THE BLIND MAN AND THE COP KILLER and LOUIS SPENCE CASE RICHARD DIAMOND PI

Summary

1001 Radio Crime Solvers – Episode Summary

Episode: THE BLIND MAN AND THE COP KILLER and THE LOUIS SPENCE CASE (Richard Diamond, PI)
Date: August 31, 2025
Host: Jon Hagadorn
Starring (Original Radio Cast): Dick Powell as Richard Diamond
Runtime: Two radio mysteries – “The Blind Man and the Cop Killer” and “The Louis Spence Case”
Theme: Classic hard-boiled radio detective drama, exploring truth, loyalty, morality, and psychological tension in urban crime tales.

---

Episode Overview

This episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers presents two classic episodes from the Richard Diamond, Private Detective radio series. The first case, “The Blind Man and the Cop Killer,” features Diamond swept into an investigation when an old blind acquaintance seeks his help in the wake of a police officer’s murder. The second, “The Louis Spence Case,” thrusts Diamond into a police station lockdown as a vengeful ex-convict threatens mass destruction with a bomb, providing a tense psychological showdown.

These stories blend sharp dialogue, hard-boiled humor, and tense procedural work, showcasing the golden age of audio drama.

---

Case 1: The Blind Man and the Cop Killer

Main Plot (01:04 – 30:00)

• Setup:
  • Richard Diamond opens with a tongue-in-cheek introduction to his detective agency:

    “Diamond Detective Agency. If your husband’s dead and you pull the trigger, Diamond will help. But the fee is bigger.” (02:09)

  • Diamond is called by Pop Scolds, a blind pencil seller and old acquaintance. Pop is deeply troubled and asks Diamond to visit him on the waterfront soon.
• Inciting Incident:
  • As Diamond prepares to see Pop, he learns from Lt. Walt Levinson that a police officer (Bill Walton)—an old friend—was shot and killed right outside the building (05:00).
• Police Investigation:
  • Witnesses give conflicting accounts of the killer—one (Arthur Phillips, insurance man) describes a tall man in a brown suit and hat, another (Mrs. Walker) sees a short, dark man. Both saw Pop nearby (08:03).
  • Pop’s past as an ex-junk peddler makes him a person of interest.
• Confrontation with Pop (10:48):
  • Diamond visits Pop, who first asks for help but then nervously tries to break off their meeting. Diamond notices an expensive cigar, suggesting intimidation.
  • Diamond suspects Pop is being coerced.
• Diamond Takes a Beating (14:27):
  • Back at his office, Diamond is ambushed by a thug (Chick Russo), who beats him and leaves a warning to quit the cop-killer case.

  • “Everything about a beating like that is so unpleasant…when you finally do, you wish you never had anyway, like I said it’s so unpleasant.” (14:58)

• Turning the Tables:
  • Diamond and Walt set a trap using Pop as bait; Diamond, disguised as Pop, waits to lure out the real killer at Pop’s street corner (21:50).
  • Russo falls for the bait and leads "Pop" (Diamond) to an attempted murder scene. Diamond fights back, subduing Russo.
• Moral Resolution:
  • Pop’s secret: he was being forced to distribute narcotics by Chick Russo, who threatened to expose Pop’s daughter’s true parentage if he refused.

    “I’d do anything to keep from ruining her life.” – Pop Scolds (19:39)

  • Diamond protects Pop’s secret and ensures justice is served for Bill Walton’s murder.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On police camaraderie:

  “There’s one kind of murder that will really tear the department to pieces. And that’s when a cop is killed in line of duty.” – Diamond (01:17)

• Wry banter with Walt:

  "Oh, look at that, Walt. Four heads and they all need haircuts." – Diamond (06:20) “Sound like I’m gonna use a hose on him. The way you’re burning up, you’ll probably hit him with Sergeant Otis.” – Diamond (12:57)

• Cultural flavor:

  “Isn’t he a dream?” – Diamond mocks the dopey Otis, offering the program’s signature blend of wit and sarcasm. (22:07)

• Poignancy:

  “A cop’s been killed. A great guy with a wife and kids. Now tell me who’s Chick?” – Diamond presses Pop for the sake of justice. (18:38)

---

Case 2: The Louis Spence Case

Main Plot (32:03 – 60:07)

• Serious Threat Emerges (32:17):
  • Louis Spence, a deranged ex-inmate with a vendetta against city officials, escapes the asylum, kills a guard, and barricades himself in the police station—threatening to blow up the building if the mayor does not jump to his death by noon (36:05).

    “Unless His Honor is done away with himself by noon, a lot of people are going to get hurt, including yourself.” – Spence (32:29)

• Building the Psychological Profile (41:03):
  • Diamond consults psychiatrist Dr. George Thacker, then Dr. Carroll at the state asylum, to understand Spence—an aggressive paranoiac who immerses himself in art and music.

  • “He’s doing this whole thing purely because he enjoys the agony of it, but he’s nonetheless ashamed.” – Dr. Carroll (44:17)

• Tense Confrontation:
  • Diamond tries to reason with Spence, learning about his feelings of persecution and the design of his intricate bomb.

    “You look like a pretty reasonable guy, Spence.” – Diamond (37:38)

• Cunning Solution (46:04):
  • Diamond recalls music soothes Spence. He orchestrates a distraction: Otis plays “Bolero” on a phonograph outside the room, causing Spence to become entranced.
• Critical Moment (53:07–54:42):
  • Diamond confirms the bomb mechanism can be foiled and times a dash with his hand through the glass, stopping Spence and the bomb as the music crescendos.

    "What happens if I jam my hand through that glass between the hammer and the cap?" – Diamond (54:53)

• Aftermath:
  • Spence is taken into custody. Diamond’s risked hand is bandaged.
  • The program ends with light domestic comedy between Diamond and his girlfriend, Helen—a welcome return to levity after the tense standoff.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Dark humor amidst peril:

  “Now, that’s silly. How can you be sure you’ll catch a client? … Oh, I get so lonesome up here with no one to talk to. It’s fun setting broken legs.” – Diamond and Helen (33:24)

• Psychological insight:

  “He allows [music] to lull him into a sense of security. Sometimes even believes he’s written it.” – Dr. Carroll (45:04)

• Heroic risk:

  “How’d you know that music would work? How’d you know you could stop that hammer?” – Walt (55:16)

---

Episode Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp (MM:SS) | |-----------------------------------------------|--------------------------| | Introduction/Setup for Cop Killing Case | 01:04 – 02:00 | | Pop Scolds' Plea for Help | 03:16 – 04:10 | | Officer Bill Walton's Death | 05:00 – 06:00 | | Witness Statements | 06:49 – 09:10 | | Diamond Visits Pop | 10:48 – 12:00 | | Diamond Attacked in His Office | 14:27 – 15:45 | | Pop’s Confession and Setup for Trap | 18:51 – 21:50 | | The Trap and Confrontation with Russo | 22:50 – 24:50 | | Cop-Killer Case Resolution | 25:12 – 29:31 | | Start of Louis Spence/Bomb Threat Case | 32:03 – 32:59 | | Spence’s Threat and Police Response | 36:05 – 39:08 | | Psychological Consultation | 41:03 – 45:32 | | Diamond's Phonograph Plan | 46:04 – 48:33 | | Final Standoff and Bomb Disarm | 53:07 – 54:42 | | Epilogue—Light-Hearted Reunion with Helen | 55:45 – 59:42 |

---

Episode Highlights

• Gripping, cinematic detective work—from street-level sleuthing to tense psychological gamesmanship.
• Signature Richard Diamond dialogue—whip-crack wisecracks, golden-age radio atmosphere, strong emotional undercurrents (“We all get sore. So what?” – Walt, 13:41).
• Realism and sympathy: The stories show compassion for downtrodden characters (Pop), while not shying from moral ambiguity.
• Memorable set pieces:
  • Deceptive calm in a pencil-seller’s shack.
  • Gritty department camaraderie and humor.
  • Nail-biting clock countdown inside an explosive police lockdown.

---

Final Reflection

This double-feature showcases why Richard Diamond, PI, helped define radio’s hard-boiled detective drama: sly humor, believable leads, emotional resonance, and unexpected resolutions. Both stories are linked by Diamond’s moral code—helping the innocent and taking bold, often risky action in the face of evil. The banter, emotional stakes, and classic noir atmosphere deliver a vintage audio experience that’s as engaging today as it was in radio’s golden age.

Transcript

[Richard Diamond]

This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever think about switching insurance companies to see if you could save some cash? Progressive makes it easy to see if you could save when you bundle your home and auto policies. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates. Potential savings will vary. Not available in all states, from unsolved mysteries to unexplained phenomena. From comedy gold to relationship fails. Amazon Music's got the most ad free top podcasts included with Prime.

[Podcast Host / Narrator]

Because the only thing that should interrupt.

[Richard Diamond]

Your listening is, well, nothing.

