The Falcon: The Case of the Natural Seven (EP4599)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: Episode Summary – "The Falcon: The Case of the Natural Seven" (EP4599)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
• Host: Adam Graham, Radio Detective Podcasts
• Episode: The Falcon: The Case of the Natural Seven
• Release Date: January 13, 2025

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Introduction

In the episode titled "The Falcon: The Case of the Natural Seven," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a riveting detective drama. Hosted by Adam Graham, a podcast award finalist, this episode features Les Dick as the titular Falcon alongside a cast of memorable characters embroiled in a complex web of gambling debts, murder, and deception.

Plot Overview

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in late evening New York at Princhy Devlin's gambling house located in the East 70s. A young man named Steve Richards is determined to roll a "natural seven" in dice, hoping to win big and settle his gambling debts.

Key Events and Developments

• Steve Richards' Gamble:

  • [01:24] Steve Richards approaches the dice table with the intent to win $5,000, exceeding the table's $500 limit. His desperation leads him to negotiate a high-stakes bet, revealing his willingness to take reckless risks: “I'll roll you one time for 5,000. What do you say?” ([03:06]).

• Altercation with Frenchie Devlin:

  • Frenchie Devlin, portrayed by Alfred Morgan, enforces the gambling rules strictly. Steve's inability to meet the debt results in Frenchie taking an IOU for $5,000, marking the beginning of escalating tensions: “I'll take your IOU. Payable in 10 days.” ([05:39]).

• Introduction of The Falcon – Mike Waring:

  • Enter Mike Waring, the Falcon, a private detective played by Les Dick. He intervenes as Steve's debts spiral out of control, aiming to mediate the conflict: “I’m a private detective.” ([10:05]).

• Murder and Investigation:

  • The plot thickens when Frenchie Devlin is murdered, leading to a police investigation headed by Sergeant Corbett. The Falcon collaborates with the Sergeant to unravel the mystery, uncovering Steve Richards' motives and actions: “You killed Frenchie.” ([27:40]).

• Climactic Reveal:

  • Through meticulous deduction and interrogation, The Falcon discerns Steve Richards' inability to control his impulses as the root cause of his actions. The revelation culminates in Steve's acknowledgment of his guilt: “I was the burglar, but I didn't take a dime.” ([08:59]).

Notable Plot Twists:

• The alibi presented by Nick Zale (another key character) is exposed as faulty, revealing deeper layers of deceit within the gambling establishment.
• The Falcon's strategic removal of a gun shell alters the course of the investigation, demonstrating his prowess in detective work.

Character Analysis

Steve Richards

• Portrayed by: [Character Voice]
• Profile: A young gambler plagued by debts and impulsive behavior. His desperation drives him to engage in high-stakes betting and ultimately leads to his involvement in murder.
• Key Quote: “But you gotta give me a chance to get even.” ([03:06])

Frenchie Devlin

• Portrayed by: Alfred Morgan
• Profile: The strict enforcer of the gambling house's rules, Frenchie represents authority and the consequences of gambling addiction.
• Key Quote: “I'm just saying the line.” ([02:36])

Mike Waring – The Falcon

• Portrayed by: Les Dick
• Profile: A savvy private detective dedicated to uncovering the truth. His interactions are marked by sharp wit and strategic thinking.
• Key Quote: “I’m a private detective.” ([10:05])

Alfred Morgan

• Portrayed by: [Character Voice]
• Profile: An enigmatic figure whose actions and motivations unfold as the story progresses, revealing connections to both Frenchie and Steve.
• Key Quote: “I think you need a drink.” ([04:20])

June Devlin

• Portrayed by: [Character Voice]
• Profile: Frenchie Devlin's distraught widow, whose testimony becomes a crucial element in piecing together the events leading to the murder.
• Key Quote: “I think so.” ([19:37])

Sergeant Corbett

• Portrayed by: Chuck Webster
• Profile: A compassionate police sergeant assisting The Falcon in the investigation, providing a grounded perspective amidst the chaos.
• Key Quote: “Now, Mr. Waring, how wonderful.” ([12:03])

Host Commentary and Insights

Adam Graham's Analysis: At the episode's conclusion, Adam Graham offers his reflections, highlighting Steve Richards as the central figure driven by uncontrollable impulses rather than complex motives. This characterization underscores themes of personal responsibility and the consequences of unchecked behavior.

• "[29:14]: "Steve Richards was our boy. But you never could have made it stick without my help."

Graham appreciates the straightforward portrayal of character motivations, noting the absence of multifaceted motives adds a layer of moral complexity to the narrative. He compares Steve's lack of impulse control to Alec Low, emphasizing the ethical dimensions of character flaws.

Notable Insights:

• The episode effectively uses classic radio drama techniques to build suspense and develop character arcs.
• The strategic removal of the gun’s shell by The Falcon serves as a pivotal plot device, demonstrating the detective's cunning methods.

Listener Feedback

Joseph's Inquiry: An email from a listener named Joseph inquires about accessing scripts from lost episodes of old radio shows, mentioning Barry Craig and Nero Wolf as examples.

• Joseph's Quote: “Are there websites I could try viewing in order to see scripts from lost episodes?... Thanks for all you do and Merry Christmas.”

