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“Murder in Studio One” From TODAY

May 19, 2022 /

This episode features a radio mystery titled Murder in Studio One, written by Norman Corwin, with performances by Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, and others. The story unfolds in a 1941 New York City radio station where a murder occurs, leading to a comedic investigation.

The main character, Inspector Cameo Clough, portrayed by Hoda Kotb, investigates the murder of radio announcer Van Krimp. Alongside her assistant Minerva Hammersmith, played by Savannah Guthrie, they gather clues and interview various suspects, including the coroner Dr. Bumbridge and the psychic Astrid Breeze.

As the investigation progresses, they discover that Van Krimp was poisoned with a substance called Insidium, which leads to humorous exchanges and misunderstandings among the characters. The narrative includes a mix of witty dialogue and comedic elements, showcasing the characters' quirks.

Ultimately, the story culminates in a reveal where Minerva Hammersmith confesses to the murder, driven by her loyalty to the Brooklyn Dodgers and anger at Van Krimp's comments about the team. The episode concludes with a light-hearted tone, emphasizing the absurdity of the situation.

This production is a blend of mystery and comedy, featuring a talented cast and engaging writing, making it a unique auditory experience.

TLDR

A comedic radio mystery where Inspector Clough investigates the murder of announcer Van Krimp, revealing unexpected motives and a humorous confession.

