
Today's Mystery: A friend of Mike's is murdered after deciding to expose his boss, who was running a drug racket. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 27, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant...
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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. Now, if you are in the podcast, I do encourage you to follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today, our listener support and appreciation campaign begins. You can support the podcast@patreon.greatdetectives.net and I'll talk a little bit more about that after the podcast. But here from April 27, 1952, is the case of the Weeping Willow.
Les Damon
Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Elsie, I'm glad you called. I'll have to skip it tonight, Angel. I got to play. Spoilsport. Some boy I know is looking for fun with a gun and I want to make sure he doesn't get a big bang out of life.
Chuck Webster
Once again, the National Broadcasting Company brings you the Adventures of the Falcon, starring Les Damon. The Adventures of the Falcon. Dedicated to private investigators everywhere. Those hard hitting detectives who like Mike Waring, risk their lives to aid law enforcement agencies. So join him now, when the Falcon solves the case of the Weeping Willow. It's late afternoon in New York and a nervous young man named Joey Willow races down the fourth floor corridor of the Belmont Building. For Joey is in a hurry. When he comes to a door marked Lester Pharmaceuticals. He barges right in, almost knocking down its sole occupant.
Ralph Bell
Hey, take it easy, fella.
Joey Willow
I'm sorry. You all right? Sure. Hey, you're limping.
Ralph Bell
Well, I have been for seven years.
Joey Willow
Oh, you're.
Ralph Bell
You can say it.
Joey Willow
You must think I'm a jerk. Where's Lester?
Ralph Bell
No, he isn't in.
Joey Willow
But he told me to meet him here at 12.
Ralph Bell
Well, I guess he was detained.
Joey Willow
Look, my name is Joey Willow. Did he leave a package for me?
Vic Lester
No.
Joey Willow
You sure?
Ralph Bell
I'm positive.
Joey Willow
How can you tell? Why don't you look around or something?
Ralph Bell
Well, it wouldn't be any use.
Joey Willow
What's your name?
Ralph Bell
Al Romano.
Joey Willow
You work for Les?
Les Damon
Mm.
Joey Willow
Well, maybe you can help me out. I need a jolt.
Ralph Bell
A jolt?
Joey Willow
Yeah.
Ralph Bell
Well, I don't know what you're talking about.
Joey Willow
Look, you don't have to worry. I'm one of les old customers. Didn't he ever mention a Joy Willow to you?
Ralph Bell
No.
Joey Willow
Well, I'm one of the boys. It's all right.
Sergeant Corbett
Here.
Joey Willow
Maybe this will convince you.
Ralph Bell
What are you rolling up your sleeve for?
Joey Willow
Hey. You satisfied now?
Chuck Webster
Let me see that.
Joey Willow
Told you I was no faker. I gotta have a shot.
Ralph Bell
Well, I'm Sorry, I.
Joey Willow
What do you mean you're sorry? You gotta give me one. I'll take anything, Mc Horse. Look, Joey, I tell you, I'm okay. Les knows me. Please, you gotta. You don't know what it feels like.
Ralph Bell
Well, I've got an idea.
Joey Willow
Oh, I get it. You're trying to hold me up. Well, how much do you want?
Ralph Bell
Look, Joey, you don't understand.
Joey Willow
No, you don't understand. I ran out last night. That's why I called.
Les Damon
Joey Lester.
Joey Willow
Am I glad to see you. I was just telling this fellow.
Les Damon
Oh, no.
Vic Lester
I heard you. Wait in my office.
Joey Willow
But I need a shot right now.
Vic Lester
I said wait in my office.
Joey Willow
You won't be long?
Vic Lester
Just a couple of minutes. Well, Al.
Ralph Bell
I didn't say anything.
Vic Lester
No, but you were thinking plenty just.
Ralph Bell
What a chump I've been. I was real stupid not to see what's going on here.
Vic Lester
And what is going on? Les, please get back in there, will you?
Joey Willow
Well, I'll hurry.
Les Damon
Will you?
Ralph Bell
What are you gonna do about him?
Vic Lester
Well, what would you recommend?
Ralph Bell
That boy is a dope addict.
Vic Lester
You're kidding.
Ralph Bell
You're not gonna get away with this.
Vic Lester
Who's gonna stop me?
Joey Willow
Maybe me.
Vic Lester
Listen, gimpy, you just managed to get by on one leg. Now talk how to turn, and you won't have a leg to stand on. Just think it over, Al. You'll see I've got a point there.
Ruth Romano
Who's there?
Ralph Bell
It's only me.
Vic Lester
Ruthie.
Ruth Romano
What are you doing home?
Ralph Bell
I. I quit my job.
Ruth Romano
You what?
Sergeant Corbett
Yeah.
Les Damon
Glad to. Sit down.
Ruth Romano
Now, let me get this straight. You walked out on Lester?
Ralph Bell
Mm.
Joey Willow
Why?
Ralph Bell
Because I didn't like the work?
Ruth Romano
Well, now, isn't that just ducky? And since when can a. A man with your handicap be particular?
Ralph Bell
You don't understand, Ruth. You know what I was doing. I was a pusher.
Ruth Romano
A what?
Sergeant Corbett
A pusher.
Ralph Bell
Those packages I was delivering contained narcotics.
Ruth Romano
So?
Ralph Bell
What do you mean, so?
Ruth Romano
Well, somebody's gotta do it. Why shouldn't it be you?
Ralph Bell
I don't know what you're saying.
Ruth Romano
Don't be a fool. Since when can you afford to be fussy?
Ralph Bell
Listen, if you saw this kid that came into the office, it would have broken your heart. You can't imagine what he was going through.