[Podcast Host / Narrator]

Download the Amazon music app.

[Richard Diamond]

Today.

[Narrator / Announcer]

The National Broadcasting Company presents Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective.

[Richard Diamond]

Before I was a private detective, I was a cop. Homicide. Waking out of the fifth Precinct. Homicide means murder. And there are a lot more murders committed in the big city than you think. More than make the headlines in the newspapers and for everyone. There's the same impersonal routine, the same hard work, the same check and double check with every cop in or out of uniform doing his best to put the case in the closed file. But there's one kind of murder that will really tear the department to pieces. And that's when a cop is killed in line of duty.

[Narrator / Announcer]

Here's another exciting half hour with Richard diamond, private detective, starring Dick Powell.

[Richard Diamond]

Diamond Detective Agency. If your husband's dead and you pull the trigger, diamond will help. But the fee is bigger. Hello?

[Helen]

Oh, Rick, what can I say?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Hello?

[Helen]

Hello?

[Richard Diamond]

That's nice. Now try. Hello, Rick?

[Helen]

Hello, Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, dandy. Call back tomorrow, we'll start on. Hello, Rick, this is Helen, you idiot. Hi, baby.

[Helen]

Hi.

[Richard Diamond]

What's doing?

[Helen]

Oh, I was just a little lonesome. Wanted to know if you were coming by tonight.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you know, it should be there around 8.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

How about a little.

[Helen]

What's that? Siren. Is there a fire?

[Richard Diamond]

Could be. Sounds like it's pulling right up here in front of my building. Wait a minute, I'll open the window.

[Helen]

I reckon there's a fire. You get right out of there.

[Richard Diamond]

Honey, if this building caught on fire, I'd be Mr. Undine of 1950.

[Helen]

Well, what is it?

[Richard Diamond]

Ambulance.

[Helen]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, and here comes a prowl car. Must be a traffic accident or something.

[Helen]

Well, thank goodness.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, somebody probably playing in the traffic.

[Helen]

Oh, Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, okay. Some guy forgot to step down getting into his new Hudson. You know, I make remarks like that. I'm not trying to be. I. Oh, wait a minute. No combination, friend. Just turn the little old knob and push.

[Helen]

Who is it?

[Richard Diamond]

Somebody at the door. Well, Pop.

[Helen]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

Pop Scolds.

[Helen]

Oh, the nice old blind man who sells pencils on the corner.

[Pop Scolds]

Yeah, Hello, Pop, please, Mr. Diamond, I've got to talk to you. I ain't got much time.

[Helen]

What does he want, Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, to talk to me. I'll call you back, dear. Bye.

[Helen]

Bye.

[Pop Scolds]

I'm sorry to have bothered you, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Not at all, Pop, not at all. What can I do for you?

[Pop Scolds]

I can't stay long. I have to hurry. But I was wondering if you'd come to my place later on. It's pretty important.

[Richard Diamond]

How important?

[Pop Scolds]

Pop, I can't explain now. G', day, but I got a big trouble. I sure could use some help. For old times sake.

[Richard Diamond]

Sure. For old times sake. Where do you live, Pop?

[Pop Scolds]

Little shack on the waterfront. End of River Street. 6:22 and a half.

[Richard Diamond]

When do you want me to come down?

[Pop Scolds]

About an hour. I gotta be going now.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay. Wait a minute, Pop. Yeah? Let me give you a hand.

[Pop Scolds]

Thanks. I could make it with this stick, but it takes time. I ain't got a lot of that.

[Richard Diamond]

There you are, Pop. See you in an hour.

[Pop Scolds]

Thanks, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Name's Rick.

[Pop Scolds]

Okay. See you in an hour, Rig.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Miss Ashel's residence.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, hello, Francis. Mr. Diamond.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, yes, sir. I'll call Miss Asher right away.

[Richard Diamond]

Thank you. Rig. What?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Mind if I sit down?

[Richard Diamond]

No. What the world are you doing down here?

[Helen]

Hello, Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Hold the phone, honey.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Came down on a homicide.

[Richard Diamond]

Homicide? Oh, that squad car right in front of the.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Right in front of your building? Yes. Shooting.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, what are you doing up here?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I've done all I could down there, Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Just a minute, baby.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Thought you might want to hear about it. Bill Walton. What? Friend of yours, wasn't he?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, a darn good one.

[Helen]

Hello, Rich.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Somebody put three slugs in him.

[Helen]

Rick, I can hear somebody talking. What's going on?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I'll call you back, baby.

[Helen]

What?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Helen?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. You know, I worked with Bill on Robbery for three years. Got any idea who did it?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He left the robbery detail two years ago. Been with the Narcotics Division. Haven't checked with them yet, but he might have been working on something. Might give us a lead. You want to go down the station with me?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, I'd like to.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay. I've got some witnesses to the shooting. They'll be down there for statements.

[Richard Diamond]

Bill's got a wife and three kids. Yeah.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Aren't you going to lock the office?

[Richard Diamond]

For what? Even the termites. Gag on the furniture. Let's go. Well, that's a way a quiet day could work. Work itself into a lot of trouble. And like always, if trouble's around. Yours truly is bound to get a chunk of it. Walt and I went downstairs, climbed into the prow car, and 10 minutes later we were walking into the squad room of the Fifth Precinct police station. The first thing I saw was the zoo's best argument for not taking in boarders.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Uh, Lieutenant, I got statements from all the witnesses. You want to talk to him?

[Richard Diamond]

No. He thought he'd read their palm, Sergeant.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, Lieutenant, what did you have to bring the shamus along for? Just relax, Otis. And, Rick, you lay off here.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I wouldn't need him if he'd just stop that terrible habit.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What habit?

[Richard Diamond]

Living.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, come on, Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, look at that, Walt. Four heads and they all need haircuts.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Come on, Rick. Come on, this is a swell time to make jokes.

[Richard Diamond]

Can you think of a better time?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay, okay, okay. Otis, yaddle 10. Send in the first one. Then check with narcotics and see what Bill Walton was working on. Right. Boy, I hate things like this.

[Richard Diamond]

What about his family?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I know all of them. I guess I'll have to go over and tell him. First one. Lieutenant Arthur Phillips. Go on in. Come in, Mr. Phillips. Oh, have a chair.

[Pop Scolds]

Yes.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay. Look, I don't know much about this thing. I was. Mr. Diamond. Mr. Phillips.

[Richard Diamond]

How are you?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

How do you do? As I was saying. You saw the killing, Mr. Phillips?

[Louis Spence]

Yes, yes, I saw it.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

It all happened so fast that I don't think I can really be.

[Richard Diamond]

What were you doing when you saw the killing, Mr. Phillips?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Walking. But I did. Walking where, Mr. Phillips?

[Louis Spence]

Up the street to my office.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, look, I gave your sergeant my statement. You'll find it all in the.

[Richard Diamond]

What's your business, Mr. Phillips?

[Louis Spence]

Insurance. Liberty Insurance Company, 41st and Broadway.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You saw Officer Walton killed? I saw a man. His name?

[Louis Spence]

I didn't know he was killed.

[Richard Diamond]

You heard the shots?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, yes, but it was all so fast. Just what did you see?

[Louis Spence]

Well, like I said, I was walking down the street to work.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yes, Liberty Insurance, we've got that.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yes, you were walking.

[Louis Spence]

Yes, and I heard this noise.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

The shots? Yes, but I didn't know it at the time. It was just a loud noise, but it made me jump and I looked. You just jumped, Mr. Phillips?

[Louis Spence]

Yes. Well, then I saw this guy grab his stomach and fall flat on his face. And then I saw the guy with the gun.

[Richard Diamond]

What did the guy with the gun look like, Mr. Phillips?

[Louis Spence]

Well, it all happened so fast.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Sergeant Otis showed you our rogues gallery. Did you see anybody who looked like him?

[Louis Spence]

No, no, no, I didn't see anybody.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

That looked like Him?

[Louis Spence]

I didn't get a good look at his face.

[Richard Diamond]

How tall was he?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Tall, like six feet?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes.

[Louis Spence]

Or close.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What was he wearing, Mr. Phillips?

[Louis Spence]

Brown suit and hat.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Brown hat?

[Richard Diamond]

Stocky, well built?

[Louis Spence]

Yes.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Anything else, Mr. Phillips? No. Thank you. Mr. Phillips, we may want to talk to you again. Don't leave town on a business trip or anything.

[Louis Spence]

Oh, I can go.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Good day, Mr. Phillips. Thank you again.

[Louis Spence]

Anytime. Oh, if you ever need any insurance, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Liberty Insurance Company, I'll remember.

[Louis Spence]

So long.

[Richard Diamond]

Cigarette?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Thanks. We still work pretty well together, Rick. Why don't you come back on the force, Lieutenant?

[Richard Diamond]

There's your answer, Walt.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What is it, Hammerhead? Well, I. I went over and talked to Fisher. He told me Bill Walton was working on a narcotics case, but he had no leads. Stuff's been flooding the city.

