Rogue's Gallery: Lovely Little Old Lady (Encore) (EP4682e)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Rogue's Gallery: Lovely Little Old Lady (Encore)" (EP4682e)
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Release Date: April 20, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this encore presentation of "Rogue's Gallery," hosted by Adam Graham of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, listeners are immersed in another thrilling installment of the hard-boiled detective series featuring Dick Powell as Private Detective Richard Rogue. Originally airing on November 29, 1945, this episode titled "Lovely Little Old Lady" delves into a complex web of deception, framing, and murder that tests Rogue's investigative prowess and resilience.

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Plot Summary

The episode opens with Detective Rogue grappling with personal frustrations—failed cases, unreciprocated love, and financial strain—that set a tense backdrop for the unfolding mystery. His interaction with Conchito Morales, a distressed Mexican singer seeking his help to retrieve incriminating letters from Frank Maxson, initiates the central conflict. Conchito offers Rogue $250 to retrieve these letters, claiming they contain damaging information that could derail her current relationship and future.

Rogue agrees, meeting Frank Maxson at Club Koopa, where tensions escalate into a confrontation. Despite Rogue's attempts to mediate, Maxson dismisses his involvement, escalating the situation until Rogue finds himself forcibly removed from the establishment.

The following morning, Rogue discovers he has been framed for murder. After an unsuccessful attempt to locate Conchito, a seemingly harmless elderly woman visits his office, revealing that her son, Norman Stam, has been shot. Concerned, Rogue accompanies her to her residence, only to find Norman missing and the house suspiciously uninhabited. Upon returning to his office, Rogue is confronted by Lieutenant Urban of Homicide, who accuses him of murdering Maxson with his own gun—a scenario complicated by rogue circumstances and dubious alibis.

As Rogue navigates the legal quagmire, he uncovers that Ellen Shay, the elderly woman who previously visited him, is intricately linked to the framing plot. Confrontations with Ellen and her daughter Conchita reveal layers of betrayal and manipulation, ultimately exonerating Rogue as he uncovers the true culprits behind Maxson's murder and the attempted frame-up.

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Key Characters

• Richard Rogue (Dick Powell): A seasoned private detective with a sharp mind and a knack for uncovering the truth despite adversities.

• Conchito Morales (Gerald Moore): A Mexican singer entangled in a scheme to retrieve compromising letters from Frank Maxson, whose motives are revealed as the story unfolds.

• Frank Maxson: The antagonist whose actions and subsequent murder set the plot in motion.

• Lieutenant Urban (No Actor Specified): Represents law enforcement's perspective, pushing Rogue towards culpability in Maxson's murder.

• Ellen Shay: The seemingly benign elderly woman whose true intentions play a pivotal role in framing Rogue.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rogue's Introduction of Himself (04:36):
  Dick Powell as Richard Rogue: "The F.W. Fitch Company presents Dick Powell as private detective Richard Rogue in Rogues Gallery. This chisel's got you all fouled up in a murder, baby. You'll fry for it, Senor Rogue."

• Conchito's Plea for Help (08:03):
  Gerald Moore as Conchito Morales: "You are Richard Rogue, the detective?"
  Dick Powell as Rogue: "A celebrated detective, yes. What can I do for you?"

• Rogue Confronts Maxson (11:00):
  Dick Powell as Rogue: "Frank, your gun? Yeah, looks like we're gonna have to hold you, Rogue, for murder."

• Ellen Shay's Deception (28:29):
  Dick Powell as Rogue: "Oh, surprised to see me?"
  Gerald Moore as Ellen Shay: "Yes, I am a little."

• Climactic Revelation (30:05):
  Dick Powell as Rogue: "You and your daughter end this thing. Too far to get out now unless you smart up fast."

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Discussion and Insights

Throughout the episode, Adam Graham provides insightful commentary, highlighting the enduring appeal of hard-boiled detective stories and the exemplary performance by Dick Powell as Rogue. He notes the recurring theme of Rogue's vulnerability juxtaposed with his professional acumen, particularly emphasizing Rogue's unexpected soft spot for elderly characters like Ellen Shay. Graham also touches upon listener feedback, addressing comments about sound quality and expressing appreciation for long-time supporters.