Episode

38:05
00:00:00
Audible Originals and the Today Show present Murder in Studio One, written by Norman Corwin.
00:00:08
Hello, I'm your narrator, speaking to you from Studio One, a radio station here in New York City.
00:00:31
The year is 1941. I'll turn up later to guide you through the ins and outs of this labyrinth mystery.
00:00:40
But first, a quick introduction to this evening's players. Are you ready? The role of Inspector Cameo Clough will be portrayed by Hoda Kotbain.
00:01:00
The one and only Savannah Guthrie steps in as her faithful sidekick, Minerva Hammersmith.
00:01:16
Kerry Sanders plays Glenn Slope, our studio's ever-present fix-it man. Then there's Tom Yamas.
00:01:26
He's our man in blue, Lieutenant O'Hanrahan. The divine Chanel Jones. Plays the psychic.
00:01:36
Astrid Reeves. The coroner. Crucial to all murder mysteries would be Craig Melvin.
00:01:46
Al Roker is Elvin Raffa. He, as you know, is a radio up-and-comer who everybody wishes would just go home.
00:01:56
And here she is, Stephanie Rule, who plays the no-nonsense radio writer Miss Felice Fothergill.
00:02:04
The very brainy Peter Alexander is the uber-intelligent Professor Wilmington Frumick.
00:02:11
The lovely Jenna Bush Hager is our ingenue. That is Pete Thieme. And finally, Harry Smith is this.
00:02:21
Harry is the stuffiest of stuffed shirts The station's sponsor, Humphrey J. Plimsoll
00:02:30
Hmm, thank you Now, without further ado, we bring you Murder in Studio One Thank you.
00:03:21
No, no, oh, oh, no. Now just calm down, calm down and take it easy. You act as though something terrible's happened.
00:03:46
It is terrible. This is awful. This is the worst thing to ever happen to radio. Don't get so excited about it.
00:03:54
Where's the body? Right here. Poor, poor Van Krim. How long has he been dead? I don't know.
00:04:03
Only yesterday I was... Wait, wait, wait, wait. What's that paper he's got in his hand?
00:04:09
It looks like a piece of script to me. Let me read this thing. Audible and the Today Show present...
00:04:17
What is Audible? and today, anyway, presents a mystery melodrama entitled Murder in Studio One,
00:04:26
written by Norman Corwin and starring Hoda Khabobi as Cameo Cloth. Can you imagine Hoda Khabobi as Cameo Cloth?
00:04:39
Who's Cameo Cloth? That's me, you idiot. Haven't you ever heard of Inspector Cameo Cloth?
00:04:46
Well, no. You see, I'm just a maintenance man in the studio building here, and I'm just...
00:04:53
Maintenance or no maintenance, don't you realize that I am the expert who solved the Purple Opal murder?
00:05:00
And the strange case of the fedora? And the incident of the checkered pajamas? Well, no, ma'am. I just, I had really no...
00:05:09
Well, I am. And to be perfectly frank, I shouldn't be fooling around with a small potato of a case like this one.
00:05:17
I should say hot potato. Ma'am, considering who Van Krimp was. Who? Poor Van Krimp.
00:05:23
Who was Van Krimp? Why, the most important radio announcer in the country. He was?
00:05:30
I'll make a note of that, but for heaven's sakes. Why isn't my secretary here to take notes?
00:05:37
Where is everybody? Why am I always the first on the scene of the crime, even before the coroner?
00:05:43
Hereafter, I am going to take more time. It is improper for a detective, as distinguished as I am,
00:05:51
to show up before anybody else. That is not the way they do it in the movies No I agree that ain how it done but poor Van Krimp All I really want is to be left alone to finish my research on the lepidepriology
00:06:07
of ancient Persia and play the horses. But no, every fortnight, somebody turns up with a new mystery.
00:06:15
It's ridiculous. I've solved enough murder mysteries to start a radio series. I'll tell you.
00:06:21
I mean, I'll just tell... Hey, boys. I'm looking all over for you. Big miter case just broke.
00:06:28
It's about time you showed up. This is Mr. Slope, who works around here, and this is Minnie, who never works around anywhere.
00:06:36
Yeah, okay, what's this big murder case you say just broke? A guy named Ben Crimp found mitered in a radio station.
00:06:43
They've been calling you on the phone ever since. You wouldn't mean the murderer in Studio One, would you?
00:06:47
Yeah, that's it. How do you know? What studio do you suppose this is? is this studio one
00:06:55
ah joke's on me that's a hot one where's the stiff on the dead side of the studio
00:07:04
right here dead side that's a good one why do they call it the dead side because sound is dead on that side of course
00:07:14
make a note of that Minnie make a note okie doke that ain't all that's dead on that side though
00:07:18
what a gag Well, here's the body, ma'am. He was such a nice fellow. Being crimp.
00:07:28
So I rush up here to tell you there's been a murder in this studio. Well, the joke's on me, huh?
00:07:34
That's a laugh, all right. Manny, stop enjoying yourself long enough to find out what is delaying Lieutenant O'Hanrahan and the coroner.
00:07:42
Ring up headquarters and ask when they... Nope, never mind. Here they are now. Here they are, cameo now.
