
Today's Mystery: A woman hires The Falcon to protect a gambling racketeer. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 16, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett; Ralph Bell Support the show...
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Kelly Clarkson
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Wayfair
Wayfair.
Narrator
Every style, every home.
Adam Graham
Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Orlando, Florida. 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, I do want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast, to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is also brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis. Support.greatdetectives.net and you. You can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatattractives.net now from March 16, 1952, here is the case of the Grand Gamble.
Narrator
Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Carol, I'm glad you called. Now you'll have to count me out tonight, angel. Some boy I know just bought himself a gun. And unless he's stopped, he aims to get a big bang out of life.
Les Damon
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 Grand Gamble. It is early morning in New York, the time of day generally reserved for slumber. But there's plenty of action at Dana's, a gambling spot on Manhattan's east side. All of which impresses the two gentlemen standing by the roulette wheel.
Mr. Calvin
Well, what do you say, Mr. Calvin? You seen enough?
Eli
More than enough, Eli. How long's it been going on?
Mr. Calvin
Jackie tells me six weeks.
Eli
What do you figure the take is?
Mr. Calvin
Around six or seven GS a night.
Eli
Not bad. Where does Dana keep himself?
Mr. Calvin
In the office over there.
Eli
What do you say we drop in and congratulate him?
Mr. Calvin
Now?
Eli
Now.
Mr. Calvin
Maybe we better. Wait.
Eli
I said now.
Mr. Calvin
You're the boss.
Eli
Yeah, I'm the boss, Eli. Let's not forget it.
Mr. Calvin
What do you want me to do.
Eli
Just stay out here and see that we're not disturbed.
Dana
Yes?
Eli
Hello, Dana.
Dana
Calvin?
Eli
Yeah.
Dana
Well, I must say, this is a surprise.
Eli
I meant it to be. Oh, keep your hands off that buzzer. I just assumed we weren't interrupted.
Dana
Now, look, Calvin.
Eli
Sit down.
Dana
You can't come in here.
Eli
Look, you crumb. This is my territory from 86th street to 94th.
Dana
Since when?
Eli
Since all the time. You're gonna close up.
Dana
And if I don't?
Eli
I'll do it for you. I'll give you 24 hours.
Dana
Give who 24 hours?
Eli
Well, aren't you the sly one?
Dana
Aren't I? Now, do you leave quietly or do they carry you out?
Eli
You better put that gun away, Dana. It's out of character.
Narrator
Is it?
Eli
Yeah. You're not man enough to pull a trigger. Go on. I dare you. What are you waiting for? You gotta write the gun. Me? Shoot. You can tell him it was a heist.
Dana
I'm warning you, Calvin.
Eli
You're warning me? Give me that gun. Let me go. Come on. Drop it. You shouldn't have tried to bluff me, fella. Cause I really got a great hand. Come on, Xander, get up. You can't quit now. I got time for another couple of rounds.
Wayfair
Is that you, Daddy?
Dana
Yes.
Wayfair
You're home early. Daddy. Daddy. What happened?
Dana
Nothing.
Wayfair
Look at it.
Dana
I tell you something, Joan. Let me sit down.
Wayfair
I'm gonna call a doctor.
Dana
You'll do nothing of the kind tomorrow.
Wayfair
But your face.
Dana
I had a little accident, that's all. I fell down at the club.
Wayfair
Can't I get you anything?
Dana
Just the phone book.
Wayfair
Who do you want? I'll look it up for you.
Dana
See if there's an Al Romero listed.
Wayfair
Al Romero?
Dana
Yes.
Wayfair
Couldn't be the same one.
Dana
Couldn't be what? Same one?
Wayfair
The Al Romero I read about. The one who was tied up with Murder Incorporated?
Dana
No, no. This is a different boy.
Wayfair
You're not telling the truth.
Dana
Okay, so it's the same one. And I got a job for him. You happy now?
Wayfair
You don't mean that.
Dana
Don't give odds, Joanie.
Wayfair
Daddy. What's come over you?
Dana
I've seen the light. I just learned when you're in my racket, you can't use kid gloves. Vince, Calvin was around to see me tonight.
Wayfair
Calvin?
Dana
Yeah. That's why I look this way. From now on, I play his rules.
Wayfair
You don't know what you're saying.
Dana
Try to understand, Joan. I'm doing this for you. I want you to have the best of everything.
Wayfair
But I don't want it that way.
Dana
You don't get it any other way. Mr. Calvin taught me that. Now give me that phone.
Wayfair
No, I won't let you do it.
Dana
You won't? Sorry, baby. You might as well learn the facts of life.