[Richard Diamond]

Bill must have picked up a lead and got shot for it.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

That's all. Otis Fisher doesn't know anything else. Walton just started on the job. You got some more witnesses? Yeah. Lady. Mrs. Margaret Walker. Okay, you can come in.

[Helen]

Thank you.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Come in, Mrs. Walker. Take a chair.

[Helen]

Thank you.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Anything else? No. This Mr. Diamond, Mrs. Walker.

[Helen]

How do you do?

[Richard Diamond]

How do you do, Mrs. Walker?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Do you work, Mrs. Walker?

[Helen]

All the time? I'm a housewife.

[Richard Diamond]

You saw the officer killed?

[Helen]

Oh, yes. But I didn't know it was an officer. He wasn't in uniform, you know.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Do you mind telling us just exactly what you saw?

[Helen]

Well, it all happened so far. I was standing on the corner and just.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What corner, Mrs. Walker?

[Helen]

Why, the corner where the poor man got shot, of course. 51st and Broadway.

[Richard Diamond]

Just standing, Mrs. Walker.

[Helen]

Young man. The traffic was very heavy. I was waiting for the signal.

[Richard Diamond]

Sorry.

[Helen]

I just want you to understand. I don't usually just stand around on street corners.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Go ahead, Mrs. Walker.

[Helen]

Well, I was standing there and I noticed an old man selling pencils.

[Richard Diamond]

No man.

[Helen]

Yes, he was blind.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Hey, Pop. Scoles did time about 15 years ago for peddling junk.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, that's right. He did.

[Helen]

I don't know what all this talk is about, but if you don't want to hear my story.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Walker. Of course we want to hear your story. Please, go ahead.

[Richard Diamond]

Look, Walt, I just remembered something. I was supposed to see a client in an hour and the hour's just about up.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

I'm sorry, Walt, but this is business. Now, you wait a minute. Talk to you later.

[Helen]

Well, I never.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

That's only because you don't have any friends named diamond. All right, Mrs. Walker. Go on with your story.

[Richard Diamond]

I went out of that station Like Noah in a stretch. The minute the little old lady had mentioned a blind beggar, I remembered Pop skulls in my office. And I grew the biggest hunch of my career. Something had really been bothering Pop and a cop killing could have been it. I grabbed a cab and 20 minutes later I was standing in front of an old weather beaten shack at the end of River Street.

[Pop Scolds]

Who is it?

[Richard Diamond]

Diamond.

[Pop Scolds]

Oh, wait a second.

[Richard Diamond]

Am I late?

[Pop Scolds]

Look, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Rick.

[Pop Scolds]

Yeah. Look, Rick, I'm sorry you came all the way down here, but, well, I.

[Richard Diamond]

You wanted some help, didn't you?

[Pop Scolds]

Well, yeah, I did.

[Richard Diamond]

You did? You could at least ask me in.

[Pop Scolds]

Oh, sure, sure. I'm sorry. But you see, I don't need no help now.

[Richard Diamond]

No? Well, you seemed pretty worried about something when you came up to my office an hour ago.

[Pop Scolds]

I was, but it's all straightened out now.

[Richard Diamond]

That right? Hey, I didn't know you smoked cigars, Pop.

[Pop Scolds]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

One in your ashtray here. Pretty expensive for you, Pop.

[Pop Scolds]

Oh, well, you see, I kind of splurge now and then.

[Richard Diamond]

Come on, Pop. Somebody been here and changed your mind about talking to me.

[Pop Scolds]

No, that's my cigar. What makes you say a thing like that?

[Richard Diamond]

There was a cop kill right in front of you today, Pop. A good friend of mine.

[Pop Scolds]

What's that got to do with me? I'm going straight.

[Richard Diamond]

It was after somebody who's been peddling junk.

[Pop Scolds]

I don't touch this stuff anymore. I don't go near it.

[Richard Diamond]

Don't you, Pop?

[Pop Scolds]

No. I put it down 15 years ago.

[Richard Diamond]

I did time for it too.

[Pop Scolds]

Sure, and lost my eyes in stir. You think I want to go back to that? You think I'm a f. There's your car pulling up out in front.

[Richard Diamond]

That should be the law.

[Pop Scolds]

I didn't do nothing. I swear I didn't.

[Richard Diamond]

Better tell me quick. Who's throwing his weight around?

[Pop Scolds]

Pop, I had nothing to do with that cop killing. I'm clean. You can't prove a thing. Come on, open up.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

It's the police.

[Richard Diamond]

You're sure you don't want to tell me anything?

[Pop Scolds]

No, I got nothing to tell.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Busted in, Pop.

[Pop Scolds]

Come on in, it's open.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay, Pop, you're coming. I might have known it. Why didn't you wait for me, Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

Believe me, Walt, I had an appointment with Pop.

[Pop Scolds]

That's right, Lieutenant, he did.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, sure. Talk over old times, huh? Otis, take Pop out to the car. Come on, Pop.

[Pop Scolds]

Sorry I got you in trouble, Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Forget it.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Just what have you two been stewing up? What did he tell you he was.

[Richard Diamond]

Showing me how to throw darts in the dark.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

That's a pretty bad one.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. What did Mrs. Walker tell you about Pop?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I don't know why I should tell you.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, don't be so grouchy. I've just been trying to find the guy who killed Bill. Pop's had it pretty tough already. I thought maybe I could make it easier than having you third degree him all over the office.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You sound like I'm going to use.

[Richard Diamond]

A hose on him. The way you're burning up, you'll probably hit him with Sergeant Otis. No, I'm going home.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Now, wait a minute. What for?

[Richard Diamond]

To watch you blow up like Old Faithful?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Mrs. Walker told me she saw some guy walk up to Pop like he was going to buy some pencils. Then another man busted through the crowd. That was Bill. Grabbed this guy with Pop. Guy pulled a gun and shot Bill. And then he beat it.

[Richard Diamond]

Did Mrs. Walker give you a description of the killer?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Sure. Short, dark. Just the opposite of the one the insurance man gave us. The only thing that fits. They both said the killer wore a hat.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, dandy.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Where you going?

[Richard Diamond]

Back to my office. Pop knows something, Walt. Don't work on him too hard. Okay, now. Been over to Bill's Family Inn right.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

After I get through with Pop.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm sorry I got sore so.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

We all get sore. So what? I'll give you a call.

[Richard Diamond]

I got back in my cab and headed for the. On the way over, I kept trying to reason it out. Somehow Pop was mixed up in this thing and he was scared stiff of something or somebody. I paid the cabbie off in front of the building and took the elevator up to my floor. I headed down the hall to my office, still thinking, still trying to put two and two together. That was a mistake. I never could add. When I walked in, I was too busy to notice much. All I got was a whiff of cigar smoke.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You fall easy, Shammas. Now let's see how you bruise. So long, Shamus. I left a note for you.

[Richard Diamond]

Read it. When you wake up, everything about a beating like that is so unpleasant. The first SWAT isn't so bad. It's hitting that cold floor and fighting to stay awake. When you start getting kicked around, that's the time to face facts and give it up. But you don't. You keep on working until your senses get kicked loose and the world comes down around your ears. You fight it because you think maybe you're not ever gonna wake up again. And when you finally do, you wish you never had anyway, like I said it's so unpleasant. Oh, okay. Okay. Oh, well, that lamp was pretty silly anyway.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

All right, all right.

[Richard Diamond]

Don'T jump. But you're talking to a ghost, Rick. At the sound of the groan.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What's the matter with you?

[Richard Diamond]

Now, that's a pretty good question. I don't know how to answer it without a head.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What happened?

[Richard Diamond]

Somebody worked me over. Oh, and how they worked me over.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You want me to send an ambulance?

[Richard Diamond]

No, just a shovel. Hmm. What's this?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What's what?

[Richard Diamond]

Something in the typewriter here. A note. Well, I put my eyes in straight.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Rick, if you're hurt badly.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I'm not hurt that bad, Walt.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, what about this note?

[Richard Diamond]

Says, lay off the cop killing. That's all. Oh, and. Yeah? Look at this.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Find something else?

[Richard Diamond]

A souvenir butt of a cigar in my ashtray. There was one just like it in Pop's place.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, hang on to it.

[Richard Diamond]

All right? Sure. What about Pop?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Won't tell us a thing.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'm getting sick and tired of this. Now, I got an idea. Wait 10 minutes and then take Pop back to his house.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Look, Rick, if somebody knows you're working on this thing, they must have found out when you went to see Pop. Probably spotted you going in. They certainly must know that we picked up Pop. And if they think he told us anything, they'll sure try to get him.

[Richard Diamond]

I know it. I know it. I know it. Now, you drive Pop home, pretend to leave, but don't.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

And what'll you be doing?

[Richard Diamond]

I'll be inside when he walks through the door.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay, but I hope you know what you're doing.

