Ellery Queen (1975) s01e07 Episode Script
43614 - The Adventure of Miss Aggie's Farewell Performance
At this moment, Vera Bethune is playing the last scene of her life.
Who killed her? Was it her unhappy costar? Vera was not trying to get rid of me.
Her agent? Oh, really, Inspector! The ambitious announcer? She was through, so who needed her anymore? The organist? And that's why he killed her, Mr.
Queen.
The young actress? I hardly knew the woman.
The worried writer? We were using this to kill off Miss Aggie.
Or was it someone else? Match wits with Ellery Queen and see if you can guess who done it.
[Organ playing.]
- Hiya.
- Hi.
- You're here early.
- I wanted a look at the script.
Oh, you'll get over that after you've been on the show for awhile.
Are they always this late? They've got almost a minute.
That's plenty of time.
- Morning.
- Oh, good morning.
Pipe down, will you, Mary Lou? [Dialing.]
[Plays softer.]
Hello, Irv? Yeah, I'm at the studio.
What do you got? Larry, darling, speak to Olivia and Alvin.
WENDELL: Well, what happened to 2:30 at the network? - They write the script.
- What do you mean, they cancelled? Speak to them? Look Alvin's all right, but she's impossible.
Good morning, dear.
- Have you got it all memorized? - No, I didn't think You're absolutely right, Larry.
Olivia's a cretin.
But what can you expect? It's radio.
Stand by.
Irv, baby, I got to dash.
I'll call you when we break.
Well, my contract is up in seven months, and then it's Hollywood for me.
They want me at Fox, you know.
Still? Oh, how wonderful for you.
# La la la la la # # Mi, mi, mi, mi, mi, mi # # Ahhhhh # - Anita, dear? - Yes, Miss Bethune? Try to speak a little softer today, will you? Five seconds.
Not that I think you're overdoing it, but you know how the network people are.
[Organ plays.]
Time once again to join Middleville, Indiana's own Miss Aggie, beloved principal of Middleville High, helping the young men and women of Middleville as they traverse everyday's journey.
"Everyday's Journey," brought to you today by Vita-Creme shampoo.
If you can spare me just a moment of your time, sir.
No time now, Brimmer.
I'm late.
They've started already.
Of course, Mr.
Pearl, a man of your responsibility is constantly under pressure.
I totally sympathize.
Call my secretary for an appointment.
I've tried, sir, several times.
Perhaps we could lunch at 21.
I took the liberty of making a reservation.
Shh.
I know that Jimmy Nelson wants to play in the big game Saturday, Jeff, but [Coughing.]
Gee, Miss Aggie, I sure don't like the sound of that cold.
Oh, I'll be all right.
It's just a little hay fever.
Maybe you ought to see a doctor.
I've been telling her the same thing, Coach.
Now, Jennie, I know you arrived from California only a week ago, but I'd be pleased if you'd call me Jeff.
Whatever you say, Jeff.
[Coughing.]
As Jennie's eyes meet Jeff's, they fail to see the anguish on Miss Aggie's face.
These dizzy spells, the coughing they keep getting worse.
Has Miss Aggie been told everything, or has Dr.
Sanderson been deliberately withholding the truth? We'll return in a moment after this transcribed message.
# What' the tale, nightingale? # # What' the deal, McNeal? # Well, we're keeping the pomade salesman happy.
You'll have to play softer, Mary Lou.
You're drowning me out.
I'm playing as softly as I can, Wendell.
Please don't criticize me.
I wish you could look at that pedestrian speech on this next page.
I've got to get back to Broadway.
- The things one must endure.
- What's that? The perpetual agony of Miss Aggie.
I'm well aware, sir, that a man of your taste and discernment hardly chooses to listen to this sort of thing day after day.
Hmm.
My wife wouldn't miss this program for the world.
Whereas women of the utmost intelligence can readily identify with the plain-honest simplicity of that wonderful woman.
May I modestly suggest, however, that "The Casebook of Simon Brimmer" delivers a far more valuable audience, advertising-wise? You can suggest anything you like, Mr.
Brimmer, but Vita-Creme is still withdrawing its advertising from your program.
Kids, mom and dad, Miss Aggie that's what America wants, and that's what gets us the Hooper ratings.
Excuse me.
I want to hear this.
We find Miss Aggie in the girls locker room, as Jennie says Miss Aggie, as your young cousin [Coughing.]
I have a right to know what you're hiding.
[Coughing.]
Why, what whatever do you mean, dear? [Coughing.]
I mean your cold.
It's more than that, isn't it? Well it may [Coughing.]
[Organ playing.]
Ellery, did you shut off my alarm? Guilty, Dad.
I heard you come in about 4:00 this morning, and I thought I'd let you sleep.
I appreciate it, son.
Between no sleep and this ridiculous diet, I'm turning out to be a pretty poor excuse for a father.
What's that? Something new, Dad a pressure cooker.
I'm experimenting with your broccoli.
Oh, don't say the word "broccoli.
" Spinach, green beans, kale what I wouldn't give for a great big, thick, juicy, blood-red steak, smothered with sautéed mushrooms.
You lost any weight yet? That's another thing we need a new bathroom scale.
That thing safe? Yeah, it's supposed to do that.
[Telephone ringing.]
I'll get it.
[Pressure cooker whistling.]
Yeah? Yeah, Velie.
Poisoned? Okay, I'm on my way.
Dad, can you help me with these instructions? Can't I'm on my way to Mercy Hospital.
Some dame on a soap opera got poisoned a couple of hours ago.
You don't mean Vera Bethune? - Yeah.
How'd you know that? - I was listening to Miss Aggie.
In the middle of the show, they cut away to organ music.
Is that what you do all day, listen to soap operas? - Dad, do you mind if I tag along? - Lf you like.
She's still alive.
[Thud.]
Whoa.
On second thought, maybe I'll meet you there.
Good idea, son.
Maybe we should eat out tonight.
Any idea who might have tried to kill you, Miss Bethune? - None, not a single idea.
- Well, how are you feeling? - Relieved.
- Yeah.
Oh, the doctors were magnificent.
If they hadn't acted as quickly as they did Well, I owe them my life.
I understand the switchboard's flooded.
Yes my fans.
What a terrible shock for them.
How soon before you'll be back to work? Just as soon as they'll let me.
- I owe it to my public.
- I understand that Vita-Creme Excuse me.
I got roses here for Bethune.
Oh, how lovely.
Just put them anywhere.
QUEEN: I'd like to hear more about that, Mr.
Denver.
MR.
DENVER: Well, I'd like to be able to Ellery, this is Lawrence Denver.
My son, Ellery Queen.
- Well, it's nice to meet you.
- It's nice to meet you, Coach.
Oh, a fan, Mr.
Queen? Yes, I listen to your program when I'm home.
It gets to be a habit.
You know, I was telling the Inspector I can't understand it.
- To think it could have been me.
- What do you mean? Well, I took a drink from that pitcher.
So did Wendell Warren, our announcer.
When was that? Well, before the program started.
It makes no sense.
ELLERY: Ah, but it does.
It proves that the poison was put in the pitcher after the program began.
But no one entered the studio.
That could only mean that it must be one of us.
I'm afraid there's no other explanation, Mr.
Denver.
But I didn't do it.
You're gonna hear a lot of rumors, but I swear to you it's not true.
Vera was not trying to get rid of me.
- Get rid of you how? - To get me off the program.
Now, look I've been playing up to her for the last few weeks, just a casual kind of thing, but I'm afraid she took it more seriously than I did.
When I tried to break it off, she lost her temper, and I'm afraid we both said some wild things.
Tell me about those things.
Excuse me, Dad.
Excuse me.
I'll see you guys later, huh? [Knocking on door.]
Miss Bethune? Oh, I'm so sorry no more interviews.
- Oh, I'm not a reporter.
- Oh? My name is Ellery Queen.
Ellery Queen.
- The Ellery Queen? - Well Oh, but you must come in, Mr.
Queen.
Please, you must.
Oh, I'm so happy you're here.
I am terrified, Mr.
Queen, absolutely terrified.
- Someone tried to kill me, you know.
- Who tried to kill you? Well, my word if I knew that, wouldn't I have told that funny little Inspector? - That's my father.
- Oh.
Well, I meant "funny" in a complimentary way such a wonderful sense of humor.
Huh? But if I knew I could depend on you You're so clever at this sort of thing.
Well, I'll do what I can, Miss Bethune.
Oh, try to think of me as Miss Aggie.
Miss Aggie, can you think of any reason why anyone in that room would want to poison you? Anyone? They all had their reasons, Mr.
Queen, every one of them.
But they won't dare try it again, not when they know that Mr.
Ellery Queen is on the case.
Mr.
Pearl, any idea how this happened? Is it true that Vita-Creme's putting up a reward? [Indistinct speaking.]
No questions.
We'll have a statement for you later.
Good afternoon, Mr.
Pearl.
Brimmer, what's the meaning of this? My apologies, sir, but what I'm about to suggest requires your total attention.
Forgive the inconvenience.
If you're gonna start in about your show again On the contrary.
I'm here to offer my services.
You've made it quite clear you doubt my capabilities as a criminologist.
