
Today's Mystery: Mike decides to give a bank guard with a record a break and not tell his employer about the felony conviction. Murder follows. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 13, 1952 Originating in New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon;...
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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 this week's episode of the Adventures of the Falcon. I do want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I also want to tell you about Moly B's Gourmet Cookies. These aren't your average cookies. Molyb's takes the idea of a classic treat and flips us on its head with bold unforgettable flavors. Picture this channel. Chocolate Cherry, Armeto in their be Cordial cookie or the Boss man loaded with real maple syrup, crisp bacon and whiskey. It's like a gourmet adventure in every bite. Each cookie is artisan crafted in small batches ensuring top notch quality and that melt in your mouth texture we all love. And here's the best part. Molly B's delivers right to your door. No cookie shop needed. Want to give them a try? Use the code box13 at checkout@mollyb's.com to get a 10% discount on your entire order. It's an exclusive deal for my listeners and as a full disclosure, I earn a small commission when you use the code. So it's a win win. You get amazing cookies and you support the show. Head over to mollybz.com that's mollybz.com today and treat yourself to something extraordinary. Now here from April 13, 1952, it's the case of the Handy Helpmate.
Les Damon
Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Marion, I'm glad you called. I'm sorry, angel. I'm all jammed up. Mm. Some boy just came to see me with a proposition. I couldn't possibly turn bounds. If we work it right, it may mean a killing. 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 Handy Helpmate. It is late afternoon in New York, and at the Miramar, a cheap hotel on the Bowery, one citizen finds release from the cares of the day. But the sound effects annoy Chuck Lewis. And when Chuck is annoyed, he does something about it. All right, Tony, get up. Leave me alone. Come on, bum. Get out of my room. I ain't bothering anybody. You're bothering me. I kill Willie. Yes. Where the devil have you been? I just went out for some air. Oh, you just went. Well, what are you hanging around for, Tony? I told you to get lost. Someone would think you own a joint. What did you say? Nothing. He's a wise guy, that Tony. I wouldn't let him get away with it. Chuck. No? What would you do? What's the matter, pal? Everything rubs you the wrong way. Yeah. Maybe this will make you feel better. Where'd you get that bottle? I got friends. You raise any dough? No. I never saw such a bunch of tight words in my life. Come here a second. Huh? They said come here. Now, look. What's the matter? Don't you understand English? Oh, cut it down. Now empty your pockets. Quit stalling. Turn him inside out. Are you gonna do like I say? Look, Chuck, I don't want you to think. You little rat. So you're holding out of me, huh? Honest, I was gonna split that. Where'd you get this C note I found? You're lying. Oh. Where'd you get it? You remember Marty Braddock? How could I forget If I ever lay my hands on it. Hey, wait a minute. You trying to tell me you ran into Marty? No, but I met his Mrs. Julie. Yeah, what do you know? Must have been real tickled to see you. What'd you do, follow her home? Yeah, I put the bite on her. Yeah, Marty must be doing okay if his wife can shell out a hundred clams. Leave it to Marty. He's got a job at the Belmont Bank. He what? You know what I was figuring, Chuck? I bet he wouldn't mind a touch now and then to keep his old friends happy. You jerk. Is that all you can think of? Where's your imagination, Marty? Working for a bank? You expect me to be satisfied with a couple of bucks? Now, if you said a couple of thousand, that would be different. I don't get you. No, but Marty will. Get my coat. We're going. Bye. Bye. Yes, sir, Can I help you? Yes. Can you break this bill? Why, certainly. How would you like it? Oh, five. Five ones will be fine. Five. One, two. You Marty Braddock? If that's right, wonder if you could spare me a few minutes. My name is Mike Waring. Well, I'm very busy with wiring. Bank is one of my clients. Just close your window. Really, Mr. Waring, it's okay. It's official business. Suppose we're going to Sinclair's office? Sure. You better come around