Adam Graham's Response: Graham provides a comprehensive answer, directing Joseph to genericradio.com as a primary resource for available scripts. He also mentions script books published by Bear Manor Media and suggests larger institutions like the Library of Congress or the Paley Center for more extensive archives. Additionally, recreational radio groups like the American Radio Theater are recommended for those interested in recreations of old time radio scripts.

Conclusion

"The Falcon: The Case of the Natural Seven" masterfully blends suspense, character development, and classic detective tropes, offering listeners a captivating journey through a bygone era of radio drama. Adam Graham's insightful commentary enriches the experience, providing valuable context and analysis that deepens the listener's appreciation of the narrative's intricacies.

For fans of mystery and old-school radio fiction, this episode exemplifies why The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio remains a beloved podcast, continuing to honor and revive the timeless allure of radio detective stories.

Don’t Miss Next Week’s Episode: The next installment, titled "The Case of the Killer's Key," promises another enthralling adventure where Mike Waring uncovers the ties between love, death, and locksmiths. Stay tuned for more suspense and detective prowess.

Stay Connected: Subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your favorite podcast platform, follow on Twitter @RadioDetectives, and check out their Instagram at instagram.com/greatdetectives for updates and behind-the-scenes insights.

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This summary captures the essence and key elements of "The Falcon: The Case of the Natural Seven," providing a comprehensive overview for both avid listeners and newcomers to the podcast series.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. Welcome to our first non encore podcast of 2025. In a moment we're going to bring you this week's Adventure of the Falcon. But if you do enjoy the podcast, I want to encourage you to follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis, support.greatdetectives.net and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month by going to patreon.greatdetectives.net now from March 2, 1952. The title is the Case of the Natural Seven.

[Les Dick]

Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Kathy, I'm glad you called. Now you'll have to count me out tonight, angel. I've got to see a man about a gambling debt. Mm, some boy I know tried to make a seven the hard way and discovered murder was a natural.

[Narrator]

Once again, the National Broadcasting Company brings you the transcribed Adventures of the Falcon starring Les Dick. 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 natural 7. It is late evening in New York and at Princhy Devlin's, a gambling house in the East 70s, a young man named Steve Richards is conducting an interesting experiment. Steve's trying to get a pair of ivory cubes to come up the right way.

[Steve Richards]

Come on, dice, gonna be good to papa. All I want is one little natural.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Eight is the point. Eight. Get your bets down, gentlemen. Get your bets down.

[Steve Richards]

Let's make it the hard way. Two little will do it.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Six and a three. A six and a three. The point is stilly. Brace your beta from the king.

[Steve Richards]

Come on, dice.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Now show em7 a loser. Say the line. Well, I guess this isn't your night, Mr. Richards. Who's next? Next.

[Steve Richards]

Wait, wait a minute. What about one more roll?

[Frenchie Devlin]

Have to wait your turn?

[Nick Zale]

It's okay with me, Nick. Let him shoot.

[Steve Richards]

Thanks, fella. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll roll you one time for 5,000. What do you say?

[Frenchie Devlin]

Sorry, Mr. Richards, there's a $500 limit at this table.

[Steve Richards]

But you gotta give me a chance to get even.

[Adam Graham]

Help.

[Frenchie Devlin]

What you don't seem to understand is that I just work here. I don't make the rules.

[Steve Richards]

Where?

[Frenchie Devlin]

Well, he was here just. Oh, Mr. Devlin. Mr. Devlin.

[Alfred Morgan]

What's the trouble, Nick?

[Frenchie Devlin]

There's no trouble. This gentleman would like to see us.

[Steve Richards]

What kind of a place do you call us, anyway? I thought it was supposed to be a gambling house.

[Alfred Morgan]

Well.

[Steve Richards]

But where's your sport and blood? Nick tells me I can't bet more than $500.

[Alfred Morgan]

That's not rich enough for your blood.

[Steve Richards]

No, I want to shoot 5,000.

[Alfred Morgan]

One roll. Yeah, well, that raises a peculiar point, mister. I'm sorry, I don't believe I caught your name.

[Steve Richards]

It's Richards. Steve Richards.

[Alfred Morgan]

All right, Mr. Richards, you're faded. Give him the dice.

[Steve Richards]

Neck. Well, I. I take it back, Frenchie. You're a sport.

[Alfred Morgan]

Thanks.

[Steve Richards]

Come on, dice. Be good to papa. Just one time.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Poor is the point.

[Steve Richards]

All right, Little Joe, let's do it.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Seven.

[Mike Waring]

Elusive.

[Alfred Morgan]

Satisfied now, Mr. Richards?

[Steve Richards]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm satisfied.

[Alfred Morgan]

I think you need a drink.

[Steve Richards]

No, I'm all right.

[Alfred Morgan]

I insist. After all, you're my guest.

[Steve Richards]

But I tell you, I don't need.

[Alfred Morgan]

Just follow me. Are you a native of New York?

[Steve Richards]

Yeah.

[Alfred Morgan]

I don't believe I ever saw you.

[Les Dick]

At the club before.

[Steve Richards]

This was my first trip.

[Alfred Morgan]

I do hope it won't be your last. All right, in here.

[Narrator]

I would think today that these guys are.

[Alfred Morgan]

Now for that drink now.

[Steve Richards]

Please. Don't bother. I never touch the stuff.

[Alfred Morgan]

I suppose you don't smoke, either.

[Les Dick]

No.

