Philip Marlowe: The Seaside Sabbatical (Encore) (EP5015e)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio — Episode Summary

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: Philip Marlowe: The Seaside Sabbatical (Encore) (EP5015e)
Date: July 12, 2026
Original Air Date (Drama): July 7, 1951
Starring: Gerald Moore as Philip Marlowe

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Episode Overview

This episode is a classic installment from the 1951 summer revival run of The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, starring Gerald Moore as Raymond Chandler’s iconic private investigator. Titled A Seaside Sabbatical, the story takes Marlowe to Long Beach for what appears to be a routine job—only to find himself tangled in a foggy web of confusion, family secrets, and a young woman's desperate plea for help. The episode blends atmospheric noir with psychological intrigue as Marlowe attempts to unravel the true dangers facing his client, Dale Higgins.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction & Podcast Context (01:28–05:10)

• Host Adam Graham sets the stage for listeners, discussing the 1951 return of Philip Marlowe as a summer replacement on CBS and the value of reviving beloved detective dramas.
  • Notable Quote (Adam Graham, 03:40):
    “Rather than picking something which may or may not work, you choose something with a built-in audience. And these detective shows certainly had a reputation.”
• Historical recap of CBS bringing back cancelled shows as summer series.

2. Marlowe Gets a New Case (06:47–09:00)

• Marlowe receives a mysterious telegram from “Dale Higgins” requesting urgent help in Long Beach.
• As he arrives, he exchanges banter with Red, the local parking lot attendant, setting a classic noir atmosphere.
  • Notable Quote (Philip Marlowe, 06:47):
    “Wire in my hand said it all: Need your help. Urgent. Meet me at 8:30 tonight. The time and place were known factors. The need for help, the urgency, and, most of all, Dale Higgins were unknown.”

3. Meeting Mrs. Higgins & Foggy Confusion (09:00–13:50)

• Marlowe meets Mrs. Higgins at the Ship’s Galley Café, but she calls off the job, claiming the issue has resolved itself.
• He’s approached in the fog by a distressed young woman—Dale Higgins herself—who warns Marlowe of danger and pleads for his help, fearing someone named “Val” wants to kill her.

4. An Unexpected Head Injury (13:50–15:29)

• Dale asks Marlowe to meet her later at 7th and Anaheim. While waiting, he is attacked and loses consciousness.

5. Awakening to More Mysteries (15:29–18:52)

• Marlowe awakes in a strange, locked room, tended by a “motherly” Mrs. Higgins.
• Dale sneaks in, still terrified about “Val” and “Marie,” certain they want to kill her. She warns Marlowe of a conspiracy involving her stepmother and Val Nichols.

6. Doubts and Contradictions (18:52–23:07)

• Mrs. Higgins suggests Dale is delusional, suffering from spells and imagining persecution.
• Marlowe is told Dale believes she’s just returned from a convent in Brazil, even though her family claims otherwise.

7. Investigative Legwork (23:07–26:01)

• After leaving the Higgins’ apartment, Marlowe checks the shipping records. He confirms with the Orange Coast liner that Dale recently arrived from Macapa, Brazil, and visits the ship’s offices to trace her movements.
• Marlowe enlists help from Muff Benjamin, a local informant, to dig into the Higgins family and Val Nichols’s background.

8. The Truth About Dale’s Past (26:01–29:14)

• Marlowe receives confirmation from Brazil: Dale spent seven years in the convent; her father has been dead for that duration; her stepmother inherited the income, but the bulk of the estate is Dale’s.
• Muff’s investigation reveals Val Nichols is involved romantically with Mrs. Higgins and is a serial grifter.

9. Racing to Avert Murder (29:14–31:51)

• Marlowe confronts Mrs. Higgins, who cracks and reveals Vale and Dale are now at sea on Val’s boat, “The Queen Marie,” and pleads for help.
  • Notable Quote (Philip Marlowe, 29:27):
    “Seven years. A long time to be away from home. A lot of things can happen in seven years, you know, Mrs. Higgins. You can even end up legally dead.”
• Marlowe and Mrs. Higgins enlist the Coast Guard to chase down the boat, suspecting Val intends to kill Dale for her inheritance.

10. The Climax – Rescue at Sea (31:24–31:51)

• They successfully intercept the “Queen Marie.” Val is arrested and Dale is saved—groggy from sedatives but safe.
  • Memorable Moment (Dale Higgins & Philip Marlowe, 31:24):
    Dale: “Oh, Mr. Marlow…”
    Marlowe: “You take it easy, baby. You're okay.”
    Dale: “But you didn't [forget your promise], did you?”