In his closing remarks, Graham reflects on the intricate plotting of "Lovely Little Old Lady," commending the episode's ability to weave suspense with character development. He anticipates future episodes to continue delivering engaging mysteries, ensuring that both new listeners and longtime fans remain captivated by Rogue's adventures.

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Conclusion

"Rogue's Gallery: Lovely Little Old Lady" stands out as a quintessential example of old-time radio detective drama, blending suspense, character complexity, and unexpected twists. Through Rogue's journey from being a beleaguered detective to an exonerated hero, listeners experience the hallmark elements that define the genre. Adam Graham's presentation not only revives these classic narratives but also contextualizes them for contemporary audiences, ensuring the legacy of radio detective stories endures.

For enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into the Golden Age of Radio mysteries, episodes like this one offer a rich tapestry of storytelling that continues to resonate decades later.

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Note: This summary is crafted based on the provided transcript and podcast information. For the full experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" and immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of old-school radio fiction.

Transcript

[Dick Powell]

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[Gerald Moore]

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[Dick Powell]

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[Adam Graham]

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[Dick Powell]

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[Gerald Moore]

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[Dick Powell]

To get us to the next level. Plus with Flex Online Learning, we can do it on our time. Now it's your time.

[Adam Graham]

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[Gerald Moore]

Visit waldenu.edu to learn more.

[Adam Graham]

Certified to operate by SHED from Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham. As I'm taking a recording break, please enjoy this special encore presentation. Please note this episode was recorded in 2019, so any offers or information in the episode may not be valid unless they're reflected on the Great detectives [e-mail] now on with our podcast. 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 at radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com RadioDetectives Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the program on a one time basis support.greatdetectives.net or through the Zelle app to box13reatetectives.net or by mail to Adam Graham, P.O. box 159313 Boise, ID 83715. Or you can also become one of our ongoing patreon [e-mail] well our listener's Choice countdown continues and now we are to number 16 in the standard division Rogues Gallery. Yes, I know I mentioned that Richard diamond will be returning for another episode tomorrow, but as it worked out in our ranking, we end up getting to hear Rogues Gallery and Richard diamond back to back. Rogues Gallery was a series we played back during season two and it starred Dick Powell. And then there were some later series, one starring Barry Sullivan and then a pretty long run over ABC starring Paul Stewart. But the Dick Powell run is the best remembered just because we've got so many episodes in circulation and more important than that, it was really in the vanguard of the whole hard boiled detectives over radio trend. It premiered in the summer of 1945. And there weren't any other hard boiled detective shows that launched until January of 46. Powell's credentials for taking on the role essentially came down to his playing Philip Marlow in Murder My Sweet. The episode we're gonna play for you Today originally aired November 29th of 1945. And this one is lovely little old lady.

[Dick Powell]

The F.W. fitch Company presents Dick Powell as private detective Richard Roeg in Rogues Gallery. This chisel's got you all fouled up in a murder, baby. You'll fry for it, Senor Rogue.

[Gerald Moore]

I don't know anything about a murder. Tippy killed him. He killed Maxim. Conchita knows nothing about it.

[Dick Powell]

Stop being chumps, will you? You're both in this with me. You help me frame Rogue for it with Maxim Kahn. I'm the biggest operator in town. All we have to do is kill Rogue and we got the world by the tail. You'll all go to the chair for it. You can't get away with killing me. I'm going to kill you, Rogue, right now. If you've got anything to say, say it. Cause here it comes. Fall Rogue speaking. This afternoon I found a little case in my crime gallery that brought back memories. You just heard a little of it. Enough to know that I was framed for murder. I call the story Little Old lady and I'll tell you all about it in just a minute. But first, here's Jim Doyle, who is going to tell you men how to get a fast, clean shave without having to scrape and slave. You bet I am, Dick. Men, the simple, sure way to a comfortable shave is Fitch's no Brush Shaving Cream. The instant you apply this grand cream to your face, the three important shaving ingredients contained in it go to work. They smooth down the flaky top layer of skin and soften up the beard. This makes it easy for your razor to cut whiskers close and clean without nicking or scraping. Among the important ingredients in Fitch's no Brush is a special skin conditioner. This conditioner gently lubricates your skin, protecting it from irritation and burning. After your shave. It gives your skin a cool, refreshed feeling that will linger for hours. For those who prefer a lather cream as Fitch's Brush Cream, it gives a swell hurry up lather that stays moist and washes off quickly and easily. It too contains the special skin conditioner for sensitive skin. Ask for either Fitch's Brush or no Brush Shaving Cream. But for a solid comfort shave, be sure it's Fitch spelled F, I, T, C, H. Thank you, Jim. And now I'd like to go on with my story. Okay, here's Dick Powell as private detective Richard Rogue. In another personally conducted tour through Rogues Gallery. I was looking at the world through azure colored glasses that afternoon. I was as low as a centipede's hangnail and just about as irritated. A couple of lush cases I'd been working on had blown up without paying off. And the girl I was madly in love with that week was madly in love with some other guy. I needed some money, I needed a vacation. And I needed a new love interest. When the door to my office opened and then walked a Latin type panic who made my heart beat in a rumber rhythm that would have made Cougar sound like Spike Jones. I just sat there trading my blue thoughts in on a lot of purple ones while she closed the door behind her and walked toward me.

