The Falcon: The Case of the Snappy Snapshot (EP4801)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: The Falcon: The Case of the Snappy Snapshot (EP4801)
Date: September 15, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Featured Drama: The Falcon – “The Case of the Snappy Snapshot” (First aired May 30, 1954)

Episode Overview

This episode brings listeners the final surviving broadcast of The Adventures of the Falcon, an iconic Golden Age detective radio drama. Host Adam Graham presents a classic “picture frame” mystery involving blackmail, murder, a wax dummy, and a scheming villain who manipulates both the victim and fellow criminals. Graham also reflects on the series, its cast, and its place in OTR history in his customary post-show commentary.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting Up the Frame Job

[02:09–08:53]

• Two crooked private detectives, the Kemp brothers (Walter & George), prowl the Bowery looking for someone to use in a setup.
• They recruit down-on-his-luck Paul Ziegler to impersonate a lover in a staged photograph to be used as divorce evidence against wealthy Phyllis Howard.
• Payments and clothing upgrades are negotiated, underscoring Paul's desperation and the brothers’ manipulation.

Memorable Quote:

“We furnish the evidence that she's seeing some other guy on the side. And what if she ain't? Then we manufacture it.”
— Walter Kemp [07:00]

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2. The Break-In—and a Murder

[08:53–11:40]

• A stranger (Paul, as “Little Paulie”), breaks into Phyllis Howard’s apartment, pretending to be a charming intruder.
• He threatens her lightly, tries to steal jewelry, and during a staged embrace, a struggle ensues.
• As the encounter escalates, a gunshot rings out. Phyllis later finds Paul dead and fears she will be blamed for murder.

Notable Exchange:

“He tried to kiss me. And while we were struggling, there was a shot.”
— Phyllis Howard [12:35]

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3. Falcon Enters

[11:40–15:07]

• In a panic, Phyllis seeks help from private detective Mike Waring (the Falcon).
• Mike investigates, noting inconsistencies—such as the “gun” being a toy and stolen goods reappearing.
• Suddenly, an envelope with incriminating photographs arrives—snapshots of Phyllis slumped over the supposed corpse.

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4. Blackmail & the Blackmailer’s Twist

[15:08–19:57]

• The mysterious blackmailer, “Prince,” contacts Phyllis via an intermediary, Carlos Dario, demanding $20,000 for the photographic negatives.
• In a clever twist, both Dario and Howard are being blackmailed with the same evidence; the blackmailer is playing both as victims.

Memorable Quote:

“You two are victims of the same racket. The only way it makes sense.”
— Mike Waring [18:29]

• Mike exposes the con: the photos could have been staged with a dummy, and the only risk to the blackmailer is producing the real body.

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5. The Wax Dummy Reveal

[19:58–24:13]

• Mike and Phyllis involve Sergeant Corbett, asking him to discreetly remove the “body.” When they open the hiding place, the corpse is gone—replaced by a wax dummy.
• Corbett is baffled and annoyed, suspecting a prank.

Memorable Moment:

“That ain’t no stiff. It’s a wax dummy.”
— Sergeant Corbett [21:34]

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6. Trap for the Real Villain

[24:14–29:10]

• The blackmailer “Prince” contacts again, demanding $40,000, having learned Dario supposedly paid up.
• Mike, realizing the scam, holds onto the payoff and waits. Dario bursts in, angrily demanding his $20,000 back, but falters and drops his accent.
• Mike confronts Dario, exposing him as “Prince”—the mastermind who orchestrated both the murder and the fraudulent blackmail, duping all parties.

Notable Quote:

“You dropped your accent… You made a mistake there, Dario. Anyone as slick as you is bound to slip now and then.”
— Mike Waring [27:32]

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7. The Final Scheme Unraveled

[28:05–29:40]

• Mike recaps his deductions: Dario faked being a co-victim, arranged the murder, replaced the body with a dummy to erase evidence, and tried to collect from both marks.
• The criminal gang included the Kemp brothers, who lured Paul into the fatal setup.

Notable Exchange:

“When he gave me that $20,000, he knew he was bound to get it back, plus another 20 of yours and his.”
— Mike Waring [28:24]

“And while the two of us were battling, he shot him. And then when you keeled over, he went to work with the camera.”
— Mike Waring [29:01]

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8. Wry Closure

[29:13–29:40]

• Phyllis muses about the wild story Mike just told, joking about telling her children one day.
• Mike responds with characteristic good-natured flirtation.

