October 29, 2024 • 34 mins
Original Release Date: March 15, 2011
Nero Wolfe sends Archie to a party, advising him to call when the murder occurs, and occur it does.
Original Air Date: February 16, 1951
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Nero Wolfe sends Archie to a party, advising him to call when the murder occurs, and occur it does.
Original Air Date: February 16, 1951
Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net
Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net
Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715
Give us a call at 208-991-4783
Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net
Check out our social media at https://www.greatdetectives.net
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:28):
Welcome to the Great Detectives of OldTime Radio from Boise, Idaho. This
is your host, Adam Graham.If you have a comment, send it
to me Box thirteen at Great Detectivesdot net. Be sure to cast your
vote for the show on podcast AlleyPodcast Alley dot Great Detectives dot net,
and become one of our friends onFacebook, Facebook dot com. Slash Radio
(00:49):
Detectives were coming up after today's show. We're gonna have some thoughts on Harry
Bartell, who in this episode becomesthe next Archie Goodwin, the last to
the line and he lasts the longestfor a whole ten episodes. But before
we do get started with today's show, I do want to let you know
about Audible. Audible is a fantasticservice where you get one audio book a
(01:12):
month, plus a free access toan audio version of either The New York
Times or The Wall Street Journal.Through Audible, I've been able to listen
to such a neural wolf stories assome Buried Caesar and Be a Villain,
as well as not quite Dead Enough. However, there's also a whole world
(01:33):
of radio dramas, including some greatBBC productions, and fiction and nonfiction list
with more than ninety thousand items tochoose from, Audible offers you a great
range. You can try the serviceout free for two weeks and in the
process get a free audio book bygoing to audible podcast dot com slash Old
Time Radio. Now, let's goahead and we will take a listen to
(01:57):
the case of the Party for death, Ladies and gentlemen. The ringing of
that phone bell brings you mystery AdventureNarrow Wolfe's office, Arnchie Goodwin speaking,
No, I'm sorry, mister Wolfeis busy planning a menu. I'll see
if he can talk to you.What's the name again? You want to
talk to a dame name Missus Collins? Hey, Erchie, do we know
(02:19):
a Missus Collins. No, Idon't suppose you care, but I think
her voice is very charming. Doctors, every female has a charming voice to
you. Hey, Okay, I'msorry, Missus Collins, but at the
moment mister Wolfe is too involved withhis degestive system to be interrupted. However,
if I may introduce myself Archie Goodwin, mister Wolfe's assistant. If I
(02:40):
can be of any help, Archie, yes, Missus Collins, I'll ask
him cocktail party. Hey Bertie,missus Collins, I'm afraid it would be
better if you didn't expect mister Wolfe. Goodbye cocktails, foy, Sir,
very dam sir. She says,you promised to come to our cocktail party,
(03:00):
and why aren't you there? Becauseyou are going to attend the cockail
party and the probable and present endyladies and gentlemen. It's that genius who
(03:24):
is the bulkiest, balkiest, themost ponderous and most brilliant detective in the
world. Yes, none other thanthat chairborne mass of unpredictable intellect Nero Wolf,
created by Rex Start and brought youin a new series of adventures of
this NBC network in the person ofmister Sidney green Street. Mister Wolf and
(03:55):
I refer to this as the caseof the party for death. Nero brillily
should have gone to the party sinsee it accepted, but I was delegated.
I can't complain now since it wasthere that I met Georgia, the
most beautiful redhead. Well that's myweakness redheads. Yeah, I'm blonds and
Bronatson. Well, anyway, misterWolf was adam, I'm about going to
(04:17):
the party. I've never been toa cocktail party in my life. You
know, I drink nothing but beer. You could take your beer with you,
couldn't you? I could not doWe know a missus Collins whose cocktail
party you said you'd go to affoonRain and I picked it up? Where
was I? Exactly? Okay?So a missus coll with a beautiful seductive
voice. Can't you into accepting aninvitation to a cocktail party that you knew
(04:41):
you weren't going to? Archie?Yes, master, yes, a little
less sarcasm? Perhaps sarcasm? Couldit impertinence? In impertinence? Master,
exactly? Less of that? Muchless? Okay? Continue now where was
it you were reading the dark tobe? Oh? Yes, the duck?
(05:02):
Oh, here we are Dodene deCannard. The dodine is one of
the oldest dishes in the repertory ofFrench cooking, being mentioned in books of
the fourteenth century Le Grand Kuzanier detootkuzanee. Whoy? What time is it,
Archie? Almost six thirty nerd ca. You're gonna get up here?
(05:26):
On this card? Are your instructions? Archie? If you ask tiller life
tomorrow you may meet your report Ihelped the huge bulk that was narrow Wolf
out of a specially built desk chairand walked with him to the elevator that
would take him upstairs to his orchids. I stepped back to the desk and
(05:48):
found the card which bore my instructionsand his small, perfect handwriting. I
read, Missus Albert Collins, EmpireTowers, arrive at seven, say I
sent you after the murder. Telephonedme before the police arrive. Exactly seven,
I rang Missus Collins doorbell, MissusCollins. I'm missus Colin. I'm
(06:15):
Archie Goodman. We talked on thephone a little while ago. Oh oh
yeah, well come in, misterGoodman. Mister Wolfe begs to be excused.
At the last moment he was unableto attend. Well, I'm glad
you could come. You're not disappointed, No, I don't think so.
I'm I'm rather upset. I'm afraid, mister Goodman, for my life.
That's why I called mister Wolfe.Oh I will just drop your head,
(06:39):
and called to mister Goodman. MayI tell you something, Missus Collins.
Well, of course, mister Goodman, Archie will do Archie when I spoke
to you on the phone. Ithought I knew what you'd looked like,
and you do well? Is thatgood? It's not bad, missus Colin.
Janie will do Janie will do it? Archie, I am. I
(07:03):
think it would be best if Isay you're an old bow of mine from
where in Hollywood when I went toHollywood High School and you went to USC.
Okay, but don't expect me toremember much about it. I'll be
flattered if you remember anything about it. I want you to keep your eyes
and ears open, observe everything tonight. Huh No, shall we join the
(07:25):
party, however? This is ArchieGoodwin, Archie. This is my husband
Albert, and this is Joe boys, my husband's party. Boys. I've
told you about Archie Albert, butI guess you probably don't remember, do
you? No? I don't WhenI was in high school and he went
to USC? Oh? Yeah,sure, what did you have? Good?
(07:46):
Then? I'd like a plain limansolder. Oh not really a teetotaler?
Now, yes, I am,well, I used to overdo it.
Remember you knew my wife in Hollywoodquite a while ago, though,
uh huh, been here long?All while you and my wife run into
each other again just lately, Yeah, a few days ago. About your
(08:09):
voice. Here is my partner.Chemical business makes this sort of an old
home week, doesn't it? Joein a way out? I guess it
doesn't That Joe knew my wife backin those days too, and they're still
very friendly. Yeah, yes,indeed you two have got something in common
to talk about, haven't you?Good? Missus Collins? You mean we
(08:33):
never knew each other very well?No, okay, good and let it
go. Look what I found,A new man, that's what I need.
