The Falcon: The Case of the Murdering Missus (EP4617)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: "The Falcon: The Case of the Murdering Missus" (EP4617)

Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

---

Introduction

In the fifteenth season of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham presents the gripping episode titled "The Falcon: The Case of the Murdering Missus." This episode delves into a complex mystery where mistaken intentions and hidden motives lead to unexpected consequences. As a regular feature, this installment showcases the charismatic detective Mike Waring, also known as The Falcon, navigating the perilous underbelly of 1950s New York City.

---

Episode Overview

"The Case of the Murdering Missus" begins with the seemingly straightforward heist of a jewelry store, orchestrated by Mac McKenna under the influence of a nefarious individual named Vance. However, the plot thickens when Sergeant Steve Pulaski of the police force is mistakenly killed during an altercation intended for Mike Waring. The episode masterfully intertwines themes of loyalty, revenge, and deception, culminating in a revelation that challenges the listener's expectations.

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Detailed Plot Summary

Initial Heist and Aftermath

The episode opens in a modest kitchen at the Belmore apartment, where Laura McKenna prepares dinner for her husband, Mac McKenna. Tensions rise as Mac reveals his plan to reinstate his life of crime by attempting a jewelry heist, despite Laura's objections:

• Laura McKenna: "And he talked you into heisting it. ... I won't let you do it." [03:27-03:31]

Mac's desperation to improve their finances leads him to partner with Vance, a local jewelry store owner. The heist unfolds at Vance's establishment, where Mac attempts to steal an engagement ring marked at 850 dollars.

Sergeant Pulaski's Misstep

Meanwhile, Sergeant Pulaski of the police department arrives at Mike Waring's apartment unexpectedly:

• Sergeant Pulaski: "He got lucky." [06:05]

Pulaski informs Waring that Vance was killed during the heist and shares a description of the killer, which suspiciously matches Mac McKenna's appearance. This leads Waring to suspect Mac, who is revealed to have been released early from San Quentin and is now living discreetly with his wife, Laura.

The Confrontation

As Waring delves deeper, he interacts with various characters, including Eddie, the elevator boy, who provides limited information about the events leading to Sergeant Pulaski's death. The investigation takes a turn when Laura McKenna becomes a person of interest. Waring confronts her, leading to a tense exchange filled with accusations and denials:

• Mike Waring: "You killed the wrong boy. It was a police sergeant named Steve Pulaski." [18:52-18:56]
• Laura McKenna: "Crazy." [18:56-18:57]

The Twist and Resolution

Waring's persistence pays off as he uncovers discrepancies in the evidence, particularly the absence of Sergeant Pulaski's skeleton keys, leading him to deduce that Laura manipulated the situation to avenge her husband. The final revelation exposes Laura as the true culprit, driven by financial motives tied to her husband's insurance and pension:

• Mike Waring: "She had big financial ideas. ... marriage may be a great institution, but in some cases it can be murder." [28:34-28:55]

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Key Characters

• Mike Waring/The Falcon: The savvy and determined private detective protagonist who unravels the mystery.
• Mac McKenna: A former criminal attempting to return to his old ways, unknowingly becoming the target of Laura's vengeance.
• Laura McKenna: Mac's wife, whose deep devotion turns deadly as she seeks retribution.
• Sergeant Steve Pulaski: A dedicated sergeant whose misidentification sparks the central conflict.
• Sergeant Corbett: Pulaski's wife, who grapples with the loss of her husband and interacts with Waring during the investigation.
• Eddie: The elevator boy who provides crucial, albeit limited, information about the crime scene.

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Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

1. Laura McKenna's Objection to the Heist

   • [03:27-03:31]
     Laura McKenna: "And he talked you into heisting it. ... I won't let you do it."

2. Sergeant Pulaski Confronts Waring

   • [06:05-06:07]
     Sergeant Pulaski: "What made you think it's him?"

3. Waring's Revelation to Sergeant Corbett

   • [16:00]
     Mike Waring: "He's dead."

4. Climactic Confrontation with Laura McKenna

   • [19:00-19:06]
     Mike Waring: "You were going to kill Waring."
     Laura McKenna: "That's right."

5. Final Twist on Marriage and Murder

   • [28:34-28:55]
     Mike Waring: "Marriage may be a great institution, but in some cases it can be murder."

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Insights and Analysis

Adam Graham's commentary following the episode highlights several intriguing facets of the narrative and its alignment with the evolving trends of 1950s radio dramas. He notes the shift towards a more procedural and realistic portrayal of police work, influenced by contemporaneous shows like Dragnet. This episode diverges from the more stylized and hard-boiled detective archetypes, presenting The Falcon as a more grounded and methodical investigator.