[Richard Diamond]

So do I. Ten minutes, Walt.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay, Pop.

[Richard Diamond]

Here you are.

[Pop Scolds]

Thanks for driving me home, Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

That's okay. Good night, cop. Good night, Lieutenant.

[Pop Scolds]

Who's in here? Who is it, Chick? I know you, hear? I can smell your cigar smoke. Chick, please. I didn't tell the law a thing. Chick, say something. Honest, I didn't crack. Look, look, if you want to get rid of me, okay, but not the girl. Please. I swear I didn't say anything to anybody. I'm an old guy. Go ahead, knock me off, but don't do anything to the girl. Please. Chick, I'll petty your stuff for the rest of my life if you leave the girl alone.

[Helen]

Chick.

[Richard Diamond]

Relax, Pop.

[Pop Scolds]

What? You're not.

[Richard Diamond]

No, Pop. Diamond didn't like to do it this way, Pop.

[Pop Scolds]

But that cigar.

[Richard Diamond]

The guy who saw you earlier came up to see me. Left me a cigar, too, along with a few bruises.

[Pop Scolds]

Well, you just about know everything.

[Richard Diamond]

Who's the girl you're protecting?

[Pop Scolds]

I can't tell you that.

[Richard Diamond]

Who's Chick?

[Pop Scolds]

I can't tell you anything.

[Richard Diamond]

Look, Pop, a cop's been killed. A great guy with a wife and kids. Now tell me whose Chick?

[Pop Scolds]

I ain't gonna say anything.

[Richard Diamond]

If the girl has a reason you won't talk, Pop, I'll find her. And if it's the last thing I ever do, I'll make you both sweat. I'm on my way.

[Pop Scolds]

Wait a minute, Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

All right, go on.

[Pop Scolds]

Okay, if you'll give me a word. You won't say nothing about what I'm going to tell you.

[Richard Diamond]

I give you my word about nothing yet, Pop. Now tell me. And if I think it should be kept quiet, that's the way it'll be.

[Pop Scolds]

I got a daughter, Rick.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What?

[Richard Diamond]

That's right.

[Pop Scolds]

Right after I went to stir, my wife had a baby. Wife died and the kid went to live with relatives, rich relatives. He's getting a good home and good schools.

[Richard Diamond]

She doesn't know about you panhandling?

[Pop Scolds]

No, she don't know about me, and.

[Richard Diamond]

She ain't going to go on.

[Pop Scolds]

Only one guy knew about her. My ex partner, Chick Russo. He got away when they picked me up. And after 15 years, he comes back operating again.

[Richard Diamond]

The guy with a cigar, huh?

[Pop Scolds]

Yeah.

[Richard Diamond]

How did you figure?

[Pop Scolds]

The stuff was in the pencils he delivered to me, and I'd pass it.

[Richard Diamond]

Why would you pass it?

[Pop Scolds]

Chick had me over a barrel. He told me if I didn't play along with him, he'd tell my daughter who her father was. I'd do anything to keep from ruining her life.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, what about Bill Walton?

[Pop Scolds]

Well, he. He was going to grab Chick, but Chick shot him. That's why I came to see you. I didn't want no part of a cop killing. But I couldn't say anything then because I had this stuff on me and I wanted to dump it. I didn't want to go back to your stir.

[Richard Diamond]

Then Chick came to see you here, huh? Threatened you, Told you to keep your mouth shut?

[Louis Spence]

Yes.

[Pop Scolds]

Told me in plain words that if I cracked, he'd kill my little girl and me. That's why I froze on you. You gonna say anything about your daughter?

[Richard Diamond]

No, Pop.

[Pop Scolds]

Thanks, Rick. Now I don't care what happens.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I do. This guy's still loose and he's done a killing. I want him.

[Pop Scolds]

I don't know where you can find him. He never said.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, maybe I can find him. Take off your clothes, Pop.

[Pop Scolds]

Take off my clothes?

[Richard Diamond]

Yep. You're Gonna get yourself a new suit. I'm going out and see Lieutenant Levinson. I'll be right back.

[Pop Scolds]

You sure you know what you're doing?

[Richard Diamond]

No, but why spoil a good surprise? Rick, where are you, Walt?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Over here by the pier.

[Richard Diamond]

What's that with you?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

That's Otis.

[Richard Diamond]

Tell him to hide his tail. Some guy from Oklahoma's allowed to shoot him.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, that's very funny. Shut up, Otis. Okay.

[Richard Diamond]

You seen anything, Walt?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Very quiet.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, look, here's the idea. I'm going down to 51st and Broadway and stand with Pop's clothes and dark glasses on.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Your what?

[Richard Diamond]

From what Pop told me, Chick Russo will certainly try and get him.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Chick Russo? Are you crazy? He's been out of circulation for 15 years.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I got a big flash for you. He's back.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

But at 51st and Broadway. I can't give you any protection. Russo could step out of the crowd, and that's the end of it.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'm counting on one thing. That he thinks I'm Pop. He knows Pop's blind, so he'll get in close to do it. Maybe even with a knife.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You're crazy.

[Richard Diamond]

Walled. Walled. Not in front of Otis.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, that's all right, Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, I'm going down to change clothes, and then you, Walt, drive me to the corner. Let me off, then beat it. I left Walt then and went back to Pop's shack. We did a quick switch, and finally the dapper Richard diamond stepped out, complete with torn trousers, sweatshirt and sneakers. I carried his cane with a white tip and kept his old hat pulled down over the dark glasses.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, I'll be darned. Yeah, he looks just like the old man.

[Richard Diamond]

Let's go, Walt. Otis, you stay here with Pop. Just in case our pigeon doesn't go for the bait.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, Lieutenant, can iis okay?

[Richard Diamond]

Don't look so unhappy, Otis. Who knows? Maybe I'll get shot.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, I gotta miss everything.

[Richard Diamond]

Isn't he a dream? Okay.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Here you are, Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks, Wal. Say good night, Pop. Real loud.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay. Good night, Pop. Sorry if we caused you any trouble.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, that's all right, Lieutenant. Thanks for the lift.

[Helen]

Here you are, my good man.

[Louis Spence]

Bless you.

[Richard Diamond]

Hi, Kirk. Well, I stood there for two hours getting a few dimes and selling a couple of pencils, but nothing happened. Now and then, I'd pull my arm down against my side and feel a nice little.38 in the shoulder holster. I kept moving from one foot to another to keep my legs from going to sleep. I was getting a firsthand example of the tougher old puff. Poor Old Pop had to hold. By 10:30, I was ready to give it up. Then I spotted the cigar. Bless you.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

For what, Pop? Cops driving you to work now, huh? That's enough. I'll take your arm and you start walking. I'll lead you.

[Richard Diamond]

Chick? Chick, is that you?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Shut up. Walk. All right. We're going in the building, down in the basement for a little talk.

[Richard Diamond]

And that's just what we did. Chick held onto my arm and led me into my own building and down into the basement. I could have taken him right there, but I kept remembering Bill Walton. So I let it go until just the right time.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay, Pop, you know what's coming?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, Chick, I know what's coming.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Don't act much scared. I guess it ain't so tough for a blind man. You can't see it coming.

[Richard Diamond]

You'd be surprised what I can see. What did I tell you?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Busted in my arm. You hit me with that cane.

[Louis Spence]

Like you could see.

[Pop Scolds]

You hit me.

[Richard Diamond]

You go for that gun, I'll break your fat skull. You ain't Pop no buster. I'm the fellow you gave the bruises to. Just returning the favor. Don't do it, Papa.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Spank my shoulder.

[Richard Diamond]

All right, now let's go back up where we can find a cop.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, no, you're not going to take me.

[Richard Diamond]

Come back youo stop, Russo.

[Pop Scolds]

I've got a gun nuts to use. Shamus.

[Richard Diamond]

Skeptic.

[Helen]

Yes? Oh, hello, Walt.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, no.

[Helen]

Yes. He's right here. Rick, It's Walt.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, did she Fu Wong, Mr. Diamond? Fairly dead.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Now, you stop that. I just had a long talk with Pop.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, is that right? Yeah.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He said absolutely nothing. I still don't know where he figures in this thing. Would you mind telling me?

[Richard Diamond]

Walt, anything Pop did was under duress.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

If it was illegal, I want to know about it.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, and if it was illegal, Pop would stand a good chance going back to prison.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He might. You better let the law decide that.

[Richard Diamond]

You haven't got any proof.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

How could I? Everybody's dead except you and Pop.

[Richard Diamond]

Pop won't say anything.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Not yet, he won't. Walt. Yeah?

[Richard Diamond]

Die.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Now you wait.

[Helen]

What in the world was that all about?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, that Walt. When he dies, he'll have the penal code written on his headstone. But he's a good cop. And there he is again.

[Helen]

I can't stand to let a phone ring.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you get tired, Rick?

[Helen]

I'll go crazy.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll drown it out.