00:07:47
Beat us to it again. Elementary deduction, my dear Lieutenant O'Hanrahan Miss Clough, this is Dr. Lionel Bumbridge, the coroner
00:07:56
Mrs. Minerva Habersmith, Miss Clough's secretary And this is Astrid Breeze She's the psychic
00:08:05
How do you do? She solved the Congressional Investigation Committee murder And the case of the missing case
00:08:11
How do you do? How do you do? Lieutenant, why did you call me on this case if you've got Miss Breeze?
00:08:18
Are you auditioning detectives? No, Breeze is a consultant, right? Ain't that right, Breeze?
00:08:24
Oh, I sense death. Especially over here. You mean the body? So make a note of that cameo.
00:08:35
No, don't bother, Lieutenant. I am resigning from the Van Crimp case, effective immediately.
00:08:42
Now I'm sensing a fear of failure, insecurity, early retirement, What kind of double talk you call that?
00:08:51
Oddly enough, she can't sense a knuckle sandwich. Please don't leave the case, Cameo.
00:08:56
You want crime to triumph? Crime don't pay. Poor Van Krimp. Only just last Monday he was telling me...
00:09:05
All right, all right. I'll stick with the case, but it's against all my principles.
00:09:09
Good. That's the stuff, Cameo. That's the spirit. Yeah, well, let's get down to business.
00:09:14
What is that paper sticking out of Van Krimp's side pocket? Looks like it's got, uh, typing on it.
00:09:21
It looks like a commercial announcement. Let me see this. Don't forget to remember to insist on the name Fudgy Cream
00:09:31
for a real honest-to-goodness creamy, delicious, wholesome, tempting, tangy, healthful, different, appetizing, mellow-rich,
00:09:40
lusciously nourishing, energizing, irresistibly fragrant, refreshing, crunchy. He was supposed to read that tonight at 9 o'clock.
00:09:49
Well, he's better off this way. Now, Dr. Bumbridge, we've seen you poking around there long enough.
00:09:56
Have you determined the cause of death? Oddly enough, the victim was not killed violently.
00:10:02
Very strange. Yes, it is strange. The evidence points to strangulation, but there isn't a mark of any kind to indicate the manner of strangulation.
00:10:13
Minnie, make a note of that. Okay, do. I take it, Doctor, that you have completed your examination?
00:10:19
Except for autopsy. Are you through for the present? Yes, ma'am. But you haven't used your stethoscope to examine the corpse, Dr. Bumbridge.
00:10:28
Why is that? Surely, Miss Clough, you are joking. Make a note of that, Minnie. Doctor, I am not joking.
00:10:37
But you know that a coroner never examines stethoscopically. When I arrive, it is not to examine a patient.
00:10:45
Don't hand me platitudes at a time like this. So once again, may I suggest you use your stethoscope?
00:10:53
This is preposterous. Specifically in the area of the duodenum. Absolute medicines.
00:11:00
The man is dead. Why'd you do what you told you, Joy? Just leave this to me, Minnie.
00:11:05
I'll handle the repartee and you just stick to your shorthand. Okie doke, just trying to help.
00:11:09
And besides, it's jerk, not joik. Very well. Very well. If it will humor you any, Miss Klopp,
00:11:16
I will listen to his pulse and respiration, which ceased at least two hours ago.
00:11:25
Why, only yesterday, Van Krimp was going to tell me that he was doing commercials for Miracle Beer.
00:11:32
He says to me, Lem, he says, you know what? Well, Dr. Bumbridge, what do you hear?
00:11:38
Nothing Nothing No, nothing Then why, sir, are you so pale? I'm not well, I guess
00:11:50
Here, here, give me the stethoscope I'm gonna listen for myself Can I see that sir Thank thank you Hmm just as I thought
00:12:05
Lieutenant, listen to this. Let me see this. Mm-hmm. Nah, I can't believe it. Well, what is it?
00:12:20
Don't keep us on tenterhooks. Well, it's a quartet. It's music. They're singing music.
00:12:26
What kind of music? It's my favorite song, the boogly-woogly piggy. Are they swinging it?
00:12:32
Yeah, it's swinging loud. Well, would the Honorable Miss Breeze care to listen? Thank you so much.
00:12:39
I feel it now. I feel it now. This man had a love for music. Are you kidding? Perhaps the ever-perceptive Miss Breeze can advance the theory at this point.
00:12:52
the past, the present, tomorrow, of the week. Give over, Miss Breeze. Let me listen.
00:13:03
Hmm. How's this thing going? You gotta just put it on. Have you an explanation for this cameo?
00:13:09
I'm lost. Simple. Now they're singing Maisie. Maisie. I'm Maisie. You're driving me crazy.
00:13:20
Come away from there, Minnie. Come away from there. Come away from there. Now, it's obvious.
00:13:25
It's obvious. Van Krimp was murdered by the administration of a dose of deadly poison, Insidium.
00:13:34
But how can you tell without an autopsy? I am coming to that bum bridge. And when I get there, you'll do well to have an explanation for your strange report of not hearing anything.
00:13:46
Now, as I was saying, insidium is a newly discovered poison, the effect of which is to choke off the oxygen supply of the blood, while at the same time producing a mood of profound cynicism in the victim.