Graham also reflects on listener feedback, addressing critiques about The Falcon's perceived lapses in savvy behavior within the episode. He humorously attributes these inconsistencies to the absence of the detective's favored condiment, Miracle Whip, suggesting it might be the cause of his temporary decline in cognitive prowess—a nod to the show's light-hearted engagement with its audience.

Furthermore, Graham engages with interactive elements from the audience, such as guessing the name The Falcon would use in his telephone opener, enhancing listener participation and investment in the series.

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Conclusion

"The Falcon: The Case of the Murdering Missus" stands out as a compelling episode that intertwines classic detective tropes with innovative storytelling. The unexpected revelation of Laura McKenna as the murderer not only subverts traditional gender roles prevalent in 1950s radio dramas but also adds depth to the narrative by exploring themes of love, loss, and revenge. Adam Graham's adept hosting and insightful analysis further enrich the listening experience, making this episode a memorable installment in the annals of old-time radio detective series.

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Subscribe and Stay Tuned:
For more enthralling mysteries from the Golden Age of Radio, subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your favorite podcast platform or visit greatdetectives.net. Join host Adam Graham every Monday through Saturday for six suspense-filled audio dramas each week.

Transcript

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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. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis. Support.greatdetactives.net and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month by going to patreon.greatdetactives.net but now, from March 22, 1952, here is the case of the murdering missus.

[Mike Waring]

Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Lois, I'm glad you called. You'll have to give me a rain check, angel. Some people are throwing a brawl and they insist I attend. Mm. If I'm not there to be the life of the party, they're going to be the death of me.

[Narrator]

Once again, Adventures of the Falcon. Dedicated to private investigators everywhere. Those hard hitting detectives who, like Mike Waring, risked their lives to aid law enforcement agencies. So join him now when the Falcon solves the case of the murdering Mrs. It's early evening in New York and in a shabby kitchen at the Belmore, a blonde named Laura McKenna prepares dinner for her man. But this is one meal neither of the McKenna's are destined to eat.

[Laura McKenna]

That you, Mac?

[Mac McKenna]

Yeah.

[Laura McKenna]

Oh, wait a second, honey.

[Mac McKenna]

Hi, Adele.

[Laura McKenna]

Take off your coat. Dinner will be ready in 20 minutes.

[Mac McKenna]

Paul Newcomb. Drop off a package for me?

[Laura McKenna]

Yeah, it's on the table, Mac.

[Mac McKenna]

Ain't it a beauty?

[Laura McKenna]

Hey, where'd that gun come from?

[Mac McKenna]

Borrowed it from Paul. I'm going back in business.

[Sergeant Corbett]

No.

[Mac McKenna]

Yeah. Paul saw a good thing on 84th Street, a jewelry shop run by a fellow named Vance.

[Laura McKenna]

And he talked you into heisting it.

[Mac McKenna]

He could have gotten a hundred guys.

[Laura McKenna]

I won't let you do it.

[Mac McKenna]

Don't talk like a job.

[Laura McKenna]

I mean it, Mac. If anything happened to you.

[Mac McKenna]

Nothing's gonna happen. A kid could handle this job.

[Laura McKenna]

That's what you said in San Francisco before they sent you up.

[Mac McKenna]

Well, it was an accident. Couldn't happen again.

[Laura McKenna]

Well, we're not going to find out.

[Mac McKenna]

What do you suggest? There's eight bucks left in the kitty.

[Laura McKenna]

Get by.

[Mac McKenna]

I don't want us to just get by. How do you think I feel when I see dames who don't have half your looks parading around with furs and diamonds?

[Laura McKenna]

Do you hear me complaining? I'm satisfied.

[Mac McKenna]

Well, I'm not.

[Laura McKenna]

You're not going to do it, Mac. Let Paul get himself another look.

[Mac McKenna]

That's enough. The discussion's over.

[Laura McKenna]

No, it's not. You step out that door. So help me, I'll call the cops.

[Mac McKenna]

What did you say?

[Mike Waring]

I'm sorry, baby.

[Laura McKenna]

No, you were right, Meg. I didn't mean what I said. You know, if anything happened.

[Narrator]

I know, I know.

[Mac McKenna]

Don't worry. I'll be back in an hour.

[Laura McKenna]

Let me go with you. It'll be easier with the two of us.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

No. No.

[Laura McKenna]

You're afraid.

[Mac McKenna]

No, I'm not afraid. But you'd only be in the way. Give us a kiss for luck, baby. I'm off to.

[Mike Waring]

I'm terribly sorry, sir, but we're closed for the night.

[Mac McKenna]

Oh, come on, mister. Give me a break, will you? It's my girl's birthday.

[Mike Waring]

But I've put all my stock away.