I'm Georgia Archie Archie dear, willyou fix up my drink? Please?
Anything for a lady. Let's goto the bar ay Archie. I'm
(08:56):
determined, Chop, we're only themoney, are only Jane? I might
listen? Oh well, can't wetalk about it later? I like talking
about it. Nachel, you're goingto be sorry about this, al I
am already. You will have twentyyears or so in prison just being sorry.
I've got the papers you forged righthere. You're hysterical. All.
Let's face it. The firm wentbroke, but I suffered too, so
let's forget it. It's Joe.The firm went broke, but you didn't.
(09:20):
I don't think my wife did eatit. The two of you had
everything figured for yourselves. Yeah,I'm turning the papers over to the DA
tomorrow. Yeah, Wolf speaking,Archie, what do you know about this
expected murder? Anything? Is it? Heaven't Jane? No, But who's
(09:43):
supposed to get killed? I haven'tfind his idea, Archie? And why
don't you stop it? That isimpossible. I don't even know who's there.
You want me to tell you didn'tit? How am I supposed to
prevent it? But I don't knowwhat I'm looking for. And I'm supposed
to prevent it, Archie. Idon't think you could. I don't think
anybody could. You want to hearwhat I found out already? No,
I'll tell you anyway. Allans thinkshis wife and his partner boys have been
(10:05):
stealing his door, and he's threateningto send boys to the clink. Ergie.
Yeah, you're wasting her time.Go back to the party. There
is nothing you can do to preventthe murder, and I want you to
be there when it happens. Nowthat all the guests have gone, let's
(10:26):
sit down here, Georgie. WhenJaney was in Hollywood. She must have
had more good looking boyfriend. Let'sget personal about this, Georgia. Yeah,
let's when you say good looking,do you mean me? I don't
mean anybody else thought you? Youknow? I think you're pretty too.
You better not that Jane here.You say that you think she'd care.
(10:46):
I thought you knew Jane only slightly. You don't like Jane could? Why?
Why? Why? What? Whydon't you tell the truth about it?
No man as attractive as you everknew Jane slightly. Either they knew
or they didn't know. Maybe youthink I'm getting a little tipsy. The
idea never occurred to me. No, that has to me. Refill your
(11:07):
glass. I'll come with you tothe bar. Here's your drink, George,
and find there's no ice left inthe ice bucket, Janey, say
Jane and no ice? Oh well, I'll get them here. Give me
the bucket, and missus Collins Janie, I mean yes, Archie. May
(11:31):
I use the phone in the bedroomagain? Oh of course you excuse me
for a minute, Georgia, I'mcoming with you. Why don't you just
stay here until Jane brings the ice? Well, why don't you go talk
to Joe Boys. I don't wantto talk to Joe Boyce. I don't
want to talk to Joe Boyce ever, Loo, Georgie, I'm coming with
you, Archie. Is that clear? Okay? Come on, here's where
(11:54):
the phone is. I could havefound it myself. You don't want me,
will you? Do? You justsit down here on the edge of
the bed. Listen if that's whatyou want to do. Wof speaking,
Archie boss Well, work just abit of a report on. At this
moment, I am sitting on theedge of one of two twin beds in
(12:15):
the apartment of mister and missus AlbertCollins. Sitting next to me is a
gorgeous redhead named Georgia. Georgia,what did boy you mean you're the wife
of Joe Boys? Of course,didn't you know? I am sitting next
to the gorgeous redheaded wife of AlbertCollins partner Joe Boys. Archie annoy me.
From what I just learned, Ican see there's another friction going on.
(12:39):
I mean Georgia and Jane. Yep, fireworks between them. This one't
know like other one. You anymore to say? When I called,
I was going to ask if there'sany reason why I shouldn't come home now.
You wrote your instructions for you,Archie after the murder? Call you?
Yeah, this privaty caresman? Butwhat if there isn't any don't call
me? Simple? Hello youhen Archie, was a strange conversation. You want
(13:07):
me to explain it to you?Honey? What was that business about?
Murder? Shall we join the partymurder? Archie? Wouldn't you be surprised
if there was one? Yeah?Who's going to do? Whatn't at home?
I don't know. Maybe I willelucidate, Honey. Do you intend
to figure as the killer of thecorpse? I don't intend to figure as
(13:28):
anything, but you never know,Archie. Do you think Jane Collins is
better looking than me? Honestly?Honestly? Then what's the matter with me?
Nothing? Nothing at all? Oh? Yes, dar Look do you
want to kiss me? Well,I'll tell you. When I graduated from
(13:50):
Sunday School, I took a vine, That's what I mean. But if
I were Jane, you'd want tokiss me, wouldn't you? No?
Frankly, no? Why not?Well? When I graduated Sunday School?
Oh kay, Archie, let's goback. You boys have such happy faces
where's Jane in the kitchen getting someice? Where have you been with Archie?
(14:13):
Is he an old school chum ofyours? Too? Do you care?
Joe? No? Mister boys?What how much do you weigh?
Seven? Why? And I'll begiving you five pounds? Shall we stop
outside this? I have got tosee. Shut up, mister Goodwin.
You seem angry, just terribly,terribly hurt. Would it do any good
if I apologized today? I'm alittle upset if I said anything to offend
(14:35):
you. I do apologize now.If you still want me to give you
a boxing lesson, I'm at yourservice. Let's forget it. I'm sorry
too. Jane Collins came in fromthe kitchen with a bucket of ice cubes,
a tray of fresh glasses, andthe strapless gown she'd been wearing.
I never thought i'd make it.No, I'm going to mix my own
(14:58):
drink and you can take care ofyourself. I whiskey and soda. The
simple recipe, isn't it, Archie? All? It needs the ingredients.
I drink to the ingredients. Ah, nice, Janie Darling, what dear,
(15:20):
would you mind very much if Itook Archie away from you? Haven't
you done that already? Dear,listen to those girls, you'd think,
what an't good? May I neverthink? What do you do? Archie?
I concentrate on what I'm not thinking. I did some serious concentrating on
not thinking about Nerol Woolf, orabout the conflict of the partners Albert Collins
(15:43):
and Joe Boyce, about the jealousiesof Jane and Georgia. The next five
minutes hardly seemed an hour. Janeand Boyce murmured to each other. Collins
drank gently but firmly. Why can'tyou be honest? Act you? What's
the matter with me? What?Georgia? You weren't listening? Were you
to every gorgeous word you said?What did I say? I want to
(16:03):
hear it again, just the wayyou said it before. I said,
why shouldn't there be a murder?Why not? It's in order. It's
just not considered the thing to do, a thing to do? Can you
think of anything better? No,frankly I can. My glass is empty.
My glass is empty too, Jane. Jane, Oh, oh,
(16:25):
I'm sorry. I'm not much ofa hostess, am I? Oh,
don't answer that. Oh you're allempty. But I've only drunk half of
mine. You don't usually drink soslowly, Jane. I'm just not in
the mood tonight. I usually drinkfaster to keep you from drinking mine.