00:14:02
Cynicism? Yes. Observe. Look at Van Krimp. He died with a sneer on his face. Why, so he did.
00:14:11
But how does that explain all the music coming from his duodenum? Simple. Insidium is a radioactive substance.
00:14:18
It gathers in the duodenum, and it sets up a sort of receiving station for radio waves
00:14:24
and other electrical impulses. It acts like a crystal set, you might say. She knows to stop there, boys, doesn't she?
00:14:30
Miss Clough, this poison you speak of is unknown to medical science. So how do you...
00:14:37
Quite so, doctor, but there are only three persons in this country who have studied it.
00:14:43
And I, I'm one of them. I finished writing a paper on the subject. Cameo, I gotta hand it to you.
00:14:50
You solved this mystery. Now we have to find the murderer. I mean, you certainly are so...
00:14:56
Wait, what'd you say? In the meantime, Lieutenant, I suggest you place Dr. Bumbridge
00:15:03
under arrest for suspicious conduct. Now wait a minute! Oh, poor Van Krimp. Also, detain Mr. Slope,
00:15:11
who's been mourning Van Crimp just a little too hard to suit me. You too. But I'm only the studio maintenance man.
00:15:20
I was only... Also, any others who profess to know Van Crimp intimately? Hey, how you doing?
00:15:29
Hey, there. Good to see you. Hello, Bert. Am I in the right studio? Is this studio one?
00:15:34
Yeah, it is. And what do you want? Well, I have an appointment to see Van Crimp, the announcer.
00:15:38
By golly, I'm just on time. What is your name? Well, you mean to say you don't know me?
00:15:44
Well, my name is Elwyn Rappel, tops and tenors, singing nightly at Oil's Place, Route 22,
00:15:49
where frolics begin, no cover, no men. I've got a lot of flashy, dramatic routines.
00:15:54
Young, sober, we'll go anywhere. Well, where do you think you're going now? Well, you mean to say, you're asking me if I'm going places?
00:16:00
Well, that's probably what you mean. However, decking down the series, what I'm saying to you is, where am I going now?
00:16:05
Well, as a matter of fact, Van Krimp is a great booster of mine, and a real happy doodle dandy kind of chap.
00:16:10
He came out to Ale's place to get some South Shell crab that they feature along with my singing.
00:16:14
And he told me not to fail when I was in town next time to drop in on it. So, you're a good friend of Graham Van Crimson, are you?
00:16:21
Oh, am I a good friend of his? Why, I say I'd give him the shite right off my back.
00:16:25
He's way up there with the best of them. He's right at the top. He's a sky-high guy.
00:16:28
Nobody like him. You mean he's out of this world? Right. Right as rain. Do you recognize who's lying there on the floor?
00:16:37
Oh, absolutely. Oh, absolutely. Good old Van Crimp, tough break. Well, I see you folks need a little cheering up, and I'm just the guy to do it for you.
00:16:47
That's right, I like to sing. Always glad to be of service to my fellow man. I tell you, folks, a smile is a great thing.
00:16:53
You remember that old song? A smile will take it there and by. Okay, okay, let's take your smiling outside.
00:17:00
Come on, let's get your lost one. You're making a big mistake here. Hey, hey, ma'am, you look like you've got a good ear.
00:17:05
Yeah, you're a pain in it. Now go on home, sir. I can tell you have a dandy ear, and I get the boy and girl angle on this one.
00:17:12
All right, here we go. Glad to do it, too. All right, come on, Big Mouth. We've got to go.
00:17:16
Let's go. I've got to do my song, man. All right, all right, all right. Now, we are rid of him.
00:17:25
We're rid of him, and I suggest we go about our business. There are a number of people I want to see.
00:17:30
Noted. In the meantime, I suggest Van Krimpe be given a decent autopsy and a burial
00:17:36
so he can stop receiving the boogly-woogly piggy and mazy and other programs under the same wavelength.
00:17:46
So you think you've got it solved? Don't be too sure. We reveal more clues when we return to Murder in Studio One
00:18:07
So, you've decided to stick around. Is the curiosity killing you? Perhaps that's what happened to our unfortunate stiff here.
00:18:20
Or was something more sinister afoot? Let us find out as we return to Murder in Studio One.
00:18:31
Cameo and her assistant head to Central Park to digest the facts of the case and some hot dogs.
00:18:41
Well, boys, here's the evidence and the mustard you wanted. Well done, men. Now, take us down.
00:18:47
Van Krimp was poisoned sometime during the late afternoon of October 7th. Insidium can kill if it touches the tongue and it takes about a half hour to work.
00:19:00
The victim feels fine until it strikes and then it's all over in one minute. That's right.
00:19:06
That's what it says in your paper on the subject. Very good. Now, when this poison took effect, Van Krimp was in the studio.
00:19:13
Otherwise, the receptionist outside Studio One would have been aware of the body being carried in.
00:19:19
Yeah, that's right. They don't usually carry bodies in and out of the studio, no.
00:19:22
