November 12, 2024 • 35 mins
Original Release Date: March 29, 2011
A man hires Archie to witness a new will and then disappears.
Original Air Date: March 2, 1951
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Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715
Give us a call at 208-991-4783
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A man hires Archie to witness a new will and then disappears.
Original Air Date: March 2, 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
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(00:51):
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(01:15):
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(01:36):
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Time Radio. Be sure to listenafter our show where we have some more
exciting news about Rogues Gallery that wewill share with you. But let's get
into today's adventure, The Case ofthe Hasty Will reach Himes mean good times
(02:00):
on NBC. You're invited every Saturdayover most of these NBC stations to a
one hour concert by the renowned NBCSymphony. Tomorrow's Symphony performance features Metropolitan Opera
star Helen Travell as guest solos.For tomorrow's broadcast, the orchestra will be
under the baton of the widely acclaimedconductor Wilfrid Pellettier for the world's great music.
(02:22):
Here the NBC Symphony brought to youtomorrow and every Saturday. Transcribe,
Ladies and gentlemen, The ringing ofthat phone bell brings you mystery adventure Narrow
Wolf's Office. Are'ch ye Goodwin speaking? Yes? Who's calling mister John Blake?
Well? Is this a matter ofbusiness? That's fine, mister Blake.
(02:46):
I'll just call him thatty. I'mnot here. Tell him I'm up
in the plant room of the Orchids. I was going to call him to
the phone, but he's up inthe plant room of his orchids. What
sort of a case is this,sir? Really? Really is that?
So? Is it a man ora woman? Oh? I understand perfectly,
said man. Well at least that'ssomething different. Yes, a very
(03:07):
urgent I understand, And I assureyou, mister Wolfe will be here waiting
for you. The fee. Ohshall we say about oh a thousand?
I do not see any kind andlaughter dinner. Fritz is having mounting queal
on tooth. Yes, mister Blake, come at once. What were you
saying? Boss? And found youout in nothing but business all the time?
(03:29):
What's the problem? I don't know? And at a thousand dollars considering
our bank balance, I'll help himpoison his great grandmother. Ladies and gentlemen,
(03:50):
it's that renowned genius who is thebulkiest, balkiest, most ponderous and
most brilliant detective in the world.Yes, none other than that chairborne mass
of unpredictable intellect Nero Wolf created byRex Stout and brought to you in a
new series of Adventures of Other NBCNetwork in the person of mister Sidney Greenstreet.
(04:21):
What we chose to refer to.Is the case of the hasty will
began, of course, with anurgent phone call from the mysterious John Blake.
At the moment, Nero Wolf wasseated in his chair, which was
specially built for his three hundred pounds, and I was giving him a lecture
on the importance of money. Archie, that will do. I am not
interested. You will be when youlearn you can make no more purchases of
(04:42):
beer and skittles. You passed uptwo cinch cases now each would have meant
a healthy fee. Let us hopethis, mister Blake, is a nice
fat problem that will take us daysto solve. Archie, Jessie nser the
door redeving. I'm John Blake.Oh, yes, yes, come in,
mister Blake. You have no ideahow welcome you are. Argie,
(05:06):
you're mister Gregan and this way saymister Wolf doesn't care for anything resembling air.
Oh I'm Archie Goodman. Are goodhearing, mister Blake. Mister Wolf,
I have a little business for you. Now, before you say anything,
I know you're not a lawyer.I'm not a member of the bar.
(05:26):
Let us say, mister Blake ofcourse, what kind of business,
mister Blake. I have here ashort will, which I have typewritten myself.
I haven't signed it yet. Also, I have here a sealed envelope
containing a letter, which I wantyou to be prepared to deliver to the
address. See a will and aletter? Very well, Yes, do
you know who I am? Seemsthat I've certainly seen you before? Same
(05:48):
here, I just can't place you. Well, I'm John Blake, president
of the Plymouth Building and Loan.Oh, of course I've seen your picture
many times. You ever starved forthe mister turneys in the city, mister
Blake. And this is moot tosure today the business of attorney perhaps,
But in this particular instance I wantedan individual who had no interest in me
nor a previous knowledge of my affairs. I see. Also, I wanted
(06:13):
the person who was well, shallwe say, not too well fixed?
Well, you certainly catch imagine misterWolf being in need of money. Here's
any kind you to turn his handle? This you know in the moment.
But when I leave here, Iwant you to forget the whole thing for
the time being. Indeed, youhave said it. Here's the will.
(06:33):
May read it Ergie January twenty five, nineteen fifty one, to my daughter
Anita Blake. I do hereby bequeathall my property, personal and real,
including the portrait painting of her mother, my dear deceased wife, Marcia Blake.
This will supersedes any and all instrumentspreviously drawn. Sure simple enough,
(06:55):
isn't it. That's all? Howthe pen bleas and I'll sign it now.
Then you sign as witness, misterGoodwin. You retain the will,
mister Wolf, and the envelope here, which is addressed to Hillary Break,
my brother, who is now livingin this city, Your brother, he's
just recently returned from twenty five yearsin Australia. Though Hillary has written me
several times, I have not favoredhim. We've we've been a strange these
(07:19):
many years. Over well, acertain unpleasant situation, which this enfosed letter
will clear up. Are you infear of your life, mister Blake murder?
No, mister Wolf, there wasa time, yes, but well
not now. You will know whatto do with a will and the letter,
though when the time arrives. Now, as to your fee, you
(07:40):
said a thousand, well we usuallyreceived thousand. Will do well. Here's
a check all made out. Ifyou're thinking of suicide, mister Blake,
we must warn you. If youdon't care to go through with this,
please say so. I'm not planningon suicide. I assure you. We
have taken the job, mister Blake. And good evening, gentlemen, and
thank you for your kind indulgence.Well that's the simplest little thousand we ever
(08:07):
made. I believe, mister Goodwin, you're going to be quite surprised.
I want you to get acquainted withJohn Blake's secretary. You were more than
earned this thousand, young man.Argie, I gie, is that you?
Yes? Boss? What time isit? It is six pm?
(08:33):
M clock is right in front ofyour eyes. I'm thinking, I gie,
it's very interesting, very an entireday has passed since the visit from
John Blake. Did you learn anythingfrom Blake secretary? I did. He
left his office late yesterday. Shesaid, his daughter, Anita, is
quite upset because he didn't come homecheck his club. YEP. I didn't
(08:54):
talk to the daughter, but Ilearned that she's engaged to a young fellow
named Wilbur Martin. She told thesecretary that her father had been acting strangely
of late, a bit morose andwhat does the daughter feel has happened?
Anita's afraid he's been kidnapped. Youhaven't met nor talk to any other than
the secretary. Not yet so farno one's called the police. Good we
(09:15):
mess for the time being, preventthat. What did you learn of Blake's
brother from Australia. He's been hereonly a year. They've met only once
or twice since his return. TheSecretary thinks the breakup was because of their
love for the same woman. Hillarybecame very wealthy in Australia. They went
aunt Jie. It is time,BEAUTIVI isn't miss Anita Blake in a whome
I'd love to boss. She's amighty purty gal boy at Gee, you
(09:39):
can do me a great service anything. Be sure to close it tightly as
you leave. Close what the cool? Shoot? Of course, I'm awfully
glad you could come. Uncle,Hilary. Wilbur seemed to think you might
know something about father's disappeared. No, I don't know, wilburh. I'm
(10:03):
just as nonpluss as you are.When did you see your brother last?