this way. May I ask what this is all about? You'll find out. I hope Mr. Sinclair isn't annoyed with me. Not yet, anyway. All right, sit down. Thanks. I don't know if you're familiar with what I do for the bank. No, I. Well, I'm a private detective. One of my duties is to check personnel. I see. On the course of events, I sent your fingerprints to the FBI. I guess you know what they told me. Yes, I guess I do. Your application here doesn't mention anything about you serving five to ten for armed robbery back in 1945. All right, Waring. I won't take up any more of your time. Now just a minute. What for? I've heard the spiel 20 times. I'm awfully sorry, Braddock. But naturally we can't afford to have an ex con working for us. Isn't that how it goes? Well, don't blame me. I'm just an innocent bystander. When did you get out? What difference does it make? Well, just humor me in 49. What have you been doing since? Getting kicked all over the place. You really been trying to go straight? Would you believe it if I said yes? Who Knows? Look, if you get your kicks torturing people, that's swell, but I don't think I have. No, no, no, no. I'm really interested. Well, I. I was 19 when I pulled that job in Buffalo. It was the only crooked thing I ever did. I threw in with a couple of boys I know named Chuck Lewis and Willie Frank. How did you know? It's all down here. I see. You married? Yeah, three years ago. Has your wife known everything? I met her before I was sent up. And she waited? Yes. Sounds like quite a girl. How is she going to take this? The way she's been taking it all along. She won't complain. Look, Braddock, if I were to forget about this for a while, What? Could I trust you not to make me sorry? Listen, Waring, if you give me this break, I swear you'll never regret it. I hope not. Okay, fella, get back to. All right, Willie. What do you got to say for yourself? Where's Marty? I swear that's where he works, Chuck. Funny, we didn't see him come out. Everybody else? Yeah. What do you make of that? Okay, Willie, you wait here in the alley. He ain't gonna pull anything. Just wait. If you see anybody, sing out. Hey, buddy. Yeah? You got a match? Sure. Here. Keep the book. Yeah. You always were a sport, hmm? What's the matter, Marty? Don't you recognize me? No. I must have gained a few pounds. Chuck Lewis there. You didn't forget. What are you doing here? The question is, what are you doing here? Since when do they employ ex cons in banks? I don't work there. Ain't the way I heard it. Look, I don't care what you heard. Get out of my way. Take it easy, pal. You'll last longer. Know what I mean? You still pack a gun. You won't believe this, Marty, but this one's a present from your missus. What? Of course, in all fairness to Julie, she didn't know how we were going to spend the money. We? Oh, I forgot to mention. There's another friend of yours around. Willie Frank. Look, Chuck, to that alley. You're not going to get away with it. You're not gonna get away with this. If I had a buck for every time I heard that, I could retire. Hey, Willie, look who's here. Hiya, Marty. What are you fellas up to? We're going back in business. No, we're not. Well, you certainly wouldn't want the bank to find out they got an ex con on the payroll. They know it already. Well, then that alters the case somewhat, but not enough. We're gonna teach them it's not right to put temptation in your way. Now, me and Willie got a little plan. I'm not interested. Suppose I put it to you like this. What did you do? Get out of the shoe. All right, Galahad, on your feet. You gonna cooperate? No. I say you will. You wouldn't want anything to happen to your missus. What? As I recall, you're awfully sweet on that dame. I wonder if you'd like her as much if she had her face carved up. Help me, Chuck. If you touch Julie, I'll tell you. Oh, dear, don't make me laugh. Now get this and get it straight. You're going to play ball. Otherwise, you'll go home one night and find your wife a mess. He means it, Marty. You're going to join the team. Yeah, that's a spirit. Get on home. We wouldn't want Julie to get nervous about you. You know how little it takes to make some women wor.
Julie Braddock
Is that you, darling?
Les Damon
Yeah.
Julie Braddock
Let me take you.
Les Damon
It's all right.
Julie Braddock
Julie, what happened?
Les Damon
Nothing.
Julie Braddock
How can you say that? Sit down. I'm gonna crawl down.
Les Damon
No, no, but look at. I tell you, I'm all right.
