November 26, 2024 • 31 mins
Release Date: April 12, 2011
Nero’s Wolfe dentist and Archie both receive a mysterious call from a woman leading to a ride in the country to do away with them.
Original Air Date: March 16, 1951
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Nero’s Wolfe dentist and Archie both receive a mysterious call from a woman leading to a ride in the country to do away with them.
Original Air Date: March 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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Transcript
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, go ahead
and send it to me Box thirteenat Great Detectives dot net. Be sure
to cast your vote for the showon podcast Alley Podcast Alley dot Great Detectives
dot net, and follow us overon Twitter and our Radio Detectives. Well,
(00:50):
before we do get started, Ido want to let you know about
something new we've added. We havepages for each series we do and to
some of these pages we've got toadd and added stores for convenient things that
people might want to buy relating toa series. In our neuro Wolf store,
we have it set up so wehave all of the neuro Wolf novels,
(01:12):
neuro Wolf kindle books, and neuroWolf audio books listed in the order
of their original relase. If youwant to read neuro Wolf, either in
print or on the kindle or anaudiobook, you can just make a one
stop shop at Neurowolf dot Great Detectivesdot net. Let's go ahead, and
we're gonna get into today's episode ofneuro Wolf. The Case of the Midnight
(01:37):
Ride Ladies and Gentlemen. The ringingof that phonebell brings you a mystery adventure.
Nero Wolf's off. It's actually Goodwinspeaking. Oh yeah, hello,
Doc, how are you what introuble? You travel, you drink,
hangout? It's identist, Doctor Rummick. Let him wait. We never can
(02:01):
find him when we need him.Tell him it's after office ass Doc.
Doc, you're talking so fast Ican't make heading the tails of it.
Look look listen, Doc, comeon over here and we'll be able to
hear you. It'll only take youa few minutes. Right, you consistently
disabeate me. I want to workon my peeper about your drun to cousins,
(02:23):
Doc Thrummick has a friend is insome trouble and he needs our advice.
Besides, we owe doctor fair sizedlittle bill. Remember money again,
Your money is the cursive our times. Yeah, man, bring on all
the curses that is available, ladiesand gentlemen. That's dot renowned genius who
(02:53):
is the bulkiest, bulkiest, mostponderous and most brilliant detective in the world.
Yes, none other than that cheribbornus of unpredictable intellect. Nero Wolf,
created by Rex Stout and brought toyou in a new series of adventures
over this NBC network in the personof mister Sidney green Street. This story
(03:23):
is when we referred to as thecase of the midnight Ride. Oh yeah,
there was a ride, all right, but it would never have happened
if we hadn't received another phone calla few minutes after our doctor Thrummick phone
was late in the evening, aNero wolf was studying his paper on orchids
while I was absorbed in playing somephonograph racks. An, gie, hie,
not so loud. I can't possiblythink when you paid an infront of
(03:46):
being such volume. Oh that's justthat, boss, I said. I
can't understand why you can't get musicfrom a phonograph without vibrating the top of
the instrument. That's right, that'sright. I can't understand where the name
is n't called the police here?You're here, man, I gie rgie
(04:09):
all right, I'll answered you're fatnaturally. Hello. Hello? Is this
Archie Goodwin? I know, misterWolfson. What me, Artie? Yeah?
Who is it? I need help? Archie? Please come at once,
please, hope, please? Whois this? This is Gloria?
(04:30):
No, no, don't Gloria whoHello, Hello, whoa did you hear
that? Another female? By whatheaven? Was? Who do you know
named Gloria? Gloria? I ain'thear nothing about anyone named Gloria. She
(04:51):
said her name was Glorious something.I couldn't quite get the last name.
But you did say Ronaldo Road.Hell, it's quite possible that's you,
as I don Ronalo Road. First, she asked if this was actually good
one speaking Before I had a chanceto say anything, she asked me to
come to her at once. Sheneeded help, for you to bring me
along. I mean for me tobring near all along. You don't even
(05:12):
know what you're talking about. Well, she said she was Glory, a
bar of mar or something like that, and then she said Ronaldo Road West,
and then the scream, and that'sall there was. M Use your
pattern of your experience with women soundedlike a hand was slapped over her mouth
or she was grabbed by the throat. We're near all with you. I
am taking no more assimons as weekRonaldo Road West? Where is it?
(05:35):
I don't believe there is a RonaloRoad west. If I remember correctly,
Ronaldo Road runs north and south andis approximately twelve miles long, but she
said west. What she probably triedto say when she was interrupted was Ronaldo
Road, west Chester. Westchester,of course, asked Inspector Creamer to try
(05:57):
to check on that phone call.I'll ask him to try either way.
Do you expect to find his gloryor alive, Archie, I certainly hope.
So. Now you are aware thatif someone strangled her, and they
must have heard her speak your name, yes, and yours too? Shall
I open my boss? Why her? Let us face it, Argie?
(06:17):
Huh, it's oh wait till Islide the night chain off. Doctor thrumming
in my nose. I forgot allabout your door. It's only been three
or four minutes. I have neverhad such a disturbing night since I had
my first patient. But at firstI was afraid to leave the house.
(06:39):
And why were you so afraid,doctor thrumming? But there were two men
sitting in front of my place inthe car. Oh good evening. You
know where they waiting for you?Arcer why not? It's very likely since
she called me, I've been socompletely unnerved. Have some brands Oh no,
no, no, no, no, no, you know I never
that is a small I am upsetand stand archie. Oh, just to
(07:05):
Calordier and ever sent you sir.Oh, hello, Nira, did someone
call me? When you phoned mefrantically that a woman called you? I
couldn't understand you on the phone.Oh, yes, she has poor Gloria.
