Michael Shayne: Museum Thefts 07/30/1945
episode
Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
30 min
7 speakers
6 chapters
transcribed 1 month 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.
The Adventures of Michael Shane, Private Detective, starring Wally Mayer and Kathy Lewis.
In the course of his detective career, Mike Shane has been called upon to track down escaped murderers, to find missing jewels, to recover stolen bonds and sensational diaries. But never before has he been asked to hunt for something 3,000 years old. In his office high in the Rust Building, Mike and his lovely assistant Phyllis Knight listen sympathetically to a worried little man, Dr. Frederick Wakeman, museum curator.
Mr. Shane, these thefts have been going on at the museum now for two weeks. Some of the losses just ring my heart. You know how today people save the baby shoes of their children, even have them cast in bronze? Well, yes, but... Then realize what it means to me to lose the baby sandals of the Pharaoh Ramesses I. Why, I used to hold those tiny things in my hand... And think back to the days when they padded around the royal court of Egypt. Yes, 3,300 long years ago.
3,300 years? Why would anybody steal baby sandals 3,300 years old? Unless they were fresh out of shoe stamps.
That's the baffling part of it. The thefts don't make sense. One time it's the court robe of a Chinese emperor. The next it's the original of a love sonnet of Shakespeare or the signet ring of a Russian czar. They're famous. If the thief tried to sell them in New York or London or Bombay, it would be known they came from this museum.
In which case the thief would be caught.
Sounds like to me the work of a pretty clever thief. Dr. Wakeman, do you suspect anybody in particular? No, how can I? It's bewildering. It's, well, it's a mystery. The museum is open every day, but we have very capable guards. I believe the thefts occur at night, when only two watchmen are on duty. Any signs of somebody forcing in a door or window? No, none that we can recognize. But it's got to stop, Mr. Shane, it's got to. I'm responsible, and there are people who will take advantage of my failure.
Even in a museum, one can have enemies, huh?
This is what I want you to do, sir. Come out and look over the museum with me. Perhaps spend a few nights there. Well, that's quite an order, Dr. Wakeman, but I guess we're game. How about it, Phil?
Certainly we are.
All right. Then if you would meet me at the museum tonight in my office, say, about 8.30? Your office at 8.30? Okay, but it's only fair to warn you, Doctor.
Every time I go out on a job lately, I seem to wind up with a corpse. Really?
Oh, then you won't be disappointed. You'll find six corpses.
Six corpses?
Yes, in the mummy room.
The Mummy Room
You know, Mike, there's something really ironic about tonight. Hmm? For years, I've worked with you, tried and begged and coaxed you to go to the museum with me, and it takes a crime to break you down.
Well, I can't think of a better reason.
Well, I'm excited about it. This case is so different. Imagine sitting up all night with Egyptian mummies and things. What atmosphere.
Uh-huh. Well, right now, I'm more concerned about the atmosphere collecting on our windshield. It's starting to rain, and I forgot to get those windshield wipers fixed.
Hmm.
A night in the museum. A rainy night in the museum. That's even better.
Who brings the Museum Thefts case to Michael Shayne and why does he need help?
Dr. Wakeman, to the contrary, I doubt anybody will try to swipe anything tonight while King Tut is entertaining us.
Do you think we'll have to hide in a sarcophagus or whatever they call it?
Sarcophagus, yes. Well, I guess this is the museum. Oh, hug your coat, Angel. There's a wind with this rain.
All right. Oh, it's a spooky-looking old building at night. Uh-huh. Only one light showing.
Probably in Wakeman's office. I ain't got nobody.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
0:00–3:51
2
Who brings the Museum Thefts case to Michael Shayne and why does he need help?
3:51–5:38
3
What evidence and oddities does Dr. Wakeman describe about the museum thefts?
5:38–9:22
4
How do Mike and Phyllis prepare for a stakeout at the museum on a stormy night?
9:22–15:22
5
What do Mike and Phyllis discover when they arrive at the curator's office?
15:22–22:26
6
How does the investigation shift after Wakeman is found hanging and what do detectives suspect?
22:26–30:02