The Falcon: The Case of the Fatal Fix (EP4641)

Summary

**The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: Episode Summary
Episode Title: The Falcon: The Case of the Fatal Fix (EP4641)
Release Date: March 3, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

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Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into "The Adventures of the Falcon: The Case of the Fatal Fix." Premiering on March 3, 2025, this episode follows the classic detective narratives from the Golden Age of Radio, bringing to life the intricate mystery surrounding the enigmatic character known as the Greek.

Plot Overview

Setting the Stage ([02:09])

The episode begins with the Falcon, portrayed by Les Damon, receiving a distressing call from Irene. He is compelled to cancel his evening plans to investigate a murder orchestrated by a man referred to as the Greek. The Falcon is determined to uncover the truth, believing that leaving a body will expose the perpetrator.

Initial Investigation ([05:30] - [14:49])

The story unfolds in New York City, where Danny Hickok, a young man with a questionable past, becomes the focal point of the investigation. As Falcon interrogates Danny, he discovers fragments that tie Danny to the Greek and a larger crime syndicate led by this mysterious figure. The interaction is tense, with Danny resistant and evasive:

Danny Hickok: "You've got to take a lot more. I found this note on your dresser. Look up George Pulaski. It's signed the Greek."
[07:15]

The Falcon collaborates with Sergeant James Corbett, voiced by Chuck Webster, who aids in navigating the complexities of the case. Together, they uncover that the Greek has been elusive, with the police struggling to identify him despite years of pursuit.

A Web of Deceit ([14:50] - [32:10])

As the investigation progresses, Falcon encounters Joey Wilson, a bartender with ties to the Greek's operations. Wilson, under pressure, indirectly exposes vital information about Alvin Myers, a key associate who could lead them closer to the Greek. The plot thickens when Vincent Romeo, revealed to be the Greek, is brutally murdered, adding another layer of complexity to the mystery.

Vincent Romeo (The Greek): "Hello? I'D like to talk to Mike Wick."
[24:30]

Falcon’s relentless pursuit brings him face-to-face with Mrs. Romayo, Vincent Romeo’s wife, who vehemently denies any involvement with the Greek’s criminal activities. This confrontation narrows down the suspects and leads to a climactic revelation about Alvin Myers' true intentions.

Climactic Resolution ([32:10] - [36:46])

In the final act, Sergeant Corbett dissects Falcon’s findings, highlighting Myers' duplicitous nature and his orchestration of Romeo's murder to eliminate competition and take over the rackets. The Falcon confronts Myers, unmasking him as the true antagonist behind the Greek persona. The tension culminates in a dramatic showdown where Falcon outsmarts Myers, ensuring justice is served.

Sergeant Corbett: "I think you'd look lovely in a frame. You wouldn't dare."
[34:50]

Notable Quotes

• Sergeant Corbett ([32:10]):
  "I thought the voice of the guy who called the falcon sounded a bit like Ralph Bell, but they threw me off by Bell playing this smoothie character in this episode."

• Listener Peter ([33:20]):
  "One of the reasons I like the Falcon over other detective shows is because it treats Sergeant Corbett as an equal to Mike Waring."

• Sasoph on YouTube ([34:15]):
  "Am I the only one who's noticing both the Falcon and Philip Marleau that every car is always a Nash?"

Host’s Insights and Discussions

After the episode's conclusion, Adam Graham provides insightful commentary:

1. Character Dynamics ([32:10]):
   Adam notes the balanced portrayal between the Falcon and Sergeant Corbett, emphasizing their partnership as a departure from traditional detective-police dynamics.

2. Referential Depth ([32:10]):
   Adam explains the obscure reference to the Hickok Belt, an award established in 1950, highlighting its significance within the episode's context and its limited public recognition in 2025.

3. Listener Feedback ([33:20] - [36:46]):

   • Peter's Commentary: Appreciates the realistic portrayal of Sergeant Corbett and the nuanced storytelling that sets The Falcon apart from more cartoonish detective shows.
   • Sasoph’s Observation: Raises a keen eye on the consistent use of Nash cars in the series, sparking a discussion about product placement and setting authenticity.

