Suspense: Crank Letter (EP4652s)

Summary

Episode Summary: Suspense: Crank Letter (EP4652s)

Release Date: March 16, 2025
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: “Suspense: Crank Letter”

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1. Introduction to the Episode

In the milestone 4652nd episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham celebrates a special release by featuring the classic detective drama “Crank Letter,” originally aired on February 21, 1960. Adam introduces the episode with enthusiasm, noting its discovery and the minor audio imperfections present in the recording.

Adam Graham [01:42]:
“I stumbled across today's episode while looking for Les Damon Extras to feature on the Patreon site for the Great Detectives. But listening to it, it really felt close enough to a typical detective story that we should feature it on the podcast.”

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2. Summary of "Crank Letter"

“Crank Letter” is a suspenseful detective story revolving around Dr. Donald Frazier, a surgeon haunted by the accidental death of a patient, Frederick Gilbert. The narrative unfolds with Dr. Frazier receiving threatening letters that accuse him of malpractice and hint at impending retribution.

Act 1: The Threat Emerges

Dr. Frazier discusses the ominous letter with Lieutenant Paul Neiman from the homicide department, who initially dismisses it as a typical crank letter—99% of which are harmless. However, the situation escalates when Dr. Frazier receives a second, more menacing letter, compelling him to seek protection and intensifying his fear.

Lieutenant Neiman [02:49]:
“We get hundreds of poison pen stuff like this every year. 99% of them turn out to be crank letters.”

Act 2: Investigation Deepens

Detective Evans is assigned to monitor Dr. Frazier, accompanying him to his daily routines to ensure his safety. Concurrently, Dr. Frazier receives another threatening letter that directly accuses him of murder, suggesting that the threats are more than mere ramblings.

The investigation leads Lieutenant Neiman and Detective Evans to Frederick Gilbert, the deceased patient, uncovering past volatility in his interactions with Dr. Frazier. Suspicion initially falls on Gilbert due to his previous outbursts and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Leah [27:02]:
“I found it close enough to a typical detective story that we should feature it on the podcast.”

Act 3: The Revelation

As the plot thickens, Dr. Frazier encounters Donald Frazier—a young man who claims to hold Dr. Frazier accountable for his brother Jamie’s accidental drowning. Through a series of intense dialogues, it is revealed that Donald is a high school junior harboring deep-seated guilt and resentment towards Dr. Frazier.

In a climactic confrontation, Dr. Frazier persuades Donald to forgive him, addressing the tragedy that led to his brother’s death. This emotional appeal convinces Donald to abandon his vengeful plans, leading to a resolution that highlights themes of forgiveness and redemption.

Donald Frazier [24:12]:
“He’s got to pay. Suppose it had been the other way around. Would you blame Jamie?”

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3. Host's Commentary and Analysis

After the dramatic conclusion of “Crank Letter,” Adam Graham delves into an insightful analysis of the episode, highlighting the psychological depth and character development evident in the narrative.

Character Portrayals and Acting:

Adam praises Les Damon’s portrayal of Lieutenant Neiman and the decision to cast a different actor for Donald’s younger self, emphasizing realism and narrative suspense.

Adam Graham [27:02]:
“I think Les Damon did a really good job in the way that Paul reasoned with the doctor's younger self. It was an interesting decision to have an entirely different actor playing the younger self.”

Psychological Themes:

Adam discusses the subconscious guilt driving Dr. Frazier’s experiences, noting how the episode addresses mental health issues through the protagonist’s unraveling psyche.

Adam Graham [27:02]:
“An interesting conclusion to the case and I like how the doctor's own guilt was driving this whole activity which was occurring on a subconscious level.”

Narrative Structure:

He commends the storytelling techniques, such as the use of a separate actor for the younger Donald, which maintains suspense and avoids prematurely revealing the antagonist’s identity.

Adam Graham [27:02]:
“Having a separate actor is justifiable. I also think it avoids giving the game away too soon because you might have been at a point of suspecting the doctor was behind this. But then you hear the voice and it's not the exact same voice.”

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4. Listener Comments and Feedback

Adam engages with the podcast’s community by addressing listener comments, particularly focusing on the character Matthew Slade from another detective series featured on the podcast.