Ruth Romano
Did you ever stop to think what I'm going through? How do you think I feel being married to a man who can't even support me?
Ralph Bell
I know.
Ruth Romano
Nah, you don't. Now get on that phone and call Lester. Then what do you intend to do?
Ralph Bell
I was thinking of Getting in touch with Mike Waring.
Ruth Romano
What for?
Sergeant Corbett
Advice.
Ruth Romano
You want advice? I'll give it to you. Call Les and apologize.
Ralph Bell
I won't. It's a dirty, rotten business.
Ruth Romano
It paid the rent.
Ralph Bell
It was blood money.
Ruth Romano
The landlord took it, didn't he? I'm warning you, Al. You go to Waring, we're through. I walk right out.
Ralph Bell
You wouldn't.
Ruth Romano
No. Watch.
Ralph Bell
Ruth, come back here.
Les Damon
Ruth.
Ralph Bell
Sorry, Mike. I. I tried to follow her, but with this leg of mine.
Les Damon
Yeah, I know. By the time he got outside, she was gone.
Vic Lester
That's right.
Les Damon
Well, what about Lester?
Ralph Bell
What about him?
Les Damon
You've got to report him to the authorities.
Ralph Bell
Oh, no. Look, Al, you don't understand. Mike, if I open my yap, Ruth will never come back.
Les Damon
And you think her return will settle everything?
Ralph Bell
Yes.
Les Damon
You're wrong. I know. It's easy enough for me to talk. You did your duty once before, and it cost you a leg.
Ralph Bell
It was worth it.
Les Damon
Well, this is the same thing over again. On a smaller scale. Men like Hitler poison people's minds. Lester works on their bodies.
Ralph Bell
Well, let someone else nail him.
Les Damon
That's just it. We can't let other people do our work. You're the only one who has the opportunity.
Ralph Bell
What about this Joey Willow kid who came in for a shot?
Les Damon
No, we can't depend on him. Now, what do you say? You gonna let me call the cops?
Ralph Bell
Okay.
Les Damon
That's the boy. I'll do it right now.
Ralph Bell
You are gonna try to find Ruth?
Les Damon
Yeah, sure, sure. Now, the man I want you to talk to is sergeant Corbett. Don't quote me, but he's all right. This guy.
Bill Reynolds
86 precinct. Reynolds.
Les Damon
Is Corbett there?
Bill Reynolds
No.
Les Damon
Have you any idea when he'll be in?
Bill Reynolds
Who wants him?
Les Damon
Mike Waring.
Bill Reynolds
Well, he's off today.
Les Damon
When will he be back?
Bill Reynolds
Who knows?
Les Damon
Look, Reynolds, this is official business.
Sergeant Corbett
That's tough.
Bill Reynolds
And it looks like you'll have to deal with me.
Les Damon
All right. I got a friend named Al Romano.
Adam Graham
He.
Les Damon
He worked for an outfit named Lester Pharmaceuticals.
Ralph Bell
So?
Les Damon
Well, it's a blind miss. Lester's up to his ears in narcotics.
Bill Reynolds
What have you been smoking?
Sergeant Corbett
All right, don't be a goon.
Les Damon
This is on the level.
Bill Reynolds
Where's this Al Romano now?
Les Damon
At my place.
Bill Reynolds
Well, tell him to go on home. I'll drop by in 20 minutes.
Les Damon
Fair enough.
Ralph Bell
What did he say?
Les Damon
You're to go home. He'll pick you up there.
Sergeant Corbett
Wait.
Les Damon
I'll get my coat.
Sergeant Corbett
What for?
Les Damon
I'm going with you.
Ralph Bell
Oh, no, don't be silly. I don't need a Nursemaid.
Sergeant Corbett
Well, I still think I know what you think. But I tell you it's all right.
Ralph Bell
Or will be as soon as you find Ruthie. I guess it work out of hand like a good boy. Who is it?
Vic Lester
Police. Open up.
Ralph Bell
Oh, just a second. Come on inside.
Vic Lester
What's the matter, Al?
Ralph Bell
What are you doing here, Leslie?
Vic Lester
Well, I tell you, I. I think maybe we both acted a little hasty this afternoon.
Ralph Bell
Did we?
Vic Lester
Mm. You didn't mean what you said. Neither did I. But that kid Joey Willow bothered me.
Ralph Bell
Yeah, he bothered me too.
Vic Lester
You know, you're trouble, Romano. You're too sensitive. You mustn't let a little thing like that get under your skin.
Ralph Bell
You are through.
Vic Lester
I'll be reasonable. Come back to work for me and I'll sweeten the ante.
Ralph Bell
I'm not interested.
Vic Lester
Pay you $2.50 a week and there'll be a bonus at the end of the year.
Ralph Bell
You think I'd touch that money?
Vic Lester
Well, if you object to pushing the stuff, forget it. I'd just like to have you around.
Ralph Bell
I'm not that pretty.
Vic Lester
Beauty is only skin deep. I like a man with character.
Ralph Bell
Are you going to get out?
Vic Lester
Okay. I see where I made my mistake. You're the kind who won't touch gold. But I'll bet you'll take lead.
Ralph Bell
Put away that gun less.
Vic Lester
What are you complaining about? You won't have to worry about that bad leg when they give you a set of wings. Happy landing, kiddo.
Les Damon
Just a second.
Sergeant Corbett
Hiya, Mike.
Les Damon
Sergeant Corbett. Hey, I heard you were out of town.
Sergeant Corbett
Not anymore.
Les Damon
Oh, come in.
Bill Reynolds
Does the invitation include me?
Les Damon
Do you have to bring him along?
Sergeant Corbett
Yeah. Reynolds is an associate of mine, remember? And he just told me a very interesting story. Seems you called him this afternoon about an owl. Romano. Well, or was that before or after he was killed?