See Albert always gulbs his and thenreaches from mine. I'll fixture some fresh
(16:45):
spinks, but put my drink overthere by you, Georgia, and lay
off, Albert. I only hadabout three swallows of it. Besides,
you don't need anymore. I supposewe know what dear Jane is going to
do. Don't lay off, willyou off? It's my husband who said
that, Archie, Archie, meetmy husband, mister boys. I will
now explain why dear Jane took ourglasses away to the kitchen when she could
(17:07):
have bought a drink right here.Listen, George, your voice is speaking,
Archie. What mister Boys nuts?Mister Boys says nuts. Mister Goodwin,
what do you say, mister Colin. I think Joe has covered the
field. We were talking, weren'twe, Archie. Possibly we were talking
about dear Jane. She's got tobe always the prettiest, always devastating.
(17:27):
Right now she's putting on a completelynew face and in about twenty minutes when
our tongues are hanging out, she'llcome back all horsed up and bright and
smiling with another tray of drinks.Yeah, you'll take all night effects.
Well, I'm gonna get some airon my falcon. Don't jump off.
Aw, you're drinking too much lately. I should have worried you, Joe,
(17:49):
especially now you start drinking. Notonly your drinks, but everybody else
is too well. Jane's right,Is that what worries you? Why?
Jane? His glass down? Mthe ice is all Mellet you see what
I mean? Okay, Joe,let's not be nasty until tomorrow. That
(18:11):
gives me a night there. Ithink I'll propose a toast until tomorrow.
You know, it may be ratherfitting that I should drink a toast from
the glass that Janey left until tomorrow. Al al Jane Janey, Albert,
(18:42):
Oh, Albert, you're no wolfspeaking. I come home now, Hello,
Agie, I said, my eye, come home now? Have you
(19:03):
sent for the police inspector Kramer?Of course? Who is called Argie?
Alfred Collins Hell? Argie? Idon't know, right though, weren't you
an ain't a bad one? Oh? That we can talk about it tomorrow.
Good night, Argie. Come homewhen you can. What do your
mean? Come home when I can? You'll be held is a witness.
(19:25):
Weren't you trying not to wake mewith the elevator when you come in?
Well, Inspector Kramer, You've hadme here at headquarters for a long while,
for quite a long while. Haven'tyou asked me enough questions? Goodwin?
You say you never saw these peoplebefore, columns, or boys or
(19:47):
their wives. Yet when all theother guests had gone, you were still
there. I guess I just don'tknow how to say goodbye. You didn't
know they were partners in the chemicalcompany. You didn't know that boys had
forged a lot of papers with colorhis name. All I know is what
you tell me, Goodwin. Yes, sir, I'm trying to be nice,
Yes, sir. Now, Iknow, of course that you went
(20:08):
to that party because Nero Wolfe toldyou too? Do you? My question
is, how did Wolfe know whatwas going to happen? Why don't you
ask him? I already have hetold you? He says he never heard
of Colin's or voice. Did hesay he'd ever heard of me? He
says he isn't responsible for you oryour shady friends. Maybe he knows I
(20:29):
found a poison Pelleton George's bang,Inspector, May I make an important call?
Go ahead, Yesgie, he foundit light? Hello, what time
(20:56):
is it? Master? And foundit? Aggie. I'll tell you what
time as it's a little after fouram. I'm at Central headquarters and inspect
that Kramer has been chatting with meabout my shady friends. Kramer is a
jackass. Just a second, pickup the other phone with the inspecting Sorry,
mister Wolf, what was that youwere saying about Inspector Kramer? I
said, Kramer is a jackass.Thank you. Wait a minute, Wolf,
(21:19):
Oh heaves dropping in speak. Iwas just talking about bringing you down
here for a little questioning Wolf,Whoisoie? It can be spread in several
ways. I spread at p fui cooie. You think I won't bring
you down here as a material witness. Yes, I think you won't.
I think you've been making a greatmistake. If you did mistake, why
(21:41):
because I might not tell you whokilled Collins, and you wouldn't know which
one of these people to prepare chargesagainst. Now saying Chi home even he
needs an occasional night's sleep. Yeah, he hung up, so it seems
(22:08):
busy. He's probably left the phoneoff the hook, Inspector. By now
he's probably asleep again. And youknow I can go out there, don't
you sure you can? More importantmen than you have tried it? And
where are they now, Goodwin?Yes, sir, I'm gonna let you
go. I'm sure mister Wolfe andI are very grateful, inspected You want
to know why I'm letting it go. I know why. Why Because if
(22:32):
you're nice and cooperative and don't maketoo much trouble, mister wolf will solve
this case for you and tell youwhom to prefer charges against. Goodwin.
Sir, get out, Thank you, Inspector. Good morning, Inspector.
(22:55):
At three o'clock the next afternoon,I was rearranging the furniture nearro Wolfe's office,
while the great Man sat behind hisdesk watching me perspire. How you
finished, now, Archie, Iguess so, and tell me where he's
had. There were two couches likethis in front of a fireplace. Collins
and boys were sitting together on onecouch. When Georgia and I came in.
They were looking at some canceled checks. Where was missus Collins, I
(23:19):
told you she was getting ice andfresh glasses. Why was she getting fresh
glasses, Archie? They were theempty ones I don't know. Maybe they
were the same ones she brought back, washed and polished, Archie. I
trust your powers of observation, absoluteGie. That's why I sent you to
missus Collins. Cockcare potty. Okay, how did you know there was going
to be a murder? If itwas a murder, it was a murder,
(23:41):
Archie. But isn't it obvious?How is it obvious? Suppose Collins
slipped a few drops of the poisoninto his drink himself, very strong,
very deadly, poisoned with a remarkablystrong uder like almonds. I know I
smelled it when I picked him up, Archie. Was anything found in the
boddies? It might have contained thepoison, A fountain pain whatever, not
(24:03):
even that inspected cream. I founda poison pellet in Georgie's Handmay he thinks
he poisoned collins Is drink? Sayit could be, But it wasn't his
drink. It was his wife's.Then Georgia was trying to kill Jane,
and Collins got it by mistake.We shall soon see, Argie, I
was expecting a murder because you toldme to expect it. I watched every
(24:26):
move that everybody made. There's nopossibility that Jane's glass the glass with a
poison. It was tampered with byanybody. Y I believe, Okay Archie,
Yes, sure, Andrew. Haveyou ever spent the night with Inspector
Kramer. He's really a good mantoo. What did you say was a
jackass because he didn't know who killedCollins? Do you? Of course?
(24:48):
Was there any question about it?Just a moment? Please you? Any
trouble is it may be difficult toprove. That's why we are giving his
little cocktail party this afternoon, withthe help of inspected creamer. By the
way, yes, call missus Collinsand tell her to bring a bucket of
ice from her refrigerator. Why becauseour refrigerators broken down. No, it
(25:10):
hasn't. I was just out inthe kitchen a minute ago. Our refrigerator
has broken down, and it'd bevery helpful if Missus Collins would bring a
bucket of ice cubes. What makesyou think she'll do it? She will?
