Philip Marlowe: Life Can Be Murder (Encore) (EP5017)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Philip Marlowe: Life Can Be Murder (Encore) (EP5017)

Original Airdate: August 21, 1951 | Podcast Date: July 15, 2026
Host: Adam Graham
Featured Star: Gerald Mohr as Philip Marlowe

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Episode Overview

This encore presentation features a classic radio detective drama from the Philip Marlowe 1951 Summer Replacement Series, with Gerald Mohr starring as Raymond Chandler’s iconic private eye. The episode, “Life Can Be Murder,” begins with Marlowe’s chance meeting with a mysterious woman, Marnie Carr, at an English-style bar, which leads him into a complex web of murder, family secrets, and deception. Host Adam Graham bookends the drama with brief commentary and listener support campaign info, showing his affection for both radio nostalgia and his audience.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Opening at Belle’s Trifle-In (04:18–13:43)

• Philip Marlowe frequents Belle’s, an "authentic" English bar run by the Nebraska-born Belle Smithers, where he meets the enchanting redhead Marnie Carr.
  • Belle banter: Belle and Marlowe exchange friendly, flirtatious repartee, setting a warm tone and providing exposition about Marlowe’s regular hangout.
  • Marnie Joins: Marnie impresses the bar with her dart-throwing skills, accidentally getting Marlowe’s attention and quickly accepting a dinner invitation.
• Relationship Spark: Marlowe and Marnie show instant chemistry, yet Marnie’s nervous glances and reluctance to share details about herself hint at secrets.
  • Memorable quote:
    “It’s so easy being with you…like I’ve known you a long time and I practically picked you up. You know, I’ve never done a thing like that in my life.”
    — Marnie to Marlowe, 10:14
• Interrupted Goodnight: When Marlowe escorts Marnie home, she insists he not walk her to the door upon spotting a mysterious car in her driveway. Her fear is palpable as a man named Paul greets her coldly (13:43).

2. The Next Morning: Murder & Investigation (14:03–24:24)

• Disturbing News: Lt. Matthews calls Marlowe early, asking about the address where he dropped off Marnie.
  • Matthews reveals: The woman living there has been "murdered!" (14:03)
• Crime Scene Details:
  • The victim isn’t Marnie, but Ann Harkness from New York. Taxi records show she arrived at the house shortly after Marlowe dropped Marnie off.
  • Witnesses (taxi driver) confirm a redhead (likely Marnie) answered the door for Ann, making her a vital person of interest.
• Marnie's Connection:
  • Police find a note from Marnie to Mrs. Edwards, the actual owner of the house, indicating Marnie was to greet Ann Harkness and make her comfortable (18:29–19:13).

3. Tracing Marnie’s Whereabouts (21:00–25:44)

• Marnie’s Job:
  • Marlowe tracks down her beauty salon (Mr. Felix’s) using an address book and clever phone work.
  • Through astute questioning, he gets Marnie’s friend Peg to divulge both Marnie’s phone number and address.
    • “She don’t feel too well today. She called me first thing this morning. Your fault.” — Peg to Marlowe, 23:10
• No Marnie at Home:
  • At her apartment, Marlowe meets the bristling landlady who confirms Marnie hasn’t been seen since the previous morning (24:31).

4. Twists, Revelations, & Resolution (25:28–31:31)

• Back to Belle’s:
  • Belle gives Marlowe a note that’s supposedly from Marnie, asking him to meet her at the park above the Santa Monica Bluffs at 8:30 pm.
• Climax:
  • Suspecting danger, Marlowe proceeds with caution; at the park, he sees the same gray Chevy coupe from the previous night.
  • A parking ticket under the car’s wiper leads Marlowe to the Seaway Motel in Malibu; there, he finds Marnie bound and terrified (29:30).
    • Reveal: Paul is not Marnie’s lover, but her troubled younger brother. He had been stealing from the Edwards’ home and, when caught by Ann Harkness, shot her in a panic.
    • “Who doesn’t love their own kid brother?” — Marnie, 29:42
• Showdown with Paul:
  • Paul tries to flee but is apprehended, sobbing—depicted as more a frightened child than a criminal mastermind (30:43).
  • Marlowe reflects on the old excuse: “He was just a kid. Funny how many people dispose of anything from mayhem to murder with the phrase he’s just a kid.” — Marlowe, 30:43

