The Chase: The Amusement Park (EP4700s)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Episode Summary: "The Chase: The Amusement Park" (EP4700s)
Release Date: May 11, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

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Introduction

In the milestone 4,700th episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham presents a thrilling installment from the classic series "The Chase." Titled "The Amusement Park," this episode delves into mystery, deceit, and suspense set against the vibrant backdrop of an old-time amusement park. Adam Graham not only narrates but also provides insightful commentary and critical analysis post-episode, enhancing the listener's experience with context and expert observations.

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Plot Overview

Setting the Scene (00:58 - 03:50):
Adam Graham introduces "The Chase," a detective series from the Golden Age of Radio, highlighting its creation by Lawrence Clee as NBC's answer to CBS's popular anthology programs. This episode, "The Amusement Park," originally aired on August 14, 1952, promises a mix of adventure, mystery, and a hint of the supernatural.

Key Characters Introduced:

• Kathy Owens: The amateur sleuth and central protagonist.
• Bob: The charismatic and mysterious colleague at the amusement park.
• Tipper: The managerial figure overseeing the park's operations.
• Madame Loranda: The enigmatic fortune teller.
• Mr. Sadleck: The park's authoritative figure concerned with maintaining order.
• Officer Keough: The diligent police officer investigating the incident.

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Detailed Summary

Initial Conflict (04:04 - 06:17):
The episode kicks off with Kathy and Bob engaging in playful banter at the amusement park's concession stand. Their interaction is disrupted when Tipper urgently requests Kathy to leave her post to verify a troubling incident. Despite Bob's offer to handle the concession stand, the atmosphere is tense as Tipper reveals that Uncle Billy, a regular patron, was found drowned in the Tunnel of Love—a local water attraction.

Tipper (06:00): "Old Billy's done all the drinking he's ever gonna do... drowned in the dark there in two feet of water."
(Timestamp: 05:46)

Kathy, sympathetic yet curious, senses there’s more to Uncle Billy's demise than mere overindulgence.

Investigation Begins (07:06 - 10:43):
Officer Keough interrogates Kathy about her relationship with Uncle Billy, uncovering that Billy didn’t mention any relatives or significant concerns prior to his death. Kathy reveals that Billy had been worried about something he found—a scrap of celluloid in a blue tobacco can. Suspicion arises as Officer Keough notes the can was empty when Billy was found, suggesting deception.

Kathy (07:21): "I saw him about two hours ago when I went over to get something to eat... with just some scrap celluloid he had in a blue tobacco can."
(Timestamp: 07:50)

Rising Suspicion (10:02 - 16:05):
After discussing with Madame Loranda, Kathy connects the scrap celluloid to previous fires in the area, theorizing it could be linked to an arsonist—the so-called "firebug." Madame Loranda provides a detailed explanation of how such wicks are used to start fires covertly, reinforcing Kathy’s theory.

Madame Loranda (14:57): "The thing to do, Kathy, once you have some wicks... they pop out every which way when the wick burns up to the matches."
(Timestamp: 14:57)

Despite resistance from Mr. Sadleck, Kathy remains determined to uncover the truth, believing that Billy was onto something significant before his untimely death.

The Chase Intensifies (16:05 - 27:13):
Kathy teams up with Bob, who initially appears supportive but gradually reveals suspicious behavior. They patrol the amusement park, leading to a roller coaster ride that serves as a metaphor for their frantic search for answers. During this ride, subtle hints suggest Bob's true intentions, culminating in their discovery of a suspicious individual attempting to tamper with a water tank.

Kathy (16:51): "He’s trying to turn that thing on, isn't he?"
(Timestamp: 17:06)

Their investigation leads them to the old House of Fun, where they find evidence pointing directly to Bob's involvement in the arson—unmasking him as the "firebug" responsible for both the fires and Uncle Billy's death.

Climactic Confrontation (27:13 - 29:42):
In a tense showdown, Kathy confronts Bob with the evidence they've uncovered. Bob reveals his twisted motives, driven by a desire for chaos and destruction, ultimately leading to his downfall as Officer Keough and Mr. Sadleck intervene just in time.

Bob (24:32): "You’re the firebug. And you're the one who killed old Billy when he found you getting set up here."
(Timestamp: 24:20)

The episode concludes with the apprehension of Bob and Kathy's triumph in thwarting the arsonist's plans, restoring peace to the amusement park.

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Character Analysis

• Kathy Owens: Exemplifies the classic detective archetype—intelligent, observant, and tenacious. Her skepticism and analytical skills drive the investigation forward, showcasing her as a competent and relatable heroine.

• Bob: Initially portrayed as a helpful colleague, Bob's transformation into the antagonist highlights themes of betrayal and hidden motives. His portrayal by Bill Lipton brings depth to the character, making him a believable and menacing villain.

• Madame Loranda: Serves as a pivotal source of crucial information. Her expertise in fortune-telling inadvertently aids Kathy’s investigation, adding a layer of mystique to the narrative.

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Themes and Insights

Deception and Trust:
The episode masterfully plays with the concept of trust, as Bob's facade masks his true intentions. Kathy's journey is a testament to the importance of not taking things at face value and the dangers of misplaced trust.

