The Falcon - The Case of the Silent Butler

0:00Hello? Yes, this is the Falcon speaking. Oh, Margot! Now you'll have to cancel me out tonight, Injoum. Army intelligence is buying me to Lisbon Portugal. Yeah, seems some little girl air is playing fast and loose with Uncle Sammy's secrets, so now I gotta run her down if it kills me. Once again the transcribed adventures of the Falcon, starring Les Damon, the adventures of the Falcon, dedicated to private investigators everywhere, those hard-hitting detectives who liked Mike Wearing, risked their lives to aid law enforcement agency. So join him now when the Falcon solves the case of the silent butler.

1:02I guess the boy who first gave out with good things coming small packages must have had Maria Kusta in mind. Maria is the luscious looking brinette walking down one of the speedwinding alleys and out funner, the old section of Lisbon. She's so pretty even the beggar stopped their tan handling to watch her go by, and 15 feet behind there is a man in a white suit and a white tan of a hat who obviously feels he's worth more than a second glance. He must be following her for days. All right, tenure. What is the meaning of this? You talking to me later? Yes. What can I do for you? You can stop following me. Following you? I saw you at the castle of the San Jorge. You mean at Morage Fortress up on the hill? Yes. Oh, not me, sugar. Why wouldn't make that climb fantasy? I know it was you. And just a few on the Ru Aurea. That's a 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, Dick's the hair is ain't told alive since he was knee high to a grasshopper. No man, it must have been some other tourist in a white suit. Well,

2:03in the future you will be so good to leave me alone. Why sure, Maria? Anything you say? How did you know my name is Maria? Did I call you that? Yes. No, what do you know? I guess it must be something that men will to let the business after all. How do you make? No, why you are following me? Well, I told you, honey. I'm just doing a little side seeing. You're the prettiest side I've seen and all the poor people. And you can't blame a fellow but it comes back for a second, huh? Everything you should have. Can I help you, Senorita? My name is Maria Costa. Oh, yes. Senor Barbara is expecting you. Just follow me. Has he been waiting long? Oh, perhaps a half hour. Maria. Oh, hello Steven. How is beginning to worry? Yeah. Thank you, darling. Would you send your

3:06care to order now? Yes, I think so. What would you like, Maria? Wait, doubles, mere noff and orange juice. Double? I developed a great fondness for vodka. All right, it was the honest saying. We're very good, Senorita. Oh, Steven, 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? Why are you so nervous? Is my wife bothering you again? Oh, no, Steven, own it. Then what happened? Nothing, Sweetheart. I don't tell me that. You're trembling all over what happened? I do not wish to worry you, Steven. 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? What? Perhaps as tall as you, but much heavier. Was he wearing a white suit and a white penimal head? You know him? I saw him in Black Horse Square on Monday and in Alcantara

4:06on the day of the day of the night. I have your order. Thank you. Will there be anything else? Not just now. Yes, go see him. What does it mean, Steven? 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. Four, two, two, one. Hello? Have I done a talking to that distinguished gentleman known for and why does it fall? How are you, Dixie? How the world did you know was me? I recognized you by a white suit. How are we doing? Not so hot, Mike. Maria spotted me. When? This morning in Alcantara. 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. Always Steve Butler, isn't it?

5:06Uh-huh. You learn anything else? No, 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 their 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 on to her again? Nope. That name she used was a phoning. Now I don't get it. Me neither. But a layer 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 busy on the answer right away. Even touch fella. I may have news for you real soon. Yes. You, Stephen Butler. That's right. My name is Mike Wearing. Oh, of course. Army intelligence and funders should be dropping by. You probably want to see the ambassador. Oh, there's only to bother him. He always ate, aren't you? Yes. Well, I think you can give me all the information I need. Sit down, want you? Nice. See you, man? Yeah, please.

6:08You see much of Maria cost of these days? What? Maria cost of the girl who works in the coding department. Well, working to get in the embassy naturally, I run anywhere every once in a while. Yeah, naturally, but how about on the outside? Why should I? No good reason. And 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. You ever tried a pumpkin? Of course not. You're a married man, aren't you, but what's that got to do with it? Nothing. Nothing. What does your wife look like? Why? I'm just curious. You got our tip about Maria from a tall, statuesque blonde. A blonde? Yeah, blue eyes, fair complexion, little birthmark on the right cheek. You know what? No. You sure? Are you calling me a liar? Heaven forbid, I was just wondering why she would try to frame this cost. I have no idea. Well, if through some accident you find out, give me a jingle, I'm staying at the Prince George.