Oh it's been four or five months? Why I just wanted to know what
do you too think has become ofit? Surely you know his recent actions
better than I. Well, atfirst I thought he'd been kidnapped. No,
I'm afraid it's suicide. Oh,I say, really, now?
(10:24):
Have you been putting such ideas intoour head? Young man? The other
hand, could have been murder indeed, well, I suggest that the police
be called, hospitals, the Morgue, every place. Have you thought of
doing that, young man? Iwas going to, oh, rarely.
Then while you're stalling about, I'lljust step into the library and do it
myself. It can't be wilburh itjust can't be, miss Blake. There's
(10:46):
a mister Goodwin to see your father. Oh, I'll see him. Thank
you, Miss Blake. I'm mucha good one. This is my fiance,
mister Wilbur Martin. Mister mag whatis it you want? Mister Goodwin?
Is your father him Blake? No? No, he isn't. What
is your business, mister Goodwin?Why do you want to see mister Blake?
As a matter of fact, Idon't really want to see mister Blake
(11:07):
because I don't think he's here.I came to see miss Blake. Just
who are you. I'm a detective, police private investigator with narrow Wolf.
John Blake has disappeared and all you'retrying to keep it out of the press
because you think he's been kidnapped.We have called the police. What do
you think has happened to my father? I think he's dead. Well,
(11:30):
why do you think that? Yes? Just what do you know? Mister
Goodwin? Oh, Anita, Iwill ask you a few questions. I
think it's advised Blake. Yes,I thought you were done for that is
I don't think I chapter is adetective. I'm sorry about this, mister
blakewood curiosity got the better of me. I hope I haven't wrecked things.
(11:50):
What are you talking about? Youremember the agreement? What agreement? Mister
Goodwin? Do you know who you'retalking to? Why? Yes, John
Blake conte, mister Goodwin. Thisis my uncle Hilary, my father's brother,
Hillary, Hillary Blake. Yes,my father's twin brother. John and
(12:11):
Hillary were twins. Of course,this news to me. I didn't know
that. What did you know abouthim? Well, now that I look
at him, now that I canrecall his speech, there is a difference.
And now why do you think JohnBlake is dead. I've just come
from police headquarters. You mean he'sbeen murdered. No, from all indications,
he's committed suicide. Suicide. Areyou sure? Poor father? Oh?
(12:35):
I was afraid of this. Thismorning, a hat and a overcoat
were found on the East River Docksnear Pier nine. In the coat was
a typewritten copy of a will madeyesterday. The hat bears the initials JB.
It was a will. Yes?Could you identify the hatton court?
Miss Blake? Well, yes,of course, very well. Come in,
sergeant, this is Sergeant Hammond,Miss Blake. Do you recognize this
(12:58):
Colton hat? Yes, yes,I do. They were fathers, Wilbur
surious, I can't understand it.The hat and coat are not conclusive evidence.
What about the will found in thepockets? Show them the will?
Sergeant, read it? Mass youread it, Wilbur to my daughter anit
(13:20):
a Blake. I do hereby bequeathall my property, personal and real,
including the portrait painting of her mother, my dear deceased wife, Marcia Blake.
This will supersedes any and all instrumentspreviously drawn, but no signature.
I have the original. He arewhere did you get this notice the signature
of the witness. Are she Goodwin? You witnessed his signature in Nero Wolfe's
(13:45):
office, But mister Blake had hisown attorneys. Nevertheless, he came to
mister Walt to take care of thewill. If we hadn't recognized him from
his photos in the papers, Iwouldn't have witnessed the signature, Anita,
is this your father's handwriting? Yes, yes, it is all right.
But there still isn't proof that he'sdead, nor that he committed suicide,
nor corpus delecta. And the bodymay not be found for days. But
this evidence we have here certainly indicatesthat a body will be found eventually.
(14:09):
Maybe nothing, mister Pitman, It'spossible they could have What were you going
to say? Nothing, miss Blake? In a way, I blame myself
for your father's death. Do youmean I had a sort of premonation.
It's obvious now why he came toNarrow wolf Is it he wanted someone who
didn't know him personally. His ownattorneys would have been able to see through
(14:30):
his plan and prevent his carrying itout. If he made a will,
why did he draw this new one? Yes, that's what I do well.
I still am not convinced that hecommitted suicide. Mister Blake. Here
is a letter he has to bedelivered to you. Oh well, no,
Perhaps it will shed some light onthe problem. What did it say?
Uncle Joe says hither twenty five yearsnow, jealous and bitterness have kept
(14:56):
us a pot. I know whyyou stated Austra all these years. I
know you loved Marcia. She wasright for the yours. But I loved
her too, and I couldn't goon without her. I know you've despised
us both, and I've pretended todespise you. I had to pretend because
I lied to Marcia. I toldher you've engaged to marry a woman in
(15:18):
Sydney. Marsha was innocent. Iwas to blame. When Marsha died last
year and you wrote that you werecoming back. I knew then that your
resentment had faded, but I didn'tanswer you, and I've kept away from
you because I couldn't fash you.I've told you all this because things have
happened, which you learn soon enoughto have decided me to close my book
(15:41):
and write Phinney. I have madea new will, leaving everything I possessed
to Anita. Anita is young,Hillily, and I beg you to watch
after her as though she were yourown, which but for my selfishness,
she might well have been. Forgiveme Hillly Well certainly indicates suicide. But
(16:04):
what does he mean by things havehappened? That miss Blake is the motive
for which we'll just have to wait. Yes for that and the body?
Well, Boss, up here inthe conservatory a bit early, aren't you?
(16:25):
Oh the orchist, it's a nicesunny morning, even though it is
around zero outside. The sun isfine to them. And behold a jene
h what is it? The dyndrobiumscorristell, the big that's inted? What
about it showing two buds moosting carriaging? Indeed, indeed, so boss,
(16:47):
I can't take the steam heat here? Tell me? This painting of Mercy
of Blake is in large hangs overthe black mantle, about three by four
feet, very moost intriguing. TheJohn Blake should mention the painting in z
sure of Will and Hillary? Anddoes he seem to offer any suggestion on
this problem? He has very littleto say. Wilbur has definite ideas and
(17:10):
he's in there pitching all the time. There's a rather unpleasant way about him.
Though you have talked with the InspectorKramer. I have and asked miss
Anita and Hillary to meet you atthe morgue to look at the buddy,
right, and I left Wilbur outof this gathering. This buddy is practically
unidentifiable. In Kramer's opinion, itis how if you have finished down there,
I'd like to have a chat withthis Wilbur Martin. Okay, but
(17:33):
you'll get nothing out of him.I've tried. Actually, you are becoming
so conceited soon if yeah, i'dhave to fire you. If it were
summer, I would forthwith resign,run along and close our coal shoot behind
you. Wanting Inspector Kramer up early? Yeah, Goodwin gus love to come
(18:00):
down to this morning. This ismiss Anita Blake and her uncle Hilary Blake.
