Podcast Summary: Case Closed! (Old Time Radio) – "Richard Diamond and Dragnet"

Episode Information:

• Title: Case Closed!
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Episode: Richard Diamond and Dragnet
• Release Date: November 6, 2024
• Description: Dive into thrilling crime stories from the golden age of Old Time Radio, featuring iconic characters like private detectives, police sergeants, and relentless killers. This episode revisits the gripping cases of Richard Diamond and the Brickbat Killer from Dragnet.

1. Richard Diamond and the George Lexington Murder Case

Introduction to the Case ([00:00] – [02:03]): The episode opens with Bill Foreman introducing the intriguing cases of Richard Diamond, a charismatic private detective, and his involvement in the mysterious George Lexington murder case from September 13, 1950. The narrative quickly immerses listeners into the world of Richard Diamond, portrayed by Dick Powell, as he delves into the complexities of a life-threatening mystery.

Initial Investigation ([02:03] – [10:07]): Richard Diamond receives a high-pressure case from George Lexington, who fears for his life. Diamond describes his approach to detective work, emphasizing his reliance on his prominent Blue Diamond advertisement and personal charisma to attract clients. Upon arriving at Lexington's residence, Diamond encounters Ms. Mortis, who threatens him with a gun, leading to the discovery of George Lexington's lifeless body and Ms. Mortis holding the weapon.

Richard Diamond (Dick Powell) [04:34]: "Ms. Mortis."

As Diamond contacts Lt. Walter Levinson from the 5th Precinct, contradictions emerge—Ms. Mortis admits to shooting Lexington but denies stabbing him, leaving Diamond to question the true sequence of events.

Uncovering Clues ([10:07] – [22:18]): Through meticulous questioning and gathering evidence, Diamond discovers inconsistencies in the testimonies. A crucial piece of evidence, a typewriter note demanding $15,000, suggests blackmail. Further investigation reveals George Lexington's true identity as Jack Short, a man with a criminal background masquerading under an alias. The autopsy report indicating that a carving knife, not the bullet, killed Lexington, coupled with Ms. Morris's fingerprints on the weapon, deepens the mystery.

Ms. Morris (Virginia Gray) [22:18]: "It was blackmail. I was going to marry George with some letters, some. A picture. He broke off the engagement and began demanding money."

Confrontation and Resolution ([22:18] – [28:44]): Diamond confronts Ms. Morris, uncovering her motive rooted in blackmail and financial desperation. As Diamond pieces together the puzzle, he accuses the butler, Lucius Farnsworth, of orchestrating the murder to silence Lexington. The tension escalates as Diamond skillfully exposes Farnsworth's involvement, leading to his arrest and the resolution of the case.

Richard Diamond (Dick Powell) [25:19]: "You wanted George Lexington out of the way. He'd been blackmailing victims that you introduced him to."

Notable Quotes:

• Richard Diamond [04:34]: "Ms. Mortis."
• Ms. Morris [22:18]: "It was blackmail..."
• Richard Diamond [25:19]: "You wanted George Lexington out of the way..."

2. Dragnet and the Brickbat Killer

Transition to Dragnet ([28:44] – [31:02]): The narrative shifts seamlessly to the iconic Dragnet series, with Bill Foreman introducing the Brickbat Killer case. Set on a warm Tuesday, June 3rd, in Los Angeles, Detectives Friday and Ben Romero tackle a series of murders committed by a cunning and elusive killer known as the Brickbat Killer.

Investigating the Murders ([31:02] – [43:57]): The detectives are faced with a perplexing case where the Brickbat Killer leaves no fingerprints and isolates his victims, who are predominantly women. As the body count rises to four, forensic evidence such as smudged fingerprints and unique brick marks become the sole clues. The team struggles to identify the killer until a breakthrough occurs 13 years later when a match is found with Carlos Richard Monterey—a man with a history of petty theft and a significant physical deformity: a missing toe on his left foot.

Detective Foreman (Bill Foreman) [38:14]: "A man can change in a thousand ways... except two things. A man's fingerprints and a physical deformity."

Intensive Manhunt ([43:57] – [56:57]): With the APB issued and resources mobilized, nearly 1,000 officers scour Los Angeles in a relentless pursuit of Monterey. Despite exhaustive searches and stakeouts at key locations like the city wholesale produce market and Union Depot, Monterey remains elusive. The detectives employ strategic blockades, floodlights, and house-to-house searches, inching closer to apprehending the killer.

Climactic Capture ([56:57] – [57:38]): After 16 grueling days, the Brickbat Killer is finally cornered. In a tense confrontation within an old building's basement, Monterey attempts to escape through a tunnel but is ultimately apprehended by the determined team. Despite appearances suggesting he doesn't fit the typical profile of a killer, forensic evidence and Diamond's incisive reasoning confirm Monterey's guilt.

Detective Foreman [35:02]: "Only got nine points. Not enough to go into court, but enough to make him."

Conclusion ([57:38] – End): Monterey is tried and convicted of first-degree murder, ultimately facing execution. The episode emphasizes the unwavering dedication of law enforcement in solving complex cases, reinforcing the themes of justice and perseverance.

Narrator (Dick Powell) [57:38]: "Carlos Monterey was examined by five different psychiatrists... found to be sane... executed in the lethal gas chamber at the state penitentiary."

Notable Quotes:

• Detective Foreman [38:14]: "A man can change in a thousand ways... except two things."
• Detective Friday (Ted Decorcia) [35:02]: "Only got nine points..."
• Narrator (Dick Powell) [57:38]: "Carlos Monterey was examined by five different psychiatrists..."

Conclusion

This episode of Case Closed! masterfully intertwines two classic detective stories, showcasing the brilliance of Richard Diamond and the relentless pursuit of justice by Dragnet's detectives. Through meticulous investigation, sharp dialogue, and compelling narratives, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio crime dramas, experiencing the thrill of solving intricate mysteries alongside iconic characters.

Final Thoughts: The episode not only entertains but also highlights the timeless nature of detective work, where logic, evidence, and unwavering determination triumph over deception and chaos. Whether unraveling the sophisticated schemes of Richard Diamond or joining the exhaustive manhunts of Dragnet, Case Closed! delivers a captivating homage to the enduring allure of Old Time Radio crime stories.

Notable Quotes Collection:

1. Richard Diamond (Dick Powell) [04:34]: "Ms. Mortis."
2. Ms. Morris (Virginia Gray) [22:18]: "It was blackmail..."
3. Richard Diamond (Dick Powell) [25:19]: "You wanted George Lexington out of the way..."
4. Detective Foreman (Bill Foreman) [38:14]: "A man can change in a thousand ways... except two things."
5. Detective Friday (Ted Decorcia) [35:02]: "Only got nine points..."
6. Narrator (Dick Powell) [57:38]: "Carlos Monterey was examined by five different psychiatrists..."

Credits:

• Starring: Dick Powell as Richard Diamond
• Written by: Blake Edwards
• Music Composed and Conducted by: Frank Wirth
• Featured Cast: Ted Decorcia, Wilbur Herbert, Ted Osborne, Betty Moran, Howard McNear, Virginia Gray
• Transcribed in Hollywood by: Jaime Del Valle

For more intriguing Old Time Radio episodes and authentic crime stories, visit RelicRadio.com and explore their extensive Shoutcast stream. Support the preservation of these timeless stories by donating at RelicRadio.com.