Corron six forty five. There wewere in Wolf's office doing a repeat
(25:30):
performance of last night's smash hit.Two couches faced each other a cocktail table.
Between them on one couch, redheadedGeorgia and me on the other couch
was a big one Joe Boyce,Jane Collins, widow of the lately defunct
Albert, and near all Wolf.Jane had been drinking a little slower than
the rest of us. Our glasseswere empty, hers was still half full,
(25:55):
Wolf said, Bergie. Yeah.At this point in last night's party,
Miss Collins got up and left toget some fresh drinks. Repeat what
she said approximately approximately? Will do? I think she said something like this,
She said, put my drink overby you. Georgia, lay off,
Albert. I've had about three swallowsof it. Besides, you don't
(26:17):
need any more. Albert. Amright, Jane, close enough, Archie.
But what of us? No,what is this nunsense all about?
Wolf? Mister Wolf is trying tomake something out of nothing. I think
mister Wolf is going to turn upsomething mighty interesting. Don't look so perturbed,
Joe, since I'm laying the partof the late, mister Collins,
pass me Jane's grass. I'll keepmy glass, mister Wolf, I haven't
(26:37):
finished my drink. Very clever woman, Missus Collins. Would it be too
much if I ask what this isall about? Whether you, archie.
You make it sound as if thatdrink she's holding is poisoned. But it
can't be, because as yesterday,she's already drunk half of it herself.
When our freezer broke down. Shewas more than we're in to bring a
bucket of ice cubes, wasn't she. So where did it happen? Now?
(26:59):
Gee, you froze a gellatine coatedpetative poison in the center of one
particular ice cue. Missus Collins hasn'tfinished her drink. Notice the ice has
all melted now. She hasn't takenone sip since the ice melted completely.
She came prepared in case he wasexposed. Smell it, Argie, No,
Archie, stand back. I caneasily swallow this before you can reach
(27:21):
me. It's a wolf. Ina few seconds, I'll drink it.
Tell me something first, Tell mehow you knew, Jane, Jane,
listen to me. I knew there'sgoing to be a murder last night because
you said so. I knew thatit was you who would commit the murder,
because it was you who invited me. You hoped an expert witness would
prove that you couldn't have killed yourhusband. So I sent Archie Goodwin,
(27:44):
whose observations are always exact, evenwhen he doesn't know the import of what
he's observing. She brought back cleanglasses. She poured the drinks out of
bottles already open, and if anybodyhad put anything in or touched one of
those glasses, I would have seenit exactly. The poison pellet was frozen
in a certain ice cube. MissusCollins put that cube in her own drink,
(28:06):
drank it until the ice it almostmelted down to the poisonous pellet center.
And then then she took all theother glasses away, leaving only hers
half full, and as usual,her husband drank it. No, No,
Jane, don't don't too late,Joe, truly well, Boss,
(28:33):
Jane didn't get away with a suicide. Trye. I was clever, thinking
you did. I prepared a cubeof vice in which I had frozen the
gellatine capsule, containing nothing more thana vitamin compound. I substituted for the
cube in which Jane had faced thepoison for herself. I wonder why Jane
Collins wanted to have Joe He'd stolenpractically all the money in the count.
(28:53):
It's just a cruts of a feerarchie. I don't believe Joe boy said
any idea that Jane was planning amurder and he still had all the money.
Well, the forgeries will put himaway for a long time. And
poor Georgia could have had it pinnedon her if it hadn't been for me.
Yes, yes, you knew allalong, didn't you, That Jane
(29:15):
had planned to have Georgie accused bypounding another pellet to the poison in Georgie's
head bang. Jane would have gottenrid of her husband and Joe's wife in
one stroke. You knew all that, didn't you. Well, I how
about a bottle of beer? Boss? Could you spare the time Georgie,
(29:37):
beautiful redhead. I wonder where sheis tonight. I'm sure I haven't the
slightest idea, But in case youdo, well, just be quiet with
the elevator door when you come in. A You have been listening to the
(30:08):
New Adventures of Nero Wolf, starringSydney green Street to Night's Transcribe story by
(30:29):
Mindret Lord was based on the characterscreated by Rex Start This is an Edwin
Fadterman program were used and directed byja Donald Wilson. In the cast were
Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin and G. G. Pearson, her Butterfield,
Peter Leeds, Evelyn Eaton and BillJohnstone. Next week, at this same
time, Nero Wolf and Archie willbring you the Case of the Malevolent Medic
(30:52):
Don Stanley speaking three chimes mean goodtimes on NBC Welcome Back. Well.
I had to admit there were timeit was a different performance with Harry Bartell
as Archie Goodwin. I started himtoo. I expected him at any moment
(31:18):
to start pitching Petrie Wine. Thosewho've been listening to the show back to
the Basil Rathbone episode on Sherlock Holmeskind of know what I'm talking about.
But he was actually quite a characteractor in the world of radio. Dennis
at Digital del he puts his totalnumber of appearances over radio at ten thousand,
(31:44):
and Among these, he did onehundred and eighty guest spots on gun
Smoke, sixty episodes of Escape,thirty plus episodes of Dragnet, twenty times
on Let George Do It, fortyfive times on a Suspense, one hundred
and twenty times on Yours Truly,Johnny Doller, and more than sixty times
on Half Gone Will Travel. Bartelloved radio. Actually, when PBS was
(32:13):
doing a series Horizon's West in thelate mid to late sixties on the Lewis
and Clark Expedition, he went aheadand a start in it. And he
also played a pretty big role ina radio preservation. He recorded some audio
(32:34):
sets where he would host and introducethe episodes, went to several old time
radio conventions. I've read anecdotal accountswhere he actually went to one old time
radio convention and they recreated a NarrowWolf's sketch with him playing Archie Goodwin and
(32:55):
Larry Dopkin playing Narrow Wolf. Hewas also pretty big on television as well.
He played in a lot of episodesof Dragnet. The episode The Big
Little Jesus he played the role ofFather Rojas, one of radio's true great
(33:15):
character actors. And I will tryand be careful not to just think of
a man as the Petree Wine guy. Well, now we turn to listener
comments and feedback. We got thisfrom Chris who writes, I love your
show. I'm listening to old timeradio since a couple of years now.
I used to download a lot ofdifferent shows from the archive dot organ and
help me getting through the time ofmy diploma thesis. Now I just listen
(33:37):
to your podcast. It's so interestingto hear all the great background inpos and
also your opinion on the shows.I'm restoring a sixty five l Camino right
now and to listen to you andthem old shows while working in the garage
is the best thing I can thinkof. So keep up the great work
and I hope you never get boredof it. Thanks a lot, and
that's from Chris from Bessell Switzerland.Well, thank you some Chris. And
(34:00):
Chris also left a nice tip inour donation Jar much appreciating we went ahead
and we sent him access to ourpremium site. Finally, we have this
comment from over on podcast Allen justto nice keep up the good work.