Narrator
Now.
Dana
Information. I'd like the phone number of Al Romero.
Narrator
Oh, angel, you don't know what you. Oh, go away. Oh, for Pete's sake. Wait a minute. Where's my robe? I said wait a minute. What's here?
Wayfair
How are you, Mike? Wearing?
Narrator
Well, it all depends.
Wayfair
Depends?
Narrator
On the time of day. Before seven. I'm not myself.
Wayfair
I know it's late, but I've got to see you.
Narrator
Come back in the morning.
Wayfair
That's no good. Time is of the essence. I don't know what I'll do with you.
Narrator
No, won't. Now take it easy.
Wayfair
But you don't understand.
Narrator
Well, I never will at this rate. Now sit down.
Wayfair
Thank you. I suppose I should introduce myself.
Narrator
I suppose you should.
Wayfair
My name is Joan Andrews.
Narrator
Joan Andrews? Yes, if you say so.
Wayfair
Don't you believe me?
Narrator
I never question a lady's word at 4:00 in the morning. But I wouldn't advise you to come back at five with that story.
Wayfair
Why?
Narrator
Well, if you're Joan Andrews, how come the initials on your purse are J.D.
Wayfair
Oh, this. This belongs to a friend.
Narrator
Mm. All right, angel, have it your way.
Wayfair
I tell you, it's the truth.
Narrator
Well, let's hear the rest.
Wayfair
Well, I'm engaged to a man named Vince Calvin.
Narrator
Vince Calvin? You?
Wayfair
Do you know him?
Narrator
Yeah. So I won't offer my congratulations.
Wayfair
Well, Vince has been threatened.
Narrator
How do you know?
Wayfair
He told me.
Narrator
Go on.
Wayfair
That's all there is to it. I want you to see nothing happens to him.
Narrator
Now, angel, enough is enough. You can't expect me to buy that.
Wayfair
I swear it's true.
Narrator
Does Calvin know you're here?
Wayfair
No. And he mustn't find out. He thinks he can take care of himself.
Narrator
From what I know of that gent, he can.
Wayfair
But I can't afford to gamble. You've got to protect him.
Narrator
Why don't you go to the cops?
Wayfair
Because I don't want any publicity. Vince would kill me if there was.
Narrator
And this is the man you're engaged to?
Wayfair
I didn't mean it that way.
Narrator
How did you mean it?
Wayfair
Look, Mr. Waring, it all comes down to this. Either you want the case or you don't.
Narrator
I get a hundred dollars a day, plus expenses.
Wayfair
That's all right. I'll pay you in advance.
Narrator
Hey, you're really on the level about this, aren't you?
Wayfair
What did you think?
Narrator
Frankly, Joan, I don't know. Where can I reach you?
Wayfair
Don't bother calling me. I'll call you.
Narrator
Okay, but keep in touch with the office. I hope for your sake there won't be any startling developments.
Mr. Calvin
That's funny.
Eli
You must have money in the bank. Eli, you're talking to yourself.
Mr. Calvin
There's a blue Nash behind us.
Eli
It's a very attractive color. So what?
Mr. Calvin
I'd swear that was the same car I saw on Broadway.
Eli
They're imagining things.
Mr. Calvin
I tell you, it's the same one. Calvin. He's trailing us.
Eli
Turn up 84th.
Mr. Calvin
It's one way going east.
Eli
That's all right. I'll take care of the ticket. Let's see if he makes the same mistake.
Mike Waring
Well.
Mr. Calvin
What did I tell you? He's coming right after us.
Eli
Okay, stop right here. Give me a gun.
Mr. Calvin
What are you gonna do?
Eli
Wait for our friend.
Mr. Calvin
But don't you think we.
Eli
I think you worry too much. Stay here. What's the matter, comrade? Having trouble?
Narrator
How's that?
Eli
I asked if you were having trouble.
Narrator
Oh, yeah. I guess I lost my way.
Eli
I guess you did. Get out.
Narrator
What for?
Eli
Want to look at you. Listen, are you gonna get out of that car?
Narrator
Is that thing loaded?
Eli
What do you think?
Narrator
I think I better get out.
Eli
Now. Walk over to that lamp post.
Narrator
Sure, Anything you say.
Eli
Hold it. That's fine. Just keep your hands with the iron.
Narrator
How's this?
Eli
Well, what's the idea wearing if it isn't Vince Calvin.
Narrator
Certainly is a small world.
Eli
Too small. Why are you tailing me?
Narrator
Me tailing you?
Eli
Eli saw you on Broadway.
Narrator
No, no, it must have been two other guys. I was just headed home.