11. Reflection & Resolution (31:51–33:15)

• Marlowe reflects on the meaning of happiness and human kindness:
  • Notable Quote (Philip Marlowe, 31:51):
    “I wonder when people are going to realize that the only happiness there is in the world is what they can give each other. Happiness that is not a stab in the back.”
• Episode credits and teaser for next week.

12. Adam Graham’s Post-Episode Commentary (35:15–38:38)

• Graham praises the episode’s strong characterization and the variety of allies Marlowe works with (informant, priest, convent).
• Notes the smooth return to Marlowe’s world after a year’s hiatus and promises more episodes from the 1951 summer run.
  • Notable Quote (Adam Graham, 35:20):
    “It just slots right into the previous Marlow canon just very nicely.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On noir atmosphere:
  Philip Marlowe (06:47): “The night was muggy and close. You wore it like an extra coat… The ocean breeze I'd anticipated had retired in favor of alternate waves of fog…”
• On Dale’s mental state:
  Mrs. Higgins (16:19): “Such a high-strung girl gives way so easily, you know. Imagines all sorts of things…”
• On the family’s scheme:
  Philip Marlowe (29:27): “Seven years. A long time to be away from home. You can even end up legally dead.”
• The final reflection:
  Philip Marlowe (31:51): “I have to admit it. I'm an optimistic fell[ow].”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:40 — Adam Graham introduces the context of the Marlowe summer run
• 06:47 — Drama begins: Marlowe receives Dale’s telegram
• 13:50 — Marlowe knocked out while investigating
• 15:29 — Marlowe wakes up in the Higgins’ apartment
• 23:07 — Marlowe investigates Dale’s arrival from Brazil
• 26:01 — Muff Benjamin reveals family details and Val Nichols’ background
• 29:14 — Marlowe confronts Mrs. Higgins, learns of Dale’s danger
• 31:24 — Rescue aboard the “Queen Marie”
• 35:15 — Adam Graham’s wrap-up and listener feedback

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Tone and Language

The episode maintains a classic hardboiled noir style—dryly witty, cynical yet compassionate—delivered with Philip Marlowe’s sardonic internal monologue and snappy dialogue. Adam Graham’s commentary is genial and informed, providing historic context and an affectionate appreciation for the classic detective genre.

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Summary

This Philip Marlowe episode masterfully combines classic noir storytelling with psychological suspense. In a fog-bound world of mistaken identities and shadowy motives, Marlowe’s dogged pursuit of the truth saves a young woman from a deadly inheritance plot—and restores a bit of kindness to a dark seaside night. The episode stands out for its moody atmosphere, memorable supporting characters, and Marlowe’s blend of toughness with empathy, earning praise from host Adam Graham for its smooth storytelling and enduring appeal.

Transcript

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[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

and more terms@lowe's.com Milo's moneydays Sam.

[Adam Graham]

From Pretty Much the Present, this is your host Adam Graham and for our summer recording break we're bringing you some summertime Philip Marlow. The Adventures of Philip Marlowe starring Gerald Moore went off the air after the 1949-1950 season, but was brought back in the summer of 1951 and we are bringing you a marathon of that series. As usual, any offers or information, including these episodes are not valid unless currently reflected on the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio website. But now, here is today's episode. 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 [e-mail] follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com radiodetectives well, before we do get started, I do want to encourage you. The program is brought to you by the financial support of our listeners and our listener support campaign continues and you can become a Patreon supporter supporting the show every month at patreon.greatdetectives.net you can also give a one time don support.greatdetectives.net and on request. Here are some of the thank you gifts that are available at the $20 level. We can send you Zorro and the Pirate Raiders or one of the Father Brown or Perry Mason releases or the Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury. Great audio adaptation done by the Colonial Radio theater at the $50 level. If you're in the US or Canada, we'll gladly send you the Big Sleep starring Humphrey Bogart or the TH films. A collection of four Thin man movies or collection of four Michael Shane movies. A full list of available thank you gifts is at support.greatdetives.net well, now it's time for today's episode of the Adventures of Philip Marlow. Philip Marlow returned. It was off the air for for more than nine months. During this time, Gerald Moore continued to act, including spending a month playing Archie Goodwin on Nero Wolf. But the reason for this, and this is the first of four seasons that CBS would bring back a previously cancelled radio program. And it does make a lot of sense to do that. With radio revenues declining, it makes sense to go with a show as a summer replacement. Rather than picking something which may or may not work, you choose something with a built in audience. And these detective shows certainly had a reputation. And 1951 saw Philip Marlow in the summer of 1952 they brought back yours truly, Johnny Dollar in the summer of 1953 even though they never aired Richard diamond, one of the first examples of reruns. And then in the summer of 1954, they brought back Broadway Is My Beat. So it's time to get into the summer. This summer 1951 run of the Adventures of Philip Marlo. The Original Air Date July 7th of 1951 and the title is A Seaside Sabbatical.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