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Marlowe’s Noir Philosophy:
  “Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker’s road, and those who travel it wind up in the gutter, the prison or the grave. There’s no other end, but they never learn.” (04:18)
• Marnie, torn by guilt:
  “I should feel guilty about it, but I don’t. Oh, dear. I’m not making any sense at all, am I?” (10:43)
• Pragmatic Host Commentary (Post-Episode):
  Adam Graham muses on the episode’s Nebraska accent:
  “That was an interesting Nebraska accent. I’ve never heard anyone from Nebraska who talked quite like that… I will defer to experts in the audience on the particular accent.” (34:19)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:18 – Drama begins: Marlowe’s monologue and scene-setting at Belle’s
• 06:03 – First interaction with Marnie; their relationship sparks
• 13:43 – Marnie’s abrupt goodbye at her home; introduction of Paul
• 14:03 – Lt. Matthews calls Marlowe: “The dame has been murdered.”
• 18:28 – Discovery of Marnie’s note; suspicion grows
• 21:03 – Marlowe contacts Mr. Felix’s Beauty Salon for leads on Marnie
• 22:35 – Peg at salon provides Marnie’s address and phone number
• 24:24 – Encounter with the unhelpful landlady; search hits a wall
• 25:28 – Belle’s note summons Marlowe to the park
• 29:30–30:43 – Confrontation and emotional climax: Marnie rescued, Paul apprehended
• 34:19 – Adam Graham’s closing commentary

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Episode Tone & Style

• The episode maintains Marlowe’s trademark blend of dry wit, hardboiled cynicism, and compassion, with rapid-fire banter, clever wordplay (“Belle all right, huh? … Sometimes I forget, I get all carried away working my jaw.”), and a touch of romantic melancholy.
• Marnie is portrayed with vulnerability and strength, making her more than a mere damsel in distress.
• Supporting dialog (especially from Belle and Peg) brings warmth and comic relief.

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Host Commentary & Listener Engagement

• Adam Graham keeps the tone personable, nostalgic, and interactive, referencing past episodes, the ongoing listener support campaign, and inviting audience feedback via email and social media.
• Noteworthy host observation:
  On recurring references to “Hopalong Cassidy” during Marlowe’s timeslot: “Apparently they just want people to be comfortable and sure that Hopalong is not going anywhere, you know, and will be back once the summer’s over.” (34:19)

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Conclusion

“Life Can Be Murder” delivers an engaging and twisty detective story classic, blending suspense, character-driven drama, and golden age radio charm. Marlowe’s pursuit of truth leads him through romantic intrigue and moral ambiguity, while host Adam Graham provides context, humor, and a sense of community for mystery fans.

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For full Golden Age detective immersion, subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio via your favorite podcast app or at greatdetectives.net.

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Transcript

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[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Sam.

[Adam Graham (Host)]

Get this and get it straight. I am on a summer recording break and we are bringing you encore presentations of The Philip Marlowe 1951 Summer Replacement Series. As usual, any offers or information in this episode may not be valid unless currently reflected on our Great Detectives of Old Time Radio website, but here is today's episode. It happened like this. Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, email it to me. Box Thirteenreatetectives.net Follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook facebook.com radiodetectives before we do get started, I want to remind you that our listener support campaign continues and you can support it at Support Great