Thank you so much. Dan'll doit for today. We'll be back tomorrow
(34:22):
with let George do It. Areminder, if you subscribe to this show
through iTunes, please rate the showa five star. Also, if you
have a comment, send it toBox thirteen at Great detectives not Net Become
one of our friends on Facebook,Facebook dot Com. Slash Radio detectives from
Boise, Idaho. This is yourhost, Adam Graham. Sign and off.
Welcome to the Great Detectives of OldTime Radio from Boise, Idaho. This
is your host, Adam Graham.If you have a comment, send it
to me Box thirteen at Great Detectivesdot net. Be sure to cast your
vote for the show on podcast AlleyPodcast Alley dot Great Detectives dot net,
and become one of our friends onFacebook, Facebook dot com. Slash Radio
(00:49):
Detectives were coming up after today's show. We're gonna have some thoughts on Harry
Bartell, who in this episode becomesthe next Archie Goodwin, the last to
the line and he lasts the longestfor a whole ten episodes. But before
we do get started with today's show, I do want to let you know
about Audible. Audible is a fantasticservice where you get one audio book a
(01:12):
month, plus a free access toan audio version of either The New York
Times or The Wall Street Journal.Through Audible, I've been able to listen
to such a neural wolf stories assome Buried Caesar and Be a Villain,
as well as not quite Dead Enough. However, there's also a whole world
(01:33):
of radio dramas, including some greatBBC productions, and fiction and nonfiction list
with more than ninety thousand items tochoose from, Audible offers you a great
range. You can try the serviceout free for two weeks and in the
process get a free audio book bygoing to audible podcast dot com slash Old
Time Radio. Now, let's goahead and we will take a listen to
(01:57):
the case of the Party for death, Ladies and gentlemen. The ringing of
that phone bell brings you mystery AdventureNarrow Wolfe's office, Arnchie Goodwin speaking,
No, I'm sorry, mister Wolfeis busy planning a menu. I'll see
if he can talk to you.What's the name again? You want to
talk to a dame name Missus Collins? Hey, Erchie, do we know
(02:19):
a Missus Collins. No, Idon't suppose you care, but I think
her voice is very charming. Doctors, every female has a charming voice to
you. Hey, Okay, I'msorry, Missus Collins, but at the
moment mister Wolfe is too involved withhis degestive system to be interrupted. However,
if I may introduce myself Archie Goodwin, mister Wolfe's assistant. If I
(02:40):
can be of any help, Archie, yes, Missus Collins, I'll ask
him cocktail party. Hey Bertie,missus Collins, I'm afraid it would be
better if you didn't expect mister Wolfe. Goodbye cocktails, foy, Sir,
very dam sir. She says,you promised to come to our cocktail party,
(03:00):
and why aren't you there? Becauseyou are going to attend the cockail
party and the probable and present endyladies and gentlemen. It's that genius who
(03:24):
is the bulkiest, balkiest, themost ponderous and most brilliant detective in the
world. Yes, none other thanthat chairborne mass of unpredictable intellect Nero Wolf,
created by Rex Start and brought youin a new series of adventures of
this NBC network in the person ofmister Sidney green Street. Mister Wolf and
(03:55):
I refer to this as the caseof the party for death. Nero brillily
should have gone to the party sinsee it accepted, but I was delegated.
I can't complain now since it wasthere that I met Georgia, the
most beautiful redhead. Well that's myweakness redheads. Yeah, I'm blonds and
Bronatson. Well, anyway, misterWolf was adam, I'm about going to
(04:17):
the party. I've never been toa cocktail party in my life. You
know, I drink nothing but beer. You could take your beer with you,
couldn't you? I could not doWe know a missus Collins whose cocktail
party you said you'd go to affoonRain and I picked it up? Where
was I? Exactly? Okay?So a missus coll with a beautiful seductive
voice. Can't you into accepting aninvitation to a cocktail party that you knew
(04:41):
you weren't going to? Archie?Yes, master, yes, a little
less sarcasm? Perhaps sarcasm? Couldit impertinence? In impertinence? Master,
exactly? Less of that? Muchless? Okay? Continue now where was
it you were reading the dark tobe? Oh? Yes, the duck?
(05:02):
Oh, here we are Dodene deCannard. The dodine is one of
the oldest dishes in the repertory ofFrench cooking, being mentioned in books of
the fourteenth century Le Grand Kuzanier detootkuzanee. Whoy? What time is it,
Archie? Almost six thirty nerd ca. You're gonna get up here?
(05:26):
On this card? Are your instructions? Archie? If you ask tiller life
tomorrow you may meet your report Ihelped the huge bulk that was narrow Wolf
out of a specially built desk chairand walked with him to the elevator that
would take him upstairs to his orchids. I stepped back to the desk and
(05:48):
found the card which bore my instructionsand his small, perfect handwriting. I
read, Missus Albert Collins, EmpireTowers, arrive at seven, say I
sent you after the murder. Telephonedme before the police arrive. Exactly seven,
I rang Missus Collins doorbell, MissusCollins. I'm missus Colin. I'm
(06:15):
Archie Goodman. We talked on thephone a little while ago. Oh oh
yeah, well come in, misterGoodman. Mister Wolfe begs to be excused.
At the last moment he was unableto attend. Well, I'm glad
you could come. You're not disappointed, No, I don't think so.
I'm I'm rather upset. I'm afraid, mister Goodman, for my life.
That's why I called mister Wolfe.Oh I will just drop your head,
(06:39):
and called to mister Goodman. MayI tell you something, Missus Collins.
Well, of course, mister Goodman, Archie will do Archie when I spoke
to you on the phone. Ithought I knew what you'd looked like,
and you do well? Is thatgood? It's not bad, missus Colin.
Janie will do Janie will do it? Archie, I am. I
(07:03):
think it would be best if Isay you're an old bow of mine from
where in Hollywood when I went toHollywood High School and you went to USC.
Okay, but don't expect me toremember much about it. I'll be
flattered if you remember anything about it. I want you to keep your eyes
and ears open, observe everything tonight. Huh No, shall we join the
(07:25):
party, however? This is ArchieGoodwin, Archie. This is my husband
Albert, and this is Joe boys, my husband's party. Boys. I've
told you about Archie Albert, butI guess you probably don't remember, do
you? No? I don't WhenI was in high school and he went
to USC? Oh? Yeah,sure, what did you have? Good?
(07:46):
Then? I'd like a plain limansolder. Oh not really a teetotaler?
Now, yes, I am,well, I used to overdo it.
Remember you knew my wife in Hollywoodquite a while ago, though,
uh huh, been here long?All while you and my wife run into
each other again just lately, Yeah, a few days ago. About your
(08:09):
voice. Here is my partner.Chemical business makes this sort of an old
home week, doesn't it? Joein a way out? I guess it
doesn't That Joe knew my wife backin those days too, and they're still
very friendly. Yeah, yes,indeed you two have got something in common
to talk about, haven't you?Good? Missus Collins? You mean we
(08:33):
never knew each other very well?No, okay, good and let it
go. Look what I found,A new man, that's what I need.
I'm Georgia Archie Archie dear, willyou fix up my drink? Please?