Matthew Slade’s Voice:

A listener noted the similarity between Matthew Slade and Jack Webb, sparking a discussion about voice acting and character consistency in old-time radio dramas.

Listener Comment [27:45]:
“Does Mr. Slade have any holiday themed episodes?”

Holiday Episodes Inquiry:

Adam explains the challenges of producing holiday-themed episodes within the constraints of first-run syndication, where shows were often packaged for year-round broadcasting without seasonal variations.

Adam Graham [31:00]:
“Matthew Slade only had 13 episodes with Day of the Phoenix broken up into three parts for syndication, so they really couldn't do a holiday episode.”

Series Longevity and Production Constraints:

He elaborates on how the limited number of episodes for “Matthew Slade” precluded the creation of holiday specials, contrasting it with more prolific series like “Boston Blackie” which managed to incorporate seasonal content.

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5. Conclusion and Teasers for Upcoming Episodes

As the episode wraps up, Adam thanks Patreon supporters and teases future content, including the next installment featuring “The Adventures of the Falcon” with Les Damon. He encourages listeners to engage with the podcast through various platforms and support the show’s ongoing production.

Adam Graham [34:13]:
“Join us on Tuesday as we launch Hot Copy, but be sure and listen tomorrow for the Adventures of the Falcon with Les Damon.”

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Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Frazier:
  “He’s got the motive and he got the opportunity.”
  [09:15]

• Lieutenant Neiman:
  “We get hundreds of poison pen stuff like this every year. 99% of them turn out to be crank letters.”
  [02:49]

• Donald Frazier:
  “How did he die? He drowned. I don’t want to talk about it.”
  [22:40]

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Final Thoughts

“Crank Letter” stands out as a quintessential example of old-time radio suspense, blending psychological drama with classic detective storytelling. Adam Graham’s meticulous presentation and insightful analysis provide listeners with a deeper appreciation of the genre’s nuances and the intricate character dynamics that drive these timeless mysteries.

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Stay Tuned:

Don’t miss the next exciting episode featuring “The Adventures of the Falcon” with Les Damon. Subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your preferred podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net to never miss an episode.

Transcript

[Matt]

And now two pigeons who can't believe how good humans have it with DirecTV. These humans are hopping from streaming apps to live sports without batting a wing, all from the DirecTV home screen. With just one click, you could be watching a baseball game, a movie on Netflix, or a critically acclaimed documentary. You watch documentaries? I love the ones that leave you with a question. What exactly directv A better way to watch whatever you want to watch? Visit directtv.com Internet Connected, Gemini device, separate Netflix membership and additional paid subscriptions required for third party apps. Hi, I'm Matt. And I'm Leah and we're from the Grown Up Stuff Podcast. And just in time for tax season. On this week's episode, we're chatting with CPA Lisa Green Lewis about how small businesses can tackle their taxes using TurboTax Business. A Forbes study mentioned that a whopping.

[Leah]

93% of small businesses overpay their taxes and 17% of Gen Zers believed that you could write off any expense as a business expense.

[Matt]

So can't blame it's really important to do your taxes right. Listen to Grown up stuff on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your favorite podcast, Grown Up Stu.

[Leah]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we are going to bring you our 4650th episode special. But first, if you are enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. I stumbled across today's episode while looking for Les Damon Extras to feature on the Patreon site for the Great Detectives. But listening to it, it really felt close enough to a typical detective story that we should feature it on the podcast. I will say that there are some audio issues. I'm aware of them, but they're relatively minor as there are a few portions where you can kind of faintly hear another program playing in the background. But this is the best available copy we have at the moment. Now here from February 21, 1960 is the episode of suspense Crank Letter, another.