Good vs. Evil:
A classic theme in detective stories, the battle between the benevolent Kathy and the malevolent Bob underscores the timeless struggle between right and wrong.

Determination and Courage:
Kathy's unwavering determination to uncover the truth, despite opposition from authority figures like Mr. Sadleck, emphasizes the virtues of courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.

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Notable Quotes

1. Kathy on Discovery:

   "I think I'll light up those candles again and watch them get knocked out."
   (Timestamp: 04:15)

2. Madame Loranda Explaining Celluloid Wicks:

   "If you set this near a pile of scrap celluloid... where the fire can get a good start."
   (Timestamp: 15:24)

3. Bob's Revelation:

   "You’re the firebug. And you're the one who killed old Billy when he found you getting set up here."
   (Timestamp: 24:20)

4. Kathy's Final Stand:

   "You're a regular one man fire department. Don't you want to try for those tin ducks at the clay pipes there?"
   (Timestamp: 04:18)

5. Adam Graham's Commentary on Bob's Portrayal:

   "His performance is great as a crazy man who believes he's sane and has a view of the world that is sane to him but is totally off the rails to everyone else, which is more realistic."
   (Timestamp: 32:20)

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Host Commentary and Analysis

After the episode, Adam Graham offers a thoughtful critique:

• Performance Highlights:
  Adam praises Bill Lipton's portrayal of Bob, noting the nuanced performance that avoids clichéd "madman" tropes, making the character more realistic and terrifying.

• Clues and Suspense:
  He points out the subtle hints that foreshadow Bob's true nature, such as his behavior during the roller coaster scene, demonstrating effective storytelling that keeps listeners engaged.

• Character Connections:
  Adam connects Patsy Campbell’s extensive radio career to her role as Kathy, highlighting her ability to bring depth and authenticity to the amateur sleuth.

• Supporting Cast:
  The inclusion of seasoned actors like Adelaide Klein and Sydney Smith enriches the narrative, adding layers of complexity and professionalism to the production.

• Personal Reflections:
  Adam shares his appreciation for the episode's craftsmanship and the emotional payoff of revealing Bob as the antagonist, enhancing the overall satisfaction of the mystery's resolution.

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Conclusion

"The Chase: The Amusement Park" stands out as a compelling episode in The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio series, blending classic detective elements with engaging performances and a tightly woven plot. Kathy Owens' relentless pursuit of the truth, combined with the unexpected betrayal by Bob, offers listeners a memorable and suspenseful experience. Adam Graham's insightful commentary further enriches the appreciation of this Golden Age radio drama, celebrating its enduring legacy in the realm of mystery storytelling.

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Further Listening

Listeners are encouraged to explore more episodes from "The Chase" and other featured detective series such as "The Adventures of the Falcon," "Dragnet," and "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar" to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of old-time radio mysteries.

For more information and to subscribe, visit Great Detectives of Old Time Radio.

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This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the essence and intricacies of the episode while highlighting key moments and character developments.

Transcript

[Kathy]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you our 4700th episode special. But first, I do want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can become one of our ongoing patreon [e-mail] for as little as $2 per month. The thought process behind today's special is actually pretty simple. I had listened to a few episodes of the Chase recently, and I thought, you know, it has been a long time since we featured an episode of the Chase. And I checked and we played an episode of the chase back in 2014, and that's all we've got. The Chase was a series created by Lawrence Klee, who also had created the series the Clock. And honestly, some of the episodes I've heard of the Chase were very similar to that series. The way the series was presented to the public, it was NBC's attempt to have a competitor to CBS's big anthology programs like Escape. So some of these stories are adventure, some are a bit more supernatural, but there are also a few mysteries, and I'm so glad to share one of those with you. So here from August 14, 1952, is the episode the Amusement Park.

[Narrator]

The National Broadcasting Company invites you by transcription to join the Chase. In the animal world, there is the hunter and the hunted, hound and fox, hawk and sparrow, cat and mouse. We and the topmost species have also joined the hunt. But who is to judge precisely which of us are hounds or foxes as we enter the Chase?

[Tipper]

Hey looky, folks. Hey looky, step right up and buy your tickets by the strip. Hey looky, hey looky, step right up and buy your tickets by the Strip. Fun for young and old.

[Bob]

I did it again. Kathy put both those last two candles out with just two shots.

[Kathy]

Too bad we don't have prizes at this gallery. Mister, you'd clean me out.

[Bob]

I told you my name was Bob. How many shots have I got left for my quarter?

[Kathy]

3.

[Bob]

I think I'll light up Those candles again and watch them get knocked out.

[Kathy]

You're a regular one man fire department. Don't you want to try for those tin ducks at the clay pipes there?

[Bob]

Light up the candles, Kathy. I'm a specialist.

[Kathy]

How'd you find out my name?

[Bob]

I wasn't too hard. I went over to Madame L. Is there at the fortune telling booth and.

[Kathy]

Made a bet with her about me.

[Bob]

I better half a dollar. Your name was Melinda and Myra?

[Kathy]

L told you my name was Kathy.

[Bob]

I had two to collect the half dollar, but I told you for free that my name was Bob. Aren't you ever gonna use it?

[Tipper]

Excuse me, bud. Kathy, can you get the stand closed up and come over to Adam's office for a minute?

