Old Time Radio Mysteries and More

Old Time Radio Mysteries and More

by F. Ziffel

Performing Arts

The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe - The Tell-Tale Ribbon

Archie picks up the ringing phone in Mr. Wolfe's office and says "Mr. Wolfe's office, Archie Goodwin speaking ... who is this?... who wants to speak with Mr. Wolfe?" Wolfe says "Nobody". Archie asks "Nobody?" Wolfe says "I said that. Hang up. It's late and it's too cold, and I'm not moving from this room". Archie says "Please, Mr. Wolfe, I can't hear a thing this old gentleman's saying". Wolfe says "Does it matter to you what I said? No". On the phone, Archie says "Now, what did you say? You were late because she was killed? Do you want us to find out who killed her? ... oh". Talking to Wolfe, Archie says "He says he knows who did it, but he has an important message for you". Archie says "Well then, come right over, we'll be waiting, Mr. Jenkins". A few minutes later, Jenkins is at the door. Archie opens it, and Jenkins says "It's me. I got a dispatch for Mr. Wolfe". Archie says "Come in, Mr. Jenkins. Mr. Wolfe, he says he has a dispatch for you". Wolfe asks "Who is it from?" Jenkins says "I don't know. I really do, but I'm supposed to say that I don't". Archie asks "Who was killed?" Jenkins says "Oh, it was a terrible thing. We were just crossing the turnpike, and this fellow came at us from out of nowhere". Wolfe asks "Well, how did it happen? Did he shoot her, or stab her?" Jenkins says "Oh no, he ran into her with his car. She was only nine years old". Archie asks "Your granddaughter? Jenkins says "No, Bessie, my old horse". Archie says "Oh, no". Jenkins says "Well, I've got to get along now, goodbye". Wolfe says "What is in the envelope?" Archie says "Mr. Wolfe, look. Five one hundred dollar bills! The note reads "Mr. Wolfe, your services are desperately needed. Come up this weekend as my guest, signed, E. Mellot". Wolfe says "Edward Mellot, the wealthy manufacturer, hmm?" Archie says "Well, looks as though you're going out". Wolfe says "Archie, pay my respects to Mr. Mellot and enjoy your weekend".

Broadway is My Beat - The David Blaine Murder Case

As Detective Danny Clover is about to leave for the day, Sergeant Gino Tartaglia is running down the hall after him. He says "Danny. Hey, Danny". Clover stops and asks "What's the matter, Sergeant?" Gino says "Glad I nabbed you before you took off for the day. Phone call, Danny. From a hysterical woman at 1647 East 56th Street, fourth floor apartment. That's where her fiancée lives. The guy's threatening to blow his brains out". Gino hands Danny a piece of paper and says "Here. The names and such I jotted on this paper". Danny says "Squad car, Gino". He says "It's waiting for you downstairs. Muggerman's with it". Soon, they pull up to the apartments. They jump out of the car and head toward to entrance. Muggerman asks "Who'd you say was doing all this threatening?" Danny says "A man by the name of Blaine. First name ... let's see ... David. Suddenly, they hear a gunshot from somewhere inside the apartment complex. They run to the entrance, but find it locked. Danny says "Try the buzzer". A lady opens the door and says "He did it! Carole said he would and he did it!" Danny says "We're from the police". The lady says "It happened up there, on the fourth floor, just now". Danny asks "Who's that crying?" The lady says "That's her, Miss Carole! See her? She's hugging the banister up on the third floor landing. And that's Mr. Fallon at the rail on the second floor". Danny says "Let's go, Muggerman". They get up to the fourth floor apartment, and start looking over the scene. Danny says "He's dead". Muggerman says "The gun's here, Danny, by his chair. It looks brand new". Danny says "Looks like Mr. Blaine had his choice". Muggerman says "Uh-huh. He had quite a gun collection, from Deringers on up". Danny says "Muggerman, those people we passed on the landing, Mr. Fallon and Miss Carole, I'll want to talk to them". Muggerman says "Yeah. Miss Carole is still crying. You hear her? Poor woman".