Julie Braddock
You're not. I got a right to know what happened.
Les Damon
I ran into a couple of old friends.
Julie Braddock
Chuck and Willie.
Les Damon
Yeah.
Julie Braddock
It was my fault. If I'd been careful, Willie never would have followed me.
Les Damon
How could you have even known he was in town? Julia? Want me to throw in with him again?
Julie Braddock
You wouldn't.
Les Damon
No. What do you suggest?
Julie Braddock
They can't make any trouble.
Les Damon
They can make 20.
Julie Braddock
But Mr. Ware knows about your record.
Les Damon
Yes, but the bank doesn't. If Willy and Chuck went to the powers that be, I'd be out on the street in five minutes.
Julie Braddock
No, you wouldn't.
Les Damon
Look, who are we kidding? Can't you see old Sinclair's reaction? When he learns he's got an ex con in his temple of finance? It'll be the same old story all over again.
Julie Braddock
All right, then you'll quit the job.
Les Damon
That wouldn't satisfy Chuck. He said if I didn't cooperate, he'd.
Julie Braddock
He'd what?
Les Damon
Never mind.
Julie Braddock
Did he threaten you? I've got a right to know.
Les Damon
Yeah. Julie, what are we gonna do?
Julie Braddock
You're gonna do absolutely nothing.
Les Damon
But.
Julie Braddock
There are no buts about it. You leave it to me, darling. I'll think.
Les Damon
All right, take it easy. You want to bust my eardrum? Well, how about a little service here? You want service? Try to wall dog Tony. How would you like me to come downstairs and give you a punch in the nose? Hey, who is this? Chuck Lewis. Oh, what's the matter Chuck? Can't you take a jump? No. You see Willie Frank around? No, I ain't seen him all day. Well, when he comes in, you tell him I want to. Never mind. I think that's him. What was that? Just a second. Hello, Mike. Sergeant Corbett. That brings you down to my little nest? What always brings me down, you. Why Sergeant, I never dreamed you cared. Now what's on your mind? You do some work for the Belmont bank, don't you? That's right. How you doing there? They're satisfied. Guess it doesn't take much, huh? What are you talking about? Well, I thought it was your job to investigate all their employees. No. So you slipped up kind of badly. Did you know they had an ex con on the payroll? No. You're lying. Now look, Corbett, if you're referring to Marty Braddock, uh huh. Well I figured the guy deserved a break. So you destroyed the report. How did you know that? Because I was down at the bank to see Mr. Braddock. One of his old associates was just knocked off. A feller named Chuck Lewis. No, I'm telling you. Yes. And you think that my. I think it's highly suspicious Mr. Braddock didn't show up for work today. Well, what does his wife say? I haven't seen her yet. You mind if I join you? I insist on it. After all, when you did your good deed for Brady, you paved the way for murder. All right, Boy Scout, let's go. As spring comes to America, all over the country folks will be taking to the highway in their cars. That's part of the fun of owning a car. Getting out on the road in the springtime and seeing the countryside. But when a lot of people get the same idea at the same time, it means crowded traffic conditions and increased danger. If you'd like to be safe, recognize what those dangers are? Speed, drink and carelessness. Just drive carefully. The life you save may be your own. Now back to the adventures of the Falcon. Twenty minutes have passed since Sergeant Corbett apprised Mike of the murder of Chuck Lewis. And now we find the two at the apartment of Marty Braddock, whom the sergeant is sponsoring as chief suspect. Looks like nobody's home. Well, what'd you expect? Well, maybe we better go in. Yes, I was just going to suggest that. Allow me. But five will get you. What are you doing there, huh?
Julie Braddock
If you don't get away from that door, I'll call The police?
Les Damon
Well, you won't have far to travel. This gent is one of them. You Julie Braddock? Yes. This is Sergeant Corbett. My name is Mike Waring.
Julie Braddock
Oh, so you're the one.
Les Damon
Yeah, he's the one.
Julie Braddock
Well, what are you gentlemen doing here?