[Gerald Moore]

You are Richard Rogue, the detective?

[Dick Powell]

A celebrated detective, yes. What can I do for you?

[Gerald Moore]

I need your help, Senor Rogue.

[Dick Powell]

Okay. What's your name?

[Gerald Moore]

Conchito Morales.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, the singer, huh?

[Gerald Moore]

That's right. I'm in trouble, Senor Rogue.

[Dick Powell]

You know, I sort of suspected that was why you came to see me. What's your difficulty?

[Gerald Moore]

Well, it's hard to explain, but there is a man in this town who is threatening me.

[Dick Powell]

Well, that's not hard to explain. You're the sort of a girl who is liable to be threatened.

[Gerald Moore]

What do you mean by that, Senior Rogue?

[Dick Powell]

That you. You are beautiful and extremely desirable and. Well, pardon me, Ms. Morales. I shouldn't have said that. I'm just in a kind of an impolite mood today, I guess.

[Gerald Moore]

Then you don't really think I am beautiful or desirable.

[Dick Powell]

Don't let that glassy look in my eyes fool you. Conceit, huh? I can see, and what I see pleases me. If you go for understatements, then you will help me. You know, beauty is a wonderful thing. Mexican type. But so is money. My time's for sale.

[Gerald Moore]

I have money. I will give you $250 if you will help me.

[Dick Powell]

What do you want me to do?

[Gerald Moore]

I want you to get some letters back for me.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, why?

[Gerald Moore]

Because I write them when I'm very young and foolish to a man I think I love. I do not love him. I hate him. I want to marry someone else. That man I love. But I cannot because of this letter.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, here, here. Slow it down to a gallop, Conchita. I'm getting a little confused. Who has the letters.

[Gerald Moore]

Frank Maxon is his name. He's no good. He is a what you call a poor loser.

[Dick Powell]

Uh huh. And who is this man you love at the moment?

[Gerald Moore]

Tippy Dyer. We will be married soon.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, you will be married soon. Well, in that case, let's make this strictly business. What do you want me to do?

[Gerald Moore]

I'm having dinner with Frank tonight at the Club Koopa. I want you to meet us there. I want you to tell him he must give me back my letters. If he knows that I have employed you to help me, he will give them up. He is without courage. Don't see how I ever think I was in love with him.

[Dick Powell]

Frank is considered quite a ladies man. Or was before you went up on that income tax wrap a couple years ago. I understand the boys and his mob are giving him a little trouble since he got out. Where's that 250 you mentioned a while ago?

[Gerald Moore]

It is here. Just a moment.

[Dick Powell]

That's a retainer. If the case gets tough, it's going to cost you plenty more. Conchita, you know that I do not care.

[Gerald Moore]

I must have these letters. Here is $250.

[Dick Powell]

Thank you. And now, what time do I meet you at the Club Cuba?

[Gerald Moore]

Be there at nine. And I'm warning you, Mr. Rogue, come prepared for trouble. Oh, hello, Senor Rogue. You are late.

[Dick Powell]

Sorry, I was held up in traffic. Oh, hello, Frank. Well, what are you doing here, Rogue? Conchita invited me.

[Gerald Moore]

Sit down, please.

[Dick Powell]

Thank you. What is this, a surprise party on me, Conchita.

[Gerald Moore]

Mr. Rogue is working for me, Frank.