[Matt]

Tale well calculated to keep you in suspense. Have you ever received a letter threatening your life? And if you did, what did you do about it? Well, let's find out what Dr. Fraser did as we listen to Crank Letter Written for Suspense by Walter Black. Dr. Frazier speaking. Hi, Doc, Paul Neiman over Homicide. Oh, you. You believe in telepathy, Lieutenant? Big pardon. Well, I was just about to pick up the phone to call you. Oh, well, I guess the department must have notified you, huh? Notified me about what? My unity Physical checkup, Is that what you meant? No, no. You see, I got a letter and I wanted to talk to you about it. Could I drop in later today? Well, sure, if you want, but. Can't wait until I come by for my checkup. Save your trip. Well, I guess it can wait. Let me see. Can you come in at. At 4 today? Yes, I can. I'll see you then, doc. Oh, Lieutenant. Yes? Now, the outer door will be locked, so just call out and I'll let you. You can put your shirt back on now, Lieutenant. Okay. Well, what's the verdict? Oh, you're. You're as sound as a pre war dollar. Although, if I were you, I'd take off a couple of pounds around the middle. Well, I keep telling myself I will, but when it comes to my wife's cooking, I. Oh, I got all the willpower of a jellyfish. All right, doc. Now it's your turn. You mentioned a letter. Yes, yes. Here, read it. You quacks are all alike. Murderers, honest people aren't safe from butchers like you. If the law won't punish you, I will. The avenger. She went to a lot of trouble, didn't she? Cut out all the letters from the magazine. She reads like a woman. Could be a man. Of course, I suppose you've handled this, haven't you? You mean fingerprints? Mm, yes, I guess so. I didn't know what it was, of course. Well, it doesn't matter, doc. She probably wore gloves. I wouldn't worry too much about it. You wouldn't worry about it? No, no. It's not addressed to you? No, no, no. Take it easy. I only meant. Well, we get hundreds of poison pen stuff like this every year. 99% of them turn out to be crank letters. And the other 1%, Lieutenant? What do they turn out to be? You know of anyone who might have a grudge against you, doctor? No. There's no reason at all for anyone to hate you. That right? Well, there's no rational reason. No, I said no reason at all. Well, it. Well, it isn't really a reason. Let me be the judge, huh? Well, all right. It happened last week. I was performing an operation on an elderly patient in his 70s. His heart failed on the table. Everything possible was done for him, but it wasn't any use. He died anyway. It's been on my mind. I feel terrible about it. Guilding. No, no. Why should I feel guilty? It happens sometimes. No reason. Just asking. Doctor, the man who died, what was his name? Gilbert. Joseph Gilbert. Any relatives? He lived with a Son? Name? Well, I don't. Wait a minute. I probably have it on his records. Yeah, here it is. Frederick Gilbert. 210 South Oak Lane. You ever meet him? Yes. Watts. What's he like? He's big and burly. He. He won? Well, it was after his father died. He threatened to hit me. He had to be restrained by some hospital attendants. Mm. You think he wrote this letter? Nope. I think it's just what I said it was a crank letter. Beating you up. Sounds more like his type. I'm pretty sure it'll turn out to be just another CR. Yeah. Excuse me, Lieutenant, but there's a Dr. Donald Frazier outside. Says he has to see you. Says it's important. Okay. Send him in, Evans. Yes, sir. You can go on in. Yeah, okay. Thank you. I'm sorry to bother you, Lieutenant, but it's no bother at all, Doc. What's on your mind? This came in the morning mail. Well, go on, read it. All right. All right. Why don't you sit down and relax? Relax? I'm too nervous, if you must know. Well, suit yourself. You killed him. You and I know it, even if nobody else does. Your turn is next. Hmm. Well, is that all you can say? Cheap grade of paper, no signature. You killed him. You think this refers to that patient of yours? What else can I think? Look, I'm not. I'm not normally a very excitable person, Lieutenant, but this has got me scared. Yes, scared. Can you understand that, or. Or don't policemen ever get scared? Sure, we do. Often. Send Evans in. And what am I supposed to do now? Walk out of here and go about my business? Is that it? I'm scared, Neiman. I'm scared sick. Now, does that penetrate? I want protection. And don't give me any more of this crank letter routine either. This thing is genuine. I can feel it. I think you're right, Don. Look, why