[Mac McKenna]

How long would it take you to open your safe? I saw an engagement ring in your window this afternoon that was just perfect.

[Mike Waring]

An engagement ring?

[Mac McKenna]

Yeah, it was marked 850. Should be crazy about it. Well, in that case, Thanks a lot, Mr. Vance.

[Mike Waring]

If you'll just wait a minute. Sure.

[Mac McKenna]

Do you happen to remember how much it weighed?

[Mike Waring]

One and a half carats.

[Mac McKenna]

One and a half? Suppose I wanted something bigger, say about four?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, I'm sure we can accommodate you. Here we are. Now, if you just look over this tray.

[Mac McKenna]

Yeah, but why don't I do it at home?

[Mike Waring]

What?

[Mac McKenna]

All right, Vance, keep your hands in the showcase. This is the highest. But really, just keep them where they are.

[Mike Waring]

You're making a grave mistake, young man. Now, if you listen to me, you.

[Mac McKenna]

What's that?

[Mike Waring]

I don't know.

[Mac McKenna]

You don't know? You the cute when you stepped on the alarm.

[Mike Waring]

No, you couldn't leave well enough alone.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

All right, you fellas, let's hurry it up and get out of here. Myers, be sure you get a shot of the showcase.

[Mike Waring]

Greetings, men.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Oh, no. Wouldn't you Know it.

[Mike Waring]

Well, if it isn't Sergeant Pulaski. Where's Corbett?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

He's lucky. He's got a day off. What are you doing here, Waring?

[Mike Waring]

I represent the insurance company.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, fellas, we can all go home now. The Falcon is on the case.

[Mike Waring]

You better stick around, man. You might learn something. What have you got? Steve Darn Little. What about Vance?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

He died an hour ago.

[Mike Waring]

Tough. Did he talk before he went?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Not much. Here's a description of his killer.

[Mike Waring]

Blond hair, blue eyes, 5 foot 9. Small mole on right cheek, V shaped scar on left wrist. V shaped scar? That's funny.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

What's so funny about it?

[Mike Waring]

Sounds like a boy I used to know in San Francisco. Well, well, Couldn't be him. Last I heard, Mac was serving five to ten at San Quentin.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Mac who?

[Mike Waring]

Mac McKenna.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

What made you think it's him?

[Mike Waring]

That scar. He got it in the knifing. But it couldn't be the same one.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Couldn't it? Suppose I told you that Mr. McKenna is now guesting in our fair city.

[Mike Waring]

He's what?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

He got it from a stoolie last week. He's living with his wife at the Belmore.

[Mike Waring]

No, it sounds too easy.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, I'm gonna pick him up just for luck. Come along and see how it's.

[Mac McKenna]

That you, Paul?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. All right. Wait a minute. Hello, Mac.

[Mac McKenna]

Hey, what's happening? No, I can't say I do.

[Mike Waring]

Her name is Waring. We met on the coast some years back.

[Mac McKenna]

So?

[Mike Waring]

So now that we've got me identified like you to meet Sergeant Steve Pulaski here. Looks like you were right, Steve.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Looks like.

[Mac McKenna]

What are you babbling about, Steve?

[Mike Waring]

We had a rumble. You were in town. I thought it was impossible. Last I heard you were still in San Francisco.

[Mac McKenna]

I didn't like the climate.

[Mike Waring]

I don't think you like New York's any better. Particularly around 84th Street.

[Mac McKenna]

Come again?

[Mike Waring]

A jewelry shop up there was heisted last night and the proprietor was killed.

[Mac McKenna]

I don't know anything about it.

[Mike Waring]

How do you account for the fact that Steve found your fingerprints on the showcase?

[Mac McKenna]

You're crazy.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Why? You wore gloves.

[Mac McKenna]

Oh, you're nuts.

[Mike Waring]

Wait a minute.

[Mac McKenna]

I'll prove it to you.

[Mike Waring]

Watch him, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Hold it, boy.

[Mac McKenna]

Just wanted to get my coat.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Don't strain yourself.

[Mike Waring]

Get it, Mike. You bet. Well, what have we got here?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

What is it, a.38?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, and it's been fired recently. All right, Sergeant. Since Mac is so fond of jewelry, let him try your bracelets for size.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Hey, McKenna.

[Mac McKenna]

What do you want?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

You got company.

[Laura McKenna]

Mac.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Hiya, Laura, you're gonna have 10 minutes.

[Laura McKenna]

Let me look at you. How are you, honey?

[Mac McKenna]

Not changed much.

[Laura McKenna]

I'm gonna get you out.

[Mac McKenna]

You got a file in your bag.

[Laura McKenna]

I'll work it somehow. I'll get the best lawyer.

[Mac McKenna]

Nah, nah, save your money, baby.

[Laura McKenna]

But if I hired.