[Dick Powell]

Yep. I came down to help Conchita recover some letters from you. How about it? Nice of you to be interested, Rogue, but Conchita and I can take care of our own affairs without any outside assistance. Goodbye, Rogue. No, I like it here. Where are the letters, Frank? You bore me, Mr. Rogue. I wish you'd leave.

[Gerald Moore]

Make him give them to you, Richie Rogue.

[Dick Powell]

I want those letters, Frank. You ever hear of blackmail? I'm not blackmailing anybody. Those letters are mine. They came to me through the mail. If I want to keep them, I will.

[Gerald Moore]

But you'll threaten me with them. That is Illegal, isn't it, Mr. Rogue?

[Dick Powell]

Sure. It's especially illegal for a guy who's out on parole. Who's gonna call the cops in on this deal? You, Conchita.

[Gerald Moore]

Mr. Roque will handle it for you.

[Dick Powell]

Look, sweetheart, it's no go see. You and I just have to work this out our own way. Hit him, Mr.

[Gerald Moore]

Rogue. Kill him.

[Dick Powell]

No, no, no, no. There are Ways of handling petty larceny pasties. Or pasties like Frank that you never heard of. Conchita. Look, Frank, you know you've got two strikes against you. Are you going to play ball with me? Conchita's mine and she's going to stay that way. Rogue, she's not getting away from me with your help or any other way. I've asked you two or three times to get out of here. Rogue, Are you leaving? No. I'm sorry about this. I always liked you, Rogue. Oh, Smitty. Yes, Mr. Maxson? Will you ask the boys to throw Mr. Rogue out, please? Your thugs lay a hand on me, I'll break your neck, Maxson. We'll see. Throw them out, boys. It occurred to me as I hit the sidewalk with the back of my head, among other things, that Frank owned a piece of the Club Cuba and that it was a bad place to start a beef with him. I got up piece by piece, counted my arms and legs and waited a while for Conchita to come out. She didn't. So I felt in my pocket for that 250. It was there I went home. The next morning I went to the office and tried all forenoon to get in touch with my Latin type client at her swank apartment hotel, the Mayflower. Couldn't locate her. I had a late lunch, and when I got back to the office about three, there was a little old lady waiting there for me. A lovely little old lady with rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes with a lot of laugh crinkles in the corners of them.

[Gerald Moore]

Mr. Rogue?

[Dick Powell]

That's right. You waiting to see me?

[Gerald Moore]

Yes, I was. I've been waiting for quite a while, Mr. Rogue. I just had to see you.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, I'll have a chair. Don't tell me you're in trouble.

[Gerald Moore]

No. Oh, yes, Mr. Rogue, I am. I'm in trouble because my son is.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, tell me about it.

[Gerald Moore]

Well, there isn't really very much to tell, Mr. Rogue. I know so little about what Norman has been doing. It's always been a little wild. But a few weeks ago he quit his job and he's had much more money than he ever had before. I know that he's been doing something wrong, Mr. Rogue.

[Dick Powell]

Well, now, Mrs. Mrs. Stam. Mrs. Stam. Have you tried talking with him?

[Gerald Moore]

And I haven't told you the worst yet, Mr. Rogue.

[Dick Powell]

No.

[Gerald Moore]

Last night he came home for the first time in 10 days. Oh, I've just been worried to death about him. And when he came in last night, he was so pale and I tried to talk with him, but he went right to his room. He called me after a while and I went in to see him. And, oh, Mr. Rogie had been shot through the shoulder. He was bleeding badly.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, I see.

[Gerald Moore]

I asked him to let me call a doctor and he wouldn't. I know that he'd been shot while he was breaking some law. I took care of him as well as I could, and I think he's going to be all right. I want you to come and talk with Norman tonight, Mr. Rogue.

[Dick Powell]

Well, Mrs. Stamm, I'm working on another case right now.

[Gerald Moore]

Just come out and talk with him. You could advise him what to do. He won't pay any attention to me, and I have to get him straightened out. Mr. Rogue, I have a little money and.

[Dick Powell]

Where do you live?

[Gerald Moore]

In the southwest part of Town, at 2673 Spring Lane. Would you come out with me and talk with Norman? I'll pay you for your time, Mr. Rogue.

[Dick Powell]

I'll go with you, Mrs. Stam.

[Gerald Moore]

Oh, thank you.

