Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:58 — 6.6MB)
Pilot episode, written and directed by Willis Cooper, creator of Lights Out, Quiet Please, and others. Presents a series of cases based on real crimes, but fictionalized for radio. In the vane of other shows like Dragnet, or the Black Museum, the names have been changed, and the crimes are presented in a matter-of-fact style, and sometimes brutal reality.
From the archives of the Black Museum, a common gardening implement is introduced. A weed killer dispenser is described, and a case from 30 years earlier is presented. A box of chocolates was poisoned, and the local police believe Major Birdsong is the culprit, and any number of the household could have fallen victim. Why is Birdsong so suspicious? He’s a foreigner to Wales, and all the household staff are locals. Motives are explored. Could it relate to violent behavior, gossiping neighbors, debts, or something else?
What does Birdsong have to say for himself? Are mountains being made out of molehills? The local doctor, who would keep track of such controlled substance as arsenic claims that Birdsong was the only one to have bought any. What else might he contribute to the death of Birdsong’s wife.
The rash of arsenic poisoning keeps running rampant through the household. Connections between the poison, Birdsong, and the victims are made and he lands in jail. Is it going to be enough to hang him on? Will the jury decide it’s enough?