Eli
So you go the wrong way up a one way street.
Narrator
We all make mistakes.
Eli
And you're gonna pay for yours.
Narrator
I wouldn't try that again.
Eli
Who put you on to tailing me?
Narrator
None of your business.
Eli
I got a good.
Narrator
I wouldn't try it or keep out.
Eli
Of my way, you understand? I don't like being crowded with 10.
Narrator
Million people in town. You gotta expect.
Eli
I mean it, Waring. If I catch you within gunshots or help me, I'll let you have it. Now, on your way.
Narrator
What for? I like it here.
Eli
Okay. Maybe I can arrange for you to hang around for quite a while. Come.
Joan Andrews
I'm looking for Vince Calvin.
Eli
Who are you?
Joan Andrews
If I wanted you to know, I would have had them announce me.
Eli
Eli. Eli.
Joan Andrews
If you're calling your stooge, you're wasting your time.
Eli
Where is he?
Joan Andrews
What difference does it make I look comrade.
Eli
I don't know what your game is.
Joan Andrews
Solitaire. I play it with Ace.
Eli
What's the idea of the gun?
Joan Andrews
This is how I deal him. Would you like to see one off the top?
Eli
What made Dana think I'd fall for this, huh? Well, didn't Dana send you around?
Joan Andrews
You can't expect me to divulge the name of my client. That wouldn't be ethical.
Eli
Look, buster, you're not kidding me. I don't frighten easy.
Joan Andrews
Mean to tell me you're not scared?
Eli
Not a bit.
Joan Andrews
Glad to hear that. There's one thing I admire. It's a guy with plenty of moxie. It's a pity to have to spill yours. A real pity.
Les Damon
We Americans have been justly accused of living at too fast a pace. Not only are we living too fast, we are also driving too fast. On the highways, speed is the number one killer. It takes more than half of the lives lost in traffic accidents in many states. Last year, speeding drivers caused 15,000 deaths in the United States. That year, more than 500,000 persons were injured in automobile accidents blamed on excessive speed. That is the bloody price tag on too much speed. The cost that you may pay sooner or later for a few minutes saved by speeding. Slow down for safety sake and you'll be doing your part in the current campaign against the number one killer on the highways. Initiate and support your local enforcement drives against speeders. And remember, drive as though your life depends on it. It does. Now back to the adventures of the Falcon. Three hours have passed since Mike Waring had his run in with Vince Calvin, the man he was hired to protect. Now, at Mike's apartment, we find him recuperating from the encounter.
Narrator
Yeah. Hiya, Mike. Oh, what do you want, Sergeant?
Mike Waring
That's no way to greet an old and trusted friend. Hey, what happened to you?
Narrator
Never mind.
Mike Waring
Let me see.
Narrator
Will you get your hands off me?
Mike Waring
Well, if I was you, I'd trade this head in for another. Better still, you could grow one.
Narrator
Look, Sergeant, I'm in no mood for kiboting.
Mike Waring
Oh, looks like someone really did a job on you.
Narrator
You ought to see the other guy.
Mike Waring
I did. He looks even worse.
Narrator
What are you mumbling about?
Mike Waring
Why'd Calvin slug you?
Narrator
How did you know it was Calvin?
Mike Waring
Now you're not the only detective in the crowd.
Narrator
Well, when I get my hands on.
Mike Waring
Him, I can arrange that. He's at the morgue.
Narrator
The morgue?
Mike Waring
He was gunned at 9 o'clock tonight.
Narrator
Is that on the level?
Mike Waring
You know I never joke about things like murder.
Narrator
Who did it?
Mike Waring
Did you?
Narrator
Don't be an idiot.
Mike Waring
Well, you got to admit, we can make out a pretty convincing case. After all, he bounced you around.
Narrator
I went around killing everyone who bounced me.
Mike Waring
Yeah, I know, I know. You could fill your own personal cemetery. Still, in all, it doesn't look so good for you.
Narrator
Who says so?
Mike Waring
Lieutenant Coram.
Narrator
Oh, that jerk.
Mike Waring
That jerk can pull you in and throw away the key. What gave with you in Calvin?
Narrator
I was tailing him for a client.
Mike Waring
Why?
Narrator
She thought he was in danger.
Mike Waring
She must have had inside information. Who is she?
Narrator
Joan Andrews.
Mike Waring
You say that like you don't believe it.
Narrator
Well, I don't.
Mike Waring
So even though you knew she was a phony, you took the case.
Narrator
Well, she may have been a phony, but her money wasn't.
Mike Waring
What she have against Calvin?
Narrator
Nothing.
Mike Waring
Look, Mike, if you're holding out.