[Alfred Morgan]

No, I don't model. Young man, how wonderful. Oh, do you have your own check, or would you like a blank, huh? In case you've forgotten, you just lost $5,000 to me. Naturally, I assumed we were playing for cash.

[Steve Richards]

Look, Frenchie, there's. There's something I gotta tell you.

[Alfred Morgan]

You don't have the money?

[Steve Richards]

No.

[Alfred Morgan]

Well, that's very embarrassing.

[Steve Richards]

I don't know what possessed me. I thought if I won.

[Alfred Morgan]

But you didn't. Well, those are the fortunes of war. Still, you must appreciate my position. If I lost, you would have expected to collect.

[Steve Richards]

I'm not trying to excuse myself.

[Alfred Morgan]

Well, you needn't worry, Steve. I may call you Steve. I'll take your IOU. Payable in 10 days.

[Steve Richards]

My IOU?

[Alfred Morgan]

Yes. I've got an idea. You make good.

[Steve Richards]

Well, I'm afraid I can't. I haven't got a prospect in the world.

[Alfred Morgan]

Still, I think you'll pay off. Want to bet? I got a gun that says I'm right.

[Steve Richards]

46 left, 32 right, 24 left.

[Mike Waring]

How did you do it?

[Alfred Morgan]

Who's there?

[Nick Zale]

I said, who's there? You better come out from behind that safe.

[Steve Richards]

All right, mister, get him up.

[Nick Zale]

What?

[Steve Richards]

You heard me. Get him up.

[Nick Zale]

Wait a minute.

[Steve Richards]

I'm not waiting for anything. I'll raise him before I plug.

[Nick Zale]

I know you from someplace.

[Steve Richards]

You're out of your mind.

[Nick Zale]

Still, I'd like a look at you without that mask.

[Steve Richards]

I bet you would. Now you're gonna raise your hand.

[Nick Zale]

Steve Richards, isn't it?

[Steve Richards]

What?

[Nick Zale]

Sure, I thought I recognized your voice. Now, have you gone crazy, Steve?

[Steve Richards]

You're the one who's crazy. Who's this richest guy, anyway?

[Nick Zale]

A man who works for me.

[Steve Richards]

Well, I never heard of him.

[Nick Zale]

Then how'd you know the combination of the safe?

[Steve Richards]

You've been in this racket as long as I have, Morgan.

[Nick Zale]

How did you know my name was Morgan?

[Steve Richards]

Well, I can read, can I? It's on a door.

[Nick Zale]

It won't wash. Steve, now, look, if you're in trouble, just get back. I mean, it's. If you're in a jam, I'll help you now, but don't be a fool. You'll never get away with this.

[Steve Richards]

I'd like to see someone stop me.

[Nick Zale]

I know it's you.

[Steve Richards]

Look, I ain't gonna argue with you. You're just plain screwy.

[Nick Zale]

Well, there's one way to find out.

[Steve Richards]

Mr. Morgan. Mr. Morgan, I didn't mean it. I swear I didn't. You gotta believe me. You gotta. Who's there? Who's there? Can you come back later?

[Alfred Morgan]

I'm afraid not.

[Steve Richards]

All right, all right. Just a second.

[Alfred Morgan]

Hello, Steve.

[Les Dick]

Hello.

[Alfred Morgan]

You remember Nicky's Zale?

[Frenchie Devlin]

Sure he does.

[Steve Richards]

What do you guys want?

[Alfred Morgan]

It probably slipped your mind, but I hold your IOU for 5,000. By an odd coincidence, it's due today.

[Steve Richards]

Well, I can't make it.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Good.

[Alfred Morgan]

I'm surprised to hear that, Steve. Especially after what I read in the papers this morning.

[Steve Richards]

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

[Alfred Morgan]

Don't you work for Alfred Morgan? Yeah, but it seems he played host to a masked burglar last night and got shot for his pain.

[Steve Richards]

Well, what's that got to do with me?

[Alfred Morgan]

Well, I was just putting two and two together. Now, if you were the thief.

[Steve Richards]

I wasn't.

[Alfred Morgan]

I'm merely assuming. But if you were, then of course, you'd have my money.

[Steve Richards]

I wasn't the burglar.

[Alfred Morgan]

I think you were.

[Steve Richards]

Did Morgan say so?

[Alfred Morgan]

No. He claims he didn't recognize the man. But I've got a hunch he's lying.

[Steve Richards]

Why should he?

[Alfred Morgan]

To protect you. A form of noblesse oblige.

[Steve Richards]

Well, you're wrong.

[Alfred Morgan]

Why are Your bags packed?

[Steve Richards]

Well, I. I was just going away on a little vacation.

[Alfred Morgan]

At a time when Mr. Morgan needs you most? That's not nice.

[Steve Richards]

All right, all right, Frenchie. I'll tell you the truth.

[Alfred Morgan]

That'd be a welcome chance.

[Steve Richards]

I was the burglar, but I didn't take a dime. After I shot Morgan, I beat it.

[Alfred Morgan]

Well, that wasn't very bright. As long as the damage was done.

[Steve Richards]

I tell you, I didn't take a penny.

[Alfred Morgan]

I think you're liar.

[Steve Richards]

I don't care what you think.

[Alfred Morgan]

Perhaps not, but Nick does. All right, Nate.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Come on, punk. Where's the dough? Where is it?