She was cut off. Oh Gloria. Did you say Gloria? But
didn't that? I thought I did. Oh what did you say? I
said Gloria? Oh my, isn'tthat strange? I thought that's what I
(07:29):
said? No, no, nomore, please, we just had a
call from Gloria. Who is Glory? Well you remember we all went to
school together, that is Oh youdo too, remember that Gloria? You
know she was just what is Gloria'slast name, Durdremming? Well it was
Gloria Barnsworth. I don't know whatit is now. That's what she was
trying to say to me, Barnsworth. Did she tell you where to find
(07:51):
her? No she didn't, Oh, dear me. She was just about
to tell me when I said,I'd call you an archie and get your
help, and then she was cutHow do you know she's the Glory of
Barnsworth? You knew, and I'msupposed to know. My could you open
the windows. Why yeah, oh, sorry, Doc, the air outsides
contaminated. Oh is that so withwhat oxygen? Oh? These factories factory
(08:16):
spects. Oh well, I foundher picture in an old class photo.
Here it is. Yeah, nowI remember, but Doc, you and
this gal were several years ahead ofme in school. I'm not in this
picture, so she must be aboutforty. Now, may gentlemen, you
don't seem to have a situation.We're in hand now, so if you
would excuse me, I ever retiredto my room. But we don't have
(08:39):
anything figured out yet, haven't you? Well let me know in the morning,
has successfully you have been? Goodnight? Well? Anyway, a
woman called here and just as shewas about to tell me who she was
in her address, she was cutoff as though she was strangled. Yeah,
Archie, did you see someone strangledher? I don't know, duck,
(09:00):
I hope not. Well, let'sstart our search along Ronaldo Road.
Don't answer it. They're after me, the men in the car. They
saw me come in here after you. You found out, Gloria, phone
me. Don't let them in now? How could you know all that?
Do you mind a short one?I'm so weak today? Please arch you
don't open it. I warn you, just relax stock how handle is good?
(09:24):
Inning evening? Are you arching?Good one? No? He is,
Yes, No I'm not he is. Put up your hands and hope
the night chain. Now just turnoff his light. Oh I told you?
Why I told you wolf? Ohhe's been in bed for hours.
And who is this little man?Why don't you know? This is my
my brother brother Cuthbert. Yes,he's quite right. I'm a bit older
in here. All right, getyour coat and hats off that wreck?
(09:46):
What for? We're all going fora little ride along the river. And
it's a bit chilly. Oh dearme, I feel faint. I'm getting
dizzy at your hat. Yes,and put that bottle down. But it's
so cold out along. Here's acar and now it's a good one to
(10:09):
hand over that gun in your pocket. But I haven't got Okay, they
thank you. When I get inthe car, you're get on the front
seat with the driver. Good one. Your brother can get back with me.
Okay, you know where we're going? Driver? Yeah? Yeah,
but what got going? But you'llknow who this guy is? I do?
Why? Well? Now, look, well this guy is, aren't
you good one? He is wellthis won't work. I mean, I
(10:31):
didn't know it was going to begood when he's with mero Wolf. What's
your name? Pal? I can'tsee, but I seem to recognize your
voice. Well, well, yousee, it was like because I was
in a start driving. Okay,okay, I'm going now see here,
(10:54):
it's getting very late. I don'tlike this. Where are you taking it?
Keep calmed, can get excited?Just take it easy. Listen,
good One, I gotta record.What's the idea back of all his friend?
Pull off the road here? Driver, Yes, but we're way out
in the country and we'll all getout here. Now wait, get out
you two, driver, and Iwait a second, what's the big idea?
(11:16):
How all of you started walking overto that clump of freeze? Go
on, what's he going to doit? What do you think? Okay,
that's good. Just stand there now, get out your gun. Driver,
Wait a minute, this is yourgun, and don't turn around.
Driver. Let him have it.Go on, kid quick for this kind
(11:37):
of stuff besides coming and I'm gone. I just stop your gun on the
ground there now. I will takegood One's gun, and after I finished
with it, I'll just toss itover beside his body. Hey, now,
wait a mind, notice I havegloves on. Hey, doc,
(12:05):
doctor thrumming? All right, doctor, oh oh che I'm sorry. I'm
sorry I got you into this.I can't last long. Where are you?
Hit? Till NERO make him apresent of his new bridge work.
I put in, we have alook at you. I wanted to die
(12:26):
in my bed with my friends around. You're not bleeding. I wanted to
quiet, to sing what I'm notbleeding? No? Are you? No?
And driver was a bad shot.He missed both of them. Where
am I doing down here on theground? You fainted at the first shot.
I dropped purposely on the second shothe missed every time I get up
(12:46):
the man. We're very lucky people. What became of them? I mean
my gun? You're just your gun, rapidness, handkerchief. I'm over here.
Yep, you're as a driver andhe's dead. This is dreadful Acci.
What do we do now? We'vegot a lighter. Here's my pocket.
(13:07):
Flash, here's his gun beside him. Don't touch it. We'll look
through his pocket. He knew whathe meant when he said he had a
record for me someplace. The pictureof a girl says to Mike from Violet.
Mike, Mike Fella's face is certainlyfamiliar, but I can't. Hey,
(13:28):
wait a minute, Mike, Mike, Mike Jordan. That's it,
Mike Jordan. Yeah, Wolf clearedhim on a frame up three years ago.
And this girl Violet isn't not atainer in a nightclub downtown. Violet,
Yes, but what us all thishave to do with Gloria. There's
no other identification on him. Theother guy took it off of him.
Now now we got to find Violet. Oh, we can't even find Gloria.
(13:50):
I think now that this guy MikeJordan missed us deliberately. Let's start
hving it back to that last crossroad. There was a telephone there. I'll
call Narrow. So that's the storyso far, mister Wolf. Sorry to
wake you up, but we wantedyou to know, yes we did.
(14:11):
Oh such a night. What wasyour reason for turning the man that doctor
thrumming was your brother? I didn'twant him to know that it was Doc
because Gloria had called Doc and hemust have known about it. And the
driver turned out to be Mike Jordan. And what did make see to you
in the car? Well, hedidn't finish, but he said, I
got a record for you, goodWin it and then the man shot him
(14:31):
up. And when you located Violetat her place, she was cataloging recording
Leoninia. Now gee, sit down, doctor thrumming. Yeah, I am
a bit worried. Come in,Violet, Violet, this is hey.
Wait a minute, your nero wolf, sit down? Is right? What's
(14:56):
the idea? Mister Goodman? Whydid you bring me? Will you look
at this verdo? It says tomake from Radlett? Where'd you get this?