[Mac McKenna]

Look, Laura, I never kidded you for a minute. I'm a gone gosling. No, we gotta face the facts, baby. They got me dead to rights. They got my gun.

[Laura McKenna]

Someone ratted. No, it was Paul.

[Mac McKenna]

Nothing of the kind.

[Mike Waring]

Was a fluke.

[Laura McKenna]

Remember Mike Waring, Private detective they called the Falcon?

[Mike Waring]

Mm.

[Mac McKenna]

Well, it seems that he represents the insurance company.

[Mike Waring]

He got lucky.

[Mac McKenna]

He saw the description Vance gave and he thought of me.

[Laura McKenna]

It couldn't happen that way.

[Mac McKenna]

No, but it didn't.

[Laura McKenna]

I don't believe it. I got a feeling Paul.

[Mac McKenna]

Look, forget it. Paul had nothing to do with it. It was Mike Waring.

[Laura McKenna]

Well, I'll pay him back for this. I'll get him for you, Mac, if it's the last thing I do.

[Mac McKenna]

Oh, don't talk like a chef.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I tell you, I'll get him.

[Mike Waring]

How?

[Laura McKenna]

Don't ask me, but I'll manage it some way that you can depend on.

[Eddie]

You're wasting your time, mister.

[Mike Waring]

Huh?

[Eddie]

Mr. Waring ain't in.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, that's a nice. How do you do? I was supposed to meet him here.

[Eddie]

Are you Sergeant Pulaski?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

That's right.

[Eddie]

Well, he told me to give you this note.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Dear Steve, sorry I had to rush.

[Mike Waring]

Off, but the insurance company wanted to.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

See me on the Vance heist. Eddie, the elevator boy will let you in. Mr. Bartlett.

[Mike Waring]

In my desk. Help yourself.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

You Eddie?

[Eddie]

Yeah, that's right.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Got a pass key or do I use mine?

[Eddie]

Are you sure it'll be all right with Mr. Waring?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Here?

[Mike Waring]

Look for yourself, Eddie.

[Eddie]

I'll let you. I guess it's okay. There you are.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Thanks a lot, Eddie. You've been a great sergeant.

[Eddie]

Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. Three hours have passed since Sergeant Steve Pulaski was killed while entering Mike Waring's apartment. And now at the scene of the crime.

[Mike Waring]

All right, Doc, you can move the.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Body anytime you want.

[Mike Waring]

Mind if I take a peek first, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Oh, no, he ain't gonna tell you anything, Mike.

[Mike Waring]

Well, whoever did it wasn't taking any chances. They were probably standing right by the closet. Yeah. Minute the door opened, they fired.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

That's what your elevator boy said.

[Mike Waring]

Did Eddie get a peek at the killer?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

I haven't talked to him yet.

[Mike Waring]

Well, what are we waiting for? Eddie.

[Eddie]

You want me, Mr. Waring?

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. Come over here.

[Eddie]

I don't feel so good.

[Mike Waring]

And I don't blame you.

[Eddie]

You should have seen it, Mr. Waring. It was awful. Every time I think of it, I don't.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

You better give him a drink.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, you already.

[Eddie]

I don't want it.

[Mike Waring]

Come on. Come on. This is good for what ails you. Now, tell me exactly what happened.

[Eddie]

Well, I just opened the door for him and he walked in. Then there was the shot.

[Mike Waring]

Go on.

[Eddie]

That's all I remember.

[Mike Waring]

Didn't you see anyone in here? No.

[Eddie]

I just ran down the hall and got Dr. Wilburn. All I could think of was getting help. Please, Mr. Wayne, can I go now?

[Mike Waring]

All right.

[Eddie]

I'll be downstairs if you want me.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, he was a great help.

[Mike Waring]

I did the best he could. Corbett, I can't tell you how sorry I am about this. If I had been here, you would.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Have gotten it instead.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Who do you know that loves you this much?

[Mike Waring]

Offhand, I can't think of a soul.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Come on, Mike, use your head. You must have annoyed someone recently.

[Mike Waring]

I do that once a week.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, one of them took it real personally.

[Mike Waring]

The only one who comes to my mind is Mac McKenna.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

McKenna?

[Mike Waring]

I was representing the insurance company in that Vance Jewelry stick up. And when Steve described the killer, I thought of McKenna as a suspect.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

What do you think, Mac? How?

[Mike Waring]

By mental telepathy, you got him tucked away safe and sound? Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

You got any of that stuff there? Yeah, here it is. All right. Thank you. Boy, some collection. Look at this. A bill. Fold. With eight bucks, a badge, service revolver and a pair of bracelets.

[Mike Waring]

Ain't much.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Wish some of those newspaper boys would keep yapping about crooked cops could see this. What'd Steve want to see about?