I hope you don't object too muchto my joining the proceedings. Oh,
I know, Welber, I supposeit's all right. Please, mister
Goodman, what's happened? There's abody here, a badly Brosden cut and
a bad condition. But I thinkyou should look at it. Oh,
sorry, miss Blake, but I'mafraid it's necessary. Very well, I'll
(18:22):
be all right. I'd like tocome along. Oh yes you must.
Oh come on, miss Wayne.Yeah, here we are. What are
(18:45):
you same as play? Now gethold of yourself, Nita, please you
must, yes, yes, andyou're mister Blake. It's certainly hard to
say. It looks as though itmight be John. Was no means of
identification on the body. No,Joey, there was nothing but this suit
here, nothing in the pockets.That's father's suit whole right, I know?
(19:11):
Oh why why did he do it? Come along now that's all for
today, mister Wolf. This ismister Welber Martin. Ah, yes,
how are you doing, mister Manding? Sit down? Thank you? No,
no, no, take the redleather chair. That's right, So
(19:32):
glad you can come. I giebe ever tear me, mister Madding.
He's your the Boddy I did.Whether it was John Blake or not,
I'm not sure, but I needit feels positive enough. You are skeptical
about the series aide theory, Well, yes I am. Are you trying
to cast suspicion on someone else?No, he thinks it was murdered.
(19:56):
I do, but not by you, of course, certainly not let Who
would know that John came here,signed the will and gave us the letter
to his brother? He must havecontemplated suicide, don't you think? Are
you positive it was John Blake whosigned the will? I'm interesting you think
it was his brother Hillary who camehere opposing as Johnna It could have been,
(20:21):
but the man was quite gray andhad no Australian accent. Hillary could
have dropped the accent for a shortwhile, and greatest hair. And they
were twins ensuing lightning. Mister muntinDugon after he left you here, he
could have killed John and thrown himin the river. Who left his overcoat
and had on the wharf? Andwhy would Hillary kill John? Well?
If they have been several reasons?Maybe because of Marshall, Oh, several
(20:45):
reasons. Tell me? Did JohnBlake object to your engagement to Anita?
Oh? Why should he? Ido know, Emilia asked. Anita.
Blake identified her father's handwriting, Sheidentified the but you still believe it's murder.
Maybe she only thought it was ashim. Better, you would be
careful, wilbur in trying to makea murder. Out of this you might
(21:07):
pay yourself in a moosta and happyposition. I checked the letter and the
will with papers at John's office,and the handwriting is a dentical in my
opinion. Maybe Hillary is clever atpoetry. Maybe did you have the experts
checked the writing? Not yet?Then how can you tell? And as
you had a bonafid sample of Hillary'swriting, I tell you that you found
(21:29):
a sample of Hillary's writing. Someletters from Hillary to John. Yes,
I found the package of them John'sdesk at his home. That Wilbury is
most encouraging. Here they are severalof them died together. Some write in
nineteen twenty eight and a couple innineteen forty eight. Now we'll tell you
something we never thought John committed suicideeither you didn't know. And before you
(21:52):
go, Wilbur, write your namehere on this bed. Very well.
Thank you so much. I hopewe shall see you tomorrow. Well,
I'm surprised, Inspector Kreamer, tosee you out in such inclement weather.
(22:12):
And I like the cold spouse sitin the red leather chair. Good.
Have your experts finished checking the willand the letter? Yep? But not
all who were the package of Hillary'swhole letters that Wilberfarum, what's the verdict.
If this is forgery, it's thecleverest been a forgery we've ever come
across. My men, say,the will and the letter you received a
(22:33):
peer identical with the specimens from John'soffice. Indeed, the will and the
letter then do seem to have beenwritten by John Blake. Yes, But
on the other hand, and thisis unusual, by comparing this letter from
John with a letter Hillary wrote fromAustralia nineteen forty eight, we found characteristics
in both men's letters which were definitelysimilar. Then, inspectly, you feel
(22:56):
it Hillary might have written the letter? I the will, that it was
Hillary who came to my office.It's a tough thing to prove, but
I think that's being on the righttrack. Inspect What about the rest of
the package of letters I got fromWilber Martin. They are still working on
those down at headquarters. What aboutyoung Wilbur So far, I can't see
(23:17):
much of him to worry about,but it's a bit early. Rgie phone
out to the Blake mansion and tellWilbert Martin that we've uncovered the whole thing.
And if Wilber's in on it.Here be gone before you get there.
We can pick him up later.Oh came, I'll let you know
about the rest of Hillary's letters.Good. We won't phone out there until
you're finished. I'll call you assoon as possible. Argie, I want
(23:41):
you to look into the affairs witha primouth building and loan company. See
what you can learn about the actualstability of the company. Okay, boss,
Please put on your muffler and overcoatand open a window. A candle
couldn't burn in this place. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm
on my way. I what isit? Will? But what's happened?
(24:08):
I came out as soon as Iheard, Well, what's happened? Speak
up? Man? You haven't heard. You don't know? No what Look
look at these headlines in this buildingand loane crashes. But what does this
mean? It means your father embezzledthe funds of the company. He has
gone to the wall. What yes, close the doors? No, Will,
but no, I can't believe that'sjust sorry, Anita, But there
it is in black and white.Then this is the motive of John's suicide.
(24:30):
Why why? Because he well,he knew he was called well else.
He could have put the money back, couldn't he? Yes, but
maybe he lost it by trying tomake more to come up the short.
I don't think he lost it.You don't know, don't nonsense. He
must have else. Why would hekill himself? Maybe he didn't kill himself.
This is all Please, please,Anita. You mustn't bloody. I
know this is very embarrassing for you, but it isn't your fall. Now
(24:52):
let me take you away for awhile. We can run down to Mexico
until this blows over. You won'ttake her to Mexico. You won't take
her any place. Just what youmean? What's wrong with you? Wilbur?
You're acting stupid. Your father mayhave fleased the company, but I
don't believe he lost the money.He hid the money, and your uncle
Hillary found the hiding place, andhe set up the suicide to cover your
father's murder. Hillary killed him.Oh you're crazy, You're out of your
(25:14):
mind. This doesn't make sense.I have all the money I need,
Yes, you have now, Tatathings that need I have phoned the appart
for reservation. You can't leave ata time like this. You won't leave
this room. Do you know whatcould be done you for threatening people with
firearms. I'll call the police.You don't need to call the police.
I've just talked to that detective,mister Goodwin. He's on his way here.
The police have uncovered everything. Iknow you killed John and you have
(25:34):
the money. Wilbur, you're outof your mind. I know what I'm
talking about. Get out of here, Get out. I won't leave.