I got it? Violet? Butwe want to know us where's Mike?
Now? What's he doing? Canyou tell us where he lives?
What's Mike done? Now? Canyou tell us his address? Maybe you
(15:16):
know who he's been working for.Yeah, a guy with a big car
and a lot of dough. Haveyou seen this man? Yeah, kind
of a good looking guy. Ithink his name is the Rada or something
like that. I understand you're beingoccupying yourself with cataloging some photograph recordings.
Yeah, that's what I was doingwhen mister Goodwin came in. Mike's got
(15:37):
a home recorder over his place.Do you have all the records that have
been made on the machine so far. No, just what we made in
the last week. Lots more athis place. Do you and Mike know
of a woman named Gloria? No, at least I don't remember it.
It was on Ronaldo Road. GloriaBunsworth was a maiden name. Where is
a Rinaldo Road? I don't know. It's Westchester. We think I've never
(16:00):
been there. What has Mike doneis bad. As a matter of fact,
Mike is in the clear. There'sno charge against him and then never
will be. You haven't seen himfor a couple of days. No,
and I never go to his apartmentunless him and some guests are there.
Do you know where he is?Will you give me the address of his
(16:22):
apartment? Okay? Three twenty fourEast thirty fifth two. Thank you very
much, you Maddy. What's awesomemysterious? How something's happened to Mike?
I can tell by the way youtalk very well, Archie, you have
a special visit to me look forthe machine, and it's quite late,
so you had best hurry. Well, I'm going with you, Archie,
So good night, in a goodmorning. I don't even know what day
(16:47):
it is. Come along, Violet, we'll drop you at your place first.
Well, there we are, Doc, Yes, has a name right
on it, Mike Jordan. No, we're fairly certain that no one's in
(17:07):
there. What do you know.I didn't lie. The lights are on,
I know right now. Listen.Yes, a light humming noise.
But where is it coming from?Overnight corner? There's wall cabinets there.
It is a radio and a photographcombinations in a recording machine and the recording
(17:32):
I'm still down on the record.Just lift it off and put the playback
needle on. Yeah, there weare. Look, I don't go in
for that kind of stuff. Youwere working for me for several weeks now,
but I never wanted. We're goingto pick this guy up and take
him for other to ride a car. Okay, I'll take a chance,
but I am just the driver ofyour car. If anything happens, I
(17:55):
didn't know nothing. You'll do gusas I say, I know a lot
about you, thinks the police wouldlike to Okay, okay, I'm working
for you. I came out ofRonaldo Road to make an honest lift,
and I see him right back whereI side. And worse, I just
didn't kind of chance or remind meI've been to from the place. Hello,
(18:30):
how ad mhm? Actually yes,if tonight, if tonight doesn't plan,
Oh yes, he's all right,I'm right, don't worry. Goodbye.
Have you got a gun you used? You want need, but I
want you to bring it along thatin Gate High. You've got nothing to
(18:52):
worry about. I'll take care ofevery day and nothing will be traced to
hither us. You've got your money. Let's go back late, Well,
Doc, he did say Ronaldo Road, that's where our Gloria call from.
So they're all tied in together.Come along, Doc, we're going back
to mister Wolf again. We'll justtake this record with us. Well,
(19:19):
IgA gives this phonograph was worth whileafter all? Yes, indeed, don't
you find it's a very interesting recording. Hero, I'm sure we're going to
add it to our collection. Andthese are the two men who took you
on the right. That's right.I can really no further along, and
I'll desire to help Gloria. That'sright. Where on Ronaldo Roads if we
(19:40):
can finally address while you go withus down there or over there or wherever
it is, I might and youalready have the crew to the address we
have where in that phonograph recording,Lady ain't Argene, just the part where
he uses the telephone and slow thespeed way down and take down the numbers.
I all off. Okay, boy, peek hi three two two three,
(20:29):
that's enough. Slowing down the record, we were able to count the
cricks of each number he used onthe dire. Now there's the number of
the main call. We hope itis on Ronaldo Road. Having spector Kramer
get the address of that number combination, and we are ready to make our
assault. I'll call Cramer and I'llget the car out. It hadn't been
(20:52):
out for weeks. Maybe it won'tstart. No such luck, Artie,
I assure you, no such luck. Oh here it is. I think
we must go through this big gig. Yes, yes, there's the number,
twenty three Ronaldo. Slip up tothe entrance as soviet as possible.
(21:18):
Turn out your head. Lambs,there we are boys, easy, not
getting out, don't kay, don'tpull on? Yeah there we are now
come along. Yeah. Spooky sortof place, isn't all big houses are
like that? Must be twenty rooms. It's not a lighting place. Use
(21:45):
the knocker rg oh, stand back. Here comes somebody. Yeah, uh
is Gloria in Gloria? And whoare you? And we are here to
see Gloria? Come come. It'sthis hour of the night certainly not just
(22:08):
a moment. She's an old friendof mine. Yes, and here's two
he's arching, my good man.What is your name? Jennings? Sir?
In the household is in bed atthis hour? What they're asking for
you, miss Gloria? For me? Oh? Come in, gentlemen you
(22:30):
might go Jennings, please very well, Miss just As. No, what
did you want? Said? Doc? Is this the Gloria? I don't
know it doesn't. Are you Gloria? Yes? Why did you call us?
Oh? Then then you're Archie goodone. Yes, and i'm doctor
throwing but you cald you because Ineed your help desperately, Gloria. He's
(22:52):
going on here? Oh, whoare the gentlemen? You see? Uncle
mister Goodwin came going to see you? Why? Because I think you'd better
go to your room, my Liam. Don't you think that is base your
room? And raised? No?No, I don't want to. I
won't go to your room. No, no, I won't a care.
(23:15):
All those people walk in and hourthey want to kill me, Jenny,
take her to her room. Yes, no, no, I won't long.
Let me hundreds of people that killme. No, no, I'm
so sorry, but there's nothing wecan do with her now, mister Goodwin,
(23:37):
what is it you wish? Youcan't call you uncle? Open me?