[Mike Waring]

I don't know if I know Corbett. He called me from headquarters this morning and set up the date.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Any idea what it was? Nope.

[Mike Waring]

He didn't want to discuss it on the phone. I got a hunch it was personal.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Reminds me.

[Mike Waring]

What?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Somebody's gotta break the news to Mrs. Pulaski.

[Mike Waring]

What, you mean Steve was married?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Yeah, just a month ago.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, fine. Well, who's gonna tell her?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

You?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, now, listen, Corbin.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Come on, Mike. It's the least you can do. After all, that bullet was intended for you.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, Sergeant. I'd rather stop that slug than do this. I got a feeling this will be just as bad.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Just a second.

[Mike Waring]

Mrs. Pulaski?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yes?

[Mike Waring]

My name is Mike Waring.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, of course. Steve often speaks of you won't you come in?

[Mike Waring]

Thank you.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Steve isn't home right now, but I expect him any minute. Oh, I suppose I should apologize for the looks of this place.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, no.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I guess I'm not much of a housewife, but I'll learn.

[Mike Waring]

Sure you will.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Now, look at me, yakking away like crazy. Here, let me take your coat.

[Mike Waring]

Please don't bother. I can't stay long.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, aren't you gonna wait for Steve? Well, he'll be awful disappointed if he missed you.

[Mike Waring]

Look, Mrs. Pulaski, there's something I have to tell you.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Now, you've got to understand. Steve was a cop, and in his business.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What do you mean, Steve was a cop?

[Mike Waring]

Here, you better sit down.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What happened to him?

[Mike Waring]

Look, Mrs. Pulaski, he's been hurt.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, is that it?

[Mike Waring]

Yes.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, where is he? I gotta go see him.

[Mike Waring]

Well, you can't.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What do you mean, I can't? I'm his wife.

[Mike Waring]

I know that, but you see.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What are you trying to tell me?

[Mike Waring]

He's dead.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, no. No, I don't believe it.

[Mike Waring]

I'm sorry.

[Sergeant Corbett]

He can't be.

[Mike Waring]

It was my fault. Indirectly. You see, the killer was trying to get me.

[Adam Graham]

Oh, Steve.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Steve, I.

[Mike Waring]

No, no, Mrs. Pulaski, you've got to be brave. Steve would want you to be brave.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I never wanted him to be a cop if he'd listen to me.

[Mike Waring]

Well, he couldn't have been anything else. He was cut out for the job. He liked it. Oh.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, please leave me alone.

[Mike Waring]

Well, can I get you anything?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Look, if it makes you feel any better, I promise you I'll get the responsible party.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Will that bring Steve back?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I just want you to know.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I know that my husband's dead. That's enough for me. Now go away and leave me alone.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

More coffee, Mike?

[Mike Waring]

No, I've had enough.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

How'd it go?

[Mike Waring]

Bad. So do you know if Mrs. Pulaski has any relatives?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Not as far as I know.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I wonder what she's going to do. She doesn't look like a girl who's used to working.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, with Steve's insurance and the money from the police pension fund, she'll do all right.

[Mike Waring]

I hope so. So help me, Corbett, if it's the last thing I do, I'll get him.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

If I don't get him first.

[Mike Waring]

Say, wait a minute. Why do we keep saying him, huh? We keep referring to the killer as a him. Couldn't it be a woman?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, you ought to know. The her or him was after you. Look, can you think of Any dame you loused up recently.

[Mike Waring]

What about McKenna's wife, huh? As I recall, she was very devoted to Mac.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

So?

[Mike Waring]

So she might feel I was responsible for putting him away. This could be her way of balancing the books.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

You're nuts.

[Mike Waring]

Well, there's one way to find out. I'm going up to see her. I'll let you know how I make out.

[Laura McKenna]

Yes?

[Mike Waring]

Mrs. McKenna?

[Laura McKenna]

That's right.

[Mike Waring]

I'd like a word with you.

[Laura McKenna]

I'm busy.

[Mike Waring]

You can't be that busy.

[Laura McKenna]

Now, look, mister, I don't know who you are.

[Mike Waring]

Why not ask me?

[Laura McKenna]

Frankly, I don't care.

[Mike Waring]

My name is Mike Waring.

[Laura McKenna]

Mike Waring? Why, you dirty.

[Mike Waring]

Take it easy. Behave yourself.

[Laura McKenna]

Let me go.

[Mike Waring]

Will you behave?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Let's go.

[Mike Waring]

I imagine you're pretty surprised to see me.

[Laura McKenna]

Am I?

[Mike Waring]

Yes. You killed the wrong boy. It was a police sergeant named Steve Pulaski.

[Laura McKenna]

Crazy.