Memorable Closing Line:

“Let me handle the adoption papers. Good night, Angel.”
— Mike Waring [29:20]

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Timestamped Notable Quotes

• “We furnish the evidence... if she ain't, we manufacture it.” — Walter Kemp [07:00]
• “He tried to kiss me. And while we were struggling, there was a shot.” — Phyllis Howard [12:35]
• “You two are victims of the same racket...” — Mike Waring [18:29]
• “That ain't no stiff. It's a wax dummy.” — Sergeant Corbett [21:34]
• “You dropped your accent... Anyone as slick as you is bound to slip.” — Mike Waring [27:32]
• “Let me handle the adoption papers. Good night, Angel.” — Mike Waring [29:20]

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Adam Graham’s Post-Show Commentary

[31:56–35:24]

• Graham appreciates the clarity of this episode’s audio, noting its rarity among the Falcon’s surviving archives.
• He praises the twisty plot, the layered villain, and continuity in casting (confirmation of Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett).
• Graham reflects on the era’s evolution in storytelling maturity and the loss of many mid-century radio programs due to archiving practices.
• Honors George Petrie, the Falcon’s voice in over 90 episodes, while acknowledging Les Damon’s iconic portrayal.

Host Quote:

“It's a great twisty Falcon case with a bad guy whose elaborate scheme involves murder and playing another victim of the scheme, all in hopes of collecting a cool $20 grand.”
— Adam Graham [32:10]

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Structure & Flow

The mystery unfolds through:

• The recruitment of a patsy
• A staged crime gone deadly
• The detective uncovering multiple levels of deception and blackmail
• The criminal attempting to outsmart everyone
• Clever reversals and a satisfying reveal

Tone throughout maintains classic hardboiled wit—snappy dialogue, playful flirtation, and shrewd deductions by Mike Waring.

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For Listeners

Even if you haven’t heard the episode, this summary walks you through every major character, double-cross, and surprise, preserving the fun and flavor of the Golden Age detective genre.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Mike Waring]

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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 are going to bring you the last circulating episode of the Adventures of the Falcon. But first, I do want to encourage you if you are enjoying the podcast to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Our listener support and appreciation campaign continues. You can become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month by going to patreon.greatdetectives.net Given the episodes that we played so far, I feel like I should warn you that the sound quality on this episode is actually pretty decent. Usually it's the other way around, but this is the one that actually sounds pretty good. So here from May 30, 1954 is the case of the Snappy Snapshot.

[Mike Waring]

Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Helen, I'm glad you called. I won't be able to make it tonight. Angel. Seems my client is having trouble with his competitors and he wants me to give him the business. The Mutual Broadcasting System takes pleasure in bringing you the new transcribed Adventures of the Falcon, starring George Petrie as Mike Waring. In just a moment, the Adventures of the Falcon. But first, now here a mutual minute. One man's mystery may be another's poison, but on Mutual you can find mystery throughout the week to please any taste. If factual police action drama is your pleasure, then you'll want to tune in every week for Under Arrest and Crime Fighters. On Under Arrest, police captain James T. Scott pursues a twisted path of criminal activity to its inevitable conclusion. A Man Under Arrest Crime Fighters is a program that emphasizes the equal importance of all who wage war against the enemies of society. For people whose taste in mystery fair is for the unusual, the strange and the eerie, there's nightmare here every week you can hear the master of chills, Peter Laurie, narrate a tale of taught suspense. And for the intrigue and delight of breathless excitement in high places across the world, screen star George Sanders brings high adventure. Don't forget it's Mutual for mystery. All kinds of mystery throughout the week over most of these stations. And now we invite you to listen to the adventures of the Falcon as Mike Waring solves the case of the snappy snapshots. There's one thing you learn working as a private detective. Persistence always pays off. As a case in point, I give you the two gentlemen driving along the Bowery. They are the Kemp brothers, Walter and George. They run a private detective agency in town. You'd never guess to look at them. They're a couple of philanthropists. But no relief organization ever looked harder to find a worthy object of their charity than the Kemp boys. Slow down, George. See something, Wallet? Yeah. How about that bum standing near the pawn shop? Kind of old, ain't he? What difference does it make? Stop the car. Hey, Pop. Hey, Pop. Come over here, will you? You want me, mister, huh? Yeah. Would you like to make yourself five bucks? I ain't looking for what Buckham. Ten will I'll do, pal. You come with us and I'll dou it. What would I have to do? Nothing hard. We'll explain it to you later. No, I'm not interested. You better get somebody else. You all bump? You hit me, H. All right, let him go, Wallet. All right, beat it. Why? Before I poke you on. All right, George. Wait a minute. Wallet. How about that character over there? What character? Sleeping in the hallway. You see him? I got to cut your motor. Okay, let's go. Keep your eyes peeled for cop. Hey, buddy. Buddy. Let me go. Will you mind? Get up off that floor. I ain't doing nothing. Must do. I'm just trying to grab a little snooze. I could find some other place. Okay. Okay. Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. I'm just thinking maybe my brother and I could use you. How would you like a nice steady job with easy hours and all expenses on a house? Why pick on me? Cause you look like the kind of a man we want. What's your name? Paul Ziegler. Great to meet you, Paul. My name is Walter Kemp. This is my brother George. Yeah, hi. Hurry it up, Walter. Look, Paul, you got any family? No. Where you from? Philadelphia. Any friends in town? No. Swell. I suppose you come along with us. Uh. What's the matter? I changed my mind. Come on, Walter. How much time you gonna waste with this schmo? You think you'd be right for the job? Yeah. And what are you schmoozing for? What are you waiting for? Waller. I dropped him. You'll pick him up. He's coming Too. Okay, George, you better beat it. What for? You don't think he'll want to play ball if he sees you here? Especially after the way you socked. All right, I'll meet you at the house. Don't wait up. I may be late. Oh, hello, Paul. How do you feel? Who the devil are you? Walter Kemp. You remember. You're the one who slugged me. Nah, nah, that was my brother. Where is he? Take it easy. George is a little hot headed. Yeah, well, nobody's pushing me around. I didn't mean to. He just lost his temper. After all, he offered your job for 60 a week. 60 a week? That's right. For how long? As long as you want it. Maybe after the first month, there might even be a little raise. What would I have to do? Practically nothing. You see, my brother and I run a little detective agency. We specialize in divorce cases. What do you mean? Well, suppose you were married to some dame you didn't like. We furnish the evidence that she's seeing some other guy in the sight. And what if she ain't? Then we manufacture it. I don't get you. Look, we got a case in the office right now. That's what we wanted you for. My client is married to a gal named Phyllis Howard. Phyllis Howard? That's right. And just because my client's got a couple of bucks, she won't let him go. So we're gonna fix it so she's got no choice in the matter. How? Well, tomorrow morning around 6 o', clock, we'll get you into her apartment through a window. Her husband will be waiting on a fire escape with a camera. Now all you gotta do is put your arms around her while he takes a picture. And I get 60 bucks for the job? That's right. Ain't enough. I want a hundred drive an awful tough bargain. Now you heard me. You ain't dealing with some chump, you know. I want 100 bucks. So it's no deal. Well, since it's all set up for tomorrow, okay. Now wait a minute. That ain't all. I ain't going to this Phyllis's apartment in these clothes. I'll worry about it, Paul. As long as I know we can count on you, we'll have you dressed to kill. Now what could be fairer than that?

[Phyllis Howard]

Who's there?

[Mike Waring]

Who's there? It's only me, baby.

[Phyllis Howard]

What are you doing in here?

[Mike Waring]

Came up to see you. Wasn't that nice of me?

[Phyllis Howard]

Get out.

[Mike Waring]

Ah, now you don't really mean that, Phyllis.

[Phyllis Howard]

Who told you My name One of your Myras.

[Mike Waring]

Now, you know something? I can't see why you'd want to get rid of a good looking babe like you. Look, if you want money, just hold it, sweetheart. I'll get it. Little Paulie wouldn't think of troubling you. You just stay right where you are. What's in this box here?

[Phyllis Howard]

My jewelry.

[Mike Waring]

Is it insured?

[Phyllis Howard]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Oh, then you won't mind if I help myself, huh?

[Phyllis Howard]

Will you please get out?

[Mike Waring]

Sure. Oh, I almost forgot. There was something else I came for. Come here, baby. All I want is one kiss. Let go. Don't fight old Paul, honey. This ain't gonna hurt a bit.

[Phyllis Howard]

Let go.

[Mike Waring]

Come on, fellas, give. Who may even get to like you?

[Phyllis Howard]

Don't let go of me. No. Go.