[Steve Richards]

Leave me alone.

[Frenchie Devlin]

I'll let you alone. I'm gonna get that dough if I have to break every bone in your body. And frankly, fella, that's just the way I'd like.

[Les Dick]

All right, Steve, take a slug of this, huh? Go on, go on. It's good for what ails you.

[Steve Richards]

Who you?

[Les Dick]

Mike Waring.

[Steve Richards]

Mike Waring?

[Les Dick]

I'm a private detective.

[Steve Richards]

You know, the one they call a fork.

[Les Dick]

Wanna bet?

[Steve Richards]

What are you doing here?

[Les Dick]

Al Morgan sent me around.

[Steve Richards]

Morgan?

[Mike Waring]

Yes.

[Les Dick]

You plugged him last night.

[Steve Richards]

No, I didn't.

[Les Dick]

Cut it out, Steve. He recognized you.

[Steve Richards]

I guess I might as well admit it.

[Les Dick]

You might as well.

[Steve Richards]

I suppose you'd come to arrest me, huh?

[Les Dick]

No, Morgan doesn't want that. He figures you wouldn't have tried to tap the safe unless you were in a jam. You mean he's not going to prosecute? Talk about turning the other cheek.

[Steve Richards]

I'll make it up to him. I swear, Mr. Waring, if it's the last thing I do.

[Les Dick]

Never mind the promises. What happened here?

[Steve Richards]

I was beaten up.

[Les Dick]

That I can see for myself. Who did it?

[Steve Richards]

Frenchie Devlin. I'll kill him for this.

[Les Dick]

Don't talk like a fool. What prompted Frenchy, huh? He must have had a reason.

[Steve Richards]

I gave him an iou.

[Les Dick]

So that's why you tried your hand at safe cracking.

[Steve Richards]

He must have been crazy.

[Les Dick]

I won't argue the point.

[Steve Richards]

What are you gonna do?

[Les Dick]

Well, Morgan's willing to forgive and forget. Let's see if I can prevail upon Frenchie Devlin to do likewise.

[June Devlin]

Yes?

[Les Dick]

Hello, Mrs. Devlin.

[June Devlin]

Do I know you?

[Les Dick]

I don't think so. My name is Mike Waring.

[June Devlin]

Well, how did you know I was.

[Les Dick]

Mrs. Devlin, I'm a detective.

[June Devlin]

I beg your pardon?

[Les Dick]

Well, I came up here to see Frenchie, and you opened the door, so I made a suitable deduction.

[June Devlin]

Oh, remarkable.

[Les Dick]

No, no. Elementary. May I come in?

[June Devlin]

Please do.

[Les Dick]

Where's your Husband out.

[June Devlin]

Let me take your coat.

[Les Dick]

But you said Frenchie wasn't home.

[June Devlin]

That's why I'd like to see you comfortable. Aren't you a friend of his?

[Les Dick]

No, not particularly. As a matter of fact, I can't stand the guy.

[June Devlin]

Careful, Mr. Waring. You must remember I'm his wife.

[Les Dick]

Well, I don't imagine you work too hard at it.

[June Devlin]

Oh, but I do. Can I get you a drink?

[Les Dick]

No, thanks. Just tell Frenchie to lay off Steve Richards. If he knows what's good for him.

[June Devlin]

Pardon?

[Les Dick]

He'll understand.

[June Devlin]

Oh, you're not leaving.

[Les Dick]

Oh, but I am.

[June Devlin]

Why not? Leave your card If Frenchie doesn't get back, do you? Maybe I will. Who's there?

[Alfred Morgan]

It's only me, June. You sound disappointed.

[June Devlin]

Maybe I am.

[Alfred Morgan]

You don't want to talk that way. Darling, you give people wrong ideas. I give half a kiss.

[June Devlin]

Will you stop pawing me?

[Alfred Morgan]

You're not that fussy with other people. Why discriminate against me?

[June Devlin]

What are you hinting at?

[Alfred Morgan]

You must think I'm blind. Well, I'm not, lover. I know what's going on.

[June Devlin]

You're crazy.

[Alfred Morgan]

Come here, baby. I want to show you something.

[June Devlin]

Frenchie, I'm warning you. Stay away from me.

[Alfred Morgan]

Or you'll do what?

[June Devlin]

I mean it. Stay away from me. Frenchie. Ricky.

[Narrator]

You have a lot of driving to do between now and spring. And some of it will be made more difficult by bad weather. That means extra caution on your part to avoid an accident. A little extra attention to the rules of driving safety will help you to avoid an accident that could spell tragedy for you, your family or friends. First of all, be sure that your car, especially the brakes and tires, is in perfect condition before you start. And have tire chains handy in case you need them. Second, drive slowly. Third, watch the traffic signals and obey them. And fourth, signal for all stops and turns. Guard against traffic accidents this winter. Drive carefully for your life. And now, back to the Adventures of the Falcon. Two hours have passed since Frenchie Devlin was murdered. And now at police headquarters, the distraught widow pours out her version of the affair in the sympathetic ears of Sergeant Corbett.

[Mike Waring]

Now, now, now, Mrs. Devlin, I know how you feel, but you gotta be brave.

[June Devlin]

I'll try.

[Mike Waring]

That's the ticket.