Les Damon
What?
Sergeant Corbett
You heard me.
Les Damon
That's impossible. I just saw Al a couple of hours ago and it was after he.
Bill Reynolds
Was knocked off at 2:00.
Les Damon
I can't believe it.
Bill Reynolds
Well, if you'd like to accompany us to the morgue.
Les Damon
Who did it?
Sergeant Corbett
That's what we'd like to know.
Les Damon
Have you talked to Vic Lester?
Sergeant Corbett
Who's he?
Les Damon
He's a real smooth type. Looks like he bathes in lanolin. Plus, Al was working for him.
Sergeant Corbett
So?
Bill Reynolds
So he thinks this Lester character was mixed up in narcotics.
Les Damon
He was.
Sergeant Corbett
Now take it easy. What did Romano see you about?
Les Damon
He wanted me to find his wife.
Sergeant Corbett
You walk out on him?
Les Damon
Yes.
Sergeant Corbett
Did he have any insurance?
Les Damon
None that I know of.
Bill Reynolds
He was in the army, wasn't he?
Les Damon
So?
Bill Reynolds
So he must have been covered.
Les Damon
Well, even if he was, it's only for 10,000.
Bill Reynolds
Only 10,000? I suppose that was pin money to the Romano.
Les Damon
No, you're nuts.
Sergeant Corbett
Is he?
Les Damon
You don't believe him?
Sergeant Corbett
Well, you got to admit, he makes sense. After all, Romano's wife disappeared.
Les Damon
Well, she'll turn up.
Bill Reynolds
You giving odds?
Les Damon
What are you gonna do about Lester?
Sergeant Corbett
We'll get to him. Take care of it, Reynolds.
Les Damon
Why can't you?
Sergeant Corbett
I'm gonna concentrate on Mrs. Romano.
Vic Lester
Well, forget it.
Les Damon
I tell you, Lester's our man.
Sergeant Corbett
Well, then I'll leave him to you and Reynolds. And if you guys can't handle him, we'll get the girl. SC.
Chuck Webster
Every day last year on the highways, an average of 103Americans like yourself or those in your family were killed in automobile accidents. But a lot of highway deaths don't seem to bother us much unless someone in our own family is killed. We are shocked, however, and do become excited when an occasional disaster or catastrophe strikes and claims a large toll of life. Why, if a tornado, over which man has no control, strikes several states and kills 100 or 200 people, is that disaster any worse than 100 or 200Americans being killed in a single day in automobile accidents? The daily toll of 103 deaths a day in traffic accidents is America's greatest shame. You can do your part in helping to fight this disaster on the highways by being a safer driver and by working in your community for strict law enforcement. That means safer traveling for all of us at all times. You must remember to drive as though your life depends on it.
Les Damon
It does.
Chuck Webster
Now back to the adventures of the Falcon. An hour has passed since Sergeant Corbett and Detective Bill Reynolds informed Mike of the murder of Al Romano. And now the office of Lester Pharmaceuticals.
Vic Lester
Yeah.
Les Damon
Hello, Lester.
Vic Lester
Well, if it ain't that high flying bird, the falcon.
Les Damon
See, I got here before Bill Reynolds.
Vic Lester
Who's he?
Les Damon
A cop.
Vic Lester
Friend of yours?
Les Damon
No, he isn't. Nice place you got here.
Vic Lester
You like it?
Les Damon
Think it's lovely. What's back there?
Vic Lester
Just another office.
Les Damon
Can I see it?
Vic Lester
Another painting in there now.
Les Damon
Well, I'll be real careful.
Vic Lester
Oh, I wouldn't hear if it might ruin your clothes.
Les Damon
That's a nice suit you're wearing. I guess this business pays off better than making books.
Vic Lester
It does.
Les Damon
What made you decide to switch?
Vic Lester
Well, I tell you, I read somewhere that people are always sick, so I figured this might be a good racket. Would you believe it if I told?
Les Damon
No, I wouldn't.
Vic Lester
I Just gonna tell you how much boric acid we handled.
Les Damon
That's a new name for it. What do you know about Al Romano's death?
Vic Lester
You mean something happened Al?
Les Damon
Yes, suddenly and violently.
Vic Lester
So he did it after all.
Les Damon
What are you babbling about?
Vic Lester
Well, I don't know how close you were.
Les Damon
Real close. He was my friend.
Vic Lester
Well, then you know he used to get these fits of depression about that game leg of his.
Les Damon
What are you trying to hand me?
Vic Lester
Didn't he commit suicide with two slugs in him? Oh, I didn't know that. I haven't seen a paper all day. Hey, do you think it could have been his wife? I heard they were having trouble.
Les Damon
And I heard he had trouble with you.
Vic Lester
I hate to upset your apple cart wearing, but I've got an alibi.
Les Damon
Oh, sure, let's hear it.
Vic Lester
Tell me something. You're a private dick, aren't you?
Les Damon
That's right.
Vic Lester
And cops are city employees.
Les Damon
So?
Vic Lester
So when you pass your civil service exam, ask me again. Been nice seeing you, fella. I'm sorry you have to run.
Les Damon
I tell you, Corbett, this Lester is our boy. Five will get you ten he killed Romano.
Sergeant Corbett
Well, I kind of doubt it, Mike. After all, you got no proof.
Les Damon
Well, if you'd only talk to him.
Bill Reynolds
He doesn't have two. I did.
Sergeant Corbett
Oh, come on in, Reynolds. What's the story? I just came from Lester's office and.
Bill Reynolds
It'S all on the up and up. Went through the place with a fine tooth comb.
Les Damon
Well, there must have been a few teeth missing.