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

for

[Adam Graham (Host)]

one time donations and patreon.greatdetactives.net for monthly donations. During the listener support campaign we have special thank you gifts that we give at your request with a donation of $20 or more. First you get an ebook and then at various levels an additional thank you gift. At the $50 level, we have either Sherlock Holmes, the Hound of the Baske, Baskerville's from Big Finish Productions, or Sherlock Holmes, the Adventure of the Perfidious Mariner. And a $100 level, we have the Ordeals. Also, for those who want physical media, if you're in the US or Canada, at the $50 level, we'll send you the Big Sleep, starring the great Humphrey Bogart. A full list of available thank you Gifts is at support.greatdetectives.net and thanks so much for Ruth Ellen for her support. Appreciate that as a supporter through the listener support campaign. Well, now it's time for today's episode of the Adventures of Philip Marlowe. The Original air date August 21, 1951 and the title is Life Can Be Murder.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Most Saturdays at this time, we spend an exciting half hour of adventure in action with America's public hero number one, Hopalong Cassidy. Well, even two fisted cowboys take summer vacations when they can, and Hoppy is no exception. Hopalong and Topper will be back with us, riding the CBS air trails again, nine weeks from tonight, September 22nd. Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road, and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave. There's no other end, but they never learn. From the pen of Raymond Chandler, outstanding author of crime fiction, comes his most famous character in the Adventures of Philip Marlow. Now, with Gerald Moore starred as Philip Marlowe, we bring you tonight's exciting story, life Can Be Murdered. A sign in the half light above the entrance reads Bell's Trifle in. If you say it fast enough, you may be right. It's authentic English script and it hangs over the door of an authentic English restaurant just south of the authentic Sunset Strip owned and bar headed by Bell Smithers. Inside, from the paneling to the prime rib, from the Welsh rabbit to the dot board at one end of the bar, it's the Union Jack all the way. And it's figures. Bell's authentic, too. 100% pure Nebraska. I always sit at the bar,

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Milo, you old dog. You've been neglecting me.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, well, I've tried to stay away from you, honey, but I can't. You're bigger than both of us.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

You and your plaver.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, me and what you said.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

You want a drink, honey?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, but make it with your own light hand for a change. William, I'm tired of walking out of here on my knees.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Just an ounce.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

The water will float it.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Okay, honey.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

It's your poison and my stomach lining. Hey, looks like most of the regulars are here, huh? I'm sure they get tired of looking at the same old faces.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I can stand it as long as they can. No, Milo, I kind of like it clubby. This way you get a few people who just come in to see what a lady barkeep's like. But most of them are just regular folk, you know, real people who like

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

the food and drink. Huh, Belle all right?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yeah, sure. Sometimes I forget. I get all carried away working my jaw.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Cheers, baby.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yeah, thanks, honey. Oh,

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

you know, sometimes you forget a lot of things, I think. Like teaching school in. Where was it?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Nebraska. Ogalala. That name don't stick with you worth a darn, does it?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Ogalala. Does that mean anything?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Oh, it does to the folks back there. County sees a keeve. County sits right there on the South Platte River. That's just south of the North Flat River.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah. Well, that's a nice arrival.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

No, Milo, that's one thing I'll never forget. Teaching school back there in Ogallala. I declare, if I hadn't done that, I wouldn't be doing this. Now. You see, these reach cattle folks, they come through from Cheyenne. And what have they got but a 13 year old shaver?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

And where are they going with the shaver but England? And what do they need but a tutor?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

And who do they draw but me? Right out of 10th grade Social Studies at Oglawa High School. Now, I got a feeling you've heard this song before.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, just a few thousand times, Belle. But don't worry, I like it.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Matter of fact. Excuse me, Mrs. Smithers. Oh, call me Belle, honey. What can I do for you? Well, the young lady said you kept the dart at the bar. The. Oh, for the dart. Oh, yeah, sure I do. Well, it is all right showing darts. I'm waiting for someone and I. Oh, it's perfectly all right, honey. Just make yourself at home. There you are. Thank you. Oh, I. I hope I didn't bother you.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, I'm so glad you did. In fact, if you want to build a house, I'd like that too.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Thank you for the dye.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Hey, Bill. That red hair, the green eyes.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

No, Marlow. You and your.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Don't say it. Just pour me another palaver and water.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

If you don't beat all. I declare. Look out, Marlo. Bullseye. She made it, Marlo. Why, your head was right in front of the target and she still made it.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, well, I'm very for it.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I hope I didn't frighten you. I had no idea your head was in the way.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Neither did my head. As long as it's you.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I'm really sorry. Sorry? Why? We haven't had a bullseye all week. That rate's a drink and dinner on the house.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