[Kathy]

Closed up? What for?

[Tipper]

Tipper, there's been a little trouble. The boss wants you to confirm a statement he's making.

[Bob]

Wait a minute, Kathy. You won't have to go to all the trouble of closing up. I can mind the concession for you if this won't take too long.

[Tipper]

This kid a friend of yours, Kathy?

[Kathy]

Well, yes, I know him, but I.

[Tipper]

Okay, we'll get your bills out of the register and let them take over. The worst he can do is fire off a few free shots. It'll look better if the place stays open anyway.

[Kathy]

Bob, you're sure you don't mind?

[Bob]

Run along, Kathy. It'll be a pleasure to hold the fort for you.

[Tipper]

One thing, kid. Anybody asks you, don't start saying there's been trouble. It's all over. We don't want to start stampeding any of this Saturday night crowd. You got that straight?

[Bob]

No, I'm not even asking what the trouble is, am I? If it'll help Kathy out, that's all I have to know.

[Kathy]

Thanks, Bob. I'll try to be back as fast as I can.

[Tipper]

Let's go, Kathy.

[Kathy]

Tipper, this must be real trouble, I can tell.

[Tipper]

Oh, I wouldn't call it real trouble, Kathy. At least not for anybody but old Uncle Billy.

[Kathy]

Uncle Billy? That poor old man isn't off on a bender again?

[Tipper]

Old Billy's done all the drinking he's ever gonna do. We fished him out of the water in the Tunnel of Love about half an hour ago. Drowned in the dark there in two feet of water. The doctors gave up trying to bring him around and there's an ambulance waiting on the side alley to take him to the morgue.

[Kathy]

Oh, Tipper, you said there was just a little trouble.

[Tipper]

We're all sorry about it, but. Well, as Adam says, we've still got a Saturday Night crowd here. Billy had to get blind drunk and go stumbling into the tunnel. Is that any reason for spoiling Saturday night for all the hundreds of customers here?

[Kathy]

Is it the customer's feelings Adam is concerned about or the cash registers? That wouldn't ring if this news got around.

[Tipper]

Now, take it easy, kid. Take it easy. There's a cop over in the office. All he wants is to have Myra, Landa, you and a couple of more of us back up what Adam told him about Billy always hitting the bottle and having a weak heart. Here, we can go in the side door, duck that mob out in front.

[Officer Keough]

Is this the man you knew as William Connery, Ms. Owens?

[Kathy]

Yes, we all knew him as Uncle Billy, Officer.

[Officer Keough]

Okay, name was Connery. We got that pinned down. Now, you didn't know him before he came here to do odd jobs around the park for Mr. Sadlick here?

[Kathy]

No.

[Officer Keough]

You don't know of any relatives he might have?

[Kathy]

He never talked about any, at least not to me.

[Officer Keough]

But you did know him pretty well. Your boss says you were kind of a favor to the old man.

[Kathy]

Yes, I always liked him.

[Officer Keough]

Yeah, he got drunk every Saturday night regular, didn't he? Real drunk.

[Kathy]

Billy never hurt anybody but himself. And if he did take a few drinks once in a while.

[Mr. Sadleck]

I don't just answer Officer Keough's questions, Kathy.

[Kathy]

Well, Adam, it's not fair with poor Billy lying there.

[Mr. Sadleck]

The officer has his report to make, Kathy. And he's only trying to confirm what we all know happened.

[Officer Keough]

Thanks, Mr. Sadleck. The old guy could really tie one on, couldn't he, Miss Owens? Get so as he didn't know whether he was coming or going.

[Kathy]

Yes, I've seen Billy with too much, officer. But I saw him about two hours ago when I went over to get something to eat. And I'm not sure he was drinking at all tonight.

[Officer Keough]

What do you mean?

[Kathy]

Well, he was worried about something he'd found. He started to ask me about it and then said I probably wouldn't know either. With just some scrap celluloid he had in a blue tobacco can.

[Officer Keough]

A blue tobacco can like this one?

[Kathy]

Yes, I'm almost sure that's the can he had. And he didn't seem as if he'd been drinking, Mr.

[Officer Keough]

Sadly here tells me the can was empty when they found it on him after fishing him out of the water. You sure the old guy wasn't just kidding you, Ms. Owens?

[Kathy]

Of course, I don't really know whether it has anything to do with.

[Mr. Sadleck]

Thanks very much, Kathy. You've confirmed. But, Officer, Keogh want to know if there are any minor loose ends, Officer. Your people can get to him tomorrow, can't they?

[Officer Keough]

Well, I suppose I have got enough for this preliminary report. And seeing as we got the doctor's findings to back it up.

[Tipper]

I see.

[Mr. Sadleck]

All squared away. The body can be moved out quietly, the morgue with no further trouble for anybody. All right, Kathy, you can get back the shooting gallery now. And I'll let you know about the funeral plans and we get them worked out.

[Madame Loranda]

Let Madame Laranda foretell your future, folks. Seventh daughter of a seventh daughter. I lift the veil that hides the days and nights ahead. Will you be rich? Will you be lucky in love? Will you be both? For 50 cents, you can know. Not $50, not even five. 50 cents, folks, for a preview of your own future.

[Kathy]

Myra, can I see you for a second?