Sergeant Corbett
Quiet. What about Romano's murder?
Bill Reynolds
He's got an alibi for the time.
Les Damon
I don't believe it. Why didn't he spill it to me?
Bill Reynolds
I don't think he likes you. You know that's possible.
Sergeant Corbett
Now, never mind that. Let's have the dough.
Bill Reynolds
At the time Romano was killed, Lester was at the parable.
Les Damon
Oh, no.
Sergeant Corbett
How do you know?
Bill Reynolds
I checked with the usher.
Les Damon
He. He remembered him with 90 million people in the joint. He remembers Lester?
Bill Reynolds
Yes. Lester had some trouble to check room. He thought he left his coat there. They found it later in the men's lounge.
Les Damon
Oh, that's rich.
Bill Reynolds
What's wrong with it?
Les Damon
Everything. It's too pat.
Bill Reynolds
Oh, you're nuts.
Les Damon
Anyone who looked the least bit like him could have passed mustard.
Sergeant Corbett
Well, then you think.
Les Damon
I think Lester staged the entire bit while he went over to kill Romano. He had one of his friends make the fuss at the theater.
Bill Reynolds
You don't know what you're talking about.
Sergeant Corbett
Look, Reynolds.
Bill Reynolds
I'm looking.
Sergeant Corbett
Now, that's Enough out of you two. Reynolds, suppose you check with Haskell, see if he's learned anything about Romano's wife.
Bill Reynolds
Okay, Sergeant.
Sergeant Corbett
I want to know as soon as they find her.
Bill Reynolds
Right.
Les Damon
Look, Corbett, you're not buying that alibi.
Sergeant Corbett
I'll have to, unless you can sell me something better.
Les Damon
I tell you, Lester killed Al Romano. He had motive, he had opportunity.
Sergeant Corbett
So did Mrs. Romano, remember?
Les Damon
Hey, wait a minute.
Sergeant Corbett
Think of something.
Les Damon
Yes. Lester must be part of a narcotic ring.
Sergeant Corbett
Well, you heard what Reynolds said.
Les Damon
I don't care what he said. I tell you, he's a junk dealer. And somewhere in the chain there's bound to be a weak link.
Sergeant Corbett
You show me where.
Les Damon
Well, it's just it. I don't know. Wait a minute. Hold everything. Al told me about a boy named Joey Willow. Now, suppose this Willow character talks.
Sergeant Corbett
Well, he wouldn't to a cop.
Les Damon
No, but he might to someone else. I'm going to give it the old college try.
Sergeant Corbett
Yeah.
Ralph Bell
What can I do for you?
Les Damon
Is Joey Willow around?
Ralph Bell
Yeah, I think so. I saw him.
Sergeant Corbett
Oh, there he is.
Adam Graham
Hey.
Les Damon
Hey, Joey. Yeah?
Ralph Bell
There's a fellow here I want to see.
Joey Willow
You. You're looking for me?
Les Damon
Yeah, I am. For Joey Willem.
Joey Willow
Who are you?
Les Damon
Mike. I'm a buddy of Vic Lester.
Joey Willow
Oh, you're working for Les.
Les Damon
Who else?
Joey Willow
Let's go in the bank.
Les Damon
Okay. You sure we won't be disturbed?
Joey Willow
Positive. Me and the boss are like this. Wait till I turn on the light. Where's the stuff? Well, didn't Les send it over with you?
Les Damon
Oh, sure, sure. I got it right here.
Joey Willow
Start pushing, boy. I'm low.
Les Damon
Take it easy, Joey. I want to talk to you first.
Joey Willow
We'll talk later.
Les Damon
Remember, a boy named Al Romano.
Joey Willow
Where's the stuff?
Les Damon
Relax.
Joey Willow
Don't tell me to relax. What does Les think he's pulling anyway?
Les Damon
Well, he's just being careful. You know, this could mean a prison term if I'm dealing with a stoolie.
Joey Willow
I'm no stoolie. I'm one of his best customers.
Les Damon
You get all your junk from him.
Joey Willow
Yeah.
Les Damon
Were you there this afternoon when he had his beef with Al Romano?
Joey Willow
You asked too many questions.
Les Damon
Well, I explained to you.
Joey Willow
You know what I think? You're a phony. Yeah. I don't think Lester sent you here at all.
Les Damon
You're wrong, kid.
Joey Willow
Okay, we'll find out.
Les Damon
Put down that phone.
Sergeant Corbett
I said put down that phone.
Les Damon
I suppose we go for a little ride.
Chuck Webster
Phil.
Joey Willow
Phil.
Vic Lester
What's the trouble?
Joey Willow
This guy's pushing me around.
Ralph Bell
Get your hands off him.
Les Damon
No, you don't understand.
Ralph Bell
You don't understand. He's my brother.
Les Damon
What do they call you? Weeping Willows.
Ralph Bell
Oh, I beat it.
Les Damon
That gun loaded?
Ralph Bell
What do you think?
Les Damon
I think I better go quietly. So long, fellas. I'll be seeing you.
Joey Willow
After my brother kicked him out, I thought I better tell you.
Vic Lester
You were right, Joey.
Joey Willow
He didn't get nothing out of me.
Vic Lester
Les, I appreciate it.
Joey Willow
Why don't you show it with some stuff?
Vic Lester
Are you fresh out?
Joey Willow
And I always.
Vic Lester
That's tough, kid, because I don't have a grain in the place.
Joey Willow
What?
Vic Lester
I was supposed to pick up 3 ounces today. But I couldn't take delivery with that Mike Waring on my tail.
Les Damon
Why, that dirty no good guys like.
Vic Lester
Him that are spoiling your fun.
Adam Graham
Oh, boy.
