Vintage Sci-Fi Radio

The Falcon - The Case of the Silent Butler

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Duration:: 29m
Broadcast on:: 17 Jul 2024
Audio Format:: mp3

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Visit renterswearhouse.com to request a free rental price analysis that's renterswearhouse.com or call 303-974-9444 to speak to a rent estate advisor today. I'm Victoria Cash. Thanks for calling the Lucky Land Hotline. If you feel like you do the same thing every day, press 1. If you're ready to have some serious fun, for the chance to redeem some serious prizes, press 2. We heard you loud and clear, so go to luckylandslots.com right now and play over a hundred social casino style games for free, get lucky today at luckylandslots.com. Available to players in the US, excluding Washington Energy, no purchase necessary, V.G.W group, vibrated by law, 18 plus, turn the conditions apply. Hello? Yes, this is the fork, I'm speaking. Oh, Margot. You'll have to cancel me out tonight, Angel, and army intelligence is spying me to Lisbon Portugal. Yeah. It seems some little girl is playing fast and loose with Uncle Sammy's secrets, and I got to run it down if it kills me. Once again, the transcribed adventures of the Falcon, starring Les Baimen, the adventures of the Falcon, dedicated to private investigators everywhere, those hard-hitting detectives who like my wearing, risk their lives to aid law enforcement agency. So join him now when the Falcon solves the case of the silent butler. I guess the boy who first gave out with good things coming small packages must have had Maria Kosta in mind, Maria is the luscious-looking brunette walking down one of the steep-winding alleys and alfana, the old section of Lisbon. She's so pretty, even the beggars stop their panhandling to watch her go by, and 15 feet behind her is a man in a white suit in a white Panama hat who obviously feels he's worth more than a second glance. He must. He's been following you for days. All right, Tignor. What is the meaning of this? You talking to me, lady? Yes. What can I do for you? You can stop following me. Following you? I saw you at the Castellos de San Giorgio. You mean that Moorish porkers up on the hill? Yes. Oh, not me, sugar. Well, I wouldn't make that climb fancy thing. I know it was you. And yesterday you won the Rue Aurea. That's the section where the goldsmiths have their shops, your mistake. I aim to cover that tomorrow. You are lying. Not me, no man. You're asking about it. They'll tell you, Dix, the Harris ain't told to lie since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. No man, it must have been some other tourist in a white suit. Well, in the future, you will be so good as to leave me alone. Why, sure, Maria, anything you say. How did you know my name is Maria? Did I call you that? Yes. I don't know. What do you know? I guess it must be something in that middle to let the business after. I demand to know why you are following me. Well, I told you, honey. I'm just doing little side-seeing. And you're the prettiest side I've seen in all of Portugal. And you can't blame a fella if it comes back for a second, huh? Hm. Obviously, you should. Can I help the Cenorita? Yes. My name is Maria Costa. Oh, yes. Cenor Bartler is expecting you. Just follow me. Has he been waiting long? Perhaps a half hour. Maria. Oh, hello, Stephen. I must be getting away. I'm not going to be here. I'm not going to be here. I'm not going to be here. I'm not going to be here. I'm not going to be here. I must be getting away. Yeah. Oh, thank you, darling. Would you send your care to order now? Yes, I think so. What would you like, Maria? Oh, it doubles me enough in orange juice. Double? I've developed a great fondness for Bartler. All right, Jose. I'll have the same. Very good, Cenor. Oh, Stephen. It is so good to see you. I cannot tell you how glad I am. Ever since you called this morning, I felt like a bird. All right, Maria. What's up? What's up? I'm nervous. Is my wife been bothering you again? Oh, no, Stephen. And what happened? Nothing, sweetheart. Don't tell me that. You're trembling all over. What happened? I do not wish to worry you, Stephen. You have enough trouble at home with Anne. Come on, Maria. I want to know. Well, well, some man has been following me. What? Ever since Thursday, I think his name is Dixie Harris. Dixie Harris? Was he in America? Yes. What does he look like? Perhaps as tall as you, but much heavier. Is he wearing a white suit and a white penimo hat? You know him. I saw him in Blackhorse Square on Monday. And in Alcantara on the David-- I have your order. Well, thank you. Will there be anything else? Not just now. Yes, of course, Cenor. What does it mean, Stephen? Hmm? Why is this