Vintage Sci-Fi Radio

The Falcon - The Case of the Falling Star

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Duration:: 28m
Broadcast on:: 19 Jul 2024
Audio Format:: mp3

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See terms at racing.fanduel.com. Gambling problem, call 1-800-Gambler. [phone ringing] Hello? Yes, this is the fork and speaking. Oh, Doris. Now you like to include me out tonight, I've got to discuss an idea for a movie. Uh-uh, no, I can't make it, Angel. No, I can't miss this. These characters have dreamed up the perfect switch. Instead of shooting pictures, they plan to shoot people. Once again, the adventures of the Falcon, dedicated to private investigators everywhere. Those hard-hitting detectives who like Mike Waring risk their lives to aid law enforcement agencies. So join him now when the Falcon solves The Case of the Falling Star. It's Sunday afternoon in New York and in his hotel suite, Ken Marlow, who have smashed his way to movie stardom by portraying a two-fisted drinking man, is giving a sample of the performance that made him famous. Only this time, Ken isn't acting. I'll fix them all when I get through those crumbs, they'll know better than the horses. Yeah, that's about time, fella. That's what I thought, too. Huh? How are you, Ken? Ugh, Jackie Howard. I'm sorry, I was expecting somebody else. I bet she's a lot prettier. Yeah, nothing like that. I'm here with a wife. It's a funny thing. I didn't even know you were in town. I thought I left you on the West Coast. Well, haven't you heard? There are railways, runs all over the country, all you gotta do is bad ticketing. Look, Jackie, I know what you want. I intended it, I intended to clean up that 15 grand I owe you before I left. It is 19. Oh, 15, 19, what's the difference I'm good for? I am. Someone told me you washed up at national pictures. They're crazy. I'm in like Flynn. I'm glad to hear him. Of course, if they don't pick up your option, you see my position. As I said, you're into me for 19 grand. And as I said, I'm good for it. I can write my own ticket at any studio. Who is the number one box office draw on 49? You? Well, they are. No, there you were. That was 49, Ken. Three years is like 300 in Hollywood. Okay, I'll tell you I got nothing to worry about. National, I'll pick up my option on the 23rd. And when can I expect you to pick up these I/OUs? Look, Jackie, if you're going to take that attitude, you can whistle for your doe. Nobody pushes me around. Oh, that's right. I forgot. You're a pretty tough boy in pictures. That's right. Well, luckily, I never go to the movies. Let's see, Ike. Let's understand each other, Ken. You owe me 19 grand. I expect to have it on the 23rd. Why not? You'll be... Hello darling and dad. I'm busy, Laura. Oh, I'm sorry. Oh, there's no need to apologize, Mrs. Marlow. I'm Jackie Howard. How do you do? I've heard so much about you. I wish I could say it wasn't true. Well, I'm sure I'm in the way, so if you're excuse... Oh, no, don't bother. I was just leaving. Well, what do you say, Ken? Shall we make it for a week from Friday? I'll do my best. That's all I ask. Well, this has been a real pleasure, Mrs. Marlow. She will love me again. I hope so. It's a dirty bum. What was he doing here? None of your business. Darling, I don't want to make a noise like a wife, but if you owe Jackie Howard money... I said it's none of your business. But don't you understand? I'm only thinking of you if you're in a jam. Please stop nagging. But all I want is... Oh, you want to do is drive me crazy. Well, that's my coat. I'm going to find a place where a man can have a drink in peace. I'm going to find a place where a man can have a drink in peace. I love you. Oh, hi, Steve. Can I help you? Yes. Mr. Marlow, I didn't mind. I see him. Hello, Ken. I've been looking for you. How do you watch, Steve? Just saw Laura. Are you really living your part, aren't you, boy? Ah, the two-fisted he-man. That's a beautiful shine as she's sporting. Somebody asked you. No, but I hate to see you louse her up. She's one in a million. Look how she's stuck by you when you got in that mess out in Beverly Hill. Why don't you mind your own business, Steve? I try to. Well, you're