[June Devlin]

Oh, Sergeant, you're so understanding. I never dreamed a policeman could be so nice.

[Les Dick]

Well, we.

[Mike Waring]

We're not the monsters people think. Now, is there anything else you can tell me?

[June Devlin]

No, no. It all happened so quickly. Frenchy had just walked in. He didn't even have time to take off his coat.

[Narrator]

When the killer fired, did you get.

[Mike Waring]

A look at him?

[June Devlin]

Just a peek. He seemed to be about your size.

[Mike Waring]

Was he stocky or thin?

[June Devlin]

I couldn't say for sure.

[Mike Waring]

Now, you're not giving us much to go on.

[June Devlin]

Well, if you're going to press me, I'd say it was thin. Oh, and I think of poor Frenchie.

[Mike Waring]

Now, now, now, Mrs. Devlin, I'm sorry. Would you happen to know if your husband had any enemies?

[June Devlin]

Oh, no, no, Everybody loved him. He. Well, I almost forgot. I. A man was around today and threatened him.

[Mike Waring]

Who?

[June Devlin]

No, wait a minute. I think I've got his card in my purse.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, Mike Waring.

[June Devlin]

Do you know him?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, very well. All right, Mrs. Devlin, you go on home. I'd like to escort you, but I have a call to make.

[Les Dick]

Just a second.

[Mike Waring]

Hello, Mike.

[Les Dick]

Hello, Sergeant Corbett.

[Mike Waring]

Long time no see.

[Les Dick]

It must be at least two weeks. What brings you to this neck of the woods?

[Mike Waring]

This.

[Les Dick]

That looks like one of my business cards. It is.

[Mike Waring]

You remember handing any out today?

[Les Dick]

No. Oh, wait a minute. Yeah, Yeah. I gave one to June Devlin to pass on to her husband.

[Mike Waring]

Was there a threat attached?

[Les Dick]

What are you getting at?

[Mike Waring]

Well, brace yourself for a shock, kiddo. Frenchy was murdered Once more. You heard me the first time. He was gunned at 4:30 this afternoon.

[Les Dick]

Who did it?

[Mike Waring]

That's the question of the day. What gave with you two?

[Les Dick]

Oh, it's a long story.

[Mike Waring]

That's okay. I got loads of time.

[Les Dick]

All right, hold on to your hat. Cause it gets a little involved. You know Al Morgan?

[Mike Waring]

Oh, the guy who was gunned by a burglar last night? Mm.

[Les Dick]

Morgan's a friend of mine. The boy who shot him was Steve Richards.

[Mike Waring]

Hey, look, if you've been holding out on me.

[Les Dick]

Oh, now, don't go off half cocked. There's nothing else I could do. Morgan won't prosecute.

[Mike Waring]

Why not?

[Les Dick]

Because Steve works for him. Seems the kid was in a jam. He needed money.

[Mike Waring]

Who doesn't? Where does Frenchie fit into this?

[Les Dick]

Now, Steve owed Frenchie the dough on a gambling debt. When the kid couldn't pay off Frenchy and Nick Zale took it out of his hide.

[Mike Waring]

So you went over to ask Frenchy to lay off? Mm. That's very interesting.

[Les Dick]

Well, personally, I thought it was kind of dull.

[Mike Waring]

Well, that's because you're too close to the picture. What's this Steve Richards look like?

[Les Dick]

It's pretty hard to say. His own mother wouldn't know him. After the workout Frenchie and Nick gave him.

[Mike Waring]

Is he about my size? Why because Mrs. Devlin got a fast look at the killer. According to her, he was about 5 foot 9 and on the thin side.

[Les Dick]

Does that fit? Steve Richards fits a million people.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah, Mike, but we don't have a million suspects. Let's go see what this one has to say about it.

[Steve Richards]

Mike, I don't know anything about it. It's all Greek to me.

[Les Dick]

You sure you haven't budged from this room since I saw you?

[Mike Waring]

No, I don't believe it.

[Steve Richards]

That's all right, Sergeant. I don't blame you. I behave like a first class jerk.

[Mike Waring]

You certainly have.

[Steve Richards]

Wouldn't I be a fool to jeopardize everything after Morgan gave me another chance?

[Les Dick]

How did you wind up in Frenchy's club in the first place? And don't tell me you needed money for your mother's operation.

[Steve Richards]

No, it's even more obvious than that. I thought I could get something for nothing. So I pulled out every dime I had in the bank and tried my luck.

[Les Dick]

It wasn't very good.

[Steve Richards]

Well, I guess I'm the kind of guy has to learn the hard way.

[Mike Waring]

Yeah. Well, Mr. Waring, where do we go from here?

[Les Dick]

I don't know about you, Sergeant, but I've got an idea. I'll let you know how I make out. Hello, Mrs. Devlin.

[June Devlin]

Well, if it isn't the bad penny. Come in.

[Les Dick]

I understand I'm indebted to you.

[June Devlin]

How so?

[Les Dick]

Didn't you give my card to Sergeant Corbett?

[June Devlin]

I thought you might like some publicity.

[Les Dick]

No, not me. I'm the modest type. Corbett tells me you saw the man who killed your husband.

[June Devlin]

Well, not exactly.

[Les Dick]

Well, you got a close enough look. So you'd recognize him if you saw him again?

[June Devlin]

I think so.

[Les Dick]

Would you mind describing how it happened?