Narrator
Why should I? She told me they were engaged.
Mike Waring
And you bought that story? Calvin's a married man.
Narrator
Well, I didn't know that.
Mike Waring
For a smart guy, there's a lot you didn't know. You better find this client of yours.
Narrator
Sure. Tell me how.
Mike Waring
Well, that's your headache. But you better dig her up and do it fast. Lieutenant. Corinne.
Narrator
Wait a minute. Wait a minute. How did you learn about my running with Calvin?
Mike Waring
Eli told me.
Narrator
You mean Eli Proctor? Calvin Stooge?
Mike Waring
Yeah.
Narrator
He knows all about Calvin's operations, doesn't he?
Mike Waring
Including the one Calvin did on you.
Narrator
Yeah. Well, maybe he knows something about my mysterious client, too. You want to join me?
Mike Waring
No. No, thanks. I've already talked to him. But don't let that stop you. Now, you go right ahead. Have your fun.
Mr. Calvin
You sure you won't join me in a drink wearing?
Narrator
Positive.
Mr. Calvin
You don't know what you're missing.
Narrator
I'll take my chances. Eli, why did you tell the cops Calvin slugged me?
Mr. Calvin
It was my duty, wasn't it?
Narrator
You're the kind of a guy who never forgets it. Not me. Well, let's see how good that memory is. Did Calvin have any enemies?
Mr. Calvin
Marry a soul.
Narrator
Just a big lovable guy.
Mr. Calvin
That was Vince. We're really gonna miss him around here.
Narrator
Yeah, I'll bet. Who's gonna handle the business now that he's gone?
Mr. Calvin
I don't know. But if his wife wants me, I'll be available.
Narrator
Well, that's big of you.
Mr. Calvin
Well, that's the sort of a guy I am.
Narrator
She'd be a lot easier to swindle than Vince was.
Mr. Calvin
You want to watch that mouth, fella.
Narrator
I'm sorry you see, I washed it this morning. Can't seem to do a thing with it. Know a girl about 5ft 2, blue eyes, blond hair, pretty?
Mr. Calvin
No, but I'd love to meet her.
Narrator
Me too. How did she know that Calvin was in trouble?
Mr. Calvin
Maybe she was planning to knock him.
Narrator
Off, so she hired me to prevent it.
Mr. Calvin
You didn't do too good a job, did you?
Narrator
That was Calvin's fault. He never should have slugged me.
Mr. Calvin
If I were around, this might not have happened. Well, that's life for you.
Narrator
Or death. What does Mrs. Calvin look like?
Mr. Calvin
You're barking up the wrong tree.
Les Damon
Wearing.
Mr. Calvin
She's a redhead.
Narrator
Did he have any girls on the string? No. Come on, Eli, open up.
Mr. Calvin
Tell you, he didn't have any trouble with a dame. But he did have trouble with a man.
Narrator
Who?
Mr. Calvin
Arthur Dana.
Narrator
The guy who runs the club on 86?
Mr. Calvin
Yeah. Vince closed him up.
Narrator
Well, then Dana might have had it in for Calvin.
Mr. Calvin
I wouldn't be at all surprised.
Narrator
Well, thanks a lot, Eli. You've been a big help.
Mr. Calvin
You're not leaving already?
Narrator
Yeah, but I'll be back. See what you can dream up in the meantime.
Wayfair
Yes?
Narrator
Well, if it isn't Joan Andrews.
Wayfair
What?
Narrator
Well, that's the name you used 36 hours ago.
Wayfair
Are you out of your mind?
Narrator
If I am, angel, it's little girls like you who are responsible.
Wayfair
Get out.
Narrator
Now, now, Joanie, I didn't throw you out when you came calling on me.
Wayfair
You're crazy.
Narrator
You don't remember coming to my apartment at 4:00 yesterday morning?
Wayfair
I came to your apartment.
Narrator
Yes, you did. And you use the name Joan Andrews just to keep the record straight. What are you calling yourself today?
Wayfair
Look, are you gonna get out of here?
Narrator
Wait a minute. Of course. You must be Dana's daughter. It was a SAP not to have seen it before. Why did you hire me? To protect Vince Calvin.
Wayfair
Vince Calvin? I never even heard of the men.
Narrator
Well, your father did. Were you afraid he was gonna kill Calvin?
Wayfair
I don't know what you're talking about.
Narrator
Look, angel, I rarely slug a woman, but in your case, I'll be glad to make an exception.
Wayfair
Don't you dare.
Narrator
Where's your father?
Wayfair
He's not here.
Narrator
Dana.
Mike Waring
Dana.