not very good at it. I pay you 200 bucks a week to take care of my publicity. I haven't seen my name at print for months. Sometimes publicity man does a job by keeping his client's name out of the papers. What kind of a crack is that? Who squared that beef with that girl and Santa Monica in that little chicken and cine? Look, Steve, if you don't like it, you know what you can do. You know, I was just thinking, if national doesn't pick up your option, you're going to be in trouble. Who says so? I could go to Metro or Fox. Well, I got a scoop for you, boy. They wouldn't let you through the main gate. Your only chance is national. Now, you've got to behave yourself until they make up their minds. Kind of a jam that you get yourself into with Jackie Howard. Ah, so Laura's been blabbing. She hasn't been doing anything of the kind. I saw Jackie and the lobby I put two and two together. I'll let you stop adding and pay more attention to business. We'd all be better off. Why don't you get me some publicity? Okay. Maybe you could stop a runaway horse. That'll be funny. I was just pointing out that putting three quarts of booze away isn't considered front page stuff anymore. You see, editors are funny. They ain't a matter. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. I got an idea. Suppose my life was threatening. Oh, forget it. Why? It sounds pretty good to me. Now, if we went to the car... In case you haven't heard, Ken, horsing around with the law is a pretty serious murder. Okay. Isn't Mike wearing a buddy of yours? Oh, a private dick. They call a falcon. What about him? They keep play ball? No. No, Mike wouldn't touch anything this phony. Why would he have to know? Suppose we cooked up some anonymous falcon. Uh-oh. It's out. Why? Because I thought of it. Ken, don't be ridiculous. We're going to handle it my way. We'll hire the falcon to be my bodyguard. Then you'll leak it to the papers. It ought to be worth a couple of columns. I don't like it, Ken. Well, I don't like paying your salary while I dream up the ideas, and I'll go call wearing set up a date. Well, that's the story, Mike. After the third phone call, Ken thought we ought to do something about it. I see. Not that I was worried. You understand? I can take care of myself, but I had to think of Laura. Laura? My wife. You know how a gal worries. Tell me some more about these phone calls, Marlon. Do you recognize the voice? No, I thought it was a gag at first. What convinced you otherwise? Well, this morning, someone took a pot shot at me when I was playing golf with Steve. Do you report it to the police? He didn't want to, Mike, but I insisted. What did they say? They thought it was a publicity stunt. Is this? No. You sure, Steve? I don't look, Mike. You've known me for how many years? 10, 12. I think I've always leveled with you. Well, I'm sorry, but you can't blame me for being suspicious. What did you talk to at headquarters? A sergeant corps, but now there's a phony if I ever met one. He happens to be a friend of mine. Well, no offense, old man. I almost met. Keep it. Have you any idea who might be after you? No. You indulging in any extracurricular activities? What do you mean? Women. You take me for an idiot? I'm married to the greatest little gal in the world. You owe anybody any money? No. I'm the kind of paces built. And always on the dot. You sound too good to be true. Ah. The more I hear of this, the more I convince Corbett was right. Come again. The way you tell it, you're the most popular man in the class. OK. If that's the way you feel, we'll get somebody else. There are other private detectives in New York. And better, too. Come on, Steve. I'm sorry, Mike. Forget it. It's not your fault. Just say it's a clash of personalities. You're coming, Steve? Yeah. So long, pal. I'll be seeing you. You bet. Give me a call before you leave town. I will. Well, I hope you're satisfied. I am. I think wearing is going to work out fine. Oh, help me. You're nuts. Didn't you hear him say? I know what he said. He thinks this is a publicity stunt. All he caught was a prologue. He'll play ball after the first act. What are you talking about? Let's find a phone. I've got to cast a show. And I know just the boy to