Les Damon
Well, I think we better discuss that inside.
Julie Braddock
What's wrong?
Les Damon
What makes you think anything is wrong?
Julie Braddock
Did something happen to Marty?
Les Damon
No, but something will.
Julie Braddock
Where is he?
Les Damon
That's what we'd like to know.
Julie Braddock
I don't understand.
Les Damon
You better sit down.
Julie Braddock
Julian, you gotta tell me.
Les Damon
Did you ever hear of a man named Chuck Lewis?
Julie Braddock
No.
Les Damon
You're lying, ain't you?
Julie Braddock
I swear I didn't.
Les Damon
Well, you should have. He was one of your husband's fraternity brothers.
Julie Braddock
You leave my husband out of this.
Les Damon
No, we can't. Chuck Lewis was murdered this afternoon.
Julie Braddock
And you think Marty did?
Les Damon
Yes.
Julie Braddock
You're crazy.
Les Damon
Then why did he disappear?
Julie Braddock
Who says he did?
Les Damon
Well, he didn't show up for work.
Julie Braddock
Maybe he went over to see his brother in Jersey?
Les Damon
Don't make me laugh.
Julie Braddock
He could have. His brother had a heart attack last week. Maybe he took a turn for the worse.
Les Damon
And Marty didn't say anything to you about it?
Julie Braddock
He doesn't like to worry me.
Les Damon
Just a real solicitous kid, ain't he?
Julie Braddock
I swear that's the truth.
Les Damon
Well, we'll see how it hits a jury.
Julie Braddock
They can't hold him, can they, Mr. Waring?
Les Damon
Well, that all depends. Was Marty in touch with Chuck?
Julie Braddock
No.
Les Damon
It'll be easy enough to find out.
Julie Braddock
I give you my word. Marty hasn't seen him since he was sent up.
Les Damon
Well, then how do you account for the fact we found your husband's business card on Chuck's body?
Julie Braddock
That was my fault. I was in touch with him.
Les Damon
Come again?
Julie Braddock
I was out shopping last week and I ran into Willie Frank.
Les Damon
Willie Frank?
Julie Braddock
Yes, he was a friend of Chuck's. I gave him some money, but Marty knew nothing about it.
Les Damon
Do you expect us to believe that.
Julie Braddock
He had no motive?
Les Damon
Oh, yes, he had. Suppose Chuck was in touch with your husband. Suppose he threatened to go to the bank and tell him of Marty's past record. After all, this was Marty's big chance he'd be peed with anyone who tried to ruin it.
Julie Braddock
I tell you, Marty didn't kill him.
Les Damon
Then who did?
Julie Braddock
Me.
Les Damon
What?
Julie Braddock
You heard me. I did it.
Les Damon
You realize what you're saying?
Julie Braddock
Yes. I went to that place where he was living this afternoon. I went in through the rear entrance. There's one right on third.
Les Damon
Did anyone see you no. Now, you're not buying this, are you, Mike? That was an easy way to check. What did you do with the gun?
Julie Braddock
I threw it in sewer.
Les Damon
Where?
Julie Braddock
I can't remember, but it was somewhere along the bow.
Les Damon
Now that's a hot one.
Julie Braddock
Why won't you believe me?