Wayfair
I tell you, he's not here. He flew to the coast on business yesterday morning.
Narrator
What time?
Wayfair
Caught the 4:30 plane.
Narrator
But Calvin was killed at 9.
Wayfair
Well, that proves my father couldn't have done it.
Narrator
You're lying.
Wayfair
If you don't believe me, check with Creighton Airlines.
Narrator
Thanks for the advice, angel. That's One tip I intend to take.
Wayfair
Hello?
Dana
That's you, Joanie.
Wayfair
Daddy. Where are you calling from?
Dana
Los Angeles. What'd you think?
Wayfair
When are you coming home?
Dana
Maybe a week or 10 days.
Wayfair
Try to get back as soon as possible.
Dana
Why? What's the matter?
Wayfair
I can't talk on the phone. Where are you staying?
Narrator
Why?
Wayfair
I want to write to you. Vince Calvin was murdered yesterday.
Dana
I know. I heard about it out here.
Wayfair
Well, Mike Waring is investigating the matter.
Dana
Walking. How did he get involved?
Wayfair
That's a long story. I'll go into it in my letter. What's the name of your hotel?
Dana
Oh, it won't do you any good, honey. I'm checking out. I don't like it here.
Wayfair
But how will I reach you?
Dana
Well, you can't. You'll have to wait for me to get in touch with you.
Wayfair
But Mike Waring thinks.
Dana
I don't care what he thinks. You told him I was on the coast.
Wayfair
Yes.
Dana
Well, there's my alibi. When he hears I called you from Daddy.
Wayfair
That was your dime being released into the payphone. Listen, Joan, you're in New York. You've been here all the time.
Dana
Forget it.
Wayfair
But if you were in New York.
Dana
I told you to forget it. Take care of yourself, Joanie. Don't worry about Mr. Waring. I'll take care of him.
Mr. Calvin
All right, ladies and gentlemen, get your bets down. The gentleman is coming out and eight's the point.
Narrator
I got two bits says he's right. Eli.
Mr. Calvin
Go away, boy, you bother me.
Narrator
You're busy.
Mr. Calvin
What does it look like? And the gentleman got himself a big 10.
Narrator
I would a word with you.
Mr. Calvin
Would you?
Narrator
Yeah, unless you want me to make a nuisance of myself out here.
Mr. Calvin
Jackie, take over the table.
Mike Waring
Right.
Narrator
I knew you'd see the lights.
Mr. Calvin
Follow me.
Narrator
I did that once and it didn't work out so well, huh? The other night, wound up with a peach of a headache, remember?
Mr. Calvin
It was your own fault.
Narrator
Hey, this is quite a layout.
Mr. Calvin
I'm glad you like it.
Narrator
You really moved in, haven't you?
Mr. Calvin
Come on, Waring, get to the point.
Narrator
Well, I was wondering if you had any more leads.
Mr. Calvin
Leads?
Narrator
For Calvin's murder. What about his missus?
Mr. Calvin
What about her?
Narrator
You think she might have knocked him off?
Mr. Calvin
Are you nuts? Where's her motive?
Narrator
She might have wanted to get her hands on all this.
Mr. Calvin
Don't talk like a schmo. She don't even know what this thing is worth.
Narrator
That's going to make it awfully convenient for you.
Mr. Calvin
Now listen, Warren.
Narrator
Well, isn't it?
Mr. Calvin
If you came here to needle me?
Narrator
Apparently, I succeeded, all right. Can you think of anyone else who might have had it in for Calvin?
Mr. Calvin
What's wrong with Dana?
Narrator
Nope. He's got an alibi.
Mr. Calvin
Who says so?
Narrator
I do. He was on his way to Los Angeles at the time.
Mr. Calvin
Couldn't he have hired someone else to do the job? A torpedo?
Narrator
Oh, I never thought of that.
Mr. Calvin
Well, it's time you did.
Narrator
Yes. You may have something there. Of course, there's only one thing wrong with that theory.
Mr. Calvin
What?
Narrator
Dana hired a pro to do the job. He wouldn't quit now.
Mr. Calvin
What do you mean?
Narrator
Well, his daughter must have told him I was shoving my nose into this business. If Dana felt I was a source of danger to him, he'd give orders of that gunman. Go to work again.
Mr. Calvin
Well?
Narrator
Well, the mere fact that I'm alive proves you're wrong. Still, it was an original thought, Eli. Let me know if you get any more bright ideas.
Joan Andrews
Money and waring. Just keep your hands where they are.
Narrator
Who the devil are you?
Joan Andrews
Me? I'm a nobody.