Anything for a lady. Let's goto the bar ay Archie. I'm
(08:56):
determined, Chop, we're only themoney, are only Jane? I might
listen? Oh well, can't wetalk about it later? I like talking
about it. Nachel, you're goingto be sorry about this, al I
am already. You will have twentyyears or so in prison just being sorry.
I've got the papers you forged righthere. You're hysterical. All.
Let's face it. The firm wentbroke, but I suffered too, so
let's forget it. It's Joe.The firm went broke, but you didn't.
(09:20):
I don't think my wife did eatit. The two of you had
everything figured for yourselves. Yeah,I'm turning the papers over to the DA
tomorrow. Yeah, Wolf speaking,Archie, what do you know about this
expected murder? Anything? Is it? Heaven't Jane? No, But who's
(09:43):
supposed to get killed? I haven'tfind his idea, Archie? And why
don't you stop it? That isimpossible. I don't even know who's there.
You want me to tell you didn'tit? How am I supposed to
prevent it? But I don't knowwhat I'm looking for. And I'm supposed
to prevent it, Archie. Idon't think you could. I don't think
anybody could. You want to hearwhat I found out already? No,
I'll tell you anyway. Allans thinkshis wife and his partner boys have been
(10:05):
stealing his door, and he's threateningto send boys to the clink. Ergie.
Yeah, you're wasting her time.Go back to the party. There
is nothing you can do to preventthe murder, and I want you to
be there when it happens. Nowthat all the guests have gone, let's
(10:26):
sit down here, Georgie. WhenJaney was in Hollywood. She must have
had more good looking boyfriend. Let'sget personal about this, Georgia. Yeah,
let's when you say good looking,do you mean me? I don't
mean anybody else thought you? Youknow? I think you're pretty too.
You better not that Jane here.You say that you think she'd care.
(10:46):
I thought you knew Jane only slightly. You don't like Jane could? Why?
Why? Why? What? Whydon't you tell the truth about it?
No man as attractive as you everknew Jane slightly. Either they knew
or they didn't know. Maybe youthink I'm getting a little tipsy. The
idea never occurred to me. No, that has to me. Refill your
(11:07):
glass. I'll come with you tothe bar. Here's your drink, George,
and find there's no ice left inthe ice bucket, Janey, say
Jane and no ice? Oh well, I'll get them here. Give me
the bucket, and missus Collins Janie, I mean yes, Archie. May
(11:31):
I use the phone in the bedroomagain? Oh of course you excuse me
for a minute, Georgia, I'mcoming with you. Why don't you just
stay here until Jane brings the ice? Well, why don't you go talk
to Joe Boys. I don't wantto talk to Joe Boyce. I don't
want to talk to Joe Boyce ever, Loo, Georgie, I'm coming with
you, Archie. Is that clear? Okay? Come on, here's where
(11:54):
the phone is. I could havefound it myself. You don't want me,
will you? Do? You justsit down here on the edge of
the bed. Listen if that's whatyou want to do. Wof speaking,
Archie boss Well, work just abit of a report on. At this
moment, I am sitting on theedge of one of two twin beds in
(12:15):
the apartment of mister and missus AlbertCollins. Sitting next to me is a
gorgeous redhead named Georgia. Georgia,what did boy you mean you're the wife
of Joe Boys? Of course,didn't you know? I am sitting next
to the gorgeous redheaded wife of AlbertCollins partner Joe Boys. Archie annoy me.
From what I just learned, Ican see there's another friction going on.
(12:39):
I mean Georgia and Jane. Yep, fireworks between them. This one't
know like other one. You anymore to say? When I called,
I was going to ask if there'sany reason why I shouldn't come home now.
You wrote your instructions for you,Archie after the murder? Call you?
Yeah, this privaty caresman? Butwhat if there isn't any don't call
me? Simple? Hello youhen Archie, was a strange conversation. You want
(13:07):
me to explain it to you?Honey? What was that business about?
Murder? Shall we join the partymurder? Archie? Wouldn't you be surprised
if there was one? Yeah?Who's going to do? Whatn't at home?
I don't know. Maybe I willelucidate, Honey. Do you intend
to figure as the killer of thecorpse? I don't intend to figure as
(13:28):
anything, but you never know,Archie. Do you think Jane Collins is
better looking than me? Honestly?Honestly? Then what's the matter with me?
Nothing? Nothing at all? Oh? Yes, dar Look do you
want to kiss me? Well,I'll tell you. When I graduated from
(13:50):
Sunday School, I took a vine, That's what I mean. But if
I were Jane, you'd want tokiss me, wouldn't you? No?
Frankly, no? Why not?Well? When I graduated Sunday School?
Oh kay, Archie, let's goback. You boys have such happy faces
where's Jane in the kitchen getting someice? Where have you been with Archie?
(14:13):
Is he an old school chum ofyours? Too? Do you care?
Joe? No? Mister boys?What how much do you weigh?
Seven? Why? And I'll begiving you five pounds? Shall we stop
outside this? I have got tosee. Shut up, mister Goodwin.
You seem angry, just terribly,terribly hurt. Would it do any good
if I apologized today? I'm alittle upset if I said anything to offend
(14:35):
you. I do apologize now.If you still want me to give you
a boxing lesson, I'm at yourservice. Let's forget it. I'm sorry
too. Jane Collins came in fromthe kitchen with a bucket of ice cubes,
a tray of fresh glasses, andthe strapless gown she'd been wearing.
I never thought i'd make it.No, I'm going to mix my own
(14:58):
drink and you can take care ofyourself. I whiskey and soda. The
simple recipe, isn't it, Archie? All? It needs the ingredients.
I drink to the ingredients. Ah, nice, Janie Darling, what dear,
(15:20):
would you mind very much if Itook Archie away from you? Haven't
you done that already? Dear,listen to those girls, you'd think,
what an't good? May I neverthink? What do you do? Archie?
I concentrate on what I'm not thinking. I did some serious concentrating on
not thinking about Nerol Woolf, orabout the conflict of the partners Albert Collins
(15:43):
and Joe Boyce, about the jealousiesof Jane and Georgia. The next five
minutes hardly seemed an hour. Janeand Boyce murmured to each other. Collins
drank gently but firmly. Why can'tyou be honest? Act you? What's
the matter with me? What?Georgia? You weren't listening? Were you
to every gorgeous word you said?What did I say? I want to
(16:03):
hear it again, just the wayyou said it before. I said,
why shouldn't there be a murder?Why not? It's in order. It's
just not considered the thing to do, a thing to do? Can you
think of anything better? No,frankly I can. My glass is empty.
My glass is empty too, Jane. Jane, Oh, oh,
(16:25):
I'm sorry. I'm not much ofa hostess, am I? Oh,
don't answer that. Oh you're allempty. But I've only drunk half of
mine. You don't usually drink soslowly, Jane. I'm just not in
the mood tonight. I usually drinkfaster to keep you from drinking mine.