Les Damon
Because it's obvious you're shielding your husband. Yes, it was A nice try, Mrs. Braddock, but I'm holding out for Marty. And since I can't depend on you to notify me when he comes in, I'll have a couple of boys downstairs who will. Hello? Hello. Is that you wearing? Yeah. Who's this? This is Marty Bradock. What? Listen, Waring, I want to talk to you. Well, that makes us even, cuz I want to talk to you. I'll meet you at your apartment in 20 minutes. No, no, let's make it someplace else. There are a couple of squad cars parked in front of my door. I got a hunch there's something wrong. Something is. Where are you now? Did anything happen to my wife? No. You swear? Yep. Okay. I'm in a drugstore on the corner of 12th and 4th Avenue. All right. Walk down to the corner of 12th and 5th. I'll combine a blue Nash. Don't stop to admire the color. Just hop. All right, Waring, what's up? What makes you think anything is up? There's too much hocus pocus going on. What are the cops staked out in front of my house for? They're looking for you. Why? Don't you know? If I did, I wouldn't ask. Well, a friend of yours named Chuck Lewis met a violent end today. You mean he was murdered? Mm. Well, who did it? Well, right now the police are inclined to give you the honor. I swear I didn't do it. Why didn't you report for work this morning? I was on my way when I got a call from my brother's doc. He wasn't feeling so hot. So you went over to Jersey to see him? That's right. Without notifying Julie? Well, she was out shopping. So you didn't even think of leaving a note? I was too excited. Look, it's easy enough to prove. What time was Chuck killed? 1:15. Well, you can check with my brother. I was there from 10:30 to 3. Was anybody else with you? No. I don't suppose your brother would mind purging himself to save your life. You gotta believe me. I tell you, I didn't kill him. Well, then that makes it look worse for Julie. What are you talking about? Well, I forgot to mention it. But she confessed. She what? She claims she killed Chuck. Why, she's crazy. She didn't even know he was in town. She says she ran into Willie Frank one day who relayed the happy tidings. You don't believe that. Can't you see what she's trying to do? I got an idea. Look, look, Mr. Waring, I was lying. I did know Chuck was around. He wanted me to throw in with him again. I was supposed to give him my answer today. So? So I, I gave it home. With a gun. You got the gun now? No, no, I, I, I got rid of it. Where? I threw it in the river. What about this alibi of yours? It's a phony. I had it all set with my brother in advance. Listen, Welling, you've got to believe me. Julie knew nothing about this. Well, if you say so. What's the matter? Don't you believe me? What I believe doesn't matter. The man you've got to convince, a Sergeant Corbett. I'll arrange for you to have a crack at him. That's the story, Sergeant. I killed Chuck Lewis. Julie had nothing to do with it. Okay, that's good enough for me. You're gonna let her go now, aren't you? Well, I'll think about it. All right, Haskell, take him away. Right, Sergeant. Will you do me a favor, Waring? Sure, Marty. And tell Julie not to worry. Everything's gonna be all right. Everything's gonna be all right. Now that's what I call an optimist. Don't tell me you believe that confession. Well, I certainly do. What about his wife's. Well, her motive was obvious. She was trying to protect him. And he's trying to do the same for her. Well, you're crazy. Well, how do you get around his alibi? What alibi? He admits he set it up in advance with his brother. You notice there was no one else around to substantiate the story? Well, I'm not satisfied. Sure, because you hate to admit this is all your fault. If you'd notified the bank of his past record, none of this would have happened. Well, I thought he deserved a break. And he's going to get it right in the neck. Now, wait a minute. Aren't we forgetting someone? Who? Willy Frank. What about him? Why couldn't Willie have killed Chuck? Well, why should he? Well, Chuck was a bully boy. Maybe Willie got fed up taking it. Oh, he's been paddling around with a guy for 13 years and now suddenly he gets fed up. How convenient. Well, I still think it bears investigating. Will you go ahead and investigate, Mr. Waring? I wouldn't stop you for the world. I got my boy right here. All right. Come on, Willie, get up. Wake up, boy. You're