don't you sit down? I'm sorry. I. I didn't mean to blow up at you. It's all right. Forget it. Let's come on in. Evans, this is Dr. Fraser. Don, this is Detective Evans. Hi. How do you do? Evans, you're off desk duty as of now. Until further notice. You're assigned to the doctor. You'll pick him up every morning when he leaves his apartment. You'll go out on calls with him, accompany him to the hospital. It works. You got it? Yes, sir. And every night, you take him back home and wait until he locks his door. Yes, sir. What am I supposed to be looking for, Lieutenant? Your guess is as good as mine. Just make sure the doctor stays healthy. Yes, sir. You are taking this seriously, aren't you, Paul? I am, Donald. Real serious. In just a moment we will return for the second act of suspense. Here's Hollywood star Mona Freeman who feels like acting with a miserable cold. I relieve cold distress the fast way with four way cold tablets. Yes. Tests of all the leading cold tablets proved four way fastest acting. Amazing. Four way starts in minutes to relieve muscular pains and headache, reduce fever, calm upset stomach. Also overcomes irregularity when a cold strikes. Do what I do. Take four way cold tablets. It's the fast way to relieve nasty cold distress and feel better quickly. Four way. Only 29 cents. Our program will continue in a moment. Afterward, about another fine product of Grove Laboratories. To get rid of embarrassing dandruff in three minutes, change to Fitch Dandruff Remover Shampoo. Three minutes with Fitch regularly is guaranteed to keep unsightly dandruff away forever. Apply Fitch before wetting hair. Rub in one minute. Add water, lather. One minute, then rinse. One minute. Every trace of dandruff goes down the drain. Three minutes with Fitch and embarrassing dandruffs gone at the same time, Fitch can brighten hair up to 35%. Get Fitch Dandruff Remover Shampoo today. We was at the hospital from 2:35 to 7:15. Then we went to eat, went to a movie. Not a bad one either. Lieutenant, the one at the Palace. You seen it? Never mind that. No, sir. We got back to the apartment at 1108. I checked it out like always. He locked the door behind me. I picked him up again at 8:10 this morning and I just come from his office. Office door locked? Oh, yes, sir. I make sure of that. He says some of his patients complain about it, but he locks it. Nothing out of the way? No, sir. Lieutenant Neiman, It's Don Frazier. Paul, I got another one. Another letter. Read it. You haven't got much more time. Murderer. You know how to kill. How well will you die? You've got to do something, Paul. Now, take it easy. We're doing our best, Doc. This just came in the mail. No, no. I found it on my desk when I got to the office. What? I'll be there in five minutes, Doc. Come on, Evans, let's go. All right, doctor. Now let's see what we've got. Your outer door wasn't tampered with. Neither were the windows or the catchers. The building superintendent has been in. The cleaning woman was out sick, so she wasn't even here last night. Now you're absolutely certain the door was locked when you left last night and locked when you got here this morning? I was with him, Lieutenant. It was locked all right. Uh huh. And yet there was the letter right on your desk. How did it get there? What was. Paul, I. I should have mentioned this before, but I didn't think it was important. What? I lost my key ring last month. Now it was only missing two days, and then somebody returned it through the mail. It had my name on it. Now ain't that just Jim? Peachy. Daniel. Well, I'm. I'm sorry. I. I didn't think it meant anything. Evans, call the station. I want that man Gilbert brought in. Let's find out about Gilbert once and for all. You have to keep that light shining in my eyes. We don't have to, but we're going to. We like to see who we're talking to. Even when they're as ugly as you. I'd like to get you out from behind that badge bust. Didn't hear you say that. Anytime at all. All right, Gilbert, let's go back over that story of yours. You gave my man the slip after he tailed you home last night. Where'd you go? I told you. Tell him again. I went bowling. You always leave by the back door when you go bowling? Think I'm a kid or something? I knew you had a tail on me. Am I supposed to write him a letter if I feel like going out? Why not? You've been writing Dr. Fraser letter. I ain't writing nobody nothing. How many times I have to tell you? Turn off the light. What? You heard me. Get that clock out of here. It's making me