play the lead. Yeah? There's text Riley around? No walls to know. Tell him it's Ken Marlow. Why, you know good louse. How can you have the nurture? I keep your shirt on, Tex. But you thought I forgot about that hundred bucks you loaned me. Before I went to Hollywood. Well, didn't you? Nah, this is my first trip to New York in six years. You could have mailed it. Ah, that's too impersonal. I wanted to give it to you myself with a little bonus. How would you like to pick up an additional 500? I don't sound like a Ken Marlow. I know and hate. What do I have to do? Well, I got a little part I'd like you to try out for. In a picture? It's a play I'm going to produce on my own, but first I'd like to see a dress rehearsal. I don't get it. Well, my wife doesn't know anything about this, and I'd like to test a reaction. If you meet me in the crayton lobby in 20 minutes, we'll run over the script. Hey, Laurie, you better order some more ice. I'm running low. Oh, I can't. Why'd you rather get some ginger? You expecting some? Oh, Steve, Nicos said he might drop around and answer the door. Tell us a second. Well, hiya, sugar. I beg your pardon. I beg yours. Is Hollywood hotshot in? Oh, is that Laura? What? Never mind. I'll announce myself. Hi, Amalo. Who's at WU? Oh, just an autograph, huh? Get out. Now, where'd I put my pencil? I had it right here, man. Hey, look at what I found. That's the idea, the gun. Well, you can't say you weren't worn, Marlow. Your friend admired some dough. He told you to get it up, since you did it. No, you can't. Get out of my way. No. Will you stop putting in? I'm not afraid. You don't know what you're doing. Yes, I do. Look, lady, I got nothing against you. I get out of the way. Say what I hear all he is, Ken. He's afraid of a woman half his size. I'm warning you, baby. If you don't get out of the way, I'm not-- Oh, it's me, Sergeant. Well, if it ain't that high flying bird default, welcome to our little nest. Who writes your material? Fell out in California. He works real cheap. He should. Say, was Ken Marlow around to see you this morning? Yeah. I spotted it for a publicity stunt. That's what I thought it first, too, but I changed my mind. Someone tried to gun him an hour ago. Obviously, they didn't make it. How do you know? Well, I already talked to you, Mr. Marlow. Here's a jacket of the bullet we found in the room. How do you make of it? It's a blank. That's right, Mr. Waring. It's a blank. Marlow is a no danger at all. Well, I guess that makes me the chump of the ear. I guess it does. Well, I had a little help. OK, Sergeant, we'll be seeing you. I got to thank the man who thought me so deserving. [MUSIC PLAYING] That's you, Laura. Sorry to disappoint you, Marlow. Oh, are you wearing it to that? No, thanks. I just dropped by to congratulate you on a magnificent performance. What's eating you? It was a beautiful job of sucking me in. You were hired whoever took that shot at you. You had nuts. Well, I can't figure out as how your wife got in the act. What happened? You have a part for herself? Huh? I don't think she knew the bullet was a blank. You don't rate a girl like that. You've got your nerve. Get out. Does that mean I'm fired? What do you think? Good, because I hate to hit a client. Come on, Marlow. We can't end the scene with you on the floor. Your public would never stand for it. Now get up and make like a hero. [MUSIC PLAYING] Hiya, Mike. Oh, hi, Sergeant. I didn't expect to see you again today. Well, you know me. Always do the unexpected. Are you up to see Ken Marlow? Yeah. What happened? Nothing worth talking about. No, you're too modest. All right, so I slapped him a couple of times. He had it coming. Maybe this slaps, but not the rest. What are you talking about? He's dead, Mike. He's what? He's out for all time. He's out for all time. He's out for all time. Were you wearing brass nucks? You're crazy. I wish I were. Better get your coat, fella. We've got a long ride ahead. [MUSIC PLAYING] An hour has passed since Mike wearing was informed Ken Marlow was dead. And now, at the scene of the crime, Sergeant Corbett gives our hero some properly advice. Listen, Mike, I got it all figured out. I'm sure you'll be able to cop a plea. What