We delay the start of our scheduled program we have delayed the start of our scheduled program to bring you a bulletin from CBS News. Two helicopters carrying the United nations cease fire team left kaesong shortly before 9 o' clock Sunday morning Korean time. Communist officers are already in Kaesong to participate in the preliminary ceasefire talks. This bulletin has come to you from CBS News. We now resume our scheduled program.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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. Hop along and Topper will be back with us riding the CBS air trails again 11 weeks from tonight, September 22nd.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

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.

[Narrator/Announcer]

From the pen of Raymond Chandler, outstanding author of crime fiction, comes his most famous character in the Adventures of Philip Marlowe. Now with Gerald Moore starred as Philip Marlo we bring you tonight's exciting story. A seaside sabbatical.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Wire in my hand said it all. Need your help. Urgent. Meet me at 8:30 tonight. Ship's galley Cafe, Long Beach. Signed, Dale Higgins. The time and the place were known factors. The need for help, the urgency, and most of all, Dale Higgins were unknown. And my hazy recollection of algebra told me that three unknowns are mathematically impossible to find. Call it a challenge, call it money, call it a chance for a short dinner, call it anything you like. But 8:15 found me pulling into a parking lot on Ocean Boulevard, not far from the amusement pier. Just leave it there. Be right with you. Oh, hello, Mr. Marlow. Hey, Red. How's it going? Oh, great, thanks. What brings you to the capital of Iowa? Corn. My aim's getting bad, Red. I thought I'd come down to the pike and try for my limit at a shooting gallery. Gee, really? Yeah. Greatest practice in the world. Is it still 35 cents and no questions asked?

[Mrs. Higgins]

Huh?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, to park the car? Yeah, that's it. Okay, kid. Keep it. Oh, thanks. Hey, mind if I recommend the quick quack? How's that again? Used to be the dead duck. Best shooting gallery in the pike from Ido. Oh, that quick quack. Oh, sure. Anybody be a fool to go anywhere else. Yeah, my sentiments exactly. See you, red. You bet, Mr. Marlow. Red's a nice kid. His name was a natural. He was blonde. I barbed along Ocean Boulevard in a direction that instinct and a blaring blue neon sign indicated would lead me on course to of the ship's galley. The night was muggy and close. You wore it like an extra coat. And the ocean breeze I'd anticipated had retired in favor of alternate waves of fog that rolled in, engulfed you for a moment and then suddenly rolled out again. I was very nearly on time for my 8:30 appointment with Dale Higgins as I turned blue beneath the ship's galley neon and stepped inside to be greeted by tight little groups of faces that opened and closed to admit food, drink and talk. All indigo. The door behind me closed on two thoughts. My dreams of a short dinner were blasted, and the ship's galley emerged as the last place in the world for anyone in need of urgent help to discuss his problems. But then I didn't know. Dale Higgins.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Are you Philip Marlow, by any chance?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

That's right.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Looked like you were looking for someone. I'm Higgins.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Oh.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, how are you, Higgins? Do we talk here?

[Mrs. Higgins]

Probably not.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Very well.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Walk along the beach.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, fine, fine. Say, Higgins, did you ever wonder why people pack into hospital rooms on a night like this.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Oh, you mean the ship's galley. Yeah, well, philosophy is not my business, Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

What is it?

[Mrs. Higgins]

Well, I don't quite know how to tell you, I guess.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Well, your wire said urgent. That's good enough for openers.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Yes. Well, the truth is I was a little quick sending that wire. Pretty upset about a situation at the time. But things have resolved themselves now. I won't require any help.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Well, you ought to know.

[Mrs. Higgins]

I expect to pay you, of course, the trip down and your customary fee.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

That'll be 25 a day in expenses. 7 cents a mile for 23 miles and oh, yeah, yeah. 35 cents for parking my car.

[Mrs. Higgins]

7 times 25. 3. $60, 61, 35, $96.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

26.96 all together is cash all right? It always has been.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Marlow, I am sorry about this. I didn't set out to bring you on a wild goose chase. Yes. Looks like I have got the right amount.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Thanks. Don't worry about it, Higgins. Anybody can change his mind.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Yes, I. I guess that's right. Well, thanks for your trouble.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Not at all. Oh, well,

[Dale Higgins]

Mr. Paula Wafer.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I turned in the direction of a voice, but the fog has a cute way of diffusing sound as well as sight. And I realized I wasn't closing in on anything, that the fog was circling me and I was circling it. So I stopped and waited. I listened and heard nothing but the sound of the sea and the faint wheezing of the pike Calliope. Then suddenly it hit me. Somewhere along the fog swept beach a girl had called my name. And nobody knew I was in Long beach except Red at the parking lot and Dale Higgins. The choice was obvious. Did she find you okay, Mr. Marlow?