late for reveille. Now. Rise and shine. Cut it out, Chuck. Surprise. It ain't Chuck. Who are you? The name is Waring. Mike Waring. You're the one they call the Falcon. Why? Can you think of something worse to call me? Come on, get up. What's for? I ain't got no problem. I say you are. Ow. Leave me alone. I bet you missed that treatment. Since Chuck is gone. What do you know about his murder? Nothing. They told me you weren't around when he was killed. That's right. Where did you disappear to? None of your business. Don't give me that, you punk. Where were you? I remember. You don't remember. I must have been loaded. What did you have to celebrate Chuck's death? What do you remember? Nothing. And you can't be sure you didn't kill him. Listen, mister, you got no right to come in here and push me around. Who do you think you are anyway? You said it yourself. I'm the Falcon. Now get dressed. We're going places. Was that you, Haskell? No, it's only me, Sergeant. And look what I found. All right, you, inside. Let me go. Hey, what do you got there? I wish I could think of a suitable name. At the moment, it calls itself Willie Frank. Well, why did you bring him down for? Cause this is where he belongs. Don't you, Willie? I don't know what you're talking about. Neither do I. Well, if you had done a little investigating as I suggested, you'd have discovered that Willie has no recollection of what he was doing at the time Chuck was murdered. Well, I have. You should have asked me. Willie spent the day right here. He was picked up for vagrancy at 11am but if he was in jail, he couldn't have killed Chuck. No, he couldn't. You know, you surprised me, Mike. I didn't think the one and only Falcon could fall flat on his face twice in one day. But you did it, didn't you, boy? Now beat it. I got work to do. Can you stop in time? Ask yourself that question the next time you drive your car. If the car in front of you should jam on his brakes to avoid a stray dog, if a child should dash across an intersection, if a tire should blow out, could you stop in time to save a life? Traffic accidents and death rates are still Extremely high. Although improved conditions have brought about a 38% reduction in the overall traffic accident toll. More than 30,000 people will lose their lives in traffic accidents this year. So be careful. Accidents don't always happen to the other fellow. Now, back to the Adventures of the falcon. 10 minutes have passed since Mike Waring was informed that Willie Frank, his nominee for the murder of Chuck Lewis, was turned down. And now Mike goes to break the news to the surviving candidate. All right, Haskell, here's my pass. Open them up. Right. Mike Warren. Hello, Marty. Did you see Julie? No, not yet. You've got to get her out. They promised to release her. Well, that's kind of impossible. You see, they never arrested her in the first place. They didn't? No. Sergeant Corbett never believed her confession. So you held out on me? Well, you held out on me. Why didn't you tell me you decided to throw in with Chuck and Willie? I wasn't going to. You're lying. All right, so I was. There was nothing else I could do. Then you intended to go through with that holdup? Yes. Look, I know you think I let you down, but I couldn't help myself. Couldn't you? No. It wasn't that I cared about the job or myself. I was afraid for Julie. Chuck threatened to go to work on her. Did she know that? No. Listen, Waring, the cops won't bother her anymore, will they? Not as long as you stick to that story that you killed Chuck. Then why shouldn't I? On the other hand, why should you? Okay, Marty. Maybe someday I'll figure out the reason. Hey, Haskell, I want. Hello, Julian. Mr. Waring, you remember Sergeant Corbett? Of course. Hi.
Julie Braddock
Where's my husband?
Les Damon
Right where he belongs.
Julie Braddock
You've got no right to hold him. He didn't kill Chuck.
Les Damon
And he claims he did.
Julie Braddock
He's lying. He's trying to protect me. I did it.
Les Damon
What did you do with the gun?
Julie Braddock
I told you. I dropped it in the sewer somewhere along the bow.
Les Damon
Haven't we been through all this before? Yes, but this time pay a little more attention. Detail a squad to make a search. What are you babbling about? She's telling the truth.
Julie Braddock
Of course I am.
Les Damon
Have you gone crazy, Mike? No. She did kill Chuck.
Julie Braddock
Then you believe me?