Adam also acknowledges and thanks Rebecca, a long-time Patreon supporter, underscoring the community’s role in sustaining the podcast.

Conclusion and Teasers

Adam wraps up the episode with a preview of the next installment, "The Case of the King of Hearts," hinting at further intricate plots and character developments. He encourages listeners to continue supporting the podcast and engage through various platforms like Patreon, Spotify, and social media.

Additional Elements

• Character Voices and Acting: Les Damon’s portrayal of the Falcon and Chuck Webster’s Sergeant Corbett receive accolades for their authentic and engaging performances, enhancing the storytelling experience.

• Sound Design and Direction: Directed by Richard Lewis and produced by Bernard L. Shubert, the episode features meticulous sound effects and direction that capture the essence of old-time radio dramas, immersing listeners in the 1950s investigative atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

The Falcon: The Case of the Fatal Fix stands out as a compelling episode that masterfully blends classic radio drama elements with intricate storytelling. Adam Graham's expert narration and insightful commentary enrich the listening experience, making it accessible and engaging even for those unfamiliar with the original series. The episode not only entertains but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind old-time radio mysteries.

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Subscribe and Support
To stay updated with the latest episodes and support ongoing content, listeners can subscribe via their preferred podcast apps or visit the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio website. Becoming a Patreon supporter, even with a minimal monthly contribution, helps sustain the production of high-quality detective dramas.

Upcoming Episodes
Next week, tune in for "The Adventures of the Falcon: The Case of the King of Hearts," where Mike Waring faces new challenges and uncovers deeper layers of the city's underworld.

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Thank you for listening to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. Stay tuned for more thrilling mysteries and insightful discussions!

Transcript

[Mike Waring]

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[Sergeant Corbett]

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[Mike Waring]

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[Sergeant Corbett]

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[Sergeant Corbett]

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[Mike Waring]

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[Sergeant Corbett]

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[Mike Waring]

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[Sergeant Corbett]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Seattle. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of the Adventures of the Falcon. But first, if you are enjoying the podcast, I encourage you to follow us using your favorite podcast software. And our listener support and appreciation campaign continues. You can become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month by going to patreon.greatdetectives.net but now, from May 4, 1952, here is the Case of the Fatal Fix.

[Mike Waring]

Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Irene, I'm glad you called. Now you'll have to cancel me out tonight, Angel. Some boy I know thinks he can get away with murder and I've got to prove that. If he leaves a body behind, it's bound to be a dead giveaway. Once again, the National Broadcasting Company brings you the transcribed Adventures of the Falcon starring Les Damon. The Adventures of the Falcon dedicated to private investigators everywhere. Those hard hitting detectives who, like Mike Waring, risk their lives to aid law enforcement agencies. So join him now when the Falcon solves the case of the Fatal Fix. It's late afternoon in New York and a young man named Danny Hickok steps out of the elevator and jauntily strides toward the penthouse suite on the 28th floor of the Belmont. Yes, Danny's come up in the world, but right now he's in for a letdown. Hello, Danny. How'd you get in here? I told the desk clerk I was your father. You got your nerve. Why isn't it true? Don't blame me. What do you want? I Got a call this morning from the police. Well, have you any idea why they're looking for you? I must over park. You're lying. Look, I don't have to take that from you. You're going to take a lot more. I found this note on your dresser. Look up George Pulaski. It's signed the Greek. Give me that. Is that the same Pulaski who was murdered last night? I wouldn't know. Now, look, Danny, you've got to tell me everything. There's nothing to tell. There is if you believe the Morgan Committee. According to them, the crime syndicate in this country is headed by a man called the Greek. So? So how come he writes you notes? And how come I found this money in your drawer? Because you're nosy. There's $8,000 in this roll, Danny. Where did it come from? None of your business. Why, you little punk. Who do you think you're talking to? Don't ever try that again. Cause father or not, the next time I'll let you have it. I mean it. Well, I'm going to get the truth if I have to. Sorry, gents, but I did knock Mr. Hickok in the house. There's two of them. Well, the one I want is Danny. That's me. Glad to know you, Danny. Wonder if you'd mind taking a little ride with me. Who the devil are you? Oh, that's right. I haven't introduced myself. My name's Corbett. Sergeant James Corbett to give my full billing. If you'd like to see my shield. Never mind. What's the beef? Well, to make a long story short, a fellow named George Pulaski was knocked off last night. So? So we got a tip you did it for the Greek. Oh, you're crazy. I've been accused of that before. There must be some mistake. And where'd he get the DOE to run this place? I gave it to him. I'm his father. It won't wash. Mr. Hickok, we checked on you, too. I tell you, you're wrong. I'm the one you want. Who asked you to butt in? Shut up. Don't do me any favors. Look, Sergeant, there's an easy way to settle this. I got the proof in the bedroom. Hey, wait a minute. Where are you going? To get it. Hold it, Danny. All right, fella, come on out. I'm warning you, you're not out of there by the time I got. What was that? That's what it sounded like. Give me a hand. You don't think I'm on? One, two Danny. Sorry, Mr. Hickok. You better wait outside. I gotta call the Coron. That's the story, Mr. Waring. After the sergeant and I broke down the door, we. You found Danny? Yes. I still don't understand why he did it. Now. It's pretty obvious. He was working for the Greek and he knew it was the chair once they nabbed him. It's all my fault. If I'd done a better job, he wouldn't have turned out this way. Who's to say? I am. I want your help so's I can make it up to him. Well, isn't it a little late? Well, better late than never. I want you to find the man they call the Greek. Find the Greek? Yes. I want to know who and what he is. So do the police. They've been trying to identify him for years. Danny knew. Well, he certainly isn't going to spill it now. There must be some way. No, no, forget it. I told you I know. The police have been trying to run him down for years. Well, maybe they're making the same mistakes over and over again. That should make it easier for you. Well, I wouldn't know where to start. I don't care about the where. The important thing is when. And here's $500 to do it. Now. The bartender is Joey Wilson. Whatever. Mind I see him? Hello, Joey. Well, what did I do to rate this, huh? You're just lucky, I guess. Mind if I join you? I certainly do, Warren. I'm particular about the people I'm seen with. Well, obviously I'm not. What do you want? Little conversation. I haven't got time. You better change your mind, Joey. You'll find yourself with nothing else but about 10 years worth that littered at Sing Sing. Cops are still looking for the party. Who fixed that Bryson jury? I don't know nothing about it. My mistake. I heard you did it for the Greek. Well, you got rocks in your head? No. Don't let the sound effects fool you, Joey. They're only pebbles. Where can I find the big boy? I ain't got the slightest idea. Okay, Let it be. Like you say, too bad. I gotta talk to the cops. Wait a minute. Yeah. I tell you, I don't know who the Greek is. You can start me up the ladder. Go on home. What for? Wait for a phone call. You going to make the first contact for me? I'm not saying yes. I'm not