[Adam Graham]

Yeah.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, Red, she. Did you tell her where I was? Why, sure. I told her you and me always did our shooting at the Quick Quack. Good boy. Now tell me who she is. Who she is? Yeah. You mean you don't know her, Mr. Marlowe? That's the general idea, Red. Well. Well, I guess she's my age. Yes, I know. Who is she? She's. Yeah, she's you. You want your car, Mr. Marlowe? No, Red, not now. I think I left something back at the. Everything that was young and pretty along the pike was hanging onto a sailor's arm around Gene Arno's Quick Quack, the nearest thing the youth and beauty with a neatly lined 22s poised across the counter. Try your luck, mister. Oh, no thanks.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Just looking.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I not buying. Yeah, See, I just lost my girl. Don't blow your brains out here. These guns is for shooting ducks. I see what you mean. We said we'd meet here if we got separated. Have you seen him by any change? 7, 8ft tall, glandular case. 3 stalls down. Build a toothpick. Thanks so much. Still just looking. Not buying. Still just look. Try it from a distance.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It looks even better.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Go on, bud. I spotted her. At least, I'd spotted a frightened fawn of a thing who caught my eye as if we were the only two on the pike. And there was something about her that made me wish we were. I followed her away from the crowded amusement section, up the ramps on Ocean Boulevard. Suddenly, she broke into a run. Darted into an alleyway. I wasn't far behind me.

[Dale Higgins]

No one saw you? Did they follow me?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Like who?

[Dale Higgins]

He might have. And there may be others. I don't know. I don't know.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

That makes two of us. Now, wait a minute. Let's talk, huh?

[Dale Higgins]

I saw you meet him. I thought it was you at the parking lot. I saw you meet him. The ship's galley.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Something like you. Lost in a mob.

[Dale Higgins]

I'll kill you, you know. If you're with them, I'll kill you. I've got to before someone kills me. I don't know. I don't know.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Now, listen, Baby. Baby, I'm with you.

[Dale Higgins]

Don't come any nearer.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

All right, all right.

[Dale Higgins]

I can't be seen with you. I can't walk out of here with you. He's around somewhere. I know he is. Oh, Mr. Marlowe, you will help me? You'll have to. There isn't anyone else.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Of course I will. Of course I will.

[Dale Higgins]

Well, then, look. As soon as you can, get your car. Don't let Val see you now. You know Val. Listen. In your car. Meet me at 7th and Anaheim. I'll get there. I'll have to. And then we can talk.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, but wait a minute. Hold it.

[Dale Higgins]

7th and Anaheim. Mr. Marlowe? Oh, I'm Dale Higgins.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

It was a study in contrast all the way. A din and kaleidoscope of Rainbow Pier against the lonely sound of a foghorn. The gray feel of fog in the dank gray black of the warehouse district at 7th and Anaheim. An urgent wire signed Dale Higgins. Dale Higgins and a guy who called himself Higgins. Husband, Lover, What? Well, here we go again. Marlow. I parked the car and waited. The fog hugged the streetlight, but the sign was intermittently visible. I had the right place. I don't know how long it was before I heard the footsteps, but it was long enough for me to stretch my legs out along the car seat, lean my head back against the door and feel the damp touch of fog sweep against my face from an open window. I remember starting to turn my head toward the direction of the steps and thinking that Dale had made it in good time.

[Dale Higgins]

Oh.

[Narrator/Announcer]

In just a moment we will return to the second act of Philip Marlowe. But first, just as systematic exercise builds a strong body, so does systematic saving. Build a strong future. Save systematically for your future and for your country's future with United States Defense Bonds. And now, with our star, Gerald Moore, the second act of Philip Marlow. And tonight's story, a seaside sabbatical.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I could almost hear the chain pulleys clanking the first time I opened my eyes. And it took another game try before the fuzz faded away and the room slowed down to a Lambeth Walk. Off somewhere, the faint sound of breakers. And I did the ceiling, walls and one corner of an expensively furnished room before I centered on the fuzzy, indeterminate pace of my bedside. A kind face, motherly and pleasant, it talked.

[Dale Higgins]

I'm Mrs. Higgins. Oh.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Oh, no.

[Dale Higgins]

Yes. Yes, I am.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah. Everybody in Long beach named Higgins.