[Mike Waring]

Doesn't the fact that I'm alive convince you?

[Laura McKenna]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Mike Waring]

Look, you're crazy about Mac. When you felt I was instrumental in nailing him, you wanted to get even.

[Laura McKenna]

And I will.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, no, you won't, Laura. In this league, you get one chance. You muffed yours. Now get your coat. We're going places.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, what do you have to say for yourself, Laura?

[Laura McKenna]

Nothing.

[Mike Waring]

Oh.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Then you admit you killed Sergeant Pulaski.

[Laura McKenna]

I admit nothing of the kind.

[Mike Waring]

You tried to gun me. And when Steve walked in, you didn't ask for credentials. You just blazed away.

[Laura McKenna]

I'm not doing any more talking.

[Mike Waring]

Now, will you change your mind? How would you like to see your husband?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Huh?

[Mike Waring]

I asked if you'd like to see Mac.

[Laura McKenna]

Could I?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

If you cooperate.

[Laura McKenna]

All right. I'll tell you anything you want to know.

[Mike Waring]

You were going to kill Waring.

[Laura McKenna]

That's right. Now can I see Mac?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

So you got into his apartment, huh? You got into his apartment.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah.

[Laura McKenna]

Yeah, I did.

[Mike Waring]

How? My door was locked.

[Laura McKenna]

I used the fire escape.

[Mike Waring]

I put you in my bedroom.

[Laura McKenna]

Yeah. Now can I see Mac?

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Laura McKenna]

Well, you promised me.

[Mike Waring]

I promised you you'd see him if you'd cooperate, but you're not. How did you get into my apartment?

[Laura McKenna]

I told you. Through the fire escape.

[Mike Waring]

At least to the kitchen.

[Laura McKenna]

You got me mixed up. I meant the kitchen.

[Mike Waring]

What about the window there?

[Laura McKenna]

It was open.

[Mike Waring]

No, it wasn't. I distinctly remember shutting it before I left.

[Laura McKenna]

I want to see Mac.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, what do you say, Mike?

[Mike Waring]

Okay.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Lois, take Mrs. McKenna down to see her husband and lock her up.

[Laura McKenna]

Thanks a lot, Sergeant. You won't Regret this.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, can you beat that? She means it.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, she's really mad for the guy.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Yeah, she must be to pull that silly stuff. Stunt.

[Mike Waring]

Listen, Corbett, I want you to do me a favor. Release her.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

You nuts?

[Mike Waring]

You don't have to worry. She won't skip. McKenna will hold her like a magnet.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

What's the idea?

[Mike Waring]

Because I got a hunch I want a Test, and without Mrs. McKenna on the loose, I can't.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Oh, you and your hunches.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I don't think she's telling the truth.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

She admitted trying to get you.

[Mike Waring]

I know that. But there's something about this that bothers me.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, you won't be satisfied till she does kill you.

[Mike Waring]

All right, then you can say I told you so. Now what do you say, Corbett?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, okay. But if it doesn't pay off, I'll have your heart. With a little A1 sauce. It ought to be real tasty.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yes?

[Mike Waring]

Mrs. Pulaski?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yes?

[Mike Waring]

This is Mike Waring. How do you feel?

[Sergeant Corbett]

How do you think I feel?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I'm sorry. I only called to tell you that we finally got a line on Steve's murderer.

[Sergeant Corbett]

So?

[Mike Waring]

So, wouldn't you like to know who it was?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Will that bring Steve back?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I suppose you're right. Still, I thought you'd be interested. You see, this party was trying to kill me, and I figure she'll try again.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What do you mean?

[Mike Waring]

Well, I believe this woman is motivated by revenge. If I'm right, Steve's death doesn't satisfy her. Only mine will. That's how we plan to nab her. What do you think?

[Sergeant Corbett]

It doesn't matter what I think. All I know is that Steve is gone. Now leave me alone.

[Mike Waring]

Now show me exactly what happened when Sergeant Pulaski came here this afternoon.

[Eddie]

Well, the first I saw him, he was banging on your door. He looked kind of upset because you weren't in.

[Mike Waring]

That's when you gave him my note.

[Eddie]

Yeah. Then he told me you said it was all right for him to wait inside.

[Mike Waring]

Where were you standing at the time?

[Eddie]

Right about here.

[Mike Waring]

All right, go on.

[Eddie]

So I pulled out my pass key and opened the door.

[Mike Waring]

Show me how.

[Eddie]

You mean you want me to go through the whole thing again?

[Mike Waring]

Mm. I guess Steve was here.

[Eddie]

Uh huh.

[Mike Waring]

All right, now open the door. Like you did.

[Eddie]

That's how it was then. Just as he stepped into the room. Mr. Waring? Mr. Waring?