saying no. Just go home and wait and I'll give him 10 more minutes. If he doesn't call by then. Hello? I'D like to talk to Mike Wick. Waring, please. Who's this? Never mind. You Waring? That's right. Understand you're trying to locate the Greek. You understand correctly. You know what'll happen to anyone who fingers him for you. You don't have to worry. This is business. He's got enough now to keep him occupied. Then why did you call? I need a stake. I'll pay you 500 bucks for the genuine article. Well, I don't know who the Greek is, but I got an idea who does. You mean I have to do some more climbing? Yeah. So if you got a bad heart, I'd watch those steps. You still interested? Let's have it. How would I get the dough? How would you suggest? Mail it to Willie Smith, carry general delivery. Fair enough. I got your word? Yep. Well, if I was you, I'd see a man named Alvin Myers. He's got a place at the Beaumont. What makes you think he knows the Greek if he don't? Nobody does. This Myers is a chubby party. I think he'll spell if you put it to him the right way. And what exactly is the right way? Look, I can't write the script for you just giving you Myers. From there on, you're on your. I guess I'm not very bright, Mr. Waring. But I'm still rather puzzled at the reason for this visit. I mind you, I've enjoyed it. Well, thanks. But I was told Alvin Myers could put me in touch with the Greek. Oh, you were told by whom? A mutual friend. That's rather vague. It'll have to do. And just why do you want to contact the Greek? I've got a deal for him. Tell me something, Mr. Waring, do I look weak minded? No. Well, you must think so to come here with that story. What's wrong with it? Everything. Correct me if I'm wrong, but you're a private detective. I am. Currently you're employed by one William Hickok. Where'd you hear that? Well, aren't you? No. Isn't that strange? I wonder where I got the idea. I wonder too. Well, I was given to understand shortly after his son committed suicide, Mr. Hickok came to you with a request that you find the Greek. For some unknown reason, he thinks our mysterious friend was involved. He was. Danny was working for him. That's only your opinion. The police share it with me. And I've got a feeling I'm accomplishing something they didn't. Oh, really? Yes. I think I'm talking to the Greek right Now, that's the funniest thing I've heard yet. Well, you're easily amused. Are you the Greek? Oh, don't be ridiculous. Well, we'll soon find out. My informant led me to believe you don't like being manhandled. What? He thought you might crack under a little pressure. He wouldn't dare. Well, you shouldn't have said that, Myers. Are you the Greek? I asked you something. No. Well, answer me. Are you the Greek? No. But you know who he is. On my word, he'll kill me. You better talk. Now. Who is he? His name is Vincent Romeo. Romeo? Yes. Where does he live? In Brooklyn, on Sycamore. Now, that's one for the book. Listen, Myers, if you're tossing me a curb, I'll be back. And believe me, you'll enjoy my next trip to the plate even less. Yes, please. I'd like to see Mr. Romeo. Oh, sure. Papa. Papa. What's the matter, though? Some man wants to see you. Why, you make him wait outside. Tell him come in. You like to come in, Mr. Wearing. Papa, he'll be right out. Okay, Sit down. Thanks. Oh, no, no, no. Take the other chair. This one's got a broken spring. I tell Papa is to fix it, but. But all the time he's too busy. Yes, all the time he listens to ball games on the radio. All day he's dodges, dodges, dodges. Hey, you a friend of Papa? Well, I wouldn't say that exactly. I thought maybe you know him when he was in the ice business. Ice business? Sure. Papa used to have a big company. Three trucks. Now, wait a minute. Something wrong? I'm beginning to think so. Oh, Papa, this is Mr. Waring. Mike Waring. Mike Waring. Let me see. Don't I know this name from someplace? Sho, you private detective? That's right. Rosie, you know who this is? It's a falcon. Oh, no. Remember, we read about them in the papers. Oh, my, my. Maybe he like a little wine. Oh, no, no, no, thanks. Oh, please try. Rosa make it herself. Mama, some vino for Mr. Well, really, Mrs. Oh, it's no problem. Wait till you taste. Rosa makes the best wine anybody in the whole United States. Yeah, I'm sure she does. But look at me. All the time I talk. I know even ask what I can do for you. Well, I got a proposition for the Greek. You got a proposition for, huh? The Greek? No, Stan. Didn't you ever hear about him? He's supposed to head the rackets in this country. Oh, shoot. I remember. They talk about him on the radius. A very bad man. Very bad man. You know anything about him? Just what I hear. Mama don't let me listen too much. She say it's bad for my heart. Even the ball game still talking. Hey, you tried decent, Mr. Waring. I got the one for you too, Papa. For such a little one, it's more than enough. You know what the doctors say. All right, all right. Well, Mr. Waring, you help? Yeah, sure. Salud. It's wonderful. You hear? Mama, he lied. Last year is much better. I can't believe that. By the way, Mr. Mayo, your wife tells me you were in the ice business. That's right. I retired four years ago. My son Jimmy, he run the business now. You ever hear of a man named Danny Hickok?