Joey Willow
If I could get my hands on him again.
Vic Lester
Well, maybe you can, huh? Suppose I make you a proposition. You take care of Waring, and I'll take care of you.
Joey Willow
What does that mean?
Vic Lester
Just what it sounded like.
Joey Willow
But I haven't got a gun.
Vic Lester
That's no problem.
Joey Willow
No, I don't want it.
Les Damon
Okay.
Vic Lester
But don't come crying to me when you feel like you're dying.
Joey Willow
I'm dying now.
Vic Lester
Well, it's Waring's fault. With him out of the way, I could keep you supplied forever.
Joey Willow
No, I couldn't do it. Look at me.
Vic Lester
A shot will fix that up.
Joey Willow
Yeah, but you said you didn't.
Vic Lester
I just happen to remember I got a loaded syringe in the safe.
Joey Willow
Let me have it.
Vic Lester
Will you get wearing.
Joey Willow
Just get me the stuff.
Vic Lester
Okay. 41 right.
Ralph Bell
No.
Vic Lester
7 left. 69 right.
Joey Willow
Hey, how good is this?
Vic Lester
The best. Practically 100% pure stuff.
Joey Willow
Where can I.
Vic Lester
Back office. I'll keep watch out here.
Joey Willow
You're a pal, Les.
Vic Lester
Ain't I, though? Find everything you need in the medicine chest.
Joey Willow
Well, where's it? Never mind. I got it.
Vic Lester
Need any help?
Joey Willow
I think I am an aperture. I know my way around.
Vic Lester
All right, hurry it up.
Joey Willow
I don't know if it's my imagination or what, but I feel a million percent better already.
Vic Lester
It ain't your imagination, kid. Roll down your sleeve, huh?
Joey Willow
Oh, sure. You're a pal. Less.
Vic Lester
You said that before.
Joey Willow
I mean it. The way I feel now, I could lick the world.
Vic Lester
Then one man named Waring shouldn't be any problem at all. Here's the gun, Joey. Let's see what you can do.
Joey Willow
How you wearing? Come on in.
Les Damon
How did you get in here?
Joey Willow
Ah, you remember me, huh?
Les Damon
How could I ever forget? You're Joey Willow.
Joey Willow
That's Me, Joey Willow.
Les Damon
How's the air up there, huh? Offhand, I'd say you were flying at 10,000ft.
Joey Willow
Get smart and I'll let you have it right now.
Les Damon
Where'd you get that gun?
Joey Willow
Wouldn't you like to know?
Les Damon
That's why I asked. But I think Lester made a mistake. He should have come himself.
Joey Willow
You talk too much.
Les Damon
So I've been told.
Joey Willow
Well, I'm gonna break you the habit.
Les Damon
Oh, you can kill me. What'll that get you?
Joey Willow
Enough.
Les Damon
No, it won't. Lester isn't long for this world. They'll get to him sooner or later. And then where will you be?
Sergeant Corbett
Shut up.
Les Damon
What's the matter, Joey? The stuff wearing off?
Joey Willow
Listen, you.
Les Damon
You don't get quite the wallop out of it you used to, huh? What'll you do when Lester can't keep you supplied?
Joey Willow
What?
Les Damon
You'll feel like you're burning up. You know how it hits you? You can't eat. You can't sleep. You just want to die.
Joey Willow
Are you gonna shut up?
Les Damon
Look at you. Even now you're shaking so you couldn't hit the side of a bomb.
Joey Willow
Yeah? I'll show you.
Les Damon
What did I tell you?
Joey Willow
Let go.
Les Damon
Come on, drop it.
Ralph Bell
Let me go. I'll break your arm.
Les Damon
All right, now sit down and behave yourself.
Joey Willow
Listen.
Les Damon
Shut up.
Joey Willow
Who you calling?
Les Damon
I'll give you one guess.
Joey Willow
I didn't mean it. It's all les fault. You don't know how it feels when you.
Sergeant Corbett
86 precinct. Corbett.
Les Damon
Hello, Sergeant. This is Waring.
Sergeant Corbett
Where you been?
Les Damon
Working, which is more than I can say for you fellas. I just solved your case.
Sergeant Corbett
Did you now?
Les Damon
Yes. I got a boy and a gun here who'll bear me out.
Sergeant Corbett
Come again?
Les Damon
I just latched onto the weapon that killed Al Romano. And who do you think sent it over? Mr. Vic Lester himself. Can you top that?
Sergeant Corbett
Maybe I can. Suppose I told you that Lester was knocked off an hour ago.
Les Damon
He what?
Sergeant Corbett
And since you two didn't get along so well, maybe we ought to have a little talk. You want to come over by yourself or should I send the car?
Chuck Webster
What do you and your family do on a weekend? If you're average Americans, on a Saturday or Sunday, you enjoy your car. You take a short drive or a long trip. If you use your automobile a lot on weekends, you have a good idea how many millions of cars pour out onto the highways on weekends. That's one reason why the traffic death toll is so high. And why the utmost caution is needed in weekend driving more than any other time. Along with the good drivers, we see the speeders, the drinkers, the reckless ones, the inexperienced drivers and those who won't yield an inch out on the roads. As a result, deaths in weekend automobile accidents have increased sharply, about 2,600 annually. That is an average of 50 more fatalities every weekend in 1951 than in 1946. Injuries in Saturday and Sunday traffic accidents are now 200,000 greater in a year on weekends particularly, remember to drive as though your life depends on does. Now, back to the Adventures of the Falcon. 20 minutes have passed since Mike received the general information that Vic Lester was murdered. And now at police headquarters we find Sergeant Corbett filling him in on the details.
Sergeant Corbett
As near as we can figure it, Lester was killed at 7 o'clock.
