Originally Aired: March 7, 1950
Philo Vance #87, "Church Murder Case," a wealthy businessman named Mr. Church invites his assistant Paul to his isolated home late one evening, ostensibly to sign some important papers. What begins as a routine business matter quickly turns unsettling when Church subjects the young man to cruel practical jokes, including an exploding cigar and a hand buzzer. Church seems to take perverse pleasure in Paul's discomfort, laughing at his reactions and claiming these old gags still work wonderfully.
The evening takes an even darker turn when Church confronts Paul about discrepancies in the company books. He accuses either Paul or Miss Kraft, another employee, of embezzling a substantial sum of money over the past six months. Despite Paul's protests, Church cryptically warns him not to worry about the stolen money, saying he has plenty of time to decide what to do about it. The ominous conversation leaves Paul shaken as he prepares to leave the lonely house, unaware of the sinister events that will soon unfold.