See Albert always gulbs his and thenreaches from mine. I'll fixture some fresh
(16:45):
spinks, but put my drink overthere by you, Georgia, and lay
off, Albert. I only hadabout three swallows of it. Besides,
you don't need anymore. I supposewe know what dear Jane is going to
do. Don't lay off, willyou off? It's my husband who said
that, Archie, Archie, meetmy husband, mister boys. I will
now explain why dear Jane took ourglasses away to the kitchen when she could
(17:07):
have bought a drink right here.Listen, George, your voice is speaking,
Archie. What mister Boys nuts?Mister Boys says nuts. Mister Goodwin,
what do you say, mister Colin. I think Joe has covered the
field. We were talking, weren'twe, Archie. Possibly we were talking
about dear Jane. She's got tobe always the prettiest, always devastating.
(17:27):
Right now she's putting on a completelynew face and in about twenty minutes when
our tongues are hanging out, she'llcome back all horsed up and bright and
smiling with another tray of drinks.Yeah, you'll take all night effects.
Well, I'm gonna get some airon my falcon. Don't jump off.
Aw, you're drinking too much lately. I should have worried you, Joe,
(17:49):
especially now you start drinking. Notonly your drinks, but everybody else
is too well. Jane's right,Is that what worries you? Why?
Jane? His glass down? Mthe ice is all Mellet you see what
I mean? Okay, Joe,let's not be nasty until tomorrow. That
(18:11):
gives me a night there. Ithink I'll propose a toast until tomorrow.
You know, it may be ratherfitting that I should drink a toast from
the glass that Janey left until tomorrow. Al al Jane Janey, Albert,
(18:42):
Oh, Albert, you're no wolfspeaking. I come home now, Hello,
Agie, I said, my eye, come home now? Have you
(19:03):
sent for the police inspector Kramer?Of course? Who is called Argie?
Alfred Collins Hell? Argie? Idon't know, right though, weren't you
an ain't a bad one? Oh? That we can talk about it tomorrow.
Good night, Argie. Come homewhen you can. What do your
mean? Come home when I can? You'll be held is a witness.
(19:25):
Weren't you trying not to wake mewith the elevator when you come in?
Well, Inspector Kramer, You've hadme here at headquarters for a long while,
for quite a long while. Haven'tyou asked me enough questions? Goodwin?
You say you never saw these peoplebefore, columns, or boys or
(19:47):
their wives. Yet when all theother guests had gone, you were still
there. I guess I just don'tknow how to say goodbye. You didn't
know they were partners in the chemicalcompany. You didn't know that boys had
forged a lot of papers with colorhis name. All I know is what
you tell me, Goodwin. Yes, sir, I'm trying to be nice,
Yes, sir. Now, Iknow, of course that you went
(20:08):
to that party because Nero Wolfe toldyou too? Do you? My question
is, how did Wolfe know whatwas going to happen? Why don't you
ask him? I already have hetold you? He says he never heard
of Colin's or voice. Did hesay he'd ever heard of me? He
says he isn't responsible for you oryour shady friends. Maybe he knows I
(20:29):
found a poison Pelleton George's bang,Inspector, May I make an important call?
Go ahead, Yesgie, he foundit light? Hello, what time
(20:56):
is it? Master? And foundit? Aggie. I'll tell you what
time as it's a little after fouram. I'm at Central headquarters and inspect
that Kramer has been chatting with meabout my shady friends. Kramer is a
jackass. Just a second, pickup the other phone with the inspecting Sorry,
mister Wolf, what was that youwere saying about Inspector Kramer? I
said, Kramer is a jackass.Thank you. Wait a minute, Wolf,
(21:19):
Oh heaves dropping in speak. Iwas just talking about bringing you down
here for a little questioning Wolf,Whoisoie? It can be spread in several
ways. I spread at p fui cooie. You think I won't bring
you down here as a material witness. Yes, I think you won't.
I think you've been making a greatmistake. If you did mistake, why
(21:41):
because I might not tell you whokilled Collins, and you wouldn't know which
one of these people to prepare chargesagainst. Now saying Chi home even he
needs an occasional night's sleep. Yeah, he hung up, so it seems
(22:08):
busy. He's probably left the phoneoff the hook, Inspector. By now
he's probably asleep again. And youknow I can go out there, don't
you sure you can? More importantmen than you have tried it? And
where are they now, Goodwin?Yes, sir, I'm gonna let you
go. I'm sure mister Wolfe andI are very grateful, inspected You want
to know why I'm letting it go. I know why. Why Because if
(22:32):
you're nice and cooperative and don't maketoo much trouble, mister wolf will solve
this case for you and tell youwhom to prefer charges against. Goodwin.
Sir, get out, Thank you, Inspector. Good morning, Inspector.
(22:55):
At three o'clock the next afternoon,I was rearranging the furniture nearro Wolfe's office,
while the great Man sat behind hisdesk watching me perspire. How you
finished, now, Archie, Iguess so, and tell me where he's
had. There were two couches likethis in front of a fireplace. Collins
and boys were sitting together on onecouch. When Georgia and I came in.
They were looking at some canceled checks. Where was missus Collins, I
(23:19):
told you she was getting ice andfresh glasses. Why was she getting fresh
glasses, Archie? They were theempty ones I don't know. Maybe they
were the same ones she brought back, washed and polished, Archie. I
trust your powers of observation, absoluteGie. That's why I sent you to
missus Collins. Cockcare potty. Okay, how did you know there was going
to be a murder? If itwas a murder, it was a murder,
(23:41):
Archie. But isn't it obvious?How is it obvious? Suppose Collins
slipped a few drops of the poisoninto his drink himself, very strong,
very deadly, poisoned with a remarkablystrong uder like almonds. I know I
smelled it when I picked him up, Archie. Was anything found in the
boddies? It might have contained thepoison, A fountain pain whatever, not
(24:03):
even that inspected cream. I founda poison pellet in Georgie's Handmay he thinks
he poisoned collins Is drink? Sayit could be, But it wasn't his
drink. It was his wife's.Then Georgia was trying to kill Jane,
and Collins got it by mistake.We shall soon see, Argie, I
was expecting a murder because you toldme to expect it. I watched every
(24:26):
move that everybody made. There's nopossibility that Jane's glass the glass with a
poison. It was tampered with byanybody. Y I believe, Okay Archie,
Yes, sure, Andrew. Haveyou ever spent the night with Inspector
Kramer. He's really a good mantoo. What did you say was a
jackass because he didn't know who killedCollins? Do you? Of course?
(24:48):
Was there any question about it?Just a moment? Please you? Any
trouble is it may be difficult toprove. That's why we are giving his
little cocktail party this afternoon, withthe help of inspected creamer. By the
way, yes, call missus Collinsand tell her to bring a bucket of
ice from her refrigerator. Why becauseour refrigerators broken down. No, it
(25:10):
hasn't. I was just out inthe kitchen a minute ago. Our refrigerator
has broken down, and it'd bevery helpful if Missus Collins would bring a
bucket of ice cubes. What makesyou think she'll do it? She will?
Corron six forty five. There wewere in Wolf's office doing a repeat
(25:30):
performance of last night's smash hit.Two couches faced each other a cocktail table.