Bill Reynolds
Where were you at that time?
Vic Lester
Waring?
Les Damon
Now listen, Reynolds.
Sergeant Corbett
He's entitled to an answer.
Les Damon
Well, you certainly don't think I killed him. Where's my motive?
Bill Reynolds
You thought he knocked off a pal of yours.
Sergeant Corbett
He did.
Vic Lester
Well?
Les Damon
Well, I. Oh, you're crazy. It's all Lester once and that was enough.
Bill Reynolds
Well, where were you at 7:00?
Les Damon
On my way home.
Bill Reynolds
That's a hot one.
Sergeant Corbett
Lay off, Reynolds. I said lay off. He didn't kill Lester.
Bill Reynolds
And who did?
Sergeant Corbett
Let's take it from the top of the page. You better start, Mike.
Les Damon
Well, we know for a fact that Lester killed Romano.
Bill Reynolds
How do we know that for a fact?
Les Damon
By the gun I took off Joey Willow. He admitted Lester gave it to him. And the bullets match up with the slugs you removed from Romano's body.
Sergeant Corbett
Go on.
Les Damon
Well, when Lester felt I was getting too close for comfort, he steamed Joey Willow into gunning me.
Sergeant Corbett
How by that?
Bill Reynolds
Well, even Granny's right, Sergeant. Still doesn't solve anything.
Les Damon
Doesn't it?
Bill Reynolds
No. We got another murder on our hands. If Lester killed Romano, who killed Lester?
Sergeant Corbett
What about Joey Willow?
Bill Reynolds
I don't see it. Waring's his alibi.
Les Damon
That's right. He was waiting for me at my place. Now, obviously there's someone else we haven't thought of.
Sergeant Corbett
Well, how about Mrs. Romano?
Bill Reynolds
Yeah, that makes sense.
Les Damon
Not to me, it doesn't. Where's her motive?
Sergeant Corbett
Well, Lester killed her husband.
Les Damon
Oh, Corbett, make up your mind. First, you were looking for her because you felt Ruth was fed up with Al. Now you claim she was so madly in love with him she wanted to avenge his murder. You can't have it both ways.
Sergeant Corbett
So where do we go from here? We've looked high and low, have we? What do you mean?
Les Damon
I know we looked low when we found Joey Willow. But we haven't looked high.
Sergeant Corbett
I don't get it.
Les Damon
You do, don't you, Reynolds?
Bill Reynolds
I'm afraid I don't.
Les Damon
Alessa never could have stayed in business without some form of protection. Doesn't it strike you strange that Al Romano was killed right after he agreed to talk to the police?
Bill Reynolds
Wouldn't that be the natural time?
Les Damon
Sure. But who knew his plans?
Bill Reynolds
His wife did.
Les Damon
No, she didn't. She only knew he was coming to see me. But there was one person who knew Romano was going to implicate Lester.
Sergeant Corbett
Oh, you.
Bill Reynolds
What?
Les Damon
Right after I phoned you, you must have called Lester and told him the worst.
Bill Reynolds
You're crazy.
Les Damon
You told him he had to get rid of Romano before you got there. You figured that would solve everything.
Bill Reynolds
You don't believe, do you, Carvet?
Sergeant Corbett
I want to hear more.
Les Damon
Then after Romano's death, when I kept insisting Lester was behind it, Reynolds felt he had to get rid of Lester for his own protection.
Bill Reynolds
Look, Sergeant, you can listen to this if you want to, but I've got.
Les Damon
Stay where you are.
Sergeant Corbett
Get his gun, Mike.
Les Damon
It'll be a pleasure. Hey, look what I found. What do you make of this?
Sergeant Corbett
What do I make of what?
Les Damon
His service revolver. It's been fired recently.
Sergeant Corbett
Let me see that.
Bill Reynolds
I can explain it, sir.
Les Damon
Shut up. Or till. You bet the slug that killed Lester came from this gun.
Sergeant Corbett
I wouldn't be at all surprised. Do me a favor, Mike.
Les Damon
Sure, Sergeant.
Sergeant Corbett
Leave me and Reynolds alone for a while. I got some departmental business I want to take up with him alone.
Les Damon
Come on, Corbett, cheer up. How about stopping somewhere for a theater?
Sergeant Corbett
No, no, I don't feel like celebrating. And I think what the public will make of this.
Les Damon
Oh, they'll understand. They know the thousands of decent things cops do every day of the year don't make news. It's only when a cop does something rotten, it makes headlines.
Sergeant Corbett
Still, he was a cop.
Les Damon
Well, Reynolds wouldn't have been any different if he was a fireman or a garbage collector. There are guys like him in every business in the world. You just can't keep them out.
Sergeant Corbett
Yeah, but they're the exception, not the rule.
Les Damon
Well, everybody knows that. Incidentally, what did he tell you?
Sergeant Corbett
He was working with Lester for the past six months. When he thought you were getting too close for comfort, he decided to get rid of Lester so there'd be no trail leading back to him. He confessed all that and more. You should have seen him. You couldn't ask for a more cooperative witness. He was practically crying for the stenographer to get it all down.
Les Damon
I can't see why he. Oh, wait a minute. What happened when I left you two alone?
Sergeant Corbett
Well, this is strictly between us.
Les Damon
Oh, sure.
Sergeant Corbett
But I figured if Reynolds could forget for six months he was a cop.
Les Damon
You were entitled to forget it for six minutes.
Sergeant Corbett
Actually, it was closer to 16. Good night, Mike.
Chuck Webster
The case of the fatal six. The case of the Fatal Six. That's the title of next week's Adventure of the Falcon, when Mike Waring learns that no matter how careful a killer may be, leaving bodies is always a dead giveaway. 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 was starred as the Falcon with Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett. This program came from New York. This is Fred Collins speaking.