man following us? I don't know, honey. But I sure intend to find out. I'll drink up and I'll get with it. [MUSIC] Four, two, two, one. [MUSIC] Hello. How about Anna talking to that distinguished gentleman known far and wide as a falcon? How are you, Dixie? How in the world did you know it was me? I recognized you by a white suit. How are we doing? I'm not so hot, Mike. Maria spotted me. When? This morning in Alcantara. Tough. I'm sorry, pal, but it couldn't be helped. Though I managed to tell her to the cafe Europa, where she hides to the couple with Steve Butler. It's always Steve Butler, isn't it? Uh-huh. You learn anything else? Nope. Not a single blessed thing. If you ask me, friend, we got a bum still. That gal's no spy. And what about those confidential reports from the embassy we found in our apartment? I'm beginning to think they were planted. By whom? By the same little lady who gave us the original tip. Are you able to latch onto her again? Nope. That name she used was a phony. Well, I don't get it. Me neither. But I'll lay you six, two, and even somebody's trying to frame Maria. What gets me is why? That's a very good question, Dixie. I'll get Billy on the answer right away. Keep in touch, fella. I may have news for you real soon. You, Stephen Butler? That's right. My name is Mike Waring. Oh, of course. I'm the intelligence informer. She'll be dropping by. You probably want to see the ambassador. I don't need to bother him. You're his aide, aren't you? Yes. Well, I think you can give me all the information I need. Sit down, wasn't you? Nice. See you later? Oh, yeah, please. You, uh, see much of Maria Costa these days? What? Maria Costa, the, uh, girl who works in the coding department. Well, working together in the embassy naturally, I run into where every once in a while. Yeah, naturally, but, uh, how about on the outside? Why should I? No good reason. Uh, suppose I told you she was a spy. That's ridiculous. We found confidential material in her apartment. I don't believe it. Yeah, that's your privilege. Did you ever try to pump you? Of course not. You're a married man, aren't you, Butler? Oh, what's that got to do with it? Nothing. Nothing. What does your wife look like? Why? I'm just curious. We got our tip about Maria from a tall statue-esque blonde. A blonde? Yeah, blue eyes, fair complexion, little birthmark on the right cheek. You know her? No, you shouldn't. Are you calling me a liar? Oh, heaven forbid, I was just wondering why she would try to frame Miss Costa. I have no idea. Well, if there's some accident you find out, give me a jingle, huh? I'm staying at the Prince George. I'll bear that in mind wearing, but I can't make you any promises. If I learn anything, you can trust me to do the right thing. Hello, man. Oh, please, you startled me. I didn't think you'd be home. Yeah, it is kind of early for me. Oh, I got to get off my feet. I had the most miserable day. I had a pretty lousy one myself, fellow named Mike Waring dropped into see me. Who? Mike Waring. He's with army intelligence. Seems they got a tip that Maria Costa was a spy. Really? Really? According to Waring, his informant was... how did he put it? Oh, yes. A tall statue-esque blonde with a birthmark on her right cheek. Darling, you're not suggesting it? Yes, I am. You're being absurd, why should I? Because you're out of your mind. All right, Mr. Butler, I did it. Sure, I sicked army intelligence on your precious Maria. Why don't you ask me why? I don't have to. No? Do you think I was blind? I know you're in love with her. You know, it's a funny thing, Anne. I bet I've heard you say that a thousand times in the last seven years and for once in your life you're right. No. Yes, this time you put the nail right on my head. Steve, you don't mean that. You couldn't. You're just trying to hurt me. I don't have to. You're the kind who hurts yourself. Steve, please, listen to me. I know I was wrong, but I love you so much, darling. Every time you look at a one, I go crazy. I know. You've got to understand, I just do these awful things because I'm so afraid of losing you. What do you have now? No. You love me, you know you do. It's all over, Anne. I'm going to marry Marie. No. I couldn't live without you. You better get used to the idea. I'm moving out now. So I'll let you go. Stop it. Don't kill it. So help me. If you move out of here, I'll kill it. You're insane. David, don't go. I promise you, darling. I'll come for my thanks. Please! Hey! Continental Hotel, your order please. Uh, this is Louise Butler for 19. Yes, señora. What's the house detective's name? Hey, house detective. Do we smash out? Oh, are you having difficulties, señora? Uh, no, no, I, uh, I'd just like to see señora. Is he around? Not just now, señora. Well, uh, the