Old Time Radio Mysteries and More

Old Time Radio Mysteries and More

by F. Ziffel

Performing Arts

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".

The Man Called X - Five Ounces of Treason

Ken Thurston is exiting the plane at LaGuardia Airport in New York, having just arrived from Dublin. As he hurries down the stairs and across the ramp, he is met by a familiar voice that says "Hello, Mr. Thurston. What a happy coincidence, huh?" Ken says "Pegon". He says "Imagine meeting you here". Ken says "Yeah, just imagine. How did you get hold of my schedule?" Pegon says "Well, I just accidentally happened to see the cable gram on Miss Brook's desk, and I mean, uh .... " Ken says "Coincidence, yeah". Pegon says "Well, I thought I'd welcome you to New York, Mr. Thurston. Here, let me carry your bag". Ken says "No thanks. And no, I won't loan you a hundred bucks. So long". Pegon says "Wait a minute, Mr. Thurston. How could you even think that I only came out to borrow money? Besides, I need three hundred". Ken says "Really broke, huh?" Pegon says "Flat as a flounder. How about it, Mr. Thurston, after all, it's only money. Ken sees someone he recognizes and says "Hold it, Pegon". He says "Huh? You mean that guy there by the guard rail?" Yes. He looks like, uh ... by George, it is!" Pegon says "Is it, I mean, who?" Ken says "Pedro Andolero". Ken calls out to him "Pedro ... Pedro, wait a second". Pegon says "Hey look. He is running away!". Ken says "What the devil is he ..." Pegon says "He crawled under that guard rail. He's on the ramp!" Ken says "I can't understand what he's .... Pedro!" Pegon says "That plane! He don't see!" Ken says "Pedro, look out!" Suddenly, screams are heard! Pegon says "Oh, Mr. Thurston!" Ken says "He ran straight into that propeller!"

The Adventures of the Falcon - The Case of the Killer's Key

It is early afternoon in a shabby rooming house in Midtown Manhattan. A nervous young man named Larry Gordon gives himself a dose of artificial courage. Then, deciding further treatment is indicated, he starts pouring another. There is a knock at the door. Larry asks "Who is it?" His girlfriend, Claire says "It's me, Larry. Open up." He lets her in and asks "Did you get everything?" She says "Yes, you fly to Chicago. From there, you have a reservation on California Limited". Larry asks "What name did you use?" Claire says "Larry Holcomb". He says "Good. When's the plane leave?" Claire says "At 8:25 tonight". Larry says "Couldn't you get me out sooner?" Claire says "No. Listen Larry, I still think you're making a mistake. Running away is no solution". Larry says "Are you crazy? If Mr. Hunt ever lays his hands on me, that's it. I worked for the man for eight years. I know how his mind operates. I never should have opened my yap to those treasury boys in the first place. Now, they've got enough on him to send him up for ten years". Claire says "But, without you they've got no case". Suddenly, there is another knock at the door. Larry asks Claire "You think you were followed?" Claire says "No, I was very careful". Larry asks "Who is it?" The voice at the door says "Kemper, Internal Revenue". Larry says "Just a minute, Mr. Kemper". Claire asks "What do you want me to do?" Larry says "Get in the kitchen and be quiet". Larry goes to the door, opens it, and says "Mr. Hunt!" He says "Hello, Larry. I hope you'll forgive the deception. I did it very well, don't you think?" Larry says "I wasn't going to testify against you. See, I've got the tickets right here". Hunt says "So, you were bound for California. Where were you planning to stay?" Larry says "Why?" Hunt says "Well, someone should cancel the reservation, since you're going elsewhere".