No one will leave till Goodwin comes. Ah. Gee, come in,
miss Bake, mister Bake, misterMaddin. Glad you were able to acceive
my invitation. You do inspect agreement. Yeah, I know how glad you
(25:57):
are. I could be here.Will please be say folks, Hillary was
going to Mexico on the next planeand taking Anita with him. Let you
go. John Blakes told the moneyfrom the company, but Hillary found out
about it and killed him. Itsdwarf. This is other nonsense, mister
Blake. Inspector Cramer's handwriting experts haveexamined the will and the letter left with
me. They've also checked them withyour recent letters from a straight air.
(26:18):
Indeed, and your letters from astraight as your definite resemblance having the same
characteristics as the letter and the willyou give me? You mean you think
that I signed the will and wrotethe letter? Definitely ridiculous. There's something
else, the WII mentions of paintingof Mercy of Blake Anita's mother art.
Where is the painting? Did youbring it? It's here? Bring it
(26:40):
in here, sergeant, just aboutit. I hope you don't mind,
miss Blake. What are you doingto it? Tearing off the paper backing
of the picture. Yes, andthere you are. There's the reason for
the whole thing. Bonds paste itin the back. Thousands of dollars and
negotiable bonds. Then Hillary didn't knowof the money. He killed John for
(27:00):
all this. He had a neatorder the picture to be credit for shipping.
I did no such thing. Nevertheless, you didn't kill John Blake.
Certly he did. Never These twoletters from Hillary Blake to John here in
America? What are the days Septemberin November nineteen forty eight? Those were
supposedly Hillary's most recent letters to John. And look at these letters June and
(27:22):
July nineteen twenty eight. Notice anydifferences. All are signed by Hillary,
But the ones date at nineteen twentyeight are not at all like the ones
written in nineteen forty eight not theleast similarity. The ones date in nineteen
twenty eight were written by Hillary,those dated in nineteen forty eight were written
by John A. John. Whatdo you mean, Leon, INSPECTI you're
(27:42):
under arrest, mister Blake, notfrom murder, because there's been no murderer.
You're under arrest on a charge ofembezzlement. Embezzlement over the house,
and you, miss Blake, areunder arrest as an accomplice. I don't
understand, mister wolf. Where youyourself on earth? The old nineteen twenty
eight letters rarely written by Hillary fromAustralia. The recent letters are not in
(28:06):
the same handwriting. They were poorlyforged by John in nineteen forty eight.
Furthermore, we checked with Australia andlearned that Hillary Blake died in Sydney ten
years ago. And this man hereis really John Blake, pausing as hell
ry to escape the panelty, pollutingthe company and Nater. It just doesn't
seem possible and needing you all aboutit. And they might have gotten away
with it if they hadn't come tous. Archie, what a fantastic plan.
(28:30):
I'm giving you back your thousand dollars, mister Blake, but I'm afraid
you won't do either of you muchgood. Now, thank you so much,
Inspector Grahamer for dropping in. Well, Boss, that was a club
(28:51):
a bit of deduction, you reallythinks you, Archie. It was quite
a blunder for so clever a manas John Blake. Why did he make
the mistake of coming to us?There are many as in the plans of
the criminal mind. He must haveforgotten about the nineteen twenty eight liters or
he would have destroyed them. Andhe underestimated Wobur's intelligence. And I thought
he was a dope too, buthe was half right. He really slipped
(29:12):
up on the body in the mogue. Inspector Grayman was most kind to co
operate with us in that elect anitherwas too eager to identify the first body
she saw. And the painting yoursense there was more importance attached to it
than the fact that it was awork of art through some beer. Please
coming up, Boss, Now thatbrings me to an unpleasant sub what's that
(29:34):
you're talking about? Resigning? Areyou still in their frame of mind?
Resigning? When did I say anythinglike that? Then? You're going to
be content with conditions as they are. Why of course, what are you
saying? And you don't mind ita bit as long as this gridfrow Weather
continues, Oh not at all.Don't mind what doing in and out of
(29:56):
the house through the cool shoot hah. You have been listening to the
(30:18):
New Adventures of Nero Wolf, starringSidney green Street. Good Night's transcribe story
(30:41):
by John Edison was based on thecharacters created by Rex Stout and produced and
directed by Jay Donald Wilson. Intonight's cast were Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin
and Victor Rodman, Louise Arthur,hal Girard and Johnstone. Next week,
(31:02):
at this same time, Nero Wolfand Archie will bring you the Case of
the Disappearing Diamonds. Don Stanley speakingthree times being good times on NBC Welcome
(31:25):
back. Well, there were acouple of ways that this mystery ring really
true in you a Wolf, anda couple that it didn't. First of
all, the actual plot of thestory, while not the same, I,
had some similarities to the plot ofthe neuro Wolf novella. Instead of
evidence, there were a couple oflittle twist one Wolf giving back the money
(31:48):
and when he's actually performed the servicethat was required of him, he doesn't
really do that, and then thepoliceman waiting outside while Archie question in the
suspect. But on the bright side, this does give you a chance to
see some things happen in a neuralWolf story that you'll never see in the
(32:10):
original. I didn't get an emailfrom Andrew Ryns regarding the Harry Bartel episodes.
Email to let me know. Imentioned Horizon's West was one of the
Harry Bartel vehicles, and he hasgot that over on the old time radio
daily Westerns at OTR Westerns dot com, and new episodes are being posted every
(32:35):
Friday, and probably by the timeof this recording, they're up to week
nine of thirteen. And that's actuallya series that would be pretty interesting based
on the Lewis and Clark expedition,and my family genealogist, my late aunt
Doris, went back and found thatour family actually had some relations to Merriwether
(33:00):
Lewis by marriage. And he alsoone thing Andrew does that I don't do
is he consistently tags the episodes withall the stars in them, and he's
tagged all of the episodes with HarryBartell, and even just with the westerns
(33:22):
of Gun Smokes Have Gun Will Traveland Horizons West. It is an impressive
you really do see all that Bartellcontributed to making a radio great. So
oh, and I mentioned we hadan announcement regarding Rogues Gallery last week we
(33:46):
mentioned, or two weeks ago wementioned we're gonna go ahead and move Rogues
Gallery up because two new episodes havebeen found. Well, the Old Time
Radio Researchers released their fourth edition ofthe certified Rogues Gallery set, and we
have yet another episode of Rogues Gallery. So this is one of those pleasant
(34:09):
things that happens. Originally, we'vebeen planning to bring you twenty one weeks
of Rogues Gallery twenty of those starringDick Powell. Now we're going to be
offering you twenty four weeks of RoguesGallery twenty two starring Dick Powell. So
a positive thing happening in the discoveryof new radio shows, new old radio
(34:32):
shows for your listening pleasure. Anyway, that'll do it for us now for
now, we'll be back next weekwith another episode of Mural Wolf and join
us tomorrow for Let George do Itin the meanwhile, you can send your
comments to Box thirteen at Great Detectivesdot net, follow us over on Twitter
at Our Radio Detectives, and besure to follow us over on Facebook,
(34:54):
Facebook dot com. Slash Radio Detectivesfrom Boise, Idaho, Oh This is
your host, Adam Grahamson and auth
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. That's a podcast alley
dot Great Detectives dot net, andyou can feel free to give us a
(00:51):
call two o eight nine nine onefour seven eight three. Well, before
we do get started, we wantto let you know about Audible. If
you struggle to find time to read. Audible is a great service for you
as you are able to listen toaudiobooks whenever it's convenient for you, and
whether you want to listen to amystery or you want to to take a
(01:15):
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theology, science, or nearly anythingelse. Audible brings a world of great
books right to your MB three player. Get one free audiobook per month with
your Audible membership, as well asa discount on any additional audio entertainment you
(01:36):
want to get from Audible. Youcan try Audible out free for fourteen days
and get a free audio book bygoing to audible podcast dot com slash Old
Time Radio. Be sure to listenafter our show where we have some more
exciting news about Rogues Gallery that wewill share with you. But let's get
into today's adventure, The Case ofthe Hasty Will reach Himes mean good times
(02:00):
on NBC. You're invited every Saturdayover most of these NBC stations to a
one hour concert by the renowned NBCSymphony. Tomorrow's Symphony performance features Metropolitan Opera
star Helen Travell as guest solos.For tomorrow's broadcast, the orchestra will be
under the baton of the widely acclaimedconductor Wilfrid Pellettier for the world's great music.