Adam Graham
Welcome back. There were a few things I liked about this. The friend of Mike's who had the moral dilemma and decided to report a boss really was a believable conflict. And I appreciated that what he did reflected the best ethic of the time. I also thought in general that the portrayal of Joey Willow was really good as the show explored a lot of aspects of drug abuse you probably would not have heard about, say, in the 1940s, as well as the long term effects. And being able to exploit his state of mind was really key to the Falcon's survival in this episode. I thought the plot was good, but for me the solution was no surprise. Had they cast Bill Zuckert or Larry Haynes as the other cop, I might have been misdirected. But they cast Ralph Bell and essentially I default to thinking that whoever Ralph Bell is playing, if they're not guilty, they're going to be shady. Now, there are actors who tend to do that who can play crooks and honest cops. But Bell ended up playing a lot of crooked cops. So I always expect Ralph Bell to turn out to be a bad guy, even in things where it's not reasonable to expect that to happen. For one of our Patreon extras a few months back, we played an episode of Proudly We Hail about the development of jet fighters. And Ralph Bell and Les Damon were playing people working on the project. And I kept expecting Ralph Bell's character to turn out to be a Soviet agent. And it's like that. Anytime that I hear Ralph Bell, whether he's in a religious drama or when he does a voiceover for a car ad, as was the case on CBS Radio Mystery Theater, I always expect there to be a Heel turn somewhere in there. I wonder if contemporary audiences notice this tendency with Bell characters, or if this is just something those who have listened to it in the 21st century it picked up on. I did question the bit where the pusher said that he was giving Joey Willow A 100% pure dose. I suspect the dealer was lying to him, if for no other reason than I just saw an episode of Kojak where someone decided he wanted to kill a junkie and killed him by giving him an 88% pure dose. If you don't cut it at all, you increase the risk of an overdose or at the very least making your junkie unfit to even try to carry out the mission. And I think it's safe to assume that he just gave him maybe the same dose or a little bit of a higher quality, but nowhere close to 100%. Well, now we're going to go ahead and talk a little bit about the show and the Patreon and this will be the end only time I'm going to go into this in any sort of detail during the campaign. Now this is a twice annual campaign. It's focused on increasing our number of Patreon supporters and you can become one of our Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net now a little bit of information for those who might be somewhat newer to the podcast. I started doing old time radio podcasts all the back in 2007 with the old Time Dragnet show, and I had a vision of a couple of things. One was a playing series all the way through from start to finish, and the second was creating an experience. I had this idea that the podcast would be like virtually gathering around the radio and listening together. And I think my understanding of what that means has grown over the years. The fact is that part of enjoying a book or a movie or a television show is sharing the experience in some way. Like many of us have chosen at one time or another to read a book or watch a TV show or movie, not because it interested us in particular, but so we could be part of the conversation. And that's kind of what we've aimed to create here with great detectives and what We've done across 6,000 episodes through multiple podcasts that we've shared together. And I appreciate everyone who's written in and shared their insights and responded to what I've said and who's been so supportive over the past 17 years. And of course to those who sent in encouraging emails or left reviews and even sent some letters over to our appeal box. And of course the focus of this campaign has been on the financial support, which has been really big. One time donations helped us through the first few years of the podcast, although the income was inconsistent with a lot of months where donations tended to dry up. And then almost 10 years ago we started on Patreon and it grew into being such a big blessing because people would give small, regular, affordable donations on a recurring basis. And it gave the show a reliable income stream that really sustained it for so many years. And Patreon is still really important today. It's important financially because it still offers that reliability. Even as I look into other ways to try and build revenue streams that can often be volatile and have their ups and downs, the expenses on the show have gone up. We've tried to procure better recordings of Old Time Radio programs and work on improving things like discoverability and connecting with the podcast industry better, as well as buying different resources to improve the quality of research and information that I provide on the podcast. There are so many different businesses and vendors and subscriptions that really are behind the show and help it to grow. And I've got some great plans for the near future. In the next few months we'll be launching a new Old Time Radio Adventure podcast. We also have some special things coming up with our video theater podcast, particularly come the summer, as well as a few other ideas I'm kicking around and thinking about. And really the Patreon support helps make all that happen and I truly appreciate it. But it's not just about the financial support. It's also a way to have a voice in various decisions that we make, as well as one big one that's coming up in April. Our Patreon supporters will vote on this year's Amazing World of Radio Summer series. We've done a lot of interesting series over the years. Last year we did the Batman Villains of Old Time Radio. The year before that we featured the Mr. And Mrs. Blanding's sitcom starring Cary Grant and Betsy Drake. And one of our first miniseries we did was the Summer of Humphrey Bogart. But there are also other decisions that come up where I think, should I take this step or go in this direction? And I will ask my Patreon supporters because it makes sense to ask folks who are truly and deeply invested in the podcast. And I asked one of these in my last update and you'll be hearing about it probably 1st of March. Now, in addition to the occasional consultation, there are other benefits that come with being A Patreon supporter, you will get a monthly update regardless of level, with a brief life update as well as some information on some of the plans we're making with the various podcast we're doing. If you support us at the shamus level of $4 or more per month, you'll get to enjoy our extra podcast. These are non detective programs, oftentimes featuring detective actors, but sometimes it'll be just some rare or interesting program that I found and that is available to our Patreon supporters at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. At the detective sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month, you can request one ebook every six months from the ones that I've written. And then just a few months ago, one of our Chief of