- I propose to change your mind.
- You what? Day after tomorrow, on my broadcast, I promise to reveal the identity of the person who tried to murder Miss Vera Bethune.
And on that, sir, you have my personal guarantee.
Well, Miss Aggie, you get some rest, and if I learn anything, I'll call you.
God bless you, Ellery.
- I may call you Ellery? - Oh, I wish you would.
And I'll make sure the newspapers spell your name right.
Thank you.
And I'll talk to my father about having a police guard on your door at all times.
Oh, absolutely not.
He already mentioned it to me, Ellery, and I told him I couldn't permit it.
- But - No "buts.
" Miss Aggie should never appear afraid.
Vera.
Oh, my God, I came as soon as I heard.
Oh, Louise, darling.
Oh, it's absolutely dreadful.
I was in White Plains when I heard the news.
Well, what's the world coming to? I mean, if you're not safe in the RCA Building, you're not safe anywhere.
Oh, what a lovely little pot of violets.
You know I adore them.
Everyone else sent roses.
Oh, Ellery, this is Louise Demery.
Louise, this is Mr.
Ellery Queen.
- So nice to meet you.
- How do you do? He's an author, you know.
Too bad I don't handle authors.
- She's my agent.
- Oh.
Well, you don't have to say it that way, Mr.
Queen.
We all have to make a living, you know.
Well, I have to run.
I'll be in touch.
Au revoir, Ellery.
Queen.
Queen he's not the fellow who wrote all those whodunits? The very same.
Oh, my dear, I thought you said he was an author.
[Muffled gunshot.]
I understand, your honor.
Your wife, eh? Well, I guess we all loved her in our own way, sir.
Yeah.
Yes, sir, I'm on my way downtown this minute.
Thank you, sir.
That was the mayor.
His wife is in mourning for Miss Aggie.
Dad, I know how you feel, but it's not your fault.
Oh, yes, it is my fault.
I shouldn't have listened to her.
Dad, you offered her around-the-clock police protection.
She refused, and the hospital went along with her.
That's the easy way out blame somebody else.
It's still my responsibility.
[Telephone ringing.]
Hello? No, he's not here.
No, you'll have to try him at his office.
All right.
Reporter? How long can we keep them away? Look, Dad this is my responsibility, too.
Miss Aggie asked me to find the person who tried to kill her.
I should have guessed there'd be a second attempt.
So, in a way, I'm just as responsible as anyone.
As long as we're both gonna take this personally, let's find out who did it.
Well, here she is, bud.
A wonderful woman, the bedrock of America.
She was some kind of actress or something? - Beloved by millions of housewives.
- Uh-huh.
Requiescat in pace, Miss Aggie.
"Aggie"? No, no "Aggie" Vera something-or-other.
Her personal effects are on the table over there.
Simon, what are you doing here? Just paying my last respects, Queen.
How'd you get in here, Brimmer? Oh, it's all right, Inspector.
He's her brother.
- Brother? - My dear man, you misunderstood.
I merely said we are all brothers under the skin.
The wound seems to be from a small-caliber pistol, probably fired at close range.
- A.
22-caliber, wasn't it, Dad? - Ellery.
Get out of here, Brimmer.
This is one case you're not gonna be meddling in.
Far be it for me to criticize, Inspector, but I can't help wondering how a second attempt on this poor woman's life succeeded while you were investigating the first.
Oh, now, Simon, that's just not fair.
Nothing personal, Queen merely an observation.
I think it only fair to warn you both, however, that I intend to pursue my own investigation of this murder.
And with any sort of luck, I shall have the name of the killer within 36 hours.
You come up with something and don't tell me, I'll have you booked for withholding evidence.
You'll be among the first to know, Inspector, along with the rest of my listeners.
Good day to you both.
Something's bothering me, Dad.
Something's wrong.
Something's out of place.
Oh, Inspector, I've been trying to call you at home.
Seems everyone has that number.
Something's missing.
Something isn't there, but should be.
There's a young woman in your office, a Miss Leslie.
Who? Anita Leslie Cousin Jennie.
Cousin Jennie? She wants to make a confession.
I don't have an alibi.
An alibi for what, Miss Leslie? Thanks.
For the time Vera was shot.
I mean, the newspapers they said she was killed around 2:00 this morning.
Between 1:30 and 2:30.
Well, that's just it.
Look, I tried to get along with her.
I really did.
And she treated me like a like a Well, I'm just too much of a lady to say it.
- Here.
- Thank you.
After yesterday, I I just fell apart.
I couldn't sleep.
Around 1:00, I left the apartment house just to walk around, to clear my head.
- The doorman saw me leave.
- Where did you go? Nowhere in particular.
And you came back when? Around 3:00.
You see how it looks, don't you? I do, Miss Leslie, and you showed good sense in coming here.
Now, when you went out, did you stop anywhere, speak to anyone? No, no one.
You were walking around for two hours and you didn't see anyone? Now, Dad, I've done the same thing myself.
Yeah, I know.
The good thing is that I don't have a motive.
I hardly knew the woman.
Doesn't mean a thing.
With Aunt Mary out the way - Miss Aggie.
- Miss Aggie.
They might have to build up your part, make you the star.
Oh, but they were gonna do that anyway.
Well, that's what Mr.
Warren said.
Mr.
Warren said Miss Aggie was leaving the show? No, not exactly.
"Not exactly"? Well, exactly what did he say? He said she was catching a cold.
Her father was an alcoholic.
Her mother was a tramp.
No wonder she turned out the way she did.
But who killed her? I don't know.
I haven't decided.
You haven't decided? And what am I, the court stenographer? I plot.
You write the dialogue.
Who can write dialogue for your silly plots? Really, Olivia, no wonder "The Family on Elm Street" is such a disaster.
"The Family on Elm Street"? We are talking about "Shadows of Tomorrow.
" What? Yes, Jennifer is secretly dating Junior Brown, unknown to her husband, Mark, who has just returned from a year's duty in Berlin.
Now, Mark is still in love with with Hildegarde.
Hildegarde? Is she the girl with infantile paralysis? Really, Alvin, that is Minnie Malone from "Kindly Doctor Keene.
" Oh.
[Knocking on door.]
Yes, come in.
Excuse me.
I'm looking for Mr.
Or Mrs.
Burns.
- Actor or agent? - What? Really, we're very busy.
Leave your name with the reception.
We'll get back to you later.
But this will just take a minute.
I'm working with the police on Miss Aggie's murder.
Oh, that.
Well, come in.
But please be brief.
We've had to write her out of the show.
It is so time-consuming.
But you were gonna do that anyway, weren't you? I didn't catch the name.
Ellery Queen.
Queen? Queen? Oh, you write those detective pulps.
Well, uh, mystery novels, whodunits, yes.
I see.
And you're here to do a little research.
Well, Mr.
Queen, let me assure you If you're suggesting that either Alvin or I had anything to do with Vera's death, your scenario is cockeyed.
We were using this to kill off Miss Aggie.
Oh, then you were going to write her out of the show.
My dear man, Vera Bethune had an exaggerated view of her importance to this program.
Her contract was running out, and her salary demands were exorbitant.
So, we were ready to do what we always do stick the old babe in the hospital with a cold.
If she plays ball, the cold gets better.
If not, pow, double pneumonia, and out she goes.
[Telephone ringing.]
Yeah? Queen? Yes, he's here.
Just a minute.
It's for you.
Here.
Thank you.
Hello? What's up, Dad? She what? What? Yes.
Yeah, I'll be down at the studio in 20 minutes.
Thank you very much for your help.
- Oh, Mr.
Queen? - Hm? Yes? That phone call was that about Vera's murder? Yes, there may be a break in the case.
You said "she.
" Right.
I assume you're referring to Anita Leslie or Mary Lou Gumm.
Neither.
Bye.
[Organ playing.]
That attack of pneumonia sure was sudden, wasn't it, Jennie? I had no idea she was so sick.
When do you think she's going to come out of that coma? Dr.
Tyler says it could be a matter of days or Or what, Jeff? Or never.
[Organ plays.]
Never? Apparently, Miss Aggie's pneumonia is worse than anyone suspected.
Later that day, Jennie is working alone in the classroom.
- JENNY: Oh, Jeff.
- I don't want to bother you, but [Turns radio off.]
What are you doing? Who are you? Hi, Miss Demery.
You remember me? Well, I certainly do, Mr.
Queen, but who's this person? That's my father.
Inspector Richard Queen, Miss Demery, and I'd like an explanation.
Explanation of what? Yesterday you told Sergeant Velie that you were in White Plains at the time Miss Vera Bethune was poisoned.
What of it? We have proof that you were nowhere near White Plains.
At 8:40, 25 minutes before the attempted murder, you were ticketed in Central Park South by an officer of the mounted patrol.
Dad.
I want to know why you lied about your alibi.
Alibi? Really, Inspector.
Suppose I told you I was on the Steel Pier at Atlantic City or thumbing a ride on the Saw Mill River Parkway? Dad, she's right.
What difference does it make where she was as long as she wasn't in the studio? The killer had to be able to put poison in the water pitcher.