A Bell for two?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Of course.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

A bell girl.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Right now? Tonight.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Come again?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Where's Marlo? Here, naturally.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

That's my girl. Red hair and green eyes. Smile. A nice smile went along with the gag. We toasted a throwing arm. My head and Bell's solid sense of judgment in putting the dartboard at head level at one end of the bar. By the time we moved to a table for two, I knew her name was Marnie Carr. Before dinner was over, I had a pretty good idea that everything about her was all right with me. Hey, Marnie, you got that look again.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Oh, really? Which one?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

The dark one. Happens every time you look through the door.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yes, I expect it does. You see, I'm not exactly a free agent.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Someone brought me here, said he'd be back.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Ah. Think he'll object to our little party? Is that it?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

No, not really. I. I guess I hope he doesn't come back.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I hope so, too. Tell me, can I play 20 questions?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I'd rather you didn't.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Okay.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

You know, I. I really feel pretty silly. It's. Well, it's so easy being with you. Like, I've known you a long time and I practically picked you up. You know, I've never done a thing like that in my life.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, well, Belle picked us both up. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I don't think you even heard me. It's very important to me that you know I've never picked anyone up.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Sure, I believe you.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

You know what I mean. It's like I'm doing something wrong and I should feel guilty about it, but I don't. Oh, dear. I'm not making any sense at all, am I?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Look, why don't you just forget about it, huh? You said you felt easy with me. That's enough, isn't it?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yes, that's enough. Well, I. I guess I really think I should go now.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, Belle. Never forgive you for not finishing the trifle. How specialty, you know.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Well, maybe I'll come back sometime. I'll eat a double order.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Ah. Will you let me take you home?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Oh, I don't know.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

It'll be all right, Marnie. Very all right. Well, can I take you home?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yes. Yes, you can.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Good girl. We'll stop by the bar and slip Bell the Grip, and then we'll be on our way.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yes, I do want to thank. Who do they draw but me? Right out of 10th grade Social Studies at Ogallala High School.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, yeah, you told me. Belle. Great story. You ought to change it a little, Belle, just for listener interest. Hiya, Matthew. Oh, hello, Phil. What brings you up? Ms. Carr, Lieutenant Matthews.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

How do you do?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Great dinner, Belle.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Dinner, Bell, I lost my head. Honestly, Marlo. I declare. You say the darndest thing.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, I'm a regular yell.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yeah, it was a very nice dinner, Bell. Thank you. My pleasure, honey. You come again.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

She will. Night off, Matthew. Yeah, so far. You two have a drink with me. I think the young lady's anxious to go home.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Oh, I'm afraid I'm taking Phil out of his way, Lieutenant. But Bedford Drive isn't too far. Maybe he could get.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Now, wait a minute. Wait a minute. I'll make my own arrangement.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I know some lovely folks on Bedford. The Dickinson 600 block. Do you know him? No. No, I don't. I'm north of there, 2470.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, yeah. Well, we'll see you, huh? Night, Bell. Matthews.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Good night. It's nice to meet you both. Yeah, Good. Turn right at this corner. The last house on the.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, say, Marnie, can we do this again?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Oh, I don't know. Still, I. Are you usually at Bells? In case I get the urge to throw darts again.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah. Well, I also have a home, and I'll get a dartboard.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Let's keep it at Bells. Maybe later. Sometime I'll. Oh, wait a minute.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh. Hey, looks like you got company. Car in the driveway.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yes, I see it.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I wonder the guy who was supposed to come back and didn't.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I'll say good night here, Phil. Don't bother coming to the door.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, now, look, I think I. I mean it.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I. Well, maybe I'll see you at Bell's again.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Don't call us, we'll call you. Is that it?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

That sits, Phil. Thanks. I liked it.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Great work, Marlowe. So crazy about you, she's running the other way.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Paul, what on earth are you doing?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I'd be back.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Never mind, Paul. Let's go inside. Good night, Bill. Thanks again.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