[Mike Waring]

In a moment we'll return to the Adventures of the Falkan. But first, if you're a baseball fan, this is for you. The whole fascinating story of the sport. The first professional game ever played. The team that scored 106 runs in one game. Colorful facts about Babe Ruth. The player who was fined $50 for hitting a home run. All this and much, much more. And the Mutual Baseball Almanac. A hardcover book in full library size that sells for $3 in the deluxe edition. Wherever books are sold, the special radio edition can be yours for just $1. All you have to do is send your dollar to baseball box 144, New York 46. Here is a 256 page book crammed full of all the facts and figures you need to win any baseball argument. And there are special articles by some of the biggest stars in baseball. Campanella Pearsall, Dobby Rizzuto, Musial and many others. Send for your copy of the Mutual Baseball almanac. Now, just $1 to baseball box 144, New York 46. Your money back at this book is not all I say. That's baseball box 144, New York 46. Now back to the Adventures of the Falcon. Three hours later, I was awakened from a beautiful dream by the doorbell. It was a pity to break it up. I was having such a wonderful time. I tried to find my place again. But whoever was leaning on the bell refused to get discouraged. So I tossed on a robe and staggered to the door.

[Phyllis Howard]

Mr. Waring? Well, are you Mike Waring?

[Mike Waring]

I'm never quite sure in the middle of the night.

[Phyllis Howard]

My name is Phyllis Howard.

[Mike Waring]

I don't care if. Did you say Phyllis Howard?

[Phyllis Howard]

That's right.

[Mike Waring]

Now, come in. How come they let you wander around Loose?

[Phyllis Howard]

What do you mean?

[Mike Waring]

Aren't you the gal whose uncle was T.J. howard?

[Phyllis Howard]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

And didn't I read in the papers that when his will was probated last month, he left you a cool 10 million?

[Phyllis Howard]

It was only one.

[Mike Waring]

Well, whenever I read figures containing more than three zeros, I get astigmatism. What's bothering you that a million dollars can't fix murder. Murder?

[Phyllis Howard]

Yes. There's a dead man in my apartment.

[Mike Waring]

How'd he get there?

[Phyllis Howard]

I think he came off the fire escape.

[Mike Waring]

And he was alive when he walked in?

[Phyllis Howard]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Who is he?

[Phyllis Howard]

He called himself Paul.

[Mike Waring]

Paul, huh? What about his last name?

[Phyllis Howard]

I don't know.

[Mike Waring]

Did he try to walk off with any of your property?

[Phyllis Howard]

My purse in my jewel box.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, then we'll claim self defense.

[Phyllis Howard]

Self defense?

[Mike Waring]

Yes. What'd you do with the gun?

[Phyllis Howard]

Well, I didn't kill him.

[Mike Waring]

And who did?

[Phyllis Howard]

I don't know.

[Mike Waring]

Now, look, Ms. Howard, I tell you, I didn't.

[Phyllis Howard]

He tried to kiss me. And while we were struggling, there was a shot.

[Mike Waring]

From his gun?

[Phyllis Howard]

I guess so.

[Mike Waring]

Anybody hear it?

[Phyllis Howard]

Apparently not.

[Mike Waring]

What happened after that?

[Phyllis Howard]

I must have fainted. When I came to, I decided I'd better call on you.

[Mike Waring]

What made you pick on me?

[Phyllis Howard]

I heard someone mention your name.

[Mike Waring]

Who?

[Phyllis Howard]

I'm not sure.

[Mike Waring]

You're not sure of anything, are you, Phyllis? You positive this Paul character is dead?

[Phyllis Howard]

He didn't move.

[Mike Waring]

That doesn't prove anything. Did you listen for his heartbeat?

[Phyllis Howard]

Well, no.

[Mike Waring]

Suppose we go over to your place and try it. I got a wonderful ear for that, sort of.

[Phyllis Howard]

Must you move in like that?

[Mike Waring]

Must if I want to listen to his heartbeat.

[Phyllis Howard]

Well.

[Mike Waring]

You were right the first time, Phyllis. We could have saved ourselves a trip. This is gun?

[Phyllis Howard]

Yes.

[Mike Waring]

Where's yours?

[Phyllis Howard]

Well, I told you, I don't have any.

[Mike Waring]

Well, friend, Paul certainly wasn't killed with this thing.

[Phyllis Howard]

He wasn't?

[Mike Waring]

Not unless he was hit by a gumdrop. This is a kid's toy pistol.

[Phyllis Howard]

I don't understand.

[Mike Waring]

Look, Phyllis, if you want me to work for you, you'll have to trust me. Now, what was this man to you?

[Phyllis Howard]

I told you, I never before saw him in my life. I thought he was a burglar.

[Mike Waring]

Where's your purse and jewel box?

[Phyllis Howard]

He put them under his coat.

[Mike Waring]

No, they're not here now. Where did you generally keep them?

[Phyllis Howard]

In my night table.