I know that, Ellery, but I want to know why she lied.
Well, if you must know, I was seeing a man whose wife is presently on the West Coast.
But that has nothing to do with the fact that dear sweet Vera was poisoned by one of those terrible men.
Why do you say "men"? Well, surely you don't suspect Anita Leslie? What about the lady organ player? Mary Lou Gumm? I'd sooner suspect Cardinal Spellman.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
Sorry, Ellery.
I thought we had something.
We'd better talk to Warren and Denver.
I'll take Warren.
Until tomorrow, this is Wendell Warren.
"Everyday's Journey" was written and produced by Alvin and Olivia Burns.
Fenton, really, can't you do anything about these scripts? Honestly, I believe that Olivia and Alvin have run completely dry.
Darling, you were simply marvelous.
Thank you, Miss Demery.
I didn't have much of a chance to look at the script.
This tired old chestnut will die without you believe me.
I'm gonna get you a contract that will set you up for life.
Come.
I've brought the contract.
We can discuss it over brunch.
Irv? What happened to my lunch date yesterday at Sardi's? The guy never showed.
Right.
Sure, I can get there if I take a cab.
I'll talk to you later.
- Excuse me.
- Sorry, no autographs.
- It's about Vera Bethune, Mr.
Warren.
- I already gave.
I want to ask you about her poisoning.
Are you a cop, chum? Well, not exactly.
Well, then I'm not exactly gonna answer your questions at least, not right now.
I got an appointment.
Call me tonight.
My service is Murray Hill 3990.
Murray Murray Hill Murray Hill what? Thank you.
Mr.
Queen, may I talk to you as one person to another? Why, certainly, uh, Miss Gumm.
Mary Lou Gumm.
This is highly confidential, Mr.
Queen.
It concerns Miss Bethune and another certain party.
Miss Gumm, if this has anything to do with the murder, perhaps you'd better talk to my father.
Oh, dear, no, I couldn't do that.
He frightens me.
My father? You must understand I'm not a very social person.
I suppose my only friends are all my flowers here, and my Wurly.
Your Wurly? She helps me through difficult times.
Would you have a seat, please? [Plays organ.]
I find it very difficult to talk to strangers without my music.
Oh, sure.
No, d-don't face me.
Oh.
Yes, like that.
Thank you.
Six years ago, I came to New York from Sperryville, Virginia.
I was young, eager, and reasonably talented, a graduate of the Warrenton County School of Music.
I was full of life, ambition, enthusiasm.
And yet the city frightened me.
People seemed cold, distant.
And then a year ago, I met Wendell.
Wendell Warren? I do not know why he chose me, Mr.
Queen, but he reached out and touched me, and suddenly, I blossomed like a rose on a warm spring morning.
Every day was Christmas.
I bathed in the sunlight of his love.
And then, one day, he turned cold as alabaster because of her.
Her? Who's her? Please don't look at me.
Vera Bethune stole Wendell away from me.
He bought her expensive jewelry, furs.
It was disgusting.
I hated her! I hated him! I hated them both! Did you hate her enough to want to kill her? Then, a few weeks ago, suddenly it was Wendell's turn to be spurned.
Oh, how wonderful it felt, watching him crawl after her, feeling the pain that I had once felt.
She threw him over? Are you sure? Of course I'm sure.
And that's why he killed her, Mr.
Queen because she mocked him.
She demeaned him.
Now, Miss Gumm.
What have I said? I love him, Mr.
Queen.
Despite everything, I still love him.
But you still think he might have killed Vera.
Think it? Maybe I have no proof, but I don't just think it.
I know it.
You mustn't tell anyone I told you this except your father, of course.
You have my word.
[Crying.]
WENDELL: Right, Irv, I'm listening.
I'm listening.
Did you tell him I don't work for that kind of money? Yeah, and what did he say? Oh, he did, eh? Yeah, well, of course I'll take it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
Mr.
Warren.
Mr.
Warren, my name is Simon Brimmer.
Brimmer? The mystery show, right? Yes, sir, pleased to meet you.
Your answering service said that I might find you here.
Funny you should be here.
I was just saying to myself what a terrific show you've got there.
- First-rate it's really first-rate.
- Thank you.
Let's see you're on Wednesdays at 10:00, right? I got "G-Men in Action" at 8:30.
I think I could fit you in.
I'm not here about my program, Mr.
Warren.
You mean you're not looking for a new announcer? I'm investigating the death of Vera Bethune.
You too? This guy tried to pump me about that this afternoon.
May I come directly to the point, Mr.
Warren? It's come to my attention that you and Miss Bethune had an affair of the heart.
You bought here jewelry, expensive jewelry.
So what? I like to see my women wearing pretty things.
Until they sever the relationship.
And what's that supposed to mean? That Miss Bethune grew tired of you, that she found someone new.
- Larry Denver that's right.
- I suggest you became jealous.
Now, hold your horses, Brimmer.
She didn't dump me.
I dumped her.
Oh, really? She was a big help to me while she was on top, but she was on the way out.
She knew it.
I knew it.
That business about Miss Aggie catching a cold she was through, so who needed her anymore? I mean, why tie your wagon to a dead horse? "Why?" indeed.
I heard you get up.
- There was a turkey leg in there.
- I hid it.
Ellery, I was saving it.
Well you've had enough calories for one day.
I didn't want to eat it.
I wanted to look at it.
Anyway, what are you doing up? It's after 2:00 a.
m.
Reading the police report.
Yeah, for the hundredth time.
You know, there's something wrong.
There's something crazy.
The poison.
For example, there wasn't very much poison in the water pitcher.
Forget about the poison.
She was shot.
I don't know.
Something's missing.
I just know I can't sleep.
Probably that pumpkin pie you ate two pieces, with whipped cream.
Dad, if you wanted a piece, why didn't you say so? Do we have to talk about pie? I'm gonna read the box scores.
- Dad, that's Monday night's paper.
- I know.
I just didn't get to it.
- Dad.
- Ellery? - That's it.
- What is? Picture in the paper look at her wrist.
What? Where? - The bracelet.
- Yeah? The bracelet in the photo it wasn't in the hospital room when they found her body.
And it's not listed among her personal effects.
- Somebody took that bracelet.
- So? Suppose it was the killer.
But there's a reason, a tie-in, or a clue.
What kind of a clue? It beats me, Dad, but if we can locate that bracelet, we may learn who killed Miss Aggie.
PA: Dr.
Gall to the E.
R.
Excuse me, Nurse Edwards.
I'm sorry.
Visiting hours are at 2:00 this afternoon.
Oh, I was told you were on duty when Miss Bethune was admitted.
Are you with the press? No, I'm with the police, unofficially.
I wanted to ask you about the bracelet.
What bracelet? Well, when Miss Bethune was admitted, she was wearing a bracelet on her left wrist gold, with purple stones.
Oh, yes, I remember.
I asked her not to wear it.
It's against hospital rules.
But she raised such a ruckus.
Well, then she was wearing it when she died? As far as I know.
PA: Dr.
Phillips to pathology.
- It's gone.
- Well, I certainly didn't take it.
Somebody did.
Maybe the murderer did.
- Or Gus.
- Who? Gus Geropolis, the night orderly.
We've had a lot of complaints.
Nothing we could prove.
You understand.
Mm.
Yeah.
Good morning, Queen.
Simon, what are you doing here, tracking down a lead? I might ask you the same thing.
Well, I'm going to check out the night orderly.
Would you like to come along? Maybe we could compare notes? Well, thanks, anyway, but I want to re-interview the security guard on the fourth floor.
All right, suit yourself.
I'll let you know if there's anything on the new lead.
- Queen? - Huh? - New lead? - Yes, the missing bracelet.
Bracelet, you say? Vera Bethune was wearing it when she died.
Oh, I suppose it was valuable.
I guess so, but she refused to take it off, and I still haven't figured out what that means.
Oh, probably nothing.
Why don't you run along? You sure you don't want to come along? Sergeant Velie's got a squad car just outside.
Oh, no, no, I'll muddle along on my own, but thanks, anyway, Queen.
- Good hunting.
- Thank you.
[Knocking on door.]
- Yeah? - Mr.
Geropolis? My name is Ellery Queen.
I'd like to talk to you about a bracelet.
I'm not married, pal.
Sell it to the babe in 2C.
It's about Vera Bethune's bracelet purple stones, gold setting.
You want to lose a foot? If you don't talk to me, you'll have to talk to the police, and there's an officer parked outside.
Hey, take it easy, pal.
Take it Come Come right in.
Thank you.
- The hospital sent you, right? - Well, not really.
Oh, you never leave a guy alone, do you, huh? I mean, last week, it was some tomato's wallet, and the week before that, some guy got a cigarette lighter pinched.
And who do they always come back to? Gus Geropolis.
I'm just trying to find out who murdered her.
Oh, no, no, no, pal.
She was dead when I found her.
Oh, then you did go into her room.
Okay.
Okay, so, I was there.
But I didn't kill her.
Hey, listen you want the bracelet? Well, you can have it because I got it right in here.
- No, I can reach that.
- It's up there behind the - Thank you.
I can - Yeah.
Thank you.
Hey, you locked me in the closet.