Okay, so that means Van Krimp either crawled or was dragged unnoticed behind the portable screen at the dead end of the studio, and there expired.
00:19:32
So far, so good, yeah. Yeah, there were three different programs, either rehearsing or broadcasting, while Van Krimp was in Studio One on the afternoon of the 7th.
00:19:42
All right, the Science Talk by Professor Whitington-Thromach. The Adventures of Zaza Zealous.
00:19:47
And the Rowdy Rhythm Goyles. Yes, each must be investigated. I also see the sponsor of Van Krimp's Snap and Zip variety show, Mr. Plimsoll.
00:19:59
I understand he quarreled with Van Krimp the day before he was murdered. Yeah, sure, Plimsoll.
00:20:04
His wife died of tomaine poisoning last year. Mmm, most curious. Put that down, too.
00:20:09
Now, first, we must see Professor Thrummack. A few minutes later in Professor Thrummack's laboratory.
00:20:29
But I tell you, Miss Clough, I only met the man once. And that was at a poker game?
00:20:34
Why, yes, to be sure it was at a poker game at his home in Brooklyn. That's where I live, Brooklyn, the land of the freedom, the home of the Dodgers.
00:20:42
What do you see, our boys next year? You lost heavily to Van Krimp that night. Yes, that's true.
00:20:47
And you promised to pay up before November 1st. Yes. And you also lost a telephone bet on the World Series to him.
00:20:55
Yes. Now, Professor Thrummack, you are a scientist and you lecture on the radio.
00:21:01
Yes, ma'am. You also happen to be one of the three persons in this country who know the secret of Insidium.
00:21:08
Why, yes, yes, I do, but... And, Professor, we'll be all for present. The duo is now at the Algonquin Bar,
00:21:24
questioning Felice Fothergill, author of the Zaza cereal, The Night is Dark, but She is Already Lit.
00:21:33
Yes, I write the adventures of Zaza the Zealous So what? Well, Miss Father Grill
00:21:44
Your stories are very imaginative in a macabre sort of way, aren't they? So what? Yes, they are
00:21:52
Van Krimp once told you publicly that he thought your stories stink So what? And you replied that he'd feel sorry one day for what he said
00:22:01
You also called him an overbearing snob and a stuffed shirt and an exhibitionist who ought to be put out of circulation.
00:22:10
Which he was. So what? You accused him of standing around waiting for people to ask for his autograph.
00:22:17
He would rather sign an autograph than eat. So what? That's what I'm asking you.
00:22:23
Then keep on asking. That is what I intend to do. Listen up, Klops. I'm going to sue you for disturbing my peace of mind.
00:22:36
I am a very, very busy woman, and I'll sue you too, you little squirt, taking notes on everything I say.
00:22:42
Do you hear me? Do you hear me? Don't write that down. Don't write that down. Cameo and Minnie tracked down Gladys
00:23:01
At the one place she's sure to be every Sunday May's Clip and Curl Yes, I was Van Cripp's girl
00:23:14
And you sing on the Rowdy Rhythm Girls Program, Miss Pinckney? Yes, I do And you saw him in the studio the day of the murder?
00:23:24
No, no, I didn't. I didn't see him. I tell you I didn't. She says she didn't. Well, you saw him the night before.
00:23:34
Yes, we had a party. Okay, he was in his home. He was very happy about winning a big, big bet.
00:23:43
Later, we went down to Kelly's cabin for a drink. He was very boisterous. and I quarreled with him.
00:23:51
Oh, so you quarreled, did you? No, no, it's not what you suspected. It was only...
00:23:56
Was he sober? Oh, yes, he never dreamed. Mmm, that's all for now, sister. The investigation continues on the factory floor of
00:24:15
Plimsoll Zippers and Snaps. Oh, it's fine. Come on. What about that, Mr. Plimsoll?
00:24:37
Well, you know, I'm surprised that you should ask such a question. Mr. Klopp, Ms. Klopp, I've always enjoyed the most cordial relations with my employees
00:24:46
and all those members of my wonderful little family who represent society-selected snaps
00:24:52
and zips, manufacturing company on the air. And that includes good old Van Krimp, too.
00:24:58
May he rest in peace, poor and rat. But you had sharp words with him the day of the murder, yeah?
00:25:04
Well, I am surprised, though, that my employees have... You know, I like to surprise them with little surprises, like,
00:25:11
now you take this year. The folks are expecting a bonus this year, but I've got something up my sleeve far better than a bonus,
00:25:17
and when they get in step with this thing, they're going to be pepped up good and plenty, that's for sure.
00:25:22
It's a friendly Christmas plan. All an employee has to do is save his slips, that he's issues,
00:25:27
That is providing, of course, he has been with the firm for a minimum of 19 years.
00:25:32
And if the slips are okay by the foreman and division superintendent, then they're put through the verifier and checked by any competent notary public.
00:25:40
They are then issued to the board, and the employee simply waits his turn. This, of course, is a matter of out of 10 days clearing.
00:25:46