[Sergeant Corbett]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, sure we do, Papa. You remember, we read about him in the paper last week. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. He's a young fellow who killed himself in a hotel. His father find him, poor man. Ah, it's his own fault, Ross. If he bring a boy like we bring up Jimmy, he don't go around the killing people. Well, you never know. Anyway, this Hickok was supposed to be on the Greeks payroll, I understand. Yeah, well, that makes two of us. As I was told, you were the Greek. Me? Who says such a thing? Well, it doesn't matter. You got to tell me. I send my boy Jimmy to bid him up. You hear what he say? All right, all right, all right. Just a joke. Forget it. You go already. Yeah, I got to. But you know, finish your wine. You know, like. Oh, yes, yes, sure I do. But I've got to get back to work. I'm sorry if I put you to any trouble. Was no trouble at all. Maybe you come to Brooklyn again someday. Yeah, sure, if the Dodgers win the penalty. What you mean? Are you there? Si. Such a nice man. Yeah. I wish Jimmy could see him. Hey, Rose, I think I smell something burning my chicken. Got your Thor a B4 21 1. Yeah, Joey. That's right. What's the name of that new boy from Toledo? What boy? The one who knows all about manhunting. Oh, Monty Stevens. Tell him to get in touch with the Greek. I got a little job for him. Summer is just around the corner on the calendar. This year we're getting a lucky break too. Because there are three three day holiday weekends. Memorial Day, the fourth of July and Labor Day. For most of us that's fine. But we should always keep in mind that these long weekend holidays will be tragic times for some of us who start out gaily to Enjoy them. For instance, last year over the Labor Day weekend, which always lasts three days, the average was 153 deaths a day in traffic mishaps. So take a lesson from the figures. And at all times, and particularly on long holiday weekends, drive as though your life depends on it. It does. And now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. An hour has passed since Mike Waring's meeting with Vincent Romeo. And now at Mike's apartment, he unhappily sums up the matter for his client. Well, that's the story, Hickok. It's a bum steer. When I got to Brooklyn, I found this couple and more wonderful pair you never met. And this Romeo wasn't the Greek? No. Myers was pulling my leg. Well, where do we go from here? Where can we go? Every lead I had petered out. What about Alvin Meyers? Why don't you see him again? No, no, it wouldn't be any use. He'd be ready for me now. No, it just looks as though. Say, wait a minute. Did you see the newspaper accounts of your son's suicide? No. Well, I read them all religiously. There was very little there. All it said was when you and Sergeant Corbett broke down the door, you found Danny. We did. And there was nothing about your son committing suicide because he was implicated in the murder of Pulaski. Well? Well, Romel knew that. He knew Danny was a gunman. How could he? I didn't know it myself. Yeah, that's just it. He must be the Greek. Holy cow. I've got to see Sergeant Corbett. Well, then you won't be needing me anymore. Well, he might want to talk to you. I'll be easier to find than the Greek. So long, Waring. And thanks again. You've been more help than you. Oh, that you, Haskell? Surprise. It's me. Oh, I knew my luck couldn't last. Now look, Mike, I just got a flash on a murder, so if you don't mind. You know, if someone heard you, they'd think you didn't want me around. Yeah, well, it'd be right. Well, suppose I told you I discovered the identity of the Greek. You what? I spoke to him a couple of hours ago. And you're just telling me. Well, it didn't dawn on me till later. Well, who is he? You'd never guess. First of all, he isn't Greek. And where do you suppose he lives? In a luxurious duplex on Park Avenue. Wrong again. In a two family house in Brooklyn. On Sycamore. On Syc. Name wouldn't be Vincent Romayo? Would it? How did you know? He was murdered 15 minutes ago. You're kidding. Sure. That's what the city pays me for, to make jokes. Who else knew Romaya was a Greek? No one. You sure? Well, I figured it out while I was talking to Hickok. That does it. What? You're out of your mind. Well, he had a motive, didn't he? I say after you left him, Hickok went over to Brooklyn and gave him a belt. Hey, that's a good one, Hickok. Belt. You were right when you said the city wasn't paying you to make jokes, Noel. I'm not joking. Five will get you ten Hickok's our boy. You got a bet. And here's where I collect. Yes, sir. Haskell, get a 37 out on William Hickok. I want him picked up immediately. Give you my word, Sergeant. I don't know anything about Romeo's murder. Well, you knew your son was working for the Greeks. Yes. You felt he was responsible for his suicide. Yes. But I didn't kill him. When did you leave Waring's apartment? It