Michael Shayne: Gossip Writer 07/09/1945
episode
Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
30 min
6 speakers
6 chapters
transcribed 2 months ago
Transcript
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What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old-time radio shows. Like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube, and thank you for donating at choiceclassicradio.com.
The adventures of Michael Shane, private detective.
The people who make 76 Gasoline and Triton Motor Oil, Union Oil Company, present... The Adventures of Michael Shane, Private Detective, starring Wally Mayer and Kathy Lewis.
It's one of those drowsy summer afternoons, the sort of day executives spend on their favorite golf course, and office workers spend watching the clock. But not Mike Shane. He's hard at work. Hunched over a desk in his private office, Mike's mind is clicking like a Powell Street cable car. In fact, he's right in the middle of a crossword puzzle. Phyllis Knight, his capable assistant, is daydreaming in the outer office, gazing out a window at San Francisco's rooftops. A quiet day? Let's be frank. It's a downright dull afternoon.
Who introduces Michael Shayne and sets the scene in the detective’s office?
But wait.
Is this Michael Shane's office? Ah, why, yes. Do you wish to see him? Idiotic question. Of course I wish to see him. In there, I suppose. Wait. Well, of all the nerve. Are you Michael Shane?
Yes. And the young lady who was suffering from spring fever is my usually capable assistant, Miss Phyllis Knight. Won't you have a chair?
I'm Winifred Spencer, the society columnist. I believe that is the correct title, although most of my readers and radio listeners prefer to call me a gossip writer. I know something of your work as a detective, Mr. Shane.
Well, I'm just an amateur, Miss Spencer, in comparison with you when I think of all the skeletons you've dug out of closets.
I'm afraid I've found one too many, Mr. Shane. I received this letter this morning.
I'm going to kill you. Your poison words have caused grief, wrecked fortunes, divorce, suicides. Now they're going to cause your death. There are scores who would like to kill you. None has a better reason than I, so I'm going to kill you. What would you do if you received such a letter? I'd read it the second time on a train, a fast train.
No, Mr. Shane. You'd go after the writer, and that's exactly what I'm going to do. You think you know the person? I hope I... to know tonight. Mr. Shane, will you and Miss... Miss Knight? Will you and Miss Knight be at my home at eight o'clock?
Hmm?
I'm having a dinner party, and I believe you will find the guests interesting. You may even find the person so intent on murdering me.
We'll be there, Miss Spencer. Oh, may I keep this note and the envelope, too, please?
Of course. And please, Dress, you're to be friends from out of town tonight.
We'll endeavor to be presentable.
And I trust prompt. Goodbye, Mr. Shane and Miss Knight. Goodbye.
Mike. Hmm? You didn't ask her any questions.
Well, for the present, Angel, I'd rather she did the talking.
Hmm. And I believe she was actually frightened.
Oh, she'd scared stiff, honey. Her chickens are coming home to roost. Half the people in San Francisco, the so-called better half, would like nothing better than to send flowers to her funeral.
Yeah, I guess that's true enough. Now, you can't grow up on the right side of the tracks, tattle on your friends, and not get your fingers burned. Hey, isn't there a brother somewhere in the background?
Mm-hmm. A bit younger than the old dame. Went through his money fast, and now they say he's going through hers. I believe he lives with her.
Let's have a look at the note. Envelope plain, business type. Dressed the old girl at her office. Mailed at 6 p.m. last night.
You notice anything odd about the paper?
Let me look at it against the light. Watermark business stationery, Mike. It's been torn. The letterhead's been torn off.
Right you are, Angel.
What threat does society columnist Winifred Spencer bring to Michael Shayne?
Now, look at the typing.
It looks almost like a professional job to me.
Could be. Well, come on, let's do a bit of research on San Francisco's society.
Oh, it won't be necessary, Mike. I'm one of Winifred's constant readers. Just ask me questions.
I'll remember that when the time comes.
Now, please, Mr. Shane, I'd like the rest of the afternoon off.
We get a red-hot client and you want to play.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–1:22
2
Who introduces Michael Shayne and sets the scene in the detective’s office?
1:22–4:07
3
What threat does society columnist Winifred Spencer bring to Michael Shayne?
4:07–11:55
4
How do Mike and Phyllis investigate the anonymous threatening letter?
11:55–15:39
5
Why does Winifred invite guests to hear her recorded broadcast and what happens next?
15:39–23:47
6
What disturbing discovery interrupts the dinner and how do guests react?
23:47–29:47
Speakers
6 identifiedMore from Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
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