Detective supporters, those who support the podcast at $30 or more per month, you can request that we do a podcast of a non detective program. Again, we're talking about something that would be old time radio, so from the golden age of radio within the time frame that we'll cover and not something that will get us into copyright trouble. But if you are the Chief of detectives level, $30 or more per month, that benefit is available to you. But most of our Patreon supporters have been so supportive of the podcast and really just interested in helping out and I really appreciate it. And if this is something that you would like to do, you can become one of our Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdet. now if you are not interested in becoming a paid Patreon supporter at this time, you can actually sign up for the free option which gives you some public updates. It doesn't include the Patreon newsletter or anything that's paid like the extras, but you will get notified about some podcast as well as some things that we do share publicly over there and we'll be talking about some future enhancements in that regard on Saturday. Now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we have a comment on Patreon from Ken who writes, Adam, I'm enjoying going back in time to hear earlier shows as well as listening to the latest ones you release. The shows recorded in New York City are particularly nostalgic for me because my dad, who grew up in New York City told me how his father took him to see a few shows being recorded. I'm hearing shows he heard and possibly attended the recording of. Thank you for all the work you do to share these classic broadcasts with us. Well, thanks so much Ken and That's not something I really thought about. Now, certainly there are arguments against recording, particularly drama in front of a studio audience or even comedy, where the focus can be too much on the studio audience and not enough on the radio audience at home. But that didn't stop many programs from doing so. Now, comedy programs were probably more noted for having a studio audience, but there are a number of detective programs where you can actually hear hear the studio audience rather clearly. Things like the New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes or Casey Crom. Photographer. We only have one episode of Nick Carter after 1949, and I was impressed listening to it that it seemed like he still had a studio audience, even though it was an episode from 1954. And recording drama before studio audience had been going out of favor a bit. So it's certainly possible that your dad was in the audience for radio program. And it kind of makes me wonder because I listened to an episode of Bing Crosby where he went back to his hometown of Spokane. I wonder if my grandfather or somebody related to me because I had family over there who lived there at the time, whether they might have been in the audience of the program I'm listening to. Really does make you think. Thanks so much for the comment, Ken. Now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day, and I want to go ahead and thank Gus. Gus has been one of our Patreon supporters since August, currently supporting the podcast at the seamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Gus, 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, another episode of the Adventures of the Falcon. But join us back here tomorrow for Matthew Slade, where I got the letter.
Sergeant Corbett
Are you in trouble?
Mike Waring
I may be now. I didn't send it.
Sergeant Corbett
Sanderson or Rogers? Someone else. A nice setup for a kill.
Mike Waring
Don't sweat it, man.
Sergeant Corbett
I've been so busy playing Superman, I didn't notice. Ray, where should we meet?
Mike Waring
Another trap for my killer?
Sergeant Corbett
Well, I can set it up alone. It was my goof.
Mike Waring
We'll go together. There's a hotel called the Glass House on tomorrow day register. I'm known in the villages, so we'll dig into the Handy Dandy disguise kit code. Contact will be Marcy.
Sergeant Corbett
Marcy.
Ralph Bell
Huh?
Sergeant Corbett
The Glass House. Isn't there something about people who live on rocks shouldn't build glass houses? I hope not, Dre. I hope not.
Adam Graham
I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box 13@greatdetectives.net. follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
In this captivating episode of The Adventures of the Falcon, titled "The Case of the Weeping Willow," listeners are transported back to February 27, 1952, immersing themselves in a classic detective narrative filled with suspense, moral dilemmas, and the dark underbelly of narcotics trafficking. Hosted by Adam Graham, the episode masterfully blends period-authentic dialogue with intricate plotting, showcasing the enduring appeal of old-time radio dramas.
The story centers around Joey Willow, a troubled young man desperately seeking a "jolt" or a dose of drugs. His search leads him to Lester Pharmaceuticals, where he encounters Al Romano, a pharmacist with a hidden past as a drug pusher. As Falcon delves deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit, addiction, and murder that threatens to unravel the lives of those involved.
Joey Willow's Desperation (00:28 - 03:06):
Al Romano's Confession (05:00 - 06:25):
Murder of Al Romano (08:00 - 10:01):
Falcon's Investigation Unfolds (13:05 - 27:45):
The Climactic Revelation (25:37 - 27:05):
In a masterful twist, Falcon exposes the corruption within the police force itself, revealing that Bill Reynolds manipulated events to eliminate Vic Lester and maintain his own illicit operations. The episode culminates in a tense confrontation where the true antagonist is unmasked, ensuring justice is served despite the layers of deception.
Joey Willow (01:34): "I need a jolt."
Joey's desperation sets the stage for the ensuing conflict.
Al Romano (05:30): "I don't know what you're saying."
Al's evasiveness hints at his hidden dealings.
Vic Lester (10:00): "Happy landing, kiddo."
Lester's sinister demeanor underscores his malevolent role.
Falcon (Les Damon) (22:44): "Well, we know for a fact that Lester killed Romano."
Falcon's assertive stance begins to unravel the mystery.
Sergeant Corbett (27:20): "He confessed all that and more."
Corbett's revelation is pivotal in shocking the listeners.
"The Case of the Weeping Willow" exemplifies the rich storytelling and complex character dynamics that The Adventures of the Falcon series is renowned for. Through its intricate plot and morally ambiguous characters, the episode offers a profound commentary on addiction, corruption, and the pursuit of justice. Adam Graham's insightful commentary further enhances the listening experience, providing listeners with a deeper appreciation of the era's radio drama craftsmanship.
For those unfamiliar with the episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of the narrative, highlighting the key moments and character developments that make this installment a standout in the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio series.
This summary was crafted using the transcript provided for "The Falcon: The Case of the Weeping Willow" (EP4635) from The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. For more episodes and insights, visit greatdetectives.net.