(02:22):
Here the NBC Symphony brought to youtomorrow and every Saturday. Transcribe,
Ladies and gentlemen, The ringing ofthat phone bell brings you mystery adventure Narrow
Wolf's Office. Are'ch ye Goodwin speaking? Yes? Who's calling mister John Blake?
Well? Is this a matter ofbusiness? That's fine, mister Blake.
(02:46):
I'll just call him thatty. I'mnot here. Tell him I'm up
in the plant room of the Orchids. I was going to call him to
the phone, but he's up inthe plant room of his orchids. What
sort of a case is this,sir? Really? Really is that?
So? Is it a man ora woman? Oh? I understand perfectly,
said man. Well at least that'ssomething different. Yes, a very
(03:07):
urgent I understand, And I assureyou, mister Wolfe will be here waiting
for you. The fee. Ohshall we say about oh a thousand?
I do not see any kind andlaughter dinner. Fritz is having mounting queal
on tooth. Yes, mister Blake, come at once. What were you
saying? Boss? And found youout in nothing but business all the time?
(03:29):
What's the problem? I don't know? And at a thousand dollars considering
our bank balance, I'll help himpoison his great grandmother. Ladies and gentlemen,
(03:50):
it's that renowned genius who is thebulkiest, balkiest, most ponderous and
most brilliant detective in the world.Yes, none other than that chairborne mass
of unpredictable intellect Nero Wolf created byRex Stout and brought to you in a
new series of Adventures of Other NBCNetwork in the person of mister Sidney Greenstreet.
(04:21):
What we chose to refer to.Is the case of the hasty will
began, of course, with anurgent phone call from the mysterious John Blake.
At the moment, Nero Wolf wasseated in his chair, which was
specially built for his three hundred pounds, and I was giving him a lecture
on the importance of money. Archie, that will do. I am not
interested. You will be when youlearn you can make no more purchases of
(04:42):
beer and skittles. You passed uptwo cinch cases now each would have meant
a healthy fee. Let us hopethis, mister Blake, is a nice
fat problem that will take us daysto solve. Archie, Jessie nser the
door redeving. I'm John Blake.Oh, yes, yes, come in,
mister Blake. You have no ideahow welcome you are. Argie,
(05:06):
you're mister Gregan and this way saymister Wolf doesn't care for anything resembling air.
Oh I'm Archie Goodman. Are goodhearing, mister Blake. Mister Wolf,
I have a little business for you. Now, before you say anything,
I know you're not a lawyer.I'm not a member of the bar.
(05:26):
Let us say, mister Blake ofcourse, what kind of business,
mister Blake. I have here ashort will, which I have typewritten myself.
I haven't signed it yet. Also, I have here a sealed envelope
containing a letter, which I wantyou to be prepared to deliver to the
address. See a will and aletter? Very well, Yes, do
you know who I am? Seemsthat I've certainly seen you before? Same
(05:48):
here, I just can't place you. Well, I'm John Blake, president
of the Plymouth Building and Loan.Oh, of course I've seen your picture
many times. You ever starved forthe mister turneys in the city, mister
Blake. And this is moot tosure today the business of attorney perhaps,
But in this particular instance I wantedan individual who had no interest in me
nor a previous knowledge of my affairs. I see. Also, I wanted
(06:13):
the person who was well, shallwe say, not too well fixed?
Well, you certainly catch imagine misterWolf being in need of money. Here's
any kind you to turn his handle? This you know in the moment.
But when I leave here, Iwant you to forget the whole thing for
the time being. Indeed, youhave said it. Here's the will.
(06:33):
May read it Ergie January twenty five, nineteen fifty one, to my daughter
Anita Blake. I do hereby bequeathall my property, personal and real,
including the portrait painting of her mother, my dear deceased wife, Marcia Blake.
This will supersedes any and all instrumentspreviously drawn. Sure simple enough,
(06:55):
isn't it. That's all? Howthe pen bleas and I'll sign it now.
Then you sign as witness, misterGoodwin. You retain the will,
mister Wolf, and the envelope here, which is addressed to Hillary Break,
my brother, who is now livingin this city, Your brother, he's
just recently returned from twenty five yearsin Australia. Though Hillary has written me
several times, I have not favoredhim. We've we've been a strange these
(07:19):
many years. Over well, acertain unpleasant situation, which this enfosed letter
will clear up. Are you infear of your life, mister Blake murder?
No, mister Wolf, there wasa time, yes, but well
not now. You will know whatto do with a will and the letter,
though when the time arrives. Now, as to your fee, you
(07:40):
said a thousand, well we usuallyreceived thousand. Will do well. Here's
a check all made out. Ifyou're thinking of suicide, mister Blake,
we must warn you. If youdon't care to go through with this,
please say so. I'm not planningon suicide. I assure you. We
have taken the job, mister Blake. And good evening, gentlemen, and
thank you for your kind indulgence.Well that's the simplest little thousand we ever
(08:07):
made. I believe, mister Goodwin, you're going to be quite surprised.
I want you to get acquainted withJohn Blake's secretary. You were more than
earned this thousand, young man.Argie, I gie, is that you?
Yes? Boss? What time isit? It is six pm?
(08:33):
M clock is right in front ofyour eyes. I'm thinking, I gie,
it's very interesting, very an entireday has passed since the visit from
John Blake. Did you learn anythingfrom Blake secretary? I did. He
left his office late yesterday. Shesaid, his daughter, Anita, is
quite upset because he didn't come homecheck his club. YEP. I didn't
(08:54):
talk to the daughter, but Ilearned that she's engaged to a young fellow
named Wilbur Martin. She told thesecretary that her father had been acting strangely
of late, a bit morose andwhat does the daughter feel has happened?