[Helen]

Well, do something.

[Richard Diamond]

I've got a lovely bunch of coke stopped. Oh, good.

[Helen]

Well, don't you stop. That was pretty.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, all right. Oh, I've got the lovely bunch of kilts. There they are standing in a row. Big one, small one, some as big as your red.

[Louis Spence]

Give em a twist, a flick of.

[Richard Diamond]

The wrist that's what the showman said. Oh, I've got a loverly bunch of coconuts. Every ball you throw will make me rich. There stands me wife, the idol of me life. Sing and roll a bowl, a ball, a penny, a pitch Sing and roll a bowl, a ball, a penny, a pitch Sing and roll a ball, a penny, a pitch Roll a bowl, a ball Roll a bowl, a ball Sing and roll a bowl, a ball, a penny, a pitch.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Hey, there you are, my lad.

[Richard Diamond]

Step right up here. I got a lovely bunch of quarter nuts. There they are all up standing up there in a great big roll. I got big ones and small ones. Some of them as big as your blasted head.

[Pop Scolds]

Yeah, you give them a twist and a flick of the rest.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, what lovely fun. I got a lovely bunch of coconuts. Every ball you throw will make me rich. There stands me wife, the idol of me life. Sing and roll a bowl, a bowl, a penny a pitch Sing and roll a bowl, a bowl, a penny a pitch Sing and roll a bowl a ball, a penny, a pitch Roll a bowl, a ball Roll a bowl a ball Sing a roll a bowl, a bowl, a penny a of piece. Oh, my dear. How was that, honey?

[Helen]

Oh, wonderful. Oh, darn. Yes, Walt.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Helen, you put diamond on the line.

[Helen]

It's Walt, dear.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, never mind him. Come here, honey.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, hello? Hello? Helen, did you hang up? Helen, put Rick on this phone.

[Helen]

This is Fu Wong, Missy Diamond. Not so validate. Bye.

[Narrator / Announcer]

You have just heard Richard Diamond, Private Detective starring Dick Powell. Ed Begley played Lieutenant Walt Levinson. Also in the cast were Wilms, Herbert Francis Robinson, Larry Dobkin, Anne Morrison and Charles Seal. Music was under the direction of Frank Wirth. Tonight's show was written by Blake Edwards and directed by Russell Hughes. Dick Powell currently may be seen in the motion picture version of the best selling novel Mrs. Mike. This is Eddie King inviting you to be with us next Sunday at this same time when we will again bring you Dick Powell as Richard Diamond, Private detective. Later today on most of these NBC stations you'll want to hear two great stars, Kirk Douglas and Walter Houston in the Theater Guild on the air presentation of Heaven Can Wait. This is the comedy fantasy which you may have seen as the motion picture. Here comes Mr. Jordan. It's a great comedy, yours for the listening today on Theater Guild on the air. And for another fine mystery program today on NBC, listen later to the adventures of Sam Spade as Sam slams his way through another of his amusing and mystifying capers. Hear the lovely duet from Madame Butterfly on Harvest of Stars next on NBC.

[Richard Diamond]

Let's map out this week's amazing destinations and travel tips.

[Will]

Honestly, Will, I didn't plan any trips, but I did switch to T Mobile with their new Family Freedom offer.

[Richard Diamond]

That's not the itinerary we're following.

[Will]

Well, I'm departing from AT&T and embarking on a new journey with T Mobile. They paid off my family's four phones up to $3200 and gave us four new phones on the house.

[Richard Diamond]

Bon voyage.

[Podcast Host / Narrator]

Introducing Family Freedom. Our lowest cost will switch our biggest family savings all on America's largest 5G network. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com FamilyFreedom up to $800 per line via virtual prepaid card typically takes 15 days. Free phones via 24 monthly bill credits with finance agreement, eg Apple iPhone 16, 128 gigabyte $829.99 Eligible trade in eg IPH for well qualified credits end and balance due. If you pay off early or cancel contact T Mobile.

[Will]

From the Cascades to PDX to your kitchen. We recycle like we live here. That's why governments, brands and recycling companies are all joining together to bring change to make recycling better. As in trusting that your recyclables end up in the right places to be made into new things and having brands help fund the costs of recycling. You can find the latest updates at recycleon.org/oregon. From Mount Hood to the bin under your desk. Together we can do this.

[Narrator / Announcer]

The National Broadcasting Company presents Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective.

[Louis Spence]

Mr. Diamond, the reason you're here is because I want someone to talk to. I don't know whether it was explained to you or not, but unless His Honor is done away with himself by noon, a lot of people are going.

[Richard Diamond]

To get hurt, including yourself.

[Louis Spence]

Oh, that doesn't really matter. You see, in making my escape, a guard attempted to stop me. I had to kill him.

[Narrator / Announcer]

Here's another exciting half hour with Richard Diamond, Private Detective, starring Dick Powell.

[Richard Diamond]

Diamond Detective Agency. There's no corpse like an old corpse.

[Helen]

Oh, Rick, that's awful.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, but what am I gonna do? I can't be witty and handsome at the same time.

[Helen]

Well, don't be greedy. Just concentrate on one of them.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you're pretty. Nothing today.

[Helen]

Why don't you come on over and we'll both try and improve.

[Richard Diamond]

Shame on you. You know I've got to work.

[Helen]

Oh, have you got a client?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, not yet, but I've set bear traps all the way down the hall.

[Helen]

Well, now, that's silly. How can you be sure you'll catch a client?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I can't be, but, oh, I get so lonesome up here with no one to talk to. It's fun setting broken legs.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You're impossible, Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, my gosh.

[Helen]

What's wrong?

[Richard Diamond]

Those traps. I think I've caught something terrible.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Diamond, I gotta talk to you.

[Helen]

Who is it, Ray?

[Richard Diamond]

Sergeant Otis says he's got to talk to me, but I'll be darned if I'll teach him how.

[Helen]

Oh, say hello for me.

[Richard Diamond]

Helen says hello. Otis.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Tell her hello, then get off the phone. This is serious.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, what's with you? Somebody steal your catnip?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Can't just stop being funny, shamus. I mean it. This is serious.

[Richard Diamond]

Helen, I'll call you back.

[Helen]

Why? Something wrong?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, Otis looks worried and he's making sense for the first time in 11 years.

[Helen]

Oh, well, call me later and tell me about it. Bye.

[Richard Diamond]

Bye. Now, size it. What's on your pretty?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I want you to come down at the station with me in a hurry.

[Richard Diamond]

Of course, you'll think this is a silly question, but why?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You remember Louis Spence?

[Richard Diamond]

Louis Spence?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

About four years ago, caught him running around sticking dynamite under the homes of some of our city officials.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Socialistic nut put him away, didn't they?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah, crazy as they come. Well, he's out.

[Richard Diamond]

What do you mean he's out? If they cured his head, he'd still face a lot of years up the river.

[Pop Scolds]

Oh, he ain't cured.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Not a bit. He ain't cured.

[Richard Diamond]

You mean he busted out yesterday.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Now do me a favor and come on down to the station.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, wait a minute. Wait a minute and take it easy. What's going down to the station got to do with Louis Spence?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He's down there with the Lieutenant.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, great. Put them both in fancy jackets and send them home.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

We can't. He walked in 20 minutes ago and asked to see the Lieutenant. I didn't recognize him, so I let him in. Now we can't get him out.

[Richard Diamond]

Why the devil can't you?

[Pop Scolds]

He won't let us in and he.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Won'T let the Lieutenant out.

[Pop Scolds]

He's sitting there holding a big bomb.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

And it's ready to go off.

[Richard Diamond]

It looks like a convention.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Everyone's trying to think of Something to do.

[Richard Diamond]

Why is Spence doing this? What's he gonna do, just sit in there?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You'll really get a boot out of this shamus. If the mayor don't jump off the top of the City hall by noon, Spence blows up the whole fifth Precinct.

[Richard Diamond]

What?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

That's right.

[Richard Diamond]

Hey, Otis, get Diamond in there if you. 11 o'.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Clock.

[Richard Diamond]

Hello, Charlie. Hello, Rick. What do you mean, get me in there? The new telemotors.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

No, I ain't had time.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, come on. Come on. Why me? What do you want me in there for? Spence wants someone Levinson can give direction to. He says no, cop. Levinson. Buzz down. Told us to get hold of you. Okay.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Wait a minute. Talk to Lieutenant on the intercom. Spence won't know who's walking through the door. And maybe blow the whole joint up.

[Richard Diamond]

Otis, you amaze me.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I ain't so smart about Spencer's idea. Come on. Here, go ahead, walk. Rick?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Wait a minute. Diamond's outside now.

[Louis Spence]

Okay, tell him to come in. But just him. Anyone else?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay. Okay, Rick, come on in. But no one else.

[Richard Diamond]

Right. Otis, stick right here. I may want to talk to you.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Sure. A Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Nothing.