[Dick Powell]

That's perfectly all right. But please don't plan on me performing any miracles. If your son was shot during a robbery, he's going to have to go to jail. You know that, don't you?

[Gerald Moore]

Oh, yes, I know. I only want him to do what's right, Mr. Rogue. I don't want him to do anything foolish.

[Dick Powell]

No, of course you don't. You have a car? No, we'll take mine. Come on. Well, you certainly have plenty of privacy out here, Mrs. Sam.

[Gerald Moore]

Yes, it's lonesome. But my husband bought it many years ago. He thought then that it would build up out here, but it hasn't.

[Dick Powell]

Did your son know you were coming in to see me?

[Gerald Moore]

Oh, no, I didn't tell him. He's right here in the front bedroom. Mr. Rogue. Please try to understand, Norman, Mr. Rogue. He's a very sensitive boy.

[Dick Powell]

All right. I'll take it easy with him. He's gone. There was the bed with blood on the sheets where a man's shoulder would have been lying. There was no note, no sign of the wounded boy I'd made the trip to see. The little old lady was almost hysterical. I finally got her calm down. She made some tea, offered me a cup.

[Gerald Moore]

I should never have gone away and left him. I should have known better. He was frightened, Mr. Rove.

[Dick Powell]

Now, now, drink your tea, Mrs. Stamp. Don't cry. Don't worry. I'll take care of everything for you. We'll find him.

[Gerald Moore]

You will help me, won't you, Mr. Rove?

[Dick Powell]

Of course.

[Gerald Moore]

Please drink your tea. Don't you like it?

[Dick Powell]

I love it. Yes, it's. Well, it. It is a little. A little bitter. I.

[Gerald Moore]

It's a special kind. My oldest boy sent me from China.

[Dick Powell]

Well, it. Oh, I'm feeling a little woozy.

[Gerald Moore]

You are? Well, that's right. That's the way it should be.

[Dick Powell]

I.

[Adam Graham]

You.

[Dick Powell]

You poisoned me. You.

[Gerald Moore]

That's right, Mr. Rogue. I did.

[Dick Powell]

My body dissolved before it hit the floor. And a warm breeze wafted me upwards gently like a spark out of a chimney. I was drowsy and happy when I hit cloud number eight. I was at peace with the world until I heard that nail file laugh of my alter yugor. Well, Rogie, that little old lady kind of put you away, didn't she? Oh, shut up. Let me sleep. Midget. Don't you think you better get downstairs and see what's going on? Why? Oh, there must be some reason why Mrs. Stam, if that's her name, gave you those knockout drops. Look at you. Knocked out by lavender and old Mickey's right, boy. Why do you suppose she did it, Pest? Oh, I don't know, but you'd better find out. You're in a jam, Rogie. I'll bet that Conchita dame fits in here someplace. Get out of here, Rogie. Okay. Don't push, Ugor. You're my friend. Going down. Going down. Next stop, planet Earth. Last car just leaving. Cut it out. Look out.

[Adam Graham]

Oh.

[Dick Powell]