Narrator
Not with that gun in your mitt. That makes you a big man.
Joan Andrews
Yeah, I guess it does. Kick the door shut.
Narrator
Hmm?
Joan Andrews
I said kick it shut.
Narrator
Anything you say.
Joan Andrews
Now park yourself on that sofa.
Narrator
Hey, don't I know you from someplace?
Joan Andrews
I don't think so.
Narrator
Yeah, you must be the citizen who got Calvin.
Joan Andrews
How did you figure that out?
Narrator
I'm real smart.
Joan Andrews
Then maybe you can answer this. If I'm the guy who killed Calvin and you know it, what do you suppose is going to happen to you?
Narrator
No, that's a very good question, ain't it?
Joan Andrews
I'll give you two minutes to dream up the answer.
Les Damon
Any day, any hour. Now, perhaps this very minute, a tragic moment in our nation's history will occur. Somewhere, a careless driver will wreck an automobile or a jaywalking pedestrian will be struck down. Another life will be snuffed out in an automobile accident. Suddenly, needlessly. Why will this particular accident stand out in history? Because for the first time, this death will tip the balance scales of the two mass killers of Americans, war and the automobile downward. On the automobile side, Each of these three wholesale killers, destroyers of life, has killed about 1,005,000Americans. War took its vast toll. In nearly 177 years, the automobile. In a mere 52 years. Once the automobile fatality side of the scale tilts downward, it will probably stay down. Unless you and I, as drivers and pedestrians become safer and act to reduce this senseless slaughter on the highways, automobiles will keep on killing Americans at a far faster rate than wars. What can we do about it? We can demand that our civic organizations and communities act immediately to make drivers more careful and the highways safer. Drive as though your life depends on it. It does. Now back to the Adventures of The Falcon. Just 90 seconds has passed since Mike Waring entered his apartment to find it occupied. Worse yet, the new tenant moved in with all the necessary hardware.
Joan Andrews
Well, what do you say, Waring? You look like you've been thinking. You come up with the answer.
Narrator
What answer?
Joan Andrews
What's going to happen to you?
Narrator
Oh, well, if I were judging solely by appearances, I'd say someone doesn't want me around.
Joan Andrews
Smart boy.
Narrator
Would you mind telling me who you're working for?
Joan Andrews
What difference does it make?
Narrator
Well, I'd hate to get sent to my grave without knowing who's responsible.
Joan Andrews
That's the way it works out sometime.
Narrator
Was it Dana?
Joan Andrews
Where do you want it?
Narrator
Do I have a choice? Sure.
Joan Andrews
I ain't a bad guy. If you leave it to me, I'll put it right in the back of your head. That way you won't feel a thing.
Mike Waring
Thanks loads.
Joan Andrews
I mean it. I never had a complaint yet.
Narrator
I bet.
Joan Andrews
Okay, on your feet.
Narrator
What's the point? I'm only going to get knocked off him again.
Joan Andrews
Okay, wise guy. Try to do you a favor.
Narrator
I'm ready to return it. If I were you, I'd drop that gun.
Dana
Would you?
Narrator
Yeah. Don't look now, but there's an ugly police sergeant right behind you.
Joan Andrews
You think I'm gonna fall for that tired routine?
Mike Waring
Why not? What?
Narrator
Watch it. Sergeant Corbett.
Mike Waring
I'm all right. What about our friend?
Narrator
Well, I can't say as much for him.
Mike Waring
Is he.
Narrator
Yep. This time, Corbett, you really. Hello. Eli Waring? Yeah. I want you to meet a friend of mine.
Mike Waring
No, don't bother introducing us, Mike. We've met. Six years ago, wasn't it, Eli? When you and Calvin first started, you had a joint on West 8th Street. It was just a little.
Narrator
Let's not start reminiscing, huh?
Mike Waring
I'm sorry. I got carried away.
Mr. Calvin
Sit down.
Narrator
No, thanks. We won't be staying long. We just dropped by to thank you.
Mr. Calvin
What for?
Wayfair
What?
Narrator
If it hadn't been for you, we never would have cleaned up this mess.
Mr. Calvin
What are you mumbling about?
Narrator
We solved Calvin's murder, swear.
Mr. Calvin
But I don't see him.
Narrator
Well, you were the one who advanced the theory that there might be a professional killer involved. And you were right.
Mr. Calvin
Did you find him?
Narrator
Yep. Waiting for me at my place. His name was Tony Abruzio. At least that's how he's been identified. At the morgue.
Les Damon
The morgue?
Mike Waring
Well, it was either him or Waring. And like a fool, I made the wrong choice.