I'm the other wolf. How doyou do me to work? Yeah,
she called me uncle, but I'mnot really a relative. I'm doctor
Gunther, retained by the family.As you can see, a girl is
quite killed. Oh well, we'reall friends of gloriousn't we'd like to see
it, But you just saw her. We don't refer to this young lady.
(24:00):
We have in mind, the elderlyGloria. Now come, doctor Ganther.
You know to whom we rever.You mean the girl's aunt where it's
very strange if you are a friendof the aunt that you are not aware
of her condition. Her condition.Yes, the aunt has been bedridden for
nearly a year paralysis, and itseems to be most coincidental with your visit.
(24:25):
But she passed away this afternoon,die Gloria's afternoon. But how could
that be. We'd like to seethe remains, doctor Ganther, Yes,
we'd like to see the remains.Just where are they? They are here,
mister g And if you and yourbrother and mister Wolf will step this
way to the small parlor. Thereyou are, gentlemen, I'll leave you
(24:49):
alone. I'll be in the library. Where's gentlemen, there she is.
What do you say? Do yourecognize this woman? Well? Yeah,
it's been many years, but thatis Gloria Barn's Worth. But good heavens,
she yes, it's Gloria, allright, poor woman. I remember
now she married a very wealthy manufacturernamed Kenton who died that she's remained a
(25:12):
widow. Iki. He said shedied this afternoon. Are you sure it
was an elderly woman who called youthis evening? And by the way,
just feed her forehead. It's warm. She couldn't have been dead more than
an hour. She isn't dead.No signs of pulse your cigarette case,
bees hm. Very's like moisture respiration, very perceptible. She's under heavy in
(25:37):
her curses. You've given a heavydose lately. Let's get out of here.
Wait, you recognize the uncle ratherthan doctor Gunther, No, the
youth from it. You look likethe man who took you for a ride.
It was two dark boss and itwas all bundled up in heavy clothes.
Let's get out of here, girls. Luck after we came in,
(26:00):
he's right, come on talk,let's put our shoulders to it. One
to go. Gentlemen, What onearth does this mean? Why did you
lock the door? Oh? I'msorry, it's a supreme lock. I
had no intention of locking a andI swug Archie that you have it repaired.
(26:22):
And now, Archie, will youstep to the door and inspect a
Creamering. He followed us up thedriveway about time getting cold out of here,
Inspector Creamer. This is doctor Guntherin that room is a woman he
claims is dead. She is actuallyunder the heavy influence of narcotics. Yeah,
(26:44):
ruishing. This is Gloria Canon,widow of the wealthy shoe manufacturer.
And this attractive young lady coming downthe stairs is supposed to be mentally ill,
which I do not believe. Hername is Gloria too, a niece
of the elder Gloria. That Archieand I both knew Gloria barns with Yeah,
yeah, I get it, Iget it, And I suggest that
this man is not a doctor andhis young Gloria's husband, and they're attempting
(27:07):
to force the aunt Gloria to changeher will in their favor. This is
utterly ridiculous. The aunt was ableto phone Doctormick in me tonight, but
she was apparently caught in the act. And this man who is posing as
the uncle hired Mike Jordan to drivehis car while he picked up Archie with
the intent of killing him with Thisis the same man, the same and
(27:29):
if Mike Jordan hadn't recognized Archie,both of you would be quite dead.
This man double cross Mike and killhim, believing that the whole thing would
be blamed on Mike. Mike deliberatelymissed, what are you going to do
about it? Let's get out ofher fair look out. He's a cop,
all right, now, get thosehands up and keep him up.
Come along, at you, Ihave another appointment. The inspector can handle
(27:52):
it from here on. Oh,oh, dear me, Oh what happened?
Am I? All right? Yeah? You just find it again when
the shooting started. Really quite fortunatethat Mike Jordan recorded that conversation. Fortunate
(28:15):
indeed, how did you know thisuncle was the same guy who took us
for a ride. First by speechBettern. He is undoubtedly a Canadian.
But you must have missed the mostimportant slipper. What was that when he
escorted us to see the body?He said to you, Archie, if
you and your brother and mister Worthwill stipped this way? Now, how
(28:37):
would he believe that doctor Threming wasyour brother? No one mentioned it?
Of course the clue I planted andthen missed myself. Quite great, Artie,
quite right? What time is it? Eight am? I certainly appreciate
your coming out for me on thisdeal. Oh but I didn't do it
just for you. There is anorchard Love his convention this morning at nine
(28:59):
o'clock. Why and you mean yes? I'm sure you enjoyed tremendously, both
of you. Oh brother, nothing, Doc, nothing at all. You
(29:26):
have been listening to the New Adventuresof Nero Wolf, starring Sydney green Street.
(29:47):
Good Night's transcribe story by John Edisonwas based on the characters created by
Rex Star. This is an adventFadiman program produced and directed by Jay Donald
Wilson. In the cast where HarryBartell as Archie Goodwin and Howard McNair,
Jean Bates Peter Leeds, Bill Johnstone, Grace Lennard and Janeavello. Next week,
at this same time, Nero WilsonArchie will bring you the case of
(30:10):
the final page. Don Stanley speakingthree times being good times on NBC Welcome
back. Well, they trying towork a little bit of cleverness into getting
(30:32):
Nero Wolf out of the house.This one it was because he also needed
to go somewhere else, so hewent out on the case, which is
better than just having him go outfor the sake of the case. The
mystery here, I thought the cleverestpart was when Wolf figured out what the
phone number was, a trick thatother detectives have done with touchtone phones because
(31:00):
the tones can sound a little differentdepending on the phone, but much harder
to do. I'd think, Wellwe do now turn to listener feedback on
podcast Alley Great Detectors of Old TimeRadio is a great podcast. Adam provides
interesting background in Foro also, andthen we have another app review by an
email comment David Gallaher says, lovethe show. The app is intuitive and
(31:23):
easy to use. Fantastic for folkson the go. I'm glad you're enjoying
it. David and We'll be backtomorrow with Let George Do It. In
the meanwhile, send your comments tobox thirteen at Great Detectives dot net.