[Madame Loranda]

Oh, hello, Kathy. Honey, by the looks of this crowd, I've got all the time in the world. Sit down, make like a customer. Maybe that'll get him started.

[Kathy]

No, I've got to get back to my stand, but, well, there's something I want to ask you about Uncle Billy.

[Madame Loranda]

Oh, I. I didn't know you knew yet, Kathy. I was afraid you'd be broken up about it.

[Kathy]

Myra, you remember last week, after that second big mystery fire downtown, you were telling us something about scrap celluloid and paraffin wicks. Can you tell me again what it was you said about celluloid?

[Madame Loranda]

What's this got to do with old Bill Conway?

[Kathy]

That's what I'm trying to find out. Billy found some scrap celluloid somewhere earlier tonight and he said.

[Madame Loranda]

Kathy, you're not trying to say you think old Uncle Billy was a firebug? Of all the people in the world, who wouldn't go in for our sake?

[Kathy]

Myra, you said the firebug who's been setting those big downtown fires probably used celluloid and paraffin wicks. Celluloid because it burns fast and doesn't leave ash or odor. And paraffin wicks before that to get.

[Madame Loranda]

Kathy. Child, have you lost your mind? Poor old Bill was drowned, not burned to death.

[Kathy]

Thanks, Myra. I'll explain later. I've got to see Adam Sadleck again. Adam, you've got to call the police in again and clear the park.

[Mr. Sadleck]

Take it easy, Kathy. What's this all about?

[Kathy]

I'm not sure now that Uncle Billy wasn't murdered. And if he was, I think I know why.

[Mr. Sadleck]

Hey, hey, wait a minute. Where'd you get this wild idea?

[Kathy]

You know the pipe tobacco. Billy always Used? Well, it doesn't come in a blue can.

[Mr. Sadleck]

All right, maybe it doesn't.

[Kathy]

There was scrap celluloid in that blue can when Billy showed it to me. And that could mean that Billy found signs of that firebug getting ready to operate here. The same firebug who set those two big fires downtown last week. And Adam, if it is the firebug, and if he's out there somewhere in that crowd waiting for his chance to.

[Mr. Sadleck]

Touch the place, well, Kathy, perhaps. Oh, Adam, you will tomorrow or Monday at the coroner's inquest. You can call us Homicide, attempted arson, anything you like. And if the cops want to have another quiet look around, I'll cooperate all away. But I know they won't find anything. So I'm not letting you go off half cock tonight.

[Kathy]

You can't really stop me, Adam. I could phone the police right now.

[Mr. Sadleck]

And you haven't a scrap of evidence. Get back to your gallery, Kathy. Forget all this nonsense about a firebug being loose.

[Kathy]

But there is a firebug loose. Loose and operating all through this area. You've seen about it in the papers yourself.

[Mr. Sadleck]

And I saw where a girl has herself crippled last night at the hospital over town. That mean I have to open an emergency maternity clinic here next to the roller coaster. Now, now, the thing to remember, Kathy.

[Kathy]

The thing I'll remember, Adam, is that I don't think Uncle Billy was drinking at all tonight and he was trying to find out about that celluloid.

[Bob]

Hi, Kathy. That was a pretty long 10 minutes, but I took in 450 for you. 475 as a matter of fact. Of course, I owe you a quarter for an another clip I shot off myself. How's that for your new partner, huh?

[Kathy]

Thanks, Bob. It was wonderful of you to stand by for me.

[Bob]

It was a pleasure. You'll find the money there in the register. And if you want, I'll start replacing those clay pipes the last couple knocked off.

[Kathy]

Thanks, but I think I'll be closing up the gallery now.

[Bob]

Closing up? It isn't past 10:30 yet.

[Kathy]

I know, but there's something I have to do.

[Bob]

Hey, here, let me help you with those shutters. What is it you have to do all of a sudden, Kathy?

[Kathy]

I have to find a man who makes maybe somewhere in the park.

[Bob]

A man? I suppose I shouldn't ask about him.

[Kathy]

This isn't anybody I know, Bob, or anybody I want to know. But if he's here, I have to find him.

[Bob]

Look, Kathy, cut me down if I'm out of line, but I Was hoping you'd let me take you out for a while after you finished here tonight.

[Kathy]

Oh, that's sweet of you, but not tonight.

[Bob]

Because of this man you've got to find.

[Kathy]

Clear. That closes the place up. Yes, Bob, because of this man I've got to find. Or at least try to find.

[Bob]

I don't get it, Kathy. Didn't you say he was someone you don't know and don't want to know?

[Kathy]

That's right. I think he's a pyromania pirate. Well, isn't that what they call a fire bug? A man who likes to start fires?

[Bob]

Well, sure.

[Kathy]

And what's more, I think he may be a murderer.

[Bob]

Oh, wait a minute, Kathy. We don't know each other very well yet, but if you think I'd let you or any girl go off alone in search of the kind of trouble you're talking about.

[Kathy]

All right then, Bob. You can come along with me if you want.

[Bob]

You really mean that?

[Kathy]

Well, I'd probably need some help anyhow if I ever caught up with this man. And since Adam and Tipper Trask won't believe me.

[Bob]

Kathy, what's this all about?