[Dale Higgins]

You don't really feel a bit well, do you?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

No. No, not really.

[Dale Higgins]

We're awfully sorry, Mr. Marlow. I know when Dale realizes what she's done, she'll be sorry too.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, I suppose. Dale being me, what with appear.

[Dale Higgins]

She's often violent, I'm afraid. Such a high strung girl gives way so easily, you know, Imagines all sorts of things and then, well, just gives way. Yeah, but I won't worry you with that. Dale's my problem. I. I won't worry you with anything, Mr. Marlowe. Just you get a nice rest.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I'm a cinch.

[Dale Higgins]

We'll pay whatever damages there are, of course. But I won't hear of you leaving now until you're much better.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Hey. The mother of the Higgins clan had locked the door and walked away. My head felt big and woozy and rammed down into my neck. I was not in the pink, Mother. Higgins had ordered a nice rest and it looked like I'd need it. I don't like strange rooms and locked doors and. And high strung girls who give way. I was still trying to get out of bed when another door clicked slowly open on the other side of the room. My little frightened fawn was back and my head hurt.

[Dale Higgins]

I heard Marie with you. That's how I knew you were here. Oh, poor Mr. Marlow. Did they Hurt you?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

They sure did.

[Dale Higgins]

It wouldn't do you now if they found me talking to you. I feel better now that you're here.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I wish I did.

[Dale Higgins]

What happened to you? Do you know?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I have a rough idea. Say, honey, how much do you weigh?

[Dale Higgins]

105 when I left the convent. But that's not important. Listen, I can't stay long.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

You know, a romance with you would be rough.

[Dale Higgins]

Please, Mr. Marlow. They're going to kill me. Val and Marie.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

All right, all right. Now, settle down.

[Dale Higgins]

They are, and I don't know why. Maybe if I knew why, I'd understand.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yeah, but listen, I. I didn't even know.

[Dale Higgins]

Valen Valley. Val Nichols, a friend of Marie's. She sent him to the boat to meet me. Ever since then, I just know they are going to kill me there.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Listen to me. I don't know, Val. As a matter of fact, until you told me, I thought his name was Higgins. And I don't know Marie. What makes you think they're going to kill you?

[Dale Higgins]

You met Belle last night, the ship's galley. You talked to him. Marie was just here. Don't try to confuse me. You're all I have.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

All right, honey. But tell me, isn't Marie your mother?

[Dale Higgins]

My stepmother. Dad is dead. And when I got off the Orange coast the other night, whenever it was there was Val.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

The Orange Coast?

[Dale Higgins]

That's how I came back, Mr. Molly, you're not trying to understand. If you won't help me to. He's coming. Don't let.

[Mrs. Higgins]

I hope that you're not bothering Mr. Marlowdale.

[Dale Higgins]

No. No, I'm not. He asked me to come in. He likes me.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Of course he does, dear. We all do.

[Dale Higgins]

No.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Feeling better, Mr. Marlowe?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

The worst way.

[Mrs. Higgins]

I'm sorry. Come, dale. Let's let Mr. Marlow rest. Oh, you could use a little rest yourself, my dear.

[Dale Higgins]

No, he wants me to stay. I'm not bothered.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

You're not bothering at all, honey. But maybe it would be better if you come back a little later.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Yes. Yes, of course it would, dear. Now, come along now.

[Dale Higgins]

I can come back, though, Mr. Marlowe. You promise?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Sure,

[Dale Higgins]

if you promise. I know you'll keep it. Never mind, Val. I came in alone. You know I can find my way out.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

She's sweet. She's sick.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Very sick. Young lady, Marlowe. Troubled, confused.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

She's got nothing on me. Now, look, what is this all about? I don't know what day it is, what I'm doing here, who you are, anything. Well, it.

[Mrs. Higgins]

It should all have ended with Our meeting at the ship's galley last evening. Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

You're not clearing anything up for me, you know.

[Mrs. Higgins]

You've seen her, talked to her. You must realize that she imagines things. Right now. She imagines that she's been away from here a long time. That she came back a few days ago upon a ship and her mother and I want to kill her.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

She did send me the wire.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Oh, yes, yes. We had no idea one of her spells was coming on. We left her for a short time yesterday. Switchboard has its instructions, of course, and they reported it to Mrs. Higgins on your return. So we. We thought it best if I met

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

you and called me up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

It's.

[Mrs. Higgins]

It's not in your line, Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

You're right. I'm gonna keep it that way, too.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Mrs. Higgins realizes that she's going to have to do something about Dale. Institution. Perhaps some long range treatment. At any rate, Dale was in no condition to be running around last night playing mystery, taking up your time.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Whoever hit me in the head last night was in pretty good condition.