Remember you can always give us acall to eight nine nine one four seven
eighth three. But from Boise,Idaho, this is your host, Adam
(31:44):
Grahamson and off
Welcome to the Great Detectives of OldTime Radio from Boise, Idaho. This
is your host, Adam Graham.If you have a comment, go ahead
and send it to me Box thirteenat Great Detectives dot net. Be sure
to cast your vote for the showon podcast Alley Podcast Alley dot Great Detectives
dot net, and follow us overon Twitter and our Radio Detectives. Well,
(00:50):
before we do get started, Ido want to let you know about
something new we've added. We havepages for each series we do and to
some of these pages we've got toadd and added stores for convenient things that
people might want to buy relating toa series. In our neuro Wolf store,
we have it set up so wehave all of the neuro Wolf novels,
(01:12):
neuro Wolf kindle books, and neuroWolf audio books listed in the order
of their original relase. If youwant to read neuro Wolf, either in
print or on the kindle or anaudiobook, you can just make a one
stop shop at Neurowolf dot Great Detectivesdot net. Let's go ahead, and
we're gonna get into today's episode ofneuro Wolf. The Case of the Midnight
(01:37):
Ride Ladies and Gentlemen. The ringingof that phonebell brings you a mystery adventure.
Nero Wolf's off. It's actually Goodwinspeaking. Oh yeah, hello,
Doc, how are you what introuble? You travel, you drink,
hangout? It's identist, Doctor Rummick. Let him wait. We never can
(02:01):
find him when we need him.Tell him it's after office ass Doc.
Doc, you're talking so fast Ican't make heading the tails of it.
Look look listen, Doc, comeon over here and we'll be able to
hear you. It'll only take youa few minutes. Right, you consistently
disabeate me. I want to workon my peeper about your drun to cousins,
(02:23):
Doc Thrummick has a friend is insome trouble and he needs our advice.
Besides, we owe doctor fair sizedlittle bill. Remember money again,
Your money is the cursive our times. Yeah, man, bring on all
the curses that is available, ladiesand gentlemen. That's dot renowned genius who
(02:53):
is the bulkiest, bulkiest, mostponderous and most brilliant detective in the world.
Yes, none other than that cheribbornus of unpredictable intellect. Nero Wolf,
created by Rex Stout and brought toyou in a new series of adventures
over this NBC network in the personof mister Sidney green Street. This story
(03:23):
is when we referred to as thecase of the midnight Ride. Oh yeah,
there was a ride, all right, but it would never have happened
if we hadn't received another phone calla few minutes after our doctor Thrummick phone
was late in the evening, aNero wolf was studying his paper on orchids
while I was absorbed in playing somephonograph racks. An, gie, hie,
not so loud. I can't possiblythink when you paid an infront of
(03:46):
being such volume. Oh that's justthat, boss, I said. I
can't understand why you can't get musicfrom a phonograph without vibrating the top of
the instrument. That's right, that'sright. I can't understand where the name
is n't called the police here?You're here, man, I gie rgie
(04:09):
all right, I'll answered you're fatnaturally. Hello. Hello? Is this
Archie Goodwin? I know, misterWolfson. What me, Artie? Yeah?
Who is it? I need help? Archie? Please come at once,
please, hope, please? Whois this? This is Gloria?
(04:30):
No, no, don't Gloria whoHello, Hello, whoa did you hear
that? Another female? By whatheaven? Was? Who do you know
named Gloria? Gloria? I ain'thear nothing about anyone named Gloria. She
(04:51):
said her name was Glorious something.I couldn't quite get the last name.
But you did say Ronaldo Road.Hell, it's quite possible that's you,
as I don Ronalo Road. First, she asked if this was actually good
one speaking Before I had a chanceto say anything, she asked me to
come to her at once. Sheneeded help, for you to bring me
along. I mean for me tobring near all along. You don't even
(05:12):
know what you're talking about. Well, she said she was Glory, a
bar of mar or something like that, and then she said Ronaldo Road West,
and then the scream, and that'sall there was. M Use your
pattern of your experience with women soundedlike a hand was slapped over her mouth
or she was grabbed by the throat. We're near all with you. I
am taking no more assimons as weekRonaldo Road West? Where is it?
(05:35):
I don't believe there is a RonaloRoad west. If I remember correctly,
Ronaldo Road runs north and south andis approximately twelve miles long, but she
said west. What she probably triedto say when she was interrupted was Ronaldo
Road, west Chester. Westchester,of course, asked Inspector Creamer to try
(05:57):
to check on that phone call.I'll ask him to try either way.
Do you expect to find his gloryor alive, Archie, I certainly hope.
So. Now you are aware thatif someone strangled her, and they
must have heard her speak your name, yes, and yours too? Shall
I open my boss? Why her? Let us face it, Argie?
(06:17):
Huh, it's oh wait till Islide the night chain off. Doctor thrumming
in my nose. I forgot allabout your door. It's only been three
or four minutes. I have neverhad such a disturbing night since I had
my first patient. But at firstI was afraid to leave the house.
(06:39):
And why were you so afraid,doctor thrumming? But there were two men
sitting in front of my place inthe car. Oh good evening. You
know where they waiting for you?Arcer why not? It's very likely since
she called me, I've been socompletely unnerved. Have some brands Oh no,
no, no, no, no, no, you know I never
that is a small I am upsetand stand archie. Oh, just to
(07:05):
Calordier and ever sent you sir.Oh, hello, Nira, did someone
call me? When you phoned mefrantically that a woman called you? I
couldn't understand you on the phone.Oh, yes, she has poor Gloria.
She was cut off. Oh Gloria. Did you say Gloria? But
didn't that? I thought I did. Oh what did you say? I
said Gloria? Oh my, isn'tthat strange? I thought that's what I
(07:29):
said? No, no, nomore, please, we just had a
call from Gloria. Who is Glory? Well you remember we all went to
school together, that is Oh youdo too, remember that Gloria? You
know she was just what is Gloria'slast name, Durdremming? Well it was
Gloria Barnsworth. I don't know whatit is now. That's what she was
trying to say to me, Barnsworth. Did she tell you where to find
(07:51):
her? No she didn't, Oh, dear me. She was just about
to tell me when I said,I'd call you an archie and get your
help, and then she was cutHow do you know she's the Glory of
Barnsworth? You knew, and I'msupposed to know. My could you open
the windows. Why yeah, oh, sorry, Doc, the air outsides
contaminated. Oh is that so withwhat oxygen? Oh? These factories factory
(08:16):
spects. Oh well, I foundher picture in an old class photo.