[Kathy]

Well, Bob, a harmless old man was drowned here tonight, and I think he was knocked out first or held under the water till it happened, because I think he'd found a man putting celluloid or kerosene where it could threaten every building here in the park. And the thing I mean to find out is.

[Madame Loranda]

All right, honey, if you have to know, I'll tell you. But I think you and this nice young man ought to be off dancing somewhere instead of plaguing me about arson wicks.

[Bob]

That's what I've been trying to tell Kathy, Madame Loranda, but she won't listen.

[Kathy]

Just describe the wicks again for me, Myra. I want to be sure we'll know what they look like.

[Madame Loranda]

Well, you could call it a very fancy way of playing with matches, Kathy. You see, the idea of the thing is to give the firebug some clear getaway time before the fire actually breaks out.

[Kathy]

Yeah.

[Madame Loranda]

If you took any kind of a lamp wick or rolled up piece of cloth about, well, as long as this pencil, say, and soaked it in tallow.

[Bob]

Or paraffin or in bacon fat, if you don't have any paraffin.

[Madame Loranda]

Well, yes, I. I suppose nearly any kind of grease would do. The thing to do, Kathy, once you have some wicks, is to time one or two samples for their burning time. Then you put a collar of matches in one end, sewing or taping them on just barely enough to hold so they'll pop out every which way when the wick burns up to the matches.

[Kathy]

A lot of matches fastened on.

[Madame Loranda]

Mm, dozens of them. Then if you set this wick near a pile of scrap celluloid or waste paper somewhere under some dry wooden shelves or crates where the fire can get a good start.

[Kathy]

Thanks, Mara. I'm pretty sure we'll know what to look for.

[Bob]

Now, I think if the guy exists and if he did look in here earlier tonight, and if he had any kind of sense, he'd be miles away by now.

[Kathy]

Bob, if our man thought the way normal people do, he wouldn't be what he is. Are you coming with me to have a look around the park or not?

[Bob]

I'll tag along till you give up Kathy, and then I still think we ought to be reconsidering that late date I asked about.

[Madame Loranda]

Kathy. 150 cents worth of fortune telling for free.

[Kathy]

Go ahead, Mara, make fun of me some more.

[Madame Loranda]

No, no, honey, I'm not making fun of you. Now, I say if you think you've got anything, go out and get some law in on it. Whatever Adam says. If you don't, you could. Well, you could be taking on more than you bargained for.

[Kathy]

Thanks, Mara, but I'm still gonna have my look around.

[Bob]

We're gonna have our look, Kathy. I told you, I've signed up for the duration. Except just remember, there's supposed to be a mighty fine moon coming up around midnight.

[Tipper]

Hey, looky, folks. Hey, looky. Buy your tickets, buy the strip. Thrills for young and old and every age in between. You can't take it with you and won't want to when it's Saturday night at Adam's Paradise. Hey, looky, folks.

[Kathy]

Hey, looky.

[Tipper]

Step right up and buy your ticket by the step.

[Kathy]

Bob. Bob, look at that man just over beyond the merry goron.

[Bob]

Where?

[Kathy]

There he's standing half hidden by that poster board.

[Bob]

Oh. Oh, sure, I see him now, what's special about him?

[Kathy]

But don't you see what he's doing? That's the hose outlet leading down from one of the three emergency water tanks in the park.

[Bob]

He's trying to turn that thing on, isn't he?

[Kathy]

Of course he is. And it's marked hands off as plainly as you could ask.

[Bob]

Well, why would he be?

[Kathy]

He could be trying to drain off all the extra water pressure to hurt the firefighting later. Come on.

[Bob]

Wait a minute, Kathy. Shouldn't we wait and see?

[Kathy]

No, we gotta stop him, Bob. Come on. Hey, what do you Think you're trying to do, mister? Don't you know you're not supposed to fool around with those water tanks?

[Tipper]

Well, what do you know? What do you know? You folks thirsty too?

[Bob]

Is that what you think that thing is? A drinking fountain?

[Tipper]

I don't know what it is, except they're all absolutely water in it. If they don't have any fountains around.

[Kathy]

They have. There's one just over by the roller skating rink there.

[Tipper]

Well, thank you, little lady.

[Mr. Sadleck]

Thank you.

[Tipper]

Didn't see how I was gonna get this open without a wrench. Anyhow, you say it's over there by the skating rink?

[Kathy]

Yes, you can see it from here by those benches.

[Tipper]

So you can. So you can watch me go over and drink a dry.

[Bob]

Well, that lets him out, doesn't it? Kathy, he's heading straight for the drinking stop.

[Kathy]

Wait a minute, Bob. Let's watch him for a minute. Could have been making that up about.

[Bob]

Oh, not that character, Kathy. Look at him. He's got a grip on the fountain now and he's drinking away like a camel back from a 10 day desert run. He's really thirsty.

[Kathy]

Yes, I'll admit it looks that way.

[Bob]

I'll tell you what, Kathy. We've been patrolling around now for nearly an hour. Let's have one ride on the roller coaster here before we start again, huh?

[Kathy]

But we won't be able to watch people in the crowd from up there.

[Bob]

Well, you'll be able to see the whole park and it'll give our feet a rest. Okay, just one ride.

[Kathy]

Well, I suppose one ride won't lose us too much time.