[Mrs. Higgins]

If I had gotten there two minutes sooner, I could have spared you all that.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

You were following her? No, no, no.

[Mrs. Higgins]

I was coming back from my boat. I had gone down to the harbor after I left you. It's on the way back. I just happened to see Dave. And knowing the state she was in, I followed her. Of course.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I see. She doesn't know she hit me, does she?

[Mrs. Higgins]

I don't believe that she has the slightest idea what happened.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Things started swimming again. Val Nichols became part of the draperies. I was trying to think, but it hurt. Everything hurt. Next time I tried, I was more successful. The sunlight was streaming in the room. The clock on the night night table, visible for the first time, said it was almost noon. So I got up. It was still pretty fuzzy on the edges, but I found my clothes hung neatly in the closet. Managed to get them on in the right order and made it to the door that had been locked before. But it wasn't this time.

[Dale Higgins]

Mr. Marlo, you shouldn't be up.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Well, I'm always flying in the face of great odds. Mrs. Higgins builds character.

[Dale Higgins]

Even so, you should stay in bed a while.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, really, I'm fine, thanks.

[Dale Higgins]

But you're not leaving. I won't think of it. You'll lunch with us at least.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

No, no, really, I've got to go. But I'd like to see Dale first. I sort of promised her I would.

[Dale Higgins]

Oh my. She's sleeping, Mr. Marlowe. We gave her sedative. Doctor's orders. Of course. She said such a trying time.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, I wouldn't want to disturb her. Maybe I can call later.

[Dale Higgins]

That would be so thoughtful of you. I know she'll be disappointed at not seeing you, but I. Oh, Val, I.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Up and about so soon, Marlowe?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Yes.

[Dale Higgins]

She's sleeping, isn't she, Val? The sedative and all, I mean. I was just telling Mr. Marlowe she's

[Mrs. Higgins]

resting very well, Marie. Now don't.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Don't fret about her.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Well, I'll take you to your car, Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh. Oh, yes, Mrs. Higgins, it's been.

[Dale Higgins]

Oh, it's been downright dreadful. And I know it. Mr. Marlow. If I can do anything to right this terrible wrong, please let me know.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Well, if I can think of anything, I'll let you know. Goodbye, Mrs. Higgins. Tell Dale goodbye for me, will you?

[Dale Higgins]

Oh, yes. Yes, of course I will. Looks like another lovely day, doesn't it?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I followed Val Nichols lead to an elevator and for the first time discovered that I was in an apartment hotel on a different stretch of Ocean Boulevard than the one I'd grown to loathe the night before. Val filled in a few last days details as he walked me to my car in the underground garage. Seems he driven Dale and me to the apartment from 7th and Anaheim in my car and sent a lackey back to his. It fit. We shook hands and that hurt my head too. I drove off. Somewhere in the harbor district. The need for coffee and a few lung full of ocean air forced my hand. I parked the car and found both a ship shaped spot with a clear view of the docks. The first cup cleared my head. The second one down there cleared the covers. Hey, watch it. I am. Oh, I'm sorry. That's okay. It'll wipe up. How about you get me on you? No, no, I don't think so. You. You know anything about ship schedules? Like what? Like that first one out there at anchor. The Orange Coast. Yeah. Well, seems to me she landed three or four nights ago.

[Mrs. Higgins]

Don't know how long she'll be tied up.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

She's a fruit boat though. And their office is just a block from here. More than likely their book's solid, but if you want to check. Yes, Mr. Marlow? There was a passenger Higgins on the Orange county coast. One of Doc Tuesday, Ms. Higgins. It was Ms. Dale Higgins, according to our records. Any record of where she boarded the boat? Let's see now.

[Dale Higgins]

Oh, yes.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

At Mapa. Mapa, Brazil. Mapa, Brazil. Was she traveling alone by any chance? I really don't know. There's nothing here to. Any other Higginses aboard? No. How about a passenger named Nichols? Any chance of that? No nickels either. Okay, thanks. Thanks very much. It was my turn to send a wire, only it was a cable this time, and it was going to be a while between answers. So I checked into a nice, clean, inconspicuous hotel, had some food and a half bottle of aspirin and placed two phone calls. Dale Higgins was still resting comfortably, according to her stepmother. But Muff Benjamin was still willing to do anything for a buck. He was there in no time. I heard you were here, Marl. Something big. Could be. You tell me. You're the guy who hears things. About you being here. Well, you know how it goes. People see people, people tell people. It's nothing. Yeah, I know. It happens all the time. Now look, Muff, I gotta know things quick. Well, I. For money, who and what? All right, I get this. The name is Higgins. Man old enough to have an 18 year old daughter. I don't know his first name. He's dead, I think. But the daughter's name is Dale. You got that? And the wife that's surviving is called Marie. They have an apartment on Ocean Boulevard. The shore, I think it is.