CBS Radio Mystery Theater - Key to Murder

In a rather stuffy Victorian living room, Rachel James and her closest friend, Minerva Hall, are having a much needed cup of tea. Minerva says "Another cup, Rachel? She says "Oh, I guess so, Minerva. Might as well enjoy it while I can still afford it". Minerva says "Oh, come on now. Things aren't that bad. Just because two of your roomers packed up and left". Rachel says "Mhm. Mrs. Parker is making noises about doing the same thing. She told me that she didn't want to live in a boarding house where there's been a suicide. She said that this morning. I'm in a real blockbuster of a bind. You know as well as I do that I've gone through an awful lot since I inherited this rooming house from Aunt Hattie". Minerva says "I know it hasn't been easy for you". Rachel says "Well, with inflation, taxes, mortgage payments, and skyrocketing fuel bills, I've barely managed to keep my head above water. And now with two borders gone, three rooms empty, counting poor Mr. Carson, I don't know how I'll make ends meet". Minerva says "Well, if worse comes to worse, you can always sell the place. And I've got my job at Gibbon Real Estate". Rachel says "Minerva, let's face facts. You just get by, as it is, on what they pay you as a clerk. And there's also, well, I don't like to mention ...." Minerva says "I know. My mother. If it weren't for you footing the bills, I'd never be able to keep her in that sanitarium in Cleveland". Rachel says "Well, that's another problem to worry about". Suddenly, someone knocks on the door. Rachel opens it, and says "Yes?" The man there says "Miss James?" She says "Yes". He says "I'm Lieutenant Mike Forbes of Homicide. I'm here to investigate the death of Harold Carson". Rachel invites him into her house, and introduces her friend, Minerva. Rachel says "Won't you sit down, Lieutenant?" He says "Thank you". Rachel says "So, you said that you're investigating poor Mr. Carson's suicide?" Forbes says "Yes, ma'am. Well, the fact of the matter is, it wasn't suicide. It was murder".

Escape - S.S. San Pedro

The cargo liner S.S. San Pedro was at the Hoboken waterfront and would be getting underway. The last few loads of passenger luggage was being hoisted aboard. The San Pedro would be carrying 172 passengers and 200 crew members as she would be beginning her long journey to Buenos Aires. First officer Bradell is currently on the open bridge deck. A moment later, a young woman passenger approaches him and says "My, but you look confident". Bradell says "Huh?" She says "I'm glad you look confident, but you don't have to look so serious". Bradell says "I'm sorry, Miss, but the passengers are not allowed on the bridge". She says "I know that. I've been on ships before, and I've never been thrown off a bridge, yet". Bradell says "Well, I have no intention of throwing you off, but I must ask you ...." She says "My name is Marilee". Bradell says "How do you do?" Marilee asks "Are you the captain?" He says "No, I'm Bradell, the first officer. Now if you'll please .... " Just then, an officer comes up and Bradell says "Yes, Mr. Driscoll, what is it? Driscoll says "The Captain would like to see you in his cabin, right away". Bradell says "Good. Take charge of the bridge, Mr. Driscoll, and please make sure the young lady finds her way back to the passenger deck". He says "Right, sir". Bradell goes to the Captain's quarters and knocks on the door. Captain says "Come in". Bradell opens the door and says "You sent for me, Captain?" He says "Oh, yes, I did my boy. Everything in order on deck?" Bradell says "Yes, sir, we'll sail in about twenty minutes". Captain says "Good. Oh, Mr. Bradell, I'd like to present a friend of mine, Dr. Percival". The doctor says "How do you do?" Bradell looks at him, and is taken aback! The doctor says "I don't wonder at your surprise. My appearance is somewhat strange". Bradell says "I'm, uh, sorry, sir". The doctor says "No, I'm quite used to such a reaction. I'm well aware that I closely resemble uh, a corpse".

Gunsmoke - The Kentucky Tolmans

Marshall Matt Dillon and Chester are at the end of a long, tedious day at the Marshall's office. After a short while, Chester says "The reports are finished, Mr. Dillon". He says "Good. You better go on home now, Chester. It's getting late". Chester says "Yes, sir. Oh, what about these new dodgers?" Matt says "Oh, just leave them there. I'll look them over ...." Suddenly, Matt hears something. Chester says "What's the matter, Mr. Dillon?" He says quietly "We got company at the back door". Matt walks slowly toward it, then opens the door quickly and grabs the person standing there, saying "Come here. come in mister, I said!" She says "Get your paws off of me". Matt says "What? A girl?" She says "Sure I am a girl. What did you think I am?" Matt says "Put that long rifle away and I'll tell you. Where'd you get that thing anyway?" She says "Pappy brought it with him from Kentucky, if it's any of your business, which it ain't by a durn sight". Matt says "Uh huh. What you doing hanging around in the alley?" She looks at Chester and says "Get rid of him there, and we'll jaw about it". Matt says "I see. Uh, Chester, good night". Chester says "Well, but I'm not going .... yes, sir, good night, Mr. Dillon". She asks "Are you the Marshall here?" Matt says "That's right, Miss". She says "My name's Hannah Tolman. You arrest folks, don't you?" Matt says "Well, if they've committed a crime". Hannah says "Well, then I got somebody for you to arrest". Matt says "Huh? Who?" Hannah says "Pappy". Matt says "Why?" Hannah says "Because I said to, that's why. Somebody's been trying to kill him. I figure about the safest place for him is in jail".