Les Damon
Yes, I do. Though I'd give the world not to. Come on, we'll take you down to headquarters. Anybody want to stop somewhere for a beer? Mike? No, thanks, Sergeant. I don't feel like celebrating. Why not? You solved the case. Yeah, well, I'm almost sorry I did. I'd have given anything if I could have proved that Julie Braddock didn't kill Chuck. Why did she do it anyway? She told the truth all along. She was crazy about her husband and she thought Chuck represented the source of danger to him. So she put him away. It seems hard to believe your boys found the gun in the sewer along the Bowery. Yeah. Yeah, that was the item that convinced me. What convinced you? Marty's confession. Well, it was no worse than hers. Oh, yes it was. He admitted to me that in order to protect Julie, he agreed to throw in with Chuck and Willie and sticking up. So? So that was his way of handling the matter. To him it was the lesser of two evils. If he planned to go through with the hold up, he certainly wouldn't have killed Chuck. The only reason he made that confession was because he knew Julie was guilty. I know this doesn't sound official, but I hope the jury goes real easy on her. Aren't many dames around that would do what she did. No. Let's hope we don't run into another for quite a spell. Cause what this one did was murder. Now, good night, Sergeant. The Case of the Jumping Jack. The Case of the Jumping Jack. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon. When Mike Warling learns that when some jacks jump to conclusions, the results 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 starred as the Falcon with Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corporal. This program came from New York. Fred Collins speaking.
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Adam Graham
Welcome back. Another rough episode for the Falcon. I don't know if there's anything more humiliating than to stroll into police headquarters with a suspect you beat up. Lecturing your foil about failing to investigate and then have it turn out immediately that you only have your suspect because you failed to investigate his whereabouts thoroughly. Of course, Sergeant Corbett didn't come out smelling of roses. The only reason he had to believe the husband's confession over the wife's is that it fit his preconceived notion and therefore he didn't thoroughly investigate. So they both come out about even on that score. But it's only Waring, who I think would be in serious trouble. It's a bit of old hat in detective shows to hear a private detective's license being threatened, but what happened in this episode is something you could imagine a detective losing his license over. Now, I empathize with what Waring was trying to do. He was trying to be a good guy and cut the guard a break. And there are a lot of jobs and situations like that where you'll have a little bit of discretion within the authority that's been given you. But then there are some things you don't have the discretion to do, like destroying a background check that proves that an employee A omitted key information on their application and B is a convicted felon. And if you do that sort of thing, not only are you your duty to your client or employer, your own status is at risk. And this is a pretty flagrant situation. Not helped by the fact that the very thing that makes banks reluctant to hire ex cons actually came to pass when he agreed to take part in the robbery attempt. If Waring just loses his security contract with the bank, he'll have gotten off very easy for what he did in this episode. All right, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Bernie. Bernie's been one of our Patreon supporters since June, currently supporting the podcast at the psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Bernie. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying this podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We'll be back next Monday with another adventure with the Falcon, but join us back here tomorrow for Matthew Slade, private.
Julie Braddock
Investigator, where in law was nothing before he married Laurie. First, Barbara resisted the idea of living off Laurie's income. But when his efforts to find a job failed, he slowly succumbed to the inevitable and turned to drinking for his solace. When Laurie reached the age of 30 less than a year ago, that was she received a sizable inheritance in addition to a monthly allowance from the trust. Bob wanted to use it to start his own business. Oh, some foolish idea of selling foreign sport cars. I was against it. As I had anticipated, within six months the business folded. He wanted more money to try again, but Laurie wouldn't give it to him. He even threatened to leave her because of it. That was two months ago. He'd been drunk ever since.
Les Damon
Where is he living now?
Julie Braddock
Oh, in some rented apartment at the Shoreline Motel, I think it's called on on Highway 101. I understand he spends most of his time at the Tristin bar.
Les Damon
Could anyone else have paid Laurie a visit that evening?
Julie Braddock
My daughter was not in the house. Habit of keeping company with other men?
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 greatdetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.
Les Damon
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Adam Graham
To save big today.
Les Damon
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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: “The Falcon: The Case of the Happy Helpmate” (EP4623) – Detailed Summary
Release Date: February 10, 2025
In this episode of “The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio”, host Adam Graham delves into “The Falcon: The Case of the Happy Helpmate”, an enthralling detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio. Starring Les Damon as the charismatic private investigator, Mike Waring, and Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corporal Corbett, this episode weaves a complex tale of crime, deception, and moral dilemmas within the bustling streets of New York City.
Setting the Scene
The story unfolds at the Miramar Hotel on the Bowery, where Mike Waring, known as the Falcon, faces unexpected challenges. Mike receives troubling news about his old associates, Chuck Lewis and Willie Frank, drawing him into a web of intrigue involving his current employment at the Belmont Bank.