It wasn't ideal, the way the evening ended. Not the way I'd planned it. But then how could you plan an evening like that? Girl meets dart, girl throws darts, girl meets boy. Didn't make much sense, but it didn't have to. It was a nice evening. Short, but nice. Monte Carr was a nice girl, and I decided to leave it at that nice girl. It was straight up 11 o' clock when I got home. I thought about the red hair and the green eyes for several pleasant minutes. And then I went to bed to sleep. A chance to dream. Oh, well. Awful. Oh, hello, Matthewsville. Yeah, yeah, yeah. That girl you were with last night, where was it she lived? Where did she live? Look, it's not even 8 o' clock in the morning you're asking. Take it easy, Phil. Was it 2470 Bedford Drive? Yes, it was 2470 Bedford Drive. And if you hurry, maybe you can get there in time for breakfast. I'm already here, Phil. And you better come on out. The dame has been murdered. In just a moment we will return to the second act of Philip Marlow. But first. So you think this old world of ours is fresh out of miracles? Maybe you sort of long for the days of the Arabian Nights or folks of fable who possessed those magic wands, lamps, rings, talismans that all produced wonders. Well, if you do, you'll find CBS's Mr. Aladdin a refreshing gent to meet. He gets the name Mr. Aladdin from the fact that his exciting adventures have the atmosphere of miracles about them. Listen for him later this evening on most of these same CBS stations. And now with our star, Gerald Moore, the second act of Philip Marlow and tonight's story, Life can be Murdered. All the Way to Beverly Hills. I tried hard to see the face of the guy in the doorway the night before. Paul Marty had called him. But it was no use. You can't remember a face. You never saw the car in the driveway when I took her home. A chevy coupe, gray, two door, 49 of 50. There are millions of them. It had been blue and bright with stars the night before. The morning was hazy, overcast. So was I. Matthews met me at the door. Come on in, Phil. Sure. Tell me, how long you known her? Last night. You sure? I'm sure. Any idea what happened? Oh, yeah, yeah. Someone was looting the place. Her back door was jimmied and some stuff missing. This dame must have interrupted it, got herself killed. Where is she? But the cops. Yes, the cops. In here, I. Hey, that's not Marnie. Did I say it was? No, but I. I thought that. Never mind. Do you know who this is? Yeah. Ann Harkness. According to identification in her purse. She's from New York. Taxi driver brought her here about 11 last night from the airport. And the coroner says she must have been shot shortly after that. Huh. You bring your girlfriend straight here from Bell's? Yeah, that's New for you, all right, huh? That would put her here by 10:30, easy. So? So, the taxi driver says a redheaded gal answer the door and let the Harkness woman in. That doesn't prove a thing. No, no, no, it doesn't. I'd like to talk to her, though, Phil. You know where she lives? She lives here, doesn't she? House belongs to Mr. And Mrs. Orville Edwards. They're out of town. They got called to Chicago yesterday with a death in the family, and the neighbors don't know anything about this. Ms. Carr, was it? Yeah, Monty Carr.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yeah.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Well, I got a call into Chicago for the Edwardses. They ought to clear it up. That's something here, Lieutenant. Oh, hello, Mr. Marlowe. How are you, Mooney? Yeah, what do you got, Sergeant? Well, this address book, phone number from the phone desk in the hall. Nobody named Carlisted, though. Okay. This note might be something from the big bedroom upstairs, front of the house. Oh, let's see. It's signed Marnie, Phil. It is. Let me have a look. Yeah. Dear Mrs. Edwards, thanks for the lovely remembrance. You're very thoughtful. I'll tell Miss Harkness to make herself at home. Yeah, whatever that means. I'll keep looking around with tennis. Do that, Mooney. I'll. Well, as soon as the Chicago call comes through, we'll get our hooks into something. Look, Matthews, you mind if I look around? Oh, help yourself. You got any ideas? Yeah, I don't think Marnie had anything to do with it, and I don't know where she lived. Okay, okay, Phil. Only leave the note with me, huh? I looked around and tried to figure things that didn't figure. Marnie didn't live here, but she knew the Edwards. That is, she knew Mrs. Edwards, and she addressed her as Mrs. Edwards and signed herself Marnie. Maid, maybe, huh? Paul could have been anybody. And I wanted to find Marnie before I took up the matter of Paul. With Matthews upstairs by the phone in the master bedroom, I found something Sergeant Mooney had overlooked. Another address book, Smaller, with phone numbers. I flipped through it. There was nothing under C for car, but under M for money. There was a crescue number, but no address. I decided to take the book with me. Are you still here?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Still?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, yeah, just leaving. Oh, look. Hey, what about that car girl? Yeah, she may be the sweetest kid in town, and she may be a killer. You never know. Thanks for the tip. And I didn't call you to get in my way. Phil, if I find her, I'll tell you. Fair enough. Yeah, yeah, fair enough. Just don't get lost. Finding her, It was kind of a break. Head start. At least I had a phone number for Marnie that Matthews didn't have. And I wasn't for her against him. He knew that I just couldn't think murder and Marnie in the same thought until I could. I'd string with her if I could find her. The morning haze was lifting somewhat as I stopped at a gas station on the strip and used the payphone.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Mr. Felixes. Good morning.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Where'd you say this one?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

