The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: The Big Story – The Case of the Unfinished Love Song (EP4852)

Original Air Date (drama): November 26, 1947
Podcast Release: November 25, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode spotlights an episode of The Big Story—a classic old-time radio series dramatizing true experiences of newspaper reporters—focusing on "The Case of the Unfinished Love Song." The story follows reporter Howard Beaufay as he investigates the wrongful conviction of a violin-playing immigrant, Nick Verris, imprisoned for a murder he may not have committed. Adam Graham introduces the episode, later providing historical context and commentary on the real case. The podcast is presented in the spirit of nostalgia and appreciation for vintage detective storytelling, blending heartfelt drama with procedural sleuthing.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

[03:46 – 26:55] The Big Story: "The Case of the Unfinished Love Song"

Introduction & Setup

• Reporter Howard Beaufay, a columnist and roving editor for the Cleveland News, visits Nick Verris, a prisoner and violinist, to cover his case.
• Nick Verris has been incarcerated for two years for a 14-year-old murder he maintains he did not commit.

Howard Beaufay: "I think it's possible that you're not guilty." (06:16)
Nick Verris: "A lot of people think I didn't do it, Mr. Beaufay, but I've been in jail two years." (06:25)

Meeting Joan, The Devoted Wife

• Beaufay seeks out Joan Verris, Nick’s wife, learning she's working as a waitress in a lower-end restaurant, not as a respected hostess as Nick believes.
• Joan’s loyalty and love for Nick are evident—she believes his innocence without question.

Reopening the Old Case

• Joan recounts how Nick was arrested just after recovering from surgery.
• Beaufay and Joan revisit police records, uncovering the overlooked testimony of Louise Relic, who, in 1924, identified someone else (James Horvath) as the killer.

Joan Perris: "She said it wasn’t Nicky." (12:46)
Nick Verris: "Why didn't the girl testify in court?" (16:55)

Obstacles & Desperation

• Louise Relic’s testimony wasn't included at trial due to fear—she lived in an area controlled by Horvath’s gang, and was intimidated into silence.
• Horvath, now imprisoned for another crime, refuses to discuss the case with Beaufay.
• Joan and Beaufay begin the arduous process of tracking down Louise Relic after 14 years.

Emotional Turning Points

• Joan’s fatigue and despair are palpable as the search drags on:

Joan Perris: "I hate to give up, but it seems like such a hopeless thing to keep on tramping the streets, knocking on doors, asking questions and not getting answers." (21:39)

• They eventually find Louise (“call me Wheezy”) Relic, who is still fearful but, with assurances, agrees to testify to the parole board.

Louise Relic: "But he's not the only one. His gang will get me if I talk." (23:56)

Resolution

• Louise testifies, clearing Nick Verris.
• The joyous reunion follows, highlighting the deep emotional toll and the hope restored.

Joan Perris: "Isn't it a perfectly wonderful day? ... My stocking seems straight ..." (25:13)

• The narrative closes with Nick’s release and a sense of triumph mixed with the bittersweet realities of justice delayed.

Epilogue: The Real Story (Telegram)

• A telegram reveals the real Nick Verris (names altered) left Cleveland with his wife after release, never to see his conviction fully overturned, but free nonetheless.

Howard Beaufay (telegram): "Innocent musician... accepted engagement with well known orchestra and with his wife left Cleveland. No one else ever came to trial for 14 year old murder." (27:11)

[30:17 – 34:03] Adam Graham’s Commentary & Historical Context

Insights into Production

• Adam expresses his appreciation for the radio actors, noting the extensive doubling-up of cast members and highlighting Craig McDonnell’s versatility.
• He shares details from the true case: In 1924, John Kaczynski (the basis for Nick Verris) was convicted of a murder he didn't commit. After years and a new identity as a musician, reporter Howard Beaufay found evidence to eventually secure his release, though not a pardon.

Emotional Impact & Period Style

• Adam acknowledges the story’s melodramatic tone, noting that, “the emotional and human elements help them to connect with readers, and it works for me. I was really moved at the end, though I knew that there are some people who would find this very cheesy.” (31:54)

Notable Quotes

• Adam Graham: “Obviously, the story leans into an emotional, you might even say melodramatic feel... but in many ways, that's how newspapers could be back then.” (31:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Nick’s Innocence:
  • "Passing up a chance to get off with an eight month sentence, that rings a bell with me. I'm going to talk to Horvath." —Howard Beaufay (17:24)
• On Loyalty and Love:
  • "Do I look all right? ... My stocking seems straight ... And I’ve got a clean handkerchief, too. Nicky gets so mad at me when I forget my hanky." —Joan Perris (25:25)
• On Fear and Witness Silence:
  • "But he's not the only one. His gang will get me if I talk." —Louise Relic (23:56)
• On Justice and Redemption:
  • "You helped two good people find each other again. And you got your big story. And you’d been around the pencil game long enough to know which was the thing that really counted." —Narrator (26:05)

Key Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Audio drama begins, crime introduced | 03:46 | | Howard visits Nick in prison | 05:59 | | Joan's backstory and love for Nick | 08:06–09:40 | | Reviewing case documents, finding new clues | 12:01–13:40 | | Interview with Louise Relic | 22:38–24:18 | | Nick's release and reunion with Joan | 24:45–26:05 | | Host Adam Graham’s commentary & case history | 30:17–34:03 |

Overall Tone & Style

• The drama is earnest, sentimental, and highly emotional—reflective of mid-20th-century radio storytelling and journalism.
• Adam Graham’s commentary is warm, nostalgic, and appreciative, focused on connecting listeners to both the radio art form and the real-life human stories behind old headlines.

Takeaways for Listeners

• The Big Story episode is a classic example of radio’s ability to blend suspense, romance, and social commentary, all while dramatizing real stories of journalistic tenacity.
• The “unfinished love song” is a powerful motif that runs through both the literal violin-playing of Nick Verris and the enduring devotion between him and Joan.
• Adam Graham’s insights enrich the broadcast, connecting the dramatization to history and emphasizing the lasting value of detailed, compassionate reporting.

For listeners craving nostalgia, suspense, and emotional drama, this episode is a strong showcase of both vintage storytelling and the reporter-as-hero tradition of the golden radio age.