Dragnet - Max Tyler, Escaped Convict

On Tuesday, February 8th, It was cold in Los Angeles. Detective Sergeants Joe Friday and Ben Romero were working the night watch out of robbery detail. During the course of a jewelry store holdup, Ben Romero received a bullet wound to the shoulder. One of the two suspects responsible for the robbery was apprehended, but the other escaped. The captured suspect, Max Tyler, was an old friend of Joe's during his time in the army. Later that night, Joe went to visit Ben in the Georgia Street Receiving Hospital. Joe walks into the hospital treatment room, and Ben says "Joe". Friday says "Hi. Hi Doc. Ben, how's it going?" Ben says "It hurt for a while, but the doctor gave me an injection. Joe asks "Is the bullet still in your shoulder?" Ben says "Doc's about ready to take it out. Joe asks "How's it look, Doctor?" He says "It was a shallow, penetrating wound in the deltoid area. No bone involvement". Joe says "That's good. Feel okay, Ben?" He says "Sure. What did you do with Tyler, Joe?" Friday says "He's in the Interrogation room. Reynolds and Thompson are with him". As the doctor is removing the slug, Joe asks "Did you call your wife?" Ben says "No, she don't know". The doctor removes it and says "There it is boys. You want to mark it as evidence?" Joe says 'Yeah, give it to me. I will". Ben asks "Any sign of Tyler's partner, the one that got me?" Joe says "No, not yet. You want me to drive you home when the doc's finished here?" Ben says "Let's go talk to Tyler first". Joe says "Is that all right, Doc?" Doctor says "Nope, he's staying right here until tomorrow morning. If you haven't got a temperature by then, I might release you". Joe says "Are you going to need anything, Ben?" He says "Yeah, a phone to tell my wife I won't be home for dinner".

Boston Blackie - The Brandon Jewel Robbery

Boston Blackie and his girlfriend, Mary Wesley, are eating dinner at a restaurant they frequent often. Mary says "Blackie, you're a creature of habit. We have eaten in this restaurant every Tuesday for weeks, do you know that?" Blackie says "I've got another habit, Mary. I pay the check when we're through eating. like now. Let's go, huh?" Mary says "I'm ready". Blackie says "I'd better take you straight home if you want to be there before your cousin arrives". Mary says "Oh, she'll wait for me, I hope". Blackie says "There's a cab outside. Run out and see if it's vacant, will you? I'll pay the check and be right with you". The waiter says "Your check, sir". Blackie says "Here you are, and here's your money". The waiter says "Oh no, the meal is on the house, Mr. Peterkin". Blackie says "Thanks, but I'm not Mr. Peterkin". The waiter says "Ah ha, but I know better. We are proud to have your patronage, Mr. Peterkin". Blackie says "I'm not Mr. Peterkin, I'm Boston Blackie and I'm giving you your money". The waiter says "And I'm returning it to you, Mr. Peterkin. Please, with the compliments of the house". Blackie says "Look, I tell you I am ...." The waiter tears up the check and says "There now, you can't pay a check that does not exist". Blackie says "All right, but believe me, there's been some mistake". On the ride home, Mary says "Blackie, you won't forget to get that watch for my cousin, will you?" Blackie says "Don't worry, Mary, the jewelry store is open until nine tonight. You'll have it this evening". They arrive at Mary's home, and Blackie says "Hold the flag, driver. I'm going on". They say their goodbyes, then Blackie says "Now, take me to 51 Sunset Parkway". The driver says "You don't have to tell me where you live, Mr. Peterkin".

Dangerous Assignment - Berlin Kidnapping Ring

Steve Mitchell walks into the Commissioner's office and say "Good morning, Ruth said you had an assignment for me". The Commissioner says "I do, Steve. Ever been kidnapped?" Steve says "Kidnapped? Well, I remember a redhead once who claimed we were out of gas". Commissioner says "I'm sure you put up a terrific struggle". Steve says "Like a tiger at bay", Commissioner says "Well, that's all very interesting, but I didn't send for you to hear about your memoirs. You're leaving for Berlin on the next plane". Steve says "I'm flying clear to Berlin so somebody can kidnap me?" Commissioner says "No, you're flying there to find out who's been kidnapping a few other people". Steve says "I think you better start from the beginning, Commissioner". he says "Steve, apparently there's been a nasty little racket flourishing in our occupation zone of Berlin for some time. It only came to light last night". Steve asks "What kind of a racket?" Commissioner says "A prominent German named Mueller was kidnapped several days ago. His wife received a ransom note telling her that if she didn't raise the required money, her husband would be turned over to interests in the Eastern zone of Berlin. Apparently, this Mueller has made a few enemies there". Steve says "I see, sort of sell Mueller to the highest bidder, huh?" Commissioner says "Yes. His wife raised the money and Mueller was returned, but when he tried to grab the man who returned him, he was shot and killed on his own doorstep". Steve says "Look, isn't this a matter for the Berlin police?" Commissioner says "Apparently, the kidnapper was a U.S. government official".