Anita's afraid he's been kidnapped. Youhaven't met nor talk to any other than
the secretary. Not yet so farno one's called the police. Good we
(09:15):
mess for the time being, preventthat. What did you learn of Blake's
brother from Australia. He's been hereonly a year. They've met only once
or twice since his return. TheSecretary thinks the breakup was because of their
love for the same woman. Hillarybecame very wealthy in Australia. They went
aunt Jie. It is time,BEAUTIVI isn't miss Anita Blake in a whome
I'd love to boss. She's amighty purty gal boy at Gee, you
(09:39):
can do me a great service anything. Be sure to close it tightly as
you leave. Close what the cool? Shoot? Of course, I'm awfully
glad you could come. Uncle,Hilary. Wilbur seemed to think you might
know something about father's disappeared. No, I don't know, wilburh. I'm
(10:03):
just as nonpluss as you are.When did you see your brother last?
Oh it's been four or five months? Why I just wanted to know what
do you too think has become ofit? Surely you know his recent actions
better than I. Well, atfirst I thought he'd been kidnapped. No,
I'm afraid it's suicide. Oh,I say, really, now?
(10:24):
Have you been putting such ideas intoour head? Young man? The other
hand, could have been murder indeed, well, I suggest that the police
be called, hospitals, the Morgue, every place. Have you thought of
doing that, young man? Iwas going to, oh, rarely.
Then while you're stalling about, I'lljust step into the library and do it
myself. It can't be wilburh itjust can't be, miss Blake. There's
(10:46):
a mister Goodwin to see your father. Oh, I'll see him. Thank
you, Miss Blake. I'm mucha good one. This is my fiance,
mister Wilbur Martin. Mister mag whatis it you want? Mister Goodwin?
Is your father him Blake? No? No, he isn't. What
is your business, mister Goodwin?Why do you want to see mister Blake?
As a matter of fact, Idon't really want to see mister Blake
(11:07):
because I don't think he's here.I came to see miss Blake. Just
who are you. I'm a detective, police private investigator with narrow Wolf.
John Blake has disappeared and all you'retrying to keep it out of the press
because you think he's been kidnapped.We have called the police. What do
you think has happened to my father? I think he's dead. Well,
(11:30):
why do you think that? Yes? Just what do you know? Mister
Goodwin? Oh, Anita, Iwill ask you a few questions. I
think it's advised Blake. Yes,I thought you were done for that is
I don't think I chapter is adetective. I'm sorry about this, mister
blakewood curiosity got the better of me. I hope I haven't wrecked things.
(11:50):
What are you talking about? Youremember the agreement? What agreement? Mister
Goodwin? Do you know who you'retalking to? Why? Yes, John
Blake conte, mister Goodwin. Thisis my uncle Hilary, my father's brother,
Hillary, Hillary Blake. Yes,my father's twin brother. John and
(12:11):
Hillary were twins. Of course,this news to me. I didn't know
that. What did you know abouthim? Well, now that I look
at him, now that I canrecall his speech, there is a difference.
And now why do you think JohnBlake is dead. I've just come
from police headquarters. You mean he'sbeen murdered. No, from all indications,
he's committed suicide. Suicide. Areyou sure? Poor father? Oh?
(12:35):
I was afraid of this. Thismorning, a hat and a overcoat
were found on the East River Docksnear Pier nine. In the coat was
a typewritten copy of a will madeyesterday. The hat bears the initials JB.
It was a will. Yes?Could you identify the hatton court?
Miss Blake? Well, yes,of course, very well. Come in,
sergeant, this is Sergeant Hammond,Miss Blake. Do you recognize this
(12:58):
Colton hat? Yes, yes,I do. They were fathers, Wilbur
surious, I can't understand it.The hat and coat are not conclusive evidence.
What about the will found in thepockets? Show them the will?
Sergeant, read it? Mass youread it, Wilbur to my daughter anit
(13:20):
a Blake. I do hereby bequeathall my property, personal and real,
including the portrait painting of her mother, my dear deceased wife, Marcia Blake.
This will supersedes any and all instrumentspreviously drawn, but no signature.
I have the original. He arewhere did you get this notice the signature
of the witness. Are she Goodwin? You witnessed his signature in Nero Wolfe's
(13:45):
office, But mister Blake had hisown attorneys. Nevertheless, he came to
mister Walt to take care of thewill. If we hadn't recognized him from
his photos in the papers, Iwouldn't have witnessed the signature, Anita,
is this your father's handwriting? Yes, yes, it is all right.
But there still isn't proof that he'sdead, nor that he committed suicide,
nor corpus delecta. And the bodymay not be found for days. But
this evidence we have here certainly indicatesthat a body will be found eventually.
(14:09):
Maybe nothing, mister Pitman, It'spossible they could have What were you going
to say? Nothing, miss Blake? In a way, I blame myself
for your father's death. Do youmean I had a sort of premonation.
It's obvious now why he came toNarrow wolf Is it he wanted someone who
didn't know him personally. His ownattorneys would have been able to see through
(14:30):
his plan and prevent his carrying itout. If he made a will,
why did he draw this new one? Yes, that's what I do well.
I still am not convinced that hecommitted suicide. Mister Blake. Here
is a letter he has to bedelivered to you. Oh well, no,
Perhaps it will shed some light onthe problem. What did it say?
Uncle Joe says hither twenty five yearsnow, jealous and bitterness have kept
(14:56):
us a pot. I know whyyou stated Austra all these years. I
know you loved Marcia. She wasright for the yours. But I loved
her too, and I couldn't goon without her. I know you've despised
us both, and I've pretended todespise you. I had to pretend because
I lied to Marcia. I toldher you've engaged to marry a woman in
(15:18):
Sydney. Marsha was innocent. Iwas to blame. When Marsha died last
year and you wrote that you werecoming back. I knew then that your
resentment had faded, but I didn'tanswer you, and I've kept away from
you because I couldn't fash you.I've told you all this because things have
happened, which you learn soon enoughto have decided me to close my book
(15:41):
and write Phinney. I have madea new will, leaving everything I possessed
to Anita. Anita is young,Hillily, and I beg you to watch
after her as though she were yourown, which but for my selfishness,
she might well have been. Forgiveme Hillly Well certainly indicates suicide. But
(16:04):
what does he mean by things havehappened? That miss Blake is the motive
for which we'll just have to wait. Yes for that and the body?
Well, Boss, up here inthe conservatory a bit early, aren't you?
(16:25):
Oh the orchist, it's a nicesunny morning, even though it is
around zero outside. The sun isfine to them. And behold a jene
h what is it? The dyndrobiumscorristell, the big that's inted? What
about it showing two buds moosting carriaging? Indeed, indeed, so boss,
(16:47):
I can't take the steam heat here? Tell me? This painting of Mercy
of Blake is in large hangs overthe black mantle, about three by four
feet, very moost intriguing. TheJohn Blake should mention the painting in z
sure of Will and Hillary? Anddoes he seem to offer any suggestion on
this problem? He has very littleto say. Wilbur has definite ideas and
(17:10):
he's in there pitching all the time. There's a rather unpleasant way about him.