Oh, here I go again. Goodbye, Rogie. I came to in my car. My gun was gone. I. I looked for my money. It was still there. I looked at my watch. It was 9:30. I drove to my office, opened the door and stopped dead in my tracks. There was a dead man lying there in the middle of the floor. He'd been shot at close range through the head. My gun was lying a foot from the body. The gun that had been stolen from me while I was knocked out. I closed the door and leaned up against the wall to think I was still leaning there when the door opened. Hello, Rogue. Who's your friend? Oh, hello. Hello, Lieutenant Urban. What are you doing here? I got a call telling me you just killed a man. Yeah, well, that's Frank Maxson, that defunct character there. Your gun? Yeah. Looks to me like we're gonna have to hold you, Rogue for murder. We'll return to our story in just a moment, but first we'd like to remind you that in Marie Antoinette's time, hairdressers stood on ladders in order to dress. Towering hairstyles Today, the trend in hair fashions is simplicity, a style that requires shining, immaculately clean hair. Fitch's Saponified Coconut Oil Shampoo is ideal to keep your hair looking its loveliest at all times. Made from pure vegetable and coconut oils, it protects the hair from drying and becoming harsh no matter how often you shampoo it just a little. Fitch's Saponified Shampoo makes swirls of cleansing fragrant lather that whisk away every bit of dust and dirt. And the special patented rinsing agent contained in the shampoo ensures the removal of all lather and other particles from the hair so you won't have to bother with additional after rinses. For a shampoo that assures praise winning results every time, use Fitch's Saponified Shampoo. You can have a professional application at your beauty or barbershop or ask for an economical bottle at your drug or toilet goods counter. Fitch's Saponified coconut oil shampoo. Six full ounces, 50 cents. Now back to Rogues Gallery. Dick Powell, as Richard Rogue is telling our story. What started out to be a very quiet day brought Conchita Morales, the Mexican singer, to my office. She wanted to get some letters back from a Frank Maxson. I went with her to meet Maxson in a cafe and we had a brawl in front of plenty of witnesses. After I made a few threats, I got thrown out. Next morning I tried to find Conchita and couldn't. That afternoon a little old lady came to my office, told me her son, Norman Stam, had been wounded in a hold up and I went with her to her home. When we got there, her son was gone. I drank a cup of tea which was sweetened with knockout drops and I woke up in my car, drove to my office and walked in to find Maxson, the man I'd threatened shot to death with my gun. While I was standing there wondering what to do next, Lieutenant Urban of Homicide walked. Looks like we're going to have to hold you Rogue for murder. Oh, I didn't kill him. You threatened him in a cafe last night. Plenty of people heard you. Where do you get all your information? The little bird that told me he was dead. That you'd killed him. How about I just got here? I've been gone since about 3:30 this afternoon. Yeah, Maxim looks like he's been dead since about seven. Where were you at seven? An old lady came in here this afternoon to see me and I went out to her home with her. You. You mean you've got an alibi? I. I don't know. What do you mean you don't know? Either got one or you haven't. Well, I. I went out to see this woman's son. He wasn't there when we got there. So you came back here and killed Maxson? Look, rogue, somebody phoned Maxon at 6:00 and told him to be here at your office at 7. How do you know so much? We've been on the case since 7:30, Rogie. Looks like you went a little too far this time. Look urban. Look urban. I was doped. I've been out of the picture since about 5:30. While I was out, somebody lifted my gun. Rogie, just put yourself in my place. I find a guy you threatened to kill dead in your office, shot with your gun, and instead of an alibi, you give me a fairy story about wicked old witches and knockout drops. Where does this old lady live? This one that kidnapped you? Out southwest on Spring Lane. Go out there and talk to her, Urban. Okay. Okay, Rogie. We'll just ride in the squad car just in case, eh? No lights on. There's nobody home. I think we'll go in, Rogie. As long as you say there's a wounded man in here, I don't have to have a warrant. Try the door. Well, it's unlocked. Come on. Turn on the lights. No, they don't go on. You got your flashlight? Yeah. Look, Rogie, the furniture's all covered. There's nobody living in this house. Urban, come over this way. Let's look in this bedroom. Are you sure you're all right, Rogie? Sure. Come on over here. Well, there's not even any furniture in this room. That's right. But. But there was a bed with. With blood stained sheets. I'm sorry, Rogie. They seem to have disappeared with the old lady and your alibi. This house hasn't been lived in for months. Why'd you kill him, Ro? Look, Urban, you know me better than to think I'd pull a dumb rub out like that in my office. Yeah, but there are no fingerprints on that gun but yours, Rogie. And he was killed in your office and you don't have an alibi. What am I supposed to do? I'm a cop. I've got to believe the evidence. Oh, sure, I can see it that way. Well, I. I've been framed by an expert. Have any ideas? Some vague ones. Well, I'm gonna pull up here and get some cigars in that cigar store. If you're not here when I get back, I'll expect you at headquarters in an hour. Thanks, Urban. Good luck, Rogie. Well, hello, Murphy. How's my favorite house detective? Oh, hello, Rogue. What are you doing here at the Mayflower, huh? I want to talk with one of your guests, flatfoot. Do you owe me any favors? Maybe. What do you want me to do? Give me the pass key to Conchita Morales apartment. You want me walking the streets? Ah, now, just give me the pass key, and if you hear any shooting come up. What's the deal, Rogue? A little murder. Is she in, do you know? Conchita isn't in. The old lady is up there, though. The old lady? Look, Murphy. What old lady? I'm looking for an old lady. Huh? Oh, you mean Conchita's mother. Yeah, Conchita's mother. Hey, a little old lady about this high, eyes with lots of laughs in them, White hair, plump. That Conchita's mother? Sure it is. Her name's Shay. So's Conchita's. Huh? Her real name's Ellen Shay. She's no Mexican dame. No kidding. Give me your rod and a pass key. No, don't get up. Please, Mrs. Shea. Just keep your seat.