are you babbling about? Well, it was self-defense, wasn't it? You didn't mean to kill him. And I didn't. When I left here, he was at the other end of the room. With the back of his head caved in, let's just hit Corbett. How did it get that way? I didn't slug him from behind. Well, he must have hit it when he fell. Against what, that sofa? Wouldn't hurt a fly. How about the fireplace? No, he wasn't anywhere near it. There'd be blood stains, if he were. Now, there must be something around that caused the damage. The familiar blunt instrument? Yeah, let's see those fire times. Clean. Now, how about those bookends? Not a stain on them. Listen, Mike, maybe the killer took the weapon with them. Does that mean you're absolving me? If we can come up with some evidence, you think the murderer might have walked off with it? I doubt it. A lot of blood flowed. I can't see anyone taking a chance on standing his clothes. Well, he didn't leave it around for us to find. Hey, wait a minute. There's something missing in this room. What? And that's just the trouble I can't-- I got it. Licker, what are you talking about? Mahlo was a drinker. A boy like him would have at least one bottle around. You're right. Where's the trash basket? Probably in the pantry. Well, let's get it. The killer might gamble the next time the chambermaid came through, she dumped it without a second glance. Yay. Quite a collection, huh? There's a baby. Don't touch it. I won't. But mine are probably the only fingerprints that aren't on it. Everyone else who was up here must have been invited to help himself. Yeah, you're probably right. A Haskell, take this down to the lab. Well, now you're convinced I had nothing to do with this murder? Yeah. But if you didn't kill Mahlo, who did? That's what I intend to find out. Why don't you stay out of this, Mike? Oh, no. Whoever tailored this frame did a lovely job. It's just lucky I didn't fit the picture. You can't blame me if I want to get my hands on the artist. I tell you, Mike, I don't know anything about it. First I heard of it was when the cops phoned me they found Ken's body. Whose bright idea was this publicity stunt in the first place, Steve? Ken's. I didn't want any part of it. Then why did you bring him to me? I couldn't help myself, Mike. I was working for the man. That's another thing I don't understand. How come you tied up with a heel like Mahlo? The dough was good. When did you last get it? According to what I hear now, he was strictly no pay. When did you get your last salary check? Come on, Steve. It'll be easy enough to find out. Three months ago. Then why did you stick? He was on the skids. No, he wasn't. National had till Friday to pick up his option. You think they would have? Well, there's no telling. It was an even money bet. Well, who had it in for him? No one. Look, Steve. We're no longer playing games. The old Jew, Doey must have owed others. Jackie Howard. Who's Jackie Howard? Jones a gambling joint, or strip. Ken was into him for around 20 grand. Is this Howard character in time? Yeah, staying at the Brighton. OK, we've got one suspect. Let's try for two. What about Mrs. Mahlo? Don't talk like a chump. She was in love with the guy. Now, he certainly didn't rate a wife like that. Nobody does. Oh, sounds like you go for it yourself. Oh, I don't be silly. You know I'm married. I suppose you feel like a big brother to her. That's exactly how I feel. You know something, Steve? I believe you. Thanks. No, I mean it. I think Laura explains why you continued working for Mahlo. Maybe that's why you knocked yourself out suppressing those items that would have ruined them. You didn't want her hurt, right? Yeah. Why, Steve? You won't make any sense, Steve, like-- Don't try me. First day I met her, she reminded me of Edith. Edith? My kid's sister. She was married to a boy like Ken. And what happened to her? She's dead. Oh, sorry. Maybe she's better off. So you transferred your feelings to Laura? Anything wrong with that? No, I think it's very commendable. So I wonder how Laura feels about it, huh? Yeah, why don't I find out? Oh, look, Mike, you're not to bother her. She knows nothing about Ken's murder. Hey, well, I've only got your word for it, Steve. Not