Though you have talked with the InspectorKramer. I have and asked miss
Anita and Hillary to meet you atthe morgue to look at the buddy,
right, and I left Wilbur outof this gathering. This buddy is practically
unidentifiable. In Kramer's opinion, itis how if you have finished down there,
I'd like to have a chat withthis Wilbur Martin. Okay, but
(17:33):
you'll get nothing out of him.I've tried. Actually, you are becoming
so conceited soon if yeah, i'dhave to fire you. If it were
summer, I would forthwith resign,run along and close our coal shoot behind
you. Wanting Inspector Kramer up early? Yeah, Goodwin gus love to come
(18:00):
down to this morning. This ismiss Anita Blake and her uncle Hilary Blake.
I hope you don't object too muchto my joining the proceedings. Oh,
I know, Welber, I supposeit's all right. Please, mister
Goodman, what's happened? There's abody here, a badly Brosden cut and
a bad condition. But I thinkyou should look at it. Oh,
sorry, miss Blake, but I'mafraid it's necessary. Very well, I'll
(18:22):
be all right. I'd like tocome along. Oh yes you must.
Oh come on, miss Wayne.Yeah, here we are. What are
(18:45):
you same as play? Now gethold of yourself, Nita, please you
must, yes, yes, andyou're mister Blake. It's certainly hard to
say. It looks as though itmight be John. Was no means of
identification on the body. No,Joey, there was nothing but this suit
here, nothing in the pockets.That's father's suit whole right, I know?
(19:11):
Oh why why did he do it? Come along now that's all for
today, mister Wolf. This ismister Welber Martin. Ah, yes,
how are you doing, mister Manding? Sit down? Thank you? No,
no, no, take the redleather chair. That's right, So
(19:32):
glad you can come. I giebe ever tear me, mister Madding.
He's your the Boddy I did.Whether it was John Blake or not,
I'm not sure, but I needit feels positive enough. You are skeptical
about the series aide theory, Well, yes I am. Are you trying
to cast suspicion on someone else?No, he thinks it was murdered.
(19:56):
I do, but not by you, of course, certainly not let Who
would know that John came here,signed the will and gave us the letter
to his brother? He must havecontemplated suicide, don't you think? Are
you positive it was John Blake whosigned the will? I'm interesting you think
it was his brother Hillary who camehere opposing as Johnna It could have been,
(20:21):
but the man was quite gray andhad no Australian accent. Hillary could
have dropped the accent for a shortwhile, and greatest hair. And they
were twins ensuing lightning. Mister muntinDugon after he left you here, he
could have killed John and thrown himin the river. Who left his overcoat
and had on the wharf? Andwhy would Hillary kill John? Well?
If they have been several reasons?Maybe because of Marshall, Oh, several
(20:45):
reasons. Tell me? Did JohnBlake object to your engagement to Anita?
Oh? Why should he? Ido know, Emilia asked. Anita.
Blake identified her father's handwriting, Sheidentified the but you still believe it's murder.
Maybe she only thought it was ashim. Better, you would be
careful, wilbur in trying to makea murder. Out of this you might
(21:07):
pay yourself in a moosta and happyposition. I checked the letter and the
will with papers at John's office,and the handwriting is a dentical in my
opinion. Maybe Hillary is clever atpoetry. Maybe did you have the experts
checked the writing? Not yet?Then how can you tell? And as
you had a bonafid sample of Hillary'swriting, I tell you that you found
(21:29):
a sample of Hillary's writing. Someletters from Hillary to John. Yes,
I found the package of them John'sdesk at his home. That Wilbury is
most encouraging. Here they are severalof them died together. Some write in
nineteen twenty eight and a couple innineteen forty eight. Now we'll tell you
something we never thought John committed suicideeither you didn't know. And before you
(21:52):
go, Wilbur, write your namehere on this bed. Very well.
Thank you so much. I hopewe shall see you tomorrow. Well,
I'm surprised, Inspector Kreamer, tosee you out in such inclement weather.
(22:12):
And I like the cold spouse sitin the red leather chair. Good.
Have your experts finished checking the willand the letter? Yep? But not
all who were the package of Hillary'swhole letters that Wilberfarum, what's the verdict.
If this is forgery, it's thecleverest been a forgery we've ever come
across. My men, say,the will and the letter you received a
(22:33):
peer identical with the specimens from John'soffice. Indeed, the will and the
letter then do seem to have beenwritten by John Blake. Yes, But
on the other hand, and thisis unusual, by comparing this letter from
John with a letter Hillary wrote fromAustralia nineteen forty eight, we found characteristics
in both men's letters which were definitelysimilar. Then, inspectly, you feel
(22:56):
it Hillary might have written the letter? I the will, that it was
Hillary who came to my office.It's a tough thing to prove, but
I think that's being on the righttrack. Inspect What about the rest of
the package of letters I got fromWilber Martin. They are still working on
those down at headquarters. What aboutyoung Wilbur So far, I can't see
(23:17):
much of him to worry about,but it's a bit early. Rgie phone
out to the Blake mansion and tellWilbert Martin that we've uncovered the whole thing.
And if Wilber's in on it.Here be gone before you get there.
We can pick him up later.Oh came, I'll let you know
about the rest of Hillary's letters.Good. We won't phone out there until
you're finished. I'll call you assoon as possible. Argie, I want
(23:41):
you to look into the affairs witha primouth building and loan company. See
what you can learn about the actualstability of the company. Okay, boss,
Please put on your muffler and overcoatand open a window. A candle
couldn't burn in this place. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm
on my way. I what isit? Will? But what's happened?
(24:08):
I came out as soon as Iheard, Well, what's happened? Speak
up? Man? You haven't heard. You don't know? No what Look
look at these headlines in this buildingand loane crashes. But what does this
mean? It means your father embezzledthe funds of the company. He has
gone to the wall. What yes, close the doors? No, Will,
but no, I can't believe that'sjust sorry, Anita, But there
it is in black and white.Then this is the motive of John's suicide.
(24:30):
Why why? Because he well,he knew he was called well else.
He could have put the money back, couldn't he? Yes, but
maybe he lost it by trying tomake more to come up the short.
I don't think he lost it.You don't know, don't nonsense. He
must have else. Why would hekill himself? Maybe he didn't kill himself.
This is all Please, please,Anita. You mustn't bloody. I
know this is very embarrassing for you, but it isn't your fall. Now
(24:52):
let me take you away for awhile. We can run down to Mexico
until this blows over. You won'ttake her to Mexico. You won't take
her any place. Just what youmean? What's wrong with you? Wilbur?
You're acting stupid. Your father mayhave fleased the company, but I
don't believe he lost the money.He hid the money, and your uncle
Hillary found the hiding place, andhe set up the suicide to cover your
father's murder. Hillary killed him.Oh you're crazy, You're out of your
(25:14):
mind. This doesn't make sense.I have all the money I need,
Yes, you have now, Tatathings that need I have phoned the appart
for reservation. You can't leave ata time like this. You won't leave
this room. Do you know whatcould be done you for threatening people with
firearms. I'll call the police.You don't need to call the police.
I've just talked to that detective,mister Goodwin. He's on his way here.
The police have uncovered everything. Iknow you killed John and you have
(25:34):
the money. Wilbur, you're outof your mind. I know what I'm
talking about. Get out of here, Get out. I won't leave.