[Bob]

Atta girl. Let's go. Having fun, Kathy?

[Kathy]

Fun? I really think we should refasten these safety belts.

[Bob]

What? You want to take all the thrill out of it? Only real excitement on these is taking a chance.

[Kathy]

Hang on, Bob. This drops away again, then takes a hard turn at the bottom.

[Bob]

Great. I'll just hang on to you. Kathy, this is the best breeze we've had all night.

[Kathy]

Bob, let go of my hand. I can't hold the bar.

[Bob]

Okay, but watch rock with no hands. Look, I'm not holding on.

[Kathy]

Bob, you'll be thrown out of the car.

[Bob]

Watch me. I used to stand up in these things.

[Adam Graham]

Bob.

[Bob]

Bob, get out. Can't hear you, Kathy. What'd you say?

[Kathy]

Bob, don't lean against me. You'll push me out of the car. Get down.

[Bob]

Hey, now I don't want you to. I'll knock you down. You want to get yourself killed?

[Kathy]

That man is right, Bob.

[Bob]

Sit down.

[Kathy]

Let me fast this safety belt again. Here comes the last turn.

[Bob]

Oh, golly, Kathy, I. I do owe you an apology. Always get a kick out of these roller coasters. But I certainly didn't mean to be reckless about it.

[Kathy]

I'm sure you didn't realize it, Bob, but you did almost have us in danger back there. At least you almost had me in danger. That man behind us hadn't spoken up when he did.

[Bob]

For a couple of minutes there, I guess I was acting like a 10 year old.

[Kathy]

Bob.

[Bob]

What is it, Kathy?

[Kathy]

Bob, I just noticed something. You see the back of the Tunnel of Love building over there?

[Bob]

Tunnel of Love?

[Kathy]

The place where Uncle Billy's body was found. From the ground. I wouldn't have remembered how closely it backs up to the old House of Fun. But from up here on this platform, you can see that there's only a narrow alley between them.

[Bob]

I can see a lot of old wooden buildings together.

[Kathy]

Realized before that House of Fun building's been closed for two seasons. And of course, it would be target number one for anybody who wanted to start a bad fire here.

[Bob]

Are we back on that again?

[Kathy]

Back on it, Bob. And I think this time we may be near an answer. Come on, we're having a look inside.

[Bob]

Who'd want to break into an old junk room like this?

[Kathy]

Someone did no longer go than tonight. Well, you saw how that door nearest the Tunnel of Love had been forced open.

[Bob]

Well, if it hadn't been, we wouldn't have been able to get in ourselves. But I still don't see what anybody would be wanting in this dusty old barracks. Except maybe some kids.

[Kathy]

This is exactly the kind of a place the firebug would hope for. Can't you see it, Bob?

[Bob]

See what?

[Kathy]

Get a firewell started here and the whole park could go up before they got it under control.

[Bob]

Oh, it's a fire trap, all right. I'll grant you that.

[Kathy]

For an arsonist, it's even better than that, Bob. Almost anywhere else on the grounds, a fire might be noticed before it got very far. But here it could be roaring up before anybody even knew it was starting.

[Bob]

Look, Kathy, I. I didn't want to say this before because I was hoping you'd give up on this obsession after a while.

[Kathy]

Obsession?

[Bob]

Yes, obsession. I was hoping you'd give up on it and we could go out tonight. If you're gonna waste the whole evening poking around in places like this.

[Kathy]

What are you trying to say, Bob? That you think as the others do, that this is a crazy notion I have about Uncle Billy discovering the firebug at work here.

[Bob]

You keep saying firebug. Kathy. You think a man with courage and brains enough to burn up a whole warehouse or apartment building and get away with it is someone to brush off with a ridiculous name like that?

[Kathy]

Bob, you wouldn't be defending a man crazy enough to do.

[Bob]

I wasn't trying to defend him. I just think you ought to remember there might be two sides to everything.

[Kathy]

Bob, you almost frightened me. You seem bent on on taking this maniac's part. And a moment ago you were denying that there could be any such man.

[Bob]

Kathy, I, I, I guess this is my night for arguing around in circles. All I really want is to get out of this place pretty soon and get started on our plain old fashioned Saturday night date. Just the two of us with no complications at all.

[Kathy]

But Bob, I've almost enough now to prod Adam into action. This old house of fun broken into at the door nearest the back of the tunnel of love. And Bob, look there.

[Bob]

What?

[Kathy]

There. There where my flashlight's pointing. Isn't that a pile of scrap celluloid next to that stack of old, empty crates?

[Bob]

Let's have a look.

[Kathy]

Come on. Oh, Bob, it is. And look at all the old excelsior crammed into these crates. This is where the fire was supposed to be started.

[Bob]

Now, wait a minute, Kathy. This looks pretty careless here, I'll admit. But how do we know that excelsior wasn't just some packing material for whatever came in the crate?

[Kathy]

This celluloid was brought in here. There's never been anything like it around the park. This is where the fire was to start, Bob. All arranged and ready for the candle or the arson wick.

[Bob]

You know, Kathy, I guess this is the end of the trail. You've been the only one here at the park smart enough to suspect what was planned for tonight. And now you've nearly proved it all the way.