7:11I'll bear that in mind, but I can't make you any promises. If I learn anything, you can trust me to do the right thing. Hello, Anne. Oh, please, you startled me. I didn't think you'd be home. Yeah, it is kind of early for me. I've got to get off my feet. I had the most miserable day. I had a pretty lousy one myself. Tell her name Mike Wearing dropped into Seamy. Who? Mike Wearing is with Army Intelligence. Seems they got a tip that Maria Castor was a spy. Really? Really? According to Wearing, his informant was, how did he put it? Oh yes. A tall, statuesque blonde with a birthmark on her right cheek. Darling, you're not suggesting that. Yes, I am. It'd be an absurd. Why should I? Because

8:12you'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. But 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 woman I go crazy, you got to understand, I just do these awful things because I'm so afraid of losing you. What you have now? No. You love me. You know you do. It's all over, Anne. I'm going to marry Maria. No. I couldn't live without you. You better get used to the idea. I'm moving out now. I won't 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. Don't go. I promise you. Darling. Thanks for my thanks. Please. Please.

9:22Continent to hotel. Your order, please. This is Louise Butler for 19. Yes, Your Honor. What's the house detective's name? The house detective. Do we have my shadows? Oh, are you having difficulty, Your Honor? No, no. I just would like to see you, Your Honor. Is your own? Not just now, Your Honor. Well, the moment it comes in with you, please send them up to my room. It's very important. You might even say it's a matter of life at this. Your Honor, Butler. Yes. I am Louise Meshado. Oh, here. Come on in. Oh, look. Suppose we sit right here. Oh, the telephone operator said that... I know, but wouldn't you care for something to drink for? Oh, Your Honor. I am on duty. You know, I'm on duty. I'm on duty.

10:22I'm on duty. I am on duty. The management expects me to do that. What the management doesn't know won't hurt them. With it. I see how true. There we are. Every senior is most kind. If there is any way I can reciprocate... There is. If you have what to command, Louise Meshado. 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. A man who would commit murder for a price. You're a partner. I pay him $5,000. You are gazing, no? $5,000 cash and $500 for you. I got the money right here, my purse.

11:22It's police is the senior to make fun of Louise Meshado, huh? You don't believe me. Naturally not. If I did, it would be my secretary duty to inform the police. You're right, senior. I was just pulling your leg. It was just a bad joke. I'll relieve for a moment. You thought I really met it, huh? Yes. And 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. That's not important. As senior, I hate to rush you, but with the mind finishing your drink, I just remember that I got something to do. Now back to the adventures of the Falcon.

12:30Well, 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 Meshado, the old blighting hotel detective. Actually, Harris and I were cruising on the Avonita de Lepidarde, past the obelisk, which commemorates the liberation of Portugal from Spanish rules. Prediction, I've even noticed it. Apparently, you thought I was a more interesting sight. What a seat, you might. You looked unhappy. Yeah, that's me. Old transparent face wearing. You weren't about that, Maria Cust. Uh-huh. You convinced yet she was praying? She's no spy. That's what bothers me, Dixie. I don't get you. Watch it. You almost got that pedestrian. Sure. I thought I had him for sure. Would you make a Steve Butler? Strictly the Lannel and Plus type, a real smoothie. I know. That's why I had him pay, too. But I think he's real darn on Maria. Yeah, which forces us to be unhappy conclusion that the frame for Maria was staged by his wife.

13:33Hey, I think that's who our blonde tip to us. But deaf. Ho-hoo. The way that she finds out a little stunt fell flat on its face. She's going to be real annoyed. And a guy like Ann Butler believes in the old saw. If you don't succeed at first, try again. What do you think she'll try next? No telling. Man, get you right. There we go. I always knew a dog like that back in Atlanta. She was real crazy about a friend in line and real jealous, too. That every time she blew her car, I'd get out to make for the hills, because that gal was murder. She was one. She was murder. Yeah, that's what I thought you said. What does Maria Cust live? Right out the road to Prince Bigg. Well, turn the seep around. Let's go. Hey, you know what I think she's exactly the same type of that girl. You knew in Atlanta. Step on it, boy. We got to make like the Marines. She's in your age. No, no. Let's get out of here, mate.

14:34Just a moment, please. You are looking for someone. Yeah, but I don't think we'll find her. And is this Maria Cust's apartment? Eight days. Huh? 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 of blue uniform. He's from the south. He keeps forgetting the civil war is over. At least most amusing. Me, I inquire as to your names. 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, sir. Hardly. I would be most interested to hear why. Can we see her first? Of course. Over here, sir. Can we take a peek? You would like me to remove the blanket? Yes, please. Holy smoke, Maria Cust. No. You are surprised.

15:35That's the understatement of the week. You would do not notice lady. Well, judging from the blonde hair on that birthmark and her right cheek, I'd say she was in Butler. You are absolutely correct. Where is Maria Cust. Seniorita Cust has momentarily 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, even obliged us with a confession. Where is he? In the palace of justice. Can I see him? It will be my pleasure. Why? Dislacing, York. Who's there? Hello, Steve. Where? That's who it is. The embassy sent you over? No, I'm here strictly on my own. Why? No, I don't know. Maybe it's because you're a fellow American in a jam. Or maybe I'm just playing nosey. Secret? Thanks. Well, how they treating you?