[Mike Waring]

That one?

[Phyllis Howard]

Yes. But how did they get back in there?

[Mike Waring]

That's what a jury will want to know if we claim he tried to rob you.

[Phyllis Howard]

You've got to believe me. Mr. Waring, I told you the truth.

[Mike Waring]

Who's that?

[Phyllis Howard]

I have no idea.

[Mike Waring]

Open that closet.

[Phyllis Howard]

What are you going to do?

[Mike Waring]

Get him out of sight.

[Phyllis Howard]

Can I help you?

[Mike Waring]

Better answer that.

[Phyllis Howard]

Just a second. I'm coming. Who is this? Well, please slip it under the door, will you?

[Mike Waring]

What is it, Phyllis?

[Phyllis Howard]

The dronen said someone left this envelope at the desk for me.

[Mike Waring]

Let's see it.

[Phyllis Howard]

Are there pictures?

[Mike Waring]

And what pictures? They're all of you, angel. Not very flattering, are they?

[Phyllis Howard]

No.

[Mike Waring]

Well, don't feel too badly. You couldn't expect to look your best slumped over Paul's body.

[Phyllis Howard]

What does it mean?

[Mike Waring]

Blackmail?

[Phyllis Howard]

Black.

[Mike Waring]

Well, these aren't the kind of snaps you'd send out for publicity purposes.

[Phyllis Howard]

Well, shouldn't there be a note with them?

[Mike Waring]

Not necessarily. Whoever is running this racket could always get in touch. That's one way to do it. You better let me. Hello? I'd like to speak to Ms. Phyllis Howard, please. Who's calling? Carlos Dario. Just a second. You know anyone named Carlos Dario? No, she can't come to the phone. Dario. You want me to leave a message? Who are you? A very close friend of the family. You know about the pictures. Yeah. Well, I'm staying at Hotel Wainwright. Tell her to come up and see me. What's in it for her? Don't worry, mister. I see Miss Howard don't make trip for nothing. You know what I mean. That Joe George. It ain't Sergeant Friday. Get out of my way. What's up? I gotta call our client. Do you mind? Well, you know he left strict instructions you were to shadow the holiday. Well, she just left for Dario's apartment. So what? So she wasn't alone. She had an escort. A fella named Mike Wary. Quit your kid. Oh, don't be a jerk. You think she hired Warren? What does it sound like to you? But she wants to post. He told me a girl in her position would pay right off. Told me there wouldn't be any trouble. Now, what did you want? Guarantees? You gotta do something, George. If you let go of my code, I will. Now let me at that phone. No, I don't mean calling a client. We gotta get out of here. Will you shut up? I told you I didn't like the idea in the first place, remember? And I said shut up. Hand me that phone. Yes. You Carlos Dario? That is right. I'm Mike Waring. This is Ms. Howard Waring. Why she bring you along? Will you say I don't blame her, Dario? It was all my idea. Oh, it was, huh? Yes. Now Suppose we get down to business. That suits me fine. Then suppose we swap the negatives for cash. I believe that's the customary arrangement, yes. But first I get a little bonus for you. You no good.

[Phyllis Howard]

Stop it. Mike, please.

[Mike Waring]

Let go.

[Phyllis Howard]

Let go.

[Mike Waring]

Okay, if you want to watch that temper. Now, where were we? I got what you want in this envelope. Mind if I open it? I'd like to see what I'm buying.

[Phyllis Howard]

Why? Why, it's full of $1,000 bills.

[Mike Waring]

You're surprised, huh? Quite a bit. What's the idea, Dario? That's your price, isn't it? My price? So help me, Wayne, if you and this girl ever try to hold me up again, I'll kill you. Now give me those niggas. Wait a minute, Dario. Do I get them or do I have to take you apart? For me sake, will you shut up and let me get this thing straight? How much money is in here? $20,000. And in exchange for it, you expect us to turn over some negatives to you? That is right. By any chance, were those pictures of you near a body? Yes. I don't know how you work it, Warren, but I never see that man before. And I didn't kill him. Yeah. Shake, sucker. We're on your side. My side? Yeah. Phyllis, where's your art collection?

[Phyllis Howard]

Here.

[Mike Waring]

Do those prints look familiar to you, Darion?

[Phyllis Howard]

Sure.

[Mike Waring]

They're pictures of me taken last week. Don't let those slacks fool you. It's Ms. Howard. What? You two are victims of the same racket. Don't talk like a fool. The only way it makes sense. Then how come Ms. Howard called me yesterday and said you had $20,000 ready?