must have been around three. It was closer to two. Thanks. Where'd you go from there? Home. Anybody see you? No, I live alone. So you've got no alibi? I don't need one. Well, we'll leave that for a jury to decide. Haskell, we're through here. Book him. Listen, Hickok, I'll get you out of this. I wish you wouldn't, Waring. You've done enough for me already. Well, I had to tell him. Sure you did. Know something, Mike? I don't think he likes you. Well, I don't blame him. But he didn't kill the Greek. No. Then who did? Well, I have no idea. As long as I found the Greek, maybe I can find his killer. I'll be seeing you, sergeant. Yes. Hello, Myers. Remember me? Unfortunately. Well, you might invite me in. I might, but I don't think I will. You're doing me an injustice. Now get out. I just want to thank you. I found the Greek. You saw Romeo? A couple of hours before the police did. Did they pick him up? Literally. According to what I hear, they had to use a sponge. What do you mean? He was in a million pieces. Someone took a shotgun to the man. How shocking. Yes, well, I imagine it doesn't make you feel too badly. With the Greek out of the picture, what becomes of his empire? I have the vaguest notion. Well, I've got a feeling you're the crown prince. Naturally, that makes You a suspect? Oh, you're insane. Then who do you suggest? What about your client? Hickok? Yes. Well, when I collect a fee from a man, naturally I like to give him the benefit of any doubt. And you wouldn't be above involving an innocent party? Of course not. Got any suggestions? No. Well, I have. I think you'd look lovely in a frame. You wouldn't dare. Look, you said that once before. Remember? What happened? Don't touch me. Who else knew Romaya was the Greek? What about his wife? Don't be ridiculous. I met the woman. You met him, too, and he had you fooled. Well, didn't he? Well, you got a point there, Myers. Let's hope for your sake I don't get stuck on it. Poor Papa. Why they do such a thing? Why they do it? All right now, Mrs. Romaier, you've got to control yourself. Papa never hurt anybody. You see him, Mr. Waring. He was a good man. Well, let's open to question. What? Look, Mrs. Romaillo, how much did you know of your husband's affairs? Everything. Well, the police believe your husband was the Greek. That's crazy. He was no Greek. You don't believe these stories, Mr. Waring, I tell you, Papa was a good man. Did he ever go out at all? No, he had a bad heart. Well, did strange people ever come to the house? Never. Only relatives and friends. Well, then he must have transacted all his business over the phone. It's not true. Look, Mrs. Romayo, you've got to face the facts. Papa was a good man. He got to church every Sunday. Sure, that left him six days a week to get into trouble. Get out. Now, Mrs. Romaier, you say bad things about Papa. Get out. And don't ever come back. Oh, no. Yeah? I've got to talk to you, Corbett. Just been out to Brooklyn to see Mrs. Romayo. Yeah? That makes it a double header for you today. Hey, you ought to be playing with the Giants. Listen, I'm serious. So am I. They could use an outfielder. What'd you learn? Nothing. I'd swear she never knew her husband was mixed up in the rackets. It doesn't make any difference. Hickok killed Romeo. I don't believe it. Well, who else is in the picture? Well, no one except. Hey, wait a minute. What do you think of Alvin Myers? What do you mean, what do I think of him? He was real close to the Greek. So close, he may have been the only one who knew his real identity. Now you're reaching, pal, I tell you. Yes? Call for you, Sergeant. I'm busy. It's Alvin Myers. I don't care. It's who? Alvin Myers. He said it was very important. Well, put him on. It's Myers. Speak of the devil. Go ahead, please. Sergeant Corbett? That's right. This is Alvin Meyers. I demand police protection. Yeah, what's the trouble? There's someone lurking around my apartment just a few minutes ago. Hello? Myers? Myers. What's wrong? Something's gone dead, and I don't think it's the phone. Let's go see for sure. There's a price tag on almost everything. The price tag on speed violations last year was 15,000 killed and 500,000 injured. This year, thousands of lives can be saved if you and millions of other motorists come to the sober realization that speed is the biggest killer on the highways and resolve to slow down before you or someone else pays the price that must be paid for it. At all times, drive as though your life depends on it. It does. Now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. Fifteen minutes have passed since Alvin Meyers phoned Sergeant Corbett and demanded police protection. Apparently, he needed it for right in the midst of the call, there was a shot. And now outside Myers apartment. It's locked. What'd you expect? Get out of my way. This one ought to do it. You hear that? Hit those lights. Myers. You all right? We better call the doc. Yeah, I'll take care of it. See what