moment he comes in with you, please send him up to my room, it's very important. You might even say it's a matter of life at this. Señora Butler? Yeah. I am Louise Machado. Oh! Yeah. Come on in. Oh, forgot him. Uh, suppose we sit right here, huh? Oh, the telephone operator said. I, uh, I know, but wouldn't you care for something to drink with? Oh, señora. I am on duty. The management expects me to... What the management doesn't know won't hurt them. What the... [laughter] She had proof. There we are. Yeah, señoris, most kind. If there is any way I can reciprocate... There is. If you have what to command, Louise Machado. How would you like to make yourself $500 American? I would like you very much. You must know all sorts of dangerous criminals. Oh, unfortunately, yes. It is unavoidable in my calling. You know a professional killer, hmm? A man who would commit murder for a price. Señora Butler? I pay him $5,000. You are just thing, no? $5,000 cash and $500 for you. I got the money right here in my purse. Yeah. It pleases the señora to make fun of Louise Machado, huh? You don't believe me. Oh, naturally not. If I did it, it would be my sacred duty to inform the police. [laughter] You're right, señor. I was just pulling your legs. It was just a bad joke. [laughter] Are you relieved for a moment? You thought I really met it, huh? Hey, yes. What would I want with a hired killer? After all, if you want a job done right, there's nothing like doing it yourself, huh? I do not understand. It's not important. Señora, I hate to rush you, but would you mind finishing your drink? Uh-huh. I just remember that I got something to do. [music] Now back to the adventures of the Falcon. [music] Well, there's one nice thing you can say about being married to a girl like Ann Butler. Makes life kind of interesting. You never know what she's going to cook up next. Well, Mrs. Butler was comparing recipes with Louise Machado, the obliging hotel detective. Dixie Harris and I were cruising on the Avenida de Libertate, past the obelisk, which commemorates the liberation of Portugal from Spanish rules. But Dixie never even noticed it. Apparently, you thought I was a more interesting sight. What a seat, and you might, you looked unhappy. Yeah, that's me. Old transparent face wearing. You worried about that Maria, cuz? Uh-huh. Well, she's convinced that she was framed. She's no spy. That's what bothers me, Dixie. I don't get you. Watch it, she almost got that pedestrian shirt. And I thought I had him for sure. What'd you make of Steve Butler? Strictly the Lanolin Plus type, a real smoothie. Oh, that's why I had him pegged, too. But I figure he's real gone on Maria. Yeah, which forces us to be unhappy conclusion that the frame for Maria was staged by his wife. Hey, you think that's who our blonde tip to watch? But Deaf. Hm-hmm. Well, wait as she finds out a little stunt fell flat on its face. She's gonna be real annoyed. And a guy like Anne Butler believes in the old saw. If you don't succeed at first, try try again. What do you think she'll try next? No telling. Man, guess you're right. I always knew a doll like that back in Atlanta. She was real crazy about her friends and mine and real jealous, too. Man, every time she blew her car, get out to make for the hills, cause that gal was murder. He was what? He was murder. Yeah, that's what I thought you said. What does Maria Costa live? Right off the road to Prince Bay. Well, turn this heap around, let's go. Hey, you don't think Ms. Butler thinks she's exactly the same type of that girl you knew in Atlanta. Step on it, boy. We got to make like the Marines. ♪♪ Si señores? Let's get out of here, mate. Just a moment, please. You are looking for someone. Yeah, but I don't think we'll find her in... Is this Maria Costa's apartment? Eight days. That's what I was afraid of. Excuse me. Oh, I don't mind him, Lieutenant. He always acts like this when he sees a man in a blue uniform. He's from the south. He keeps forgetting the Civil War is over. At least most amusing. May I inquire as to your names? Sure, I'm like wearing, and this is Dixie Harris, where attached to American intelligence. I see. Be so good as to enter. Where is she? In the bedroom? Dead. She was shot twice. Tough. Obviously, this does not come as a surprise to you, Senor. Hardly. I would be most interested to hear why. Can we see her first? Of course. Over here, Senor. Uh, can we take a peek? You would like me to remove the blanket? Yes, please. Holy smoke, that ain't Maria Costa. No. You are surprised. That's the understatement of the week. You do not notice, lady. Well, judging from the blonde hair on that birthmark on her right cheek, I'd say she was Ann Butler. You are absolutely correct. Where is Maria