Frontier Gentleman - Charlie Meeker

The distance from South Sunday to Rosebud in the Montana Territory is about 30 miles. Due to a heavy rainstorm and his lack of funds, it had taken J.B. Kendall a week Rosebud. Luckily, when he arrived, his remittance from England, 250 dollars, had already been forwarded, and he was once again solvent. After posting off his weekly report to the London Times, Kendall went to the most likely place in Rosebud to get local color and information. Except for the bartender, and a cat on the bar. The place was quite empty. Kendall ordered a drink. The bartender says "Two bits". Kendall pays him and says "Thank you". Bartender says "That's all right. Hush up, cat. Where you from, mister?" Kendall says "London, England". Bartender says "Well, if that don't beat all. My great grandpa came from there. Jackson Beeson is my name". Kendall says "J.B. Kendall". Beeson says "Well, howdy". Kendall says "How do you do, sir? Tell me, Mr. Beeson, what's the situation with the Indians these days?" Beeson says "Well now, you come to the right place for that bit of news. Yes sir, we're going to have trouble. You can thank your stars that we got General Gibbon here keeping an eye out. I hear tell Custer's on his way, too". Kendall says "Oh, bad as that, huh?" Beeson says "Worse. Just yesterday, a correspondence fellow, like you, came in. He works for the Montana Telegraph News. He told me the Sioux are working up to a boil. Oh, it's going to be mighty wicked". Kendall says "Do you think it'll mean war?" Beeson says "I don't have to think. I know".

Suspense - Four of a Kind

A young man named Rich Fowler was hitchhiking along the highway, when a man pulls over and asks him "Want a ride, young fellow?" Rich says "You bet, thanks". As he gets into the car, Rich sees the driver looked to be about 45 years old. He was about the same size as Rich, had no gray hair, and wore a very nice camel hair coat. The man says "I'm J. Steward Beldon. What's your name, son?" Rich says "Rich Fowler". The man asks "Are you married?" Rich says "Not me". Beldon laughs and says "Don't tell me you're a woman hater". Rich says "Oh no, It's not that. I have enough trouble feeding myself". Beldon laughs and says "You'll change your mind one day". Beldon looks at a car traveling the opposite direction and says "9B1863, a dud". Rich says "Huh?" Beldon says "Oh, did you ever play license plate poker?" Rich says "I never heard of it". Beldon says "It's like regular poker, but instead of drawing cards, you draw license plates. Now, I drew that hand, and there was nothing in it. The next license plate we see will be your hand. Hey, here comes one now. What's the license plate? 4J 3134. You got two pairs, threes and fours. You beat me". Rich says "Hey, that's a good game. What are the stakes?" Beldon says "How about 100,000 dollars a hand!" Rich says "Oh, sure" and they have a good laugh. After many more miles of laughs and small talk, they get hungry and stop at a nice restaurant. Beldon picks up the tab. As they were walking back out to the car, Beldon says "Boy, what a meal. I've got to quit eating like that. My clothes are getting tight. Especially this coat. Hey, I've got an idea. You're a little thinner than me. Why don't you try it on?" Rich says "Oh no, Mr. Beldon, I couldn't". Beldon says "Go ahead". Rich tries on the coat, and it fits him perfectly. Beldon says "It looks like you got yourself a coat". After several more miles down the road, they were essentially alone on the highway. Rich notices that his smiling host had become quiet and serious. At a dangerous curve in the road, Beldon suddenly opens his car door, twists the wheel, and jumps clear!