Narrator
I doubt it. I think you were aiming for me. But you're such a rotten shot.
Mr. Calvin
Look, if you guys got nothing better to.
Narrator
Oh, we have Eli. You see, before Tony died, he named you as the party who hired him.
Mr. Calvin
You're lying.
Narrator
Even found your check on his body.
Mr. Calvin
You couldn't. I paid him cash.
Narrator
All right, Sergeant. What are you waiting for? Make out like a cop and do your duty.
Wayfair
I suppose I should apologize, Mr. Waring. But you see, the position I was in. I was afraid my father intended to kill Calvin.
Narrator
And that's why you hired me?
Wayfair
Yes.
Narrator
Well, didn't you know your father was in New York during the time of the murder?
Wayfair
I only discovered that later. It seems he canceled out on his trip. Then when he heard that Calvin was.
Narrator
Murdered, he got nervous and decided to play it as though he were in Los Angeles all along. Mm, that was silly. He played right into Eli's hands. He was just lucky that Eli gave himself away.
Wayfair
Now, that I don't understand.
Narrator
You see, angel, it all came down to motive. Eli was the only one who actually profited by Calvin's murder. With Calvin gone, it was a cinch for him to move in and take over the club.
Wayfair
But what about Mrs. Calvin?
Narrator
No, she didn't figure to give him any trouble. He even admitted to me that she didn't know the score.
Wayfair
Weren't you guessing all this?
Narrator
Well, sure, but I had nothing else to go on. Then when Eli suggested a professional gunman might have done the actual job for your dad, I decided to do a little deep sea fishing.
Wayfair
I don't follow you.
Narrator
Well, I told him that if your father was behind the kill, he'd certainly take care of me.
Wayfair
Oh, so that's why he sent that Tony Abruzio around.
Narrator
He really rose to the bait. So I got together with Corbett and laid a trap.
Wayfair
Then it was no accident that the sergeant turned up.
Narrator
Oh, no. He was behind me right along.
Mike Waring
And I still am.
Narrator
Oh, no.
Mike Waring
Just thought I'd see how you're getting along. Mind if I join you?
Narrator
I certainly do. Didn't you ever hear two's company, three's a crowd?
Mike Waring
No. No. Did you just make it up?
Narrator
Oh, now listen.
Wayfair
Wait. There's an easy way to handle this.
Narrator
But you're not leaving.
Wayfair
Well, you two get along so well. It would be a pity to let a woman break up your Happy home. Good night, Mike.
Les Damon
The Case of the Murdering Misses The Case of the Murdering misses That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon, when Mike Waring learns that when money is your target in life, you give people something to shoot at. 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 Corbyn. This program came from New York. Fred Collins speaking.
Adam Graham
Welcome back. So Waring's big plan involved betting the murderer was a dope who could be tricked into hiring an assassin for an unnecessary murder. Not the worst way to prove the killer's identity, but I guess Grand Gamble is a fitting title for this episode. After all, this also does seem like the type of case that he wouldn't have taken or that he would have been so suspicious that he discouraged the client from hiring him. In past episodes, though, it may have just been the magic of her showing up at an ungodly hour since he thought of that as to why he wasn't more suspicious at the time. And thus Waring has to learn that valuable lesson not to agree to anything before that hour in which his good judgment is present. On the positive side, another great Ralph Bell appearance, and I don't know that I've ever heard him given anything that required some great dramatic depth. But he is so fun to listen to as a heavy, and the Falcon radio series employs him for that purpose a lot. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Harold. Harold's been of our patreon supporters since September 2017, currently supporting the podcast at the Master detective level of $15 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Harold. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And please rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Monday with another adventure with the Falcon, but join us back here tomorrow for Matthew Slade, where.
Mike Waring
Your accent sounds German. You been in the States long?
Narrator
No. Either.
Mike Waring
Where you headed?
Narrator
No place in particular.
Mike Waring
By the way, my name's Matt Slade.
Wayfair
Erica Lynn.
Mike Waring
I seem to remember that name.
Narrator
You should.
Mike Waring
We met before.
Narrator
No, Mr. Slade, we've never met.
Mike Waring
It's funny, I could swear over the. Oh, yes.
Dana
No, I'm remember.
Mike Waring
It was Kyle Lims. And you're his widow. I turned to look at her, I found myself staring down the muzzle of a German looter.
Adam Graham
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 Orlando, Florida, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.
"The Falcon: The Case of the Grand Gamble" is a captivating episode from The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio podcast, hosted by Adam Graham. This installment delves into the mysterious murder of Vince Calvin, a prominent club owner in New York City. The narrative weaves through deception, betrayal, and cunning detective work as Sergeant Mike Waring (the narrator) unravels the truth behind Calvin's untimely death.