- Sorry, pal, but I had to.
- Why? Because now I got to make a run for it.
But I just want to ask you a couple of questions.
No time, pal.
But I'll send you somebody to get you out of there after I'm long gone.
Then you did take the bracelet.
Sure, I did.
- Why? - Why not? It wasn't doing her any good, though the way she was holding on to it, you'd think she was gonna try to take it with her.
What? I said the way she was holding on to it, you'd think she was gonna try and take it with her.
I'll send somebody to get you out of there.
Wait a minute.
Look, I don't have any time! Oh.
Where do you think you're going? - Velie, is that you? - Yeah, Maestro.
Where are you? Velie, I'm in here.
I'm locked in the closet.
Open it.
Open it! Sure.
Sure.
Whoa.
Thanks, Velie.
I was starting to get worried.
Hey, take it easy, pal.
You're bigger than I am.
I wasn't gonna hit you.
You said Vera Bethune was clutching that bracelet? I had to pry it out of her hand.
Oh, did you hear that, Velie? A dying clue, and we didn't know it 'cause Gus stole it.
Where's that bracelet now? [Banging on door.]
Good day, Mr? Queen.
We've been expecting you.
Please come in.
Thank you so much.
Gus, how are you? I feel great.
Normally, I transact my business from my establishment on Park Avenue South, but when Gus suggested I should come here, I was only too happy to accommodate such an old and valued client.
Gus, I believe you mentioned bracelets, didn't you? Well, I've brought only my finest pieces.
This looks interesting.
Yeah.
Oh, yes, it was owned by one of the Dolly sisters, a gift from the crown prince of Denmark, a rare and beautiful piece.
I'm sure you'll agree.
And what was the crown prince's name Mother? Sir? Well, the inscription is small, but readable "To Vera, Love, Mother, April 6, 1931.
" [Chuckles nervously.]
Well, it appears I've been flimflammed.
You want me to run this guy in, Maestro? Not yet, Sergeant.
Sergeant? Hey, what's the beef? You received that bracelet from Gus yesterday afternoon.
He stole it from a dead woman at Mercy Hospital.
- I don't know anything about that.
- Then tell us about the bracelet.
Five jade stones, I thought jade was supposed to be green.
Usually it is.
This is violet jade, purple stones.
There's rose jade, too good quality stuff, but nothing to write home about.
I'd say it was worth a C-note, maybe a little more.
- Hey, Maestro.
- What is it? Look.
Simon beat us to it.
Mmm.
Mmm.
Dad? In here, son.
Dad, what are you doing? I have rejoined the ranks of the living.
What about your diet? The Constitution of the United States expressly forbids cruel and unusual punishment.
Yours is warming in the oven.
I can't tell you how great the old man feels.
Good food and fresh air.
I feel marvelous, except for the pollen in the air.
Why do flowers have to mess everything up? Ah-ah-choo! Bless you.
[Telephone ringing.]
You want to answer that, Ellery? Son? Ah-choo! That's it.
Of course.
Now, I'm pretty sure I know who killed Vera Bethune, but how about you? Was it Lawrence Denver, Miss Aggie's costar, or Anita Leslie, the young actress who's gonna replace her? It might have been Wendell Warren, the announcer, and don't forget that Mary Lou Gumm was in the studio that morning.
Or it might have been someone else, someone who wasn't in the studio.
It's possible.
That was the commissioner's office.
Seems our friend Brimmer wants somebody on hand to arrest the murderer, and I'm it.
Dad, what's the difference if Simon helps out? The important thing is to solve the case.
The arrogance of the man, telling the commissioner that he's going to deliver him to the police.
What? - I say the arrogance of the man - You said "him.
" Yeah, I said he's gonna deliver him after the broadcast tonight.
Dad, we better get down to that station right away.
Simon's gonna accuse the wrong person.
QUEEN: I'm just going to arrest her and be done with it.
Why don't we wait, Dad? I could be wrong.
- Maybe Simon's got something.
- Oh, he's got something, all right.
- I just hope it isn't contagious.
- They're rehearsing, sir.
Inspector Queen, Police Department.
I'm expected.
Yes, sir.
Simon, I have to talk to you.
Congratulate me later, Queen.
We're on the air in 20 minutes.
It's about your identification of the murder.
Just sit over there somewhere.
Now, where was I? You were talking about jewelry.
How much longer do we have to sit here? Until the conclusion of the program, Mr.
Denver.
That is what I'm paying you for.
"Pay"? You're paying suspects? Unfortunately, Inspector, my suspects are all members of the Radio Actors Union.
I have no choice.
He could pay more than scale, the tightwad.
What about this jewelry, Mr.
Brimmer? Yes, the jewelry, specifically an expensive bracelet, one worn by Miss Bethune at the time of her death, but taken by the murderer because it implicated him, because I believe it identified him as the man who, for the past several months, had been buying expensive jewelry for Miss Bethune.
Now, wait a minute, Brimmer.
A man deeply in love, but now cast aside.
Oh, no, you're not gonna hang this one on me.
Simon.
Queen, stop stepping on my performance.
Simon, you've got the wrong murderer.
What? You're about to accuse the wrong person.
The killer is a she, not a he.
Don't be ridiculous.
Mr.
Warren didn't give Vera this bracelet.
Here, see for yourself.
Look at the inscription.
"Love, Mother.
" There's something wrong here.
The bracelet was taken from Vera's hand.
She was clutching it when she died.
It was a dying clue.
Surely you don't suspect her mother.
No, of course not.
But you do suspect someone.
It's more than suspicion, Warren.
Ellery knows who did it.
Not on my program, he doesn't.
All right, cancel this live broadcast.
We'll feed in the transcription we made on Monday.
MR.
PEARL: Just one moment.
I should like to hear Mr.
Queen's solution.
Mr.
Pearl, may I remind you that this is "The Casebook of Simon Brimmer"? May I remind you, sir, that Vita-Creme pays the bills? Mr.
Queen? Well, as I said, the bracelet is a dying clue.
We didn't know about it for sure until this morning.
Colorful violet jade in a gold setting.
Yes, yes, but how does that incriminate Miss Leslie? - Why Miss Leslie? - You said "she.
" Surely you don't mean Miss Gumm, the organist? Well, why does it have to be one of the two? Now, hold on.
The murderer was in the radio studio where Vera was poisoned.
- No, she wasn't.
- What? - That's not possible.
- OLIVIA: What are you talking about? No one tried to kill Vera Bethune that morning.
The fact is, she poisoned herself.
Now, remember the amount of poison was very slight.
Vera knew she was being written out of the show, and she needed all the public sympathy she could get.
So, what better way than to make it appear as though someone was trying to murder her? Dear sweet Vera.
And if I'd have put that in a script, she'd have ripped up the pages.
Well, anyway, she was rushed to the hospital, but within one hour, she was receiving the press page-1 news.
Now, with that kind of sentiment, how could the network possibly have fired her? But then who, Mr.
Queen? Well, the real murderer saw the perfect opportunity to complete what Vera had started.
She knew that she wouldn't be suspect because suspicion was leveled at the four people who were with Vera in the studio that morning.
Well, that night, she sneaked into the hospital, probably disguised as a nurse or a cleaning lady, and shot Vera as she lay sleeping.
But one thing went wrong.
The victim awoke and recognized her assailant.
That's right, Dad.
And Vera, as she was dying, left me the one clue she knew I'd understand.
You understand that clue, don't you, Miss Demery? No, I I believe you do.
That morning when you brought violets to Vera in her hospital room, she commented on your thoughtfulness.
I was there.
Vera knew I'd remember.
The violet jade stones indicated the violets you'd brought.
But why? She loved you! You loved her! You simple child, what do you know of love? There was no love between Vera and me.
For 11 years, I've been trailing after her, scraping up crumbs, surviving only because of her hating myself because of it.
[Sighs.]
She wanted more money, lots of it.
I tried.
Olivia, you know I tried.
When I told her I'd failed, she humiliated me.
I knew I was through.
And then you came along, Anita, and I saw a chance for us both.
We'd have made a great team, the two of us.
I didn't need Vera anymore.
And then then that phony poison act.
Oh, I knew Vera had poisoned herself.
It was just the kind of thing she'd think of to save herself.
And she'd have gotten away with it.
Oh, yes, she'd have gotten her money.
Anita, you'd have been dropped through before you had a chance.
I couldn't let her do that to you or to me.
I just couldn't let her do it! - It's a golden opportunity, Ellery.
- No.
I'll guarantee you 13 weeks, prime-time.
- No.
- Make it 26.
I want to write.
I don't want to do a radio show.
that's a guarantee.
Anyway, you've already got Simon Brimmer under contract.
Contract? Who cares about a contract? Come on, son.
Let's get out of this wonderful world of show business and grab a piece of cheesecake at Lindy's, maybe even two.
Thanks anyway, Mr.
Pearl.
Thank you.
I admire your integrity, Queen.
I'll call in the morning with a new offer.
Ah, Mr.
Pearl, in the confusion, you slipped away from me.
I was not confused, Brimmer.
Excuse me.
I thought we might have cocktails and dinner at El Morocco.
