The Westland Case 1937

A seasoned defense attorney named Charlie Frazee receives a mysterious anonymous note suggesting that Robert Westland, a man on death row, might actually be innocent of the wife-murder for which he was convicted. Taking the note seriously, Frazee decides to investigate further and hires private detectives Bill Crane and Doc Williams to look into the case. The sympathetic Warden grants the trio full access to the prison for the six days remaining before Westland’s scheduled execution, allowing them to conduct their investigation thoroughly and gather crucial evidence.

However, the investigation quickly plunges into perilous territory. The anonymous informant who sent the note is tragically murdered in broad daylight, shot in a bustling restaurant, which underscores the dangerous stakes involved. Further complicating things, Westland’s personal accountant, who was on the verge of revealing evidence that could prove Westland’s innocence, is also killed—this time in a hit-and-run incident. These murders seem designed to suppress the truth and indicate an active conspiracy aimed at sealing Westland’s fate.

As the detectives dig deeper, they encounter a chaotic scene at the apartment tied to the case. It has been hurriedly rented out to blonde party girl Agatha Hogan, who becomes a focal point of suspicion, especially since all three investigators are immediately taken with her charm. Her elderly aunt, who shares the apartment, remains wary and disapproving of her visitor, adding further tension to the situation.

Part of the mystery involves tracking down the murder weapon, a distinctive British-made Webley pistol of a unique caliber. The original Webley belonging to Westland has gone missing, presumed to be the murder weapon. To trace it, Crane employs an unconventional strategy—hiring a cab driver to take multiple routes to a specific location, a bridge overlooking the river, where someone might have disposed of the gun. The plan pays off when a diver recovers a different Webley pistol from the river, which is later traced back to a Joliet, Illinois, firearm firm. The firm’s records reveal that the pistol was purchased by a client who tried it out at their range, providing a crucial lead.

Ballistics expert Major Lee analyzes the recovered weapon and confirms it as the murder weapon due to the unique slugs it fired. With just fifteen minutes remaining before Westland’s scheduled execution, Crane pieces together the puzzle and identifies Richard Bolston, Westland’s business partner, as the murderer. Additionally, he uncovers that Westland’s secretary, Bentine, was secretly his wife and confederate, involved in the cover-up.

The motive for the crime is revealed to be financial treachery: Bolston had been counterfeiting bonds to salvage his faltering business, and he feared the impending discovery of his illicit activities—an audit that the accountant’s death inadvertently triggered. This evidence turns the case around, leading to Westland’s rightful release and freedom.

As Westland departs with the steadfast girlfriend, Emily Lou, who had unwaveringly supported him, a surprising turn occurs when Charlie Frazee—the once skeptical attorney—leaves with the alluring Agatha Hogan, hinting at new beginnings amidst the chaos. The story concludes with the revelation that justice has been served, thanks to determined investigators and a web of deception finally unraveled.