[June Devlin]

I told the Sergeant.

[Les Dick]

Now tell me.

[June Devlin]

Well, Frenchie had just come in. He was going over to the bar to pour himself a drink. Just then the door behind him opened.

[Les Dick]

Where were you during all this?

[June Devlin]

Sitting right there on the sofa.

[Les Dick]

You're lying, angel.

[June Devlin]

What?

[Les Dick]

I said you're lying. Look at the layout of this room. Well, your sofa is right next to the door. And the way the door is hinged. If you were sitting where you claim you couldn't possibly see anyone behind it, you're crazy. If you'd like me to demonstrate.

[June Devlin]

If I did, I wouldn't have you work on the door.

[Les Dick]

Look, Mrs. Devlin.

[June Devlin]

June.

[Les Dick]

The police suspect my client of killing your husband.

[June Devlin]

Your client?

[Les Dick]

Yes, Steve Richards.

[June Devlin]

So?

[Les Dick]

So Steve's allergic to chairs, particularly those wired for sound. It's my job to keep him out of it.

[June Devlin]

For which you get paid?

[Les Dick]

That's right.

[June Devlin]

If I'm not too personal, what are your rates?

[Les Dick]

I get $100 a day, plus expenses.

[June Devlin]

Oh, that's no money for a man like you. Suppose I could triple it.

[Les Dick]

What would I have to do to earn it?

[June Devlin]

Just keep me company.

[Les Dick]

Wouldn't I be in the way when your other friends came to call?

[June Devlin]

What other friends?

[Les Dick]

Angel. Gal like you must have millions. How about Nicky Zale?

[June Devlin]

What?

[Les Dick]

Well, with Nick working for Frenchie would have been so convenient.

[June Devlin]

How dare you.

[Les Dick]

It's a mighty nice right you got there.

[June Devlin]

Get out.

[Les Dick]

All right, Angel. And I'll be back. I never could resist strong women. Hello?

[June Devlin]

Nick, is that you?

[Frenchie Devlin]

Yeah, June. You got rocks in your head? What's the idea of calling me up now?

[June Devlin]

Hang up, Nick, I gotta see you.

[Frenchie Devlin]

I told you to hang up. This wire may be tapped.

[June Devlin]

Look, you don't understand. Mike Waring was just here. He doesn't believe that story I gave the police.

[Frenchie Devlin]

What he thinks doesn't bother me.

[June Devlin]

Well, he knows about you.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Who told him?

[June Devlin]

I don't know. He must have guessed.

[Frenchie Devlin]

You don't guess about things like that, Nick.

[June Devlin]

You shouldn't have killed him.

[Frenchie Devlin]

What did you say?

[June Devlin]

Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.

[Frenchie Devlin]

I don't like that kind of talk.

[June Devlin]

Look, I apologize, didn't I. What are you going to do about wearing? You've simply got to.

[Frenchie Devlin]

All right, June, I got the message. Now relax now. Give it my immediate attention.

[Alfred Morgan]

Hey, buddy. Buddy? Me?

[Frenchie Devlin]

Yeah. Come with you for a match?

[Les Dick]

Sure. I got. Well, but isn't Nikki Zale.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Small world, ain't it?

[Les Dick]

Too small.

[Frenchie Devlin]

I want to talk to you.

[Alfred Morgan]

Sure.

[Les Dick]

Let's go to my place.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Why bother? I got a car parked in the alley.

[Les Dick]

Oh, I hate talking in cars.

[Frenchie Devlin]

You don't have much choice. You see what I mean?

[Les Dick]

I see.

[Frenchie Devlin]

All right. Forward march.

[Les Dick]

Well, I bet you've been talking to June Devlin.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Never mind who I've been talking to.

[Les Dick]

It's pretty darling got there, Nick. Of course, when I say you got, I use the term loosely.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Shut up.

[Les Dick]

Don't tell me you trust her.

[Frenchie Devlin]

You gotta keep that mouth shut.

[Les Dick]

Yeah, sure. Well, what now?

[Frenchie Devlin]

Try that blue Nash you're gonna drive.

[Les Dick]

I hope it's got hydramatic.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Don't be funny.

[Les Dick]

I didn't mean to be.

[Frenchie Devlin]

Get behind a wheel.

[Les Dick]

Yes, sir, a starter up.

[Frenchie Devlin]

And no funny business. Okay, now head for the George Washington Bridge. I know a nice quiet spot on the other side.

[Les Dick]

Hey, you're pretty low on gas.

[Frenchie Devlin]

What are you worried about you won't have to walk back?

[Les Dick]

Get going.

[Narrator]

Last year, thousands of Americans who tried to get away with carelessness on the highways were killed or permanently injured in traffic accidents. No. Accidents don't always happen to the other fellow. Unless you are meticulous in your observance of the rules of highway safety, you and your loved ones are vulnerable to the menace of traffic accidents. Most frequent causes of such accidents are speed too great for the conditions of the road, failure to keep to the right of the center line, and immoderate drinking by the driver. Every motorist should learn and obey traffic signals and signs. Every motorist should be alert and careful every moment behind the wheel. Every motorist and pedestrian should take an active role in supporting the safety movement in his or her community. Encourage driver training in your high schools. Teach your children the rules of safety on the highway. And remember, the life you save may be your own. And now back to the Adventures of the falcon. 35 minutes have passed since Nick Zale offered to take Mike Waring for a ride. And now, five miles beyond the George Washington Bridge.