I have an exciting new concept I'd like to discuss with you.
Don't call me.
I'll call you.
Who killed her? Was it her unhappy costar? Vera was not trying to get rid of me.
Her agent? Oh, really, Inspector! The ambitious announcer? She was through, so who needed her anymore? The organist? And that's why he killed her, Mr.
Queen.
The young actress? I hardly knew the woman.
The worried writer? We were using this to kill off Miss Aggie.
Or was it someone else? Match wits with Ellery Queen and see if you can guess who done it.
[Organ playing.]
- Hiya.
- Hi.
- You're here early.
- I wanted a look at the script.
Oh, you'll get over that after you've been on the show for awhile.
Are they always this late? They've got almost a minute.
That's plenty of time.
- Morning.
- Oh, good morning.
Pipe down, will you, Mary Lou? [Dialing.]
[Plays softer.]
Hello, Irv? Yeah, I'm at the studio.
What do you got? Larry, darling, speak to Olivia and Alvin.
WENDELL: Well, what happened to 2:30 at the network? - They write the script.
- What do you mean, they cancelled? Speak to them? Look Alvin's all right, but she's impossible.
Good morning, dear.
- Have you got it all memorized? - No, I didn't think You're absolutely right, Larry.
Olivia's a cretin.
But what can you expect? It's radio.
Stand by.
Irv, baby, I got to dash.
I'll call you when we break.
Well, my contract is up in seven months, and then it's Hollywood for me.
They want me at Fox, you know.
Still? Oh, how wonderful for you.
# La la la la la # # Mi, mi, mi, mi, mi, mi # # Ahhhhh # - Anita, dear? - Yes, Miss Bethune? Try to speak a little softer today, will you? Five seconds.
Not that I think you're overdoing it, but you know how the network people are.
[Organ plays.]
Time once again to join Middleville, Indiana's own Miss Aggie, beloved principal of Middleville High, helping the young men and women of Middleville as they traverse everyday's journey.
"Everyday's Journey," brought to you today by Vita-Creme shampoo.
If you can spare me just a moment of your time, sir.
No time now, Brimmer.
I'm late.
They've started already.
Of course, Mr.
Pearl, a man of your responsibility is constantly under pressure.
I totally sympathize.
Call my secretary for an appointment.
I've tried, sir, several times.
Perhaps we could lunch at 21.
I took the liberty of making a reservation.
Shh.
I know that Jimmy Nelson wants to play in the big game Saturday, Jeff, but [Coughing.]
Gee, Miss Aggie, I sure don't like the sound of that cold.
Oh, I'll be all right.
It's just a little hay fever.
Maybe you ought to see a doctor.
I've been telling her the same thing, Coach.
Now, Jennie, I know you arrived from California only a week ago, but I'd be pleased if you'd call me Jeff.
Whatever you say, Jeff.
[Coughing.]
As Jennie's eyes meet Jeff's, they fail to see the anguish on Miss Aggie's face.
These dizzy spells, the coughing they keep getting worse.
Has Miss Aggie been told everything, or has Dr.
Sanderson been deliberately withholding the truth? We'll return in a moment after this transcribed message.
# What' the tale, nightingale? # # What' the deal, McNeal? # Well, we're keeping the pomade salesman happy.
You'll have to play softer, Mary Lou.
You're drowning me out.
I'm playing as softly as I can, Wendell.
Please don't criticize me.
I wish you could look at that pedestrian speech on this next page.
I've got to get back to Broadway.
- The things one must endure.
- What's that? The perpetual agony of Miss Aggie.
I'm well aware, sir, that a man of your taste and discernment hardly chooses to listen to this sort of thing day after day.
Hmm.
My wife wouldn't miss this program for the world.
Whereas women of the utmost intelligence can readily identify with the plain-honest simplicity of that wonderful woman.
May I modestly suggest, however, that "The Casebook of Simon Brimmer" delivers a far more valuable audience, advertising-wise? You can suggest anything you like, Mr.
Brimmer, but Vita-Creme is still withdrawing its advertising from your program.
Kids, mom and dad, Miss Aggie that's what America wants, and that's what gets us the Hooper ratings.
Excuse me.
I want to hear this.
We find Miss Aggie in the girls locker room, as Jennie says Miss Aggie, as your young cousin [Coughing.]
I have a right to know what you're hiding.
[Coughing.]
Why, what whatever do you mean, dear? [Coughing.]
I mean your cold.
It's more than that, isn't it? Well it may [Coughing.]
[Organ playing.]
Ellery, did you shut off my alarm? Guilty, Dad.
I heard you come in about 4:00 this morning, and I thought I'd let you sleep.
I appreciate it, son.
Between no sleep and this ridiculous diet, I'm turning out to be a pretty poor excuse for a father.
What's that? Something new, Dad a pressure cooker.
I'm experimenting with your broccoli.
Oh, don't say the word "broccoli.
" Spinach, green beans, kale what I wouldn't give for a great big, thick, juicy, blood-red steak, smothered with sautéed mushrooms.
You lost any weight yet? That's another thing we need a new bathroom scale.
That thing safe? Yeah, it's supposed to do that.
[Telephone ringing.]
I'll get it.
[Pressure cooker whistling.]
Yeah? Yeah, Velie.
Poisoned? Okay, I'm on my way.
Dad, can you help me with these instructions? Can't I'm on my way to Mercy Hospital.
Some dame on a soap opera got poisoned a couple of hours ago.
You don't mean Vera Bethune? - Yeah.
How'd you know that? - I was listening to Miss Aggie.
In the middle of the show, they cut away to organ music.
Is that what you do all day, listen to soap operas? - Dad, do you mind if I tag along? - Lf you like.
She's still alive.
[Thud.]
Whoa.
On second thought, maybe I'll meet you there.
Good idea, son.
Maybe we should eat out tonight.
Any idea who might have tried to kill you, Miss Bethune? - None, not a single idea.
- Well, how are you feeling? - Relieved.
- Yeah.
Oh, the doctors were magnificent.
If they hadn't acted as quickly as they did Well, I owe them my life.
I understand the switchboard's flooded.
Yes my fans.
What a terrible shock for them.
How soon before you'll be back to work? Just as soon as they'll let me.
- I owe it to my public.
- I understand that Vita-Creme Excuse me.
I got roses here for Bethune.
Oh, how lovely.
Just put them anywhere.
QUEEN: I'd like to hear more about that, Mr.
Denver.
MR.
DENVER: Well, I'd like to be able to Ellery, this is Lawrence Denver.
My son, Ellery Queen.
- Well, it's nice to meet you.
- It's nice to meet you, Coach.
Oh, a fan, Mr.
Queen? Yes, I listen to your program when I'm home.
It gets to be a habit.
You know, I was telling the Inspector I can't understand it.
- To think it could have been me.
- What do you mean? Well, I took a drink from that pitcher.
So did Wendell Warren, our announcer.
When was that? Well, before the program started.
It makes no sense.
ELLERY: Ah, but it does.
It proves that the poison was put in the pitcher after the program began.
But no one entered the studio.
That could only mean that it must be one of us.
I'm afraid there's no other explanation, Mr.
Denver.
But I didn't do it.
You're gonna hear a lot of rumors, but I swear to you it's not true.
Vera was not trying to get rid of me.
- Get rid of you how? - To get me off the program.
Now, look I've been playing up to her for the last few weeks, just a casual kind of thing, but I'm afraid she took it more seriously than I did.
When I tried to break it off, she lost her temper, and I'm afraid we both said some wild things.
Tell me about those things.
Excuse me, Dad.
Excuse me.
I'll see you guys later, huh? [Knocking on door.]
Miss Bethune? Oh, I'm so sorry no more interviews.
- Oh, I'm not a reporter.
- Oh? My name is Ellery Queen.
Ellery Queen.
- The Ellery Queen? - Well Oh, but you must come in, Mr.
Queen.
Please, you must.
Oh, I'm so happy you're here.
I am terrified, Mr.
Queen, absolutely terrified.
- Someone tried to kill me, you know.
- Who tried to kill you? Well, my word if I knew that, wouldn't I have told that funny little Inspector? - That's my father.
- Oh.
Well, I meant "funny" in a complimentary way such a wonderful sense of humor.
Huh? But if I knew I could depend on you You're so clever at this sort of thing.
Well, I'll do what I can, Miss Bethune.
Oh, try to think of me as Miss Aggie.
Miss Aggie, can you think of any reason why anyone in that room would want to poison you? Anyone? They all had their reasons, Mr.
Queen, every one of them.
But they won't dare try it again, not when they know that Mr.
Ellery Queen is on the case.
Mr.
Pearl, any idea how this happened? Is it true that Vita-Creme's putting up a reward? [Indistinct speaking.]
No questions.
We'll have a statement for you later.
Good afternoon, Mr.
Pearl.
Brimmer, what's the meaning of this? My apologies, sir, but what I'm about to suggest requires your total attention.
Forgive the inconvenience.
If you're gonna start in about your show again On the contrary.
I'm here to offer my services.
You've made it quite clear you doubt my capabilities as a criminologist.
- I propose to change your mind.