jumpy. Yes, sir. That's pretty rough about your dad, Gilbert, dying on the operating table like that. Of course, who's to say whose fault it was? Accidents will happen. Listen, my old man had the constitution of an ox. It was no accident that killed him. You think Frazier did it on purpose? If I thought that, Frazier'd be as. You really want to know what I think? Yeah, I do. My old man was a clinic patient, no dough. Slap him on the table, cut him open. If he lives, okay. If he dies, too bad. Well, like I said, I don't blame you for wanting to get back at Fraser. I do. You're our boy, Gilbert. You got the motive and you got the opportunity. We got witnesses who heard you swear to get even with Fraser. Listen, a guy says lots of things that don't mean anything. Tell it to the jury, Gilbert. You only get one chance. Mr. Copper, please. I never wrote no letters. Where have you hid the duplicate keys? You'll find them sooner or later anyway. Lieutenant Neiman, this is my last warning. Lieutenant Fraser hasn't got much time left. Who's this? You're his friend. Tell him to make his peace with God if he can. Wait a minute. Comedy. Put a trace in this call. If you've got anything against Dr. Fraser, why don't you come on in? We'll talk it over. Give him my message. Lieutenant. Hello? Hello? I just don't get it. I was so sure Gilbert was the one. You're in good company, Doc. We thought so, too. I didn't. I never did. He was just the only pigeon in sight. Doc, tell me, this town you were born in, where you grew up, what's the name of it? Haydenville. Maybe the answer's back there. But I left after high school. I never went back. I told you that. I know, I know. What about your family? Well, my father's dead. My mother lives with my aunt out in California. Nobody else? Brothers, sisters, cousins? Nobody else. How come you never went back there? I had no reason to. I'd made new friends in college and later in med school. There weren't any close ties at home. All right, Don, how about college? Medical school? No, no, no, no. Nothing there either. I. Not that I was the most popular guy or anything like it, but I. Well, I've never gone around making enemies. I wouldn't call our letter writer a bosom pal. Exactly. Hey, Lieutenant, maybe it's a patient. Maybe one of them's kind of cracked. None of my patients has any reason to wish me harmony. Old man Gilbert conked out on the operating table. Was there anybody else? I'm not in the habit of either killing or wounding my patients, Evans. Now, you can check my records if you like. Okay, Doc, just ask you. Let's go, Evans. I'll pick you up at the usual time, if I'm still around. Okay, Doc, it's me. Up and at em. Hey, Doc, it's me, Evans. Let's get going. I like some breakfast, Doc. That smells like. Hey, Doc. It's not locked. That's gas. Hey, Doc. In just a moment we will return for the concluding act of suspense. Next time you refresh, enjoy a frosty, ice cold Pepsi Cola. Sociability, Charlie. All right, Kay. How's this? Pepsi is light. Refreshes without filling. You like to refresh? Have a Pepsi right now. We'll offer it to everybody, Charlie. I will enjoy Pepsi at the Fountain. It's delicious. At home, too. Have one at lunch or with a snack. Charlie. At the beach or at dinner. Wherever you go, wherever you're thirsty, Pepsi is there. It's here, too, in our Be Sociable song. Be sociable, look smart, keep up to date with Pepsi. Drink light, refreshing Pepsi. Stay up, be sociable, have a Pepsi for the weekend. Have plenty of Pepsi around. Pick up an extra carton today. CK I'm sociable with Pepsi. Everyone is. How is he, Lieutenant? Doctor says he live. Thank heavens for that. You know something? Frasier must have opened that door himself. Even with duplicate keys, nobody could open it from outside after he shot the bull. So? Oh, so. In a case as crazy as this, it's nice to have one solid fact to sink your teeth into. Crazy is right. No sign of a struggle. Not a mark on him. Yet there he is, stretched out on the couch and every burner on the stove going full blast. Lieutenant, I just thought of something. Whoever the guy is, he's someone Frazier knows. You don't open the door in the middle of the night to a stranger. No kidding. Well, it's something. It's nothing like everything else we got. Go on back to the station, Evans. But what about you? I'm going to see Fraser as soon as they let me. Dr. Fraser. Don, can you hear me? It's Neiman. You're going to be all right, Don. You hear me? You're going to be all right. He was lucky this time. He won't be again. What? I