This is Mr. Felix's beauty salon.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh. Oh, is Marnie there, please?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I'm sorry, Ms. Marnie's not in today. Can someone else help you?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, no, I. Look, would you be kind enough to give me a home phone?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I'm sorry, sir, we're not allowed to give out phone numbers.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, but I'm an old.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

It doesn't matter who you are. I can't give you her number.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Okay, thanks.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

May I help you, sir?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I just talked to you a few minutes ago on the phone about money.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I told you then, I tell you now, we are not permitted to give out numbers. How did you find us?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Well, Mr. Felix is in the book and Marnie's not. Look, really, this is important. I'm doing this for her.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I've given Mr. Felix my word and I've never broken it.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, well, I don't doubt it. Oh, Marty's friend here, you know, the special one. She keeps talking about her all the time. Isn't it strange? I. I can't remember her name. Yes, yes, Peg, sure, that's the one. Can I talk to her?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Well, I. Oh, all right. 36 desk, please. 36, please.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Thank you.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I hope this never gets back to Mr. Felix. I can't imagine what he'd think.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, I can't either, but don't worry, my lips are sealed.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

You blast for me, Liz. Oh, yes, 36.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

This gentleman over here, Peggy, it's about Marnie.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Ah, what about Marnie?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Well, I don't have a home phone or her address.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

She wouldn't give it to you, huh?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Well, no, she.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

She wouldn't. You look all right to me. What's wrong with you?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Nothing. I'm a nice clean cut fella.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yeah, looks like.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

What do you want with Martin?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Well, I just want to see her. Good enough reason?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Best in the world. She don't feel too well today. She called me first thing this morning. Your fault.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

No, no, no, I don't think so, no. Tell me, what did she say when she called that she didn't feel too well. Ah, well, now, look, Peg. Does Marnie go out to Mrs. Edwards often?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Just when she's called to do her hair. Good enough.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Reason you're. Oh, best in the world. Do I get that phone number?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Ridgely 00400040.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

And that's 1637 North Vermont, apartment B.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Ridge, Leo, 401637 North Vermont, apartment B.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

And walk softly by A. That's the land lady.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, well, I'll remember. Thanks, Peggy.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

And if you don't find her, come back. I'll give you min.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Peg was something of a prophet, among other things. Well, there was no answer to my knock at 1637 North Vermont, apartment B. And no answer to the phone call I placed in the lobby. So I quit walking softly by apartment A. Not there. And the doorway was suddenly filled with a solid block of granite.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yes, I'm a landlady, but if she don't answer the door, it makes sense to me. She ain't in.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Well, have you seen her this morning?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Ain't seen her since she went to work yesterday morning. Ain't seen him either.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Her husband.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Husband? Young man, even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