you can do for him. All right. All right, now, take it easy. You'll be okay. Where does it hurt? Maybe I can eat. Hey, Sergeant, wait a minute. Hold the phone. Yeah? What's the matter? There's nothing wrong with him. I'm hurt. That's your imagination. And bullet missed you by a mile. What are you talking about? Look at that hole in the ceiling. The slug entered there and it certainly didn't go through him first. Well, then he just fainted. Yeah, he's just a great big sissy. Come on, Myers, on your feet. Let me alone. I'll leave you alone. What happened here? I don't know. Don't give us that. Who fired that shot at you? I tell you, I don't know. My back was to the window. Well, do you have any idea who might want to kill you? No. I have. It's obvious. This is tied up with the Greeks. Murder. Oh, ridiculous. Well, it doesn't make sense otherwise. Doesn't make sense, period. All right, now let's take it from the beginning. First, Hickok's son commits suicide. And Hickok asked me to find the Greek which you did. Yeah, but only because Meyer's here. Help me. That's not true. Shut up. It wasn't that simple, Sergeant. Before I got my lead to Myers, I did a lot of legwork. My first contact was Joey Wilson. Well, did he give you Myers? No. He told me to go home and wait for a phone call. And about an hour later, it came. Who was it? Well, that's just the trouble. He wouldn't leave his name. But he told me Myers could put me in touch with the Greek. Hey, sounds like he had a grudge against Myers. Well, he claimed he was doing it for Doe. But you don't believe it? No. I got a hunch. When we latch onto my mysterious phone caller, we'll be home. You got any idea who it could be, Myers? None at all. Well, it must be someone real close to you. He knew of your business relationship with the Greek. I don't see how there was none. Look, sergeant, could you leave us alone for a couple of minutes? Don't you dare. All right, then, start talking. Who killed the Greek? I was under the impression it was Mr. Hickok. Well, Hickok couldn't have taken that shot at you. He's in jail. Then who did I submit it was? My mysterious phone call. Oh, that's absurd. What are you getting at, Mike? Someone, let's call him Mr. X, knew Hickok wanted to locate the Greek, so he made it real easy for me. Why? Because he planned to kill the Greek himself. And he figured if Hickok knew the Greek's whereabouts, my client would get the credit. Where's that get us? We don't know who this Mr. X is. Oh, sure we do. Don't we, Myers? Do we? Well, you should. It was you, huh? That's very amusing. You were my mysterious informant. Screwy as it sounds. You put me in touch with yourself. No. Yes. It was a nice piece of work you did. And you'll probably get the chair for it. And believe me, it couldn't happen to a more deserving character. Oh, I don't get it. I don't get it at all, Mike. Why'd Myers go through that whole routine? What do you mean, routine? Well, for instance, that business of the phone call. Well, he had to work it that way, Sergeant. He had to make it look as though he divulged the identity of the Greek under pressure. Naturally, we'd be suspicious if he volunteered the information. And once Hickok knew who the Greek was, then Myers could safely kill him. Well, I still don't see his motive? Like Caesar, he was ambitious. He thought he could do a better job heading the rackets than the Greek. And that phony attempt on himself was designed to take the heat off. He knew we were bound to get back to him sooner or later. This way, he beat us to the punch. Yeah, he had it all figured out. Well, I wish I couldn't. What bothers you, little man? For one thing, Romayo, he doesn't add up. Oh, sure he does. Just a classic case of a man leading a double life. Only he did it real well. Hey, you think his wife knew? No, she convinced me that he was legit. Now, does that take care of all your questions? Yeah. Thanks a lot. Hey, wait, wait, wait a minute. What about the check? Well, since you took care of finding the Greek and you took care of his killer, I think you deserve the honor of taking care of that, too. Good night, Mike. The Case of the King of Hearts. The Case of the King of Hearts. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon. When Mike Waring learns that even when you play your cards right, sometimes the game can be murder. The Adventures of the Falcon are based on the famous character created by Drexel Drake, Produced and transcribed by Bernard L. Shubert, written today by Eugene Wang and directed by Richard Lewis. Les Damon was starred as the Falcon, with Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett. This program came from New York. Fred Collins speaking. From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo, every bite is rewarding and pulse worthy with Amex Gold's 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide. Wherever you dine, points are piling up. So bring your friends along for your next course because it's not all about the posts. It's about the company and the memories. How can gold from Amex sweeten your next food moment? Learn [e-mail] Explore Gold terms and points cap apply.