should have turned the gas on earlier. Doctor, that voice. What are you trying? Next time I'll use a gun. That's the. It was you on the phone, wasn't it, Doc? It was me, Lieutenant. What. What's going on? It's very simple. I called you, I wrote the letters. I tried to kill him, and I'll try again. Only the next time. Right. It was you. Who are you? Donald Frazier. But, Doc. Okay, you're Donald Fraser. Where do you live? 92 Main Street, Haydenville. Haydenville. Where do you work? Mulholland's meat market. After school. And all day Saturday. School recorded in Siena. What grade are you in? I'm a junior in high school. Why? Just routine, Donald. You. You have plans to go to college? Sure. I'm going to be a doctor. You mind me asking why you're out to kill him? He's responsible for Jamie's death, so he has to pay for it. Jamie? My brother. He's two. I mean, he was two years younger than me. How did he die? He drowned. I don't want to talk about it. I have to know, Donald. How did he die? He got cramps. He yelled. He could have been saved, only. Only he was too busy swimming to pay any attention. By the time he looked around, it was too late. And you blame him for that? Yes. He's got to pay. Suppose it had been the other way around. Would you blame Jamie? You know how it is when you're swimming. You're having fun. It's easy to forget about the guys with you. He shouldn't have forgotten. No. But he didn't forget deliberately, did he? No. Will killing him bring Jamie back? What are you asking me so many questions for? Will it accomplish anything at all? Donald? Maybe it'll give me some peace. Is that what you want most? Yes. Killing him will only make you feel worse. You'll be a murderer then. Is that what you want? No. You want to be a doctor. That means saving lives, Donald, not taking them. Start with him. Give him back his life. That's the only way for you to find peace. You. You believe that? The Bible says, judge not lest ye be judged. I don't think a guy like you could go through life with a secret like that on his conscience. I just want some peace. Then try it my way, Don. Forgive him. He suffered more than you'll ever know. How do you know? I'm his friend. He's a very decent guy. I wish you could know him as I do. And what about Jamie? If he could, I think he'd say the same thing. He doesn't blame him. It was an accident. Try it my way, Don. Will you, Donald? I'll try. Good boy. Doc, can you hear me? No. Hmm. Who is. Who is. Who Is it? Me. Paul Neiman. How do you feel? No. What was that? As Evans would say, chimpchee dandy. What happened? You had an accident. It's over and done with. You're going to be okay. I'm. It's. It's funny, Paul, but I. I feel. I don't know quite how to put it. Like a big burdens off my back. It's crazy, isn't it? No, not at all. Sure it is. Whatever happened to me, I know. I know it was no accident. That letter writer will try again. No, he won't, Doc. Because you see, we found him. From now on, I don't think you'll have any more trouble. Suspense. You've been listening to Cranked Letter written for Suspense by Walter Black. In a moment, the names of our players at a word about next week's story of suspense out of tune because of irregularity Kellogg's All Brand helps put you back in tune Kellogg's All Brand is the natural way, the good food way, to end constipation caused by lack of bulk in your diet. There's only one All Brand, Kellogg's All Brand. Its whole brand content gentles away constipation supplies your system with the bulk forming food you need. Kellogg's All Brand is the only whole brand cereal to bring you the combination of proved effectiveness, appetizing taste and crispness. It never gets mushy in milk. So get back in tune and stay in tune. It's easy with the one and only Kellogg's All Brand. A double L hyphen B R A N Safe, reliable, pleasant. Millions enjoy it every day. They know they can count on Kellogg's oil brand to relieve irregularity. Heard in tonight's story were Lyle Sudro as Dr. Donald Fraser, Les Damon as Lt. Nieman, Phil Meader as the young Donald Fraser, and Larry Haynes as Fred Gilbert. Listen again next week when we return with Lt. Langer's last collection by George Bamber. Another tale well calculated to keep you in suspense on CBS Radio. Hi, I'm Matt. And I'm Leah and we're from the Grown Up Stuff podcast and just in time for tax season. On this week's episode, we're chatting with CPA Lisa Green Lewis about how small businesses can tackle their taxes using TurboTax Business. A Forbes study mentioned that a whopping.