The episode opens with a tense exchange between Eli Proctor and Dana, the owner of Dana's gambling club on Manhattan's east side. Eli, a menacing figure, confronts Dana over territorial disputes, threatening violence if Dana does not comply with his demands. Their confrontation sets the stage for the central conflict surrounding Vince Calvin's operations and the imminent danger he faces.
Joan Andrews arrives at Sergeant Mike Waring's apartment, urgently seeking protection for her fiancé, Vince Calvin. She claims that Vince is in danger and has hired Waring to ensure his safety. Her desperate demeanor and inconsistent storytelling raise Mike's suspicions, but he agrees to take the case, sensing deeper complexities beneath her request.
As Mike delves into the case, he discovers that Vince Calvin has been mysteriously killed. The investigation leads him to uncover inconsistencies in Joan's story, particularly regarding Vince's marital status and the timeline of events surrounding his murder. These discrepancies hint at foul play and suggest that Joan may not be entirely truthful.
Mike's suspicions intensify when he notices a blue Nash car trailing him, an ominous sign that someone is monitoring his every move. Eli Proctor reappears, manipulating the situation further by hinting at his own involvement and subtly threatening Mike. The interaction between Eli and Mike deepens the mystery, revealing that Eli may have orchestrated Vince's murder to seize control of the club.
In a climactic confrontation, Joan Andrews returns to Mike's apartment, this time revealing her true identity as Dana's daughter. Her facade crumbles as she admits her involvement in the plot to protect her father's interests, ultimately admitting that Eli Proctor was behind Vince's murder. Mike, utilizing his detective acumen, sets a trap alongside Lieutenant Corbett to expose the real culprit.
The episode culminates in the exposure of Tony Abruzio, the professional gunman hired by Eli Proctor to carry out Vince Calvin's assassination. Through clever deduction and strategic maneuvering, Mike successfully brings the antagonist to justice, resolving the case and restoring order to Dana's establishment.
Sergeant Mike Waring (Narrator): The perceptive and resilient protagonist who navigates the complexities of the murder investigation with keen insight and determination.
Eli Proctor: The antagonist, a ruthless gunman driven by greed and ambition, willing to eliminate anyone standing in his way to seize control of the gambling club.
Joan Andrews: Initially portrayed as a distressed fiancée seeking protection, she is later revealed to be Dana's daughter, deeply involved in the machinations to safeguard her father's interests.
Dana: The owner of the Dana's gambling club, struggling to maintain control amidst Eli Proctor's aggressive tactics and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Vince Calvin's death.
Lieutenant Corbett: A figure of authority whose collaboration with Mike is pivotal in uncovering the truth and bringing the murderer to justice.
Joan Andrews' True Identity: Joan's transformation from a seemingly innocent client to Dana's daughter orchestrating the protection plot adds layers of intrigue and deception.
Eli Proctor's Manipulation: Eli's role as the mastermind behind Vince Calvin's murder is unveiled through his interactions with both Dana and Mike, showcasing his strategic deceit.
The Trap: Mike's collaboration with Lieutenant Corbett to set a trap for Tony Abruzio is a testament to his detective prowess, ultimately leading to the resolution of the case.
"The Falcon: The Case of the Grand Gamble" masterfully combines suspense, drama, and intricate detective work. Through Sergeant Mike Waring's relentless pursuit of the truth, listeners are taken on a thrilling journey that highlights the perils of betrayal and the triumph of justice. The episode not only entertains but also underscores the timeless allure of classic detective narratives.
Eli Proctor to Dana [03:10]:
"This is my territory from 86th street to 94th."
Eli asserts his dominance, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict.
Joan Andrews to Mike Waring [07:17]:
"I want you to see nothing happens to him."
Joan's plea reveals her desperation and the gravity of the situation.
Mike Waring Reflecting [15:32]:
"Eli was the only one who actually profited by Calvin's murder."
Mike pieces together the critical motive behind the murder.
Joan Andrews to Mike Waring [23:50]:
"If I'm the guy who killed Calvin and you know it, what do you suppose is going to happen to you?"
A tense confrontation showcasing the high stakes of the investigation.
Mike Waring's Conclusion [29:30]:
"With Calvin gone, it was a cinch for him to move in and take over the club."
Mike summarizes the motive driving Eli Proctor's actions.
This episode stands out for its intricate plot and well-developed characters, embodying the essence of old-time radio detective dramas. Through sharp dialogue and unexpected twists, "The Case of the Grand Gamble" keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.