Costa? Senorita Costa's momentary disappeared, but it is of no import. We have already apprehended the assassin. Who is it? The victim's husband. Steve Butler? I don't believe it. Yes, he even obliged us with a confession. Where is he? In the Palace of Justice. Can I see him? It will be my pleasure. This way, Senor. Who's there? Hello, Steve. Wearing. That's who it is. The embassy sent you over? No, I'm here strictly on my own. Why? Oh, I don't know. Maybe it's because you're a fellow American in a jam, or maybe I'm just plain nosy. Sigran? Thanks. Well, how are they treating you? I can't complain. They told me you signed a confession. Mm-hmm. Why did you kill her? The usual reason? We didn't get along. You know, from what I hear, you haven't been getting along for years. Oh, and she tried to frame Maria Costa for espionage. I'm sorry. Why did you kill her? I didn't get along. You know, from what I hear, you haven't been getting along for years. Oh, and she tried to frame Maria Costa for espionage. That was a straw that broke the camel's back. So, you picked up a gun and shot her? Twice. Makes sense. Thanks. But, uh, why did you pick Maria's apartment to do the job? Well, it seemed like the best part. Well, didn't occur to you. It might be embarrassing for Maria. I guess I wasn't thinking too clearly. It's funny. You impressed me as a boy. You always know what he's doing. Where's Maria now? I, um... I have no idea. You wouldn't have made that confession to shield her. To shield her. Don't tell me I impress you with the noble time. Strangely enough, you do. You're out of your mind. Well, we'll find out when we latch on to Ms. Costa. Look, wearing. You mind your own business. Well, this is my business. You're an employee of the American Embassy. So is Maria. I don't want you bothering her. You understand? She had nothing to do with this. You're in love with her. I was not in love with her. It was just a little bit of extra-curricular activity. Uh-huh. I killed Anne and that's all there is to it. No, you want to know best. But I like to keep an open mind. I'll be seeing you, Steve. Can I assist you, Cinjour? I am Cinjour. But how did you know? You're wearing a dirt beam. And my name is Michael Waring. Me Waring? No, let's close enough. And I am Luis Machado. Oh, glad to know you, Luis. Uh, I suppose you should take a look at this. You are with the American intelligence. Uh-huh. And there is some way I can be of aid? So I think so. Oh, come on, Luis Cinjour. You, uh, heard about this in your, uh, Anne Button? Oh, yes. It is most sad. She and her husband were guests of the establishment. Yes, I know. A switchport operator tells me a couple of hours before she was murdered. She asked that you come up to her room. Oh, yes. It was most puzzling. Uh-huh. What did she want? Well, knowing of my profession, she wished to know if I was acquainted with someone who might commit a murder. How much was she willing to pay? Huh? Well, naturally, she didn't expect him to work for free. Oh, no, no. She said she would compensate him in the amount of $5,000 American. Understandably, I was horrified. Then she explained it was already a joke. Did you believe her? She was an American. Yeah. Yeah, they'll do anything for a laugh. Well, what happened after that? Well, as I took my departure, she said something, uh, let me see if I can remember. Uh, if to wish a task were done. You do it yourself. Exactly. Well, that explains how she wound up at Maria Costa's apartment. She went there to kill her. Oh, it does not seem credible. I don't take my word for it. That's how it happens. Oh, thanks a lot, Luis. I have been of some aid. Oh, indeed you have. Maybe I can make it up to you real soon. [Music] Hello? That's your next aim. Yeah? Like wearing. Oh, what's your good word, Papi? Look, I'm at the continental. I just got through with the hotel, Dick. Uh-huh, was there any help? Not much. How did you make out? I didn't. Did you find out who identified Ann Butler for the police? Oh, they didn't need anybody that found a purse right next to the body. Was there a gun there? No, everything else but passport, driver's license, $12 and change, and her keys to the hotel. What about Maria Costa? Oh, she wasn't in there either. I mean, have you been able to locate her? Uh-uh, not yet. Well, now look, we got to find a taxi. Go through our application at the embassy. He must have given the name of her close relatives. Maybe she's holed up with one of them. Oh, I'll get right on it. Oh, boy. I'm going back to my hotel. If you learn anything, lift the phone. Come in, sir, you're wearing. Huh? You will be so good as to close the door? Oh, yes, of course. And now you can't beat these Portuguese hotels. If I knew my room came equipped with something