And I was getting proud of my head. It could dodge anything from flying darts to door slams near the eyebrows. But that was about all I was proud of at the moment. I wasn't exactly closing in on Marnie. The landlady's snort didn't give me much of a line on Paul, if that's who she was exhaling about. And there was a manner of Ann Harkness who flew into Los Angeles the night before just in time to be murdered. Well, I drove to a nearby drive in and mulled it over a sandwich. Coffee was grim, too. I was starting in on the routine that begins with, if I were Marnie, where would I go when I got a flash of an idea? Ten minutes later, I was banging on another door.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Belle?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Belle? Anybody home? Bell.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Oh, Marlo, come in. I'll arrange for swinging doors first thing tomorrow.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I'm sorry, Belle, but I got an idea.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

I told you lately we're not open for lunch.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I said I'm sorry, didn't I? It's just.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Oh, I'm sorry too, Marlowe. Guess I'm kind of off my feet today. I declare, you ought to see what that butcher sent me in the name of Prime Rib. And Charlotte hall. Said she'd floundered like a beached whale all night. Bad tooth.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Well, will you run Down.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

And when I got here, this was here for you.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, let's see.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Someone shoved it under the door, I guess. At least that's where I found it. Well, Landa Goshen, come in. Get enough people, we put on a floor show.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

You have been a busy boy, Phil. Hi. About.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Make yourself at home, Lieutenant. I got work to do.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

If you know that, you also know I'm getting nowhere. Yeah, maybe. Hey, listen. You've been tailing me, Matthews. Tailing you? Yeah, that's what I said. No, no, just the boy's been going the same place as you have. A little bit later, all the way around, and along about the second stop, the description began to fit you. It did? Now, look, tell me, how did your phone call to Chicago come out? Oh, we found out where your Marnie Carr fits in. Oh, yeah? That Harkness name was a friend from New York who came to call in the Edwardses. And they tried to intercept her when they got the call about the family death in Chicago, only they couldn't reach her. Your Marnie told Mrs. Edwards she'd stick around the house and wait for the Harkness name. Is that all? Well, they described some of the stuff that might be missing. We checked, and it is. It is, huh? Yeah. Tell me, how do you figure Marnie by now? How can I figure a filth? She's missing. Yeah. Yeah, she is missing, isn't she, Phil? I said if I found her, I'd tell you. You remember? Oh, yes, I remember, Phil. I just want to make sure you do. I had a reason for not telling Matthews about the note Belle gave me. It would sign Marnie all right, but it wasn't the same handwriting I'd seen in the note she left for Mrs. Edwards. It said, Phil, meet me at 8:30 tonight in the park above the bluffs of Santa Monica. That was all, except 8:30 was like six hours away. And it's just dark here at 8:30. And a fella can get killed keeping that kind of an appointment. You ever wait six hours for something to happen? No, it's no fun. Neither is the thought that maybe something final has happened to a pretty nice person. I was almost sure now that Paul was my boy. But almost wasn't close enough. And I had to find Marnie, if she could be found. And I got to the park above the Santa Monica Bluffs about 15 minutes early. Left my car a block or so away, and all the way to the park I watched for a gray Chevy coupe. 49 or 50 when you look for them. They're hard to see. And then I saw it. Parking half a block down. A guy got out and headed into the park. I let him go. Got to his car by way the time he reached the bluffs. I don't know what I thought I'd find. But not in my wildest dreams did I expect what I found. Three minutes later I was foot to floorboarding it up the coast highway toward Malibu. The Seaway Motel. 21245 Malibu Road. That's the way. The parking ticket I lifted from under the windshield wiper on the Chevy Red. And that was good enough for me. I hit two wrong doors before I found the one I wanted. And I had a spring the lock. Mar. He plays rough, doesn't he? Here, untie your wrists.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Knows he can get away with it. Phil, I've been such an idiot.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

You love him a lot, huh?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Who? Who doesn't love their own kid brother?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Paul is your kid brother?