[Richard Diamond]

You're so right.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Hello, Rick. Walt, this is Mr. Lou Spence. Rick.

[Richard Diamond]

Mm.

[Louis Spence]

How are you, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

What's the matter, Spence? You want an early Fourth of July?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Rick.

[Louis Spence]

You think I'm kidding, Mr. Diamond? You think I'm not serious about this thing?

[Richard Diamond]

Is that the bomb?

[Louis Spence]

Right here in my lap.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He's got it rigged so it goes off the minute he relaxes his hand.

[Louis Spence]

You see, I thought maybe the police would want to take it away from me. If you shoot me, try to knock me out, well, it goes off.

[Richard Diamond]

Then you won't mind if I take a look, huh? Rick, please stay right where you are.

[Louis Spence]

And I'll stay over here.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, just. Just as you say, Mr. Spence.

[Louis Spence]

Mr. Diamond, the reason you're here is because I want someone to talk to the mayor. I don't know whether it was explained to you or not, but unless His Honor is done away with himself by noon, a lot of people are going.

[Richard Diamond]

To get hurt, including yourself.

[Louis Spence]

Oh, that doesn't really matter. You see, in making my escape, a guard attempted to stop me.

[Richard Diamond]

I had to kill him.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He split his head open with a crowbar. That's right.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh. Mind if I sit down?

[Louis Spence]

Not at all. But it's four minutes after 11. I hope you don't plan on staying too long.

[Richard Diamond]

Cigarette?

[Louis Spence]

No, thank you.

[Richard Diamond]

You look like a pretty reasonable guy, Spence.

[Louis Spence]

Thank you.

[Richard Diamond]

You.

[Louis Spence]

It's too bad Lt. Levinson didn't think so when they arrested me. Now I'm going to have to show him I'm not as insane as he thought I was.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, well, you'll have to excuse that, Spence. Walt thinks everybody's a little. Well, you know, even me.

[Louis Spence]

That's very interesting.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, and with good reason. Ever take a look at his sergeant, Mr. Diamond?

[Louis Spence]

When the Lieutenant arrested me, I was putting an explosive under the Mayor's house. He stopped me in my first attempt to rid the community of a political Judas. But now, as you see, I have a second chance.

[Richard Diamond]

You really think the Mayor's going to jump off the City Hall? He better.

[Louis Spence]

And by 12 o'.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Clock.

[Louis Spence]

By the way, you have 55 minutes.

[Richard Diamond]

Now look, Spencer.

[Louis Spence]

Forget it, Mr. Diamond. I know just what you're thinking. How to get me without the bomb going off. You'll never make it. It's too well thought out. I've planned this for four years.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

In case you're wondering how much dynamite he's got. Rick.

[Louis Spence]

Oh, Mr. Diamond needs to convincing. Well, under this overcoat, Mr. Diamond, are some 100 sticks.

[Richard Diamond]

Does the Mayor know about it yet? Yeah. Oh, you want me to talk to him, huh?

[Louis Spence]

I don't care whether you talk to him or not. I just want you to be there when he jumps.

[Richard Diamond]

Swell.

[Louis Spence]

And just because you come back and tell me he's jumped, that isn't enough. I want his body in this room.

[Richard Diamond]

Walt, I. I don't know what to say.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Don't say anything, Rick. Just get out of here. I'm sorry I dragged you over, but I needed time.

[Louis Spence]

You still do. It's 54 minutes to 12.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Clear the building, Rick.

[Louis Spence]

Yes, do that, Mr. Diamond. I think the Lieutenant is going to make a hero of himself.

[Richard Diamond]

Look, Spence, I've. I've got till 12 o', clock, Hamley.

[Louis Spence]

Unless someone tries to get me.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, good. Well then sit tight, Walt, and give me till 12.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay, Rick.

[Louis Spence]

I hope you spend the time wisely. I'm sure you'd rather see the Mayor die than your best friend.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, Spencer, if you forget about this, they'll probably just put you back.

[Louis Spence]

Goodbye, Mr. Diamond.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

53 minutes.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, Walt.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Go ahead, Rick. Like you said, 53 minutes.

[Louis Spence]

Goodbye, Mr. Diamond. Come back soon.

[Richard Diamond]

Orders?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah. What's going to happen?

[Richard Diamond]

Clear the building. Well, what about it, Rick? Lieutenant wants the building cleared. Okay. Come on, you guys. Levinson says clear the building, so we're clear the building. Good luck, Rick. Thanks, Charlie.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay, what do we do?

[Richard Diamond]

I don't know.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What do you mean? You don't know it's 10 minutes after 11. In another 50 minutes, this whole building is going to get blown higher than a kite.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, do something. Well, go ahead. Well, I. You see, Otis, you're in just as tough a spot as I am.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah, but you're smarter than I am. You can usually come up on what's up.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, usually my problems are a puzzle. Otis Spencer's a problem and a puzzle. I don't know about guys like him.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, for Pete's sake, who does?

[Richard Diamond]

Now, that's an idea, huh? Stay here and keep close to the intercom. Don't let the lieutenant get any crazy ideas.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Hey, wait a minute. Where you going? You're acting screwy.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, Otis, I'm going to go see someone who takes care of people who act screwy sometimes. Well, that's the story, George. You're a psychiatrist. What do I do now?

[Dr. George Thacker]

Well, we solved your problem with that little blonde dancer in Flatbush. Maybe we can do something about this. Of course, she didn't have a hundred sticks of dynamite.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, she didn't, huh? What do you think I talked about for six weeks on that couch over there? Look, George, this isn't anything like that. This is a real mess.

[Dr. George Thacker]

Now, Rick, take it easy. It's only a mess because you're used to working with something that has a pattern. Maybe not at first, but you know there's one there and you set out and find it. But with Spence, you feel there's no pattern.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, there's a pattern, George. Just wait for 38 minutes, then duck.

[Dr. George Thacker]

There's no possible way to get the bomb away from him without it going off.

[Richard Diamond]

Neither way he tells it, he only has to relax his hand.

[Dr. George Thacker]

That's the way he tells us.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'm not going to take the chance and call him a liar. If I only knew for sure just how that bomb worked, I could reason with him.

[Dr. George Thacker]

Well, before you can reason with him, you've got to know something about him. And what do you know about Louis Spence?

[Richard Diamond]

Arrested a couple of years ago for planning dynamite under the homes of some of our more prominent city officials. Found insane, sent to the state asylum, killed a guard, broke out, turned himself into a human bomb and took a seat in the 5th Precinct police station.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

That's all.

[Richard Diamond]

Isn't that enough?

[Dr. George Thacker]

Well, I'll tell you what, rick. I know Dr. Carroll at the state asylum. Suppose we give him a call and see what we can find out.

[Richard Diamond]

You think it'll help?

[Dr. George Thacker]

I don't know.

[Louis Spence]

It might.

[Dr. George Thacker]

Operator, this is an emergency. This is Dr. George Thacker and I want to speak to Dr. Robert Carroll at the state asylum immediately.

[Helen]

What was the name again?

[Dr. George Thacker]

Dr. Robert Carroll.

[Helen]

One moment, please.

[Dr. George Thacker]

It'll be a minute. Rick, what time is it?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, 25 after. You got another phone here, George?

[Dr. George Thacker]

Yes, I've got several lines in the other office.

[Richard Diamond]

Good. I'll make a call. Let me know when you get Dr. Carol on the line.

[Dr. George Thacker]

Operator, would you please?

[Narrator / Announcer]

Harry, I hate the use of the.

[Dr. George Thacker]

Expression, but this is a matter of life and death. You're on my line, Rick. Use the other phone.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Otis? Yeah.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Where the devil are you? It's almost 11:30.

[Richard Diamond]

You talked to the lieutenant since I left?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah, once. He wanted me to get out of the building.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, you just stay put until I get there. I don't want Walt to try anything stupid.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah, well, I want to know what you're doing.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm trying to get an idea, Otis. Just one little idea.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Trying to get an idea. I suppose you've been spending the last 20 minutes sitting in Central park waiting for. For one to come to you.

[Richard Diamond]

Rick, come in here and pick up the other phone.

[Dr. George Thacker]

I've got Dr. Carroll on the line.

[Richard Diamond]

Bye, Otis.

[Dr. George Thacker]

I've explained the situation to him. I won't interrupt unless I think it's necessary.

[Richard Diamond]

Fine. Hello, Dr. Carol?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

That's right. Now, Doctor, I. I really don't know what good this is going to do, but tell me everything you know about Louis Spence, and as fast as possible.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, first of all, he's an aggressive paranoic with homicidal tendencies. He feels persecuted by society, or rather by those who help to govern society.

[Richard Diamond]

Why does he feel this way?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He believes in a great many things, all of which he thinks himself capable of achieving. Paranoiacs are frustrated to a point where they perhaps imagine themselves as capable artists or great scholars, such as in the case of Louis Spence, society being his judoscope.