16:37I can't complain. They tell me you're a sign of confession. Why did you kill her? The usual reason? We didn't get along. From what I hear, you haven't been getting along for years. Oh, and she tried to frame Maria Cust, her espionage that was the straw that broke the camel's back. So you picked up a gun and shot her, huh? Twice. Makes sense. Thanks. But why did you pick Maria's apartment to do the job? Well, it seemed like the best spot. 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. It's a boy you always know is what he's doing. Where's Maria now? I, uh, I had no idea. You wouldn't have made that confession to shield her, to shield her. Don't tell me I impressed you as the noble type. Strangely enough, you do. You're out of your mind. Well, we'll find out when we let you on a Miss Cust in. Look wearing.

17:39You mind your own business. 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 extra-curricular activity. I killed Anne, and that's all the risk to it. Now, you ought to know best. But I like to keep an open mind. I'll be seeing you, Steve. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Take a look at this. You are with the American intelligence. Uh-huh. And there is some way I can be of aid.

18:40So I think so. How come mine resend yours? You heard about this in your hand button? Oh, yes. It is most sad. She and her husband were guests of the establishment. Yes, I know. The switchboard 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? 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 all a joke. Did you believe her? She was an American. Yeah, they're doing 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.

19:41Uh, if you wish a task was done. Do it yourself. Exactly. Well, I'd explained how she wound up at Maria Costa's apartment. She went there to kill her. Oh, it does not seem credible. I'll take my word for it. That's how it happened. All right, thanks a lot, Louise. I have been of some aid. No, indeed you have. Maybe I can make it up to you real soon. ["Many Things"] Hello? Matthew, did you say him? Yeah. Mike Wearing. Oh, what's your good word, Pappy? Look, I'm at the cot of metal. I just got through with the hotel deck. Uh, was 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. They found a purse right next to the body. Was there a gunner? No, everything else but passport, driver's license,

20:41$12 and change, and her keys to the hotel. What about Maria Costa? Oh, she wasn't in there either. I mean, have we been able to locate her? Uh, not yet. Well, look, we've got to find a Dixie. Go through our application at the embassy. You must have given the name of her close relatives. Maybe she's holding up with one of them. Oh, I'll get right on it. Good 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. You know, you can't beat these Portuguese hotels. If I knew my room came equipped with something like you. Stop right there. Say, isn't it an awfully big gun for little girls? I can manage. Please sit down. Oh, never. I will lady a standing. I insist. I just wanted to show you I never forget my manners. Your Maria Costa, aren't you? Yes. You've been giving us a lot of trouble, Maria.

21:43We'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? And who did? You. You're showing up here with a gun, proves it. You are absolutely correct. Well, I always say of two people share a secret that they know secrets. Is that what you always say? Well, I think the problem is easily resolved. If I should kill you, that would leave only one. Or now, wait a minute. If there is a fallacy in my logic, then you're I will be happy for you to point it out. I'll give you exactly one minute to try.

22:44And now back to the adventures of the Falcon. I don't know if you've ever been alone in the hotel room with a beautiful girl, but take my word for it. It's overrated, especially if she's shaperoned 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 Senor? Have you any final request? Yeah, I'd like to see Brooklyn again. Let Maria kill 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's 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. Yes, seems to me. It seems to me, Senor, you have exhausted your enlotted time. So if you will forgive me? Oh, no. Now what happened, Angel, a gunner fire?

23:46Don't be silly. No, you don't. We only allow one chance for a customer. Come on, drop it. All right, now sit over there, wife. Ask him in. You behave yourself. Since you're wearing? Ah, if it isn't Louis Meshado. Yeah, come on in, Louis. My visit is not inopportune. No, it was a matter of fact. Your timing couldn't have been better. Oh, but delayed? No, 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 will succeed yet. I wouldn't make book on it, Angel. Certainly not with this gun. The firing pin has gone. What? Am I right, Louis? Let me see. Oh, but yes, someone has fired it off. It would require a miracle for her to harm you with ease. Well, strictly between us, I don't think she was really fine. You're insane. Really, Senor? When she get it, Louis. She's in love with Steve Butler. So? So he can first a shield her. Now if she had just walked in here and did the same,

24:49what would have been my reaction? Of course, Senor. If 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. I tell you you are wrong. Just relax, Senor. Yeah, I do not understand. If she did not kill the senior or Butler, who did? Well, I'm glad you asked me that, Micheal, don't. 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? Who alone had the opportunity to follow her over to Maria's apartment and kill her there for the bundle? Who? You. Really, Senor? Now, now, don't be unhappy, Luis. You couldn't use that money anyway. It's not infamible.

25:49Where you're going, you'll need money to burn. Well, Dixie, it looks like my plane's all warmed up. And the drivetime on my way. I'll hold it, Pat. 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 detect your stories and radio programs? But don't you know in real life, the butter never does it? Ooh. So long, Dixie.