No one will leave till Goodwin comes. Ah. Gee, come in,
miss Bake, mister Bake, misterMaddin. Glad you were able to acceive
my invitation. You do inspect agreement. Yeah, I know how glad you
(25:57):
are. I could be here.Will please be say folks, Hillary was
going to Mexico on the next planeand taking Anita with him. Let you
go. John Blakes told the moneyfrom the company, but Hillary found out
about it and killed him. Itsdwarf. This is other nonsense, mister
Blake. Inspector Cramer's handwriting experts haveexamined the will and the letter left with
me. They've also checked them withyour recent letters from a straight air.
(26:18):
Indeed, and your letters from astraight as your definite resemblance having the same
characteristics as the letter and the willyou give me? You mean you think
that I signed the will and wrotethe letter? Definitely ridiculous. There's something
else, the WII mentions of paintingof Mercy of Blake Anita's mother art.
Where is the painting? Did youbring it? It's here? Bring it
(26:40):
in here, sergeant, just aboutit. I hope you don't mind,
miss Blake. What are you doingto it? Tearing off the paper backing
of the picture. Yes, andthere you are. There's the reason for
the whole thing. Bonds paste itin the back. Thousands of dollars and
negotiable bonds. Then Hillary didn't knowof the money. He killed John for
(27:00):
all this. He had a neatorder the picture to be credit for shipping.
I did no such thing. Nevertheless, you didn't kill John Blake.
Certly he did. Never These twoletters from Hillary Blake to John here in
America? What are the days Septemberin November nineteen forty eight? Those were
supposedly Hillary's most recent letters to John. And look at these letters June and
(27:22):
July nineteen twenty eight. Notice anydifferences. All are signed by Hillary,
But the ones date at nineteen twentyeight are not at all like the ones
written in nineteen forty eight not theleast similarity. The ones date in nineteen
twenty eight were written by Hillary,those dated in nineteen forty eight were written
by John A. John. Whatdo you mean, Leon, INSPECTI you're
(27:42):
under arrest, mister Blake, notfrom murder, because there's been no murderer.
You're under arrest on a charge ofembezzlement. Embezzlement over the house,
and you, miss Blake, areunder arrest as an accomplice. I don't
understand, mister wolf. Where youyourself on earth? The old nineteen twenty
eight letters rarely written by Hillary fromAustralia. The recent letters are not in
(28:06):
the same handwriting. They were poorlyforged by John in nineteen forty eight.
Furthermore, we checked with Australia andlearned that Hillary Blake died in Sydney ten
years ago. And this man hereis really John Blake, pausing as hell
ry to escape the panelty, pollutingthe company and Nater. It just doesn't
seem possible and needing you all aboutit. And they might have gotten away
with it if they hadn't come tous. Archie, what a fantastic plan.
(28:30):
I'm giving you back your thousand dollars, mister Blake, but I'm afraid
you won't do either of you muchgood. Now, thank you so much,
Inspector Grahamer for dropping in. Well, Boss, that was a club
(28:51):
a bit of deduction, you reallythinks you, Archie. It was quite
a blunder for so clever a manas John Blake. Why did he make
the mistake of coming to us?There are many as in the plans of
the criminal mind. He must haveforgotten about the nineteen twenty eight liters or
he would have destroyed them. Andhe underestimated Wobur's intelligence. And I thought
he was a dope too, buthe was half right. He really slipped
(29:12):
up on the body in the mogue. Inspector Grayman was most kind to co
operate with us in that elect anitherwas too eager to identify the first body
she saw. And the painting yoursense there was more importance attached to it
than the fact that it was awork of art through some beer. Please
coming up, Boss, Now thatbrings me to an unpleasant sub what's that
(29:34):
you're talking about? Resigning? Areyou still in their frame of mind?
Resigning? When did I say anythinglike that? Then? You're going to
be content with conditions as they are. Why of course, what are you
saying? And you don't mind ita bit as long as this gridfrow Weather
continues, Oh not at all.Don't mind what doing in and out of
(29:56):
the house through the cool shoot hah. You have been listening to the
(30:18):
New Adventures of Nero Wolf, starringSidney green Street. Good Night's transcribe story
(30:41):
by John Edison was based on thecharacters created by Rex Stout and produced and
directed by Jay Donald Wilson. Intonight's cast were Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin
and Victor Rodman, Louise Arthur,hal Girard and Johnstone. Next week,
(31:02):
at this same time, Nero Wolfand Archie will bring you the Case of
the Disappearing Diamonds. Don Stanley speakingthree times being good times on NBC Welcome
(31:25):
back. Well, there were acouple of ways that this mystery ring really
true in you a Wolf, anda couple that it didn't. First of
all, the actual plot of thestory, while not the same, I,
had some similarities to the plot ofthe neuro Wolf novella. Instead of
evidence, there were a couple oflittle twist one Wolf giving back the money
(31:48):
and when he's actually performed the servicethat was required of him, he doesn't
really do that, and then thepoliceman waiting outside while Archie question in the
suspect. But on the bright side, this does give you a chance to
see some things happen in a neuralWolf story that you'll never see in the
(32:10):
original. I didn't get an emailfrom Andrew Ryns regarding the Harry Bartel episodes.
Email to let me know. Imentioned Horizon's West was one of the
Harry Bartel vehicles, and he hasgot that over on the old time radio
daily Westerns at OTR Westerns dot com, and new episodes are being posted every
(32:35):
Friday, and probably by the timeof this recording, they're up to week
nine of thirteen. And that's actuallya series that would be pretty interesting based
on the Lewis and Clark expedition,and my family genealogist, my late aunt
Doris, went back and found thatour family actually had some relations to Merriwether
(33:00):
Lewis by marriage. And he alsoone thing Andrew does that I don't do
is he consistently tags the episodes withall the stars in them, and he's
tagged all of the episodes with HarryBartell, and even just with the westerns
(33:22):
of Gun Smokes Have Gun Will Traveland Horizons West. It is an impressive
you really do see all that Bartellcontributed to making a radio great. So
oh, and I mentioned we hadan announcement regarding Rogues Gallery last week we
(33:46):
mentioned, or two weeks ago wementioned we're gonna go ahead and move Rogues
Gallery up because two new episodes havebeen found. Well, the Old Time
Radio Researchers released their fourth edition ofthe certified Rogues Gallery set, and we
have yet another episode of Rogues Gallery. So this is one of those pleasant
(34:09):
things that happens. Originally, we'vebeen planning to bring you twenty one weeks
of Rogues Gallery twenty of those starringDick Powell. Now we're going to be
offering you twenty four weeks of RoguesGallery twenty two starring Dick Powell. So
a positive thing happening in the discoveryof new radio shows, new old radio
(34:32):
shows for your listening pleasure. Anyway, that'll do it for us now for
now, we'll be back next weekwith another episode of Mural Wolf and join
us tomorrow for Let George do Itin the meanwhile, you can send your
comments to Box thirteen at Great Detectivesdot net, follow us over on Twitter
at Our Radio Detectives, and besure to follow us over on Facebook,
(34:54):
Facebook dot com. Slash Radio Detectivesfrom Boise, Idaho, Oh This is
your host, Adam Grahamson and auth
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