Philo Vance: The Backstage Murder Case 09/21/1948
episode
Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
27 min
10 speakers
8 chapters
transcribed 4 months ago
Transcript
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Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
What is the premise of the Backstage Murder Case?
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Music
Miss Dearing, do you think you might stop typing for a moment and listen to me?
I could try.
Thank you.
You see, Vance, you never know the things you can do until you try. What am I to listen to?
At the moment, a bit of thinking aloud. Markham phoned and asked me to wait for him in my office. Right. Why?
I don't know. It can't be a murder case or the eminent district attorney would have asked you to meet him at the scene of a crime. Say, who's doing this thinking aloud, you or me?
Both of us. Markham said he was going to bring someone with him. Now, who could that be and why?
Well, it could be anyone and for almost any reason.
Ellen.
I know. Go back to my typing.
I'd like to make a wager with you. I'll bet I come closer to guessing the purpose of the district attorney's visit than you will.
Vance, if I bet against your guessing or your reasoning, you'd have the only full-time secretary with no pay on record.
What threats does Doris Daynell receive regarding her performance?
Hello there, you two. Oh, hello, Mr. Markham. Come in, Doris.
Welcome, Markham. And an extra special welcome to your lovely companion. Miss Jane L., may I present Philo Vance and Ellen Deary.
How do you do? How do you do?
How do you do? Come into my private office, Markham. Thanks, we will. Come along, Miss Jane L. Go right in, Miss Jane L. Thank you. Markham. Thanks. Oh, Miss Deary.
Yes, Mr. Vance.
You should have made that wager. I've never been further off base in my life.
Now he tells me.
Well, I'm delighted to see you, Markham. And I hope I know why you're here. I'm not sure myself whether I should have come, Vance. This isn't exactly in your line. I'm a private investigator. What's the trouble? Isn't this private? Yes, it most certainly is. Vance, Doris Jane Nell is the star of the play at the King's Theatre.
Let me tell him, Mr. Markham, please. On ease. Mr. Vance, I received this note this afternoon. It worried me. I brought it to the district attorney's office because I thought that was the thing to do. Here it is. Will you read it, please?
How does the murder of Betty Wheeler unfold?
You read it to me, Miss Dinell. What does it say besides threatening you with death?
But you haven't seen it yet. How did you know?
You're upset, Miss Danelle. Nothing else would account for it. What else does it say?
It says, if you play your role in the theater tomorrow night, you will be dead before morning. And that's all, Mr. Vance.
That's enough, I'd say. So the note threatens you if you go on tomorrow night, not tonight. It might be the work of a crank, but I don't think we can afford to take that chance.
I can't, I'll tell you that.
Do something for me, Miss Dinell. If you receive any further communication, please mention it to no one. Now, that's important. I imagine you are not going on tomorrow night.
Mighty good imagining, Mr. Vance. I definitely am not. I don't mind taking chances, but when I do, I just assume it costs me money if I lose, not my life.
Yes, who is it?
It's Betty Wheeler, Miss Danelle. May I come in?
Sure, come on.
You wanted to see me.
Badly. Betty, how long have you been my understudy? About three months, I'd say. And you've never had a chance to go on? No. Well, you've got one now. Here, throw this towel in the laundry bag. The one hanging on the door. Catch.
Is this your laundry bag?
It isn't anything Santa Claus is waiting to pick up. Just the laundry man. And he won't be here for two days. Well, what about tomorrow night? Do you want to go on for me?
What connections are made between the murder and the previous robbery?
Do I? Playing the lead on Broadway opposite Jack Aldridge. Oh, I can hardly believe it. But may I ask one favor?
Sure, kid. What? May I use your room? Why not? I've never used a star's dressing room. The joint's yours for tomorrow night. Take it with all the trimmings.
Yes?
Are you a decent Doris? Sure. Come on in, Peters. As if there was a way of keeping a company manager out of the dressing room.
Hiya, Doris. Hello, Betty. What's going on here?
Hello, Mr. Peters. Have you heard I'm going on for Miss Daynell tomorrow night?
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the premise of the Backstage Murder Case?
0:00–1:32
2
What threats does Doris Daynell receive regarding her performance?
1:32–2:33
3
How does the murder of Betty Wheeler unfold?
2:33–4:21
4
What connections are made between the murder and the previous robbery?
4:21–5:56
5
What clues does Vance uncover about the suspect?
5:56–7:20
6
How does Vance deduce the motive behind the murder?
7:20–9:22
7
What evidence leads to the resolution of the case?
9:22–12:00
8
What is the conclusion of the Backstage Murder Case?
12:00–26:16
Speakers
10 identifiedMore from Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
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