- You what? Day after tomorrow, on my broadcast, I promise to reveal the identity of the person who tried to murder Miss Vera Bethune.
And on that, sir, you have my personal guarantee.
Well, Miss Aggie, you get some rest, and if I learn anything, I'll call you.
God bless you, Ellery.
- I may call you Ellery? - Oh, I wish you would.
And I'll make sure the newspapers spell your name right.
Thank you.
And I'll talk to my father about having a police guard on your door at all times.
Oh, absolutely not.
He already mentioned it to me, Ellery, and I told him I couldn't permit it.
- But - No "buts.
" Miss Aggie should never appear afraid.
Vera.
Oh, my God, I came as soon as I heard.
Oh, Louise, darling.
Oh, it's absolutely dreadful.
I was in White Plains when I heard the news.
Well, what's the world coming to? I mean, if you're not safe in the RCA Building, you're not safe anywhere.
Oh, what a lovely little pot of violets.
You know I adore them.
Everyone else sent roses.
Oh, Ellery, this is Louise Demery.
Louise, this is Mr.
Ellery Queen.
- So nice to meet you.
- How do you do? He's an author, you know.
Too bad I don't handle authors.
- She's my agent.
- Oh.
Well, you don't have to say it that way, Mr.
Queen.
We all have to make a living, you know.
Well, I have to run.
I'll be in touch.
Au revoir, Ellery.
Queen.
Queen he's not the fellow who wrote all those whodunits? The very same.
Oh, my dear, I thought you said he was an author.
[Muffled gunshot.]
I understand, your honor.
Your wife, eh? Well, I guess we all loved her in our own way, sir.
Yeah.
Yes, sir, I'm on my way downtown this minute.
Thank you, sir.
That was the mayor.
His wife is in mourning for Miss Aggie.
Dad, I know how you feel, but it's not your fault.
Oh, yes, it is my fault.
I shouldn't have listened to her.
Dad, you offered her around-the-clock police protection.
She refused, and the hospital went along with her.
That's the easy way out blame somebody else.
It's still my responsibility.
[Telephone ringing.]
Hello? No, he's not here.
No, you'll have to try him at his office.
All right.
Reporter? How long can we keep them away? Look, Dad this is my responsibility, too.
Miss Aggie asked me to find the person who tried to kill her.
I should have guessed there'd be a second attempt.
So, in a way, I'm just as responsible as anyone.
As long as we're both gonna take this personally, let's find out who did it.
Well, here she is, bud.
A wonderful woman, the bedrock of America.
She was some kind of actress or something? - Beloved by millions of housewives.
- Uh-huh.
Requiescat in pace, Miss Aggie.
"Aggie"? No, no "Aggie" Vera something-or-other.
Her personal effects are on the table over there.
Simon, what are you doing here? Just paying my last respects, Queen.
How'd you get in here, Brimmer? Oh, it's all right, Inspector.
He's her brother.
- Brother? - My dear man, you misunderstood.
I merely said we are all brothers under the skin.
The wound seems to be from a small-caliber pistol, probably fired at close range.
- A.
22-caliber, wasn't it, Dad? - Ellery.
Get out of here, Brimmer.
This is one case you're not gonna be meddling in.
Far be it for me to criticize, Inspector, but I can't help wondering how a second attempt on this poor woman's life succeeded while you were investigating the first.
Oh, now, Simon, that's just not fair.
Nothing personal, Queen merely an observation.
I think it only fair to warn you both, however, that I intend to pursue my own investigation of this murder.
And with any sort of luck, I shall have the name of the killer within 36 hours.
You come up with something and don't tell me, I'll have you booked for withholding evidence.
You'll be among the first to know, Inspector, along with the rest of my listeners.
Good day to you both.
Something's bothering me, Dad.
Something's wrong.
Something's out of place.
Oh, Inspector, I've been trying to call you at home.
Seems everyone has that number.
Something's missing.
Something isn't there, but should be.
There's a young woman in your office, a Miss Leslie.
Who? Anita Leslie Cousin Jennie.
Cousin Jennie? She wants to make a confession.
I don't have an alibi.
An alibi for what, Miss Leslie? Thanks.
For the time Vera was shot.
I mean, the newspapers they said she was killed around 2:00 this morning.
Between 1:30 and 2:30.
Well, that's just it.
Look, I tried to get along with her.
I really did.
And she treated me like a like a Well, I'm just too much of a lady to say it.
- Here.
- Thank you.
After yesterday, I I just fell apart.
I couldn't sleep.
Around 1:00, I left the apartment house just to walk around, to clear my head.
- The doorman saw me leave.
- Where did you go? Nowhere in particular.
And you came back when? Around 3:00.
You see how it looks, don't you? I do, Miss Leslie, and you showed good sense in coming here.
Now, when you went out, did you stop anywhere, speak to anyone? No, no one.
You were walking around for two hours and you didn't see anyone? Now, Dad, I've done the same thing myself.
Yeah, I know.
The good thing is that I don't have a motive.
I hardly knew the woman.
Doesn't mean a thing.
With Aunt Mary out the way - Miss Aggie.
- Miss Aggie.
They might have to build up your part, make you the star.
Oh, but they were gonna do that anyway.
Well, that's what Mr.
Warren said.
Mr.
Warren said Miss Aggie was leaving the show? No, not exactly.
"Not exactly"? Well, exactly what did he say? He said she was catching a cold.
Her father was an alcoholic.
Her mother was a tramp.
No wonder she turned out the way she did.
But who killed her? I don't know.
I haven't decided.
You haven't decided? And what am I, the court stenographer? I plot.
You write the dialogue.
Who can write dialogue for your silly plots? Really, Olivia, no wonder "The Family on Elm Street" is such a disaster.
"The Family on Elm Street"? We are talking about "Shadows of Tomorrow.
" What? Yes, Jennifer is secretly dating Junior Brown, unknown to her husband, Mark, who has just returned from a year's duty in Berlin.
Now, Mark is still in love with with Hildegarde.
Hildegarde? Is she the girl with infantile paralysis? Really, Alvin, that is Minnie Malone from "Kindly Doctor Keene.
" Oh.
[Knocking on door.]
Yes, come in.
Excuse me.
I'm looking for Mr.
Or Mrs.
Burns.
- Actor or agent? - What? Really, we're very busy.
Leave your name with the reception.
We'll get back to you later.
But this will just take a minute.
I'm working with the police on Miss Aggie's murder.
Oh, that.
Well, come in.
But please be brief.
We've had to write her out of the show.
It is so time-consuming.
But you were gonna do that anyway, weren't you? I didn't catch the name.
Ellery Queen.
Queen? Queen? Oh, you write those detective pulps.
Well, uh, mystery novels, whodunits, yes.
I see.
And you're here to do a little research.
Well, Mr.
Queen, let me assure you If you're suggesting that either Alvin or I had anything to do with Vera's death, your scenario is cockeyed.
We were using this to kill off Miss Aggie.
Oh, then you were going to write her out of the show.
My dear man, Vera Bethune had an exaggerated view of her importance to this program.
Her contract was running out, and her salary demands were exorbitant.
So, we were ready to do what we always do stick the old babe in the hospital with a cold.
If she plays ball, the cold gets better.
If not, pow, double pneumonia, and out she goes.
[Telephone ringing.]
Yeah? Queen? Yes, he's here.
Just a minute.
It's for you.
Here.
Thank you.
Hello? What's up, Dad? She what? What? Yes.
Yeah, I'll be down at the studio in 20 minutes.
Thank you very much for your help.
- Oh, Mr.
Queen? - Hm? Yes? That phone call was that about Vera's murder? Yes, there may be a break in the case.
You said "she.
" Right.
I assume you're referring to Anita Leslie or Mary Lou Gumm.
Neither.
Bye.
[Organ playing.]
That attack of pneumonia sure was sudden, wasn't it, Jennie? I had no idea she was so sick.
When do you think she's going to come out of that coma? Dr.
Tyler says it could be a matter of days or Or what, Jeff? Or never.
[Organ plays.]
Never? Apparently, Miss Aggie's pneumonia is worse than anyone suspected.
Later that day, Jennie is working alone in the classroom.
- JENNY: Oh, Jeff.
- I don't want to bother you, but [Turns radio off.]
What are you doing? Who are you? Hi, Miss Demery.
You remember me? Well, I certainly do, Mr.
Queen, but who's this person? That's my father.
Inspector Richard Queen, Miss Demery, and I'd like an explanation.
Explanation of what? Yesterday you told Sergeant Velie that you were in White Plains at the time Miss Vera Bethune was poisoned.
What of it? We have proof that you were nowhere near White Plains.
At 8:40, 25 minutes before the attempted murder, you were ticketed in Central Park South by an officer of the mounted patrol.
Dad.
I want to know why you lied about your alibi.
Alibi? Really, Inspector.
Suppose I told you I was on the Steel Pier at Atlantic City or thumbing a ride on the Saw Mill River Parkway? Dad, she's right.
What difference does it make where she was as long as she wasn't in the studio? The killer had to be able to put poison in the water pitcher.
I know that, Ellery, but I want to know why she lied.
Well, if you must know, I was seeing a man whose wife is presently on the West Coast.
