Rex Stout, Helen Hayes, and William O. Douglas

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Maurice Dolbier introduces Rex Stout, author of the Nero Wolfe mysteries, the most recent of which was "The Doorbell Rang." The book's plot revolves around the actions of the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover. Stout makes it clear that he disagrees with Hoover's management of the organization and dismisses the actions of the FBI in general. He mentions several other organizations he should "go after," including the Roman Catholic church, the Boy Scouts, and the Ku Klux Klan. For more on Rex Stout, please visit http://www.wnyc.org/blogs/neh-preservation-project/2013/jan/07/rex-stout/

Next, Dolbier introduces Helen Hayes. She talks about trying to find a "comfortable position" as a writer. She found the experience satisfying - giving her a chance to "air out" her life. She promises to return to the stage as soon as someone offers her a good part in a play that doesn't depress her.

Finally, Justice William O. Douglas, Supreme Court Justice and author of the Wilderness Bill of Rights speaks. He has written many exciting books with an aim to protect the American wilderness. He speaks about the relationship of church and state in a constitutional democracy.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 71337
Municipal archives id: T1851