[Leah]

93% of small businesses overpay their taxes and 17% of Gen Zers believed that you could write off any expense as a business expense.

[Matt]

So can't blame them. It's really important to do your taxes right. Listen to Grown up stuff on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Grown Up Stuff.

[Leah]

Welcome back. An interesting conclusion to the case and I like how the doctor's own guilt was driving this whole activity which was occurring on a subconscious level. And I thought that Les Damon did a really good job in the way that Paul reasoned with the doctor's younger self. It was an interesting decision to have an entirely different actor playing the younger self. It's justifiable from a realism perspective. Although oftentimes director will try to get an actor to just do a voice that's younger. There can actually be a great deal of change from a teenager's voice to how someone sounds as an adult man and so having a separate actor is justifiable. And I also think it avoids giving the game away too soon because you might have been at a point of suspecting the doctor was behind this. But then you hear the voice and it's not the exact same voice. So you're kind of like, okay, what's going on here? I will say that Paul's actions at the very end are a bit silly, but true to the way the ERA often dealt with mental health. Yeah, he had a major dissociative event that led him to seek his own destruction and unwittingly commit suicide. But I'm a fully licensed police lieutenant and by just being calm, I fixed it. No need for him to know what was going on or to seek additional psychological assistance to work through these issues best not for him even to worry about it. This is a smart thing to do. Well, we turn now to listener comments and feedback and we have a few comments regarding Matthew slade over on YouTube. A couple of people agreed with the one commenter who said that he at first thought that Matthew Slade sounded like Jack Webb. It was interesting. And then we got a question here. Listener writes, Does Mr. Slade have any holiday themed episodes? The answer to that one is no. Now, there are two points about that. First is that Matthew Slade started airing in July and finished up in November of 1964. So not really an opportunity for that. In addition, the series was recorded with the idea of syndication in mind. And when I grew up, it really, you know, I watched a fair amount of first run syndication and it was not a problem at all for a show in first run syndication to have a Christmas episode. But the way it worked during the golden age of radio is that radio stations tended to buy syndicated programs in chunks of 13 or 26. And so for the most part, syndicators chose to make the programs such that they could be started and listened to at any time of the year, because a station might buy a package of programs and start it in theory, anytime now. There are some exceptions. For example, Boston Blackie and Mystery is My Hobby were largely syndicated, but they did have Christmas episodes. However, there were more than 200 episodes of Boston Blackie made and there were well over 130, 30 and probably 150 syndicated episodes of Mystery as my hobby. Although one thing that Mystery as My Hobby was noted for is that they would have disk that would actually be able to be used in different packages. Like program might be number 37 and also number 75. If a station bought a 152 package or they bought a 53 to 14 package, it would have the same episode Just a different number because of limited continuity. But I think when we did mystery is not my hobby. I explained it's a bit of a hard series to trace its exact chronology for many reasons, but the point being that Christmas episodes work easier in syndication if you've got a lot of episodes to sell. In Matthew Slate's case, they only had 13 episodes with Day of the Phoenix broken up into three parts for syndication, so they really couldn't do a holiday episode. So thanks so much. Appreciate the question. Now it is time for us to go ahead and thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Keith. Keith's been one of our patreon supporters since February 2017, currently supporting the podcast at the Shamas level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Keith. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Join us on Tuesday as we launch Hot Copy, but be sure and listen tomorrow for the Adventures of the Falcon with Les Damon. Where?

[Matt]

Have you any idea who might be after you? No. You indulging in any extracurricular activities? What do you mean? Women. You take me for an idiot? I'm married to the greatest little gal in the world. You owe anybody any money? No, I'm the kind who pays his bills. And always on the dart. You sound too good to be true. Huh? The more I hear of this, the more I'm convinced Corbett was right. Come again? The way you tell it, you're the most popular man in the class. Okay, if that's the way you feel, we'll get somebody else. There are other private detectives in New York. And better, too. Come on, Steve. I'm sorry, Mike. Forget it. It's not your fault. Just say it's a clash of personalities. You're coming, Steve? Yeah. So long, pal. I'll be seeing you. You bet. Give me a call before you leave town. I will. Well, I hope you're satisfied. I am. I think Waring's gonna work out fine. So help me. You're nuts. Didn't you hear his. I know what he said. He thinks this is a publicity stunt. All he caught was a prologue. He'll play ball after the first.

[Leah]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box [e-mail] follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham signing off from.

[Matt]

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