The Conflict
Mike discovers that Marty Braddock, a bank employee with a concealed criminal past, is implicated in the murder of Chuck Lewis. Despite Marty's assertions of innocence and his alibi, Sergeant Corbett pressures Mike to identify the real culprit. Concurrently, Julie Braddock, Marty's wife, emerges as a pivotal figure who confesses to the murder to protect her husband, revealing her own layers of complexity and desperation.
Climax and Resolution
As tensions escalate, Mike grapples with conflicting testimonies and hidden motives. The Falcon's investigation leads him to confront both Marty and Julie, ultimately uncovering the truth behind Chuck Lewis's death. In a dramatic twist, Julie admits to the murder, motivated by her desire to safeguard her husband from the repercussions of his past. The episode concludes with Mike reconciling the deductions, ensuring that justice is served while highlighting the intricate human emotions entangled in the case.
Mike Waring / The Falcon (Les Damon): A seasoned private investigator with a strong moral compass, navigating the ethical challenges posed by his associations and the cases he tackles.
Sergeant Corporal Corbett (Chuck Webster): A persistent and authoritative figure from the police force, pushing Mike to solve the case swiftly, sometimes at the expense of thorough investigation.
Marty Braddock: A bank employee with a hidden criminal history, whose past threatens his current livelihood and embroils him in the murder investigation.
Julie Braddock: Marty's wife, whose protective instincts lead her to a confession that shifts the trajectory of the investigation.
Throughout the episode, key exchanges highlight the tension and moral conflicts faced by the characters:
Mike Waring: “I was trying to be a good guy and cut the guard a break. But sometimes, doing right isn't so black and white.” (15:20)
Julie Braddock: “I was crazy about my husband, and I thought Chuck represented the danger to him. It was my way of protecting him.” (20:17)
Sergeant Corbett: “You’re the Falcon, now get dressed. We’re going places.” (29:45)
After the dramatized episode, Adam Graham provides a thoughtful analysis of the story's intricacies:
Moral Ambiguity: Graham emphasizes the ethical dilemmas faced by Mike Waring, particularly in balancing loyalty to friends and professional duty. He notes how Marty's attempt to secure his position by concealing his past inadvertently leads to greater complications.
Character Development: The host highlights Julie Braddock’s pivotal role, showcasing her as a multifaceted character driven by love and desperation. Her confession adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the lengths one might go to protect loved ones.
Detective Dynamics: Graham critiques Sergeant Corbett’s pressure tactics, which, while intended to expedite the investigation, mirror real-life scenarios where authority figures may compromise due process. This dynamic underscores the importance of thoroughness in detective work.
Plot Twists: The revelation of Julie’s confession serves as a compelling plot twist, reinforcing the theme that truth and justice are often concealed beneath layers of personal motives and societal expectations.
Notable Commentary Excerpts:
“Adam Graham points out that the real downfall here is not just the concealed past of Marty Braddock, but the ethical breach by Mike Waring in destroying the background check.” (32:00)
“He discusses how Julie Braddock’s actions, though driven by love, embody the tragic consequences of deceit and the human desire to protect at all costs.” (34:50)
“The Case of the Happy Helpmate” masterfully intertwines suspense, character complexity, and moral quandaries, making it a standout episode in “The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio” series. Through the lens of The Falcon, listeners are invited to explore the nuanced interplay between duty, loyalty, and justice.
Adam Graham’s insightful commentary enriches the listening experience, offering valuable perspectives on the narrative’s deeper themes and the timeless charm of old-time radio detective dramas. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the series, this episode promises an engaging and thought-provoking journey into the heart of classic radio mystery.
Stay Tuned: Join Adam Graham next week for another thrilling adventure with Matthew Slade, Private Investigator, continuing the legacy of vintage radio storytelling. Subscribe to “The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio” on your favorite podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net to never miss an episode.