like you. You would stop right there. Say, isn't it an awfully big gun for the little girl? I can manage. Please sit down. Oh, never while a lady is standing. I insist. I just wanted to show you. I never forget my manners. You're Maria Costa, aren't you? Yes. You've been giving us a lot of trouble, Maria. We've been looking all over Lisbon for you. Obviously, you did not look in the right place. Obviously. You know Steve Butler confessed to his wife's murder. That does not surprise me. But we both know he didn't do it, don't we? Then who did? You. You're showing up here where the gun proves it. You are absolutely correct. Well, I always say if two people share a secret, it ain't no secret. Is that what you always say? Mm-hmm. Well, I think the problem is easily resolved. If I should kill you, that would leave only one. For now, wait a minute. If there is a fallacy in my logic, then you and I will be happy for you to point it out. I'll give you exactly one minute to try. [Music] And now back to the adventures of the Falcon. [Music] I don't know if you've ever been alone in a hotel room with a beautiful girl, but take my word for it. It's overrated, especially if you shop her own by a gun. Still, I was awfully pleased that Maria gave me a full minute to dig up a reason why she shouldn't use it. In this day and age, most girls wouldn't have been that patient. Where is Signor? Have you any final request? Yeah, I'd like to see Brooklyn again. Look, Maria, killing me won't solve anything. I believe it will. It doesn't bother you. They'll hang Steve Butler for his wife's murder. Not at all. You were in love with him? She was being very childish. You know he confessed to Anne's murder just to shield you. And you feel I should do as much in return? It's what I would have expected. Yeah, it seems to me. It seems to me, Signor, you have exhausted. You're a lot of time. So if you will forgive me... Oh, no. What happened, Angel, look under fire? Don't be silly. I'm kidding. No, you don't. We only allow one chance for a customer. Come on, drop it. All right, now sit over there. Ask him in. You behave yourself. Since you're wearing... Ah, if it isn't Louise Michado. Yeah, come on in, Louise. My visit is not in opportunity. No, as a matter of fact, your timing couldn't have been better. Oh, but the lady? Ah, naturally, as a hotel detective, you'd think of that. Yeah, this is Maria Costa. Maria Costa? Yeah, she just tried to kill me. I wouldn't succeed yet. I wouldn't make a book on it, Angel. Certainly not with this gun. The firing pin is gone. What? Am I right, Louise? Uh, let me see. Oh, but yes, someone has filed it off. It would require a miracle for her to harm you with this. Well, strictly between us, I don't think she was really trying. You're insane. Really, Senua. When you get it, Louise, she's in love with Steve Butler. So? So he confessed a shielder. Now, if she had just walked in here and did the same, what would have been my reaction? Well, Senua, you would have thought that she was trying to protect him. That's right. I would have patted her shoulder and told her to go home like a good girl. So she decided to incriminate herself and taking a shot at me seemed like the best way to handle it. No, no! Yes, yes. And being the type girl you are, you wouldn't want to see me hurt, so you filed off the firing pin. Hoping it would go unnoticed in the excitement. Hey, can you, you are wrong! Just relax, Angel. Hey, I do not understand. If she did not kill the senior or a butler, who did? Well, I'm glad you asked me that, Michadon. Because I just happened to be prepared with an answer. Now, who knew that Ann Butler had $5,000 on her to pay a gunman? Go alone at the opportunity to follow her over to Maria's apartment and kill her there for the bundle. Who? You. Really, Senua. Now, now, don't be unhappy, Louise. You couldn't use that money anyway. It's not inflammable. Where you're going, you'll need money to burn. Well, Dixie, it looks like my plane's all warmed up. And at this, I'm on my way. How old is that? Oh, you don't want me to miss it. You're not leaving Liz until you answer one question. I can see how you figured Maria didn't kill Ann. But what made you so sure Steve Butler didn't do it? Well, that wouldn't have been ethical. Ethical? Yeah. What may happen to detective stories and radio programs? But don't you know in real life, the butler never does it. Ooh. So long, Dixie. [music] When it comes to renting out your property, the uncertainty of finding reliable tenants can feel like a real guessing game. Responsible renter or perpetual party animal. Enter renters warehouse. The pros who turn the uncertainty of finding great tenants into peace of mind. 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