[Phyllis Howard]

I didn't.

[Mike Waring]

The lady on telephone give your name?

[Phyllis Howard]

She was lying.

[Mike Waring]

Don't you see, Daria? Whoever called you was working for the blackmailer. It don't add up so good to me. Look, it's not difficult. What the killer is doing here is dividing the risk. He wants money from you and Ms. Howard. All right. There's less chance of his being caught and collecting from one person than from two. Who's this he you talk about? Whoever is behind this little stunt, he'll probably get in touch with my client next and ask her to match your 20 grand.

[Phyllis Howard]

In other words, I'm to be the collection he took.

[Mike Waring]

That's it. I don't know why, rain, but I believe you. Hi. You keep my money and do what you think best. Fair enough. But remember, I can't afford no mistakes. These pictures can make plenty of trouble. No, they can't. What do you mean? Take a good look at this one of Ms. Howard slumped over the body. You can recognize Ms. Howard all right, but you can't make out the face on the corpse. So instead of a body, it could have been a wax gummy. But it was not. We know that, but we don't have to admit it. The only way the blackmailer can prove us liars is to produce the body. I see what you mean. You going to get rid of him? That's right.

[Phyllis Howard]

But how?

[Mike Waring]

Leave it to me, Phyllis. I think I know the boy to handle it. Let's keep our fingers cross. Care for another drink, Sergeant? No, thanks. Feliz?

[Phyllis Howard]

No, thanks.

[Mike Waring]

All right, now, what do you want? A slight favor. And what do you call slight? Now remember, Sergeant, this is off the record. Go on. There's a body in Ms. Howard's apartment. There's a what? You heard me. Now, look, Mike, I don't like these kind of jokes.

[Phyllis Howard]

Mr. Truth.

[Mike Waring]

How did it get there? I haven't time to go into that now. Oh, I Beg your pardon, Mr. Wearing. I wouldn't want to do anything to interfere with your schedule. Never mind the sarcasm. Could you have the body removed and kept out of sight for a little while? Yeah, and maybe I could do the same for Ms. Howard. Listen, you idiot. If she killed him, would I call you? Well, how do I know what a screwball like you might do? I can see this was a big mistake, and you're not kidding. Now, let's see that body.

[Phyllis Howard]

You've got to believe me, Ser Hutchins. I didn't kill him.

[Mike Waring]

We'll let the DA Decide that. Come on, now, open up that door. Well, where is he? In the bedroom closet. All right, Ms. Howard, lead the way. Now, for the last time, I'm asking you, Sergeant Wood. Still no.

[Phyllis Howard]

She's in there. Oh, my.

[Mike Waring]

Steady, baby. You want some help, Corbett? No. You've done more than your sheriff. Okay, Mike, what's the idea? What's the matter? Well, you're a great little clown, aren't you? How would you like a punch in the nose? What are you talking about? That ain't no stiff. It's a wax dummy. What? All right, kiddo, I give up. What's the joke? In a moment, we'll return to the Adventures of the Falcon. But first, you remember the old nursery rhyme, 30 days have September, September, April, June and November. Well, 30 days have something else, too. They have the answer to the question, why are Camels America's most popular cigarettes? It's easy to find out. For yourself. Why Camels lead by a record fifty and eight tenths percent. Smoke only Camels for thirty days. Make this pleasant test and then judge them carefully. For mildness, for flavor, for more pure pleasure. Then you'll know why camels lead the second place brand by 50 and 8. 10%. These latest figures, published in 1954 by Harry M. Wooten, leading tobacco industry authority, show Camel's lead is bigger than ever before. There must be a reason for such popularity. And there is. The reason is Camel's blend of costly tobaccos unmatched in any other cigarette. That gives smokers real mildness, richer flavor, more pure pleasure. Try Camels. See for yourself. Why? For mildness, for flavor, for more pure pleasure. Camels agree with more smokers than any other cigarette. Now back to the adventures of the Falcon. A young fellow named Israeli once wrote, what we anticipate seldom occurs. What we least expect generally happens. And that best describes my feeling on seeing Sergeant Corbett haul a wax dummy out of. First is Howard's closet. And then. It took me 25 minutes of fast ad living to get the sergeant out of the apartment.

[Phyllis Howard]

Did he go, Mike?

[Mike Waring]

Yes, but his feelings were awfully hurt. I don't think he likes me anymore.

[Phyllis Howard]

What am I going to do?

[Mike Waring]

Not a thing. I'm perfectly happy the way things are. The next move is up to the killer. He's got to get in touch with you if he wants to collect.