that I don't believe you understand. But I'd like to check these things for myself. I'll be seeing you, fellen. Who is it? I'd like to see Laura Marlow. There's no one here by that name. I know there is. This is Mike wearing, Mr. Marlow. Please go away. I'd like to talk to you. Leave me, I wouldn't disturb you, but it's important. Come in. Thanks. How'd you know I was here? Sergeant Corbett told me. I just saw Steve Nichols. And Steve sent you here? No, as a matter of fact, he insisted I leave you alone. Why'd you come? Because I want to solve your husband's murder. Ken meant nothing to you. He was a client. He tricked you. I still took his money. His eyes, whoever killed him, involved me. I don't forget things like that. Now, tell me, what sort of a man was your husband? You must have some idea. Yes, but I'd like the woman's viewpoint. It was wonderful. Oh, come now, Angel, you can't expect me to buy that. I heard-- I don't care what you heard. Sure he took a drink once in a while. Is there anything wrong with that? What about slapping you around? He never did. You can't blame me for jumping to conclusions. But take a blind man not to notice those bruises on your face and arm. How did you get him? I felt. Question is, did Ken push you? How dare you? Look, Mrs. Marlowe, I don't mean to be obnoxious, but we've been a murder to solve. Did your husband play around on the outside? No. What about those stories? Why is every one of them? They were started by his enemies. Oh, so he was just a misunderstood kid. No. I understood him, and that's all it counted. All right, Mrs. Marlowe. I think you're telling the truth. I'm overwhelmed. Well, you should be, because if Jackie Howard doesn't turn out to be a liar, I won't know what to do. Take care of yourself, Angel, and I get to run along. [MUSIC PLAYING] Oh, well, I have another one out there. [INTERPOSING VOICES] Take the [INAUDIBLE] Jackie Howard. [INTERPOSING VOICES] Jackie Howard. Right there, boy. Hello, Jackie. My name is Mike Waring. What's the idea? Well, this is the only way I could think of to get acquainted. I'd like to talk to you about Ken Marlowe. Your reporter? No, private detective. We are representing myself. I understand Marlowe wasn't hooked to you. Well, you understand that? Well, you mind holding that match? Thanks. Who told you Marlowe was into me? Steve Nichols. Well, I got a flash for Steve. Marlowe took care of those I/O users morning. I don't see how. He owed you 19 grand. According to the police, he had only 800 bucks in his checking account. He paid me in cash. Oh, got it out of his mattress, I suppose. Well, now that you mention it, I believe he did. You know, Jackie, you're a welcome change from everybody else, in this case. Am I? Yeah, they were telling the truth. Suppose I showed you the money. Well, you probably could. Boy, like you always travels well healed. But can you prove it came from Marlowe? Well, let's look at it another way. Can you prove it didn't? If I can, it'll make you a choice suspect. You know, Waring, there's one thing I don't like about New York. There must be something in the air that makes everybody run over the mouth. I suppose it's different than the coast? While we have a special treatment for those who do. I'd like to see it. I'll have to discuss it first with a fellow Californian. But don't be discouraged. I'll give back to you. [MUSIC PLAYING] [KNOCKING ON DOOR] Yes? Hello, Stan. Oh, hi, Jackie. I thought by now you'd be on your way back to the coast. You thought wrong. Save. You got yourself a nice little spotty. Ah, look, Jackie. I don't want to seem rude, but I was just on the way out. Oh, relax. I won't stay long. Too bad about Ken isn't it? Yeah. What do you think killed him? I have no idea. Oh, you must have, Steve. You're a bright boy. No, no, no. I might be right. Now, I had you pegged as a kind who kept his nose clean. And don't I? Not in my book. Why don't you tell Mike wearing that Marlow owed me money? He asked me. You're the real helpful type, aren't you? I do my best, yeah. Sometimes doesn't pain. People don't appreciate it. [MUSIC PLAYING] Oh, he's dirty. What's the matter, boy? Can't you catch your breath? Dirty. Maybe that's a good thing. You talk