[Dr. George Thacker]

Pardon me for interrupting, Bob, but don't you think Spence is capable of doing the sort of thing.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, absolutely, George. You see, he's doing this whole thing purely because he enjoys the agony of it, but he's nonetheless ashamed.

[Richard Diamond]

But what about the mayor jumping off the City hall? Doctor, just to be ridiculous for the moment, what if His Honor did jump? Would Spence then give up the bomb?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I doubt it. If the mayor jumped, it would give Spence a certain amount of satisfaction. But I still think he'd set the bomb off as a climax to his own cleverness and persecution.

[Dr. George Thacker]

Pardon again, Bob. Any usual therapy that you used on Spence?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yes, as a Matter of fact, Spence, as I've said, imagined himself a great talent. And he seemed to lean particularly toward the more artistic accomplishments, such as painting and music. In his quieter moments, we saw that he had a radio.

[Dr. George Thacker]

How does this music affect him, Bob?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He allows it to lull him into a sense of security. Sometimes even believes he's written it. You see, Mr. Diamond, he believes that his environment is against him. That it is trying to debase, degrade and persecute him. He fights off any acts of moral turpitude by becoming the thing he imagined.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I hate to break it up, boys, but it's 25 minutes to 12. I've got to leave. Thank you, Doctor.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

I hope I've been some help.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, you've given me an idea anyway. Goodbye. I miss.

[Helen]

Just a minute. Just one minute. I'll be right with you.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, look, I'm in a hurry, so.

[Helen]

You're in a hurry. So is everybody else. You'll have to wait until I'm through with this gentleman.

[Richard Diamond]

Sweetheart.

[Helen]

Now, look.

[Richard Diamond]

You look.

[Helen]

Oh, a badge.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Now, this is police business. Got to be in a hurry. Is that clock right?

[Helen]

Yeah, it's a quarter to 12.

[Richard Diamond]

16 minutes to.

[Helen]

All right, 16. You want a split head?

[Richard Diamond]

No, I want a portable phonograph. In, quick.

[Helen]

Okay, okay, here's one right here on the counter. Three speeds interchanging.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll take it.

[Helen]

Okay. I'll go back to the storeroom and get you a new one.

[Richard Diamond]

Forget it. I'll take this one.

[Helen]

Look, mister, we got a policy here. I can't sell you nothing off in the counter. Supposing it don't work?

[Richard Diamond]

When you get it home, you'll hear about it.

[Helen]

You see, that's just what I mean.

[Richard Diamond]

Does it play now?

[Helen]

Certainly. Like everything. Listen. Oh, boy. That's Pete Rugalo's new arrangement. He's crazy.

[Richard Diamond]

Okay, okay.

[Helen]

Don't dig it, huh?

[Richard Diamond]

Give me a record by a Debussy or a Vel.

[Helen]

Oh, no wonder. Well, let's see. We. We got the engulfed cathedral by the booth.

[Richard Diamond]

No, no. Something with a little more excitement.

[Helen]

All right, all right. I'll read him off the boost of your Ravel. Ravel la. Whoops. I guess we got Bolero.

[Richard Diamond]

I'll take it.

[Helen]

Which one?

[Richard Diamond]

The Bolero.

[Helen]

Okay, I'll have to play it for you.

[Richard Diamond]

I've heard it.

[Helen]

So what? It's another policy of the store. There might be an imperfection.

[Richard Diamond]

Give me the record.

[Helen]

Hey, don't get so grabby.

[Richard Diamond]

Now, look, dear, you want me to have you locked up for Obstructing justice, huh? Well, unless you give me that record and this machine, this one right here, I'm gonna snap the cuffs on you and haul you down to headquarters. Oh, you want me to do that?

[Helen]

Oh, you can't.

[Richard Diamond]

All right, what's your name?

[Helen]

Take the machine and the record.

[Richard Diamond]

Thanks. Charge it to Lieutenant Walter Levinson, Fifth Precinct, Homicide Division. If it works, you get paid. If it doesn't, don't even bother sending over a repairman.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Diamond. Oh, my gosh. Do you know what time it is?

[Richard Diamond]

What? Exactly?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Exactly. Six minutes, too. What the devil you got there?

[Richard Diamond]

That phonograph.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

A phonograph?

[Richard Diamond]

You talked to Walt since I left?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

No. Now, what's the idea with a phonograph?

[Richard Diamond]

Hunch, Otis? Maybe we can save this whole mess.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, for Pete's sake. Can I help?

[Richard Diamond]

Sure you can, Otis. Now, take this machine in the other room and play this record. You know how it works.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, I can find out.

[Richard Diamond]

You got less than five minutes to find out, so make it good. I don't want to hear anything until you're ready to let it play all the way through.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay, Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, yeah, go on, go on.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Whatever you're gonna do. If I louse it up, I louse up everything, huh?

[Richard Diamond]

You won't louse it up, Otis.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, I'm so stupid. But I'll try.

[Richard Diamond]

Otis.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Yeah?

[Richard Diamond]

You don't have to wind it, just plug it in.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, yeah, yeah, I heard about them kind.

[Richard Diamond]

All right, then, get going.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Okay.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah. Walt, it's a Diamond.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What's up, Captain?

[Louis Spence]

Lieutenant.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, I'm getting sick of this, Walt.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, Relax. I want to come in.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

How about it, Spence?

[Louis Spence]

By all means, have Mr. Diamond come in.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

All right, Rick.

[Louis Spence]

You have some news for me, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, in a way, yes. Mind if I sit down? Not at all. How do you feel, Walt?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Dandy.

[Louis Spence]

I'm afraid the Lieutenant is growing uncomfortable. It is getting late, isn't it, Lieutenant?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Rick, I want you out of this building. This crackpot is.

[Richard Diamond]

Wait a minute.

[Pop Scolds]

Now what did you do?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Wait a minute. Now, look, I've taken enough.

[Louis Spence]

Does it make now at 12 o'?

[Richard Diamond]

Clock? Well, sure it does.

[Helen]

Why?

[Richard Diamond]

Because the mayor may jump.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What? Yes.

[Richard Diamond]

He's locked himself in his office. They can't get him out. He just may jump.

[Louis Spence]

Really, Mr. Diamond?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, what's the matter?

[Louis Spence]

I know the mayor won't jump. No matter how many people die when I release this trigger. I just want him to have to face it the rest of his life. I want everyone like me that his kind won't Let fulfill their potential talents to realize what a Judas he really is. What all men like him really are.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, you know, that makes sense.

[Louis Spence]

Don't try to get on the good side of me, Mr. Diamond. I know what you think about me. I know what you all think. It doesn't make good sense to you or anyone else. How could it? You don't understand those of us who have a truly great talents.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, I'll buy that. I don't understand it.

[Louis Spence]

Of course not.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, maybe he doesn't, Spence. But how do you know? Maybe I do.

[Louis Spence]

Stop playing, Mr. Diamond. Look at the time. Five minutes. Five minutes and I become a martyr. We'll all get blown to kingdom come.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Rick, get out of here.

[Richard Diamond]

All right, Spence, I. I'm going to prove you're wrong.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Rick, for the love.

[Richard Diamond]

Shut up, Walt.

[Louis Spence]

All right, go ahead, Mr. Diamond.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

What are you going to.

[Richard Diamond]

I'm going to prove that I know more about you than you think.

[Louis Spence]

Of course, you know a lot about me. Criminals have records.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, I don't mean that. I mean more about yourself. What you think, your. Your talents.

[Louis Spence]

What do I think, Mr. Diamond?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You fool.

[Louis Spence]

How could you know what I think?

[Richard Diamond]

Because a talent like yours is easy to spot.

[Louis Spence]

Four minutes, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

It's not hard to tell about people like you.

[Pop Scolds]

People like me? What about people like me?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I. Spence, I meant that. Well, there are not many of them there. They're few and far between. They're gifted. What? Certainly, there's something you have that very few are lucky enough to be gifted with.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Rick, please.

[Louis Spence]

Nearly 12, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

I can tell that you were an artist, Spence.

[Louis Spence]

An artist?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes. And a very good one.

[Louis Spence]

How do you know this?

[Richard Diamond]

Very few people spot it. Do they, Spence?

[Louis Spence]

Very few. You surprise me, Mr. Diamond.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He surprises me, too, Walt.

[Richard Diamond]

Keep quiet.

[Louis Spence]

Yes, Walt. Keep quiet. It's two minutes to 12, Mr. Diamond. You can leave. Because maybe you have been honest with me. Perhaps you do recognize something that.

[Richard Diamond]

What's the matter, Spence?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Music.

[Richard Diamond]

Music. I don't hear anything.

[Louis Spence]

Music. Beautiful music.

[Richard Diamond]

I don't hear a thing, Spence. Do you, Walt? No.

[Louis Spence]

Oh, you must hear it. It's beautiful. Won't you hear that wonderful rhythm?