[Dale Higgins]

I got it.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Okay. Now a guy named Val Nichols. Check on him too. If Higgins is dead, find out about a will. I'm ahead of you. Good. Get back as soon as you can, huh? You double the dough, I'll double the speed. Yeah, double. Hello?

[Dale Higgins]

Mr. Philip Marlow, please.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Speaking.

[Dale Higgins]

I have a reply to your cable to Macapa, Brazil.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, good. Give it to me slow, huh?

[Dale Higgins]

Dale Higgins accompanied to boat by. None.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

None.

[Dale Higgins]

Order of the Holy Cross has convent near here. Suggest you check there. Signed Emerson Ward, Macapa Fruit Exporting Company.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Did you say Order of the Holy Cross?

[Mrs. Higgins]

That's right.

[Dale Higgins]

You wish to send a reply?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

No, not yet anyway. Thanks. So you see, Father, if you could help me contact the convent in Brazil, I could find out how long Dale was a student there. That might shed some light on the situation, huh? I see. I'm not schooled in your ways, Mr. Marlow. Still, we're both seekers after truth, aren't we? In this case, a very specific truth. That's right, Father. I want to help. Of course. Your cable said this was a Sisters of the Holy Cross convent. Yes. If there were any way we could call down there. You see, Father, time's pretty important. If it's possible, we shall call my son. Meanwhile, our prayers are with Miss Higgins. Please come, Mr. Marlowe. My prayers were with the phone company, too. And with Muff and, of course, Dale. Because if her version of things were true, she was in real trouble. Until I knew what it was for, there was very little I could do for her. Was the information from the sisters helpful, Mr. Marlow? Well, they were very cooperative, Father. Dale's been a student there for almost seven years, winter and summer. Her stepmother visited her every day. But Dale never left the convent until two weeks ago. Maybe it all fits, huh? Oh, bless her, my son. Thank you, Father. Thank the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Muff Benjamin was waiting at my hotel when I got back. It was another study in contrasts. So far, I dealt with a priest, an informer and a sister superior. And together we were all coming close to an answer. His name was Dale Higgins, too. The doll's father. Died seven years ago. Loaded. Yeah. Left his second wife, Maria. Good income, but the big load went to the kid. All right. What'd you get on Val Nichols? Oh, he's a bad one. Yeah, Specialty is knocking down rich widows. Currently frontenizing with this Marie Higgins thing. Bless you, Muff. Huh? I mean, here's your dough.

[Dale Higgins]

You do look so much better than when you left, Mr. Marlowe.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Really. Is Dale still sleeping?

[Dale Higgins]

Why, yes.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I think I'll look in on her.

[Dale Higgins]

Huh? No, I. I mean, I'd rather you did.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Where is she, Mrs. Higgins?

[Dale Higgins]

Mr. Marlow, you have no.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

I wonder if she liked it at the convent.

[Dale Higgins]

What?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Seven years. A long time to be away from home. A lot of things can happen in seven years, you know, Mrs. Higgins. You can even end up legally dead.

[Dale Higgins]

Why, I'm sure I don't have any idea.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Dale's dad must have thought a lot of her. I'll bet she was pretty close to him, too.

[Dale Higgins]

She was. They? Mr. Marlowe, what are you do you

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

tell me, Mrs. Higgins.

[Dale Higgins]

There's nothing to tell.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Dale seems to think there is. Which room is hers?

[Dale Higgins]

She. She isn't here. I. Oh, Mr. Marlowe. Don't ask anymore.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Oh, she's with Val, huh?

[Dale Higgins]

On his boat. How did this ever happen? I didn't want it this way. I thought if she could have been declared legally dead, oh, I'd have taken care of her. I mean, kept her there in the convent. No one knew she was there. But Val.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Val had to have her really dead. Is that expensive, Mrs. Higgins?

[Dale Higgins]

Oh, help her, Mr. Marlowe. He'll do it this time. He'll kill her. I know. Believe me, I don't want that.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

How long have they been gone?

[Adam Graham]

Not long.

[Dale Higgins]

Half an hour maybe. But no Longer. I'll go with.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Marie really cracked on the way to the harbor. It was going to be a fishing accident in the channel. And Val would get away with it, too, unless we found something that could outpower his 30 footer. It was called the Queen Marie. One guess who had given it to him. I found the boat I needed all right, but the skipper seemed reluctant to go for it. Wildest thing I ever heard. I tell you, it's a matter of life and death. The Coast Guard can't go on every o'. Clock. A month ago, we needed you off Balboa when I'mota conked out and you came. But we've received no distress call from the Queen Marine. What do you think this is I'm giving you?