Go on. This is positively spine-chilling. It is terrific, isn't it? Then there's simply a thorough medical examination.
00:25:53
if the employee passes, he is entitled to A, a choice of half a day off, or B, one half of 1% discount on articles purchased at the factory commissary.
00:26:05
I found it always pays to search for methods of establishing warmer relationships
00:26:09
between myself and my employees. And wouldn't you agree? There are crimes worse than murder, Minnie.
00:26:15
So, who's the scoundrel with blood on his hands? We'll reveal the culprit of the murder in Studio One when we return.
00:26:42
The suspects have been questioned. their stories less than convincing. Now it's time to reveal
00:26:50
who killed poor old Van Crimp. Cameo and Minnie regroup outside Studio One. Is everybody here, Minnie?
00:27:10
Yeah, all the suspects is inside, including Lieutenant O'Hanrahan in the District Attorney,
00:27:14
if you want to call them suspects. Stranger things have happened. I also got it. Mr. Elwin Rappel.
00:27:20
What a smack! He's like a cartoon in the New Yorker! Very well Let go in and clear up this mystery Yeah let go in Good evening everybody
00:27:44
I am so sorry, especially you, to upset your plans for the evening, but there's a little
00:27:50
matter of a murder to clear up, and then you can all go home, all but one, because the
00:27:58
murderer is in this room. What? I don't want to swallow my cigar. Stop trembling, Mr. Plimsoll.
00:28:09
You're making all the other guests nervous. I don't want to swallow this thing. No, that's for sure.
00:28:15
That's okay. They say the ashes is good for the teeth. If you don't mind, Ms. Hammersmith, I'll conduct the investigation.
00:28:22
Yeah, okay, okay, they're just trying to help. Hey, if anybody needs any help, I'll be glad to do it, glad to do it.
00:28:26
You know, I've got this new song that's going to come along. Okay, okay, thank you.
00:28:30
Just sit quiet and continue to pick your teeth. Now, let's begin with you, Dr. Bumbridge.
00:28:37
I'm innocent! I'm innocent! You can't prove a thing! When you heard the boogly-woogly song come out of Ent Crimp, you wanted to keep it to yourself.
00:28:45
You could have offered your earphones to confirm the findings, but you chose not to.
00:28:51
Whom were you trying to shield? Nobody. You see, I was so shocked by the music. You were shocked?
00:28:59
A coroner? Shocked? Make a note of that, men. Noted. All right, now to you, Mr. Repel.
00:29:07
I just serve us with a smile. You are a top tenner, but you were also low man on an assault with intent to murder charge in Texas in 1932.
00:29:19
Oh, right as rain, gotta admit it too, but I've changed since then. And now I find that a smile makes you smile.
00:29:25
You want to sing a... You didn't tell us before that you went to the fourth game of the World Series with Van Krimp
00:29:32
and rooted for Brooklyn while he cheered for the Yankees and that you both got into an argument about Joe DiMaggio.
00:29:40
Well, right, right you are. But now Van Krimp said... Never mind. Mr. Slope, you looked upon Van Krimp as almost a son, didn't you?
00:29:48
I loved the boy. Whenever he was in trouble, I would just sort of... You know, he did have a habit of touching the point of a pencil to his tongue when writing.
00:29:58
Yeah, I often urged him to correct that habit. I told him it was unhygienic. It certainly was.
00:30:06
It may or may not come as a surprise to you to learn that Van Krimp died as the result of touching his tongue to a pencil whose point had been dipped in insidium.
00:30:17
That is all for the moment, Slope. Thank you. Now, Professor Thromark, you had a long and furtive talk with Mr. Slope after your program on the day Van Krimp died and in the same studio where the act was committed.
00:30:33
We talked about atoms and molecules. I see. You realize that one of your favorite brands of pencils was found in the restaurant downstairs that day?
00:30:42
I always sign my checks there. Do you always dip your pencil in poison? But no, I didn't. I didn't dip it in poison.
00:30:50
I see. Now Miss Father Girl you told us that you were gonna So what Well maybe you right Now Miss Pinckney over to you
00:31:07
No, no, I tell you, I didn't do anything. Take it easy, Cookie. All she said was, now, Miss Pinckney.
00:31:17
Before Van Crimp went upstairs to Studio One, he was seen giving his autograph to a lot of girls in the lobby of the station.
00:31:23
Yeah. And you, you, you, were looking on very jealously. Yes, fine. I was furious with him.
00:31:32
He was flirting with those girls. He sure was a mile a minute, too. And you, Miss Pinkney, already angry with him
00:31:39
because of his behavior at Kelly's Tavern in Brooklyn the night before. You, you turned on your heel and you stomped out.
00:31:46
She turned on a heel, all right. No editorial comment, Minerva, okay? Is it true what I just said, Miss Pinkney?
00:31:52
Yes! Very well. Now, I am ready to reveal the murderer. Take notes on everything I say, Minnie.
00:32:04
Okay, okie doke. The murderer of Cornelius Van Krimp is Minerva Hammersmith. Are you kidding?
00:32:16