[Richard Diamond]

Now, you see, Spence, we're not as lucky as you are. No. No.

[Louis Spence]

No one is. This is my music.

[Narrator / Announcer]

This is what I would write if.

[Louis Spence]

It wasn't for the people who won't let.

[Richard Diamond]

What does the music sound like?

[Helen]

Oh.

[Louis Spence]

Poet's words. The power and strength of death.

[Richard Diamond]

It makes you imagine things, doesn't it? Yes.

[Pop Scolds]

Yes.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, yes. You hear the music and you become powerful. Like making that bomb. Not just anybody could think of that. It takes genius.

[Louis Spence]

You understand? You do understand.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, of course I do.

[Richard Diamond]

But I am still amazed. There you sit with the power of life and death in your hands and no one can do a thing. It must be wonderful. It is.

[Louis Spence]

Like the music. It's wonderful. In seconds, we'll all be torn from our earthly bonds. Taken away from this dirty, filthy world to a place of clean, wonderful things. Like that music.

[Richard Diamond]

But you, you're an artist. How could you ever take a thing like that bomb and put it together?

[Louis Spence]

I sing like this bomb. Oh, this is a masterpiece.

[Richard Diamond]

Just looks like a small box to me.

[Louis Spence]

Oh, it took me weeks. Just a small box?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, no.

[Louis Spence]

You see if my finger relaxes.

[Richard Diamond]

Yeah, I know about that.

[Louis Spence]

But this took genius. It's not just relaxing my finger. It's how I put it together so as to get the required result. It's like the hammer action on a gun, but it's reversed.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I'll be darned. You mean when you release your fingers finger that makes the hammer fall?

[Louis Spence]

I can see you appreciate things of genius. I wish you could hear the music too, Mr. Diamond. You'd really appreciate that it's so wonderful.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, tell me more about the bomb. When you release your finger and the hammer falls, what does it hit?

[Louis Spence]

Well, that's a simple part. I'm surprised at you.

[Richard Diamond]

I just wanted to hear you tell me. After all, you invented it. Yes. It strikes a cap.

[Louis Spence]

It's that simple. Simplicity can be beautiful. Don't you agree?

[Richard Diamond]

Ah, absolutely.

[Louis Spence]

Listen to that music. It builds and builds.

[Richard Diamond]

Tell me, Spence, what would happen if something got in the way of the hammer? I mean, between the hammer and the can.

[Louis Spence]

Nothing can. There's nothing big enough in the box if the hammer wouldn't tear right through. Simplicity, Mr. Diamond.

[Richard Diamond]

I'd sure like to take a look at it.

[Louis Spence]

Of course, there's nothing you can do, so by all means, look.

[Richard Diamond]

You've got glass over the end of the box.

[Louis Spence]

That's right. See my finger on the trigger? If I release it, that hammer falls and strikes that cap.

[Richard Diamond]

Why the glass?

[Louis Spence]

So I could look in when I said it and see that everything was all right.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, that's very clever.

[Pop Scolds]

That music is getting so big, I. I can't think.

[Richard Diamond]

What time is it? Plenty of time, Spence.

[Helen]

Yes, yes.

[Louis Spence]

When the music finishes.

[Richard Diamond]

It's nearly done. Now what? I thought you said you couldn't hear it. It's a phonograph from the other room, Spence. What? Tell me, Spence. What happens if I jam my hand through that glass between the hammer and the cap? What?

[Pop Scolds]

That music.

[Richard Diamond]

That music got him off.

[Pop Scolds]

Got him. Let him go. Let him go. You don't understand.

[Richard Diamond]

You cheated.

[Pop Scolds]

You did lie. You did lie. Let him go. Let him go.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, that does it. Otis, take him away.

[Pop Scolds]

With pleasure.

[Richard Diamond]

And you, Rick. Yeah?

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

How'd you know that music at work? How'd you know you could stop that hammer?

[Richard Diamond]

How'd you know you wouldn't?

[Helen]

Wouldn't.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh, did you hurt your hand?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, of all the.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, did you? No. Well, all right.

[Richard Diamond]

You just bet it is.

[Pop Scolds]

Goodbye.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Hi, Rick.

[Helen]

What are you doing here?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, now, that's nice. Stop by my place some afternoon and see what kind of a welcome you get.

[Helen]

Oh, I didn't mean that. I meant, what are you doing here so early?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, things were getting boring. I thought I might come over and beat you up or something.

[Helen]

Oh, now, isn't that sweet? Oh, Rick, what in the world have you.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, the hand. Oh, it's nothing.

[Helen]

I know. Red heart. But what did you do to it?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, I. I kind of heard it.

[Helen]

Yes, I can see that. But how?

[Richard Diamond]

Playing the piano.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh.

[Helen]

How could you hurt your hand playing the piano?

[Richard Diamond]

Well, you know how I live my songs.

[Helen]

Mm.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, truthfully, I was. I was singing the Brother of the Wild Goose, and I got to that part about a wandering foot or a heart at rest. And while I was trying to make up my mind, my heart was resting. But my foot wandered up on the keyboard. And stepped on your head.

[Helen]

And stepped on your head.

[Richard Diamond]

That's exactly what happened.

[Helen]

I think you've got that bandage on just so you won't have to sing anything.

[Richard Diamond]

Honey, have you ever seen me not want to sing?

[Helen]

Well, sometimes it's a struggle.

[Richard Diamond]

I don't even know whether I can play or not.

[Helen]

Why don't you find out?

[Richard Diamond]

After lunch.

[Helen]

Before lunch.

[Richard Diamond]

Before lunch. Well, maybe I don't need that singer. Go on. Love is a flower that blooms so tender each kiss a dew drop of sweet surrender. Love is a moment of life.

[Louis Spence]

Enchanting.

[Richard Diamond]

Let's take that moment that tonight is. Granting there's no tomorrow when love is new. Now is forever when love is true. So kiss me and hold me tight. There's no tomorrow, there's just tonight.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

You like that?

[Helen]

So pretty.

[Richard Diamond]

Thank you.

[Helen]

Oh, that reminds me, we're having spaghetti for lunch.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, good. So kiss me and hold me tight. There's no tomorrow. Oh, there's just.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Tonight.

[Helen]

That was nice. Now, tell me, how did you hurt your hand?

[Richard Diamond]

Simple. Simple. I was grabbing.

[Helen]

Grabbing? Mm.

[Richard Diamond]

Like this. Come here.

[Helen]

Oh, Rick.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Oh.

[Richard Diamond]

Of all times.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Hello? Hello, Walt. Yeah, I just thought I'd call and.

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, you did, did you? You sure picked a nifty time to do it.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Did I bust up something?

[Richard Diamond]

Yes, you did bust up something.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Well, you don't have to get sore.

[Richard Diamond]

Well, who's sore? I am.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

That's the last time I let you do me any favor, okay?

[Pop Scolds]

Okay.

[Richard Diamond]

If that's the way you feel about it. Goodbye.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

Goodbye.

[Helen]

Well, what in the world was all that about?

[Richard Diamond]

Oh, well, honey, you see, it's like there's. Walt got in some trouble and I. Well, I helped him out of it. No, you see, I don't want him to feel obligated, but. Well, that's not actually it.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

He.

[Richard Diamond]

He doesn't want me to know how he really feels. I.

[Lieutenant Walt Levinson]

It.

[Richard Diamond]

What am I trying to explain it for? I don't understand it myself.

[Narrator / Announcer]

You have just heard Richard diamond, private detective, starring Dick Powell. Ed Begley played Lieutenant Walt Levinson. Also in the cast were Wilms Herbert Francis Robinson, Stanley Waxman, Cynthia Corley and Paul Duboff. Music was under the direction of Frank Worth. Today's show was written by Blake Edwards and directed by Russell Hughes. Dick Powell currently may be seen in the motion picture version of the best selling novel Mrs. Mike. This is Eddie King inviting you to be with us next Sunday at the same time when we will again bring you Dick Powell as Richard diamond, private detective. There's more great listening in store for you today on NBC. You'll hear the hilarious Phil Harris and Alice Fay show. And this evening on Theatre Guild on the air, gerTrude Lawrence and McDonald Cary will star in lady in the Dark. Next hear guest star Deborah Alden on the Harvest of Stars on NBC.

[Podcast Host / Narrator]

Marketing is hard, but I'll tell you a little secret. It doesn't have to be. Let me point something out. You're listening to a podcast right now and it's great. You love the host. You seek it out and download it. You listen to it while driving, working out, cooking, even going to the bathroom. Podcasts are a pretty close companion. And this is a podcast ad. Did I get your attention? You can reach great listeners like yourself with podcast advertising from Libsyn Ads. Choose from hundreds of top podcasts offering host endorsements or run a pre produced ad like this one across thousands of shows. To reach your target audience in their favorite podcasts with Libsyn Ads, go to Libsyn ads.com that's L, I B S Y N ads.com today.