[Gerald Moore]

Oh, Mr. Rogue.

[Dick Powell]

Yeah. Surprised to see me?

[Gerald Moore]

Yes, I am a little.

[Dick Powell]

I can understand that, Mrs. Shea. You figured me for a murder rap, didn't you?

[Gerald Moore]

Please don't point that gun at me.

[Dick Powell]

For some reason or the other, Mrs. Shea. I don't trust you. No. Where's Conchita or whatever your daughter's name is? That Latin from Manhattan, that phony Mexican.

[Gerald Moore]

I won't have you talking that way about my daughter.

[Dick Powell]

What do you expect me to call her after the tour? You frame me for murder. Murder?

[Gerald Moore]

Who said that before?

[Dick Powell]

What do you mean you're gonna drop that act? Murder, I said. Murder is what you frame me for. Now, sit down. Where's Conchita?

[Gerald Moore]

I'm expecting her any moment.

[Dick Powell]

Drop that gun, Rogue.

[Gerald Moore]

Oh, Tippy, where have you been? I've been waiting for you to come in. He keeps talking about a murder.

[Dick Powell]

I said drop that gun, Rogue. And why should I drop the gun? Because if you don't, I'm gonna pull the trigger on this one, and it's resting at the back of your neck. Come on, drop it. Ah. Well, where did you come from? I was in the kitchen mixing myself a drink, fortunately. Hmm. Tippy Tyler, huh? I suppose you're the man Conchita's in love with at the moment.

[Gerald Moore]

That's right. They're going to be married, Mr. Rogue.

[Dick Powell]

In the death house. I Hope that's wishful thinking, Rogue. The two of you killed Frank Maxson, didn't you?

[Gerald Moore]

Killed him? Killed Mr. Maxson?

[Dick Powell]

No, no, Rogue, you did. According to the cops and all the evidence, you were Frank's right hand man before he went up, weren't you, Tippy? Mm. He kind of took over while he was gone. Go on, talk, Rogue. I'm just figuring out what I'm gonna do with you.

[Gerald Moore]

Oh, Conchita. Hello, Mama. What are you doing here?

[Dick Powell]

Senor Rogue, he's making things difficult. Angel. I just dropped in for a little chat about a house out on Spring Lane and a wounded man who wasn't there and a murdered man in my office. That's all. It was a very nice job of framing me, Conchita Ellen Shea. And you can drop that broken down accent.

[Gerald Moore]

Okay, Mr. Rogue. Smart guy. What happened? Who was murdered?

[Dick Powell]

You ought to know. You helped the Planet.

[Gerald Moore]

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

[Dick Powell]

I've been arranging things for us, Conchita. Frank Maxson is dead. Your mother helped arrange it.

[Gerald Moore]

I didn't know what I was doing, Conchita. Honest, I didn't know.

[Dick Powell]

That's a lie and you know it. You and your daughter end this thing. Too far to get out now unless you smart up fast. There's too much talk going on in here. Maxson's daddy was found dead in Rogue's office. Shot with Rogue's gun. Rogue's as good as burn for it. Mama.

[Gerald Moore]

Did you kill him?

[Adam Graham]

No.

[Gerald Moore]

No, I didn't, Conchita.

[Dick Powell]

Look, sweetheart, everybody heard Rogue threaten Maxson last night. It was our chance to get rid of him. Conchita, listen to me. This chiseler's got you all fouled up in a murder, baby. You'll fry for it.

[Gerald Moore]

I don't know anything about a murder. Tippy killed him. He killed Maxson. Michael Cheetah knows nothing about.