too much anyway. Little of Dark Howard's treatment may break the habit. I'll hold still, Steve. I'm afraid this is going to hurt, boy. [MUSIC PLAYING] [THEME MUSIC PLAYING] Two hours have passed since Steve Nichols received a little of Jackie Howard's specialized treatment. And now, in Steve's hotel room, we find him recuperating from the visit. Where's the doctor? You sure you gave him the right room number? No, take it easy, Laura. He'll be here. All right, Steve. Try some of this. Come on, it's good for what ails you. Mike. Don't talk. Just drink it down. I'm all right. How did you find me? She called me. How do you feel, darling? Laura. Here, raise your head. I'll fix the pill. You're a daw. Who did it, Steve? Who gave you the shellacking? I don't know. Come on, Steve. You can't hold out. He must you question him now? Yes, I'm afraid I must. This is all tied up with your husband's murder. But Jackie Howard, wasn't it? Yes. Why did he do it? I have no idea. You know, anything that would definitely mark him as Marlowe's killer? No. You sure, Steve, anything at all? Can't think of a thing you've got to. It's our only chance of making this come out the way we want. I don't understand. Well, Jackie must have felt he had good reason to give Steve that beating. What do you mean? Well, you don't feel Laura killed her husband. What? On our look, Mike, I told you. I'll take it you don't, so that brings us back to Jackie again. Now, what would be his motive in killing Marlowe? Well, can't hold him money. Oh, how could he be sure Marlowe wouldn't raise it? Ken couldn't. We were broke. But you would have been an easy street if National picked up his option. I don't think they would. Still weather's life, this hope. You told me they had till the 23rd. Today is the 18th. So? So Jackie would be sucker not to wait it out. What are you getting at? Well, if neither you nor Jackie killed your husband, who does that leave? I don't know. Yes, you do. It's Steve. No. Yes, that's why Howard gave him that pasting. He felt Steve cost him 19 grand. I don't believe it. You didn't do it, Steve. Tell me. Tell me I got to know. He's right, Laura. Why? Why can't it never hurt you? No. But he hurt you? He was the only man I ever loved and you killed him. Don't you see, honey? I was only drunk. Don't judge me. I hate you. Oh, Laura, listen. Get away from me. Mike, explain so. I can't. He was no good. And she loved him. I'm sorry, Steve. I've got to call the police. [MUSIC PLAYING] What do you say, Mike? Some more coffee? No, thanks, Sergeant. Come on, come on. Cheer up. What are you dragging for? You must have some idea. Steve Nichols was my friend, and he committed a murder. Well, there's no question about that. Tell me something. Was he in love with Laura? If he was, he was able to kid himself in the believing it was strictly platonic. He thought Marlow was hard-timing her. Well, he was right. No, he wasn't. He mean it was nothing to those stories about Marlow playing around. Oh, they were true enough. But they didn't mean a thing to Laura. She was in love with him, and that's all that counted. This goes to prove it's awful dangerous to play God. You never know what's best for other people. MUSIC An official message from Medicare. A new law is helping me save more money on prescription drug costs. Maybe you can save, too. With Medicare's extra help program, my premium is zero, and my out-of-pocket costs are low. Who should apply? Single people making less than $23,000 a year, or married couples who make less than $31,000 a year. Even if you don't think you qualify, it pays to find out. Go to ssa.gov/extrahelp. Paid for by the US Department of Health and Human Services. If you're a smoker or dipper looking to make a change, you really only need one reason to do it. But with Zen nicotine pouches, you can find many. Zen is America's number one nicotine pouch. It's made with only six simple ingredients. Plus, Zen is the only nicotine pouch with a 10-day hassle-free trial. There are lots of options when it comes to nicotine satisfaction. But there's only one Zen. Find yours in online or in a store near you at zen.com/find. Warning, this product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.