Minnie, a little while ago when I remarked to Miss Pinckney that Van Crimp was flirting with autograph seekers on the day of his death, you remarked that he was.
00:32:27
To coin a phrase, so what? So what were you doing there? Observing how the other half lives.
00:32:34
I thought so. It was up to you that I dictated my paper on Insidium, therefore you knew the properties of the poison.
00:32:43
Particularly your property as far as I'm concerned. And you let it slip that the opinion that you have of Van Krimp was a heel.
00:32:51
Check. He lived in Brooklyn, where you've lived all your life, and it's known that he rooted for the Yankees in the recent World Series
00:32:58
at witness to the argument with Repel and his wager with Thrummock. Go on, you're getting hot.
00:33:04
Van Krimp celebrated on the night of October 6th at Kelly's Tavern. He was delighted because the afternoon the Dodgers had lost to the Yankees
00:33:12
when the catcher dropped that third strike on what should have been an easy play at the end of the game.
00:33:17
Go on. This is strangely fascinating. You were at the Tavern that night. How do you know that?
00:33:25
Well, it was your only day off that month, and so... Yeah, you're telling me. Next day, you showed up to work with a new-style matchbook from the Tavern.
00:33:33
You, a loyal Dodger fan, were infuriated because Van Crimp, also a native of Brooklyn,
00:33:39
had turned traitor to the team. So the next day, you... This is not far enough. Sure.
00:33:47
I murdered Van Krimp. I picked up Thormick's pencil, which he left in the restaurant,
00:33:54
and dipped it in a spot of insidium, and then I asked Van Krimp for his autograph,
00:33:58
and he put it to his tongue, as I'd seen him do once before. You did? Yep, I murdered him.
00:34:02
And I'd do it again, too. You mean if you met Van Krimp in another life? Anywhere, anytime, including the Bronx.
00:34:09
Minnie, Minnie, why did you do such a terrible thing? I don't mind a Brooklyn citizen rooting for the Yankees.
00:34:16
That's bad enough. I say it's live and let live, though. That's my motto. Well, with one notable exception.
00:34:21
Yeah, but insults is another thing. Do you want to know what Van Cripps said that night at the tavern?
00:34:26
He says them Dodgers are bushleaguers with illusions of grandeur He says may they go back to the second division where they belong and never rear their ugly heads again And then he says get this may all their children drop thoid strikes
00:34:41
Men, men, if you'd only told me. Did my gorge rise. He says, the only way to explain
00:34:50
the Dodgers winning the pennant this year is sunspots. Him, a resident of Brooklyn.
00:34:57
And then he says, it's another, if it's another 21 years before Brooklyn finishes in the foist division,
00:35:02
which it will be at least, that'll be too soon for me. He says, coist them bums.
00:35:08
He says they never was no good, and they never will be. That's what he says. The man was a monster.
00:35:14
I knew then that Van Cramp was a traitor to his country and to mankind. I knew he'd have to go.
00:35:19
It was a far, far better thing I'd done for Brooklyn. Minnie, I understand. I understand, and I sympathize.
00:35:25
But believe me, it is with reluctance and a heavy heart that I turn you over to the district attorney.
00:35:32
I saw my duty, and I've done it. Okie doke, boss. No hot feelings. Nobody can pull off the perfect crime, but I come close.
00:35:43
I feel certain, though, men, that no jury in the world would convict you, except possibly in St. Louis, which fortunately has no jurisdiction in this case.
00:35:51
Officer O'Hanrahan, the prisoner is yours. I am honored to take such a distinguished prisoner into custody.
00:35:58
Thanks, Blackfoot. Things are going to be different next year. You'll see. Yeah, Minnie.
00:36:03
Things is going to be different. This has been an Audible Original produced by Audible Originals
00:36:28
and The Today Show written by Norman Corwin directed by Robin Singler starring Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie,
00:36:37
Carrie Sanders, Tom Yamas, Chanel Jones, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Keith Morrison,
00:36:44
Stephanie Rule, Peter Alexander, Jenna Bush Hager, and Harry Smith. Piano performed by D.D. Jackson.
00:36:54
Live Foley Art performed by Lear Leary with assistance from Dylan Dreyer. Executive Producers, Kate Navin and Robin Sindler.
00:37:03
Producer, Frankie De La Vega Associate Producer, Emily Barclay Theatrical sound design by Jason Crystal
00:37:12
Audio recording and production by Jeff Dudzik Senior Vice President, Head of Audible Studios
00:37:20
Zola Masariki Executive Vice President, Head of U.S. Content Rachel Giazza Vice President of Audible Studios
00:37:30
Mike Charczyk Murder in Studio One was recorded in April 2022 live at the Mineta Lane Theater
00:37:39
under the management of Margaret Cotter. Copyright 1941 by Norman Corwin. Sound recording copyright 2022
00:37:50
by AO Media, LLC. We hope you've enjoyed our little mystery. Thanks for listening.
00:38:01
Thank you.