[Kathy]

No, it won't be the end of the trail until we catch the firebug. But this means we can call the police in and get started. Adam will just have to forget his Saturday night business when we show him this.

[Bob]

Kathy, what makes you think your boss will even know about this?

[Kathy]

Well, we'll go and tell him now, of course.

[Bob]

Will we, Bob?

[Kathy]

What's the matter with you?

[Bob]

Of course you don't think it'd be a pity to spoil what could be one of the best fires in years around here? All these wool wooden buildings that'd go sky high in flames if just one little match were dropped here in this celluloid.

[Kathy]

Bob, you've been the one all along.

[Bob]

Where'd you think you were going, Kathy?

[Kathy]

Pull my wrist.

[Bob]

Wouldn't that be pretty foolish of me, Kathy, now that you know as much as you do?

[Kathy]

You're the firebug. And you're the one who killed old Billy when he found you getting set up here.

[Bob]

That old fool came looking for trouble and he got it. I didn't mind about him, but. But I'm really going to be sorry about you, Kathy. I wasn't fooling before when I said that I'd go for you. Go ahead, scream your head off. With a couple of hundred women out screaming on the roller coaster on every ride in the park. Do you think anyone's gonna hear you?

[Kathy]

You couldn't be crazy enough to think you could get away with two murders.

[Bob]

If I thought I could trust you, Kathy, I'd much rather take you along with me when I clear out of here. Oh, no. Don't try to twist away again. I'd like to take you along, but I've learned there's only one person in the world I can depend on. And that's myself.

[Kathy]

Who wanted to push me out of the roller coaster? You knew even then that you'd have to try to get rid of me.

[Bob]

You happen to be the only one around here with bad ideas about that old watchman. It was my luck to find that out. When all I'd actually looked you up for was to try for a date.

[Kathy]

What's that you're taking out of your pocket?

[Bob]

A handy little device you heard badly described by our friend Madame Miranda.

[Kathy]

An arson witch.

[Bob]

A much better one, I promise you, than any the old woman ever heard about. This one will burn for exactly nine minutes before it sets off the celluloid. Time enough for me to take care of you and get all the way out of the park before this building starts going up.

[Kathy]

You really are insane, aren't you?

[Bob]

Call it different for most people, Kathy. As different as a smart wolf from a flock of tame, brainless sheep. Wait a minute now, while I set this down here by the celluloid. Where I can get at it with one hand. Excitement happens to be my pleasure. Kathy, you and all the rest of the sheep are the ones who slave away and build the buildings. But I'm the lone wolf who can burn them down with one scratch of a match like this. Now I just get my nine minute wick started.

[Madame Loranda]

Look, Adam, I don't care if you've got 600 or 6,000 customers milling around out there. I'm Worried about Kathy.

[Mr. Sadleck]

Okay. We'll put a report to the office announcement on the amplifier. I'll throw tipper and all the spare hands we've got on it.

[Madame Loranda]

Thanks, Adam, but I want you to come out on this with me yourself. If you'd only listen to Kathy to start.

[Bob]

Okay.

[Mr. Sadleck]

Okay. I'll trail along with you. Myra, you figure to start looking?

[Madame Loranda]

Well, I. I think there are just three places in the park where Kathy might not be able to keep everything under control.

[Mr. Sadleck]

Down by the water where the boardwalk's.

[Madame Loranda]

Being repaired F1 or down the basement of the power plant or anywhere in the old house of fun.

[Mr. Sadleck]

Let's try the power plant first. If any trouble ever started there. It could be plenty.

[Bob]

Three of the nine minutes gone, Kathy. Made your mind up yet?

[Kathy]

You haven't given me much of a choice, Bob.

[Bob]

That's all I can afford to give you. In six minutes, those matches will be popping off into the celluloid and I've got to be out of here and a couple of miles away by then. Now, which way do you want it?

[Kathy]

Just knocked out and left here to.

[Bob]

Burn or really dead before I go? If you don't like the idea of flying fire I could make it fast and pretty painless. You'd keep from twisting while I use.

[Kathy]

This knife, I suppose there's no use of my.

[Bob]

No, no, no. I can't take you with me. Even if you pretended you wanted to play along I know you'd turn on me the first chance you got.

[Kathy]

Fire or your knife. Which would you take, Bob?

[Bob]

That isn't even a choice. Of course I'd take fire if it came down to that. I wouldn't have to be knocked out either. Fire's the cleanest, purest thing in the world.

[Kathy]

You still don't have time to put out that burning wick, Bob. And if you gave yourself up and took treatment, maybe you'd still have a chance.

[Bob]

I give the treatments, I don't take them. And that's all the time you get for stalling Kathy. Now, is it the knife, or do I tap you on the head?

[Kathy]

Would you light me one final cigarette, Bob?

[Bob]

You said you hardly ever smoked.

[Kathy]

I hardly ever get murdered. And don't all condemned people have a right to one last cigarette?

[Bob]

It won't have time to smoke it.

[Kathy]

All away just to get it stuck, started. Then I'll leave the next move up to you.

[Bob]

You won't make a choice.

[Kathy]

Put the cigarette in my mouth and get your match lighted. After that, it's up to you.

[Bob]

Okay. There's your cigarette. And here's your match. Thanks, Kathy. You knock that lighted match right into.