Bold Venture - Espionage and Murder in San Tomas

Slate and Saylor are having lunch and meeting with a man named Johnstone at Shannon's Place. Slate says "There's one thing I don't understand". Johnstone says "Well, please tell me. I'll try to explain". Slate says "Why are we sitting here? It just seems to me talking about this ... well, Shannon's Place is pretty public". Johnstone says "This is known as reverse cloak and dagger in the trade, Mr. Shannon. As far as any of your customers are concerned, we're just sitting here eating cheesecake. Now, shall we go on?" Slate says "I don't think there's anything to go on about. It's just a matter of whether Saylor wants to help you or not". Johnstone says "Sinclair is a clever man, like all foreign agents have to be. We can't have him know that intelligence is on to him. On to what his plans are, and why he's in Havana. It embarrasses me to appeal to your patriotism, Miss Duvall, but whatever I have to do to convince you .... " Saylor says "All I have to do is go to this party, show an ankle, and bear a shoulder to Mr. Sinclair. Is that it?" Johnstone says "And convince him to drive you to this address in San Tomas. I'll meet you there". Slate says "Let me get this straight. A man suddenly disappears in the states, a man named Faulkner. A guy loaded with secrets about nuclear physics. You think he's here in Havana and he's going to contact a foreign agent named Sinclair, right?" Johnstone says "Right. Of course, we'd just love to pick up Faulkner and take him back, but we don't know where he is. Sinclair we do, and Miss Duvall is going to bring him to us".

Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons - The Silver Dagger Murder Case

In a three-story privately owned white stone house in Metropolitan New York, a beautiful woman sits at her desk, deeply engrossed in writing a letter, unaware that death is lurking just outside her door. As she is writing the letter, she is speaking the words out loud to herself. She says "And this is to tell you that we must not see each other again. Apparently, you misjudged my motives and made a grave mistake. I am not in love with you, and I never was. Good luck, and the best of everything, Edna". Suddenly, she hears a door open and close. She asks "Who's there? What are you doing here in my apartment? I thought I made it plain that you are not to see me. How dare you touch my things! Leave that dagger on the wall! Did you hear what I said? What are you doing with that dagger? No, no, no! You ...uh!" The next day, Mike Clancy goes into Mr. Keen's office and says "Sorry to disturb you, Mr. Keen". He says "That's quite all right, Mike". Clancy says "There's a strange looking fellow in the outer office. He wants to see you". Keen says "A strange looking man?" Clancy says "He's got a French accent, but he's wearing an outfit like a moving picture extra. Says his name is Lafarge, and it's a matter of life and death". Keen says "I'll see him at once, Mike". Clancy says "Right, sir. He looks like all he needs is a camel and he'd be set for a trip across the desert". Mr. Lafarge walks into the office, and Mr. Keen asks "What was it you wanted to see me about, Mr. Lafarge?" He says "Murder, Monsieur. Last night, a woman named Edna Coring was killed in her home here in New York". Keen says "Seems to me I've heard that name before". Lafarge says "She was very wealthy and beautiful woman, Monsieur Keen".

This is Your FBI - The Unwelcome Guest

It is dinner time in the attractive, middle class home of John and Emma Fulton, located near a small city in upstate New York. Emma is waiting for her husband, John, to return from work. He walks in through the backdoor and says "Emma?" She says "Here I am, John". He says "Hello there. Sorry I'm late". Emma says "Hello, darling. That's all right, the food is still hot. Here, let me take your coat. You look tired". John says "I am. These meetings every night are beginning to get me down". Emma says "Oh, my goodness!" John asks "What's the matter?" Emma says "That man who called while you were out last night, you know the Connecticut call". John says "Oh, Mr. Parker". Emma says "Yes, I forgot all about him. He came here about an hour ago and he's waiting for you in the den". John says "Parker, I just can't seem to place him". Emma says "Well, he said he's an old friend". John says "Well, I'll see him. Be back in a minute". John goes into the den and Parker says "Hello, John. I'm Leonard Parker. Remember me?" John says "I'm afraid I don't". Parker says "And after all we've been through". John says "Mr. Parker, you're obviously enjoying this, but I'm afraid I'll have to be getting back to my dinner". Parker says "Hey, wait a minute. You aren't very hospitable to an old cell mate after 21 years. John says "Oh ... " Parker says "Remember now, huh?" John says "Yes". Parker says "You don't sound very happy to see me". John asks "Why did you come here?" Parker says "Take it easy, John, I'm not gonna blow any whistles". John says "I wouldn't if I were you. When I escaped from that road gang you were with me".

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