[Dale Higgins]

Please don't waste time talking.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

All right, come on. How about it? Okay, but if this isn't on the level, you're in some trouble, Marlow. By the time we'd cleared the harbor, I knew Val didn't have a chance. Every boat in the area had been alerted. I didn't know about Dale, though. I just hope the sedative Val had given her was merciful. The Coast Guard took care of Val once we came alongside the Queen. Marie and I took care of Dale. She was in the galley, tied securely, still dopey. But she came around after a while.

[Dale Higgins]

Oh, Mr. Marlow.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

You take it easy, baby. You're okay.

[Dale Higgins]

You. I was afraid you'd forgotten the promise.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

No.

[Dale Higgins]

But you didn't, did you?

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

It was night now, and the lights that stretched out along the shore looked friendly and warm. Friendly and warm. I wonder when people are going to realize that the only happiness there is in the world is what they can give each other. Happiness that is not a stab in the back. But you know, there's one thing about me. Yeah, I have to admit it. I'm an optimistic fell.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The adventures of Philip Marlowe Bringing you Raymond Chandler's most famous character star Gerald Moore are produced and directed by Norman McDonnell and written for radio by Kathleen Height. Featured in the cast were Gene Bates, John Dana, Irene Tedro and Lee Millar. With Harry Bartel, Barney Phillips, Lou Krugman, Donna Hayner and Stan Waxman. Gerald Moore may soon be seen in the Santana production Sirocco. The special music is composed by Pierre Garaganc and conducted by Wilbur Hatch. Be sure to listen again next week at the same time when Philip Marlow

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

says, this time an old lady got taken for a new kind of ride by a new kind of chauffeur and I got involved up to a gun in my ribs all because I decided to spend a quiet day at home.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Don't miss Broadway's My Beat, featuring Detective Danny Clovers, the cop who knows every character, every star, every crook frequenting the Great White Way. It's tomorrow night at the star's address. Now stay tuned for Gangbusters which follows immediately over most of these same CBS stations. This is Roy Rowan speaking. This is cbs here, horace hyde, every Sunday night, the columbia broadcasting system

[Mrs. Higgins]

foreign.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

Hey everybody.

[Lady Luck]

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[Dale Higgins]

This is Andrea J. Graham, author of the Web surfer series oh, and a Madam's Wife.

[Philip Marlowe (Narrator)]

You're listening to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, kind of unusual, just the sheer number of people that Marlo ended up working with in this episode, but I thought it was a great scene with the priest and with everything as he just tried to unravel the truth behind what was happening to this young woman. And the characters just as well drawn as always. So even though nearly a year had passed, you know, it just, it just slots right into the previous Marlow canon just very nicely. And the good news is that all but one episode of the summer run is in circulation. So we still have several weeks of film Philip Marlow to go. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we have this comment from Kathryn who says we love listening to your broadcast here in Seattle, especially on nights when our KIXI radio station plays basketball instead of when radio was. Well thanks so much, Catherine. Glad to be of service. Well, that will do it for today. I do want to encourage you to support the great detectives of Old Time Radio and our listener support campaign. Campaign support.greatdetectives.net Big Finish, as I mentioned, has come to Audible with many of its products. It's most famous for its Doctor who dramas, but mostly they've come with other items and they did add some Doctor who stuff late and I was kind of not going to include that since there hadn't been interest in some of the previous items I had I mentioned that were that were soundtracks from old TV shows, but those were featuring some doctors who were not quite as well known or as popular. So we're gonna, I'm gonna try this just for this one campaign and we'll see if there's any interest. But with a donation of $50 or more, we will send you the Renaissance man, starring Tom Baker, perhaps the Most famous classic Doctor who actor. Also the $100 or more level, we'll gladly send you the History of Harry Nile, volume one. Or if you have volume one, we'll send you volume two, three, four, five or six. And at the $75 level, we'll gladly send you the Hillary Kane Mysteries, a great series of mysteries kind of playing on the whole concept of the girl detective story. Period pieces set in the 1930s. I found them absolutely delightful and I'm sure you'll enjoy them as well. And that's with a donation of $75 or more. Full list of available items at support.greatdetectives.net and you can also become a monthly contributor at patreon.greatdetactives.net in the meanwhile, send your comments to [e-mail] Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com Radiodetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham signing off.

[Spinquest Advertiser]

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[Adam Graham]

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[Lady Luck]

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