[Narrator]

Now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. 20 minutes have passed since Mike and Eddie attempted to reenact the murder of Sergeant Steve Pulaski. Unfortunately, the effect was almost as dramatic.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

All right. All right, Mike. Now take a swig of this.

[Mike Waring]

What? What happened?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

You tell me. You were here.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I guess I. Oh.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Hey, that shoulder's gonna be stiff for a week.

[Mike Waring]

Never mind.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Let me. No, no, no, no, no, no. You just stay there till the dock comes.

[Mike Waring]

I'm all right. Well, who was it?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

You asked me.

[Mike Waring]

Well, didn't Eddie.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Eddie did exactly what he did the first time. He ran off to get help.

[Mike Waring]

Then he didn't see who fired the shot.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

No. I guess it's true about people repeating their mistakes.

[Mike Waring]

So I get myself plugged for nothing.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, it's your own fault. I told you Mrs. McKenna was her baby.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, looks like you were right.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Well, I'm gonna put out a call for her.

[Mike Waring]

Wait a minute, Sergeant. I just thought of something.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

What's the matter? You want to give her another chance? No.

[Mike Waring]

I tell you, I've got it all figured out. I know we can nail the killer for sure.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

How?

[Mike Waring]

Look, I'm gonna need a little help. Where's my coat?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Now, don't be silly. You're in no condition to travel.

[Mike Waring]

I'll survive, which is a lot more than I can say for Steve's killer. Now, get my coat.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yes?

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Mrs. Pulaski. Remember me?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Mr. Waring. What happened?

[Mike Waring]

My shoulder. Oh, it's nothing.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Yeah. Yeah, this happens practically once a week.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, this is Sergeant Corbett.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, yes, I know.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

I. I can't tell you how sorry I am about Steve, Mrs. Pulaski. May we?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Of course.

[Mike Waring]

Thanks.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I suppose I should apologize, Mr. Waring.

[Mike Waring]

What for?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, I wasn't very courteous when you called.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's understandable. You were under a strain.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Have you made any progress?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, plenty. Why do you think I'm wearing my arm in a sling?

[Sergeant Corbett]

I don't understand you.

[Mike Waring]

Well, the killer took a shot at me, but I was luckier than Steve.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Oh, then you know who it was.

[Mike Waring]

I think so.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

We even got a confession.

[Mike Waring]

I'm glad you mentioned that, Sergeant, because I told you there something about it that bothered me. Well, now I know what it was.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Yeah? What?

[Mike Waring]

As a phony, Laura McKenna only made it so she could see her husband.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I don't understand.

[Mike Waring]

You see, Mrs. Pulaski, originally we thought this was a plot to kill me that misfired. So we went around looking for people who disliked me. That's how we came up with Mrs. McKenna.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Well, what's wrong with that?

[Mike Waring]

Well, let's consider the actual result in the case. Now, who was the victim?

[Sergeant Corbett]

My husband.

[Mike Waring]

Well, suppose it wasn't an accident at all. Suppose someone was really after Steve. You see the possibilities?

[Sergeant Corbett]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Well, then we come up with a different group of suspects. You remember the personal effects they found on his body?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yes. There was a wallet with $8, a badge and a gun.

[Mike Waring]

Doesn't it strike you that there was something missing?

[Sergeant Corbett]

No.

[Mike Waring]

What happened to his skeleton keys?

[Sergeant Corbett]

What are you talking about?

[Mike Waring]

They weren't on his body. Shall I tell you why? Because the killer used him to get into my apartment. The killer knew that Steve was headed there to see me. Now, who would have had the best opportunity to know of that appointment and to lift the keys?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Who?

[Mike Waring]

You.

[Sergeant Corbett]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, you were real clever, angel. But you made one mistake, and in this game, that's enough to put you away. All right, Corbett, prove it to her.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

I can't get over it when I think it was Mrs. Pulaska.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, so it was, sergeant.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

But why Mike?

[Mike Waring]

Well, she had big financial ideas.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Oh, you mean she knocked Steve off for his insurance?

[Mike Waring]

Was as simple as that. What complicated the deal was that we thought I was supposed to be the victim. That's why she made that second attempt. That was calculated to make us all the more certain that Steve was killed accidentally.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

You know, it's a funny world. Here we had two wives, one married to a crook and the other to a cop. And the crook's wife would have given her life for her husband, and the.

[Mike Waring]

Cop'S wife took his. Yeah, well, fortunately, it very seldom happens that way. But it all goes to prove one thing, eh?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

What?

[Mike Waring]

Marriage may be a great institution, but in some cases it can be murder. Good night, Sergeant.