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Episode Highlights

  • Murder in Studio One Begins
    The stage is set for a thrilling radio mystery featuring a star-studded cast.
    “Now, without further ado, we bring you Murder in Studio One”
    @ 02m 36s
    May 19, 2022
  • The Body is Discovered
    Tension rises as the characters discover the body of Van Krimp, a prominent radio announcer.
    “Where's the body? Right here.”
    @ 03m 54s
    May 19, 2022
  • The Poisoning Revealed
    Inspector Cameo Clough deduces that Van Krimp was murdered with a mysterious poison, Insidium.
    “Van Krimp was murdered by the administration of a dose of deadly poison, Insidium.”
    @ 13m 26s
    May 19, 2022
  • Suspicion Falls on the Coroner
    Cameo suspects the coroner of suspicious conduct in the investigation.
    “I suggest you place Dr. Bumbridge under arrest for suspicious conduct.”
    @ 15m 03s
    May 19, 2022
  • The Investigation Deepens
    Cameo and her assistant continue to uncover clues about Van Krimp's murder.
    “So, who's the scoundrel with blood on his hands?”
    @ 26m 13s
    May 19, 2022
  • The Murderer Revealed
    Minerva Hammersmith is revealed as the murderer of Cornelius Van Krimp.
    “The murderer of Cornelius Van Krimp is Minerva Hammersmith.”
    @ 32m 05s
    May 19, 2022

Episode Quotes

  • This is the worst thing to ever happen to radio.
    “Murder in Studio One” From TODAY
  • Crime don't pay.
    “Murder in Studio One” From TODAY
  • Cynicism?
    “Murder in Studio One” From TODAY
  • So, who's the scoundrel with blood on his hands?
    “Murder in Studio One” From TODAY
  • I don't want to swallow my cigar.
    “Murder in Studio One” From TODAY
  • The man was a monster.
    “Murder in Studio One” From TODAY

Key Moments

  • Character Introductions00:45
  • Body Discovery03:54
  • Poison Reveal13:26
  • Investigation Continues24:11
  • Murderer Revealed32:05
  • Tension Peaks34:01
  • Final Confession35:14

Tension Over Time

Words per Minute Over Time

Vibes Breakdown