Between them on one couch, redheadedGeorgia and me on the other couch
was a big one Joe Boyce,Jane Collins, widow of the lately defunct
Albert, and near all Wolf.Jane had been drinking a little slower than
the rest of us. Our glasseswere empty, hers was still half full,
(25:55):
Wolf said, Bergie. Yeah.At this point in last night's party,
Miss Collins got up and left toget some fresh drinks. Repeat what
she said approximately approximately? Will do? I think she said something like this,
She said, put my drink overby you. Georgia, lay off,
Albert. I've had about three swallowsof it. Besides, you don't
(26:17):
need any more. Albert. Amright, Jane, close enough, Archie.
But what of us? No,what is this nunsense all about?
Wolf? Mister Wolf is trying tomake something out of nothing. I think
mister Wolf is going to turn upsomething mighty interesting. Don't look so perturbed,
Joe, since I'm laying the partof the late, mister Collins,
pass me Jane's grass. I'll keepmy glass, mister Wolf, I haven't
(26:37):
finished my drink. Very clever woman, Missus Collins. Would it be too
much if I ask what this isall about? Whether you, archie.
You make it sound as if thatdrink she's holding is poisoned. But it
can't be, because as yesterday,she's already drunk half of it herself.
When our freezer broke down. Shewas more than we're in to bring a
bucket of ice cubes, wasn't she. So where did it happen? Now?
(26:59):
Gee, you froze a gellatine coatedpetative poison in the center of one
particular ice cue. Missus Collins hasn'tfinished her drink. Notice the ice has
all melted now. She hasn't takenone sip since the ice melted completely.
She came prepared in case he wasexposed. Smell it, Argie, No,
Archie, stand back. I caneasily swallow this before you can reach
(27:21):
me. It's a wolf. Ina few seconds, I'll drink it.
Tell me something first, Tell mehow you knew, Jane, Jane,
listen to me. I knew there'sgoing to be a murder last night because
you said so. I knew thatit was you who would commit the murder,
because it was you who invited me. You hoped an expert witness would
prove that you couldn't have killed yourhusband. So I sent Archie Goodwin,
(27:44):
whose observations are always exact, evenwhen he doesn't know the import of what
he's observing. She brought back cleanglasses. She poured the drinks out of
bottles already open, and if anybodyhad put anything in or touched one of
those glasses, I would have seenit exactly. The poison pellet was frozen
in a certain ice cube. MissusCollins put that cube in her own drink,
(28:06):
drank it until the ice it almostmelted down to the poisonous pellet center.
And then then she took all theother glasses away, leaving only hers
half full, and as usual,her husband drank it. No, No,
Jane, don't don't too late,Joe, truly well, Boss,
(28:33):
Jane didn't get away with a suicide. Trye. I was clever, thinking
you did. I prepared a cubeof vice in which I had frozen the
gellatine capsule, containing nothing more thana vitamin compound. I substituted for the
cube in which Jane had faced thepoison for herself. I wonder why Jane
Collins wanted to have Joe He'd stolenpractically all the money in the count.
(28:53):
It's just a cruts of a feerarchie. I don't believe Joe boy said
any idea that Jane was planning amurder and he still had all the money.
Well, the forgeries will put himaway for a long time. And
poor Georgia could have had it pinnedon her if it hadn't been for me.
Yes, yes, you knew allalong, didn't you, That Jane
(29:15):
had planned to have Georgie accused bypounding another pellet to the poison in Georgie's
head bang. Jane would have gottenrid of her husband and Joe's wife in
one stroke. You knew all that, didn't you. Well, I how
about a bottle of beer? Boss? Could you spare the time Georgie,
(29:37):
beautiful redhead. I wonder where sheis tonight. I'm sure I haven't the
slightest idea, But in case youdo, well, just be quiet with
the elevator door when you come in. A You have been listening to the
(30:08):
New Adventures of Nero Wolf, starringSydney green Street to Night's Transcribe story by
(30:29):
Mindret Lord was based on the characterscreated by Rex Start This is an Edwin
Fadterman program were used and directed byja Donald Wilson. In the cast were
Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin and G. G. Pearson, her Butterfield,
Peter Leeds, Evelyn Eaton and BillJohnstone. Next week, at this same
time, Nero Wolf and Archie willbring you the Case of the Malevolent Medic
(30:52):
Don Stanley speaking three chimes mean goodtimes on NBC Welcome Back. Well.
I had to admit there were timeit was a different performance with Harry Bartell
as Archie Goodwin. I started himtoo. I expected him at any moment
(31:18):
to start pitching Petrie Wine. Thosewho've been listening to the show back to
the Basil Rathbone episode on Sherlock Holmeskind of know what I'm talking about.
But he was actually quite a characteractor in the world of radio. Dennis
at Digital del he puts his totalnumber of appearances over radio at ten thousand,
(31:44):
and Among these, he did onehundred and eighty guest spots on gun
Smoke, sixty episodes of Escape,thirty plus episodes of Dragnet, twenty times
on Let George Do It, fortyfive times on a Suspense, one hundred
and twenty times on Yours Truly,Johnny Doller, and more than sixty times
on Half Gone Will Travel. Bartelloved radio. Actually, when PBS was
(32:13):
doing a series Horizon's West in thelate mid to late sixties on the Lewis
and Clark Expedition, he went aheadand a start in it. And he
also played a pretty big role ina radio preservation. He recorded some audio
(32:34):
sets where he would host and introducethe episodes, went to several old time
radio conventions. I've read anecdotal accountswhere he actually went to one old time
radio convention and they recreated a NarrowWolf's sketch with him playing Archie Goodwin and
(32:55):
Larry Dopkin playing Narrow Wolf. Hewas also pretty big on television as well.
He played in a lot of episodesof Dragnet. The episode The Big
Little Jesus he played the role ofFather Rojas, one of radio's true great
(33:15):
character actors. And I will tryand be careful not to just think of
a man as the Petree Wine guy. Well, now we turn to listener
comments and feedback. We got thisfrom Chris who writes, I love your
show. I'm listening to old timeradio since a couple of years now.
I used to download a lot ofdifferent shows from the archive dot organ and
help me getting through the time ofmy diploma thesis. Now I just listen
(33:37):
to your podcast. It's so interestingto hear all the great background inpos and
also your opinion on the shows.I'm restoring a sixty five l Camino right
now and to listen to you andthem old shows while working in the garage
is the best thing I can thinkof. So keep up the great work
and I hope you never get boredof it. Thanks a lot, and
that's from Chris from Bessell Switzerland.Well, thank you some Chris. And
(34:00):
Chris also left a nice tip inour donation Jar much appreciating we went ahead
and we sent him access to ourpremium site. Finally, we have this
comment from over on podcast Allen justto nice keep up the good work.
Thank you so much. Dan'll doit for today. We'll be back tomorrow
(34:22):
with let George do It. Areminder, if you subscribe to this show
through iTunes, please rate the showa five star. Also, if you
have a comment, send it toBox thirteen at Great detectives not Net Become
one of our friends on Facebook,Facebook dot Com. Slash Radio detectives from
Boise, Idaho. This is yourhost, Adam Graham. Sign and off.
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