Here it is. Yeah, nowI remember, but Doc, you and
this gal were several years ahead ofme in school. I'm not in this
picture, so she must be aboutforty. Now, may gentlemen, you
don't seem to have a situation.We're in hand now, so if you
would excuse me, I ever retiredto my room. But we don't have
(08:39):
anything figured out yet, haven't you? Well let me know in the morning,
has successfully you have been? Goodnight? Well? Anyway, a
woman called here and just as shewas about to tell me who she was
in her address, she was cutoff as though she was strangled. Yeah,
Archie, did you see someone strangledher? I don't know, duck,
(09:00):
I hope not. Well, let'sstart our search along Ronaldo Road.
Don't answer it. They're after me, the men in the car. They
saw me come in here after you. You found out, Gloria, phone
me. Don't let them in now? How could you know all that?
Do you mind a short one?I'm so weak today? Please arch you
don't open it. I warn you, just relax stock how handle is good?
(09:24):
Inning evening? Are you arching?Good one? No? He is,
Yes, No I'm not he is. Put up your hands and hope
the night chain. Now just turnoff his light. Oh I told you?
Why I told you wolf? Ohhe's been in bed for hours.
And who is this little man?Why don't you know? This is my
my brother brother Cuthbert. Yes,he's quite right. I'm a bit older
in here. All right, getyour coat and hats off that wreck?
(09:46):
What for? We're all going fora little ride along the river. And
it's a bit chilly. Oh dearme, I feel faint. I'm getting
dizzy at your hat. Yes,and put that bottle down. But it's
so cold out along. Here's acar and now it's a good one to
(10:09):
hand over that gun in your pocket. But I haven't got Okay, they
thank you. When I get inthe car, you're get on the front
seat with the driver. Good one. Your brother can get back with me.
Okay, you know where we're going? Driver? Yeah? Yeah,
but what got going? But you'llknow who this guy is? I do?
Why? Well? Now, look, well this guy is, aren't
you good one? He is wellthis won't work. I mean, I
(10:31):
didn't know it was going to begood when he's with mero Wolf. What's
your name? Pal? I can'tsee, but I seem to recognize your
voice. Well, well, yousee, it was like because I was
in a start driving. Okay,okay, I'm going now see here,
(10:54):
it's getting very late. I don'tlike this. Where are you taking it?
Keep calmed, can get excited?Just take it easy. Listen,
good One, I gotta record.What's the idea back of all his friend?
Pull off the road here? Driver, Yes, but we're way out
in the country and we'll all getout here. Now wait, get out
you two, driver, and Iwait a second, what's the big idea?
(11:16):
How all of you started walking overto that clump of freeze? Go
on, what's he going to doit? What do you think? Okay,
that's good. Just stand there now, get out your gun. Driver,
Wait a minute, this is yourgun, and don't turn around.
Driver. Let him have it.Go on, kid quick for this kind
(11:37):
of stuff besides coming and I'm gone. I just stop your gun on the
ground there now. I will takegood One's gun, and after I finished
with it, I'll just toss itover beside his body. Hey, now,
wait a mind, notice I havegloves on. Hey, doc,
(12:05):
doctor thrumming? All right, doctor, oh oh che I'm sorry. I'm
sorry I got you into this.I can't last long. Where are you?
Hit? Till NERO make him apresent of his new bridge work.
I put in, we have alook at you. I wanted to die
(12:26):
in my bed with my friends around. You're not bleeding. I wanted to
quiet, to sing what I'm notbleeding? No? Are you? No?
And driver was a bad shot.He missed both of them. Where
am I doing down here on theground? You fainted at the first shot.
I dropped purposely on the second shothe missed every time I get up
(12:46):
the man. We're very lucky people. What became of them? I mean
my gun? You're just your gun, rapidness, handkerchief. I'm over here.
Yep, you're as a driver andhe's dead. This is dreadful Acci.
What do we do now? We'vegot a lighter. Here's my pocket.
(13:07):
Flash, here's his gun beside him. Don't touch it. We'll look
through his pocket. He knew whathe meant when he said he had a
record for me someplace. The pictureof a girl says to Mike from Violet.
Mike, Mike Fella's face is certainlyfamiliar, but I can't. Hey,
(13:28):
wait a minute, Mike, Mike, Mike Jordan. That's it,
Mike Jordan. Yeah, Wolf clearedhim on a frame up three years ago.
And this girl Violet isn't not atainer in a nightclub downtown. Violet,
Yes, but what us all thishave to do with Gloria. There's
no other identification on him. Theother guy took it off of him.
Now now we got to find Violet. Oh, we can't even find Gloria.
(13:50):
I think now that this guy MikeJordan missed us deliberately. Let's start
hving it back to that last crossroad. There was a telephone there. I'll
call Narrow. So that's the storyso far, mister Wolf. Sorry to
wake you up, but we wantedyou to know, yes we did.
(14:11):
Oh such a night. What wasyour reason for turning the man that doctor
thrumming was your brother? I didn'twant him to know that it was Doc
because Gloria had called Doc and hemust have known about it. And the
driver turned out to be Mike Jordan. And what did make see to you
in the car? Well, hedidn't finish, but he said, I
got a record for you, goodWin it and then the man shot him
(14:31):
up. And when you located Violetat her place, she was cataloging recording
Leoninia. Now gee, sit down, doctor thrumming. Yeah, I am
a bit worried. Come in,Violet, Violet, this is hey.
Wait a minute, your nero wolf, sit down? Is right? What's
(14:56):
the idea? Mister Goodman? Whydid you bring me? Will you look
at this verdo? It says tomake from Radlett? Where'd you get this?
I got it? Violet? Butwe want to know us where's Mike?