[Narrator]

The Case of the Strong Sister. The Case of the Strong Sister. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon, when Mike Waring learns that if blood is thicker than water, murder is a relative condition. 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 Corbett. This program came from New York. Fred Collins Speaker.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. This episode had a few surprising twists. My initial assumption was that Sergeant Pulaski was part of that grand old time radio tradition of substitution of actors for other actors on vacation. I was surprised when he was killed and that became the big mystery. And of course, it did take us a while to get to the mystery this episode was about, since the initial killing wasn't really a mystery at all. I also thought that the person who actually did it was a nice subversion of expectations. It was something they acknowledged happened and was possible, but not the most common thing, which I think is a reasonable approach to take. I did suspect Mrs. Pulaski, but without any real firm basis, mainly that the title indicated that there was a murdering Mrs. And the criminal's wife seemed far too obvious. It is worth noting how the series does have a somewhat different tone than it did back during the craft days. Its take on a policeman being killed was definitely much more grounded. Compare this episode to the Case of the Curious Cop, which we played back in September and which aired about 10 months before this one in May 1951, and it's got a very different tone. I think this might be another example of the influence of Dragnet. I've often cited that in explaining how Johnny Dollar, during the early to mid-1950s late 51 through the end of the John Lund era had a lot of episodes that had a more procedural feel to them, with more respect for the police. There was definitely a shift in the public taste as people wanted more realism and less the more fanciful and stylized elements that defined a lot of the post war detective dramas, particularly with the hard boiled style. I did chuckle a bit at the beginning, speaking of realism, when Sergeant Pulaski said the jewelry store owner hadn't been able to tell them hardly anything and then proceeded to rattle off the killer's height, hair color and key distinguishing characteristics including the V shaped scar that put Michael Waring onto him. Not really sure what else the jewelry store owner could have told them. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we start on Instagram with Brains who writes in regarding the case of the killer's key. This was a good story, but the Falcon seemed a little off his game. He is usually so savvy, so giving the location of the first victim to the slimy client when he knew it may put her in danger was weird and he should have gotten paid up front. This is a good point, and I do think that one of the odd changes with these 1952 episodes is that the Falcon does seem a little less savvy than in the 1950 and 5051 episodes. And I'm at a loss to explain why. You not only have the same star, but you've got the same writer in Eugene Wang, you've got the same director in Richard Lewis, and the same producer in Bernard Shubert. And while networks can do some silly things, it's hard to imagine Mr. Shubert saying, okay, we've got a memo from the network, and they don't want the Falcon to be as smart. The only thing I can think of is the change of announcers, and more importantly, the fact that with Ed's luncheonette closed, the Falcon's not getting his Miracle Whip. Now, I'm not a food scientist, so I'm not sure how much the theory that salads without Miracle Whip leads to a decline in job performance is, but it's all I've got. And then over on Facebook, GG has an interesting thing that she's doing. Anyone else try to guess the woman's name the Falcon is going to say in his telephone opener just before he says it. I had a Myra Myrna near miss one day, but haven't hit it yet. Love the podcast. Well, thank you so much, Gigi. That's a fun idea. I had never tried. It didn't occur to me to, but I did before this episode, I guess Linda. And of course it was Lois. So I got the first letter right, but not as close as that Myra Myrna thing. If you want to play along with Gigi and guess the name, feel free. And if you actually hit, send me an email. Well, now it is time for me to thank our Patreon supporter of the day, and I want to go ahead and thank Deborah. Debra has been one of our Patreon supporters since October, currently supporting the podcast at the psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Debra, and that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And be sure to 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, private investigator. Where?

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Now, about Ms. Reagan. When did you see her last?

[Mr. Caldwell]

It will be a week tomorrow. We were getting ready for our work. Julie always left an hour before me.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Everything seemed normal that morning?

[Sergeant Corbett]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

She didn't act peculiar or say anything that may have struck you as unusual?

[Mike Waring]

No.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Where does she work?

[Mr. Caldwell]

Marin County Medical Building in Sausalito. She's an assistant to Mr. Caldwell, the pharmacist.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Did you report to work that morning?

[Mr. Caldwell]

Yes, I've spoken with Mr. Caldwell. She worked the entire day, left at her usual time to come home. I guess he was the last to see us.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Does she drive a car?

[Mr. Caldwell]

Yes.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

Could she have left the city to visit relatives?

[Mr. Caldwell]

Oh, her parents.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Forget.

[Mr. Caldwell]

She has no close relatives.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

What do you mean, no close relatives?

[Mr. Caldwell]

She has a distant cousin in Barstow. She hasn't been in touch with him in years.

[Sergeant Pulaski]

How about her other associates?

[Mr. Caldwell]

She has a few friends and then I called claim to have seen her in the past week.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13, greatdetectives.net follow us on Twitter Radio Detectives, and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.