongst his comments I found this particularly amusing and worth reading given the special today regarding Nero Wolf. The problem with Harry Bartel playing Archie is whenever he speaks, I always get the feeling he's trying to pedal Petri wine. That of course a reference to Harry Bartel's role on the New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes as the host. Thanks so much. Appreciate the comment. Now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to thank Alex. Alex has been one of our patreon supporters since August 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Alex. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. We'll be back next Sunday with another listener support slash appreciation special, but join us back here tomorrow for Michael Shane. Where?

[Archie Goodwin]

Tried to follow her, but with this leg of mine. I know. By the time he got outside, she was gone. That's right. Well, what about Lester? What about him? You've got to report him to the authorities. Oh, no. Look, you don't understand, Mike. If I open my yap, Ruth will never come back. And you think her return will settle everything? Yes. You're wrong. I know. It's easy enough for me to talk. You did your duty once before, and it cost your leg. It was worth it. Well, this is the same thing over again. On a smaller scale. Men like Hitler poison people's minds. Lester works on their bodies. Well, let someone else nail him. That's just it. We can't let other people do our work. You're the only one who has the opportunity. What about this Joey Willow kid who came in for.

[Adam Graham]

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