Mr. Chameleon - The Broken Promise Murder Case

In a small but well furnished apartment in New York's Greenwich Village, an attractive woman in her early 30s named Cybil Kent and a good-looking young man named Roger Dalton are having cocktails before the fireplace. Roger says "This is the moment I've been waiting for, Cybil. I've got terrific news for you". Cybil says "News, Roger?" He says "I've finally landed it. That job as an artist with the advertising agency!" Cybil says "Roger, oh darling!" He says "That agency is one of the most important advertising firms in town. I'm to start with work the beginning of the week, and it's all thanks to you, Cybil". She says "Oh, Roger, that's wonderful, because it means that now at last we can go ahead with our plans". Roger says "What do you mean, Cybil?" She says "Oh, Roger darling, do I have to say it? Our understanding was that as soon as you graduated from Art School and got a job we we'd be married". Roger says "Great Scott! You ... you mean you took that seriously?" Cybil says "What? Roger you know that was our agreement". Roger says "But, Cybil, I never dreamt you were really serious. In fact, I've made plans of my own. I'm going to marry Vera Langdon". Cybil says "Vera Langdon? After all I've done for you! All the sacrifices I've made for you!" Roger says "Cybil, you've been a wonderful friend and I mean to pay you back someday". Cybil says "Pay me back? Roger Dalton, you're not throwing me over for that society girl, Vera Langdon! Not when I've spent every penny I have to put you through Art School! If you leave me, I'll go to your new job, and to Vera and her wealthy father, and fix things up for you so that you'll be through for good! I'll even go farther! I'll kill you before I give you up to anyone else! Do you hear me, Roger?"

The Whistler - The Deadly Innocent

At the Mammoth Construction Company, meek employee Lambert Dean has carried a grievance for 25 years, one tied to a longtime rival with the president of the company, Joe Carson. During a late night visit to the company offices, he begins putting his elaborate plan into motion. At 9:00 o'clock at night, Lambert walks into the company offices. He talks casually with the old night watchman, and takes the elevator up to the second floor. He walks into the office, shuts the door behind him, and says "Hello, Joe". Carson says "Huh? Oh, what are you doing here?" Lambert says "Did I startle you, Joe? I'm so sorry". Carson says "What do you mean by busting into my office? Can't you knock?" Lambert says "Oh, sure, Joe. I'd never think of walking into the president's office without knocking during working hours. I didn't think it'd matter tonight". Carson says "Anytime I'm here, it's working hours. Remember that if you want to hang on to your job. Now, get out". Lambert says "Well, don't you want to know why I came down tonight?" Carson says "I do not. Any fool could take care of the bookkeeping department in the daytime. If you have to work nights to keep up with simple routine, that's your lookout". Lambert says "Oh, I don't have to work on them. They're all fixed up just the way I want them. I came here to tell you about them, Joe". Carson says "Well, you can keep it. The books will wait till tomorrow". Lambert says "You better listen now if you want to hear it at all". Carson says "How many times have I got to tell you to get .... what do you mean, better listen?" Lambert says "Tomorrow will be too late. You'd better listen, Joe".

Whitehall 1212 - The Case of Arthur Freeman

At 10:00 AM on the morning of April 3rd, 1947, Anthony DeBruyn, a young stock broker's clerk, was walking with his fiancé toward Howard's Jewelry Shop on Charlotte Street near Tottenham Court Road in London. They were on their way to purchase an engagement ring. Anthony says "The ring should be at least six carats, darling". His fiancé says "Seven, and set in platinum, too". Anthony says "I wish I could afford it really, dear". She says "Whatever it is, I'll love it, Anthony". He says "Well, come on. Let's see what I can afford, shall we?" She says "Darling". As they neared the shop, they suddenly hear a commotion inside. people yelling, and then a gunshot! She says "Robbers!" Anthony tells his fiancé "Out of the road!" Another gunshot is heard, then, screaming! A short while later, Chief Inspector Richard Anderson of Scotland Yard is assigned to the case. Based on witnesses at the scene, the robbers wore white cloth masks, so their actual faces were not seen by anyone at the murder. They were apparently young men. No jewelry had been taken at the holdup, and Anthony DeBruyn, shot through the head, was the only casualty. His fiancé was hysterical, and unable to talk coherently. Apparently, the murderer and his companion disappeared inside a business building at number 14 Charlotte Street, and were seen by the janitor, Thomas Cobbly, who was interviewed by Detective Sergeant John Quinn. When asked about the suspects, Cobbly says "Oh I seen them, all right, sir. See this knob on my head? One of them hit me with the pistol as they ran past. He tried to shoot me, but the thing wouldn't go off". Quinn asks "Would you recognize any of them again, Cobbly?" He says "Oh, that I could, sir. Both of them had their masks down about their necks. I seen their faces, all right. One had a mustache, the other was wearing a raincoat".

1 of 7