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Yeah, all mine. Write it down somewhere, Phil. Big sisters don't make good mothers.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Take it easy, honey. You're okay.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Sure, I'm fine. First I catch Paul stealing from the Edwards. Then I stand there like a zombie and watch him shoot down a woman he's never seen before.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Take it easy, honey.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Oh, Phil, I'm sorry. I didn't want to drag you into this. He asked me who you were when you brought me to the Edwards last night. I'd never heard of you. But Paul had and.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Wait a minute, wait a minute. That's probably him now.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Be careful, Phil. He's crazy.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I'll be ready for him right behind the door. Your bright boyfriend stood me up. We got to get out of here.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Hey.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Hey.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

What is this? You.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

You.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Oh, he was just a kid.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, just a kid. I called Matthews and wounded up. Everything checked, everything balanced. Paul cried like the baby he was and blabbed his head off when he came. Came too. Marnie just cried. Funny how many people dispose of anything from mayhem to murder. With the phrase he's just a kid. I bet someone said that about Capone, Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd. I take Marnie.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

She's

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

what a kid. The Adventures of Philip Marlowe Bringing you Raymond Chandler's most famous character, Star Gerald Moore are produced and directed by Norman McDonald and written for radio by Kathleen Heights. Featured in the cast were Virginia Gregg and Joan Banks with Paul Dubov, Jim Nusser, June Whitley, Shirley Mitchell and Marjorie Bennett. Detective Lieutenant Matthews was played by Larry Dobkin. Gerald Moore may soon be seen in the Santana Production Sirocco. The special music is composed by Pierre Garagank and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Be sure to listen again next week at the same time when Philip Marlow says this time a pair of cross telephone wires put the Good Neighbor policy into effect. To the murderous accompaniment of an off key xylophone. One Good neighbor almost kills another Good Neighbor fella named Marlo.

[Orderly Meds Announcer]

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[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

This is Andrea J. Graham, author of the web surfer series O and a Madam's Wife. You're listening to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio.

[Adam Graham (Host)]

Welcome back. It's kind of odd that they kept mentioning Hopalong Cassidy, now three weeks in. Apparently they just for people to be comfortable and sure that Hopalong is not going anywhere, you know, and will be back once the summer's over. That was an interesting Nebraska accent. I've never heard anyone from Nebraska who talk quite like that. I guess it's just my experience of people from the Midwest is more lack of a country accent than anything. Though I've not spent a great deal of time in Nebraska, though I know a couple people from there. I will defer to experts in the audience on the particular accent and that will actually do it for today though. Join us back here tomorrow for Mystery Theater and next Wednesday another episode of the Adventures of Philip Marlowe. A reminder that our listener support campaign continues and you can become an ongoing contributor to the [e-mail] support the show monthly. You can also become tom [e-mail] and during the listener support campaign we offer special thank you gifts. Among the items that we do have at A$20 level. At your request we will send you one of the great Colonial Radio Theater audio dramas including Zorro and the Pirate Raiders or King Solomon's Mine or the Martian Chronicles full cast adaptation from Colonial Radio Theater or Gettysburg, which is a fantastic historical epic. And then we do have Father Brown Mason releases. Also at the $75 level. We'll send you the Hillary Kane Mysteries from Productions in Seattle. They are period pieces actually produced in modern day Seattle but set in 1930s England. They're a lot of fun and they're available with a donation of $75 or more. Full list of available thank you gifts is at support.greatdetactives.net in the meanwhile, do send your comments to [e-mail] Follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook. Facebook.com RadioDetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham signing off

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

with

[American Express Card Announcer]

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[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

get that Amex Gold Card ready? I'm way too tired to cook tonight.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

You read my mind. With the Gold Card, we can get up to 120 a year in statement credits. Are you feeling the Cheesecake Factory five guys? Either of those sound good?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yes.

[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

Which one?

[Orderly Meds Announcer]

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[Marnie Carr / Belle / Female Characters]

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[American Express Card Announcer]

with the new Mylo's Pro Rewards American express card. Earn 3 points per dollar spent on Lowe's qualifying purchases for the first six months after card account opening. Plus save 5% every day on eligible purchases at Lowe's and earn points on eligible purchases everywhere else. AMEX is accepted Card members get more at Lowe's, subject to credit approval. 5% can't be combined with any other offer. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Points subject to loyalty terms@lowe's.com terms and credit reward [e-mail] MLPRA terms, visit lowe's.com businesscredit.