[Kathy]

The celluloid and there goes your blaze ahead of schedule.

[Bob]

You crossed me. You crossed me.

[Kathy]

I'm not finding those flames so clean and pure anymore, are you, Bob? Don't waste time trying to stamp it out. It's too late.

[Bob]

It's not too late to knock you.

[Kathy]

Right in the middle of that door. Yes, it is too late, Bob. Look behind you. See who's coming through the window? Adam. Adam, this way. This way.

[Madame Loranda]

Adam. Okay, Kathy.

[Mr. Sadleck]

Okay, we got him covered. All right, you drop the knife and.

[Kathy]

Come out of there.

[Bob]

Nobody takes me alive. Mister. Nobody forgot.

[Madame Loranda]

Kathy.

[Kathy]

Look out.

[Madame Loranda]

He's not going after her.

[Kathy]

He's running right back into the. Bob. Bob, come back.

[Bob]

Nobody takes me.

[Kathy]

Kathy.

[Bob]

Nobody.

[Kathy]

Kathy.

[Madame Loranda]

Kathy, honey, you're going to be all right now. The fire is under control.

[Kathy]

Myra?

[Madame Loranda]

Yes, honey?

[Kathy]

Did Bob get away?

[Madame Loranda]

No. No, Kathy. Bob finally caught up with enough fire to last him.

[Kathy]

For keep.

[Narrator]

The Chase was created for the National Broadcasting Company by Lawrence Clee. Tonight's script was written by Charles o' Neill. In tonight's cast were Patsy Campbell, Bill Lipton, Sydney Smith, Adelaide Klein, Jack Lloyd and Walter Black. Next week, a disembodied voice dictates a story of love and murder on the Chase. The Chase was directed and transcribed by Dan Sutter. This is Arthur Gary speaking.

[Officer Keough]

Three chimes mean good times on NBC this Friday evening. Bob and Ray offer you a half hour of sparkling comedy. Then Mario lanza, lovely Gisele McKenzie and Ray Sinatra in the orchestra spotlight your favorite songs on the Mariolanza Show. Later, the singing violins on music by Montovanni. You can make a difference in someone's life, including your own, with a job in home care. These jobs offer flexible schedules, health care, retirement options and free training. They also provide paid time off and opportunities for overtime.

[Kathy]

Visit oregonhomecarejobs.com to learn more and apply.

[Officer Keough]

That's oregonhomecarejobs.com.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Patsy Campbell does a great job in this as the amateur sleuth who sees a threat and investigates even though nobody takes her seriously. Having Bill as the arsonist was a twist, and I liked how Bill Lipton played it. I've often critiqued some of the overtaught performances that we got from New York radio actors, but his performance is great as a crazy man who believes he's sane and has a view of the world that is sane to him but is totally off the rails to everyone else, which is more realistic. And I think a bit more scary than your over the top madman. It also makes him harder to spot. And I think that while once he is really revealed as the fire Bug, he changes, it's not as big of a change as you might see on something like Mr. Keen. Now, of course, I would say we did get a bit of a hint that something was not quite right with Bill with the scene on the roller coaster. And that was probably our first big clue implicating him. Now, Patsy Campbell was a veteran New York radio actress. From what I could find out, she did a lot of soap work. Nothing I've ever listened to. She did do a couple of TV shows, just guest appearances. She did play the second Mrs. Burton on radio, which was featured in our Thanksgiving special on the amazing world of radio last year. But she played the role long before the cast that was featured in that episode. More recognizable in this were some of the supporting players. Adelaide Klein not only had a great radio career, but was noted for her appearance in the film the Naked City. And then you had Adam, who was played by Sydney Smith, who also was one of the actors who portrayed Ellery Queen. I do hope Adam gave Kathy a proper apology and a bonus for saving the amusement park. He besmirched Adams everywhere with his lackadaisical attitude, and it's the least that he could do to restore some honor to that fine name. A name that definitely has some honor is our Patreon supporter of the Day. And I want to go ahead and thank you, Frank. Frank's been one of our patreon supporters since January 2021, currently supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Frank. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And we will be back tomorrow with the Adventures of the Falcon, where.

[Officer Keough]

What can I do for you, Julian?

[I]

I am what you call the house detective here.

[Narrator]

Oh, well, I'm glad to meet you.

[I]

The honor is all mine, senor. It is a great pleasure to greet my opposite number from the great democracy across the Atlantic.

[Officer Keough]

How's that again?

[I]

Well, are you not the private detective they called the Falcon?

[Officer Keough]

Only when they can't think of anything worse.

[I]

You are here on business?

[Narrator]

No, I've retired, Julio.

[I]

Ah, what a pity. I had hoped to be allowed to cooperate. No one knows the criminal mind like Giulio Farinacci. I trust you will forgive me for mentioning it, but as one in the profession, you will understand what the senor who was just here. You called him Kirby.

[Officer Keough]

What about it?

[I]

It is an unusual American name.

[Narrator]

No, not too.

[Officer Keough]

Why?

[I]

In the lobby yesterday, I heard a foreign lady call a gentleman Kirby. He did not look like your friend.

[Kathy]

You sure?

[I]

Yes, he was a tall, blonde man.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13greatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.