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Welcome back. I thought the voice of the guy who called the falcon sounded a bit like Ralph Bell, but they threw me off by Bell playing this smoothie character in this episode. So I thought it was a clever trick and worthy of a roundabout way of trying to get plausible deniability for fingering the Greek. I did think Waring was a little bit naive when he took the Greek at face value and concluded he was innocent without any further investigation. Now, you might have wondered about Sergeant Corbett acting like he'd said something clever with the Hickok Belt reference, and it's a bit obscure today. Hickok Belt. It was an award for athlete of the year that was established by the Sons of the Light Stephen Ray Hickok, who founded the Hickok Manufacturing Company which made belts. So obviously the belt would be a big part of the award. It had only started in 1950 and the award was presented in Rochester. What it was noteworthy for was the award itself. It was an alligator skin belt with a solid gold buckle, an encrusted 4 carat diamond with 26 gem chips. It was worth $10,000 in 1951, which in today's money gets you well over 120,000, and it was presented from 1951 to 1976. It was revived in 2012 and is still being awarded to this day. But there's no big public awards ceremonies or belt presentations which might help keep it obscure in 2025. It's just one of those awards that are given to athletes. And honestly, I follow baseball pretty well and both Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge have won the annual award in recent years and I've never heard of it before, but apparently it had made enough of an impression in 1952 that the writer thought he could make a reference to it and the audience would get it. Well, listener comments and feedback now. And we start over on Spotify where Peter writes regarding the case of the Jumping Jack. This was such a great episode. One of the reasons I like the Falcon over other detective shows is because it treats Sergeant Corbett as an equal to Mike Waring. In this episode, Corbett tells Mike that the other man is just a woman's brother, a key detail that changes the entire story. It's moments like this that made the show more realistic and less cartoonish. Apologies to Mr. Chameleon and Philo Vance, but the fall can has you bait. Thanks Peter. I think that the Falcon was part of this sort of mini trend in the early 1950s to not only stop with making the police foils to detectives look like fools, but also to make them competent at doing their jobs. Another show you kind of hear that in as well is the amazing Mr. Malone series starring George Petrie. Thanks for the comment, Peter. And then a comment from Sasoph over on YouTube writes, Am I the only one who's noticing both the Falcon and Philip Marleau that every car is always a Nash? Well, I'll be honest, that is not a detail I pay a whole lot of attention to. And in the Falcon it seems like there's a whole lot less cars than in some of the series that are set in California for obvious reasons. But I would welcome confirmation or additional thoughts on the car models involved in the series. And we have another comment from YouTube. Thank you for posting. Appreciate all your episodes. Many blessings, my friend. Well, thank you so much. And now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Rebecca the cat lady, Patreon supporter since August, currently supporting the podcast at the seamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Rebecca. And that will do it for today. We'll be back next Monday with another episode of the Falcon. But join us back here tomorrow for Matthew Slade, where.

[Mike Waring]

So you're Peters? Welcome to Tangier. And if you don't mind, would you remove that instrument from my face? It was a sort of test. Though you passed with flying colors. I'd have been unhappy to find I'd hired the services of a man who cringed at the sight of a revolver confronting him. You, sir, did not blink an eye. I like that. Say it again, you pass with flying colours. Would you agree to that, Jack? Fine colours, Peters. O'Boy. Come forward. Captain. I am Captain Jack O'Shaughnessy of Australia. Aye, sir. Standing alone my cut was raised. Taste 50 of the demons as they came charging through the path. Ay, sir. Unafraid. Yes. Yes, yes, yes. Yes, captain. Mr. Slade will hear about that some other time. We've got 20 minutes to make our connection. Connection? We leave immediately for Zagora. If you will be kind enough to verse to gather your belongings, sir. Would you kindly get that gun out of my face? I wouldn't hesitate to wound you should you stop my.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.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.