[Phyllis Howard]

But it may be days before.

[Mike Waring]

Mike, you better let me. Hello? Hello. This Mr. Waring? Who wants to know? The name is unimportant, sir. I'll answer to anything you choose. Okay. Suppose we call you Prince. I once had a dog by that name. I think you're annoyed with me. You blame me? What was the idea of switching a dummy for the stiff? You didn't approve of my little joke. I don't see the point. I was just anticipating your move. On behalf of Ms. Howard, I put my in her place. Did you like it? Not particularly. She's in a pretty awkward spot. How much will it cost her to get out? I'm asking 20,000 for the negatives. What'll you take? I don't believe in haggling, sir. You heard my price. Okay, Prince, it's a deal. Look, I sent a boy around for the money. Oh, I. I wouldn't have him followed. To wearing the consequences would be unpleasant. You'll have the 40,000 ready. 40,000? The other 20 I refer to as Mr. Dario's contribution. Who? Carlos Dario? Never heard of him. There must be some mistake. I was informed that Mr. Dario gave the money to you. Well, your informant gave you a bum steer, Mr. Waring. I always insist on what's coming to me and I'd like to see you get it. I warn you, sir, if this is a childish attempt at fraud, you'll regret it. Well, Phyllis, that was Prince.

[Phyllis Howard]

But you told him you didn't receive any money from Dario.

[Mike Waring]

Uh huh.

[Phyllis Howard]

What are you up to?

[Mike Waring]

It's perfectly simple, angel. Any dollar I give that man is money thrown down the sewer. Well, 20 grand is an awful big hunk of change to toss away like that.

[Phyllis Howard]

But that money doesn't belong to you.

[Mike Waring]

You're looking at it the wrong way, Phyllis. It's bound to cause Dario 20 grand anyway. I'm sure he'd rather it wound up in my pocket than in Prince's.

[Phyllis Howard]

You don't realize what you're saying. If this Mr. Prince thinks that Dario is holding out on him, there's no telling what he might do. He might even kill him.

[Mike Waring]

You know something, Phyllis, I never thought of as. What do you say we just put it out of our minds? Hello, Miss Howard.

[Phyllis Howard]

Mr. Dario.

[Mike Waring]

Where is. Where he. Oh, hi, Dario. Everything okay? No. Just what are you trying to pull? Now calm down, fellow. There's nothing to get excited about. Where is my money? You mean that 20 grand? Yes. Oh, I'm sorry, friend. I haven't got it. I've already paid off the blackmailer. You're lying. How would you know that? I got a call from Prince. He told me you denied getting any dough from me. You boys are pretty pally, aren't you? He calls you, you call him. Or maybe it's a lot simpler than that. What do you mean? Your Prince.

[Phyllis Howard]

You know what you're saying, Mike.

[Mike Waring]

You're crazy. Watch it, Dario. You dropped your accent. The man is out of his mind. Give it off, pal. You look better without it. Listen. Where are you? Sure, I'll listen if you explain how you knew the name I hung on our collar was Prince. You made a mistake there, Dario. But then I can't blame you. Anyone who's as slick as you are is bound to slip now and then. I suppose we call the cops. Mike asks.

[Phyllis Howard]

I wish you'd explain something to me. When did you first suspect Dario?

[Mike Waring]

Well, when we found the body of Paul gone and that dummy in his place. He should never have moved it. The only ones who knew what I intended to do with the body were you and Dario. And I know you didn't, lad.

[Phyllis Howard]

Why did he give you the money?

[Mike Waring]

Then. Oh, that was a beautiful piece of work, Angel. You see, Dario doped out this blackmail stunt. And by pretending to be a victim himself. No one was supposed to suspect him. When he gave me that $20,000, he knew he was bound to get it back. Plus another 20 of yours and his.

[Phyllis Howard]

Paul, he said to my apartment, that.

[Mike Waring]

Was some snook that Dario's confederates lined up for the occasion.

[Phyllis Howard]

And Dario wasn't alone in the plot.

[Mike Waring]

No, this took an organization. He had a couple of boys working for him named Walter and George Kemp. They got Paul for him. When Paul climbed your room last night, Dario was on the fire this day.

[Phyllis Howard]

And while the two of us were.

[Mike Waring]

Battling, he shot him. And then when you keeled over a.

[Phyllis Howard]

Face, he went to work with the camera.

[Mike Waring]

Now you've got it.

[Phyllis Howard]

Now that I have. What am I supposed to do with it?