Now? What's he doing? Canyou tell us where he lives?
What's Mike done? Now? Canyou tell us his address? Maybe you
(15:16):
know who he's been working for.Yeah, a guy with a big car
and a lot of dough. Haveyou seen this man? Yeah, kind
of a good looking guy. Ithink his name is the Rada or something
like that. I understand you're beingoccupying yourself with cataloging some photograph recordings.
Yeah, that's what I was doingwhen mister Goodwin came in. Mike's got
(15:37):
a home recorder over his place.Do you have all the records that have
been made on the machine so far. No, just what we made in
the last week. Lots more athis place. Do you and Mike know
of a woman named Gloria? No, at least I don't remember it.
It was on Ronaldo Road. GloriaBunsworth was a maiden name. Where is
a Rinaldo Road? I don't know. It's Westchester. We think I've never
(16:00):
been there. What has Mike doneis bad. As a matter of fact,
Mike is in the clear. There'sno charge against him and then never
will be. You haven't seen himfor a couple of days. No,
and I never go to his apartmentunless him and some guests are there.
Do you know where he is?Will you give me the address of his
(16:22):
apartment? Okay? Three twenty fourEast thirty fifth two. Thank you very
much, you Maddy. What's awesomemysterious? How something's happened to Mike?
I can tell by the way youtalk very well, Archie, you have
a special visit to me look forthe machine, and it's quite late,
so you had best hurry. Well, I'm going with you, Archie,
So good night, in a goodmorning. I don't even know what day
(16:47):
it is. Come along, Violet, we'll drop you at your place first.
Well, there we are, Doc, Yes, has a name right
on it, Mike Jordan. No, we're fairly certain that no one's in
(17:07):
there. What do you know.I didn't lie. The lights are on,
I know right now. Listen.Yes, a light humming noise.
But where is it coming from?Overnight corner? There's wall cabinets there.
It is a radio and a photographcombinations in a recording machine and the recording
(17:32):
I'm still down on the record.Just lift it off and put the playback
needle on. Yeah, there weare. Look, I don't go in
for that kind of stuff. Youwere working for me for several weeks now,
but I never wanted. We're goingto pick this guy up and take
him for other to ride a car. Okay, I'll take a chance,
but I am just the driver ofyour car. If anything happens, I
(17:55):
didn't know nothing. You'll do gusas I say, I know a lot
about you, thinks the police wouldlike to Okay, okay, I'm working
for you. I came out ofRonaldo Road to make an honest lift,
and I see him right back whereI side. And worse, I just
didn't kind of chance or remind meI've been to from the place. Hello,
(18:30):
how ad mhm? Actually yes,if tonight, if tonight doesn't plan,
Oh yes, he's all right,I'm right, don't worry. Goodbye.
Have you got a gun you used? You want need, but I
want you to bring it along thatin Gate High. You've got nothing to
(18:52):
worry about. I'll take care ofevery day and nothing will be traced to
hither us. You've got your money. Let's go back late, Well,
Doc, he did say Ronaldo Road, that's where our Gloria call from.
So they're all tied in together.Come along, Doc, we're going back
to mister Wolf again. We'll justtake this record with us. Well,
(19:19):
IgA gives this phonograph was worth whileafter all? Yes, indeed, don't
you find it's a very interesting recording. Hero, I'm sure we're going to
add it to our collection. Andthese are the two men who took you
on the right. That's right.I can really no further along, and
I'll desire to help Gloria. That'sright. Where on Ronaldo Roads if we
(19:40):
can finally address while you go withus down there or over there or wherever
it is, I might and youalready have the crew to the address we
have where in that phonograph recording,Lady ain't Argene, just the part where
he uses the telephone and slow thespeed way down and take down the numbers.
I all off. Okay, boy, peek hi three two two three,
(20:29):
that's enough. Slowing down the record, we were able to count the
cricks of each number he used onthe dire. Now there's the number of
the main call. We hope itis on Ronaldo Road. Having spector Kramer
get the address of that number combination, and we are ready to make our
assault. I'll call Cramer and I'llget the car out. It hadn't been
(20:52):
out for weeks. Maybe it won'tstart. No such luck, Artie,
I assure you, no such luck. Oh here it is. I think
we must go through this big gig. Yes, yes, there's the number,
twenty three Ronaldo. Slip up tothe entrance as soviet as possible.
(21:18):
Turn out your head. Lambs,there we are boys, easy, not
getting out, don't kay, don'tpull on? Yeah there we are now
come along. Yeah. Spooky sortof place, isn't all big houses are
like that? Must be twenty rooms. It's not a lighting place. Use
(21:45):
the knocker rg oh, stand back. Here comes somebody. Yeah, uh
is Gloria in Gloria? And whoare you? And we are here to
see Gloria? Come come. It'sthis hour of the night certainly not just
(22:08):
a moment. She's an old friendof mine. Yes, and here's two
he's arching, my good man.What is your name? Jennings? Sir?
In the household is in bed atthis hour? What they're asking for
you, miss Gloria? For me? Oh? Come in, gentlemen you
(22:30):
might go Jennings, please very well, Miss just As. No, what
did you want? Said? Doc? Is this the Gloria? I don't
know it doesn't. Are you Gloria? Yes? Why did you call us?
Oh? Then then you're Archie goodone. Yes, and i'm doctor
throwing but you cald you because Ineed your help desperately, Gloria. He's
(22:52):
going on here? Oh, whoare the gentlemen? You see? Uncle
mister Goodwin came going to see you? Why? Because I think you'd better
go to your room, my Liam. Don't you think that is base your
room? And raised? No?No, I don't want to. I
won't go to your room. No, no, I won't a care.
(23:15):
All those people walk in and hourthey want to kill me, Jenny,
take her to her room. Yes, no, no, I won't long.
Let me hundreds of people that killme. No, no, I'm
so sorry, but there's nothing wecan do with her now, mister Goodwin,
(23:37):
what is it you wish? Youcan't call you uncle? Open me?