[Frenchie Devlin]

All right, Waring, slow down. Pull out of that side road there. Okay. Any place along here will be fine. All right, get out.

[Les Dick]

What for? This is so cozy.

[Frenchie Devlin]

You gonna get out?

[Les Dick]

Okay, Nick, let's suppose you join me.

[Alfred Morgan]

Let's go.

[Les Dick]

Let go.

[Alfred Morgan]

I'll shoot.

[Les Dick]

No, you don't. Oh, you nasty man.

[Mike Waring]

Ah.

[Les Dick]

Drop it. So you want to play rough, huh?

[Steve Richards]

Leave me alone.

[Les Dick]

I'll let you alone. Not so tough without that gun, are you? All right, now get back in the car. This time you drive. You're gonna take me for another ride, and I guarantee you'll like this even less.

[Mike Waring]

That's all well and good, Mike, but you heard what the man claims. He says he just wanted to talk.

[Frenchie Devlin]

To you, that's all.

[Les Dick]

So you had to drive me clear to Jersey?

[Frenchie Devlin]

The air there is better for my sinuses.

[Les Dick]

Look, sergeant, I tell you he killed Frenchie Devlin.

[Mike Waring]

Where's his motive?

[Les Dick]

I can give you a dozen. Number one, with Frenchie out of the way, he could take over the club. Not to mention Frenchie's widow.

[Frenchie Devlin]

You're crazy.

[Les Dick]

How do you think you'd look without those teeth?

[Mike Waring]

I hate to spoil your fun, Mike, but there's one thing wrong with your theory. Frenchy was gunned at 4:30.

[Narrator]

So?

[Mike Waring]

So at 4:15, Nick was down here renewing his license to carry a gun. Are you sure that Positive. Now you tell me how one man can be in two places at the same time.

[Les Dick]

Now, Wait a minute, Sergeant. I think I see how it could be managed.

[Mike Waring]

How?

[Les Dick]

I'll need a guinea pig to demonstrate. Luckily I know where I can find one. Want to come along and watch?

[Steve Richards]

Come.

[Les Dick]

Hello, Steve.

[Steve Richards]

Hi.

[Les Dick]

You remember Sergeant Corbett?

[Steve Richards]

Yeah, sure.

[Mike Waring]

How do you feel?

[Steve Richards]

Well, much better, thanks.

[Les Dick]

Well, we got it all locked up.

[Steve Richards]

Good.

[Les Dick]

No, it's not as good as all that. We're gonna need your help, Steve.

[Steve Richards]

I'll do anything I can.

[Les Dick]

All right, here's the problem. I last under Nick Zale as Frenchy's murderer, but unfortunately he has a cast iron alibi.

[Steve Richards]

How's that?

[Les Dick]

It seems Frenchy was killed at half past four. And at 4:15 Nick was down at police headquarters. Now it would take him at least 40 minutes to get from there to Frenchy's apartment.

[Steve Richards]

So?

[Les Dick]

Well, you see the problem that creates.

[Steve Richards]

Sure. How can one man be in two places at the same time?

[Mike Waring]

That's just what I asked.

[Les Dick]

Well, I finally thought of the answer.

[Alfred Morgan]

What?

[Les Dick]

He can't be. So that means we have to look to someone else.

[Steve Richards]

What do you mean?

[Les Dick]

I'm afraid you're elected, Steve.

[Steve Richards]

What?

[Les Dick]

You killed Frenchie.

[Steve Richards]

So you got it all figured out, huh?

[Les Dick]

I think so. The only reason I passed you by originally was because it seemed too obvious.

[Steve Richards]

Well, I figured on that.

[Les Dick]

Well, you were wrong. Eventually we had to come back to you.

[Steve Richards]

Yeah, but there's one thing you didn't figure out.

[Mike Waring]

What's it, Mike? It's got a gun.

[Les Dick]

There's nothing to worry about, Sergeant. I noticed it the first time I was here, so I removed the shell.

[Steve Richards]

You no good.

[Les Dick]

Well, I couldn't afford to have you hurt yourself.

[Steve Richards]

Dirty double cry.

[Mike Waring]

All right, let's have it, Steve. Thanks. Well, so this is the little gimmick. The devil.

[Les Dick]

It's loaded.

[Steve Richards]

But you said you emptied it.

[Les Dick]

Well, I guess I can't be trusted. But you can't be trusted either, so that makes us even. Steven. Take care of him, Sergeant. He's all yours. Got enough there? Would you like a refill?

[Mike Waring]

No, no, no, this is fine, Mike.

[Les Dick]

Well, I'm glad you're happy, Corbett. After all, this party is on you.

[Mike Waring]

On me?

[Les Dick]

Well, didn't I make you look like a big man?

[Mike Waring]

You made me look like a first class Smough.

[Les Dick]

Huh?

[Mike Waring]

I said right at the beginning that Steve Richards was our boy.

[Les Dick]

Oh yes, but you never could have made it stick without my help.

[Mike Waring]

I like that. I got a good mind.

[Les Dick]

Oh, don't flatter yourself. You've got no mind at all. If I could talk you out of Steve As a suspect, what do you think a lawyer would have done? When Steve pulled that gun, that was the one piece of evidence you needed. But you never would have gotten it without my badgering him.

