The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio | Episode Summary: "The Falcon: The Case of the Strawberry Blonde" (EP4765)

Overview

In Episode 4765 of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," titled "The Falcon: The Case of the Strawberry Blonde," host Adam Graham presents the final installment featuring Les Damon as the titular detective, the Falcon. This episode intricately weaves a tale of espionage, betrayal, and murder set against the backdrop of early 1950s Paris. As the Falcon delves into the mystery, listeners are taken on a suspenseful journey that highlights the complexities of loyalty and deception within intelligence operations.

Plot Summary

The story unfolds at the Perigordine sidewalk café on the Left Bank of Paris, where Madeleine Buckman, a strawberry blonde woman, awaits her husband, Stephen Buckman, who works at the American Embassy. Their conversation reveals deep-seated tensions; Madeleine is dissatisfied with her marriage, feeling neglected due to Stephen's obligations to the Communist Party.

Key Characters and Interactions

• Madeleine Buckman: A devoted member of the Communist underground, coerced into leveraging her husband’s position for espionage purposes.

• Charles Brissot: Madeleine's communist leader, who manipulates the Buckmans to obtain sensitive information from Stephen.

• Stephen (Steve) Buckman: Torn between his loyalty to his wife and his moral compass, ultimately becomes a reluctant participant in espionage activities.

• Hank Lewis: An intelligence officer who becomes entangled in the Buckmans' plight, leading to a climactic confrontation.

• Mike Waring (Les Damon): The Falcon, a seasoned detective navigating the murky waters of espionage to uncover the truth.

Critical Moments and Notable Quotes

1. Madeleine's Plea for Divorce (00:03:14):

   • Madeleine Buckman: "I can't stand him. Charles, when will you permit me to divorce him?"

   This plea underscores Madeleine's desperation to escape her manipulative husband and the constraints of her involvement with the Communist Party.

2. Revelation of Communist Ties (05:26:10):

   • Madeleine Buckman: "I have been a member of the underground apparatus here for nine years."

   This admission shifts the narrative, revealing Madeleine's true allegiance and setting the stage for ensuing conflicts.

3. Confrontation at the Safe (10:10:08):

   • Les Damon: "Are you a communist?"

   This direct question leads to Hank Lewis's unraveling, exposing his vulnerabilities and ultimately his culpability.

4. Climactic Showdown (17:03:58):

   • Hank Lewis: "I don't intend to. I'm gonna give myself up."

   Hank's decision marks a pivotal turn in the investigation, signaling his admission of guilt.

Resolution

As the Falcon investigates, he uncovers that Hank Lewis, under pressure from Charles Brissot, committed the murder of an American intelligence officer, Mike Waring. The meticulous examination of evidence, including the absence of powder burns and the method of the shooting, leads the Falcon to deduce that professional gunmen were involved, orchestrated by Madeleine Buckman to protect the Communist agenda.

In a final confrontation, Madeleine is exposed as the mastermind behind the manipulation and murder, driven by her commitment to the cause over personal relationships. The episode concludes with the Falcon successfully resolving the case, ensuring justice is served despite the tangled web of espionage.

Host's Commentary and Insights

After the narrative, host Adam Graham reflects on Les Damon's portrayal of the Falcon and the episode's overall quality. Highlighting Damon's ability to deliver a compelling performance, Graham notes:

• Performance Quality: "It started strong and it ended strong. And it was nice that Les Damon was given an opportunity to have a bit of a curtain call at the end of this run."

• Casting Choices: Graham discusses the casting of Ralph Bell as Dixie, acknowledging the unconventional choice but praising Bell's execution: "While it's odd to hear Ralph Bell trying to do a southern accent, he did a good job, as he always does."

• Plot Twists and Character Dynamics: He appreciates the episode's twists, particularly the unexpected involvement of the victim in his own murder plot: "The scene where the killing happened was great and it was very well set up."

• Logical Consistencies: Graham points out a minor inconsistency regarding the French policeman's access to the embassy but recognizes its necessity for the narrative: "We needed the policemen to find the Falcon knocked out for the Falcon formula to work, which is required to work even overseas and in the Intelligence Bureau."

Notable Quotes from Host Adam Graham

• On Les Damon's Run: "Les Damon was signed by ABC to play Inspector Mark Sabre of the Homicide Squad on ABC Mystery Theater, replacing Robert Carroll in that role, and he would continue there for two full seasons."

• On Episode Strengths: "The scene where the killing happened was great and it was very well set up. And it just came at me as a surprise given that the victim had ordered a hitman."

• On Character Dynamics: "When you're a ladies man, as Brissot was, you've got to expect someday to run across a lady killer."

Conclusion

"The Falcon: The Case of the Strawberry Blonde" serves as a fitting finale to Les Damon's portrayal of the Falcon, encapsulating the essence of old-time radio detective dramas with its intricate plotting and rich character development. Adam Graham's insightful commentary enhances the listening experience, providing context and appreciation for the episode's craftsmanship. This installment not only resolves the immediate mystery but also leaves the door open for future adventures, maintaining the enduring allure of classic radio mysteries.