But that has nothing to do with the fact that dear sweet Vera was poisoned by one of those terrible men.
Why do you say "men"? Well, surely you don't suspect Anita Leslie? What about the lady organ player? Mary Lou Gumm? I'd sooner suspect Cardinal Spellman.
Now, if you'll excuse me.
Sorry, Ellery.
I thought we had something.
We'd better talk to Warren and Denver.
I'll take Warren.
Until tomorrow, this is Wendell Warren.
"Everyday's Journey" was written and produced by Alvin and Olivia Burns.
Fenton, really, can't you do anything about these scripts? Honestly, I believe that Olivia and Alvin have run completely dry.
Darling, you were simply marvelous.
Thank you, Miss Demery.
I didn't have much of a chance to look at the script.
This tired old chestnut will die without you believe me.
I'm gonna get you a contract that will set you up for life.
Come.
I've brought the contract.
We can discuss it over brunch.
Irv? What happened to my lunch date yesterday at Sardi's? The guy never showed.
Right.
Sure, I can get there if I take a cab.
I'll talk to you later.
- Excuse me.
- Sorry, no autographs.
- It's about Vera Bethune, Mr.
Warren.
- I already gave.
I want to ask you about her poisoning.
Are you a cop, chum? Well, not exactly.
Well, then I'm not exactly gonna answer your questions at least, not right now.
I got an appointment.
Call me tonight.
My service is Murray Hill 3990.
Murray Murray Hill Murray Hill what? Thank you.
Mr.
Queen, may I talk to you as one person to another? Why, certainly, uh, Miss Gumm.
Mary Lou Gumm.
This is highly confidential, Mr.
Queen.
It concerns Miss Bethune and another certain party.
Miss Gumm, if this has anything to do with the murder, perhaps you'd better talk to my father.
Oh, dear, no, I couldn't do that.
He frightens me.
My father? You must understand I'm not a very social person.
I suppose my only friends are all my flowers here, and my Wurly.
Your Wurly? She helps me through difficult times.
Would you have a seat, please? [Plays organ.]
I find it very difficult to talk to strangers without my music.
Oh, sure.
No, d-don't face me.
Oh.
Yes, like that.
Thank you.
Six years ago, I came to New York from Sperryville, Virginia.
I was young, eager, and reasonably talented, a graduate of the Warrenton County School of Music.
I was full of life, ambition, enthusiasm.
And yet the city frightened me.
People seemed cold, distant.
And then a year ago, I met Wendell.
Wendell Warren? I do not know why he chose me, Mr.
Queen, but he reached out and touched me, and suddenly, I blossomed like a rose on a warm spring morning.
Every day was Christmas.
I bathed in the sunlight of his love.
And then, one day, he turned cold as alabaster because of her.
Her? Who's her? Please don't look at me.
Vera Bethune stole Wendell away from me.
He bought her expensive jewelry, furs.
It was disgusting.
I hated her! I hated him! I hated them both! Did you hate her enough to want to kill her? Then, a few weeks ago, suddenly it was Wendell's turn to be spurned.
Oh, how wonderful it felt, watching him crawl after her, feeling the pain that I had once felt.
She threw him over? Are you sure? Of course I'm sure.
And that's why he killed her, Mr.
Queen because she mocked him.
She demeaned him.
Now, Miss Gumm.
What have I said? I love him, Mr.
Queen.
Despite everything, I still love him.
But you still think he might have killed Vera.
Think it? Maybe I have no proof, but I don't just think it.
I know it.
You mustn't tell anyone I told you this except your father, of course.
You have my word.
[Crying.]
WENDELL: Right, Irv, I'm listening.
I'm listening.
Did you tell him I don't work for that kind of money? Yeah, and what did he say? Oh, he did, eh? Yeah, well, of course I'll take it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.
Mr.
Warren.
Mr.
Warren, my name is Simon Brimmer.
Brimmer? The mystery show, right? Yes, sir, pleased to meet you.
Your answering service said that I might find you here.
Funny you should be here.
I was just saying to myself what a terrific show you've got there.
- First-rate it's really first-rate.
- Thank you.
Let's see you're on Wednesdays at 10:00, right? I got "G-Men in Action" at 8:30.
I think I could fit you in.
I'm not here about my program, Mr.
Warren.
You mean you're not looking for a new announcer? I'm investigating the death of Vera Bethune.
You too? This guy tried to pump me about that this afternoon.
May I come directly to the point, Mr.
Warren? It's come to my attention that you and Miss Bethune had an affair of the heart.
You bought here jewelry, expensive jewelry.
So what? I like to see my women wearing pretty things.
Until they sever the relationship.
And what's that supposed to mean? That Miss Bethune grew tired of you, that she found someone new.
- Larry Denver that's right.
- I suggest you became jealous.
Now, hold your horses, Brimmer.
She didn't dump me.
I dumped her.
Oh, really? She was a big help to me while she was on top, but she was on the way out.
She knew it.
I knew it.
That business about Miss Aggie catching a cold she was through, so who needed her anymore? I mean, why tie your wagon to a dead horse? "Why?" indeed.
I heard you get up.
- There was a turkey leg in there.
- I hid it.
Ellery, I was saving it.
Well you've had enough calories for one day.
I didn't want to eat it.
I wanted to look at it.
Anyway, what are you doing up? It's after 2:00 a.
m.
Reading the police report.
Yeah, for the hundredth time.
You know, there's something wrong.
There's something crazy.
The poison.
For example, there wasn't very much poison in the water pitcher.
Forget about the poison.
She was shot.
I don't know.
Something's missing.
I just know I can't sleep.
Probably that pumpkin pie you ate two pieces, with whipped cream.
Dad, if you wanted a piece, why didn't you say so? Do we have to talk about pie? I'm gonna read the box scores.
- Dad, that's Monday night's paper.
- I know.
I just didn't get to it.
- Dad.
- Ellery? - That's it.
- What is? Picture in the paper look at her wrist.
What? Where? - The bracelet.
- Yeah? The bracelet in the photo it wasn't in the hospital room when they found her body.
And it's not listed among her personal effects.
- Somebody took that bracelet.
- So? Suppose it was the killer.
But there's a reason, a tie-in, or a clue.
What kind of a clue? It beats me, Dad, but if we can locate that bracelet, we may learn who killed Miss Aggie.
PA: Dr.
Gall to the E.
R.
Excuse me, Nurse Edwards.
I'm sorry.
Visiting hours are at 2:00 this afternoon.
Oh, I was told you were on duty when Miss Bethune was admitted.
Are you with the press? No, I'm with the police, unofficially.
I wanted to ask you about the bracelet.
What bracelet? Well, when Miss Bethune was admitted, she was wearing a bracelet on her left wrist gold, with purple stones.
Oh, yes, I remember.
I asked her not to wear it.
It's against hospital rules.
But she raised such a ruckus.
Well, then she was wearing it when she died? As far as I know.
PA: Dr.
Phillips to pathology.
- It's gone.
- Well, I certainly didn't take it.
Somebody did.
Maybe the murderer did.
- Or Gus.
- Who? Gus Geropolis, the night orderly.
We've had a lot of complaints.
Nothing we could prove.
You understand.
Mm.
Yeah.
Good morning, Queen.
Simon, what are you doing here, tracking down a lead? I might ask you the same thing.
Well, I'm going to check out the night orderly.
Would you like to come along? Maybe we could compare notes? Well, thanks, anyway, but I want to re-interview the security guard on the fourth floor.
All right, suit yourself.
I'll let you know if there's anything on the new lead.
- Queen? - Huh? - New lead? - Yes, the missing bracelet.
Bracelet, you say? Vera Bethune was wearing it when she died.
Oh, I suppose it was valuable.
I guess so, but she refused to take it off, and I still haven't figured out what that means.
Oh, probably nothing.
Why don't you run along? You sure you don't want to come along? Sergeant Velie's got a squad car just outside.
Oh, no, no, I'll muddle along on my own, but thanks, anyway, Queen.
- Good hunting.
- Thank you.
[Knocking on door.]
- Yeah? - Mr.
Geropolis? My name is Ellery Queen.
I'd like to talk to you about a bracelet.
I'm not married, pal.
Sell it to the babe in 2C.
It's about Vera Bethune's bracelet purple stones, gold setting.
You want to lose a foot? If you don't talk to me, you'll have to talk to the police, and there's an officer parked outside.
Hey, take it easy, pal.
Take it Come Come right in.
Thank you.
- The hospital sent you, right? - Well, not really.
Oh, you never leave a guy alone, do you, huh? I mean, last week, it was some tomato's wallet, and the week before that, some guy got a cigarette lighter pinched.
And who do they always come back to? Gus Geropolis.
I'm just trying to find out who murdered her.
Oh, no, no, no, pal.
She was dead when I found her.
Oh, then you did go into her room.
Okay.
Okay, so, I was there.
But I didn't kill her.
Hey, listen you want the bracelet? Well, you can have it because I got it right in here.
- No, I can reach that.
- It's up there behind the - Thank you.
I can - Yeah.
Thank you.
Hey, you locked me in the closet.
- Sorry, pal, but I had to.
- Why? Because now I got to make a run for it.