[Dick Powell]

Stop being chumps, will ya? You're both in this with me. You help me frame Rogue for it. Max And Gahn, I'm the biggest operator in town. All we have to do is kill Rogue and we've got the world by the tail. You'll all go to the chair for it. You can't get away with killing me. I'm going to kill you, Rogue, right now. If you've got anything to say, say it. Cause here it comes. Fall Gu. The little old lady picked up my gun and let Tippy have it right between the eyes. He never knew what hit him. The house dick came charging in and she told him the whole story, Tippy on that house she took me to. He framed it with the old lady to get me out of the way, giving her some cock and bull story about wanting to search my apartment. She pleaded guilty to giving me the knockout drops, but denied knowing that he was framing me for murder. And as long as she saved my life and gave me an alibi for the time of the murder, I. I believed her. The judge led her off with a suspended sentence at my request. Conchita was. Conchita was very grateful to me. And when Conchita, she was grateful. Oh, the angel, she sing. Oh, brother. This is Dick Powell again, ladies and gentlemen. Don't I meet some lovely people in these stories. They love murder like Richard Rogue loves money. And it makes a very happy combination. Ray Buffam wrote the story, Leith Stevens composed and conducted the music, and D. Engelbach produced and directed. But don't forget, you've got a date with us all next Thursday night. We've got a story for you about blackmail, intrigue and sudden death. We call it Eve and the Apple. So make a date with us, will you? Thanks for listening and good night, all. Now here's Jim Doyle. Don't forget to tune in again next Thursday, same time. Oh, and by the way, be sure to see Dick Powell and his newest RKO picture cornered at your local theater soon. And as I was saying, don't forget to tune in again next Thursday, same time, same station, when you will again hear Dick Powell as Richard Rogue in Rogues Gallery. Remember, if dandruff is your problem, ask for Fitch's Dandruff Remover Shampoo removes dandruff the first time it is used. Fitch's Dandruff Remover Shampoo is the only shampoo whose guarantee to remove dandruff is backed by one of the world's largest insurance companies. This statement can be made by no other shampoo. Ask for Fitch's Dandruff Remover Shampoo at your drug or toilets. Good counter, barber or beauty shop. Fitch is spelled F I T, C H. At Walden University, we get the.

[Gerald Moore]

W. We come here for more than just a degree.

[Dick Powell]

We come here to make an impact.

[Adam Graham]

We step up when everything is on.

[Dick Powell]

The line and we create opportunities.

[Gerald Moore]

At Walden University, we learn the skills to get us to the next level.

[Dick Powell]

Plus, with flexible online learning, we can do it on our time.

[Adam Graham]

Now it's your time.

[Dick Powell]

Get the W. Walden University.

[Gerald Moore]

Set a course.

[Adam Graham]

Course for change.

[Gerald Moore]

Visit waldenu.edu to learn more.

[Adam Graham]

Certified to operate by Shep, welcome back. Well, I like that this episode showed that Rogue, for all of his faults, does have a soft spot for little old ladies. And that's really nice. Gerald Moore plays the murderer in this, and that's kind of a thing theme with Rogues Gallery because he was cast, you know, in the majority of the episodes out there, and in most of them he played the murderer. You know, you could practically, if Gerald Moore was in an episode of Rogues Gallery, they might as well just have had on the cast Gerald Moore as the murderer. I will admit that this episode isn't my favorite. It was fine. But my favorite episode of Rogues Gallery is Murder With Muriel. However, that's the only episode where he doesn't go to Cloud eight, which I know isn't everyone's favorite feature, but it is a feature of the program. And I guess part of the countdown decided that it's important to give you at least a typical episode of the series that's been voted on. Now our listener comment and feedback. And we have this from Matt, who rides over on Facebook. I'm going to go ahead and say that this was borderline unlistenable due to the sound quality. And that's shrill organ. Well, I am sorry about that map in terms of the sound quality. Unfortunately, Ellery Queen, that was the series he was commenting on. Number eight wasn't a series that tended to have great sound quality with the episodes. So that always is going to present a challenge. So. But thanks so much for the comment and I hope you enjoy the shows that we have coming further down the Countdown. All right. Well, I do want to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. Thank you so much to Michael, who's been one of our patreon supporters since February 2016, and he's currently supporting us at the Shamas level. $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Michael. Join us back here Tomorrow. Richard diamond returns for a previously uncirculated episode. And then a week from tomorrow, we'll be bringing you some episodes of Let George do it with Bob Bailey that we didn't play the first time around. Newly circulated episodes that I'm sure you're gonna enjoy. And then join us back here. Next we turn to our short division countdown with the series that is tied for number three. In the meantime, 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.

[Dick Powell]

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