[Mike Waring]

What gets me is his motive. After all, he only met Frenchie twice.

[Les Dick]

Yeah, but that second meeting was a beaut. So he decided to get even.

[Mike Waring]

Well, I don't know.

[Les Dick]

What's the matter, Sergeant? Haven't you ever been so sore at someone you felt you could kill him right then and there? Steve never learned to stifle his impulse.

[Mike Waring]

Come to think of it, you're right. Yeah. There's one character I run across occasionally. And every time I do, I get a mad desire to throttle him.

[Les Dick]

Who's that?

[Mike Waring]

You. I better leave before I give way to the impulse. Hey, waiter. Give him the check. Good night, Mike.

[Narrator]

The Case of the Killer's Key. The Case of the Killer's Key. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon, when Mike Waring learns that if love laughs at locksmiths, it may be because death holds the key. 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 speaking.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Another case where the client did it, and Waring teased us into thinking that there'd be some clever reveal, but his specialty is just sounding super confident of what he was saying to bluff people into confessing. I guess if it's not broke, don't fix. I did also like the idea that he had an overall lack of impulse control, which is why he went ahead and committed the murder. And that was actually hinted at several times through the story. I mean, the reason he got into trouble was trying to bet 5,000 when he didn't have it because he just had the impulse. And then he shot the boss because he also had an impulse and didn't grab any money. So all the people who had complex motives, not them. It was just the guy who couldn't control himself, which is immoral. But I also think of Alec Low. Now we turn to listener comments and feedback. And we have an email from Joseph, who writes. Hi, Adam. Forgive me if this is a question you've already answered from different people. Are there websites I could try viewing in order to see scripts from lost episodes? The shows with lost radio scripts, which I would love to see, are Barry Craig and Nero Wolf, just to name A couple thanks for all you do and Merry Christmas. Well, thank you so much. Appreciate the question. And I don't know if that specifically has been asked. Generally when I've been asked about scripts, it's been in regards to performance, which and copyright, which is never something I'm particularly comfortable commenting on because it's an entirely different area. But in terms of obtaining radio scripts, the only big free website you can really check out is genericradio.com and I will say that most of their scripts are for programs that are in circulation, but there are some exceptions. They have a script for Pat Novak for Hire of a Lost Episode. You can even look at the PDF. It's an original script. They have others that old time radio reenactment groups have gone ahead and submitted their script. I think there are some Sam Spades that fall into that category. And they also have a link to the tobacco industry documents. And there were several scripts that were found as part of a lawsuit against the tobacco company. And the requirement that documents be posted online also included radio scripts at the time of recording. The search function for that was kind of acting up. But there were times when the Fat man and Richard Dimon were sponsored by a tobacco company. So you might be able to find lost scripts there. Beyond that, there have been some script books published. I own script books for both Sam Spade and Pete Kelly's Blues. There are others that have been published for Jack Benny and also for the Radio Adventures of Doc Savage, among others. Though the Doc Savage script book is out of print and many of those radio script books are produced by Bear Manor Media. If it's not in a script book or genericradio.com the only options that I'm aware of are it is in a large instit such as the Library of Congress or the Paley center, or it might be in a university library if the writer of the scripts donated their scripts to the libraries. And of course, some are in the hands of private collectors now. I should add that I don't actually have much use for the lost radio scripts myself. Those that do recreations of old time radio scripts might provide more elaboration, such as the American Radio Theater or the Gotham Radio Players. And I believe the Metropolitan Washington Radio Club has done some recreations as well and they might have more insights. But in terms of actual websites that will have a lot of radio scripts on them, the only one I'm aware of is genericradio.com all right, well, thank you so much. Appreciate the question. Now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the Day, and I want to go ahead and thank Charlie. Charlie's been one of our patreon supporters since October 2019, currently supporting the podcast at the Seamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Charlie. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us, your favorite podcast software, and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We will be back next Monday with another episode of the Falcon, but join us back here tomorrow for our first episode with Matthew Slade, private investigator on the Starlight Mystery Theater, where I'll begin.

[Steve Richards]

By asking you if you're familiar with.

[Sergeant Corbett]

The murder case involving a beautiful young model named Grover Shannon.

[Mike Waring]

Yes, I am.

[Les Dick]

She was murdered about a month ago. The police have no clues, or so they say.

[Sergeant Corbett]

I've been trying to remedy that. The law's hard to convince. Clover attended one of our luncheons two months before she was murdered. Most of us dated her. We were all questioned by the police and cleared. They couldn't make any connection between her death and the club.

[Steve Richards]

What do you care?

[Sergeant Corbett]

I know who killed her. It was a man called Paul Emerson.

[Les Dick]

But who is this Paul Emerson?

[Sergeant Corbett]

His father has controlling interest in the Emerson Deerfield Chemical Company. Paul's vice president.

[Les Dick]

You'll meet him.

[Sergeant Corbett]

Matt Bunch. For what proof do you have he did it? None, right now. That's where you come in, Mr. Sling.

[Les Dick]

You must have a reason for suspecting.

[Mike Waring]

I have.

[Sergeant Corbett]

The police don't think it's very good.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box [e-mail], follow us on Twitter at Radio Detectives and check us out on instagram.instagram.com. greatdetectives. From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.