I'm the other wolf. How doyou do me to work? Yeah,
she called me uncle, but I'mnot really a relative. I'm doctor
Gunther, retained by the family.As you can see, a girl is
quite killed. Oh well, we'reall friends of gloriousn't we'd like to see
it, But you just saw her. We don't refer to this young lady.
(24:00):
We have in mind, the elderlyGloria. Now come, doctor Ganther.
You know to whom we rever.You mean the girl's aunt where it's
very strange if you are a friendof the aunt that you are not aware
of her condition. Her condition.Yes, the aunt has been bedridden for
nearly a year paralysis, and itseems to be most coincidental with your visit.
(24:25):
But she passed away this afternoon,die Gloria's afternoon. But how could
that be. We'd like to seethe remains, doctor Ganther, Yes,
we'd like to see the remains.Just where are they? They are here,
mister g And if you and yourbrother and mister Wolf will step this
way to the small parlor. Thereyou are, gentlemen, I'll leave you
(24:49):
alone. I'll be in the library. Where's gentlemen, there she is.
What do you say? Do yourecognize this woman? Well? Yeah,
it's been many years, but thatis Gloria Barn's Worth. But good heavens,
she yes, it's Gloria, allright, poor woman. I remember
now she married a very wealthy manufacturernamed Kenton who died that she's remained a
(25:12):
widow. Iki. He said shedied this afternoon. Are you sure it
was an elderly woman who called youthis evening? And by the way,
just feed her forehead. It's warm. She couldn't have been dead more than
an hour. She isn't dead.No signs of pulse your cigarette case,
bees hm. Very's like moisture respiration, very perceptible. She's under heavy in
(25:37):
her curses. You've given a heavydose lately. Let's get out of here.
Wait, you recognize the uncle ratherthan doctor Gunther, No, the
youth from it. You look likethe man who took you for a ride.
It was two dark boss and itwas all bundled up in heavy clothes.
Let's get out of here, girls. Luck after we came in,
(26:00):
he's right, come on talk,let's put our shoulders to it. One
to go. Gentlemen, What onearth does this mean? Why did you
lock the door? Oh? I'msorry, it's a supreme lock. I
had no intention of locking a andI swug Archie that you have it repaired.
(26:22):
And now, Archie, will youstep to the door and inspect a
Creamering. He followed us up thedriveway about time getting cold out of here,
Inspector Creamer. This is doctor Guntherin that room is a woman he
claims is dead. She is actuallyunder the heavy influence of narcotics. Yeah,
(26:44):
ruishing. This is Gloria Canon,widow of the wealthy shoe manufacturer.
And this attractive young lady coming downthe stairs is supposed to be mentally ill,
which I do not believe. Hername is Gloria too, a niece
of the elder Gloria. That Archieand I both knew Gloria barns with Yeah,
yeah, I get it, Iget it, And I suggest that
this man is not a doctor andhis young Gloria's husband, and they're attempting
(27:07):
to force the aunt Gloria to changeher will in their favor. This is
utterly ridiculous. The aunt was ableto phone Doctormick in me tonight, but
she was apparently caught in the act. And this man who is posing as
the uncle hired Mike Jordan to drivehis car while he picked up Archie with
the intent of killing him with Thisis the same man, the same and
(27:29):
if Mike Jordan hadn't recognized Archie,both of you would be quite dead.
This man double cross Mike and killhim, believing that the whole thing would
be blamed on Mike. Mike deliberatelymissed, what are you going to do
about it? Let's get out ofher fair look out. He's a cop,
all right, now, get thosehands up and keep him up.
Come along, at you, Ihave another appointment. The inspector can handle
(27:52):
it from here on. Oh,oh, dear me, Oh what happened?
Am I? All right? Yeah? You just find it again when
the shooting started. Really quite fortunatethat Mike Jordan recorded that conversation. Fortunate
(28:15):
indeed, how did you know thisuncle was the same guy who took us
for a ride. First by speechBettern. He is undoubtedly a Canadian.
But you must have missed the mostimportant slipper. What was that when he
escorted us to see the body?He said to you, Archie, if
you and your brother and mister Worthwill stipped this way? Now, how
(28:37):
would he believe that doctor Threming wasyour brother? No one mentioned it?
Of course the clue I planted andthen missed myself. Quite great, Artie,
quite right? What time is it? Eight am? I certainly appreciate
your coming out for me on thisdeal. Oh but I didn't do it
just for you. There is anorchard Love his convention this morning at nine
(28:59):
o'clock. Why and you mean yes? I'm sure you enjoyed tremendously, both
of you. Oh brother, nothing, Doc, nothing at all. You
(29:26):
have been listening to the New Adventuresof Nero Wolf, starring Sydney green Street.
(29:47):
Good Night's transcribe story by John Edisonwas based on the characters created by
Rex Star. This is an adventFadiman program produced and directed by Jay Donald
Wilson. In the cast where HarryBartell as Archie Goodwin and Howard McNair,
Jean Bates Peter Leeds, Bill Johnstone, Grace Lennard and Janeavello. Next week,
at this same time, Nero WilsonArchie will bring you the case of
(30:10):
the final page. Don Stanley speakingthree times being good times on NBC Welcome
back. Well, they trying towork a little bit of cleverness into getting
(30:32):
Nero Wolf out of the house.This one it was because he also needed
to go somewhere else, so hewent out on the case, which is
better than just having him go outfor the sake of the case. The
mystery here, I thought the cleverestpart was when Wolf figured out what the
phone number was, a trick thatother detectives have done with touchtone phones because
(31:00):
the tones can sound a little differentdepending on the phone, but much harder
to do. I'd think, Wellwe do now turn to listener feedback on
podcast Alley Great Detectors of Old TimeRadio is a great podcast. Adam provides
interesting background in Foro also, andthen we have another app review by an
email comment David Gallaher says, lovethe show. The app is intuitive and
(31:23):
easy to use. Fantastic for folkson the go. I'm glad you're enjoying
it. David and We'll be backtomorrow with Let George Do It. In
the meanwhile, send your comments tobox thirteen at Great Detectives dot net.
Remember you can always give us acall to eight nine nine one four seven
eighth three. But from Boise,Idaho, this is your host, Adam
(31:44):
Grahamson and off
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