But I just want to ask you a couple of questions.
No time, pal.
But I'll send you somebody to get you out of there after I'm long gone.
Then you did take the bracelet.
Sure, I did.
- Why? - Why not? It wasn't doing her any good, though the way she was holding on to it, you'd think she was gonna try to take it with her.
What? I said the way she was holding on to it, you'd think she was gonna try and take it with her.
I'll send somebody to get you out of there.
Wait a minute.
Look, I don't have any time! Oh.
Where do you think you're going? - Velie, is that you? - Yeah, Maestro.
Where are you? Velie, I'm in here.
I'm locked in the closet.
Open it.
Open it! Sure.
Sure.
Whoa.
Thanks, Velie.
I was starting to get worried.
Hey, take it easy, pal.
You're bigger than I am.
I wasn't gonna hit you.
You said Vera Bethune was clutching that bracelet? I had to pry it out of her hand.
Oh, did you hear that, Velie? A dying clue, and we didn't know it 'cause Gus stole it.
Where's that bracelet now? [Banging on door.]
Good day, Mr? Queen.
We've been expecting you.
Please come in.
Thank you so much.
Gus, how are you? I feel great.
Normally, I transact my business from my establishment on Park Avenue South, but when Gus suggested I should come here, I was only too happy to accommodate such an old and valued client.
Gus, I believe you mentioned bracelets, didn't you? Well, I've brought only my finest pieces.
This looks interesting.
Yeah.
Oh, yes, it was owned by one of the Dolly sisters, a gift from the crown prince of Denmark, a rare and beautiful piece.
I'm sure you'll agree.
And what was the crown prince's name Mother? Sir? Well, the inscription is small, but readable "To Vera, Love, Mother, April 6, 1931.
" [Chuckles nervously.]
Well, it appears I've been flimflammed.
You want me to run this guy in, Maestro? Not yet, Sergeant.
Sergeant? Hey, what's the beef? You received that bracelet from Gus yesterday afternoon.
He stole it from a dead woman at Mercy Hospital.
- I don't know anything about that.
- Then tell us about the bracelet.
Five jade stones, I thought jade was supposed to be green.
Usually it is.
This is violet jade, purple stones.
There's rose jade, too good quality stuff, but nothing to write home about.
I'd say it was worth a C-note, maybe a little more.
- Hey, Maestro.
- What is it? Look.
Simon beat us to it.
Mmm.
Mmm.
Dad? In here, son.
Dad, what are you doing? I have rejoined the ranks of the living.
What about your diet? The Constitution of the United States expressly forbids cruel and unusual punishment.
Yours is warming in the oven.
I can't tell you how great the old man feels.
Good food and fresh air.
I feel marvelous, except for the pollen in the air.
Why do flowers have to mess everything up? Ah-ah-choo! Bless you.
[Telephone ringing.]
You want to answer that, Ellery? Son? Ah-choo! That's it.
Of course.
Now, I'm pretty sure I know who killed Vera Bethune, but how about you? Was it Lawrence Denver, Miss Aggie's costar, or Anita Leslie, the young actress who's gonna replace her? It might have been Wendell Warren, the announcer, and don't forget that Mary Lou Gumm was in the studio that morning.
Or it might have been someone else, someone who wasn't in the studio.
It's possible.
That was the commissioner's office.
Seems our friend Brimmer wants somebody on hand to arrest the murderer, and I'm it.
Dad, what's the difference if Simon helps out? The important thing is to solve the case.
The arrogance of the man, telling the commissioner that he's going to deliver him to the police.
What? - I say the arrogance of the man - You said "him.
" Yeah, I said he's gonna deliver him after the broadcast tonight.
Dad, we better get down to that station right away.
Simon's gonna accuse the wrong person.
QUEEN: I'm just going to arrest her and be done with it.
Why don't we wait, Dad? I could be wrong.
- Maybe Simon's got something.
- Oh, he's got something, all right.
- I just hope it isn't contagious.
- They're rehearsing, sir.
Inspector Queen, Police Department.
I'm expected.
Yes, sir.
Simon, I have to talk to you.
Congratulate me later, Queen.
We're on the air in 20 minutes.
It's about your identification of the murder.
Just sit over there somewhere.
Now, where was I? You were talking about jewelry.
How much longer do we have to sit here? Until the conclusion of the program, Mr.
Denver.
That is what I'm paying you for.
"Pay"? You're paying suspects? Unfortunately, Inspector, my suspects are all members of the Radio Actors Union.
I have no choice.
He could pay more than scale, the tightwad.
What about this jewelry, Mr.
Brimmer? Yes, the jewelry, specifically an expensive bracelet, one worn by Miss Bethune at the time of her death, but taken by the murderer because it implicated him, because I believe it identified him as the man who, for the past several months, had been buying expensive jewelry for Miss Bethune.
Now, wait a minute, Brimmer.
A man deeply in love, but now cast aside.
Oh, no, you're not gonna hang this one on me.
Simon.
Queen, stop stepping on my performance.
Simon, you've got the wrong murderer.
What? You're about to accuse the wrong person.
The killer is a she, not a he.
Don't be ridiculous.
Mr.
Warren didn't give Vera this bracelet.
Here, see for yourself.
Look at the inscription.
"Love, Mother.
" There's something wrong here.
The bracelet was taken from Vera's hand.
She was clutching it when she died.
It was a dying clue.
Surely you don't suspect her mother.
No, of course not.
But you do suspect someone.
It's more than suspicion, Warren.
Ellery knows who did it.
Not on my program, he doesn't.
All right, cancel this live broadcast.
We'll feed in the transcription we made on Monday.
MR.
PEARL: Just one moment.
I should like to hear Mr.
Queen's solution.
Mr.
Pearl, may I remind you that this is "The Casebook of Simon Brimmer"? May I remind you, sir, that Vita-Creme pays the bills? Mr.
Queen? Well, as I said, the bracelet is a dying clue.
We didn't know about it for sure until this morning.
Colorful violet jade in a gold setting.
Yes, yes, but how does that incriminate Miss Leslie? - Why Miss Leslie? - You said "she.
" Surely you don't mean Miss Gumm, the organist? Well, why does it have to be one of the two? Now, hold on.
The murderer was in the radio studio where Vera was poisoned.
- No, she wasn't.
- What? - That's not possible.
- OLIVIA: What are you talking about? No one tried to kill Vera Bethune that morning.
The fact is, she poisoned herself.
Now, remember the amount of poison was very slight.
Vera knew she was being written out of the show, and she needed all the public sympathy she could get.
So, what better way than to make it appear as though someone was trying to murder her? Dear sweet Vera.
And if I'd have put that in a script, she'd have ripped up the pages.
Well, anyway, she was rushed to the hospital, but within one hour, she was receiving the press page-1 news.
Now, with that kind of sentiment, how could the network possibly have fired her? But then who, Mr.
Queen? Well, the real murderer saw the perfect opportunity to complete what Vera had started.
She knew that she wouldn't be suspect because suspicion was leveled at the four people who were with Vera in the studio that morning.
Well, that night, she sneaked into the hospital, probably disguised as a nurse or a cleaning lady, and shot Vera as she lay sleeping.
But one thing went wrong.
The victim awoke and recognized her assailant.
That's right, Dad.
And Vera, as she was dying, left me the one clue she knew I'd understand.
You understand that clue, don't you, Miss Demery? No, I I believe you do.
That morning when you brought violets to Vera in her hospital room, she commented on your thoughtfulness.
I was there.
Vera knew I'd remember.
The violet jade stones indicated the violets you'd brought.
But why? She loved you! You loved her! You simple child, what do you know of love? There was no love between Vera and me.
For 11 years, I've been trailing after her, scraping up crumbs, surviving only because of her hating myself because of it.
[Sighs.]
She wanted more money, lots of it.
I tried.
Olivia, you know I tried.
When I told her I'd failed, she humiliated me.
I knew I was through.
And then you came along, Anita, and I saw a chance for us both.
We'd have made a great team, the two of us.
I didn't need Vera anymore.
And then then that phony poison act.
Oh, I knew Vera had poisoned herself.
It was just the kind of thing she'd think of to save herself.
And she'd have gotten away with it.
Oh, yes, she'd have gotten her money.
Anita, you'd have been dropped through before you had a chance.
I couldn't let her do that to you or to me.
I just couldn't let her do it! - It's a golden opportunity, Ellery.
- No.
I'll guarantee you 13 weeks, prime-time.
- No.
- Make it 26.
I want to write.
I don't want to do a radio show.
that's a guarantee.
Anyway, you've already got Simon Brimmer under contract.
Contract? Who cares about a contract? Come on, son.
Let's get out of this wonderful world of show business and grab a piece of cheesecake at Lindy's, maybe even two.
Thanks anyway, Mr.
Pearl.
Thank you.
I admire your integrity, Queen.
I'll call in the morning with a new offer.
Ah, Mr.
Pearl, in the confusion, you slipped away from me.
I was not confused, Brimmer.
Excuse me.
I thought we might have cocktails and dinner at El Morocco.
I have an exciting new concept I'd like to discuss with you.
Don't call me.
I'll call you.