[Mike Waring]

Well, you can always tell your children about it some rainy day.

[Phyllis Howard]

But to have children, I first have to be married.

[Mike Waring]

It's customary. But if you decide against it, promise me one thing. Let me handle the adoption papers. Good night, Angel. In a moment, we'll tell you about next week's Adventure of the Fulton. But first, now here a Mutual minute. The advent of supersonic flight, atomic energy, or even the most recent discovery of a battery powered directly by the sun has not changed some aspects of our lives. At least evening hours are still leisure hours for most. And for most people, it means time to enjoy their favorite kind of entertainment. For millions, the programs they hear regularly on Mutual every evening provide just the kind of relaxing, informative or challenging listening they like best. There are top tales of mystery for the whodunit fans ranging from fantasy to documentary. And some of the most famous private eyes in the business stalk Mutual's airwaves regularly. News, too, is yours for the tuning. Whether you prefer a fast 5 minute news digest or thoughtful and penetrating commentary, Mutual's core of ace correspondence is at your service. You suit yourself when you hear Mutual's evening lineup of programs all heard over most of these stations. The Case of the Handy Helpmate. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon. And Mike Waring learns that what some wives will do for their husbands is murder. The Adventures of the Falcon was presented by the makers of mild, flavorful Camels, America's most popular cigarette, in cooperation with a Mutual network. The Adventures of the Falcon is based on the famous character created by Drexel Drake, produced and transcribed by Bernard L. Shubert, written by Eugene Wang. George Petrie was starred as the Falcon. Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett. This program is fictional, and a resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Russ Dunbar speaking foreign this is the Mutual Broadcasting System.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. A really good episode, and I'm so glad it exists. It's nice to have one episode where you can hear everything, including the closing credit. And it's a great twisty Falcon case with a bad guy whose elaborate scheme involves murder and playing another victim of the scheme, all in hopes of collecting a cool 20 grand. We also got confirmation that Chuck Webster continued on as Sergeant Corbett. I thought he might have done, but the audio on the other episodes didn't seem good enough for me to commit to that. Also, we got a Joe Friday reference, which was cute. The Mutual crime series of the 1950s. When you have those programs and then you get references to other programs, I feel a little sad because it really is a shame we don't have more episodes of those series. And when I do hear those mutual Crime series of the mid to late 1950s, it seems like they matured. Not so much like, ooh, they got so much more edgier in their content. Although, you know, there are a couple examples of that. But I think there was a greater respect for the audience in telling serious stories. It was in contrast, I think, to some of the more goofy stories that came out of New York in the first 40s and even into the early 50s. Now, what I have heard is that there was a move to tape, which, you know, often would get recorded over, which is why we have so few of those programs and so much of what we do have are from AFRS disk, because you still had to use transcription disk for that. But again, this does bring us to the end of the era. This is the last circulating episode with George Petrie, who appeared as the Falcon in more than 90 episodes, which puts him a little bit behind his three predecessors in the role, who each were the Falcon for more than 100 episodes. Although Les Damon is probably who most people are going to think of, and I'll be honest that I think of it as well, because he had the bulk of circulating episodes, but he was also so good in that role. Not to slide any of the other gentlemen, but he definitely did leave an impression. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day, and I want to go ahead and thank Tony Patreon supporter since morning March 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Tony. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. We will be back next Monday with Danger with Granger, but join us back here tomorrow for Charlie Chan, where attention, please.

[Mike Waring]

Father has completed hurried investigation. Go ahead, Pop. I shouldn't tell you I've got a clue. Very good. Dead man before us was one of two men who robbed house. Fought with companion and injured. Same note, broken knuckles and wrench in hand. Was stabbed with knife and left for dead. Crawled to telephone and called police. Anything else, Pop? Hmm. Extremely odd clue. Bruises on neck of dead men are moist with chemical most probably nitroglycerine. Same used to open safe escape. Thief and murderer had nitroglycerine on hands, right? Not only did he leave nitroglycerine behind, Pop, but one of his tools I found on the piano. Look, it's my clue. Ah, excellent. But this not burglar equipment, son. This tuning hammer for piano used by piano tuners. Tuning hammers? Gee, I bet it's Judy Carroll's. The blind girl. You remember her, Pop? What a funny coincidence if this is the piano she tuned this afternoon. Silence got. My dear Pop, this bankrupt brain entertains odd thought. During investigation of recent burglaries, one interesting fact noted. What, Pop? That prior to each piano in house was tuned.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime. Meantime, send your comments to box [e-mail]. 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.